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 63
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tory. Instead of reaping the large success he had sanguinely expected, he was unsuccessful and lost his all in the venture. The experience was so discouraging that he has not since iden- tified himself with the business, but since 1881 has made his home on a ranch in the Jolon val- ley. Although now seventy-four years of age, he is energetic, capable and resourceful, and ac- complishes much more than many men of his age. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, and has always remained true to the religion of his forefathers.
The earliest recollections of Frederick E. We- ferling cluster about California, where he was brought by his parents in infancy. His educa- tion was secured in common schools and is of a practical nature, qualifying him for the respon- sible duties of the workaday world. In 1888 he married Myrtle Edwards, by whom he has a son, Frederick E., Jr. He owns one hundred and sixty acres near Lockwood, besides which he is now taking charge of his father's farm. Though not a partisan, he has independent and pro- nounced views on all questions pertaining to the public welfare, and endeavors to discharge every duty owed to his county, state and coun- try. For three years he has acceptably filled the position of clerk of the board of trustees, and meantime has been an influential factor in the workings of this body.
STEPHEN T. FOSTER.
The family represented by Stephen T. Foster of Monterey county was established in Califor- nia during the pioneer days and has since been lionorably associated with important interests, chiefly agricultural. Andrew Jackson Foster was born in Keokuk, lowa, and there learned the blacksmith's trade under his father, William Foster. At eighteen years of age he went to Ohio, where he followed his trade for a short time. Proceeding to the far west, he settled in Grass Valley, Colo., and secured employment in the mines. After a short time in that locality, in 1857 he came to California and settled in Santa Clara county, where he took up work at his trade. The years of his residence there were busily but uneventfully passed. From
I. F. Hwcom
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
there he went to Santa Rosa, then to Pleas- anton, Alameda county, where he remained for four years. His next and last location was in Monterey county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres and engaged in the improvement and development of his place. The land was in the vicinity of Piney. At first settlers were few and neighbors there were none. After some years, however, people began to be attracted by the remarkable prospects offered by this region and the population of the county increased rapidly. With its subsequent increase in number of inhabitants and consequent in- crease in the price of land, his own fortunes brightened, and at the time of his death, No- vember 12, 1900, he was numbered among the well-to-do ranchers of his locality.
In Santa Rosa, in 1867, occurred the marriage of Andrew J. and Mary M. (Cockrell) Foster. Born of their union were the following children: Arthur E., who is a member of the United States navy and served on the steamship Ben- nington during the Spanish-American war; Anna and William, who died in infancy; Ste- plien T., of Monterey county; Charles F., who is serving in the United States navy; Robert B., a rancher in Monterey county; Bessie M., Stella and Agnes, all at home. Of these children Stephen T., who forms the subject of this nar- rative, was born April 24, 1876, and has been practically a lifelong resident of Monterey county, for at the time he came here with his parents he was only seven years of age. The ranch upon which he makes his home consists of eight hundred acres, of which one hundred acres are under cultivation, the balance being utilized for pasturage for the stock. A specialty is made of stock-raising, in which Mr. Foster has met with more than usual success and has attained a position among the successful stock- men of Monterey county. On his place may be seen between one hundred and one hundred and fifty head of cattle, besides which he also has horses and hogs in considerable numbers. The property is under the direct management of Mr. Foster, who, although a young man, keeps the land in a state of cultivation surpassed by none. The location of the property is convenient, be- ing on the Arroyo Seco river, near the postoffice
of Piney, and eighteen miles from Soledad. It is the aim of the manager to keep abreast with all modern improvements in ranching, and hence we find him making constant improvements in the buildings, method of cultivation and system of stock-raising, all of which changes in time prove to be successful and wise. Without doubt the future years contain many successes for Mr. Foster in the line of activity upon which he has entered and in which he has already met a grati- fying degree of prosperity.
DAVID F. NEWSOM.
