USA > California > History of the State of California and biographical record of Coast Counties, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 42
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ARCHIBALD M. GALBRAITH, M. D.
In movements tending toward the advance of Monterey county, in the work of improving and cultivating land, and in the performance of professional duties, Dr. Galbraith finds his time closely occupied, with little leisure for outside matters that often press upon the thought and time of a public-spirited man. In many ways he has proved a valued citizen of his county, contributing to its growth, fostering its enter- prises and promoting its welfare. During the years of his residence in Jolon he has built up a practice extending from the ocean on the west to San Ordo on the east, and as far north as King City.
At Bowmanville, Canada, Dr. Galbraith was born October 3, 1854, and his boyhood years were passed on a farm in that vicinity. At sev- enteen years of age he entered a hardware store as clerk, remaining for several years. During this time he devoted his evenings to the study of chemistry and anatomy, and after going to Winnipeg he began to read medicine with a brother-in-law. Later he matriculated in Mani- toba University, where he studied for three years. On coming to California he took up medical study in the Cooper Medical College at San Francisco, from which he was duly grad- uated. His first experience as a practicing phy- sician was gained at Amador, where he spent the winter of 1889-90. From there he moved to Pleasanton, but two months later opened an office in Watsonville, where he remained eight- een months. Later he carried on practice at Castroville for five years, and while there acted as surgeon for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. In 1895 he settled on a farm near Jolon, where he has since resided, and has not only conducted a growing practice, but also has superintended the cultivation of the three hun- dred and twenty acres comprising his ranch. By his marriage to Garda Wellendorf, which was solemnized in 1890, he has two children, David R. and Jean G. While in Canada he was made a Mason and still has his membership in Euclid Lodge No. 363, in Ontario. Since becoming a citizen of the United States he has voted for the principles of the Republican party. Among the
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people of his home county he has many friends, all of whom respect him for the sterling traits of character that he possesses.
HON. F. P. FELIZ.
Practically the entire life of Mr. Feliz has been passed within the borders of Monterey county. Here he was born November 19, 1866, and here his education was obtained in the puh- lic schools. Fortune smiled but little upon his boyhood years, but in the difficult and some- times bitter school of experience his character was formed, his mind developed and habits of self-reliance inculcated. When only eleven years of age he began to make his own way in the world, and some years thereafter he worked for his board. One privilege that he enjoyed was that of attending school during the winter months, and he neglected no opportunity for gaining an education, even taking special courses of study whenever it was possible. Among his early salaried positions was that of agent for Wells-Fargo Company in the city of Mexico. About 1888 he turned his attention to teaching school, in which occupation he contin- ucd successfully for some years. However, it was not his intention to follow this for a life work, and, with a view to entering the profes- sion of law, he utilized his leisure hours in ac- quiring a knowledge of Blackstone. After some years of study, in 1895 he was admitted to prac- tice in the supreme court of California, and in July of the following year he opened an office for the practice of his profession, since which time he has given his attention to legal busi- ness in Salinas and Monterey. At this writing he is a law partner of Hon. Thomas Renison, one of the well-known attorneys of Salinas.
In 1891 Mr. Feliz was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Steffani, who was born and reared in California, her father having been a pioneer stockman of the state. The children of this union are F. P., Jr., Paul J., Harriet J., Nellie D. and Adel Gertrude.
Added to the fact that Mr. Feliz is a well- informed lawyer, possessing the power of logic and keenness of resource characteristic of the typical attorney, is the other important fact that
he is interested in public affairs and thoroughly posted concerning the problems to be solved by the government. On questions of law he dis- criminates forcibly. On questions of state he is shrewd and capable, analytical and quick of perception. In judgment he is sound and in foresight sagacious. Admirably versed in the principles of wise statesmanship and public pol- icy, he is fitted to fill positions of trust in city and state, and this adaptation to office was ap- preciated by his fellow-citizens and recognized in his election to the state legislature in 1898. After one term of excellent service he was re- elected to the same position and served in the session of 1901. In fraternal relations he is connected with the Native Sons of the Golden West, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Woodmen of the World.
RICHARD F. HALL.
