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 92
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At a comparatively carly age Dr. Clark mad- up his mind that he had ambitions which would never be satisfied on a farm, and after finishing at the public schools began to read medicine with Dr. Brainard. He was licensed to practice by the Northwestern Society in 1854. and there- after located in White county, Ill., where he achieved some success, and at the same time continued to add to his professional knowl- edge. He graduated from the medical depart- ment of the University of Ohio, in Cincinnati in the class of 1871, and then located in ( hi- cago as surgeon for the Chicago & Eastern lowa Railroad Company, his term of service expiring in 1887. The exigencies of the Civil war presented an opportunity admirabh main tained by Dr. Clark, who went as surgeon to the front, and was with Grant at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. His discharge was effecte I at Santa Fe. V. M .. and he then returned to
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his practice in Edwards county, Ill. In 1889 he located in Santa Cruz, and in 1890 became associated professionally with Dr. Fagan, one of the very early and prominent physicians of the town, and whose history may be found in another part of this work. This association was thoroughly satisfactory, and continued until the death of Dr. Fagan in 1899, since which time Dr. Clark has engaged in an independent prac- tice.
The professional usefulness of Dr. Clark has been augmented by his electrical researches, of which he is making a specialty, and in the appli- cation of which he has achieved marked suc- cess. Elaborate opportunities for experiment and treatment are to be found in his well equipped offices, not the least important of his many devices being the only X-ray machine so far imported into the county. The success of these electrical treatments have amazingly aug- mented the practice of the learned doctor, and he is therefore recognized as an authority on this continually unfolding method of healing. But recently his theories have been demon- strated with most satisfactory results in his own case, for his recovery from a very serious opera- tion is undoubtedly due to the vivifying and life giving properties of this all too little under- stood science. It is hoped by his friends that many years will be spared him in which to continue the work in which he is so intensely interested, and which promises so much in its present and future possibilities.
In Wayne county, Ill., Dr. Clark married Matholda Shannon, niece of ex-Governor Wil- son Shannon of Orio. Of this union seven children were born, three of whom are living: Ilattie S .: Hulbert W., an electrician of Santa Cruz; and Theodore G., a medical student. Dr. Clark has been prominent in Republican poli- ties for many years, and was so popular that he was elected mayor of the town in 1896, serving for two years. He was public administrator and county coroner from 1894 until 1898, and filled other offices of honor and responsibility. IIc was one of the chief promoters and stock holders as well as a director of the Santa Cruz lectric fight plant, and he was equally promi- Sent in securing the establishment of the first
street car line, later changed to the electricity system. The doctor is identified with the State Medical Association, and as a Mason is a Royal Arch and Knight Templar. He is popular and widely known, and is an integral part of the professional and general prosperity of his chosen city.
JAMES H. FULLER.
The Boulder Creek Mercantile Association, though not one of the oldest enterprises of the town, was inaugurated under favorable auspices in 1897, and has since realized the expectations of those most interested. James H. Fuller, the head of the firm, possesses the requisite busi- ness ability for the conduct of his business, and is regarded as one of the substantial and re- hable residents of the town.
A native of the vicinity of Plattsburg, Clinton county, N. Y., Mr. Fuller was born February 7. 1839, and when eighteen months old lost his father by death. The elder Fuller was baptized Aca, and was a farmer and carpenter in Wash- ington county, N. Y., although he eventually removed to Clinton county, where the rest of his life was spent. His wife, Anna (Nichols) Fuller, survived him many years, and carefully reared her family of children. James H. Fuller came to California in 1857, via Central America, and after locating in San José, farmed and engaged in contract work on the streets of the town. In 1882 he came to Boulder Creek, and for sev- eral years bought and shipped timber, and at the present time is interested in six hundred acres of timber land in Santa Cruz county. Previous to starting his mercantile business in 1897 he built the store in which he is conducting his enterprise, and since occupying the same has also engaged in shipping railroad ties and pick- (ts, these being acquired from his extensive timber lands.
In political affiliation Mr. Fuller is independ- (nt, and believes in voting for principle rather than party. He is one of the trustees of Boukler Creek, but has otherwise not interested himself in office holding. Mr. Fuller has two children. Nancy and Willoughby. He is a broad-minded and progressive citizen and business man, and
LKBaldwin.
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has won an enviable place in the community in which he lives.
LEVI K. BALDWIN.
The record of the Baldwin family in America is traced back to 1730, when Ebenezer Baldwin left Devonshire, England, and crossed the un- tried waters of the Atlantic, settling in Egre- mont, Berkshire county, Mass. A descendant of this immigrant, James Baldwin, served with valor in the Revolutionary war. Ephraim, a son of the Federal soldier, followed his father's exam- ple and enlisted for service inthesecond war with England, having the distinction of being the first man to volunteer from the Berkshire re- gion. Promoted by degrees to the rank of col- onel, he returned home with a record for bravery of which he might well be proud. The subse- (quent years of his life were spent in the Bay state, where he died at seventy-seven years. His wife, Demis (Karner) Baldwin, was eighty-two at the time of her death. They were the parents of six children, of which Levi K. and one sister alone survive.
