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 55
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In Missouri Mr. Hildebrant married Martha Story, a native of St. Louis, and daughter of Joseph Story, a native of Indiana. An adopted daughter, Nadine, claims the attention of Mrs. Hildebrant, who has no children of her own.
HON. JOHN K. ALEXANDER, LL. D.
The bench and bar of Central California have many able representatives, men who stand high in their profession because of deep study of the best authorities on law, and men who stand high on the bench by reason of their impartial judgment and their freedom from personal prejudice. Of these various attorneys and jurists none has a higher rank than Judge Alexander, of Monterey county. His record is that of a skilled lawyer and learned judge, and during his long service on the bench he gained the confi- dence of the people to an extent not often sur- passed. While filling the office of judge of the superior court, he devoted his entire attention to a faithful and wise discharge of his duties, and so successful was he in this respect that the highest praise was bestowed upon him by men whose experience and knowledge qualified them to rightly estimate his services.
The early years of Judge Alexander were passed in Brandon, Rankin county, Miss., where he was born in 1839. At the age of fifteen he accompanied his mother, brother and sister to California and joined his father, who had pre- ceded them five years. The latter attained the age of eighty-six years and died on Laurel ranch
near Menlo Park, Cal .; the mother is still liv- ing. After coming to this state he became a pupil in the Sacramento grammar school, but in 1857 left school and began to work in a gold mine in Calaveras county. The money thus carned represented his first efforts toward an independent livelihood. After a year he returned to Sacramento and entered the high school, from which he was graduated two years later. For one term he acted as vice-principal of the school, and at the same time gained his primary knowledge of the law by studying in the office of George R. Moore, later being with the firm of Harrison & Estee. From boyhood the law had been his ambition, and its successful prac- tice was the object of his early childish aspira- tions. However, he was not blind to the de- mands it made upon a man, but he realized seri- ously that he who would succeed in the profes- sion must bring to it a clear mind, indomitable determination and a good education. October 7, 1862, he was admitted to practice in the su- preme court of the state upon motion of Morris M. Estee, after an examination in open court. The following year he formed a partnership with his former preceptor, Mr. Moore, which continued until the latter's death. In alluding to this partnership, a gentleman acquainted with both has written: "Mr. Moore, who had watched with interest his partner's studious and pains- taking qualities, had perfect confidence in his competence and threw the burden of business upon him. This was of immense service to him. He came to owe much to Mr. Moore, whose ad- vice and prompting greatly aided and stimulated his labors while he studied and was also of great advantage to him at the bar."
A partnership of two years with Hon. John W. Armstrong, which had been formed soon after Mr. Moore's death, was terminated in 1870 by the election of Judge Alexander to the office of district attorney. On the expiration of his term, he allowed himself the first vacation of his active life, and returned to the home of his childhood, where he renewed the associations of the past. On his return he entered into partner- ship with Hon. A. C. Freeman, the eminent law yer, writer and compiler, and this continued until. by reason of ill health, Judge Alexander
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was obliged to seek a more genial climate. This inspired his removal to Salinas in 1874, and here he has since made his home, engaging in the practice of law, except during the period of his judicial service. In 1879 he was induced to become a candidate for the office of superior judge, having been nominated by the Demo- cratic county convention, and in addition thereto he was urged to accept the nomination by one hundred of the best citizens of the county, irre- spective of political ties. His ideal of a judge was the highest. In his reply to the request of the one hundred citizens he said: "To assume the judicial ermine and wear it worthily re- quires the abandonment of all party bias and per- sonal prejudice. a possession of educational qualifications, clean hands and a pure heart." In this concise summary he gave the attributes of the ideal jurist, and when he was elected it was liis highest ambition to reach this ideal. That he met the approbation of the people was proved by his re-election in 1884, on the Democratic ticket, although the county and state both were Republican.
