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 43
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JOSIAH POTTER COREY.
An agriculturist to whom the fertility of the old Buena Vista ranch has brought a com- fortable living and partially realized ambitions is Josiah Potter Corey, located on his farm of thirty-five acres, modernly equipped, and ex- ceedingly productive. Mr. Corcy was born in Essex, Vt .. August 17, 1863, a son of Noah Corcy, a native of Vermont and one of the pio- rcers of California. The elder Corey came to California at an early day, and Josiali was born while his mother was on a visit to her people in Vermont. The father lived for a time in So- noma county, and then removed to San Mateo county, which continued to be his home for four
years. In 1876 he came to Monterey county and at the end of three years returned to Bloom- field, Sonoma county, for six years, and then retired from active life to the farm in Monterey county he now occupies.
Josialı Potter Corey lived at home until his marriage, in March, 1892, with Grace Smith, daughter of A. B. Smith, one of the old-timers of California. He then bought ten acres of land in the Salinas valley, which he improved and lived upon for three years, and then disposed of it and bought his present ranch of thirty-five acres. In addition, he has leased two hundred acres of adjoining land, and raises grain, fruit, some stock, and engages in general farming. He is a Republican in politics, but has never been identified with any local office. Fraternally he is associated with the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Corey is liberal-minded and devoted to the all-around improvement of his locality. He has four children: Ethel, Harold, Isabelle and Grace.
WILLIAM DEHART.
The White & DeHart Co., which was incor- porated November 23, 1896, is one of the lead- ing industries of Watsonville and the Pajaro valley. Its inception may be attributed to the enterprise and keen foresight of William De- Hart and Edmund White, who conducted the business in partnership for a considerable pe- riod. In 1899 Mr. DeHart bought out his part- ner's interest, since which time he has been president of the company, and his son, Joseph, secretary. Under their direction a warehouse has been built, 40x100, and a boiler of one hundred horse power has been added. From their plant are turned out all kinds of fruit boxes, berry crates and baskets, and they also conduct a feed mill and general lumber mill. The basket department has a capacity of twenty- five thousand two and one-half pound baskets per day, sixteen hundred apple boxes a day, and others in proportion. During the busy season employment is furnished to as many as fifty hands, all of whom, trained under his personal oversight, have become skilled basket and box makers. Redwood and pine lumber are used
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in the factory, obtained almost wholly from the forests of this state. Near the factory two cot- tages have been erected. It is the ambition of both father and son to secure the highest suc- cess for their enterprise, and they are justly proud of its large output and the general de- mand for its products.
When a child Mr. DeHart accompanied his parents to Iowa and grew to manhood on a farm. In 1862 he enlisted at Birmingham, that state, in the Thirtieth Iowa Cavalry, but soon re-enlisted in the Marines. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and served principally on the Mississippi river. At the close of the war he returned to Iowa and learned the black- smith's trade at Birmingham. On entering into business for himself, he not only carried on a shop, but also dealt in farming implements. On selling out there he went to the then territory of Washington, and after ten months, in 1869, came to California, settling at Whiskey Hill, Santa Cruz county. There he bought out L. P. Helm's blacksmith shop, which he carried on for six years. On selling that, he bought from F. Williams one hundred and sixty acres, of which he planted twenty-five acres in apricots, prunes and peaches. This property he still owns, but has rented it to tenants since turning his attention to the mill and basket manufactur- ing business. The interest which Mr. DeHart feels in matters counceted with war days led him, years ago, to identify himself with the Grand Army of the Republic, and for some time he was active in its workings. He has also been interested in the Odd Fellows and is connected with both the lodge and encampment, in the former of which he holds rank as past grand.
HON. H. W. BRIGGS.
More than in any state in the Union, the vig- orous prosperity of California is directly trace- able to the sturdy characters and untiring per- severance of its pioneers, many of whom risked their lives on the trackless, Indian-infested plains, bringing hither castern conservatism and practical experience to the aid of western chaos and impetuosity. Enrolled among these noble and self-sacrificing men is the name of Ilon. H.
