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 88
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Watsonville Water and Light Company; Helen, Mrs. G. E. Morrill; J. Edna and Almon H. In lis fraternal relations the father is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and for some forty-five years has been a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past grand of his lodge at this writing and also a member of the encampment.
In the schools of Watsonville William A. White received a practical education. In youth he followed various occupations, by which means he received an excellent business train- ing. He then began to work under his father and has filled all the positions up to the one he now occupies. His long connection with the company and close study of its workings make his services important to the company, by whom he is appreciated and recognized as an intelli- gent and able employe. Like his father, he is interested in the Odd Fellows, in which he is connected with the lodge, encampment and can- ton. In addition, he is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. His first marriage took place in 1800 and united him with Luella Yoachum, who died in 1899, at the age of thirty- one years. One child was born of their union, a daughter, Phyllis G. Mrs. Luella White was quite prominent and active in the Native Daughters of the Golden West, of which order she was a past president. The present wife of Mr. White was Jeslina M. Schanbacher, of Wat- sonville, who occupies with him a place of esteem and honor among Watsonville's best social circles.
CHARLES BARDIN.
Previous to its establishment as one of the most honored and worthy in the Salinas valley, the name of Bardin was a familiar one among the aristocracy of the south, and among the family possessions were the prized cotton plantations, whose principal wealth was invested in slaves to do their bidding. Although a blacksmith by trade, the paternal great-grandfather of Charles Bardin chose the peaceful occupation of farming, and so successful was he that at the time of his death he left a large plantation and many slaves. James Bardin, the father of Charles, was born
Isaiah furtwan
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in North Carolina, January 16, 1810, and lived in his native state until attaining his majority. Upon starting out to earn his own living he set- tled in Alabama, later removing to Tippah county, Miss., where he lived until 1855. In that year he came to California and purchased a large tract of land along the Salinas river, in the vicin- ity of the city of that name, and around Blanco postoffice, and the following year returned to Mississippi for his family, with whom he took up his residence in Monterey county. Mr. Bardin is remembered as a man combining great physical endurance with great will power and mental en- ergy, and he fitted into the life in this then unde- veloped locality, turning its resources into useful production. Near Blanco he bought twelve hun- dred acres of land. and later bought one and a half leagues on the west side of the river, upon which he lived for many years. In time he dis- posed of much of his estate, but left nine hundred and ninety-one acres at the time of his death to be divided among his children. He married Lu- cinda Walker, who was born in South Carolina in 1817, was married in Tippah county, Miss., in April, 1842, and died November 29, 1878. She was the mother of ten children, six of whom are living, all occupying portions of the estate accu- mulated by their father. The children are: Eliz- abeth, wife of James H. MeDougall, of Salinas ; Jesse, Henry, James, Charles and Lucinda, the latter the wife of Robert Porter.
On the ranch where he now lives. Charles Bar- din was born February 1. 1859, and was educated in the public schools of the county. When nineteen years of age he went to live with his brother for a couple of years, and then occupied the farm of one hundred and fifty acres given him by his father. He is engaged in farming and stock- raising, and is remarkably successful and enter- prising. In 1896 he and his brother Henry bailt the Bardin hotel at Salinas, expending over $50,- ooo thereon, and leased the same until 1809. when they traded the hotel for five thousand acres of land on the Salinas range of mountains, all of which is under fence, and devoted to stock rais ing. At present two hundred and forty acres are included in his home ranch, but in addition he owns valuable property in Monterey City. Mr. Bardin is a splendidly proportioned, large and
commanding man, and in character and attain ment he sustains the reputation built up by his pioneer father.
December 1, 1880, Mr. Bardin married Rachel Ryder, daughter of William and Rachel ( Carr) Ryder, her birth occurring in California, October 1. 1850. The Ryder parents came to California many years ago, reared their nine children, and are still enjoying life in the state of their adep- tion. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bardin: Elizabeth, Bertha, Maggie and Charles W. Mr. Bardin is a Democrat, but has never been inclined to enter the arena of political agitation. He is extremely popular, and has many friends in and out of the valley.
ISAIAH HARTMAN.
