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 52
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of note that he is the fifth in direct line bearing the name of Timothy. He learned the hatter's trade under his father and some years later he and a younger brother took up the hat business, which enabled them to support themselves and aid in maintaining the large family. However, in 1850, when a tariff was placed on fur and silk, the business could no longer be conducted profitably, and was then discontinued.
At that time California was the Eldorado of many a dream on the part of energetic young men in the east. Mr. Cowles sought his father's advice on the subject, and when advised to go he at once proceeded to New York, took pas- sage on a vessel for Nicaragua, and landed at San Francisco Thanksgiving Day, 1851, and the next day proceeded to Yuba. That place wit- ressed his first efforts as a miner, but after five months he proceeded to Placerville and in the fall of 1852 became a miner in a notorious min- ing camp that was called Maquelumne Hill. The first sight he witnessed there was a crowd of wo- men fighting in the streets. There were no churches or orders there at the time, but it was his privilege to assist in the building of the Congregational Church there, and he was elected deacon of the congregation. Strange as it may seem, a large congregation attended the services and the movement proved of the greatest benefit to the morals of the camp. A Masonic lodge had been started there and in 1856 he was initiated into Masonry there, following the example of his father, who had been made a Mason in 1824. While at the camp he officiated both as junior and senior warden of the lodge and was recognized as one of its ablest workers. Besides mining he worked in sawmills and took contracts for cutting large tracts of timber for the mills. In 1854 he re- moved to Calavares, where he combined mining with vegetable gardening. October 3, 1866, he settled in Antioch, where he took up one hun- dred and sixty acres, but this claim he subse- quently lost.
Going to San Francisco Mr. Cowles happened to meet Rev. Mr. Starr, from whom he learned that a large dairy ranch was about to be estab- lished near San Juan. Ile went there and in July, 1868, secured the position of manager of
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the San Justo dairy, owned by Flint, Bixby & Co. At first the dairy had only eighteen cows, lint under his supervision it was increased to two hundred and fifty cows, and so popular were the products that butter bearing the brand of the San Justo dairy was sold for $1.10 a roli. In the fall of 1877 he came to the Pajaro valley and purchased ninety-seven acres, comprising what is known as Ward's ranch. In addition he rented pasture land for his stock, which included one hundred and fifty head of hogs. For ten years he followed general farming and stock raising, meantime also setting out three hundred apple trees, erecting a neat house and other buildings, and finally, in 1887, selling the prop- erty for almost double what he had paid for it. He then bought a home in Watsonville, where he has since resided. In 1848 he married Cyn- thia, daughter of James and Jeane (McPhee) Shaw, natives of Edinburgh, Scotland. She died February 19, 1884, leaving three children, namely: Horace H., who resides on a ranch; Hortense C., who is the widow of A. S. Weston; and Caroline M., who presides over her father's home and ministers to the comfort and happi- ness of his declining years. Although past eighty-eight years old, Mr. Cowles is hale and active, and spends his time in wood carving. having turned out some fine cabinets and doing considerable work in this line.
R. G. FLINT.
In disposing of the western opportunities which have come his way, R. G. Flint, one of the substantial citizens of San Miguel, has dis- played characteristic enterprise. He was born in London, Ontario, Canada, February 27, 1862, and was reared and educated in his northern home. His father, Pirney, one of the pioneers to whom the present western prosperity is due, came from his native home in England when a boy, accompanied by his parents. He was one of the earlier enthusiasts to appreciate the min- ing possibilities on the coast, and after crossing the plains with ox-teams and wagons in 1848. was more successful than the average in wrest- ing from the hidden stores of the earth a liveli-
hood and even competence. He located in Sac- ramento county and filed on land which was never proved up, and where he was naturalized as an American citizen. Eventually he worked at his trade, that of stone mason, but in later years removed from San Francisco to his old home in Canada, where he raised fruit on his farm and where he died at the age of sixty- seven years. His wife, Ann (Elson) Flint was born in Canada, and was the mother of two sons and six daughters, of whom R. G. was the second.
