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 50
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Always a stanch Republican, Judge Steele was a leader of his party, and took a prominent part in political campaigns. In 1882 he was elected to the California state senate. He was clected for a second term in the fall of 1884. receiving a majority of seven hundred, which was the largest majority received by any mem- ber of the senate. During his second term he introduced a bill in favor of the temperance laws, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of liquors in the state. Another resolution intro- duced by him was in favor of woman's suffrage. In the fall of 1886 he was elected for a third term. During the summer of the same year he sat in an extra session called by Governor Stoneman to pass an irrigation law. His service as a senator reflected the highest credit upon his ability and faithfulness, and was in every re- spect gratifying to his constituents. While a member of that body he endeavored to promote
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measures of unquestioned benefit to the people, and was especially interested in such bills as promised to promote the welfare of the people of his district. Devotion to duty was the key- note of his work as a legislator. At other times he was called to various positions of honor and trust. In 1878-79 he was elected a member of the constitutional convention which met at Sacramento. He also was a member of the state central committee of his party and a delegate to state conventions. His political views never were allowed to degenerate into narrow parti- sanship; he was a citizen first and a politician afterward. His force of character and inde- fatigable energy were at the service of his fellow- men in all vital issues and for the promotion of every worthy movement. With true public spirit he maintained an unceasing interest in the affairs of his county and state, well illustrating that better quality in men which delights in the upbuilding of commonwealths.
In 1868 Judge Steele married Delia M. Day, daughter of Norman and Julia A. Day. By a strange coincidence Mr. and Mrs. Steele were from adjoining townships in Ohio, yet they never met until she came to San Luis Obispo county in 1867. They had no children of their own, but adopted two, one of whom is now the wife of A. T. Mason, and the other, Frederick P. Collins, died in 1902.
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS SANBORN.
From the extreme eastern terminus of the United States to its remote western borders rep- resents the change of location made by W. A. Sanborn, one of Watsonville's most influential citizens. He was born at Machiasport, Wash- ington county, Me., July 1, 1843. being a son of William and Hannah (Tobie) Sanborn. When he was three years of age his mother died and iater he was placed on a farm, but four years of that life caused him to decide that any change would be for the better and he welcomed any hope of getting away. His father, who was quite ill with asthma, wished to join two sons in California, and so purchased a ticket around the Horn. The hoy, not having money enough to buy a ticket, shipped as cabin boy and thus
worked his passage. After a voyage of one hun- dred and thirty-four days they anchored in San Francisco in 1857, and there took passage on a freight vessel for Watsonville. There be- ing no wharf at that time, the vessel anchored in Monterey bay and was unloaded by surf-boats. The passengers as well as the freight were car- ried from the surf boats to land on the backs of Indians. Among the passengers on this trip was a woman who weighed two hundred pounds. For a moment the Indian looked at her du- biously; then, faithful to his duty, he backed up in the water body deep; she mounted and was landed safely on shore.
On his arrival in Watsonville William A. San- born joined his brothers, Lucian and Newman, who had settled here earlier in the '50s and were carrying on a blacksmith's shop. They were also associated with Charles Ford in the mer- cantile business. Their father was much bene- fited by the change of climate, although he never regained his health sufficiently to resume work. He died in 1865 at the age of sixty-five years. For a short time William A. Sanborn attended school in Santa Cruz, after which he began to work on a dairy ranch, later going to a sawmill, and then to the powder mills of Santa Cruz and Marin counties. Having saved enough to buy a team, he embarked in the teaming business, but the experience of a few years convinced him there was little to be made in the occupa- tion. His next venture was renting land and raising potatoes and grain. Four years of this work enabled him to accumulate enough to buy eighty-seven acres of the E. S. Goldstein ranch, one-half mile west of Watsonville, for which he paid $100 and $125 per acre, the price vary- ing some on account of a difference in the soil. For a few years he devoted himself to clearing the land from debt. About 1882 he began set- ting out trees, planting one hundred Bellefleurs and one hundred of other varieties. However, though some of the trees grew and seemed to flourish, they have all proved either unprofitable or not suited to the climate; with the exception of the Bellefleur, which thrived and flourished under conditions that brought decay to other varieties. For this reason he took out many of the grades and now has eighteen hundred
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and eighteen trees in fine bearing condition, six hundred and forty of which have only been bearing since 1900. During 1901 he set out four hundred and eleven trees. In addition, he raises pears and apricots, as well as the finest peaches in the valley.