WV. Briggs, a resident of Pacific Grove, and for- merly identified with innumerable enterprises and developments of the state.
A native of Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., Mr. Briggs was born August 25, 1819, a son of Mi- chael Briggs, and grandson of Thomas Hawley Briggs. The grandfather was born in Massa- chusetts, whither had immigrated his English Puritan ancestors, and lie eventually removed to Bennington county, Vt., where his son, Mi- chael, was born. Michael Briggs removed from Vermont to Rome, N. Y., and farmed in the vicinity of the city for many years. Later he located in Lake county, Ohio, where his death occurred. He was an active and successful farmer and business man, and his career was further embellished by meritorious service in the war of 1812. He married Olivia Water- house, of Salisbury. Conn .. representative of the old Hawley family and the famous Connecticut colony. Thomas Waterhouse, the father of Mrs. Briggs, was a prominent physician, as was also his son, Henry Waterhouse, professor of sur- gery at the Vermont Medical Institute, at Bur- lington, Vt., and author of many important medical dissertations.
Judge H. W. Briggs was one in a family of six children, two of whom are living, the other son being Rev. M. C. Briggs, of San Francisco. He was reared in New York state until his eigh- teenth year, and received his education in the public schools. In 1837 he removed to Lake county, Ohio, whither his parents had in the meantime taken up their abode, and after teaching school for a time became associated with the firm of Manning & Fay, map makers and printers. In this capacity he visited every county in the state, and in 1840 went to Giles county, Tenn., where he engaged in educational work for several years, principally at Beach Grove Seminary and Marshall Academy. After removing to Madison county, Tenn., he cast his first vote for W. H. Harrison, and in Giles county in 1840, became associated with the Odd Fellows, of which he has since been a member. In the meantime he had married, and in 1847 settled with his wife in Davis county, Iowa. where he purchased land and started the town of Troy, of which he was the first postmaster and
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general merchant. He became foremost in po- litical and other affairs of the embryo town, and ( verted an influence for progress. In 1851 he was elected commissioner of Davis county, and at the next election, in 1853, was elected county judge, a very important and responsible office at that time. For four years he disposed of the various cases requiring adjustment in the county, holding court every day, and to his spe- cial credit be it said, but one case upon which he had passed judgment was appealed to the higher court.
In 1859 Judge Briggs outfitted and started across the plains with his family, and, upon ar- riving in Santa Clara in October of the same year, purchased land upon which he settled and where he engaged in farming. Among other possessions he had a threshing machine, which during the first season cut off the right leg of its owner. Notwithstanding this drawback, Mr. Briggs continued to exercise large faith in the future of his surroundings, a conclusion justified by subsequent events. The fall following his accident he was elected to the state legislature on the Republican ticket, and directly after his term of service was appointed registrar of the United States land office at Visalia, Cal. While discharging this responsibility he lived for six years at Visalia, and in the meantime had charge of a large mercantile house for J. M. Brown. and later for R. E. Hyde, now president of the Bank of Visalia. In 1868 he removed to Gilroy, Santa Clara county, in charge of the business of Mr. Brown, whose interests had been trans- ferred there, and Gilroy continued to be his home for about nineteen years. In 1871 he bought out the interest of Mr. Brown, and for several years continued the business independ- ently, and at the same time served as postmaster of the town.