Although quiet and modest, with unassum- ing manner, Judge Alexander possesses a depth of knowledge and a clearness of judgment that has always made him recognized as a power by liis associates. As a judge he was careful and methodical, yet a man of dispatch. Few of his decisions were reversed, although many appeals were taken to higher courts. His charge to the jury in the murder trial of the People vs. Iams, which is given in full in the California reports, is considered a very able legal paper and was highly complimented by the supreme court, in affirming his decision. His charge to the jury in the case of E. T. Simmons vs. Pacific Improve- ment Company, for $100,000 damages, is consid- ered one of the ablest statements of law on the subject of Probable Cause that ever emanated from an American jurist, and is a masterpiece of logic and clear, concise English. After the separation of San Benito from Monterey county, he was appointed a member of the committee to adjudicate the indebtedness of the counties, a position requiring the wisest judgment and greatest tact. In July, 1888, the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by the Los An-
geles University. He is a member of the San Francisco Bar Association. Fraternally he is past master of Salinas Lodge No. 204. F. & A. M., and past high priest of Salinas Chapter No. 59, R. A. M. August 2, 1865. he married Miss Sallie B. Carothers, of Petaluma, and they have two sons and one daughter. Personally he is dignified and somewhat reserved, yet those who know him best find him a genial comrade and entertaining companion, with a fund of quiet humor as well as a store of diversified knowl- edge accumulated during his active and event- ful life.
DR. S. HELGESEN.
While ranking among the foremost of the women who are devoted to the amelioration of human suffering on the coast, Dr. Helgesen represents also the cultured and resourceful of the daughters of Norway, in which country she was born June 20. 1865. The best blood handed down from the maritime Norsemen flows through the veins of those who bear the name of Helgesen, and their representatives have been invariably people of intellectual attainments and more than ordinary talent. Helga Helgesen. the father of the doctor, was a general merchant in Norway, and he also owned several farms, which he improved with profit to himself and credit to the community in which he lived. He was a great temperance worker, and spent a great deal of time and money in promoting the cause he deemed just. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and lived to be eighty years of age. The paternal grandfather, Hlawer Kack- ver, was born in Norway, and like his son was a farmer and public spirited man. Phernella (Johnson) Helgesen, the mother of Dr. Helge- sen, was the daughter of Berrier Jolinson, who was known as a prominent Norwegian politi- cian, and who lived to be nearly eighty years old. She was the mother of two daughters and two sons, of whom the doctor is second young- cst.
When two years of age Dr. Helgesen was deprived of the care of her mother by death, and her early training fell into other hands. As a child she was studious and industrious, as best
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illustrated by the fact that at the age of four- teen she had graduated from the public schools, her education having been aided by the instruc- tion of a private tutor. Nevertheless she con- tinned to study after her school days were ended, and it has been her habit to add to her general information whenever opportunity offered. In her native country she graduated as a nurse and dentist, after which she studied for a couple of years in Germany, before engag- ing in practice. Equipped with diplomas and various marks of appreciation from her father- land she came to America in 1887, and after studying for a time in New York City settled in Minneapolis, Minn., where she studied and practiced for five years, graduating from the Hamlin University of Minneapolis, April 4. 1892. For the following two years she prac- ticed as a medical missionary in Hong Kong, and the interior of China, having journeyed to the Orient via Norway, and stopped at various representative European cities en route.
Owing to the injurious effects of the Chinese climate on her health, Dr. Helgesen came to California in 1896, settling in Templeton, as a possibly desirable field for professional practice. The wisdom of her choice has been repeatedly demonstrated, and while it is true that she has no competition, it is evident that in any city or any clime this gifted and large hearted disciple of Esculapins would make herself a necessary adjunct to the community. As evidence of her success she is the possessor of considerable city property besides her own residence. As an ad- vocate of the rights of women and of temper- ance, she wields an influence for all-around development, and she is associated with the Fraternal Brotherhood as member and exami- ner, as well as with the Humane Society. Dr. Helgesen has a large place in her heart for the dumb members of creation, and hundreds of in- teresting wild birds come to her home for the food and drink that she thoughtfully provides. Among her most constant and valued compan- ions are a dog of unusual intelligence and devo- tion, and a feathered songster of the canary species with a wonderful gift for song. The doctor has many friends and appreciators in her adopted town, and she has won a position com-
menstirate with her fine and womanly traits, her crudite command of her profession, and that breadth of mind which dictates an interest in all that is worthy and developing.