When thousands were drawn to California during the year 1850, among the hardy and ven- turesome Argonauts who crossed the plains was Richard F. Hall, a young man of thirty years. and a native of the vicinity of Richmond, Va., and the son of a large land and slave owner. On reaching the coast regions he engaged in mining with some success. In 1851 he returned to Virginia for his wife, Maria Louisa (Stinson) Hall, and they came together to Sacramento, where he conducted a livery business until 1855. On selling out there he came to Monterey county and bought the Santa Rita rancho, which, in 1865, he sold to Mr. Soto for $13,000, and which is to-day one of the best-known ranches of the state. His next purchase com- prised one hundred and sixty acres, bought from Marcus Woody, and situated four miles south of Watsonville, same county. There he erected a dwelling and spent his remaining years. A part of the tract was set out to fruit, mostly apples, the cultivation of which he found a source of profit. From time to time he added to his original purchase until he acquired over six hundred acres, but much of this property he rented to tenants. He died on his home- stead in 1901, at the age of eighty-one years.
By his marriage to Miss Stinson, who was
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born in 1823. und died in 1873, Mr. Hall had four children, namely: Sarah Rebecca, who died in girlhood: James A., attorney-at-law, of Wat- sonville: Alice, wife of George W. Sill, who cul- tivates the Hall homestead; and Adelia, who married William G. Taffinder. During early life Mr. Hall identified himself with the Masonic fraternity and always bore an interest in the order. In religious connections he was asso- ciated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HON. JAMES A. HALL.
As might be expected of one who has spent his entire life in California, Mr. Hall is a patri- otic son of the Golden state and ardently cham- pions all measures looking toward the develop- ment of the commonwealth. He was born near Salinas, Monterey county, November 9. 1857, and is a son of the late Richard F. Hall. His education was begun in the schools of Watson- ville and completed in Santa Clara College and the University of California. In 1878 he began to teach a district school near his home and for three years he continued in this occupation. However, his ambition directed him toward the law and he took up its study under Judge A. S. Kittridge. When he was admitted to the bar in 1888 he passed the examination before the supreme court without failing to correctly an- swer a single question, and was complimented by the court for his proficiency. During the year 1882 he was elected district attorney, which office he held for a term, and at the expiration of the time opened an office for general practice in Santa Cruz.
Coming back to Watsonville about 1888, Mr. Hall was elected to the state legislature during that year, and soon became conspicuous for his efforts in behalf of the anti-monopoly legisla- tion. It was he who introduced the anti-trust bill which created so much comment at the time. All of his work, while acting as representative. was in the interests of the people. In 1891 he opened an office in San Francisco with ex- Senator Cross, under the firm name of Cross & Hall. Two years later the title was changed to Cross, Hall, Ford & Kelly, and after two years the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hall con-
tinuing alone until 1900. In 1900, desiring a rest from professional work, he decided to make a tour of Alaska, and started on his voyage in the spring of that year. On the 15th of July he started from Teller, Alaska, on a proposed prospecting tour of three days, and with two companions. His equipment consisted of blan- kets, an army knapsack with provisions, a cup and sheath knife. During the first day his com- panions suggested that they use his provisions. as they were in tablet form, and their sugges- tion was complied with by him. The next even- ing, during a lieavy fog, he was separated from his friends, and was left, without compass and with only a small piece of bacon for food, and a few matches with which to kindle fires. Unable to get his bearings, he wandered day after day. The hoarded strip of bacon finally was gone, and he then subsisted on such berries as he could find, which were very few, and finally was reduced to eating grass and even snails. A man of less will power would have given up, but his determination kept him on his feet week after week. Soon it began to rain, and the nights turned very cold, and his blankets did not suffice to keep him comfortable. At times he felt himself freezing as well as starving. Finally, weakness resulting from exposure and starvation overcame him, and he lay down to die, having eaten his last meal of boiled grass. For four days and nights he remained on the ground, awaiting death. Toward noon of Sep- tember 22 he thought he heard voices. Too fee- ble to raise his head, he called out, "Help! Help!" His heart almost stopped beating with joy when he heard the answer, "Hello!" His rescuers were Jack O'Brien and Frank Henson, both of Nome. They took him to their camp, seven miles away, and thence to Teller, where careful nursing restored him to health, though he was still far below his weight, two hundred and twenty-five pounds, at the time of starting on the trip. However, since then he has again become a strong man and feels no ill effects from his dreadful experience. The Sunday E.r- aminer of San Francisco gave a full-page ac- count of his trials and spoke in the highest terms of his heroism and endurance.