At the age of twenty-one years R. G. Flint located on the Nacinimento ranch, which was a large one, and represented a large responsibil- ity. At first a farm hand, he rapidly arose in the confidence of the management, and after serving as foreman, creditably maintained the position of manager. Thus he remained with the ranch for thirteen years, acquiring in the meantime a wide knowledge of ranching affairs in the west. In 1895 he engaged in the butcher business in San Miguel, and after a time was able to buy out the people who owned the business, and con- duct it himself on a larger scale. At the pres- ent time he owns, but leases, the shop and slaughter yard. For a time he engaged in an extensive ranching business, owning six hun- dred and sixty acres of land on the Nacinimento river, which has since been disposed of. At the present time he is engaged in loaning money, and in looking after his many interests in the town and county.
The pleasant and commodious residence erected by Mr. Flint is occupied by his wife and child, the former of whom is Anna, daughter of George Davis, one of the California '49ers. Mr. Davis crossed the plains with ox-teams, and was fortunate in securing employment with the Hud- son Bay Company, with whom he remained for several years. He lived for a time in Oregon, and for some years in Santa Cruz, but of late years has made his home in San Miguel. One child, Ethel, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Flint. Mr. Flint is interested to some extent in quick silver mining. He is a Republican in rational politics, and was made a citizen of the United States in 1886. With his wife he is a member of the Episcopal Church.
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DENNIS FILIPPONI.
From his native country, Switzerland, Mr. Filipponi crossed the ocean to America in 1869 and at New York took passage on a ship bound for the Isthmus of Panama, thence proceeded to San Francisco, where he arrived on the 25th of March. His first months in California were spent at San José, after which he procured work in a sawmill in Sonoma county and later, for several years, was employed as a dairyman in Marin county. During 1873 he came to San Luis Obispo county and rented a dairy at Morro, which he conducted for thirteen years. In the meantime he invested huis savings in his present ranch, consisting of six hundred and sixty-three acres, and forming a part of the old grant known as Los Osos rancho. This prop- erty has been his home since August, 1889. On taking possession of the ranch, one of his first improvements was the building of fences to inclose the tract. Other improvements were made from time to time, as the owner's means permitted. Being familiar with the dairy busi- ness and knowing it to be a profitable industry, under favorable circumstances, he decided to turn his attention to it, and accordingly put up the necessary buildings. From sixty to seventy- five cows were milked and the dairy averaged 75 pounds of butter per day. Unfortunately, the dry season of 1898 proved ruinous to the busi- ness, and it became necessary for him to reduce by one-half the number of his cows. He then turned his attention to general farming, and to the raising of lima beans and barley. Of both cattle and horses he kept a good grade, and indeed the ranch is one of the best conducted in the neighborhood. In 1901 he added to' his estate two hundred and thirty-two acres, join- ing his first purchase on the southeast.
As a Republican Mr. Filipponi takes an active part in local matters and is a member of the county central committee for San Luis Obispo county. For six years he served as a director of the Los Osos school, and during that time assisted in organizing the school library. Frater- nally he is a member of King David Lodge No. 162, F. & A. M .; San Luis Obispo Chapter No. 62, R. A. M .; and San Luis Commandery
No. 27, K. T., and is interested in everything pertaining to Masonry. While living in North- ern California he was for several years a director in the Dairyman's Union of San Francisco, and was a charter member of the same. At the same time he was a stockholder in the Bank of Swit- zerland at San Francisco. Included in his pos- sessions are other lands besides his ranch in San Luis Obispo county. Indeed, his present prosperity proves that he merits commendation, for he came from his native land wholly without means and with the added disadvantage of not understanding American customs and people. His children, of whom there are eight, were born in San Luis Obispo county and are being prepared, by careful home training, for positions of usefulness in the world.
OTTO STOESSER.
From the time of settling at Watsonville, in April, 1853, until his death, which occurred May 18, 1902, Mr. Stoesser was one of the most influential business men and citizens of the place. Emphatically a man of work, he was never idle. but continued to be one of the most enterprising and active men of the Pajaro valley. No enter- prise of merit was projected that failed to re- ceive his substantial encouragement; and every plan for the promotion of the public welfare had the benefit of his keen judgment and wise co- operation. A man of broad and charitable views, he aided every movement for the advancement of education, morality or the well-being of the community. During the many years of his con- nection with the mercantile interests of Watson- ville he conducted liis affairs so wisely and ener- getically that at the time of his death he was the largest taxpayer in the city. This good for- tune did not come to him by luck or chance, but was the result of legitimate business investment and careful management.