JOHN A. HERSOM.
The present home of Mr. Hersom, in the Jolon valley, Monterey county, is far removed from the place of his birth and the scene of his boyhood experiences. He was born in Maine, near the city of Waterville, January 7, 1837, and grew to manhood on a farm. As a youth he often heard stories of the mining discoveries in California, and the rumors that came to hini from the distant west were enticing to his am- bitious hopes. His first trip to California was made in 1861, when he came via steamer and the isthmus. Like the majority of newcomers of those days, he turned his attention to mining. A number of claims were discovered and devel- oped by him, and in general he met with fair success. Much of the time he worked near Co- lumbia, Tuolumne county, but he was also for a time at Aurora, Nev., being there when that camp was first settled.
On his return to the east in 1865 Mr. Hersom took up agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he mar- ried Ellen Moore, by whom he has three chil- dren, John R., Lottie H. and Charles C. Though fairly prosperous in Maine, he was not satisfied. The charm of California clung to him and impelled him, finally, to dispose of his east- ern property and bring his family to the Pacific coast. In 1877 he brought them to Salinas and purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, whereon he lived for three years. From there he removed to the Jolon valley and set- tied on a tract of unimproved property. but shortly afterward moved to the place near Jolon where he now lives. With his sons, he now owns about one thousand acres, of which three hundred acres have been cleared. General farm ing pursuits are conducted by the father and sons, who also successfully engage in raising cattle and hogs. In politics all are supporters of the Democratic party, and give their ballot to the men and measures for which the party stands. As energetic, progressive and pushing
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agriculturists, they occupy a high position among the people of the valley, and are es- teemed wherever known.
ANGUS M. HARDIE.
Born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1839, Mr. Hardie was ten years of age when he came to America with his parents. Thomas and Ellen (McPherson) Hardie. Until 1856 he remained near Galena, Ill., but at that time he came to California via the Panama route and proceeded from San Francisco to Grizzly Flats. Eldorado county, where he engaged in mining. At the time of the Frazer river excitement, he joined miners in that locality, but soon returned to California. Again in 1859 he went to the Frazer river region, and not only carried on mining, but also had a mercantile store there. During the winter of 1860-61 he went with a party into British Columbia, and was one of the discov- erers of the Caribou mines, where he remained until 1866, meantime making a trip to Central America and back to his native land. In the fall of 1866 he went back to Eldorado county, Cal., and resumed work in the mines.
The residence of Mr. Hardie in San Luis Obispo county dates from September, 1867, when he came to Cayucos and purchased a squatter's claim on Cayncos creek. On that tract he began the life of a farmer and stock- raiser and later acquired dairy interests, which became extensive and important. He made his home on that ranch until 1887, when he bought the property in Cayucos where he now resides. At one time he was superintendent of the Lock- hart quicksilver mine, also the Libertal and the Oceanview on Pine mountain. In the midst of all his other work he has continued his inter- est in politics and has been active in the Repub- lican party. Several times he has served as a member of the county central committee, and he has frequently been a delegate to state and county conventions. From 1860 to 1871 he served as a county supervisor. In 1874 he was his party's candidate for county treasurer. In 1879 he was elected county assessor, and filled that position for two terms, or seven years. Af- ter his appointment as road master at Cayucos,
in August, 1872, he was instrumental in securing better roads for the locality, and thereby proved of great benefit to his town. For sixteen years he served as a trustee of the Cayucos school dis- trict. For the past five years he has been post- master at Cayucos, being the present incumbent of the office.