Experience has proved to Mr. Sanborn that the sediment land along the river is the best for apples and, indeed, for all fruit. One must see some of the fruit raised there to really un- derstand and appreciate its size and fine qual- ity. The size of the Bellefleurs is shown by the fact that forty-five apples have often filled a box 12X12X22, weighing net forty-six and three- fourths pounds. The average price is $1 per box. From the products of thirty acres of trees he received $10,675 in two years (1901-02), which figures will convince the most skeptical as to the value of his orchard. The crop never fails. Occasionally, of course, a tree dies, but this happens rarely, the most of the trees being sturdy, healthy and flourishing.
In addition to fruit-raising Mr. Sanborn de- votes considerable attention to beets, of which the average is twenty-eight tons per acre for thirteen acres, for which he is paid $4.50 per ton. Large quantities of barley, wheat and beans are also raised on the farm. At this writ- ing he owns fifty-four acres, of all of which he imaintains a general supervision, although leav- ing to others much of the manual work. Since practically retiring from active labors, he has made. his home at No. 152 East Third street, Watsonville, where, in his attractive and com- modious home, he enjoys all of the comforts of life and finds his greatest pleasure in the society of his family. His wife, Jennie, is a daughter of Daniel Ross, an early settler of Santa Cruz. With them at home is one of their daughters, Carrie C. The other daughters are married, Willa Augusta being the wife of E. A. Kumle, while Anna Ethel married Clarence Walker, both of Watsonville. Mrs. Kumle is the mother of three children, Alvin, Jennie and Chester.
Since 1864 Mr. Sanborn has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is also associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. All through his busy life he has kept in touch with the problems before
our nation, has kept himself posted concerning tariff, free trade, currency, and the many other issues confronted in various epochs of our na- tional history. His opinions on the subject of protection have led him to ally himself with the Republican party. Among the people of Watsonville he has a host of friends, who have been drawn to him by his hearty and genial friendship, his enterprise and business ability. He has a pleasant word for everyone he meets, whether rich or poor, old or young, and hence liis friends are as numerous as his acquaintances in the thriving city where he makes his home.
W. II. SPENCER.
Among the legal practitioners who have ma- terially increased the professional prestige of San Luis Obispo county, none is more typically representative of western enterprise and eastern conservatism than W. II. Spencer, familiarly known as Judge Spencer. As long ago as June 15, 1879, he came to San Luis Obispo with little backing save his own ability. In the years that have intervened he has built up an enviable reputation as a lawyer and citizen, and few im- portant cases before the courts for many years past, but have elicited nis services on one side or the other. The ancestral heritage of the Spencers is an enviable one, and the strong and predominating Scottish traits have not been lost with the passing of years. The first American representative was the paternal great-grand- father, who left Scotland after the war of 1745. and settled (it is supposed) in Virginia. Two of his sons, one of whom was the paternal grandfather, left their plows to shoulder muskets on the battle fields of the Revolution, and as privates followed the hosts who com- prised the colonial army. The father of Judge Spencer was born in Bourbon county. Ky., and. besides owning a large plantation in that state. was a civil engineer by occupation. Through his marriage with Miss Brooking, of Clark county, Ky., he became identified with a prom- inent Virginia family of English descent. Mrs. Spencer being a langhter of Robert I. Brook ing. She had one brother, Roger, who par- ticipated in both the Mexican and Civil wars.
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One of the sons of Mrs. Spencer, Robert Ed- ward, is now living on a ranch in Texas.
Judge Spencer was born in Clark county, Ky., but was reared and partially educated in Lexing- ton, Fayette county, of the same state. When about sixteen years of age he entered Bethany College in West Virginia, from which institu- tion he was graduated in the class of 1870, two years later graduating from the University of Kentucky. Having determined to enter upon the study of law, he entered the office of Gen. John B. Houston, of Lexington, and in 1874 went to Fort Scott, Kans., and practiced law until 1879. Not content with the prospects of permanent residence in the Kansas town, he looked around for more certain possibilities and broader fields, both of which materialized in the wake of his earnest efforts after coming to San Luis Obispo.
