USA > California > Santa Cruz County > History of Santa Cruz County, California with Biographical Sketches > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
LOUIS MAJASTRE COX.
Many of those who have become important factors in the making of this western commonwealth have been men of eastern birth and breeding, who with their quick perceptive faculties, practical judgment and energetic activity entered heartily into the upbuilding of the cities and towns in which they settled. As one of this number may be mentioned Louis M. Cox, of Santa Cruz, who at the time of his death in 1898 had been a resident of this city for ten years. Accomplish- ments, however, rather than length of years mark one's value to a community, and in justice to Mr. Cox it may be said that wherever he chanced to make his home he supported heartily all uplifting measures and was one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens in his community.
Born in New York City in 1828, Louis M'. Cox was the son of Joseph and Clara (Majastre) Cox, of English and French nativity respectively, who rounded out lives of useful activity. The father was a wholesale and retail silver merchant of England, and young Louis made frequent trips with him to the old country, acting in the capacity of interpreter, for from his earliest childhood he began to learn the French lan- guage and finally became a fluent French scholar. Upon reaching his majority he entered the employ of the New York
283
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Central Railroad at Batavia, N. Y., first in the capacity of assistant ticket agent and later as freight agent of the line. Altogether he continued with the company for many years, during this time advancing steadily in the esteem of his su- periors, and it has been said that he was one of the best book- keepers ever in the employ of the company. Too close devo- tion to his duties, however, made inroads upon his health to such an extent that he decided to give up his position with the railroad company and come to California. The voyage was made by way of Panama, and January 9, 1869, witnessed his arrival in San Francisco. In order to recuperate his health he wisely selected an occupation that would necessitate his being in the open air and in undertaking sheep raising he readily benefited in health. He was associated in the enter- prise with Joseph Guibal, and together they carried on an extensive sheep ranch on the Los Uvas creek, in Santa Clara county, eleven miles from Gilroy. The business was continued with great success for fifteen years, when Mr. Cox sold out his interest and removed to Watsonville, later was in San Bernardino for a time, and finally, in 1888, located in Santa Cruz. While in Watsonville he found frequent opportunity to make use of his knowledge of French, receiving for his services as interpreter $10 per day. After his removal to Santa Cruz he did not enter into active business affairs, but nevertheless he took a keen interest in the activities of the business world and was alert to foster and advance progres- sive measures.
In New York City, October 2, 1851, Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Fryer, who was also a native of that metropolis and was a friend of his school days. Five children were born of this marriage, as follows: Louis M., a resident of Los Altos; Victoria I., the wife of W. H. Farthing, of San Jose; Mary, the wife of M. K. MacDonald, of San
284
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Francisco; Albert, of Santa Cruz; and Joseph, who is head engineer of the Santa Clara Valley mill, in the city of that name. The mother of these children makes her home in Santa Cruz, in a pleasant residence on Ocean street, and is highly esteemed by her large circle of friends and acquaintances. She is a communicant of the Episcopal Church. The death of Mr. Cox, November 15, 1898, was not only a deep bereave- ment to his family, but also to his many friends, to whom he had become endeared through the possession of refinement of manner and other personal qualities. During his younger years he was a personal friend of Grover Cleveland, and was a frequent visitor at the home of the latter in Albany, N. Y.
A. W. COX.
The general manager of the Charles Ford Company is a native of New Zealand and was born in 1865. His par- ents, both of whom are now deceased, spent many years in New Zealand, but during the year 1876 came to Califor- nia and settled in San Francisco. Eventually the father, E. J. Cox, organized the Bank of Santa Cruz county and became its cashier, filling that responsible position for four- teen years. At the completion of a common-school educa- tion and his graduation with the class of 1883, A. W. Cox became a student in the Chestnutwood Business College, where he completed the course and received a diploma. For about two years he held a position as bookkeeper, but resigned in order to enter the employ of the Loma Prieta Lumber Com- pany. June 8, 1887, he came to Watsonville in the capacity of bookkeeper for the Charles Ford Company and upon the incorporation of the company in 1890 he was chosen secre- tary, but later became general manager. In fraternal rela-
285
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
tions he is identified with the Masons and Elks, but the re- sponsibilities of his business associations have been such as to preclude activity in the fraternities or in political affairs. His pleasant home in Watsonville is presided over by his accomplished wife, formerly Miss Mabel Goodwin, a resident of Santa Cruz.