Since coming to Boulder Creek in 1800 Isaiah Hartman has been engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, and has variously served the community as a broad minded and public spirited politician. A stanch upholder of Re- publican principles and issues, he was initiated into local political undertakings in 1892, when hc was appointed constable. Four years later. in August. 1896. he was appointed justice of the peace, and was regularly elected to the same office in 1808. He has handled some of the most valuable and desirable town and country lands since his residence here, and has also en- gaged to a considerable extent in the lumber business.
The very early youth of Mr. Hartman was spent in Canada, where he was born October 12. 1870. Of German parentage and ancestry, his father. John Hartman, was born in the Father- land, and came to Canada when about twenty five years of age. \ weaver by occupation, he worked at his trade in his native and adopted countries, and managed to acquire a fair com petence for himself and family. In Canada he married Barbara Kaufmann, a native of Ger many, who bore him seven children, of whym Isaiah is the youngest. Jacob is a merchant of Boulder Creek: John is a resident of Washing ton territory: Daniel is a member of the Hart man Mercantile Company of Boulder Creek; Menno lives in Santa Cruz : George is a lumber
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merchant of Boulder Creek; and Charles lives in Santa Cruz county.
When six years of age Isaiah Hartman came to California with his mother, locating in Santa Cruz county, where he was reared and educated. llis common school training was supplemented by a course at a business college in the city of Santa Cruz, and he came to Boulder Creek in 1890, as before stated. His wife was formerly Mande Young, a native of New York state, and (laughter of W. A. Young. Of this union there have been born two children. Barbara and Henry. Mr. Hartman is classed among the pro- gressive and substantial citizens of Boulder Creek, and his political services and business career are in accord with the best interests of his adopted town.
BARTHOLOMEW L. DRISCOLL.
Many of the residents of the Pajaro valley have come here from other parts of the United States, and many, too, from foreign lands, but among the native sons of the valley prominent notice is due Mr. Driscoll. His birth occurred June 20, 1874, and though still a young man he has obtained an enviable place in the business world, gained by thorough application of good business principles. The valley is noted for the richness of its soil and wonderful productiveness. and Mr. Driscoll's portion is no exception to this rule. Sixty-five acres are devoted to the raising of berries and one hundred and seventy-five acres are set out to apple trees, two-thirds of which are the luscious Newtown Pippins.
The father, Jeremiah Driscoll, was born in county Cork. Ireland. He came to California in 1855, engaging in mining in the northern part of the state. However, in 1857, tiring of the miner's life, he decided to locate in Santa Cruz county, and here he was content to pass his re- maining years. At the time of his death, in 1882, he owned three hundred and seventy-five acres of choice land, which was formerly devoted to raising grain exclusively, but is now planted to fruit and berries. The mother, formerly a Miss Fickie, and also a native of county Cork, was born in 1836. She now makes her home on the . 14 Driscoll homestead. Of her children we
make the following mention: Mary married John Murphy: John married Catherine Berry ; Julia is now Mrs. Schmitz, and Jerry. Richard, Daniel and Bartholomew L. are next in order of birth.
In 1900 Mr. Driscoll married Emma Clark, and they have a son, Robert. In political mat- ters Mr. Driscoll is independent, and his reli- gious interests are claimed by the Roman Cath- olie Church. Aside from his many business af- fairs here he is in partnership with his brother. R. F. Driscoll, at No. 519 Howard street, San Francisco, in the manufacture of gas engines.
FATHER THEODORE ARENTZ, O. F. M.
An institution which may well appeal to the pride and appreciation of the surrounding resi- dents in the county is the Pajaro Valley Orphan Asylum for boys, advantageously located upon a commanding knoll which permits an extensive view of one of the garden sections of California. At the present time two hundred and fifty home- less children are reared in an atmosphere of kind- liness and humanity, and are not only cared for physically, but are developed mentally, spiritually and intellectually. From the age of five to four- teen years the children are permitted the privi- leges of this ideal asylum, and when they step forth into the world of action and responsibility are equipped with some practical means of live- lihood, suitable to their capabilities and inclina- tions. The small fellows are busily employed in the tailor shop, at the carpenter bench, in the laundry, bakery and dairy of the institution, and are imbued with an appreciation of the dignity of labor and its inseparable connection with a noble and useful life. The two hundred and sixty acres comprising the grounds of the institution are located near the largest of the beautiful lakes in the valley, the site being selected by the founder of the orphanage, Rev. . A. Roussel, in 1870. One hundred and thirty acres were do- nated for the purpose, fifty acres by Prudenciana \. De Amesti, and the balance of the land by the daughters of Mrs. Amesti, viz .: Carmen .A. Mc- Kinley, Cledonia A. Arano, Santa A. Pinto and Tomaso M. Mendia.
