USA > California > Santa Cruz County > History of Santa Cruz County, California with Biographical Sketches > Part 14
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The marriage of Hiram Daniel Scott took place in San Jose August 11, 1861, and united him with Miss Agnes Cum- ming, a native of Ontario, Canada, and a woman of endear- ing qualities of heart. Three children blessed their union, namely : William N., of Sacramento; Frances A., wife of E. H. Ford, of Wilmington, Del .; and Miss N. Maude, who re- sides with her mother at No. 19 Vine street, Santa Cruz. The framework of their residence was brought around the Horn in 1849 on a sailing vessel and is still in a fine state of preservation. The house was one of the very first frame structures erected in the town and was then, as now, the center of a warm hospitality graciously extended to all whose good fortune it was to be entertained within its walls. Dur- ing his latter days Mr. Scott retained his interest in mining ventures. At one time he was connected with the Silver Mountain mine in Alpine county, but that prospect had a disastrous termination. After an absence of five years from Santa Cruz he abandoned mining temporarily and returned
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to his home in Santa Cruz, but the fascination of the mines still lingered with him and a few years later he began to mine near Phoenix, Ariz. A fair degree of success was re- warding his efforts in that region when, in 1887, he died at Casa Grande, near the location of one of his mines. Many years have come and gone since he passed away. Changes have been wrought in the landward aspect of the beautiful bay on which his vision first rested from shipboard in 1846, but the same sun still brings harvests of grain and fruit and the same balmy air wafts contentment and happiness to the dwellers by the sunset sea.
Mr. Scott employed several Indians and was put in charge of the grandchildren of Captain Frukee of the Piutes. Many of these have become famous, among them Chief Natchez, who became chief of the Piutes. Sarah afterwards became prominent as a lecturer, known as Princess Sarah, and others have also attained prominence. Princess Sarah was edu- cated in a convent by Mr. Scott for a period, this constitut- ing the foundation of her education.
HON. JAMES A. HALL.
While the profession of the law has engaged the attention of Mr. Hall throughout the greater part of his active career, its practice by no means represents the limit of his activities. Versatile in mind, energetic in temperament, resourceful in action, and logical in reasoning faculties, his broad and rounded abilities qualified him for intelligent identification with enterprises widely different in their sphere of useful- ness. As district attorney he displayed a comprehensive knowledge of the technicalities of the law; as legislator he accomplished much in the interests of the struggle against
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monopolies, and more recently, he has added to his fame by the writing of a book entitled, "Starving on a Bed of Gold," which narrates with thrilling vividness his actual experiences in Alaska.
The Hall family was established in California many years ago. Richard F. Hall, who passed away February 4, 1901, was long identified with the ranching interests of Central California and contributed his quota to the material advance- ment of this part of the state. His wife, who passed from earth in 1873, was the mother of James A. Hall, who was born near Salinas, Monterey county, November 9, 1857, re- ceived his primary and grammar-school education at Wat- sonville, and completed his studies in the Santa Clara Col- lege and the University of California. The study of law was prosecuted in the Hastings Law College and in the of- fice of Judge A. S. Kittridge, also with Judge Logan. The funds necessary for his education in the classics and in the law he obtained by teaching school, which occupation he fol- lowed in the country during a part of the three years begin- ning with 1878. When examined before the supreme court he answered every question correctly and this splendid rec- ord not only gained for him admission to the bar, but also brought him the high compliments of the court.