As the proprietor of Newsom's Arroyo Grande warm springs, in San Luis Obispo county, Mr. Newsom became well known throughout the central coast regions of Califor- nia. The resort which he established and con- ducted for many years possesses unquestioned merits. A more appropriate and charming loca- tion could not be found. Within easy access is the ocean beach, with its surf-bathing, clamming and fishing, and with one of the finest drives in the state. The climate is ideal, spring and fall being the only seasons. While the climate and the surroundings are conducive to the restoration of health, the waters are also health-giving, and are particularly valuable in the treatment of cer- tain specific diseases. The analysis of the water, given herewith, indicates its curative properties :
Sodium Chloride .. .4.10
Sodium Carbonate. .1.75
Sodium Sulphate. .3 92
Potassium Carbonate. .15
Potassium Sulphate. .2.90
Magnesium Carbonate.
.6.41
Magnesium Sulphate.
.2.47
Calcium Carbonate.
8.25
Calcium Sulphate.
.85
Ferrous Carbonate.
.3.98
Alumina
.33
Silica
2.03
Organic Matter. .27
Temperature of water. 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is scarcely anyone now living in San Luis Obispo county who was here as early as 1853. Mr. Newsom often referred to his first meal in San Luis Obispo, October 28, 1853. The restaurant adjoined the old mission and was patronized on that occasion by representa- tives of no less than seventeen nationalities. He
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
witnessed the development of the town and county, the growth of their interests and the ex- pansion of their resources, and in all of this progress he bore a share. Of southern birth and parentage, he was born in Petersburg, Va., Sep- tember 5, 1832, a son of David R. and Mirah (Robinson) Newsom. His education was ob- tained in public schools and in Wake Forest College, but was abruptly terminated by his father's failure in business when he was a youth of fifteen years. In March, 1849. he went to New York City, and for two years was appren- ticed to the brass-finishing trade. Returning to Virginia in 1851, he was employed as clerk in a store.
In 1853 Mr. Newsom came via Panama to California, arriving in San Francisco October 16, and coming to San Luis Obispo five days later. The journey between the two towns con- sumed two days. Soon after arriving here he was appointed county clerk by the court, and at the expiration of the term was elected to the office, which he held for three and one-half years, until June, 1857. During his term he opened the various county books and put them in good shape for systematic entries. In 1857 he went north through Oregon and opened a general mercantile store at Olympia, Washı., where he was associated with Messrs. Wilson and Dunlap. The first general store in Belling- ham Bay, Wash., was opened by him in April, 1858, and proved a most successful venture. Closing the store in December, 1858, he went to Fort Hope, on the Fraser river in British Columbia, where he carried on a store for six months. From there he started to return to San Francisco, but on his arrival at San Juan Island he found Captain Pickett with sixty-three United States soldiers endeavoring to prevent the arrest of certain individuals by the English. In the meantime three English men-of-war were anchored in the bay and the officers had issued orders for Captain Pickett's arrest for trespass- ing on Her Majesty's domains. However, when Captain Pickett received the orders, he stated that he would fight as long as he had a man left. A detachment of five hundred soldiers was ordered to assist him, and when General Scott arrived he was allowed to depart in peace. Dur-
ing the excitement Mr. Newsom organized a company of sharpshooters, which formed a part of the command under Captain Pickett. Subse- quently arrangements were made for the joint occupation of the island, and two magistrates were chosen to represent the different factions. Mr. Newsom was honored by being chosen the American magistrate. In this way a temporary compromise was effected. The title to San Juan archipelago was decided at Geneva in favor of the United States sixteen years afterward.
During the period of his residence on the is- land, Mr. Newsom was in charge of the sutler's store, and also, with two others, established the San Juan lime works. The year 1861 found him again in San Luis Obispo county, where his first venture was as a rancher on the Virde ranch. In 1862 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for two years, and at the same time he served as deputy county clerk. Coming to Arroyo Grande valley in 1864, hc was chosen the first teacher for the public school of this district and also acted as justice of the peace. In the fall of the same year he moved to a part of the Santa Manuela rancho, containing the Arroyo Grande warm springs. From the first he has been interested in the development of the springs. To prove their curative proper- ties, he brought patients from county hospitals and others in poor health, and gave them the benefit of systematic treatment, the result being so favorable as to convince all of the value of the waters. Afterward he erected fourteen cot- tages for tourists, and also gave free camping privileges. When he started the resort and re- fused to allow any saloons on the land, people predicted a failure, but he proved that it is pos- sible to conduct a successful health resort with- out selling liquors on the land. His ranch com- prises twelve hundred acres. Dairying is one of the principal industries. Thirty dairy cows are kept, and butter and cheese are manufac- tured for the market. Large quantities of hay are sold. The raising of walnuts, almonds and deciduous fruits, and an orchard of olives and citrus fruits, form another important feature of the ranch. Turkeys and chickens are raised in large quantities for the markets, and a flock of seventy-five Angora goats furnishes a valuable
445
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
addition to the profit-bringing accessories of the ranch. Another enterprise in which Mr. New- som was interested as a promoter and owner was the Newsom tannery. All of these manifold interests prove him to have been a man of abil- ity and keen judgment, who was able to multiply many fold the original capital of $15 with which he came to California.