While living in Gilroy Mr. Briggs organized a homestead association called the San Justo Homestead Association of Hollister, which as- sociation bought of Colonel Hollister the San Justo ranch of twenty-two thousand acres for $400,000, and laid out the town of Hollister on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Briggs built the Hollister House, the first hotel in the new town, and in other ways contributed
to the upbuilding of the place. In 1876 further disaster came his way through the burning of his Gilroy store, a loss of $12,000 being the result. He afterward carried on a real estate and insurance business in Gilroy until 1887, when, owing to impaired health, and the severe heat which affected his not yet healed leg, he came to Pacific Grove, and has since made this his home. He built one of the finest homes in the town and engaged in the real-estate and in- surance business, and was also a notary, until February of 1900, and then availed himself of a well earned opportunity to retire from active business. He still owns much valuable prop- erty here, and the town contains innumerable reminders of his active interest in its welfare, and unchanging devotion to its people and in- stitutions. He was one of the organizers of the town, and a member of the first board of city trustees, and clerk of the board for many years. As a politician of the most incorruptible kind he has served the interests of his party in va- rious ways, and has ever been to the fore in county and state undertakings. He was a mem- ber of the county commission for many years, and was a delegate to county and state conventions. As a school trustee he has faith- fully labored to elevate the educational standard of the district for nearly forty years. He is a member of the Legion of Honor, and is par- ticularly prominent among the Good Templars, being always a stanch advocate of temperance. In religion he is a Presbyterian, but as there is no church of that denomination here he af- filiates with the Congregational Church, in which he is active as a teacher of the Bible class, and in general church work.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are: Mrs. M. B. Bern: Henry M., who is audi- tor of Stanislaus county, Cal .; Walter F., who lives at Riverside; and two who are deceased.
JAMES H. MCDOUGALL.
That adverse conditions build up the strong and break down the weak has found convincing expression in the life of Mr. McDougall, whose dauntless spirit has surmounted many obstacles, and drawn helpful lessons from disheartening
marafton
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circumstances. His reputation as one of the most substantial citizens of Salinas rests upon a solid foundation of actual merit, upon honesty of purpose, and never failing devotion to the best interests of the town which has so profited by his admirable citizenship. The Salinas City Bank, of which he is president, was founded in 1873 by Hon. Jesse D. Carr, who held the po- sition of president for many years. The follow- ing president was A. B. Jackson, who continued to advance the prosperity and uphold the finan- cial standing of the bank between 1894 and 1900. During the régime of Mr. Jackson Mr. McDougall was acting vice-president, and at the death of the former in 1900, he was elected to the responsible position which he now holds. The Salinas City Bank enjoys the distinction of being the oldest and largest bank in Monterey county, and its standing among financial insti- tutions in the state is such as is warranted by its solidity and conservativeness.
A native of Scotland, Mr. McDougall was born in Glasgow in 1836, and when six years of age came with his parents to America, settling in Lake county, Ill. The father was a farmer, and his son was reared to an appreciation of the dignity of an agricultural life, and was educated in the public schools of Lake county, Ill. The family removed to California in 1854, and set- tled in Monterey county June 9 of the sanie year, and James H. remained at home until twenty-two years of age. Upon starting out for himself he worked during the winters in a saw- mill, and in the summer time followed a thresh- ing machine, this combined occupation continu- ing from 1857 until 1868. At the end of that time he had by dint of hard work and economy managed to save about $900, but this he was unfortunate enough to lend to a man that eventually left the country and omitted the for- mality of leaving his address. Nothing daunted, Mr. McDougall resumed the occupation of again saving money, which was invested in the supposed remunerative cattle business. The dry season turned his brilliant prospects into direst failure, and there was nothing to do but to begin again at the bottom. By the time he saved $300 he had arrived at the wisdom of in- vesting in unincumbered real-estate, and the
property selected was valued at $600. Paying $300 down he succeeded in finally selling his land for $2,500, and this gave him the start he so richly deserved. He then bought an inter- est in a grocery and notion store in Salinas, and this establishment had an increasing era of prosperity for twenty odd years. While con- ducting this store he was postmaster of the town for twelve years. It would seem that having once made fair inroads into success Mr. Mc- Dougall has never lost his grip, but has steadily increased not only his possessions but his prestige as well. He has been prominent in politics, and is a Republican all the time. Dur- ing President Cleveland's first administration he was county tax collector, and was re-elected during his second term. He is secretary of the Water and Light Company, although he does not give the position much time, and has been chief of the fire department for years. Large city and county properties have come into his possession from time to time, and besides sev- eral farms, he owns the McDougall block, which is one of the finest in the city. His comfort- able home is one of the most convenient and artistic in this part of the county.