Entering upon the practice of his profession at Watson- ville in 1880, Mr. Hall was elected district attorney two years later and at the expiration of his term he removed to Santa Cruz, but about 1888 returned to Watsonville. During the year last named he was elected to the state legislature, where he introduced an anti-trust bill that caused widespread com- ment throughout the state. His labors in behalf of anti- monopoly legislation formed the most conspicuous portion of his public service. Shortly after his retirement from the legislature he removed to San Francisco in 1891 and formed
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a partnership with ex-Senator Cross under the firm name of Cross & Hall. Two years later the title was changed to Cross, Hall, Ford & Kelly, continuing as such for two years, when the partnership was dissolved, and from that time until 1900 Mr. Hall continued alone in San Francisco. In 1902, after having recovered his health that had been seriously impaired by Alaskan experiences, he returned to Watsonville and has since practiced in all of the courts, but makes a specialty of probate court work. A service as city attorney for several terms has enabled him to promote the permanent welfare of his home town, in which labor he has had the further ad- vantage of a practical experience as president of the board of school trustees of the city of Watsonville. Civic affairs owe much to his loyal spirit and thorough knowledge of the law relative to villages and cities. Fraternally he is connected with several orders. In 1911 his friends insisted upon his becoming a candidate for mayor of Watsonville.
The marriage of James A. Hall united him with Louise Marie, daughter of Joseph Mccarthy, a pioneer of San Jose, where Mrs. Hall was born and reared. On the completion of her studies she began to teach school and for ten years she followed that profession with signal success and now holds a life diploma. Of her marriage there are two children living, Warren J. and Alice Marie, Hazel Louise having died in infancy. In the family of Mr. Hall's father there were four children, namely: Sarah Rebecca, who died in girlhood; James A .; Alice, wife of George W. Sill, who cultivates the Hall homestead; and Adelia, who is the wife of William G. Taffinder. The father left a large estate at his death. Of the paternal property James A. Hall inherited one hundred and thirty-six and one-half acres. This he sold to the Pajaro Fruit and Land Company on the incorporation of that or- ganization.
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Any sketch of the life of James A. Hall would be incom- plete were mention not made of his experiences in Alaska. Desiring a northern trip for the purposes of rest and recrea- tion, as well as to gain a knowledge of our country's penin- sular possession, April 23, 1900, he started for Alaska via the steamer Thrasher. On the 15th of July he started from Teller, Alaska, with two companions, for the purpose of prospecting. It was the intention to return in three days and ample provisions were taken for a trip of that duration. His equipment consisted of blankets, army knapsack with provi- sions, a cup and a sheath knife. During the first day his companions suggested that they use his provisions as theirs were in tablet form. He acceded to their suggestion. During a heavy fog the next evening he became separated from his companions and was left without compass, with no food but a small slice of bacon, and with only a few matches. Unable to get his bearings, he wandered day after day. In spite of hoarding his bacon, it was finally gone, and he then subsisted on the few berries he could find. Soon, however, he could discover no more berries and he then began to eat grass and even snails. Many would have succumbed, but will power kept him on his feet week after week. After a time he began to suffer greatly from the heavy rains and cold nights, and it became a question as to whether freezing or starvation would first conquer him. For four days and nights he re- mained on the ground, momentarily expecting death. Toward noon of September 22 he heard voices. Too feeble to raise his head, he called out, "Help! Help!" With untold joy he heard the response, "Hello !" His rescuers were Jack O'Brien and Frank Hanson, both of Nome. They took him to their camp seven miles away and thence to Teller, where careful nursing finally restored him to health, although it was long ere he felt himself again to be a strong man, none the worse
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for his agonizing experience. Many western papers recounted at length the story of his trials and spoke of his heroism in terms of the highest praise.
J. S. MENASCO.
By the hosts of friends drawn to him by noble character- istics, and by the many business and other associates who profited by his unusual executive and financial ability, J. S. Menasco is remembered as one of the representative citi- zens of Watsonville, whose well-being he advanced in an un- mistakable manner. The excitement that was aroused by the Southern Pacific Railroad Townsite Company when it under- took to establish a town at Pajaro is within the memory of old pioneers. In order to create sentiment along this line a free excursion was run from San Francisco, to the music of a fine brass band, and literature exploiting the project was in evidence everywhere. The residents of the town of Watsonville arose in defense of their rights for recognition, and with Mr. Menasco as leader a public meeting was ar- ranged, at which those present pledged themselves to dis- courage the proposed establishment of the river town. On the day of the excursion, farmers, merchants and citizens of the valley who possessed vehicles went to Pajaro en masse and when the excursion train arrived, invited the people to Watsonville, where every effort was made to prove to them the advantages of that locality over the proposed one as a railroad terminus. Here they found the metropolis of the valley alive and active, needing only the recognition of the railroad company to make it the thriving town that it has since become. It is generally conceded that this action on the part of Mr. Menasco saved the town of Watsonville, and it
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is the opinion of at least one of Mr. Menasco's warm admirers that the erection of a monument on the plaza would be a fitting way to commemorate the event.