In 1874 the charge of the asylum was assumed
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by the Franciscan Fathers of the old mission of Santa Barbara, and Fathers Francisco Sanchez and Francisco Cordina and Brother Joseph O'Malley were sent to take charge of the parish and orphanage. In 1855 the Franciscan Fathers of the Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of St. Louis, Mo., took charge of the Santa Barbara Mission, and they also assumed charge of the Pajaro Valley Orphan Asylum and parish. Fathers Victor and Codina being placed in con- trol. In October. 1886, Rev. Clementine Dey- mann was placed in charge as superior and pas- tor, continuing in that capacity up to the time of his death at Phoenix, Ariz., December 4, 1896. Next in charge of the asylum and parish were Fathers Jacobus Nolte, Seraphine Lampe and Placidus Krekeler as superiors and pastors, and Rev. Fathers Herman and José as assistants. The present superior of the asylum and pastor of the parish is Very Rev. Theodore Arentz, who is also commissary provincial of the Franciscan Fathers in California and Phoenix, Ariz. An idea of the great good accomplished by the Pa- jaro Valley Orphan Asylum management is available in the statement that, since the time of its foundation. about three thousand boys have found a haven under its roof, and have derived in- spiration from the upright characters of its supe- riors and the sunshine and beneficence of its meadows and uplands.
As is well known, the Pajaro Valley Orphan Asylum is but one of the uplifting influences which have emanated from the college church, founded as far back as 1854, and then known as St. Mary's Farm, Pajaro Valley, Santa Cruz county. November 25. 1855, Rev. Father De Vos, S. J., from Santa Clara, blessed the spot upon which the church was erected, and May 20, 1856, the new church was blessed by the Rt. Rev. Thaddeus Amat, D. D., bishop of Monterey. In 1860 the little edifice was enlarged to suit the de- mands of a growing congregation by Rev. Fran- cis Mora, then rector of the parish, and blessed by him. This same father in time became bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles. The church has since had a succession of eminent pastors to dis- charge its manifold duties and increase its 11se- fulness, and the dedication of the new Pajaro valley church, a structure costing $20,000, under
the title of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Sun day, July 27, 1902, is the best evidence of a sub- stantial and gratifying growth. Although the building is a large one, it was entirely inadequate for the accommodation of the throngs who de- sired to participate in the memorable services, although two thousand were safely housed within the walls. Father Arentz is one of the noblest and most progressive of the Franciscans who have indelibly impressed their vigorous manhood and religion upon the history of California, and who have so conspicuously elevated the material and moral standards erected above the grave of an almost forgotten civilization.
HENRY BARDIN.
Among the representative ranchers and cattle- men of Monterey county mention should be ac- corded Henry Bardin. He was born in Missis- sippi December 20, 1853. a son of James Bardin. one of the most widely known of the early pio- neers of the Salinas valley. The father was born in North Carolina January 16, 1810, and came to California in 1855, settling in the Salinas val- ley, where, at the time of his death, he owned nine less than a thousand acres of land. Ilis father was a blacksmith by trade, but he himself preferred the more peaceful occupation of farm- ing, of which he made a success. James Bardin married Lucinda Walker, who was born in South Carolina in 1817, and who died November 20. 1878. There were ten children in the family, of whom four are deceased.
Henry Bardin was two years of age when his parents removed to the Salinas valley. Ile was reared on the home farm and received his educa- tion in the public schools. In time he acquired his share of the paternal property, which amounted to two hundred and forty acres, and this he has improved and since made his home. In 1806 he and his brother Charles built the Bar din hotel in Salinas, at a cost of $52 000, and rented the same for about three years. They then exchanged it for five thousand acres of land is- cluded in the Gabalan ranch, Monteres county. which is all billy pasture land. Mr. Barlin is also the possessor of another cattle ranch, of six thousand acres, on the Gabalan creek, and, In-
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sides, he toons four hundred and eighty acres two miles northeast of Salinas, which is good farm land and under cultivation. In addition, he leases several hundred acres for the raising of grain, beets and kindred commodities. He is one of the most enterprising men of the county, has shrewd business sagacity and excellent judgment. and knows how to dispose of his property to the best possible advantage. Withal, he is quiet and unassuming, and to look at him one would hardly think that the weight of responsibility incurred by such extensive operations rested on his shoulders.