Ever since the establishment of Ford's store, its name has been a synonym for square dealing with all. As early as 1853 Dr. Charles Ford "kept store" after the primitive fashion of the period, occupying a frame building of limited capacity. The proprietor had as a partner Lucius Sanborn and their commercial connection lasted during the lifetime of the principals, who meanwhile became important factors in the business affairs of Santa Cruz county. They laid the foundations of the business broad and deep and strong. To- day those who conduct the business are reaping the benefit of their wise management years ago, and the store is especially a monument to the energy, enterprise and public spirit of the man whose name it bears. All of these qualities entered into the enterprise and contributed to its success.
The business in time assumed large proportions and in 1880 Mr. Sanborn retired, after an active connection with the company covering not much less than thirty years. A. A. Morey and James S. Menasco, capable men who for years had been in the employ of Ford & Sanborn, were admitted into partnership and the title was changed to Charles Ford & Co. Later the Charles Ford Company was incorporated, February 28, 1890, with the following officers : Charles Ford, president; J. S. Menasco, vice-president; A. W. Cox, secre- tary; and F. A. Kilburn, treasurer. After the death of Dr. Ford, which occurred November 16, 1890, Lucius Sanborn was elected president and for five years remained in that posi-
286
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
tion, after which F. A. Kilburn was chosen for the office. The death of Mr. Menasco July 5, 1909, removed another veteran official of the company, a man who for years had been in- timately associated with the development of the business and had labored unweariedly for its success. At this writing Judge Hiram D. Tuttle is president, A. W. Cox general man- ager, F. A. Kilburn first vice-president and treasurer, and Eugene Kelly, secretary.
The largest block in the city is occupied by the company for the display and sale of goods. The store has a frontage of two hundred and thirty-eight feet on Main street and one hundred and fifty-five feet on East Third street. The front- age of the various departments is as follows : dry-goods, six- ty-five feet; groceries, twenty-eight; men's clothing, forty- five; crockery, twenty; hardware, twenty-five; furniture, thir- ty-five; and feed and produce, twenty. Three immense ware- houses and a yard covering three acres give the company the largest storage facilities of any concern in the central coast counties. An adequate corps of salespeople courteously fills the needs of customers, whose comfort is further enhanced by the perfect system of ventilation adopted throughout the block, the excellent method of lighting, and the orderly as well as artistic arrangement of the goods in every department.
ABRAM BARDMESS.
While the average Californian is usually an experienced traveler, few residents of the state have traveled as exten- sively by wagon as has Mr. Bardmess of Watsonville, who by the use of the "prairie schooner" has covered altogether almost twelve thousand miles. By this means he has gained a much more thorough knowledge of the country than can
287
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
be gained by the tourist gazing from the car window. As the afternoon of his busy life draws toward its evening, he is content to abandon his travels and in his pleasant home at No. 129 Main street he frequently recounts tales of the past, with the stirring adventures that came to him in his trips from place to place.
The colonial era witnessed the arrival of the Bardmess family in America from Germany. The first settlers chose homes in Pennsylvania. About one hundred and eight years ago some of the name proceeded west as far as Illinois, where Peter Bardmess, a native of Pennsylvania, spent the greater part of his life. However, eventually he removed to Missouri and at the age of sixty-five he died at Greenfield, that state. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Dorcas Keith, was born in Kentucky of German lineage and died in Douglas county, Mo., at about eighty-three years of age. Fifteen chil- dren comprised their family, nine sons and six daughters, and all but one of these attained to mature years. Only four are now living, Abram being one of the survivors. Born near Pinckneyville, Perry county, Ill., August 23, 1836, he passed the years of early youth in industrious application to farm labors. In 1864 he enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Illi- nois Cavalry, assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps, under General Steele, and he remained in the service of the Union until after the close of the war, being mustered out at Pine Bluff, Ark., August 1, 1865. On his return to Illinois he aided on the home farm for a year and then spent a year on a farm near Neosho, Newton county, Mo., after which he so- journed at Batesville, Ark., for about five months.