The hero of the event just mentioned was born in Arkansas in 1852, the son of southern parents, who, while he was a small child, left that part of the country and came to Cal- ifornia to establish a home and rear their children. While he was still quite a small boy Mr. Menasco became a clerk in the store of J. S. Payne, on the Pajaro side of the river. Naturally painstaking and energetic, the diligence with which he performed his tasks made him a desirable employe and he had no difficulty in securing advancement. Later he was taken into the stationery store of Hon. Ed. Martin, where in addi- tion to his other training he learned telegraphy. This latter knowledge he subsequently put to practice at Sargent, where in the capacity of railroad agent he was employed at the time the incident above recorded was being arranged. Sar- gent was at that time the terminus of the Southern Pacific Railroad, as well as the end of the southern stage line, no change being made until the railroad was extended to Salinas. With the approach of the railroad toward Pajaro Mr. Men- asco resigned his position with the railroad to accept a posi- tion in the general merchandise store of Ford & Sanborn as clerk in Watsonville. This was in 1875. Here as in his previous positions, his diligence, industry and honesty were quickly recognized, and when Lucius Sanborn retired from the firm Mr. Menasco was taken into partnership, the name of the firm then becoming Ford & Co. This was in 1880, just five years after he had entered the store as clerk. Some years later the business was incorporated under the name of Charles Ford Company, with Mr. Menasco holding the larger - part of the stock aside from that held by Dr. Ford. After having actively managed the store for several years he was
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offered and accepted the presidency of the company, a posi- tion which he still held at the time of his death. Not only is he remembered as the head of one of the largest mercantile firms in south central California, but he was equally well known as president of the Watsonville Oil Company and as one of the largest and most prosperous apple orchardists in the Pajaro valley. With justice he may be called the father of the apple industry in the valley, carrying out his ideas on a large scale near Corralitos, Santa Cruz county, and his wisdom and forethought are now perpetuated in the orchard on his old home place.
No more account of the business success of Mr. Menasco's life would have meaning, if to that were not added the causes which paved the way. Being the son of honest, God-fearing parents, his start in life was a good home training, an hon- est character, a clear head and a willing pair of hands. In every purpose of his life he was self-reliant, self-respecting and honest for honor's sake. It was with all this as a basis that he began the work which was to ultimately bring him the large fortune which he acquired, not one cent of which was tainted by dishonor or stained by usurious methods. In view of what has already been said of his characteristics it would be superfluous to say that he was modest and unpre- tentious in whatever he did, avoiding rather than seeking laudation for his accomplishments or benefactions. His life is an open book which may be read with profit by all, both old and young. As a son, he was dutiful, appreciative and help- ful; as a husband, tender, considerate and congenial; as a father he was kind and indulgent; and as a friend he could be trusted implicitly. Besides his wife, he left a son and daughter, S. T. Menasco and Mrs. L. R. Fulmer, of Chico, a mother, Mrs. Martha J. See, and a sister, Mrs. Ed. Henry. As a mark of respect for one of her most devoted and best-
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beloved citizens, business was suspended for three hours in Watsonville during the funeral exercises which preceded the burial of the remains in the beautiful cemetery of the city he called home.
HON. T. W. DRULLARD.