In 1873 Mr. McDougall married Elizabeth H. Bardin, of Blanco, Cal., and a native of Mis- sissippi. Of this union there are two sons, of whom J. Edgar is in the bank, and Charles B. is with the Porter Irving dry-goods house in Salinas.
WILLIAM A. TRAFTON.
The fact that Mr. Trafton has officiated for several termis as president of the board of trus- tees indicates his high standing as a citizen of Watsonville, among whose native-born sons he holds a high position. The family of which he is a member has been represented in California for almost a half century and its members mean- time have risen to stations of influence and pres- tige in various localities. His father, George \ .. of Canadian birth, accompanied his parents from his native land in 1856, their destination being the Pacific coast. During the journey. while they were on the plains, the grandfather, David Trafton, was stricken with cholera and
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died. His widow completed the sad journey with her children and settled in Watsonville, where her remaining years were passed and where her children grew to be progressive and successful citizens.
While still a mere boy George A. Trafton began to learn the mercantile business, which he soon mastered in all of its branches. In later years he formed an association with his brothers as Trafton Bros., the firm dealing in hardware and tinware. By a change of partners the firm title became Trafton & Jennings. His interest in this business he subsequently sold and on the site of old Chinatown, about 1889, built a large feed mill, where he began to handle grains of all kinds. Shipments were made to San Fran- cisco and eastern markets, and a large business was built up, the successful organization of which may be attributed to his cautious, keen and shrewd financial ability. Through the ad- mission to the partnership of his son, William A., the firm name became George A. Trafton & Son, and of recent years the son has had the oversight of the grain business, the father de- voting himself mainly to his mining interests, which are large and reach into various sections of the state. Besides the elegant residence of Mr. Trafton he has erected three substantial business blocks on Main street, and in other re- spects has contributed to the progress of his home city. In Masonry he is connected with the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and has passed many of the chairs. Another organ- ization with which he is identified is the Ancient Order of United Workmen. By his marriage to Melissa Matthis he had five children, namely: Mrs. Jameson, deceased; William A .; Mrs. P. D. Evans; Howard V., who in 1902 was elected sheriff of Santa Cruz county for a term of four years; and Mrs. James Tremble.
The many changes made in Watsonville dur- ing the past thirty years; its rise from an insigni- ficant village to a bustling town; the development of its commercial interests; the growth of its ad- jacent fruit-growing industries; the building up of schools, churches, fraternal organizations and general movements of a progressive nature, all of these have been witnessed by William A. Trafton. His loyalty to his native city is un-
questioned, and no one is better qualified than he for efficient service on its board of trustees, in which capacity he served for four years, and was re-elected for a second term of four years in 1901. For three years he has been serving as president of the board. The experience gained while filling a clerkship was later utilized when he entered his father's mill as a partner in the business, and he now enjoys a thorough knowledge not only of milling, but of general business principles which enable a man to suc- ceed in whatever industry he may enter. His home is in Watsonville, and his wife, Annie, is a daughter of Peter Cox, deceased, one of the leading pioneers of the city. They have one daughter, Merceil. In fraternal relations Mr. Trafton has emulated his father's example by identifying himself with Masonry, and is now a' member of the blue lodge, chapter and com- mandery, in which latter organization he holds office as captain-general.
J. M. BARBREE.
During the years of his residence in Monterey county, which covered the period from 1871 until his death thirty years later, Mr. Barbree maintained an intimate relation with the agri- cultural industry and was a contributor to the growth and development of the county. He was born in Kentucky February 17, 1837, and re- ceived his education in the schools of that state, although the fact of limited means rendered his schooling less complete than he desired. At an early age he began to be self-supporting, and from that time forward made his way unaided in the world. California was the theme of gen- eral conversation in those days. He was a mere child when gold was discovered on the Pacific coast, and from that time he often dreamed of the west, its opportunities and its possibilities. In 1859 he carried out a long-cherished ambi- tion and crossed the plains to California, set- tling in Alameda county. There he conducted a hotel and livery business.