A glimpse over the life-record of Mr. Stoesser shows that he was born in Gaggennau, near Baden-Baden, in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, November 18, 1825, and was a son of Dominick Stoesser. Seeking a home in the new world, he landed in New York June 25, 1846, and from there went to Norfolk, Va.,
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where he worked for one and one-half years. From that time until 1850 he visited a number of places along the Atlantic seaboard, and worked for a short time successively in Wil- mington, N. C., Columbia and Danville, Pa. His last employer in the east was John Hagan, at No. 308 Market street, Philadelphia. Re- signing that position February 22, 1850, he started for California, and on the 27th embarked on the Zenobia for San Francisco. The voyage around the Horn was tedious, varied only by a few stops, including four days at Valparaiso. August 13 he landed in San Francisco, where he found work with M. L. Wynn, manufacturer of Wynn's golden syrup. While there he witnessed the celebration incident to the admission of Cal- ifornia into the Union. Next he went to Burns' Diggins, near Agua Fria, where he had little luck at mining. December 25 found him again in San Francisco, with only $4.85. The first employment he was able to secure was that of cabin boy (or flunkey, as they were then called) on board the steamer Columbia, bound for Pan- ama, to which point he went, returning on the same vessel in March, 1851. Again he tried mining on the Feather river and later at Rich Bar mines, but the work proved a failure and he was discouraged from all further attempts. On his return to San Francisco he started to work as a cabin boy, but seeing a sign in a res- taurant window, "Wanted, a dish-washer," he went into the restaurant, secured the work and stayed there ten days. He was then made sec- ond pastry baker in a restaurant on Kearny street, but twenty-four days after he went there the restaurant was burned. Soon he found sin- ilar employment, and in time received large pay. March 2, 1853, he was induced by Dr. Vandeburgh to go to Santa Cruz and engage in merchandising, so brought a stock of goods via the steamer Major Tompkins and opened a store on Front street, near the old Santa Cruz house.
At the end of a month Mr. Stoesser packed his goods in three wagons and started for Watson- ville, where he arrived April 10, 1853. On a lot adjoining the present store he opened up head- quarters and three months later bought out his partner, Dr. Vandeburgh. Later he built a
house next his store, but this he moved to Rod- riguez street, and in 1873 built the present double store, two stories high, which he con- ducted until his death. He was a stockholder in the Pajaro Valley Bank and owned a large farm near town, also valuable city property, includ- ing his elegant residence on the corner of Third and Rodriguez streets. For thirty years he was treasurer of Watsonville, holding the office by successive re-elections until he finally declined to serve longer. He was never a candidate for any other position, preferring to devote himself to business matters; but, had he expressed a willingness to serve in any position, it would have been his, such was his popularity among the people of the valley. The only organization to which he belonged was the Santa Cruz County Pioneers, of which he served as vice- president for some years. He assisted in organ- izing the first fire department in Watsonville and maintained his interest in the department through all his life.
Though passed from the scene of his labors, Mr. Stoesser is not forgotten, and his influence will not cease as long as there are public-spir- ited men who remember with gratitude the en- terprising efforts of this pioncer. Having won his daily bread by the most strenuous exertions in early days, he always felt a keen sympathy with the working people, and was exceedingly considerate of his own employes. It was said that a position with him always meant "for life or during good behavior." From boyhood until death he bore an unsullied reputation, as an hon- est, liberal-minded and conscientious man. His illness was of bricf duration, lasting only during two weeks, at the end of which he passed away like a peaceful dropping into sleep. In his last days he could look back over the past without remorse, and forward into the future without fear, with the profound comfort of a life well spent, and the unwavering consolation of having done his full duty on every occasion where time with its changes has called him.