Probably no citizen enjoys a wider acquaintance among the people of Santa Cruz than does Dr. Drullard, who for more than twenty years has engaged in the practice of the dental profession in this city and meanwhile has established a reputation that is not limited to recognized professional skill, but also extends into municipal affairs and commercial activities. Implanted deep in his heart is an intense affec- tion for the city of his adoption. Its increasing popularity as a residential point and its attractions of climate constantly winning wider recognition, interest him not alone as a resi- dent and property-owner, but more especially as a citizen proud of his home town and loyal to its charms. In his of- fice of mayor, which he holds at the present writing, he has been enabled to promote movements for the local welfare and supports with enthusiasm yet with sagacious judgment those measures calculated to leave an impress upon the city of per- manent value.
The mayor of Santa Cruz is a native of Illinois and was born in Naperville in 1848. The local schools afforded him advantages superior to many institutions of that period and he developed into intelligent, resourceful manhood. Mean- while the Civil war had cast its dark shadow over the land and when he was thirteen years of age he witnessed the national strife with its culmination of war. From the first he was ardent in his support of northern principles, but he was too young to enter the service and had to satisfy himself with a
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careful reading of all accounts of battles. At the age of six- teen he was accepted as a volunteer and assigned to the Twen- ty-third Illinois Infantry, in which he served at the front until the close of the Rebellion. After the end of the war he re- turned to his Illinois home and there remained until 1871, when he came to California, settling first in Stockton and taking up the study of dentistry. In order to earn the means necessary for continued study he engaged in teaching school. Upon the completion of his dental studies he opened an office for practice in Modesto, where he built up a growing patron- age in the line of his specialty. For fifteen years he remained in Modesto and then removed to Santa Cruz, where he has since engaged in professional practice.
While making his home in Stockton, during the year 1874, Dr. Drullard there married Miss Coralinn Meseroll, who was born and reared in California, her parents having been pio- neers of the state. Dr. and Mrs. Drullard have two daughters, one of whom is the wife of W. H. Raymond, of Seattle, Wash., and the other, Marjorie, is with her parents. Fraternally Dr. Drullard holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons and during his identification with both organizations he has been steadfast in his support of their philanthropic principles. While by no means a parti- san nor a politician, he has been active in civic matters and has contributed his quota to local advancement. Those who recognized his executive ability, resourceful mind and keen intelligence urged him to accept nomination for the mayor- alty of Santa Cruz, and his consent being obtained he was elected to the office in 1906, remaining in the position for one term. Again in 1909 he was elected to the office on the in- dependent ticket and in his second term, as in the first, he has been conspicuous for his support of movements having in view the welfare of the city and the prosperity of the people.
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HAMPTON E. MAKINNEY.
For more than forty years prior to his death Mr. Makinney was identified with the history of Santa Cruz county and during eighteen consecutive years of the period he held pub- lic office. Preceding his service as a county official he was identified with the educational interests of the county and after the close of his labors as a county officer he was en- gaged actively in the abstract business as a partner of L. J. Dake under the firm name of Makinney & Dake. The search- ing of records and bringing down of abstracts enabled him to acquire a thorough knowledge of the real-estate interests of the county. Indeed, perhaps no citizen became more con- versant than he with the values and titles to the various prop- erties that were bought and sold in late years. After his death his partner purchased the business, which is now con- ducted under the name of L. J. Dake.
Mr. Makinney was born at Eaton, Preble county, Ohio, July 31, 1843, and was a son of John and Basheba (Wilkins) Makinney, natives respectively of Ohio and Delaware. Pri- marily educated in local schools of Ohio, he was a youth of seventeen years when the family took up the trail toward the west and became pioneers of Iowa. As he had received a better education than most of the young people of the com- munity where he settled, he was induced to accept a country school and for three years he engaged in teaching in the vicinity of the parental home. In the meantime he had mar- ried, and with his wife came to California. The Civil war was in progress and the Indians had become very hostile to emigrants, many of whom were massacred by the savages. The government had its troops mainly in the south and was therefore unable to furnish needed protection for travelers on the plains. After many narrow escapes from the Indians,
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the young couple finally arrived in California none the worse for the perilous journey.
