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 85
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HENRY F. PARSONS.
The life of this honored citizen of Santa Cruz began in Barton, near Manchester, England, October 5. 1822, in the home of John and Eliza- beth ( Hewitt) Parsons. If the superstitious would prediet a life of misfortune for him be- cause he was the thirteenth child, they would concede such prognostications more than coun- terbalanced by the fact that he had the good fortune to be the seventh son. At an carly age he was deprived of a father's care and guidance,
and was but sixteen when he lost his mother by death. Before this, however, he had joined a brother in New York, being but eleven years old when he crossed the ocean to the new world for the first time. A year later he returned to Eng- land, where he completed his schooling. On his mother's death he came again to America, and became a bookkeeper for Parsons, Canning & Co., importers, New York City, of which firm his older brother was a member. After a short time he was transferred to a branch house in Philadelphia and was given full charge of the same, in which position he displayed such wise judgment and executive ability as to win com- mendation from the heads of the firm. One of his most important transactions was the closing up of a large and responsible deal with a Mr. Burnett, of St. Louis, which work proved him the possessor of abilities above the average.
As soon as reports came east of the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Parsons closed out his business interests and with a party started for the Golden Gate, with all the enthusiasm of youth and high spirits. Like others he hoped to gain a fortune in the mines, a hope that was doomed to disappointment, for a short experi- ence in the mines at Webersville, Eldorado county, convinced him that the occupation was injurious to his health, and he therefore decided to change both occupation and location. The fall of 1850 found him one of the pioneers of Santa Cruz, with the subsequent history of which he has been intimately identified. He had been here only a short time when, the people discover- ing him to be a man of education and broad experience, selected him to occupy local positions of trust and responsibility. He was the first deputy county clerk, serving under Peter Tracy, and made out the first assessment roll for the county. He was also the first county recorder, and served as under-sheriff and collector of taxes, besides being deputy county surveyor. In fact, there was scarcely a position within the gift of his fellow-citizens to which he was not chosen. He held the confidence of all, and the trust reposed in him was not misplaced, for the records show that every duty was discharged with fidelity and wise judgment. His excellent penmanship made his books neat in appearance,
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and to this day the attention of people is often attracted to them.
While serving the people in these and similar offices of trust, Mr. Parsons also invested in property and acquired growing interests. He was the first to file a pre-emption claim in Santa Cruz county, and subsequently he purchased a part of La Carbonera ranch comprising six hun- dred acres. From that land he cut and furnished to the paper mill four hundred cords of wood yearly for a considerable period. As the timber was removed from the land, fruit trees were set out, buildings were erected, cattle were put in the pastures to graze, and grapevines were planted which are still thrifty. He was the first man in the county to make wine, and this industry he continued for a considerable period. Not only were many horses to be seen on the ranch, but sometimes there were as many as one hundred cows, and also considerable young stock. The property is still in his possession, but since 1889 he has made his home in Santa Cruz, where dur- ing the year named he built his present residence at No. 387 Ocean street. Though now prac- tically retired from active cares, he still main- tains an oversight of his business interests and keeps in touch with the progress of his city and county.
In 1859 Mr. Parsons married Emma L. Mar- wede, who was born in Hanover, Germany, August 17, 1831, and is a daughter of William and Hedwig ( Bettjemann) Marwede. Four children were born of their union, namely: Elizabeth Franziska, who married Robert E. Hamilton of Santa Cruz, and has one son, Robert Henry Hamilton: Emma Louise, who died in 1875 at the age of fourteen and one-half years; Carolina Electa; and William B., who married Annie C. Henry. At no time in his life has Mr. Parsons been disposed to identify him- self with any particular political party, being independent in his views and voting for those he believes to be the best qualified to represent the people in the offices for which they are candi- dates. Reared in the faith of the Church of England, since coming to America he has been connected with the Episcopal Church, and has officiated as a vestryman and warden. On the organization of the Masonic Lodge in Santa
Cruz he became one of its charter members and at one time held the office of secretary. During the period of more than a half century that he has resided in Santa Cruz county he has won and retained the confidence of its best citizens and has proved himself public-spirited, progressive and in every respect loyal to the interests of his adopted home.
ELLIOTT DAVIS PERRY.