The wife of Mr. Bardin was formerly Martha Thompson, daughter of Martin J. Thompson, and a native of California, born in Sonora, Sac- ramento county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bardin : Rey, who died in March, 1898: Hazel and Ethel.
JOHN NELSON BESSE.
The commercial solidity of King City has been fostered and maintained largely through the re- liable and substantial undertakings of John Nel- son Besse, the present postmaster of the place, and the foremost dealer in grain, real estate and insurance. Many lines of activity have been util- ized by Mr. Besse in the west, and all have bene- fited by his sterling integrity and sound, con- servative business acumen. He was born in Wayne, Kennebec county, Me., September 5. 1835. and lived in his native town until arriving at his twelfth year, when he removed to Howell, that state. there receiving a high-school education and a preliminary knowledge of business tactics. When eighteen years of age he went to Boston, Mass .. and at the expiration of two years decided to spend his future on the Pacific slope. By way of the Horn he journeyed to California in 1850. arriving at the end of his long and tedious trip in San Francisco, May 6th of the same year. For a year he tried his hick at mining. and then secured a position as steward on a river steamer. later filling a similar position on a steamer run- ning between San Francisco and the Isthmus of Panama. Upon locating on terra firma he went to Pescadero. San Mate county, where he engaged n the mercantile business for ten years. He he- came one of the prominent men of the town, and
so successful was he that after removing to Santa Cruz he interested himself in the same line of work, adding thereto a large butchering busi- ness.
After a visit to his parents and friends in Bos- ton, Mass., Mr. Besse returned to California, and organized the bank at Watsonville, of which he wasthe moving spirit and cashier for eleven years. He then became interested in the grain business. and in 1889 opened a branch office at King City. at which time the railroad building through the town awakened renewed interest in its future pos- sibilities. He has ever since made this the head- quarters for his many-sided dealings, and his suc- cess with grain has been repeated in real estate and insurance. Associated with him in business is G. W. Sill, also an excellent business man, who is making an increased success of the Watsonville enterprise.
Mr. Besse was married while living at Pes- cadero, San Mateo county, and has a pleasant home in King City. Since 1857 he has been asso- ciated with the Masons, and is a Knight Templar, being identified with Watsonville Commandery No. 21.
J. W. BARNEBERG.
Of all the self-made men in the county who have profited by the opportunities that the west has thrown in their way, none is deserving of greater credit than is J. W. Barneberg, member of the firm of C. H. Reed Co., hardware dealers, in San Luis Obispo. At the early age of twelve years Mr. Barneberg was thrown upon his own resources, and has since then carved his fortunes out of such material as came within the range of his surroundings. He was born in Henry county, Iowa. in 1851, and at the age of nine removed with his parents to Oregon, where he lived for eight years, and where his parents died, leaving him alone in the world. Nevertheless, his innate energy and resourcefulness were equal to the emergency of his dependence, and he worked on a farm in the summer time and attended school in the winter, also working for a time in a livery stable.
In 1868 Mr. Barneberg began his career in San Luis Obispo, and after working on a farm for
JOHAN E. KUNITZ
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a time engaged in various occupations, and in 1883 formed a partnership with Charles H. Reed, the founder of the largest hardware establish- ment in the county, and since the death of Mr. Reed in 1901 has successfully carried on the in- terests of the concern. In August, 1901, it was incorporated under the name of the C. H. Reed Company. Mr. Barneberg is recognized as a wide-awake and progressive business man, pos- sessing those solid and conservative traits which are the natural heritage of the man who has had to formulate his own career. He is public-spir- ited and generous, and may be depended on to assist in any worthy and progressive enterprise.
In 1872 Mr. Barneberg married Elizabeth An- derson, who was born in Missouri, but came to California when a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Barneberg have been born three children, John F., Chester H. and Grace E. In politics a Dem- cerat, Mr. Barneberg has been active in the county political campaigns, and for several years has been a member of the county central commit- tee and the state central committee, having been chairman of the former. He is prominent and well known in fraternal circles, especially in con- nection with the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen.