At Egremont, the home of his ancestors, Levi K. Baldwin was born August 11, 1820, and there the years of his boyhood and youth were un- eventfully passed. Starting out for himself, he soon won his way to an honorable indepen- (lence. On establishing domestic ties he was united in marriage, November 7, 1842, with Emeline Parsons, daughter of Eli and Clara (Tuller) Parsons. The young couple started out in life under the most propitious circum- stances, with many friends and well-wishers in the vicinity of their birth. For some time all went well, but adversity finally came to them, as it comes to so many in life's journey. Ilis genial, kindly nature prompted him to accom- modate many friends by endorsing their notes, and the banks always accepted his endorsements as the best security known to the community. Two of these friends, whose notes for $1,000 were endorsed by Mr. Baldwin, failed to meet their obligations and the debt fell upon the en- dorser. Even the roof that sheltered himself and wife was mortgaged to meet the necessary amount, which in due time was paid ; thus was
lost the home where his ancestors for nearly a hundred years had been born.
With only a little left of his once comfortable fortune, Mr. Baldwin turned his face toward the west, where he believed it would be possible to retrieve his losses. In the spring of 1858, ac- companied by his wife, he came via Panama to San Francisco, and a week after his arrival went forward to Marin county, where he embarked in the dairy business. Land being cheap, he soon purchased a large tract and bought a large number of milch cows. In the management of his business he was ably assisted by his capable wife. Such was their skill in butter-making that Baldwin's butter soon commanded the highest price in the markets and its high quality and price caused so many dairymen to imitate the Baldwin brand that Mr. Baldwin was obliged to register his brand as a legal trade mark, in or- der to protect himself against counterfeiters. For years Baldwin's butter has been sold at Stall No. 50, Washington market, San Francisco.
When Mr. Baldwin went to California it was his intention to remain just long enough to re- trieve his losses and then return to his old Berk- shire home. However, as the years passed by, his prosperity was so gratifying and he found the climate of California so superior to that of Massachusetts that he determined to pass the remainder of his life by the shores of the Pacific. Leaving Marin county in 1872 he came to Santa Cruz, where he followed the dairy business with equal success. Meantime his earnings were in- vested in land which increased in value. thus earning him compound interest. The fortune lost in the cast was not only won again in the west, but was increased to an extent far beyond liis original ambitions or hopes. At this writ- ing he is one of the heaviest taxpayers in the en- tire county. While he is now to a large extent retired from business cares, spending his time quietly at his suburban home on Berkshire ave- nue, yet he does not lead an aimless life, for to a man of his temperament activity is essential and can only cease with death. llis original purchase of one hundred and fifty-seven acres and twenty three cows was increased from year to year, and later, with Z. Karner as a partner, he acquired a ranch of seventeen hundred acres
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and another wi twenty-three acres, having these ranches stocked with four hundred head of cat- tle. In 1890 a division of interests was made by the partners, Mr. Baldwin taking as his share the seventeen hundred acres, which he still owns and which is stocked with dairy cows, besides having valuable timber. The land is conducted by Mr. Anderson, who is an efficient manager. His next purchase comprised fifty-five acres, of which he retains thirty-six at this writing. In 1873 lie erected a modern commodious resi- (lence, which he has surrounded by a beautiful lawn with flowers and shrubbery. One of the attractions of the homestead is a fine grove of eucalyptus trees, set out from seed in 1873, and four of which are now five feet in thickness. One of the trees recently cut down furnished four cords of wood.
After a happy wedded life of fifty-eight years, during which they had shared their joys and sorrows, Mr. Baldwin lost his wife by death in April, 1901, when she was seventy-nine years of age. Three children were born of their union, one of whom, Satella, died at the age of seven and a half years. The two others, Clara and Mary Louise, both of whom have received ex- cellent educational and other advantages, are at home, caring affectionately for their father in his declining years.
As would be expected, the fellow-citizens of Mr. Baldwin appreciated his abilities and often requested him to represent them in positions of trust and honor. In 1874 he was elected super- visor of Santa Cruz county and three years later was re-elected. When the City Bank of Santa Cruz was organized in 1887 he became one of its principal stockholders and later was honored with the presidency of the institution, remaining at the head of the concern until January, 1900, when his desire to retire from active business responsibilities caused him to tender his resig- nation. While his life in California has been mainly one of success, yet he has had his share of reverses, and at one time experienced a loss of $4,000 through the failure of a man, for whom he was security, to meet his obligations, thus obliging him to raise the entire amount himself. After several severe losses through endorse- ment of notes, he decided to discontinue the use
of his name in this manner, and always after- ward refused to accommodate people in this way. However, he has never ceased to be mindful of those whose lot in life has been sad and unfor- tunate, and none such has ever appealed to him for aid in vain. Many a contribution has been quietly and unostentatiously made for charity, when none knew of the gift save himself and the recipient. He has also been a generous con- tributor to the cause of religion, aiding various churches regardless of denomination, for he is a man of broad spirit, willing to aid all move- ments for the benefit and spiritual uplifting of mankind. What his life has meant to Santa Cruz county and its people a stranger could not understand, nor do all of the residents realize, yet so much is known of his keen judgment, his diseriminating foresight, his kindly spirit of charity and his generosity as to bring to all at least a partial realization of what his achieve- ments and his influence have meant for the county where he resides.