In 1861 Mr. Stoesser married Elizabeth J. Doran, daughter of Edward and Julia (O'Far- rell) Doran. They became the parents of two children, Julia M. and Otto D. The son was born in Watsonville in 1868 and married Kath-
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crine, daughter of Capt. Thomas Lemman, of San Francisco. Since the death of his father he has had charge of the estate and conducts the business, giving promise by his keen business acumen and wise judgment of equaling his father in financial success. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, from which Mr. Stoesser was conveyed to his last resting place in Valley cemetery, the body being followed by one of the longest processions known in the history of Pajaro valley.
THOMAS J. FIELD.
The vice-president of the Bank of Monterey is one of the men of whom his adopted city is justly proud. On the paternal farm near New Frankfort, Scott county, Ind., where he was born June 3, 1848, he acquired that independence and appreciation of outside opportunities usu- ally engendered while rising early in the morn- ing, working hard from dawn to sunset, and getting an education which, because of its in- termittent nature, becomes a prized privilege rather than a stern duty. His father, Moses, was born in Ohio, and lived in both Kentucky and Indiana, in which latter state he is still living in Bloomington, at the age of eighty- three years.
At the age of eighteen Mr. Field left the home surroundings and went to railroading in Ken- tucky, continuing the same occupation after re- moving to California January 2, 1875. For eight years he was associated with the Southern Pa- cific Railroad, his headquarters during that time being in San Francisco. His services became of value to the company, and he was promoted to the more responsible position of right of way agent, his duties in this capacity covering a period of five or six years. He then became identified with the Pacific Improvement Com- pany as general man, and in 1892 was one of the incorporators of the Bank of Monterey, of which he has since been vice-president and general manager. His business interests are by no means limited to the bank, but extend to vari- ous important enterprises, among them being the Del Monte, Monterey & Pacific Grove Street Railway Company, of which he is presi-
dent and manager. Included in his possessions is considerable valuable real estate in Monterey and San Francisco. He is president and one of the incorporators of the Oak Creek Land & Water Company, of Kern county, Cal., which company owns seven thousand acres of land. In addition he has large mining interests in El Dorado and Calaveras counties, and man- ages a large group of prospects and mines.
Through his marriage witlı Catalina Dan- glada, in 1882, Mr. Field became allied with a prominent old Spanish family of Monterey county, owning large ranches in this part of the state of which Mr. Field has charge. Mrs. Field in her own right is a large landed proprietor, and her husband has shown great sagacity in the management of her estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Field have been born two children: Antoinette, a student at Notre Dame College; and Stephen J., a student at St. Mary's College. Mr. Field is a Republican in political affiliation, and he has been active in local affairs, although he is naturally averse to official recognition. For eighteen years he has been supervisor of the county, and at the expiration of his present term will have served five terms in all (twenty years). Once a member of the board, his services were so satisfactory that he was petitioned by both parties to continue in the office. A part of the time he has been chairman of the board, and during his administration numerous improve- ments were instituted of more than passing in- terest and importance.
Mr. Field is one of the most prominent men in Monterey, and his efforts have been directed towards things lasting and permanently bene- ficial to the community.
FRANK W. FREEMAN.
Not long after the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia William D. Freeman determined to seek a home for himself and family in the far west. He was of eastern descent and was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1827. At the time he started on the long journey, in 1854, he was twenty-seven years of age. Accompanying him was his wife, Mary Freeman (nce Halstead), a native of Canada. While they were en route to
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the coast and were passing through Polk county, Iowa, a son was born to them, whom they named Frank W. The latter was therefore an infant when brought to California and remem- bers no other home than this state. He was one of twelve children who attained maturity. ten of whom are still living, all in California.