In 1881 Judge Spencer was united in marriage in this county with Maggie Bouldin, whose father, Judge Robert Bouldin, occupied the bench in Virginia, and came to California in 1874. In political affiliation Mr. Spencer is a Democrat, and though active in the support of his party has never sought or desired official recognition. Besides his legal erudition he has much to justify the estcem and popularity which is his in the community, for added to genial and optimistic personality are the manners of the southern gentleman combined with the sin- cerity of the north, and a tactful consideration for all with whom he comes in contact.
JACOB H. ORCUTT.
Numbered among the pioneers of San Luis Obispo county is Mr. Orcutt, whose residence here dates from October, 1869. Born in Chan- tauqua county, N. Y., in 1835, at an early age he went to Rockford, Ill., and there had the ad- vantage of study in a commercial college. For years the remote regions of the west had been the theme of conversation among people in every walk of life. Many had crossed the plains to California. and not a few of these had sent back glowing reports of success. To an am- bitious young man, this seemed the opportunity desired, and the perils and hardships of an over-
land trip were lost sight of in the hoped-for suc- cesses which the future held out.
In 1866 Mr. Orcutt fitted out a freighting out- fit and started on his westward journey. At first he worked in Colorado, having secured employment as a freighter between Julesburg and Cheyenne as far as Denver and to George- town. A more startling change from the quiet existence of an Illinois home could scarcely be imagined. All was new and unfamiliar, and there was much to daunt the courage of even a brave man. Ife remembers well having wit- nessed the Plum creek massacre by the Indians, when the savages wreaked their vengeance on the whites for injuries perpetrated or imagined. After freighting for a year, Mr. Orcutt secured a contract for grading work on the Union Pa- cific Railroad, and for three years he continued in this work, having his headquarters in a camp near the scene of his labors.
Having completed the contract, Mr. Orcutt came to California, and after a few months in Sacramento he came to San Luis Obispo county in the fall of 1869. He inspected the country as far south as Los Angeles, traveling overland by stage. His first location was at Guadaloupe, where he rented land for ten cents an acre, and embarked in the sheep industry on the open range. He had charge of the original Guada- loupe ranch of eleven leagues (48,884 acres) and kept on the land about three thousand head of sheep. In 1872 he rented twenty-one thousand acres at Los Alamos, Santa Barbara county. and driving his sheep across the mountains, soon became extensively engaged in the breeding and raising of stock. The uniform prosperity that rewarded his efforts enabled him to increase his flock to eleven thousand sheep. In April, 1874. he disposed of all his sheep interests, and in June bought the Major Jackson ranch of two hundred and sixty acres near San Luis Obispo. The property had no improvements other than a small adobe honse and a small orchard. The land was raw and uncultivated. To Mr. Orcutt is due great credit for the transformation that has been wronght. Laurel ranch (for by this name the property is best known) has claims to notice surpassed by no property in the state. The fact that no frost ever descends upon the
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valley wonderfully enhances the value of lands here. In his orchard he not only has various deciduous fruits, but a number of fine navel orange and lemon trees as well, while in his garden there are tomato vines four years old. A number of shade trees increase the homelike effect of the surroundings. At a distance may be seen the Santa Lucia range of mountains, and a spring which has its rise in the mountains furnishes plenty of water for domestic and irri- gation purposes, a stone reservoir having been built by Mr. Orcutt. The stock business is one of his leading occupations. On his place there are Jersey and Durham cattle of registered stock and fine strains, also standard-bred horses and over five hundred head of Poland-China hogs. To his original acreage he has added un- til he now has four hundred and sixty-four acres.