Significant of Mr. Perry's adaptability for the public service is the fact that he has for years been numbered among the popular officials of Santa Cruz county. His election to the office of county surveyor in 1890 followed an experience of eight years as deputy county surveyor under T. W. Wright, during which time he gained the accurate knowledge of the work and the famil- iarity with all its details that has since enabled him to discharge his duties with promptness and accuracy. For some five years he had as deputy C. L. Pioda, since which time L. T. Williams has been his assistant.
In Richmond township, Cheshire county, N. H., May 29, 1844. Elliott Davis Perry was born to the union of Lysander and Almina (Sprague) Perry. As a boy he accompanied liis parents to Illinois and settled on a farm, where he assisted his father until starting out for him- self. A firm believer in Union principles, he was desirous of enlisting in the army during all of the Civil war, but the opportunity did not come until shortly before the close of the rebellion. February 15, 1865, he enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Infantry, and served until honorably discharged at Spring- field, III., September 21, of same year. Immedi- ately afterward he entered the University of Michigan, where he took the regular course of study and was graduated June 28, 1871. Sur- veying was his chosen occupation and he found employment on the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad, later entering the service of the Chi- cago & Pacific Railroad. During 1874 he came to California and for a year devoted himself to visiting different parts of the state, investigat- ing climate, soil, resources and opportunities. He then assisted on the Santa Cruz Railroad as
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a surveyor, after which he spent 'eighteen months in San Bernardino county. From there he returned to Santa Cruz, where he has since made his home. Since coming here he has estab- lished domestic ties, his wife being Ellen, daugh- ter of James Stevens, who came from New York state to California in an early day and settled in Santa Cruz.
M. W. QUICK.
The highest praise belongs to those brave men who came to the far west in the early days of the discovery of gold, and, by throwing their influence on the side of justice, law and prog- ress, laid the foundation upon which is built the stable commonwealth of to-day. Among the Forty-niners may be mentioned Mr. Quick, who now, after a very busy and active life, is spend- ing the twilight of his existence on his neat little farm five miles from Watsonville. He is a native of New York state and was born in 1827, his parents being Peter and Phoebe (Stroutt) Quick. At sixteen years of age he left home and began an apprenticeship to the turn- er's trade, at which he served four years.
When the news came of the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Quick was among the first who resolved to brave the dangers of the long voyage and endeavor to gain a fortune in the unknown west. In a vessel that sailed around Cape Horn he finally landed in San Francisco December 11, 1849. There a strange town, with cosmopolitan air and crude buildings, met his eyes. Everything was excitement, enthusiasm and eagerness. Like all newcomers, he wished to try his luck in the mines, and so at once engaged in that occupation. With varying luck he continued to seek gold for fourteen years, being much of the time in and near Nevada City. Finally, believing he could find another occupation more congenial and profitable, he turned his attention to ranching, and took up a ranch in Mariposa county, where he engaged in raising stock. Although his experience in the business had been meager, yet his success was encouraging, and he continued in the occu- pation until 1888, when he removed to Santa Cruz county and bought a farm of twenty-five
acres five miles from Watsonville. Although this is but a small farm, every acre is made pro- ductive through the careful oversight of the owner, and his orchard of sixteen acres is con- sidered one of the best in the county.
Mr. Quick's marriage united him with Deb- orah Stewart, a native of Indiana, but now deceased. Born of their union are two children now living, Mark W., born August 13, 1855, and Morgan W., born in 1857. The older son married Emma Hill, a native of California, and they are the parents of six children, namely: Warren, Hazel, Ray, Wesley, Lizzie and Ethel. The younger son married Catherine Hill and lias two children, Elmer and Irene. In his political belief Mr. Quick is independent, voting for men rather than parties, and always sup- porting those whom he deems best fitted to represent the people in offices of trust. The es- teem in which he is held is the result of his long and honorable association with affairs in Califor- nia. As a member of that illustrious band of pioneers of 1849, he is worthy of remembrance long after he shall have passed from the scene of activities, and his name will be perpetuated in the annals of his home county.
STEPHEN RIANDA.