For more than thirty years Mr. Newsom adhered to the principles of the Democratic party, but during later life he maintained an in- dependence of views and ballot. After coming to the Arroyo Grande district he was a trustee of the public schools. He was also a stock- holder and the secretary of the Arroyo Grande flour mill. While employed in the county clerk's office, he was ex-officio county super- intendent of schools and in 1854 established the present system of public schools. From that time until his death he was a friend of the schools and promoted their progress in every way possible. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and Knights of Pythias. After the organization of Labor Exchange No. 41. he was one of its stockholders. In 1863 he married Anita, daughter of F. Z. Branch, and a native of the Arroyo Grande valley. They be- came the parents of twelve children, namely : David, Edward, Mary, Eliza, Anna, Alexander, Louisa, Michael, Ruth, Belle, William and Rob- ert. The death of Mr. Newsom occurred Janu- ary 1, 1902. Nine of his children are still living with their mother, on the ranch where they were born, and three are living in Bakersfield, one son and one daughter being married
SAMUEL B. LONG.
In his capacity of hotelkeeper at King City, Mr. Long has acquired an enviable reputation for hospitality, geniality, and correct under- standing of the requirements of the temporary and permanent guests who visit his hostelry. His association with this growing town began in 1894, at which time he purchased the San Lo- renzo Hotel (now the Vendome), where he has since provided excellent accommodations, in- cluding clean, well-kept rooms, and a table satis- fying to the inner man.
The youth and early manhood of Mr. Long was spent in Louisville, Ky., where he was born in 1832, a son of Ernest and Mary (Bateman) Long, natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky. The father settled at an early day in Kentucky, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in later life removing to Indiana, where his death took place in 1843. He was survived by his wife, who died in California in 1876. Samuel B. Long left Indiana March 7, 1852, and crossed the plains with ox-teams, by way of Sibley Cut, and arrived at Stockton, San Joaquin county, Cal., October 20, 1852. At the Kansas river, Kans., the little party fell in with another train of emigrants, and at Volcano there was a party of twelve, with four bull teams. Here the travelers separated to their respective destina- tions, Mr. Long repairing to Rich Gulch, where he mined for six months, afterward spending the same length of time at Stockton. He then located in Santa Clara county, where he bought a farm, improved the same, and lived upon it in comfort for about five years.
When Mr. Long first took up his residence in San José, that town had a population of about four hundred and seventy-five, and the surround- ings were of an exceedingly wild nature. From 1859 until 1875 he made this his headquarters, and during the greater part of the time he was engaged in teaming from the silver mines and Redwood, meeting with many exciting experi- ences as he passed through the unsettled and at times dangerous country. Upon selling his teaming outfit he engaged in the hotel business at Madrone, then at San Ardo, and later at San Lucas, and was during this time enabled to demonstrate his special fitness for his chosen occupation. Thus encouraged he came to King City, of which he has since been an honored citizen.
In 1858, at Stockton, Mr. Long married Mar- garet Hitchcock, daughter of Silas Hitchcock. who came to California in 1846 from Selby county, Mo. Mrs. Long, who died in 1882, was the mother of seven children: Josephine, who is now the wife of Mr. Nicholas, of San José: John, who is a merchant at New Earth; Mrs. Eliza Hubbs, of San José: Ernest, who is in business with his father: Nelly, who married
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
James Brown, of San José, and two other chil- dren now deceased. In national politics Mr. Long is a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for Buchanan.
DAVID WEBSTER.