By his first marriage Mr. Orcutt has a daugh- ter, Cora, and by his second wife, who was Rhoda Fisher, he has a daughter, Minnie F., who is a graduate of the San Luis Obispo high school. Since becoming identified with San Luis Obispo county he has assisted in the de- velopment of a number of enterprises. He was a stockholder in the San Luis Obispo Gas As- sociation and a director in the Race Track Association, which he assisted in organizing. Politically he votes with the Republican party. In fraternal relations he is connected with Chorro Lodge No. 168, I. O. O. F., in which he is past noble grand; he is also a member of the state grand lodge and a charter member of San Luis Lodge No. 210, of the Rebekahs. At the opening of the Civil war, he enlisted in Com- pany H, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois In- fantry, and was assigned to the western department, his service being entirely upon the frontier. Some years ago he was honored with the office of commander of Fred Steele Post No. 70, G. A. R., and lie is now past commander of the Central California Veterans' Association.
His home being only one mile south of the city of San Luis Obispo, Mr. Orcutt naturally keeps posted concerning the progress of the town and the welfare of its people. Personally, he is a man of fine qualities, possessing the genial, hearty and friendly manner which always
characterizes men who have been much on the frontier. One of his characteristics is his strong attachment to his friends. Beginning life in humble circumstances, he is always in sympathy with young men who are struggling to make a place for themselves, and more than one owes him a debt of gratitude for a kindly act or as- sistance that was given just when needed. A true friend, a patriotic citizen, a genial com- panion, Jacob H. Orcutt is respected wherever known.
HON. GEORGE PARDEE.
Not alone through his labors in the develop- ment of land in the Pajaro valley, but also through his identification with many movements looking toward the progress of Watsonville and through his able service as a member of the state legislature, is Mr. Pardee entitled to the respect of his fellow-citizens. He was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., November 28. 1829, being a son of Bela and Mary (Thayer) Pardee. In his native county and in Oneida county, same state, he grew to manhood and acquired a com- prehensive knowledge of agricultural pursuits as conducted in the east. While he made gen- eral farming his principal occupation, he did not limit himself to it, but conducted an im- portant dairy business.
From New York via the isthmus Mr. Pardee came to California in 1854 and at once settled in the Ione valley, Amador county, where he followed gardening and farming. In those days the raising of watermelons was a very important industry and he devoted some attention to it there. The fall of 1856 found him in the Pa- jaro valley, where, with Messrs. White. Kidder. Knowles and others, he purchased one thousand acres of the Rodriguez ranch. This was sub- divided and Mr. Pardec with George II. White received one hundred and fifty acres, on which for ten years the two men raised grain, po- tatoes and general produce.
On selling out his ranch interests Mr. Pardee became a commission merchant, butving and shipping to San Francisco. In those days there were no docks or piers. Grain and produce were hauled to the beach, where Indians were
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hired to carry the bags on their backs to the surf. There they were transferred to surf boats, which were nearly covered, having only a small opening through which the bags were thrown in. When the boat was filled the opening was covered with canvas. By means of horses on shore, connected with a pulley line fastened to a buoy which was anchored by the awaiting ves- sel, the surf boat was drawn out to the ship. Of course when the surf was running high, it was impossible to load. Even under the most for- tunate conditions, two days were required for the loading of a small vessel. To those of the present generation such a mode seems an- tiquated and it is difficult to realize that but a comparatively few years have passed since the present-day improvements were introduced. Were it necessary now to have recourse to such a primitive process, not an Indian could be found to carry the bags, for the red men have disappeared from their once favorite haunts.
After twenty years in the commission busi- ness Mr. Pardee entered into insurance as a representative of the Firemen's Fund. He as- sisted in the organization of the Watsonville Gas Company and for years acted as its secre- tary. Shortly after settling in Watsonville he erected the residence at No. 22 East Fourth street, where he has since made his home. Be- sides his service as member of the legislature, to which he was elected in 1867 on the Repub- lican ticket, he has held office as city and school trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the local lodge. I. O. O. F., in which he is past grand, and is also a member of the Ancient Or- der of United Workmen, in which he has been financial secretary. Since the organization of the Presbyterian Church he has been one of its active workers and a trustee of the congrega- tion.
The first wife of Mr. Pardee was Faith Ris- don. who died in 1871 at the age of thirty-four. His second wife, Alice Snow, died at thirty-five years. Two children were born of the union : Alice Gertrude, who died at seven years ; and Charles J., who is associated as an accountant with Spreckels & Co. The present wife of Mr. Pardee bore the maiden name of Minnie Minerva Magill and they have two children, George M.
and Lamira T. The family stand high in Wat- sonville and have many friends among the most cultured people of the city.