Comparatively few of the residents of Santa Cruz county claim Switzerland as their native land. That sturdy republic across the seas, whose sons are always so loyally devoted to its welfare, has sent us but few citizens. Among them mention belongs to Stephen Rianda, who since 1882 has owned and occupied a valuable farm in the Pajaro valley. The property consists of one hundred and eighty-two acres and is de- voted to general farm pursuits to a large extent, grain being one of the principal products. Like all of the residents of the valley, he appreciates the importance of the apple industry. Newtown Pippins are his specialty, and he has thirty-five acres under cultivation to this variety, there be- ing twenty-one hundred trees, a majority of them in bearing condition. In addition he has a vineyard of sixteen acres.
In Switzerland Mr. Rianda was born Decem- ber 26, 1849, being a son of Perry and Dolorata
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H. L. Davis
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(Banrelle) Rianda. The father, who was born in 1819, devoted his active years to agriculture. first in his native land, but after 1852 in the United States. His voyage across the ocean was made in company with Louis Martinelli, with whom he came via Cape Horn to the far west, settling in Watsonville. The next years were busily passed in agricultural pursuits. How- ever, his heart finally grew homesick for the land of his youth, and in 1864 he returned thither, remaining there until his death in 1878. A man of integrity and uprightness, he was held in high esteem by associates.
At the time Stephen Rianda came to America, in 1865. he was a youth of sixteen years, adven- turous, active, and with all the ambition and hopefulness of youth. Landing in New York. he soon took passage for California via the Isthmus of Panama, and after a voyage lasting from May 8 to July 2, he arrived at the Golden Gate. From there he came to Watsonville, of which he had heard much from his father dur- ing the latter's residence here. At nineteen years of age he rented a traet of land and en- gaged in farming, besides which he conducted a dairy for ten years. Economical and perse- vering, he met a degree of success that was gratifying and richly merited. Since establish- ing his home on his present farm he has brought the place under excellent cultivation, has made many improvements, planted many apple trees, set out his vineyard, and altogether transformed the property into one of the valuable farms of the valley. . At no time has he cared for political prominence and he takes no part in public affairs aside from voting the Republican ticket.
The marriage of Stephen Rianda in 1877 united him with Ellen McKinley, who was born in Monterey county, July 14. 1850. Her father, James McKinley, was a native of Stirling, Scot- land, whence he crossed the ocean to America at nineteen years of age, settling in California. . \ few years afterward he married Carmen Amesti. who was born in Monterey county, of Spanish extraction. During the earlier part of his life he followed the sea, rising to the rank of captain and commanding a vessel for some years. When advancing age rendered his calling no longer advisable, he turned his attention to agriculture,
and as a farmer passed the last days of his life, dying in 1875 on the estate he had improved. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Rianda consists of six children, namely: Edward, Flora, Prudence, Viola, Alice and Stephen, Jr.
HIRAM LEE DAVIS.
This citizen of Salinas was born in 1844 and with his parents came to the far west from Canada in 1854, being therefore one of the first settlers of this favored land. He has always been a prosperous and progressive business mian. As a cattle raiser and stockman he has accumulated a fortune and is today one of the wealthiest men of Monterey county. In every transaction of life he is upright and honest ; gen- erous and kind to a fault, a respected citizen and a good neighbor. Some of his time is devoted to field sports, such as hunting, of which he is passionately fond. As an expert shot he cannot be excelled, and many a deer, quail and other game has gone down under his unerring aim. At present he resides in Salinas and devotes about one-half of his time to managing his landed interests and looking after his cattle in- dustry. He owns two large farms three miles west of Salinas. One of these farmis contains a dwelling house that is excelled by very few rural residences in the entire county. The pump ing plant used for irrigating the land cost about $5.000 and is a model of its kind. This farm com prises more than five hundred acres, and is rented for more than $12,000 per annum, its acreage being devoted to dairying and stock- raising.
In 1887 Mr. Davis married Florence Titus, a highly esteemed young lady, lively and cheerful in disposition. a good wife and kind mother. By this union there are three daughters, Flla. Cornelia and Velma, aged respectively fourteen, cleven and ten years. The home life of Mr. Davis and family is bright and full of sunshine. Each member helps to make life happy and en joyable. The daughters dearly love their indul gent father and kind mother. Through all his life Mr. Davis has been a close observer, fond of travel and a student of mankind. He has
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seen many parts of the world and expects in the near future to travel through Europe for health, observation and pleasure.
JAMES REDMAN.