After having taught several terms of school at Placerville, Eldorado county, Mr. Makinney removed to Santa Cruz county, arriving in the city of that name on the 29th of De- cember, 1866, and immediately after his arrival he began to teach school. In a very short time he received an appoint- ment as school superintendent and during 1867 he was elected to the office, which he filled with conspicuous success for a period of six years. Upon retiring from the superintendency in 1873 he was elected to the office of county clerk, the work of which also included the filling of the positions of county recorder and auditor. It was recognized that he possessed qualifications admirably adapting him for official labors and he was retained in the clerk's office for a period of twelve years, retiring in 1885 to engaged in business for himself. Besides his work as an officer of the county he also served as a member of the city board of education for many years and in that position he favored all movements for the upbuilding of the schools. His experience as a teacher fitted him for successful work as a trustee, for he realized the needs of the schools and the trials encountered by a painstaking instructor.
Supplementary to the other offices he held, Mr. Makinney acted as deputy district attorney from 1885 to 1887 and filled the position with accuracy notwithstanding his lack of a col- lege course in the law. The Republican party received his stanch support throughout his life and he was ever firm in his allegiance to the principles for which the party stands. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons num- bered him among their members in the Santa Cruz lodges of the orders and he was generous in his aid of their work. At his death, October 8, 1910, he left a wife and two children, Fred W. and Pearl. The daughter remains at home, but the
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son has secured a position in Honolulu and at this writing resides on the Hawaiian Islands.
HON. S. A. PALMER.
The president of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce has made his home in California from early childhood, but is a native of the east, having been born at Springbrook, Erie county, N. Y., October 4, 1856. The family came to Cal- ifornia during the year 1863, leaving the associations dear to them by the ties of years and making their way by boat to the Isthmus, which they crossed, then by boat again to San Fran- cisco. The boy of seven years was old enough to be im- pressed by the journey, although too young to appreciate the vastness and possibilities of the country to which they traveled. On his arrival in the west he settled with the fam- ily in Sacramento and soon was attending the city schools, gaining a fair education and at the same time becoming favor- ably impressed with the western country. When a little less than eighteen years of age he was graduated from the Sac- ramento high school.
The first business experience gained by Mr. Palmer was as a clerk in the drug store of E. B. Polhemus, then under the management of A. C. Tufts. Upon leaving Sacramento he went to San Francisco and secured employment with A. L. Lengfield during the spring of 1875. In order that he might secure a more thorough knowledge of the drug busi- ness he matriculated in the California College of Pharmacy in the autumn of 1876 and took a complete course of study along the line of his specialty. After a residence of five years in San Francisco he returned to Sacramento and be- came a clerk with M. S. Hammer, a prominent druggist of that
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city. Forming a partnership in 1882 with James C. Sepulveda, he purchased a drug business owned by J. S. Trowbridge and established the firm of Palmer & Sepulveda. Since that time he has owned drug stores in different parts of the state, including Livermore and Oakland. It was during 1887 that he came to Santa Cruz and purchased the drug business that he has conducted up to the present time. As a pharmacist he is skillful and prompt and in the handling of drugs he com- bines accuracy with dispatch, by which means he has gained a reputation equalled by few men in his business.
Upon removing to Santa Cruz and establishing a home in this city, Mr. Palmer brought with him his wife, whom he had married three years before and who bore the maiden name of Sarah S. Livermore. Various fraternal organiza- tions of Santa Cruz have the benefit of his earnest co-opera- tion, notably the Order of Foresters, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, U. P. E. C. and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, becoming identified with the latter order at Sac- ramento. Devotion to educational advancement is one of his hobbies and for eleven years after coming to Santa Cruz he rendered able assistance to the cause of local education by serving as a member of the school board. During a portion of the time he was honored with the chairmanship of the board. In his opinion few local movements can compare with the schools in importance, both as relating to present results and to future civic growth. Along another line he is promot- ing municipal prosperity through his labors as president of the Chamber of Commerce. From 1907 until 1909 he officiated as mayor of Santa Cruz. It may be said with justice that no mayor surpassed him in amount accomplished for the up- building of the city. During his period of service in the mayor's chair new streets were opened, new sidewalks were constructed, the east side sewer (that has since been com-
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