The marriage of Mr. Hardie, in 1866, united him with Agnes Innis, who was born near his native locality in Scotland. They became the parents of seven children, namely: Frank W .; Maggie, wife of W. S. Lewis, of Paso Robles; Angus K .; Bruce, deceased; John L .; DeRoy, and Nellie R. In the establishing of the oldest Masonic lodge in San Luis Obispo county, which is San Simeon Lodge No. 176, Mr. Har- die bore an active part, and he has since been connected with the same, besides holding mem- bership in San Luis Chapter No. 52, R. A. M., and San Luis Commandery No. 27, K. T. He is past master of the blue lodge. Both churches and schools have received the benefit of his sym- pathy and influence. He was one of the original promoters of the San Luis Obispo County Fair Association and did much to advance the wel- fare of the same. The credit of having exhib- ited the first collection of products from this county in San Diego belongs to him and J. F. Beckett, who took a fine exhibit there in 1885 and for two weeks showed visitors and the resi- dents of the city the high quality of the products of San Luis Obispo county. During the mid- winter fair in San Francisco, he had charge of the exhibit from this county and served as county commissioner. He is known as one of the prominent pioneers of his county, and, while he has never gained wealth for himself, he has accumulated a competency and has gained that which is better, a high place in the regard of his fellowmen.
RICHARD HOLOHAN.
Besides an honored name and the example of an upright, well directed life, Richard Holo- han left a legacy to those nearest him of a farm of one hundred and twelve acres in the Pajaro valley, one of the garden spots of California. This well known early settler was born and
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reared in Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in 1869, locating in Watsonville. Shortly after he purchased the farm bearing his name two and a half miles from Watsonville, upon which he lived and prospered until the time of his death in 1884. He married Catherine Lynch, also a native of Ireland, and who died in Cali- fornia in 1884, leaving five children: James B., Alice C., George W., Oscar J., and Stewart P.
The farm upon which Mr. Holohan lived for so many years is now owned by his sons, all of whom are capable managers, and maintain and even elevate the standard established by their father. They are engaged in general farm- ing, and are obliged to employ a number of men to aid in the work around the ranch. About one hundred acres are set out in orchard, principally apple trees, and twenty acres are de- voted to the cultivation of strawberries. The brothers Holohan produce about the finest fruit to be found in the valley, and as practical hor- ticulturists they have no superiors in this part of the state.
JOHN HUNTER.
As the owner and occupant of a ranch two miles southeast of Salinas, Monterey county, Mr. Hunter is a prominent figure in the locality known as Confederate Corners, and is here en- gaged in general ranching pursuits and in the raising of poultry. Much of his life has been passed in California, as he was only ten years of age when his father brought the family across the plains to seek a new home amid the then crude and unpromising conditions of the far west. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, De- cember 1, 1848. and was one of six children, three of whom, Mary, Libbic and Josepli, re- main on the old family homestead, while William occupies a ranch adjoining the home property. Another son, George, died at the age of twenty- seven years.
The father of John Hunter was George Hun- ter. a native of Scotland, who crossed the ocean to America at sixteen years of age, and for some years made his home in Iowa. When gold was discovered in California he was one of the thou- sands who sought this Eldorado in search of
gold. During 1850 he came for the first time to the west, but made only a short stay at the time. Returning to lowa, he resumed the ordi- nary pursuits of life, and nothing occurred for a few years to break the even tenor of his life. However, his mind dwelt often on the west, and in 1858, having disposed of his property in Iowa, he started with his family across the plains. On arriving in California he settled in Vallejo, where he spent the ten ensuing years. The year 1868 found him in Monterey county, where he settled on a ranch near the then mere hamlet of Salinas. The balance of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and through his indus- try he accumulated a comfortable competence. At the time of his death in 1898 he was seventy- three years of age. During the early period of liis life he was an active worker in the Presby- terian Church, in which faith he was reared in his Scotch home. He did not take any part in politics and never desired office for himself, but was always willing to aid any of his friends seeking official positions. While living in Iowa he married Rachel A. Scott, who was born in Kentucky and was a lady of excellent family and fine education, in whose companionship and co-operation his life was singularly blessed. Her death occurred when she was seventy-four years of age.