As the traveler passes along the Beach road near Watsonville he notes with interest an at- tractive residence, built in the colonial style of architecture and presenting an appearance at once inviting and unique. This is the home of James Redman and family. The interior of the house is as attractive as its exterior. The ap- pointments of the eight rooms are modern. The finishings are of eastern oak. birdseye maple and natural hard wood. Acetyline gas has proved to be a satisfactory mode of illumination. All the conveniences for housekeeping are to be found, and the home is one that would be con- sidered elegant in our large cities. Surrounding the residence are one hundred and twenty acres of rich bottom land, the cultivation of which has brought to the owner a gratifying revenue.
Mr. Redman was born in Monroe county, Mo., April 11, 1856, and is a son of K. F. Red- man, one of the old and influential residents of Santa Cruz county, and in whose sketch on an- other page the family history appears. On com- ing to California James Redman was a child of eight years, and after a year in Sonoma county he accompanied the family to Watsonville, where he attended school. The farm of which his father became the owner and on which the years of his youth were passed was located only one and one-half miles from Watsonville, hence was easy of access to town. In 1882 he moved to the farm where he now resides, and here he lias since engaged in raising potatoes and sugar beets. During 1902 his crop averaged fifteen tons per acre, and during other seasons even larger crops have been secured. In addi- tion to this property he owns an orchard of eighty-one acres in Monterey county, where he has six hundred pear trees. As a farmer and fruit grower he is keen, energetic, resourceful and capable, and it is said of him by his ac- maintances that the county has no agriculturist more enterprising than he. On his farm may To seen a number of fine horses and he is proud
of his high grade stock, this being one of his hobbies.
The marriage of Mr. Redman took place in Watsonville in 1880 and united him with Miss Louise Werner, who was born in San Fran- cisco. They have no children of their own, but are rearing an adopted daughter, Alice Mary. While Mr. Redman has never been a politician nor a partisan in his opinions, yet he favors Democratic principles and gives his support to the men and measures of that party. The suc- cess attained by him in his business ventures proves him to be a man of capability and in- dustrious habits. While he had the influence of his father to aid him in starting out, yet it may be said of him that, even without such influence, his own perseverance, wise judgment and shrewd common sense would have brought him pros- perity and prominence. The position which he occupies among the farmers of the Pajaro valley is his by right of sterling traits of head and heart.
GRANVILLE C. SHELBY.
Though many years have elapsed since Mr. Shelby passed from the scenes of earth and an- other generation has since risen to promote the commercial activities of Santa Cruz, he is still remembered by the pioneers among whom he was a genial co-worker and delightful associate. He was born and reared in Tennessee, a son of Dr. C. H. Shelby, and learned the cabinet- maker's trade in Nashville. As soon as the news reached him of the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia, he left that city and came overland to the Pacific coast, landing at Santa Cruz in 1849. This now popular resort was then a mere hamlet, inhabited by a few Americans and a consider- able population of Spaniards. Owing to its proximity to Monterey, which at the time was the capital of California, it enjoyed benefits that would not have acerned to it in more isolated sections of the state. From a commercial stand- point it presented favorable opportunities, and of these Mr. Shelby availed himself. Soon after his arrival he entered into the undertaking busi- ness with George Staffler and they continued to- gether for many years, meantime becoming
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known as reliable and honorable business men. Today the business is conducted on the same site, under the title of the Wasendorf Furniture and Undertaking Company. In addition to his activity in his special business lines, he took an interest in the building up of the town and in the days when carpenters were scarce often assisted in the construction of residences and stores. Through these various lines of business he amassed a competence and at the time of his death, which occurred December 29, 1869, at the age of forty-four years, he was numbered among the well-to-do and prosperous business men of Santa Cruz. In his religions views he was liberal, not identifying himself with any denom- ination, but showing himself to be a believer in the highest principles of religion as exemplified in a life of integrity and honor. In fraternal relations he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The marriage of Mr. Shelby united him with Mary A., daughter of Vardamon and Mary ( Maxswain) Bennett. She, her brother Win- ston (also of Santa Cruz) and Julia, of Los Angeles, are the sole survivors of a large fam- ily, the others being Catherine, Dennis, Jackson, Mansell and Samantha. Her father, who was born in Alabama, married in Georgia, later re- moving to Tennessee, and there reared his fam- ily and engaged in business pursuits. From there he moved to Arkansas and later, in April of 1842, joined a train of one hundred and sixty- five people bound for Oregon. After a long and perilous journey, in October they arrived at their destination, to which they had been guided only by wandering Indians and trappers. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Shelby seven children were born, namely: Lenore. Emma, Eva, John, Flora, Mary and Lizzie, all of whom are de- ceased. All of the children died before arriving at mature years with the exception of Mary, who became the wife of John M. De Frees and at her death left four children, Violet L., John. Lorain and Ethel M. Bereaved by the death of her husband and children, Mrs. Shelby has found solace in the presence of her grandchil- dren, to whose happiness and welfare she is af fectionately . devoted. Her home is on Spruce street. Santa Cruz, and in addition to this prop-
erty she formerly owned three houses on Ehn street, but these have been sold. All of these residences were erected under her supervision. Among the people of her home city she is highly respected, having by her amiable disposition and kind heart won the confidence and affectionate regard of a large circle of warm personal friends.