HON. THOMAS RENISON.
Of Mr. Renison it may be said that he has not only recognized opportunities, but created them, and that while filling the positions of trust which the confidence of the people and his own ability have brought his way, he has not only main- tained former standards, but has raised condi- tions within reach of his superior ideas of justice and municipal purity. For many years active in the arena of politics, he has through the inevita- ble fretful strife and animosity preserved a poise and equilibrium consistent with a retention of principle, and has therefore inspired respect in the immediate wake of antagonism. As one of the most astute lawyers in Monterey county, and at present one of the firm of Renison & Feliz, he has handled some of the most impor- tant legal complications in Salinas and vicinity, and has won an extended patronage by reason of his wide understanding of law and adjustive ability. The present mayor of Salinas, Mr. Ren- ison has made his administration a worthy one, his election having occurred in 1900, for a term of two years.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Renison was born in 1850, and was educated in the common schools of his country, graduating from the Model school, which is equivalent to the Ameri- can high school. At the age of eighteen he im- migrated to the United States, arriving in San Francisco in 1868. After investigating the pros- pects in San Francisco and Oakland for a few months, he came to Salinas, and has since been an increasingly potent factor in the upbuilding of the town, ever returning after intervals of residence in other parts of the county. For a short time he lived in Gonzales, and while there embarked upon a journalistic venture, establish- ing the Gonzales Tribune, which he ran for two years, in connection with his law practice, hav- ing been admitted to the bar in 1881. Subse- quently he sold the paper and returned to Salinas, bringing with him Mrs. Renison, whom he married in Gonzales, and who is a native of
Mal Becher
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Canada and before her marriage Rebecca Kidd. On the Democratic ticket Mr. Renison was elected to the state legislature in 1887, and re- elected in 1889, and one of his chief accomplish- ments in the interests of the people was a reso- lution addressed to congress asking that United States senators be elected by the people. The resolution was introduced during his first term of office and met with defeat, but was carried during the second term. In 1880 he was police judge and justice of the peace, and while study- ing law was deputy district attorney under J. A. Wall. During all the campaigns he has never failed to stump the county, and for years was chairman of the county central committee. At the Fresno convention he was nominated one of the presidential electors for President Cleve- land, but resigned the honor in favor of Hon. William Graves of San Luis Obispo. Frater- nally Mr. Renison is associated with Salinas Lodge No. 204. F. & A. M .; Salinas Chapter No. 59, R. A. M .; Commandery No. 22, the Salinas Grove No. 101, United Ancient Order of Druids, of which he is past arch, and Salinas Lodge No. 614. B. P. O. E.
In 1896 Mr. Renison built one of the most pleasant homes of the city, and which is the scene of much gracious hospitality, geniality and good fellowship. To Mr. and Mrs. Renison have been born two daughters: Mabel, who is the wife of Walter Raley, of the firm of Raley, Chapman & Co., wholesale commission mer- chants; and Genevieve, who is living at home.
WILLIAM L. BEEBEE.
Whoever labors to secure the development of his country, striving to bring out its latent re- sources; who is devoted to the general welfare of the people; who seeks to promote the cause of justice and in the course of a long life ad- vances, directly or indirectly, our commercial, educational and agricultural growth, he it is who earns a place as a public benefactor and is entitled to mention in the pages of history. Such is the character and such the record of William L. Beebee, one of the earliest pioneers of Cali- fornia and one to whose determination, perse-
verance and energy not a little of the state's de- velopment may be attributed.
The story of the life of Mr. Beebee is one of interest, and, were he alive to narrate it, the scenes that he witnessed during his active ca- reer in California, the hardships that he endured and the obstacles that he surmounted, would make a large volume. His biography dates from November 21, 1829, when he was born in Os- wego, N. Y., in the home of William L. and Mary (Douglass) Beebee, natives of New York state. In 1834 the family removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where it was the father's intention to engage in the mercantile business, but about a year after his arrival he died of malaria. The widow, with her two sons and a daughter, re- turned to her father's home in Auburn, N. Y.
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