One of the most vivid recollections of John Hunter's childhood is that of the long trip to California and the settlement on the lonely ranch, far removed from congenial associates. His boyhood was one of constant work. His advantages in an educational way were meager. but being a man of observation and partiality for reading he has overcome the lack of thor- ough schooling. As a boy he toiled carly and late. assisting his father in the development of the farm and in the converting of the raw land into a desirable homestead; and his present home is only a short distance from the place where the years of his youth were passed. Bv his marriage to Mary Odell of Cedar county. Iowa, he has two daughters. Edna and Beulah Like his father, he has never cared for positions of local prominence, his tastes being domestic and retiring, but he has consented several times to represent the Democratic party as a delegate
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to various locat conventions and has always been interested in the workings of his party. Frater- nally he is associated with the local lodge of ()dd Fellows. In addition to general ranching he has made a specialty of poultry raising, which branch of farming he finds profitable and pleasant, gaining from it a desirable addition to his annual income. As a farmer he is ener- getic, capable and progressive, and is therefore deserving of the gratifying degree of success which has rewarded his efforts.
M. HUGHES.
The title of pioneer is justly merited by Mr. Hughes, for he came to Salinas when the town was but a few months old and has ever since been identified with its business interests. The lives of the early settlers of Monterey county were one unbroken record of hardships and pri- vations, but those who have survived to the present day, find in the comforts of the present. ample compensation for the deprivations of the past. Among them none has taken a deeper interest than Mr. Hughes in the development of local resources and the promotion of individ- ual prosperity. While working to secure a com- petence for himself, he has at the same time endeavored to advance the general well-being, and his interest is that of a public-spirited and loyal citizen.
From Ireland, where he was born in 1836, Mr. Hughes accompanied his parents to Penn- sylvania when he was nine years of age, and later he removed with them to Beloit, Wis. In the latter city his education was completed in the common schools and his apprenticeship to the trade of harness-maker and saddler was served. When ready to start out in the world for himself, his aspirations turned westward, where he believed opportunities were greater than in his home neighborhood. . In 1862 he journeyed by team over the plains to California, taking six months for the trip. Arriving in Placerville. he remained there a short time, butt in 1863 moved to Monterey, which at that time was the county-seat of Monterey county. Open- ing a shop, he began work at his trade. How- ever, when Salinas was started he decided it
might prove a better location for business pur- poses, and in 1868 he came to the new town. His harness shop was the second business house built in Salinas and occupied the present site of the store of Ford & Sanborn. Of the development of Salinas from its earliest stages he has been an interested witness, and no one takes greater pride than does he in its excellent public schools, its substantial business houses, its efficient newspapers, its modern improve -. ments, including water-works, gas and electric light plants, and its comfortable homes.
The marriage of Mr. Hughes took place in Monterey in 1864 and united him with Mar- garet McDougall, sister of J. H. McDougall, who is president of the Salinas Bank. They are the parents of ten children living, namely: Thomas D., Annie, James M., Maggie, Mary, John A., Ellen, William, Andrew and Ralph. For the past thirty-three years Mr. Hughes has been associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has no other fraternal con- nections. Ever since becoming a voter he has championed the principles of the Republican party, and given his allegiance to its measures and men. As a member of the city council, he favored plans for the building up of his home city and proved himself a progressive citizen; while his service on the school board was char- acterized by a desire to advance the standard of education and increase the advantages which are offered to the boys and girls of Salinas. In 1902 he was elected supervisor of district No. 2 for a term of four years.
MARK A. HUDSON.
There are few men in Monterey or the sur- rounding counties who have a more extensive acquaintance than has Mark A. Hudson, one of the very large land owners and employers of labor in the Pajaro valley. and agent for the Pacific Steamship Company at Watsonville. . 1 native of Jefferson county, Iowa, Mr. Hudson was born April 30, 1845, and is of English de- scent and parentage. His father. Mark, and his grandparents. John and Emma Hudson, were born in England, and came to the United States in 1816. They settled in Utica, N. Y., and in
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