JOHAN ERNEST KUNITZ.
When the discovery of gold attracted thou- sands from all parts of the world to this new Eldorado, a party of German youths started on the long voyage to the gold fields, Among those who set sail on the brig Reform was J. E. Kunitz, a native of Pomerania, Prussia, born in 1827, and a son of Johan Augustus and Maria Fredericka Charlotte (Dyer) Kunitz. With a desire to acquire knowledge he had, as a boy, availed himself of every opportunity offered him and had completed a collegiate course in one of the old institutions of the country. Leaving school, he began to assist his father in an apoth- ecary shop and soon became skilled in the occu- pation. It was not, however, satisfactory to him to dwell upon the thought of remaining permanently in Germany. His ambitions were broad, and his aspirations could not be con- fined to the limits of his little home town. It
seemed, therefore, as if the discovery of gold came at the opportune time for him, and he eagerly embraced the chance of making a for- time in the mines of the new world.
The voyage down the Atlantic, around Cape Horn and up the Pacific ocean consumed six months, and it was a glad moment when the weary passengers sighted the Golden Gate. Mr. Kunitz accompanied his shipmate, Fred- erick A. Hihn, to the mines on Feather river, but the rainy season was at hand and disaster followed their every effort at mining. The en- tire party then started back to San Francisco, but these two men stopped in Sacramento, where they opened a candy factory. For a few weeks all went well, but about Christmas the river overflowed its banks and the factory with all its contents was washed away. Mr. Kunitz then returned to San Francisco, where he en- gaged in the cigar and tobacco business. Mis- fortune seemed to follow his every effort; his store was burned down and all was lost. Friends were few, money was scarce, and for a time everything looked dark to the young man. However, he was not of a disposition easily daunted, and we find him taking up work at the drug trade. During 1853 he came to Santa Cruz, where he assisted Mr. Hihn. It was dur- ing 1857 that he opened the business with which his name is most closely connected. Deciding that glue and soap could be manufactured in connection with the tannery here, he started out to put his theories to a practical test. The experiment proved successful. Soon he estab- lished a demand for his products and was able to dispose of all that it was possible to mant- facture. As a business man he was shrewd. keen and forceful, and the success which met his efforts was due to his quickness to see a favorable opportunity and his wise judgment in conducting important enterprises.
In addition to his constant oversight of the Santa Cruz glue and soap factory, Mr. Kunit! had other interests, and also found time for the beautifying of his lawn and the improvement of his homestead. He was a natural artist, and this talent was given full play in the decorating of his grounds, which presente I an appearance that won the praise of all. llis artistic ability
35
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was also evidenced in the three water-color paintings ( 1894) of Santa Cruz, which not only indicated his genius in the reproducing of scen- ery, but also are among the best specimens (ver painted of local landscape effects. Frater- nally he was connected with the Odd Fellows. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and lived in accordance with the doctrines of that denom- ination, dying in that faith in 1897. He is re- membered as one of the most capable and per- severing citizens Santa Cruz has ever had, and the business he founded, the business block he erected and the homestead whose beauty was the result of his artistic taste all stand as mon- uments to his memory.
The marriage of Mr. Kunitz, in 1864, united him with Henriette C. Marwede, who was born and reared in Germany, being a daugliter of William and Hedwig (Bettjemann) Marwede, the former an officer in the German army. In her girlhood she came to San Francisco to visit a brother and shortly afterward met Mr. Kunitz. Upon his death she conducted the glue and soap factory for a few months and then rented the plant, but still holds all the patents Mr. Kunitz took out on the various articles manufactured. Three children were born of their marriage, but two died young, Franz and Emma. The sur- viving son is Otto G., who was born in Santa Cruz and has evinced decided musical ability from early childhood. The talent which in his father took the form of a love for painting, with him showed itself in a fondness for music. Be- fore his father's death he was sent to Germany, . deacon thereof for many years, and has been an where he received exceptionally fine advantages influence for right living and industry, character- istics of those who, like himself, have moved to the front ranks upon the tide of their persever- ance and intelligence. His wife, who is sixty- four years of age, is the mother of eight children. of whom Joseph W. is the second oldest. in one of the renowned musical conservatories of that country. After his graduation from the college he remained in Germany in order to pursue a special course as a composer, enjoying in this work the preceptorship of some of the best of the living masters.
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