In 1878 Mr. Freeman came to San Luis Obispo county, where he has since made his home. His first location was on Toro creek, but in the fall of 1881 he bought his present ranch of one hundred and sixty-three acres on Morro creek. Since that time he has devoted himself to general farming and dairying and bas become the owner of a herd of forty cows of the best Jersey breeds. The butter manufac- tured in his dairy is shipped to various points in California, and by its excellent quality com- mands a fair price and meets a ready sale. The progressive spirit possessed by Mr. Freeman is shown in the improvements which he has in- troduced. He was the first to establish a pri- vate water plant on Morro creek. The system which he has developed furnished, by means of piping thirty-one hundred feet long, an abun- dance of water for stock and dairy purposes, and for running the cream separator. Another fact which shows Mr. Freeman's progressive spirit is his desire to own the best farm machinery. For many years he had the only threshing ma- chine in the northern part of the country, and he now owns one of the finest makes of steam threshers, which threshes from sixty-five to seventy-five thousand sacks of grain per year. Cattle, hogs and horses are to be seen on the ranch. The property has been placed under fence, and has also been subdivided into fields by means of cross-fencing. In addition to all of his other enterprises, he is engaged in the rais- ing of poultry, his specialty being White Leg- horns. Here, as in other industries, he uses the best and latest methods, and is assisted greatly by the adoption of the incubator system. At this writing he has about twenty-five hundred chickens, some of which are prepared for the markets, while others are retained in order to furnish the needed supply of eggs for domestic uise and for sale.
While Mr. Freeman is a Republican in na-
tional politics, he maintains an independent at- titude in local matters, voting for the man rather than the party. For years he served as a mem- ber of the Excelsior school board. He was a charter member of the San Luis Obispo Indus- trial Union, in which he is now a stockholder. For the past twenty years he has been connected with the Odd Fellows. During his residence in Marin county he was past noble grand of his lodge. Among the local projects which owe much to his forethought and generous aid may be mentioned the Presbyterian Church at Morro. Indeed, churches and schools always are sure of his sympathy and influence, for he believes them to be the bulwarks of our nation and the foundation stones upon which our country's greatness is being built. Besides his ranch on Morro creek, he owns one hundred and sixty- three acres near Santa Maria, Santa Barbara county, upon which he has placed various im- provements, including the sinking of a well one hundred and sixty feet deep, giving an endless supply of water.
November 25, 1878, Mr. Freeman married Miss Elmira Blake, who was born in Minne- sota, a daughter of Augustus Blake, and settled in Marin county, Cal., in 1873. Four children were born of this union, namely: Mary E., Daisy M., William Franklin and Frederick. His elder daughter is a student in the California State Normal at San José, where she is prepar- ing for the teacher's profession.
SAMUEL GUTHRIE.
A man who has traveled much and observed closely the habits and customs of different na- tionalities naturally acquires the liberal spirit of a cosmopolitan, and this is one of the leading characteristics of Mr. Guthrie. As a representa- tive of the mercantile interests of San Luis Obispo county he has a circle of acquaintances that is not limited to his own county, but ex- tends through the central coast region. His residence in California dates from 1871, while since 1873 he has made his home in Cambria, and is now a member of the mercantile house of Lull, Guthrie & Co.
Scotland is Mr. Guthrie's native country, and
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his birth occurred in 1840. At the age of four- teen years he went to Australia, where for seven- teen years he was engaged in mercantile business in Melbourne. In that remote and enterpris- ing city he made many friends. However, he was not wholly satisfied to make it his per- manent home, believing that the United States offered greater opportunities in many respects than his island home. Accordingly in 1871 he shipped from Melbourne to San Francisco, and since that year has been a resident of California, whose climate and people are so much to his liking that he has no intention of ever seeking a home elsewhere. During 1875 he was employed by Grant, Lull & Co., as.a general bookkeeper, which position he filled so efficiently that two years later he was promoted to be manager and in 1883 became a partner in the firm. The part- nership was dissolved in 1887, and during the next two years he was employed in a wholesale dry-goods house in San Francisco, but returned to Cambria in 1889, at which time the organiza- tion was effected of the present firm of Lull, Guthrie & Co. During the years that have since intervened Mr. Guthrie has given his personal attention to the management of the business, and the success which has rewarded his efforts proves that he possesses genuine talent in mer- cantile enterprises. The store is the largest in Cambria and has in stock a general line of mer- chandise, valued at between $15.000 and $20,000. In addition to the ownership of the store, the firm has for years owned large tracts of land in San Luis Obispo county, where they raise stock for the markets.
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