On his return to California Mr. Hall resumed
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practice at Watsonville, where he has since re- sided. From his father he inherited one htin- dred and thirty-six and one-half acres. On the incorporation of the Pajaro Fruit and Land Company, of which he was a stockholder, he sold this property to them, and it was set out in prunes, being to-day one of the best prune orchards in the valley. Fraternally he is con- nected with many orders. He married Louise Marie, daughter of Joseph Mccarthy, an early settler of San José. She was born in that city, received an excellent education and taught school for ten years prior to her marriage.
CHARLES G. CHAMBERLAIN
The genial and popular postmaster of Pa- cific Grove was born in Stanstead county, Que- bec, Canada, November II, 1845, and lived on his father's farm until about twenty years of age. From earliest youth he had instilled into his training a keen appreciation of his neighbor country, the United States, for, the homestead being located on the Vermont line, he attended the public schools and academy of Derby Cen- ter, Vt. As an independent wage earner he was first employed by his uncle as superintendent of his ranch in Wisconsin, and while in the lat- ter state responded to the higher call to duty made by his adopted country. February 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, and served until the close of hostilities, serving for the greater part in Missouri and Arkansas. He was discharged October 12, 1865, and forthwith returned to his former occupation in Wisconsin.
In the spring of 1866 Mr. Chamberlain went to Montana and tried his luck at mining, after which he went to the Salmon river district in Idaho, mining with about the same results. He also engaged in the stock-raising business, and became quite prominent in the general affairs of his county ; in fact, he was the first county clerk after the organization of Lemhi county, in 1869. He was clerk for Senator George L. Shoup. In 1872 Mr. Chamberlain began a course of in- struction at Heald's Business College, San Francisco, and afterward became superintend- ent of the large ranch of C. S. Abbott in Monte-
rey county. At the expiration of two years hc engaged in independent ranching and dairying in the Salinas valley, and in 1884 was elected tax collector, holding the office for two years. In 1888 he disposed of his Salinas valley inter- ests and removed to the vicinity of Roseburg, Douglas county, Ore., where he bought two thousand two hundred acres of land, and en- gaged in ranching, dairying and stock-raising. The four years thus spent proved a losing ven- ture, and Mr. Chamberlain returned to Salinas for a year, and in 1895 located in Pacific Grove, where he engaged in merchandising on a small scale. In 1898 he was appointed postmaster by President McKinley, and was reappointed in May, 1902.
The wife of Mr. Chamberlain was formerly Rhoda J. Hodges, a native of California. Of this union there have been born three children, Florence Aida and Harrison Morton and a baby boy. Mr. Chamberlain is fraternally asso- ciated with the Pacific Grove Lodge, F. & A. M .; Salinas Chapter No. 69, R. A. M., and Wat- sonville Commandery No. 47, K. T. He is also connected with the Fairchild Post, G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
PROF. CHARLES C. HILL.
The principal of the high school at Salinas is the representative of an old Massachusetts fam- ily, and was born in Dundee, Ill .. in 1870. His father, Rev. D. D. Hill, is one of the well- known Congregational ministers on the coast, and was pastor of the church of that denom- ination which he erected at Pasadena. He was a courageous soldier in the Civil war, and partic- ipated in most of the important battles as a volunteer in the Fifth Wisconsin Cavalry. Of the two children born into his family, Edith L. is a graduate of the Leland Stanford University, and, like her brother, is engaged in educational work. Mrs. Hill was formerly Louise Raut.