Going back once more to Illinois, Mr. Bardmess remained in that state for eighteen months and then returned to his former location in Missouri. Next he settled on a farm in Dade county, Mo., and from there went to a farm near Green-
288
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
field. Meanwhile he had read much concerning the west and his love of travel and desire to see the western country led him to dispose of his Missouri possessions in 1881, when he came across the country to Nevada, settling on a farm near Winnemucca, Humboldt county. Agriculture he found to be conducted along different lines there than in his previous locations and a study of the changes in soil, climate, and crops proved interesting to him. At the expiration of three years he returned to Douglas county, Mo., but in 1890 he again went to Humboldt county, Nev., this time remaining for five years. His next removal took him to Mendocino county, Cal., where he sojourned for a year. During the year 1894 he arrived in Watsonville. Two years later he went to Pomona, where he remained only seven months. His next removal took him through the Mojave valley to Eureka, Nev., where he remained for eighteen months, returning thence to Watsonville by wagon. Since then he has remained in this city, where he has a large circle of warm friends.
The first wife of Mr. Bardmess, who bore the maiden name of Sophronia Lipe, died in Arkansas two years after their marriage. The only child of that union is a son, Sherman, now residing in Watsonville. Later Mr. Bardmess married Katie Witter, a native of Germany, but she was taken from him by death only two and one-half months after marriage. His present wife, a lady of estimable character and energetic disposition, was Nancy R. Gardner, a native of Missouri. Seven children were born of this union, namely: Ira M., of Watsonville; John, who makes his home at Eureka, Nev .; Albert, living in San Francisco; Mrs. Maggie Morgan, whose husband was accidentally killed in the lime quarry in 1906 and who makes her home in Watsonville; Garfield, of Eureka, Nev .; Cyrus, of Watsonville; and Lyda, wife of Bert Stacey, and a resident of Mayfield, Santa Clara county. Promi-
289
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
nently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, Mr. Bardmess has filled almost all of the chairs in the post and in 1909 he represented his post in the Salt Lake encampment. In politics he gives stanch support to Republican principles, but never sought nor held office.
1
G. B. V. DELAMATER.
A native of the east, G. B. V. DeLamater was born in New York City October 23, 1828. He was a boy of ten years when the family removed to Indiana and settled in the small vil- lage of Mishawaka, where he attended the schools and ob- tained a common-school education. The discovery of gold in California turned his thoughts toward the undeveloped riches of the far-distant land beside the sunset sea. Undaunted by the long distance to be traversed through dangers seen and unseen, he resolved to seek his fortune in the region whither Argonauts were wending from all parts of the world. Dur- ing the spring of 1850 he began the arduous journey in com- pany with a large expedition, among whom were Charles Crocker and his two brothers, H. S. and Clarke Crocker, of whom the first mentioned became prominent in California af- fairs. The caravan moved slowly but in safety across the plains and arrived at its destination, Sacramento, in the au- tumn. There Mr. DeLamater made his home for a number of years, being interested in mining in that vicinity, and ex- periencing the miner's luck of hope and discouragement, good and ill fortune. During 1868 he abandoned further efforts at mining and with the means he had accumulated he embarked in general merchandising at Santa Cruz, where he erected the first brick building on Pacific avenue. In a short time he had established a satisfactory trade and had formed a large ac-
290
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
quaintance among the people of the community, many of whom were among his warmest friends throughout the remainder of his life. Eventually he closed out the mercantile busi- ness and secured a position in the purchasing department of the Pacific Improvement Company at San Francisco, where he continued as a trusted employe until his death in 1896. Meanwhile, however, he had retained his home at the old loca- tion, No. 77 Ocean View avenue, and here his family still re- tain their abode, occupying the residence that commands a charming view and forms one of the many comfortable homes for which Santa Cruz is famous. Fraternally Mr. DeLamater took a warm interest in Masonry and politically he favored the principles of the Republican party, but did not maintain an active connection with politics. Surviving him are his widow, formerly Miss Eliza Cope, whom he married in 1864 and who was a native of Missouri, and the following children: Schuyler C., of Santa Cruz; May, who married J. B. T. Tut- hill and resides in San Jose; Jessie, the widow of J. Enright; and Grace, who married W. Williamson and is living in Santa Cruz.