This representative rancher of Monterey county was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, October 13, 1835, and was the second oldest of the eleven children born to David and Agnes (Mewer) Webster, the latter of whom died of cancer when fifty years of age. David Webster was also a native of Ayrshire, and was a weaver by trade. In 1842 he removed from his native land to Maset township, Middlesex county, Can- ada, where he worked at his trade, but event- ually bought the farm upon which he died at the age of eighty-nine years and five months. He was a man of keen mental alertness, and up to his eighty-sixth year possessed practically unimpaired faculties. A member of the Presby- terian Church, as was also his wife, he was a profound student of the Bible, and was also well posted on current events.
The Scottish memories of David Webster are very indistinct, for he was but seven years of age when the family moved to Canada. Owing to the largeness of the family dependent upon the resources of the father, it became necessary for him to assist with the support of his brothers and sisters as soon as his strength permitted. When twenty-five years of age he rented a farm in the vicinity of his home, but after a time bought the same and lived thereon until 1867. He was ambitious to succeed, and also desired to see more of the world, and finally decided that California held about as many inducements as any place that he knew of. Arriving in Mon- terey county, he leased one hundred and forty acres of land on the Cooper tract, near Castro- ville, upon which he lived until 1893. although in 1890 he had purchased the one hundred and thirty-one acres which comprises his present ranch. He has been very successful in his adopted state, and like most who come from the far north, has naught but keen appreciation for the delightful climate and infinite resources by which he is surrounded.
The year before removing from Canada to California, Mr. Webster married Elizabeth War- nock, also a native of Scotland. Of this union there are three children, of whom David is liv- ing at home; Elizabeth Mary is the wife of Adam Thompson of Monterey; and Agnes died at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Webster is a Republican in politics, and has contributed his share toward promoting the local interests of his party. Himself and wife are devoted members of the United Presbyterian Church.
C. A. YOUNGLOVE.
The foremost horseshoer of San Luis Obispo spent the years of his youth and early manhood in the state of Wisconsin, where he was born March 18, 1862. His father, George Younglove, who was born in New York state and was a mill- wright by trade, came to California in 1894. Up to the time of his death, in 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years, he enjoyed the leisure earned by years of patient application to busi- ness. In his young manhood he married Caro- line Hale, also born in New York, and a daugh- ter of a New York farmer and blacksmith. Mrs. Younglove died in Wisconsin, leaving three sons and three daughters, all of whom are grown, C. A. being the youngest.
After completing such education in the public schools as his leisure permitted, C. A. Young- love learned the horseshoeing trade, and prac- ticed the same in Wisconsin for a few years. Not satisfied with the prospects for permanent residence and business in his native state, and having heard glowing accounts of the chances beyond the Rockies, he came to California in 1885, and has since been devoted to his trade. He became associated with San Luis Obispo in 1888, and at the present time his shop con- stitutes about the busiest place in the town. Success has attended his efforts, and he is a property owner to the extent of having pur- chased his pleasant home, besides other town property.
While living in Wisconsin Mr. Younglove was united in marriage with Mary Warren, who was born in New York state, a daughter of Dr. Warren, who practiced medicine in Wisconsin
447
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for the greater part of his professional life. Mr. Younglove is a Republican in politics, and his activity in the interests of his party is worthy of practical appreciation and support. At one time he was a candidate for sheriff before the Repub- lican convention and lacked only a few votes of receiving the nomination. Fraternally he is associated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Foresters of America. Mr. Younglove is one of the enterprising and liberal- minded men of the town, and richly deserves his past and present success.
CHARLES U. MARGETTS.
The president of the Templeton Milling Com- pany at Templeton, San Luis Obispo county, has made his home in California ever since he crossed the ocean from England in October, 1875. He was born in Northamptonshire in 1848 and was about twenty-seven years of age when he came via New York from his native land to the far west. His first location in Cali- fornia was near Hollister, San Benito county, where he was employed as a sheep-herder for nineteen months. Next, in partnership with his brother-in-law, R. J. Rogers, under the firm name of Rogers & Margetts, he began in the sheep business, buying a small bunch of sheep, and becoming in time among the most exten- sive sheep-raisers in Monterey county. The headquarters of the firm were on San Lorenzo creek, where they kept their flocks. From 1876 until 1882, Mr. Margetts gave his entire time to superintending the business, but during the latter year the firm was dissolved, and he went to the Corica plains in San Luis Obispo county, there establishing a ranch which he stills owns. Here, as in San Luis Obispo county, he became a large sheep-raiser, and he still has six hundred head. In addition, he farms twenty-five hundred acres of leased land.