The education of Professor Hill was acquired in the public schools of Illinois, and a prepara- tory school in Beloit, Wis., whither his father had in the meantime removed. He came to Los Angeles, Cal., in 1888, and was graduated
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from the Los Angeles Normal in 1890, and from the Stanford University in 1895. Thus equipped, he taught in the schools of Los Angeles and Southern California for a time, and seven years ago came to Salinas, where for four years he was assistant principal of the high school. For the last three years he has been principal of the high school, an institution acknowledged to be one of the best in the state, considering the size of the town. Mr. Hill is singularly adapted to his chosen work, and is one of the foremost educators in this part of California. His the- ories as to educational training are in accord with the methods adopted in the most advanced centers of learning, or are perhaps more wisely conceived by the light of his own particular en- vironment and individual experience. The in- fluence of a strong and genial personality has been an important factor in the accomplishment of his success, and a pronounced sincerity and sympathy, without which the efforts of the cul- tivated master, however great, were vain.
In 1891 Professor Hill was united in mar- riage with Mattie A. Williams, daughter of Mat- thew Williams, one of the earliest and most prominent farmers and stock-raisers in Monte- rey county.
H. S. FLETCHER.
The Bank of Watsonville, of which H. S. Fletcher is cashier, dates its inception from 1874, when it was incorporated with a capital of $200,000 and the following officers: Charles Ford, president : J. N. Besse, cashier; directors, Charles Ford, John T. Porter, Godfrey M. Bockius, Thomas Walker, Charles Moss, C. L. Thomas and J. N. Besse; finance committee, Charles Ford, Thomas Walker and J. T. Porter: and auditing committee; Charles Moss, Godfrey M. Bockius and C. L. Thomas. Under the supervision of the directors, a handsome hrick block was erected on Main street opposite the park, and the first floor of this building was fitted up for the bank's use, with a safety deposit vault, directors' rooms, etc. The original stock was sub- scribed by residents of Santa Cruz and Mon- terey counties. Since 1884 Godfrey M. Bockins
has held the office of president, and since 1888 the capital has been $100,000. In 1892 the di- rectors were G. M. Bockius, Thomas Snodgrass, Owen Tuttle, Lucius Sanborn, W. G. Hudson, Edmund White and H. S. Fletcher. Those now officiating as directors are G. M. Bockius, W. C. Waters, F. A. Kilburn, H. S. Fletcher, M. B. Tuttle, L. F. Sanborn and W. R. Radcliff.
The president of the bank, who is one of the oldest and most honored citizens of the Pajaro valley, was born in Philadelphia in 1818 and re- ceived an excellent education in his native city. Attracted to California by the gold excitement, in 1852 he landed in San Francisco and from there he proceeded to Watsonville. At first he engaged in the meat business, but other enter- prises soon consumed his attention, including large transfers in real estate, the development of fine grain and fruit farms, the erection of a residence and business block, and the manage- ment of an important financial concern. His high type of citizenship led the people of this district to select him as their representative in the assembly and he served in that body for a term. Other offices held by him were those of county judge and town trustee. The ample means he now possesses have not come to him through any chance combination of circum- stances, but are the result of energy, discrim- ination and forceful judgment. By his marriage to Miss Harriet Rambo he has four children : Edward S .; Mrs. Belle B. Fletcher; Godfrey M., Jr., a rancher, and Charlotte S.
The cashier of the bank, H. S. Fletcher, was born in Minnesota in 1854, and at twelve years of age moved to Springfield, Mo., with his father, Hezekiah Fletcher. Having completed his education and looking around him for a fa- vorable business opening, in 1877 he decided to come to California, and accordingly that year found him in Watsonville. For three years he was employed as clerk and deliveryman with Charles Ford, after which he was made agent of the Watsonville station. In 1880 he resigned as agent to become postmaster, in which office he continued for four years. On the expiration of his term of office he became a bookkeeper in the Bank of Watsonville and in 1885 was made its cashier, which position he has since held, at
A. Simmlesz
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the same time being a stockholder and director. In connection with his position, he acts as cash- ier of the Watsonville Savings Bank. By his marriage to Belle B. Bockius, daughter of the president of the bank, he has five children: Har- riet, Henry E., Priscilla, Godfrey B. and Belle.
HON. JOHN JACOB SIMMLER.
No object lesson could be presented by the student of history more striking than the trans- formation wrought in California during the past half century. Judge Simmler well remembers the appearance of the country fifty years ago, when, after a voyage of great hardship and peril, he arrived in what is now one of the greatest commonwealths of America. During the inter- vening years he has made his home principally in San Luis Obispo, where he is a leading citizen and retired business man.