THOMAS J. ALBRIGHT.
The chief of police of Watsonville has spent his entire life in the city whose police department for some years has been under his capable charge. The excellent schools of the town afforded him a fair education in preparation for the responsi- bilities of business affairs. Now in the prime of manhood (his birth having occurred August 2, 1876) he is well qualified to advance the material prosperity of his native city by his efficient labors as a private citizen; while in addition he has restrained vice and minimized crime through his fearless, energetic administration as head of the police department.
291
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Many of his leisure hours have been devoted to base ball, a game of which he is enthusiastically fond, and during the seasons of 1909 and 1910 he acted as manager of the Watson- ville team, which won the pennant both seasons largely as a result of his skilled supervision.
The Albright family was founded in the Pajaro valley dur- ing the year 1865, when Joseph Albright crossed the plains from Iowa, his native commonwealth. After coming here he made the acquaintance of Jane Bonton, a native of Oregon, and they were married in the valley, beginning to keep house in the city of Watsonville, where he died July 26, 1908. Since his death she has remained a resident of this city. All of their six children are still living. William resides in Wat- sonville; May married Frank Tuttle; Josephine married George H. Leland, of Los Angeles; Myrtle is the wife of Ed- ward J. Kelly; Thomas J. and Etta live in Watsonville. Thomas J., who was next to the youngest among the six children, passed the years of boyhood and youth in the pa- rental home and after leaving school began to learn the trade of a blacksmith, in which he became unusually proficient. Ever since learning the trade he has been interested in black- smithing and among the people he has a reputation as one of the most skilled farriers in the entire valley.
Political questions have always interested Mr. Albright. When a mere boy he spent considerable time in puzzling over problems as to the tariff and other matters of national im- portance. The result is that he possesses broader informa- tion than most citizens upon issues confronting our nation. Yet no partisanship spirit is discernible in his work; on the contrary, he is said to be liberal in views and willing to concede to others the freedom of thought he demands for himself. Some years ago he was selected as possessing the qualities necessary in the office of chief of police and at this
292
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
writing he is serving his second term in the position. As an official he has been conscientious and resourceful, and his re-election furnishes abundant testimony as to the satisfac- tory nature of his labors. In fraternal relations he is con- nected with the Elks. His pleasant home is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Eva Aston, whom he married August 26, 1900, and who is a member of a family of this city. They are the parents of two children, Melva and Doris.
HARRY D. FREIERMUTH.
An inspiring impetus has been given to the development of America by the immigration hither of sturdy, healthful and energetic families from the older countries of the world. Especially are we indebted to Germany for a desirable acces- sion to our citizenship. The Teutonic race has mingled with the Anglo-Saxon in peace and harmony, the two laboring side by side in the building up of homes in the new world. The Freiermuth patronymic indicates the Teutonic origin of the family, but several generations have resided in the United States and the present representatives are ardently loyal to the institutions of our country, public-spirited in civic affairs and well-informed regarding governmental problems. It was during the year 1853 that the name became established in America, the original emigrants settling in Minnesota, where P. J. Freiermuth, then a child of three years, received a fair English education. At the age of eighteen years, during the year 1868, he left Minnesota to seek a livelihood on the Pacific coast, being induced to come to Watsonville by reason of the residence here of an uncle, George H. Freiermuth, a pioneer of the Pajaro valley and for years the proprietor of a plumb- ing and tinner's shop.