The present home of Mr. Margetts is at Nine Oaks, a small farm near Templeton, where he established his home in 1804. The name of the homestead is derived from the fact that near the house stands a very large oak with nine limbs. In 1897 Mr. Margetts became a stockholder in the building of the Templeton flour mill, of
which he was president and manager, and in December, 1899, he was made president and manager of the entire plant. The mill is built on the roller system and is provided with all modern equipments, which enables it to turn out forty barrels every twelve hours. A spe- cialty is made of bakery flour and one of the best-known products of the mill is the Victory brand, which has a ready sale in the markets.
The interest which Mr. Margetts maintains in educational affairs is constant and has led to his acceptance of the office of trustee of the Templeton school, in which position he has con- tinued for years. Other offices, however, he has steadfastly refused to accept. His views are in accord with the Republican party and he always votes that ticket. Since 1883 he has been a member of Salinas Lodge, I. O. O. F. His first marriage took place in 1881 and united him with Miss Eleanor H. Jennings, who was born in York, England. She died at Templeton, Cal., in August, 1898, leaving four children, namely: Amy, Percy, Frances and Ethel. In 1899 Mr. Margetts was united in marriage with Mrs. Jo- sephine Matthews, who by a previous marriage was the mother of a son, Walter Matthews.
Beginning in life for himself without any means, the present position of Mr. Margetts is due to his individual efforts, hard work and good business qualifications. An industrious and intelligent man, he has always commanded the respect of the community, and belongs to that class of progressive workers who form a country's best citizens. " By industry and wise judgment he has accumulated a competency and is able to surround his family with the comforts of life. Justly he is given a position among the most honored men of Templeton.
WILLIAM J. McGOWAN.
The farm owned and managed by William J. McGowan in the Pajaro valley, consists of ninety-three acres purchased from his father. The land is all in the wonderfully productive valley. and from a partly improved condition has been transformed by the present owner into a profitable and encouraging investment. 1 new house on modern lines adds to the general
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
effectiveness of the landscape, and a barn of con- venient size stores the aftermath of the harvests. In 1891 Mr. McGowan put out fifteen acres in apples, and in 1896 put out thirty acres in Belle- fleurs, and in 1898 added thirty acres more of the latter-named trees. Nor do these commodi- ties represent the extent of the usefulness of the land, for between the trees are annually raised large crops of beets and potatoes.
A native of Gloucester county, N. J., Mr. Mc- Gowan was born January 4, 1861, a son of John and Elizabeth Jane (Jarvis) McGowan, the latter of whom died in California at the age of forty- four years, leaving six children, of whom William J. is second. The other children are as follows: James, a rancher in this county; Sarah, the wife of C. W. Seevers, a merchant of Wat- sonville; Robert H., a rancher in Monterey county : Matthew J., also a rancher; and Hugh T., the owner of the old homestead. John Mc- Gowan was reared on a small farm in his native country of Ireland. and after the death of his father at a comparatively early age, the son as- sumed charge of the homestead and cared for the family. As a young man he came to New Jersey about 1844, and, in order to start an independent farming enterprise worked out as a farmi hand, and thus managed to save some money. When able, he bought a small farm of twenty acres upon which he lived for twenty years, and after disposing of this property in 1864, came to the Pajaro valley and was em- ployed by the farmers located there. In time he rented a small farm, and finally bought one hundred and seventy-two acres, one hundred and forty-two of which are in the valley, and thirty acres in the hills. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and kept adding to lis land until he had five hundred and sixty acres in one tract. and ninety-three in another ranch. Of this property two hundred and eighty acres have been divided among his sons, to whose able co-operation he attributed much of his success in later life. Mr. McGowan was not an active Democrat, but had stanch faith in the tenets of his chosen party. Ile was a member of the Episcopal Church, and contributed un- stintingly toward its maintenance and charities. Up to three months before his death, which
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