ALBION PARIS SWANTON.
Identified with the interests of Santa Cruz since the '6os, Mr. Swanton was born in Gard- ner, Me., July 14. 1826. As a boy he did not have the advantages common to the youth of the present generation, but such as he had he en- joyed to their utmost. However, the knowledge le possesses is the result of reading and observa- tion rather than schooling. When fifteen years of age he secured employment with an uncle who was a butcher in Bangor, Me., and later em- barked in business for himself. With the means thus accumulated he made his way to New York City and entered into the ship chandlery busi- ness, conducting the same with fair success. The most discouraging happening during his resi- dence in the metropolis was a heavy loss by fire. but even this catastrophe did not daunt him.
In 1864 Mr. Swanton came to California via the isthmus and settled in Pescadero, San Mateo county. From there he soon came to Santa Cruz and bought the San Lorenzo stables, which he conducted with C. H. Martin. Later he opened the Bonner stables, and about the same time with his son, Fred W., built and operated the Swanton house, conducting the hotel until it burned down. For thirty years or more he has engaged in the livery business, and during this time has also maintained an oversight of other interests. On the organization of the Santa Cruz Electric Light and Power Company he be- came one of its stockholders. Other movements of a similar nature have received his support an 1 aid.
The home of Mr. Swanton, on Mission street. Santa Cruz. is presided over by his wife, whom he married in Maine in 1848 and who was Miss Emily J. Parshley. Three children were born of their union, but one died in infancy, and Mrs. .A. B. Abbott died in Santa Cruz. the only sur
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vivor being Fred W. Swanton. The Masons and Odd Fellows number Mr. Swanton among their members, and he maintains an interest in their activities.
HENRY STOFFERS.
A progressive German-American who has made money rapidly since coming to California is Henry Stoffers, who, though not a large land owner himself, has succeeded in utilizing to the best possible extent the land of other people. His success in the Pajaro valley is the best proof of the fertility of this well favored locality, and has undoubtedly done much towards convincing others of its genuine worth as an agricultural center.
In his youth Mr. Stoffers had before him the example of success set by his father, Henry, who was the representative of a fine old Teutonic family, and who was for forty-three years in the government employ on street work, a posi- tion both remunerative and responsible. His wife, Margaret ( Miller) Stoffers, reared to years of usefulness six children, viz. : John, Herman, Jacob, August, Henry, and Hinry. Henry Stoffers came to America when nineteen years of age, and soon after locating in Califor- nia came to Watsonville, where he engaged in ranching with John Jordan. At the end of three years, or in 1803, he leased the O. O. Stosser ranch south of Watsonville, and has since made wonderful progress with this fine property. His own ranch of twenty acres was purchased Jamt- ary 1, 1902, and is located one mile from Wat- sinville. This combined responsibility takes about all the time of Mr. Stoffers, who, because of superior business and managerial ability, has no difficulty in developing all of his land, and getting all possible out of it. Some idea of the possibilities of the Pajaro valley may be gained from facts vouched for by Mr. Stoffers. In 1902 he realized eighteen hundred sacks of onions from four acres of land, and he has gathered as many as two hundred sacks of potatoes from ne acre of land, and twenty tons of sugar beets fran one acre.
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