On coming to Monterey county Mr. Barbree settled near Salinas, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres. In the cultiva- tion of this land he was engaged for some years,
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and there laid the foundation of subsequent prosperity. About 1888 he removed from there to a farm near San Lucas, comprising three hundred and twenty acres. As the years passed by, he added to his property until he became one of the large land owners of his neighbor- hood, and at the time of his death was the pos- sessor of thirteen hundred and sixty acres. By his marriage to Jane Kell he had eight children, namely: Jennie, deceased; Rose, wife of J. D. Veach; William R., of Monterey county ; Emily, Ann and Fannie, all three deceased; Belle, wife of Luke Norton; and Joseph. The mother of these children died July 6, 1882, while the father survived her some years, entering into eternity January 24, 1901. Among his former associates he is remembered as a man of great energy, tire- less perseverance, a determined will and an up- right character-a man indeed whose citizenship is of value to any community in which he may reside.
The elder of the two surviving sons of Mr. Barbree is William R., who was born April 23, 1869. Educated in public schools, the knowl- edge there acquired and the information gained from habits of close observation fitted him for the intelligent discharge of his duties as a citi- zen and a farmer. He remained with his father until the latter's death and has since conducted independent agricultural operations. At this writing he owns one thousand acres of land, which he devotes to the raising of stock and of general farm products. In politics he is a Democrat, supporting with his ballot the prin- ciples of that party.
HON. JOSIAH MERRITT.
The first county judge of Monterey county was born in Orange county, N. Y., near the city of Newburgh, August 21, 1796, and was a descendant of very early settlers of America. After receiving a college education he took up the study of law, was admitted to the bar, and engaged in practice in New York City. Suc- cess had already commenced to reward his ef- forts when, inspired with a faith in the future of the great unknown western regions, in 1845 he removed to Illinois. At the time the California
gold excitement turned the tide of emigration still further westward, he, with many others, started for the Pacific coast via Texas. In Jan- uary, 1850, he arrived at Monterey, and the next year took an active part in organizing Mon- terey county, of which he was at that time elected county judge, serving until 1854. He was a member of the Texas Lodge of Masons, the oldest in California, and during the Civil war was a Union Democrat.
Shortly after he had settled in Monterey, Judge Merritt married Juana Castro, eldest daughter of Simeon Castro, judge of the first instance under Mexican rule and one of the most influential Spanish citizens of Monterey. She was a sister of the general who led the Mexican troops in the battle with the Ameri- cans under General Fremont a few miles north- east of Salinas. After retiring from the judge- ship of the county, Judge Merritt resumed the practice of the law, in which, and numerous local enterprises, he continued to be engaged until his death in 1869. The children who sur- vived him were Joseph, Lavinia, Herlinda, Jen- nie and Manuel R. He was a man possessing inany admirable traits, and his influence did much toward the early building up of Monterey.
CAPT. MARCUS HARLOE.
For many generations the Harloe family has been a race of shipbuilders. Captain Harloe's father, Matthew Harloe, was for years an Eng- lish revenue officer, but eventually became a citizen of the United States. He married a daughter of William H. Taylor, a Scotch ship- master of Campbelltown, Argyleshire, whose ship was on one occasion seized by French pri- vateers and he himself put to torture in order that he might be forced to reveal the where- abouts of the ship's gold. Fortunately, how- ever, it was discovered that he was a Mason, whereupon he was immediately released and re- stored to his ship.
Of English, Irish and Scotch ancestry, Cap- tain Harloe was born in Ireland March 17. 1833. In 1847 he came to America, and the next year shipped from New York City on a merchant vessel New World bound for Liverpool. In
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1850 he rounded the Horn on the sailing ship Wisconsin from New York to San Francisco, from which point he shipped on another vessel. As first mate, he became connected with the Sacramento river schooner, Eagle, in 1851, and the next year was chosen first officer on the brig Walcott. On attaining his majority, in 1854, he became master of the schooner Louise, sailing from San Francisco along the coast, en- gaged in trading and freighting. In this vessel he owned one-fourth interest, but disposed of the same in 1856, and built the Black Prince, a schooner, of which he was one-half owner and continued its master until the latter part of 1859.
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