In the city of Mulhausen, Alsace, France, John Jacob Simmler was born July 18, 1826. His father, George Simmler, in youth studied under the famous educator, Pestalozzi, and after- ward for thirty-one years was a professor in the college at Mulhausen. At that time Charles X was king of France and Alsace was one of the most important departments of his kingdom, but afterward the province became the property of Germany. The city of Mulhausen (or Mul- house, as it was usually called in France) has a history extending back into the very remote past when the little city on an island formed by the Ill was a conspicuous center of art and let- ters. Later a new town was built on the main- land, which, through its manufactures of cotton prints and muslins, acquired prominence as a manufacturing center. It was in this city that John Jacob Simmler grew to manhood and re- ceived his education in grammar and high schools. On the last day of February, 1847, he left home and shipped for New Orleans, with the intention of going to Texas. Arriving at his destination, he settled in the city of Houston, but two years later removed to Waco, which at the time contained only three houses. Four months later he went to Colorado county, Tex .. and for a year remained near Columbus (now called Frelsburg). While there he managed a
store owned by his brother. Next he went to San Antonio by way of Austin, and remained in that old Spanish town for two months during 1852.
From San Antonio Mr. Simmler came to Cali- fornia across Mexico, spending sixty days on horseback, with a party of six men, traveling through a country infested by hostile savages. Finally, arriving at Mazatlan, he shipped on the Holloway, a sailing vessel bound for San Francisco. Unfortunately the ship drifted out of its course and was lost for sixty days, during which time, by reason of the scarcity of food, a famine arose and the sufferings of the pas- sengers were indescribable. Seven were thrown overboard who had died of starvation. For days before he landed Mr. Simmler had nothing but beans to eat and only one bottle of water to drink. At length land was sighted and the half- starved men were put ashore. It proved to be Point San Luis Obispo. All of the seventy pas- sengers hastened off to the mines except Mr. Simmler, who secured employment as cook for Dr. Clements, near San Luis Obispo. This was in August, 1852. Soon he turned his attention to the painter's trade, working for Capt. John Wilson, an Englishman at Los Osos rancho. A year afterward he began farming on John Brice's ranch, but lost everything in the venture.
St. Charles hotel, which was the first hotel opened in San Luis Obispo, was started by Mr. Simmler, who conducted it for eighteen months. On the formation of the vigilance committee hie joined it, continuing in that work for six months, after which he and Samuel Pollard car- ried on a store for a year or more. Under Pres- ident Grant, in 1871, he was appointed postmas- ter of San Luis Obispo, the appointment being renewed by President Hayes and President Cleveland, so that he continued in the office for cighteen years. On resigning the position he liad charge of a butcher shop for two years, and later, on the organization of the Bank of Cayu- cos, he became its manager and cashier, a posi- tion that he held for almost six years. Since then he has been retired.
Owing to his service of about eighteen years as justice of the peace. Mr. Simmiler came to be known as "Judge," which title still is used among
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his friends. Among the positions he has held may be mentioned the following: postmaster; justice of the peace and associate judge; road master; census taker during his last term as postmaster; deputy assessor and deputy tax col- lector; school trustee; town trustee before the Incorporation of the city; councilman and the first police judge after the city was incorpo- rated. Politically he was a Democrat on first coming to this country, but after the death of President Lincoln he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, with which he has since voted. At one time he was a member of the Legion of Honor, and for twenty-five years he has been connected with Chorro Lodge No. 168, I. O. O. F.
In 1859 Mr. Simmler married Mrs. Rosa Butron de Canet, who was born in California, and whose first husband was a Spaniard. No children were born of their union; they had nephews and nieces who were often in their home and in whose welfare they took a warm interest. After the death of his first wife Mr. Simmler was again married, being united with Mrs. Maria Lafranchi, of San Luis Obispo. They continue to occupy the residence which has been Mr. Simmler's home ever since he built it in 1865. He has many warm friends in the town and county, and by reason of his long identification with the history of this locality feels the deepest interest in its progress and growth.
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