293
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Thorough instruction given by the uncle in every detail of the trade enabled the young man to gain a knowledge of the plumber's business that has since proved of the utmost assist- ance to him. In addition he learned the tinner's trade so that he became competent to do such work with promptness and skill. With the exception of a year spent in the plumbing business in San Francisco he remained with his uncle until 1882, when he began to operate a hardware store of his own, combining with the same a tinning and plumbing shop. The remainder of his life was devoted to business pursuits and he continued at the head of his store until his death, which occurred March 29, 1904. About two years before his demise he had been bereaved by the loss of his wife, Permelia (Chapin) Freiermuth. Throughout the entire period of his residence in Watsonville he maintained a warm interest in civic affairs and on one occasion he was elected town trustee, which office he filled faithfully for one term.
There were five children in the parental family. The older daughter is the wife of Philip Sheehy, an attorney of Wat- sonville. The three youngest children are George, Vincent and Theresa. The eldest son, H. D., has been a lifelong resi- dent of Watsonville, where he was born October 17, 1879, and where he received a common-school education, later hav- ing the advantage of study in St. Mary's College at Oakland. Upon the completion of the course of study in that institu- tion in 1898 he became identified with his father's store. Pre- vious to this, during school vacations, he had acquired a knowledge of plumbing and tinning. The business is still conducted under the name of its former owner, P. J. Freier- muth, the son, H. D., acting as manager in the interests of the estate. A complete assortment of hardware and all of the equipment necessary for plumbing and tinning may be found in the store, which occupies an excellent location in the
II
294
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Freiermuth block, at Nos. 247-249 Main street. Many of the present customers are citizens who began to trade with the former proprietor twenty-five or more years ago, while in addition there is an excellent patronage from among the people more recently identified with our citizenship.
In common with many other native Californians Mr. Freier- muth finds enjoyment and interest in his association with the Native Sons, his membership being in the parlor of Watson- ville, his native city. Other fraternal relations include con- nection with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks and the American Order of Foresters, in each of which he maintains a warm interest, contributing to their charities as his means permit. Like his father, he is warmly interested in public affairs and believes it to be the duty of every public-spirited citizen to keep posted concern- ing the issues before state and nation. For three years he has been a member of the city council and during that time he has been a stalwart champion of progressive enterprises looking toward civic growth. He has a pleasant home in Watsonville, presided over by his accomplished wife, whom he married January 25, 1903, and who was formerly Miss Lou Webb, of Oakland. They are the parents of two sons and two daughters, Peter, Arthur, Ruth and Elizabeth.
295
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
ROBERT BURLAND.
Comparatively few remain among us of that noble band of pioneers known as the Forty-niners. By far the greater number of them have crossed the shadowy river of death and have anchored their frail life-crafts at the harbor of eternity. The Golden Gate that has opened unto their vision immeasur- ably surpasses the one that burst upon their welcome sight at the end of the long cruise toward the land of the Argonaut. To such of the pioneers as are spared to the twentieth cen- tury, comes the inestimable privilege of witnessing the pros- perity of the rich commonwealth whose resources they first exploited abroad. Not theirs alone to toil and strive far from civilization's uplifting influence, but theirs also to reap the rich harvest of the seed sown many long years gone by.
It has been the privilege of Robert Burland, an honored pioneer of 1849, to witness the remarkable development of California, and as he studies the history of its past he might appropriately exclaim, "All of which I saw and part of which I was." No occasion for regret has ever come to him, but on the other hand he rejoices that Destiny turned his steps from the bleak land of Canada, where he was born, January 1, 1827, and from the rigorous climate of Massachusetts, where he was reared, from the age of nine years, to the fair land of California, where the twilight of his useful existence is being happily passed in the enjoyment of comforts rendered possible by years of activity. A son of Benjamin Burland, he was only nineteen years of age when he came to California via the Isthmus of Panama, and landed at San Francisco, thence removing to Sacramento. Like the majority of the early-comers he engaged in mining for a time, going from Sacramento to Downieville and thence to Michigan Bluff, Placer county, where also he conducted a livery and a stage
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.