B. B. PIERCE.
The present city marshal of Paso Robles, to which office he has been twice elected, is one of the town's most enterprising and progressive citizens, and has established a reputation for genuine worth as a business man and politician. He became identified with the city which has sinee profited by his endeavors in 1887, in which year he was elected road overseer, and estab- lished a butcher shop and farming enterprise. In 1890 he was elected trustee, serving for two years, and in 1900 was elected city marshal, two years later being appointed deputy sheriff. 1895 witnessed the starting of the livery business in which he is now engaged, and at the same time he became railroad contractor for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, attending to their work along the coast line. He has constructed several buildings in this city, and the city hall, which he owned and rented for nine years, he finally soll. The residence on Oak street occupied by his family is yet another of his acquisitions, as well as one hundred and sixty acres of farm land near the town. Other inter- ests command his time and attention, and lie
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has availed himself of the resources of the state to the extent of owning quicksilver and oil stock.
Like the majority of the men who have made a success of western life, Mr. Pierce received his early training on a farm, and acquired a certain independence and aggressiveness from early hours and early responsibility. He was born in Howard county, Mo., near Fayette, March 31, 1851, and comes from a family long repre- sented in Virginia, in which state his father, John McCoy Pierce, was born, in Rappahan- nock county, and there engaged in farming and stock-raising. John Pierce came to California in 1869, settling in Monterey, now San Benito. county, where he lived retired for some time. but died in San Luis Obispo county at the age of eighty-one years. His wife, Mary Eliza (Johnson) Pierce, was born in Warren county, Ky., on the Ohio river, and bore him two chil- dren, one son and one daughter. He had pre- viously been married, and of the first union there were two sons and two daughters.
After completing his education at Central College, Missouri, Mr. Pierce started for Cali- fornia with his father, at the time being seven- teen years of age. The father bought land in San Benito county, but in 1876 removed to the Osos valley, San Luis Obispo county, where he bought six hundred and forty-eight acres of land and engaged in farming and dairying for twelve years. This property was disposed of for $24,000, and the family removed to near Paso Robles in 1875, where they owned six hun- dred and forty acres. As heretofore stated, B. B. Pierce moved into the city in 1887, and has since made this his home.
In Missouri Mr. Pierce married Mary, daugh- ter of Thomas Knaus, the latter born in the east. while the former was born in Cooper county, No. Mr. Knaus died in Yolo county, Cal .. when about fifty years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have been born three children: Mand, the wife of J. F. Barnberg, a very successful miner of Cape Nome, Alaska; Mabel, who is employed in the Bank of San José; and J. F .. twelve years of age, and at present a pupil of the sixth grade of the school at Paso Robles. Mr. Pierce is fraternally identified with the Ma-
sons, the Eastern Star, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He carried a $2,000 insurance in the Independent Order Foresters. and a like amount of insurance in the Western Masonic Association. IIe is a Democrat in politics, and has been a member of the county central committee, as well as a delegate to the state central convention in 1900. Mr. Pierce is wide awake to the interests of his town, and has many friends, as well as a liberal share of worldly possessions.
PROF. DAVID C. CLARK.
To an accurate observer the condition of a city's schools affords a comprehensive insight into the spirit of that city, whether progressive or retrogressive, ambitious for advancement or satisfied with the achievements of the past. In this respect Santa Cruz has much reason for pride, as there has been a steady advance in educational facilities, opportunities and methods. To a large degree the credit for this gratifying condition may be attributed to Professor Clark, who since 1884 has been superintendent of the city schools and principal of the high school.
The history of the Santa Cruz schools dates back to 1848, when Mrs. Martha A. Case estab- lished a private school in her adobe house on Mission Hill. Two years later a public school was started. Its beginning of course was crude, as was to be expected in a region then so far removed from civilization. However, a steady progress was noted. In 1863 there were two teachers, R. Desty and Miss M. Hill. There being no schoolhouse, any vacant building was utilized that could be rented and finally the old courthouse was converted into a school build- ing, this serving the purpose until a more suit- able structure could be erected. Il. E. Makin ney was elected principal in 1867 and continued in the position for seven years. The next occu- pant was C. Kessler, but after two months he was succeeded by Voiney Rattan. Subsequent occupants were successively Prois. W. W. Anderson, E. C. Newell, W. H. Galbraith, Mr. Rily, G. W. Jones and Mr. Randall. The last- named was followed by Prof. David C. Clark. who found seventeen teachers and seven hun-
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dred and fifty pupils. Under his administration additions to the schools have been erected, com- prising from one to five rooms each. In 1895 Wie commodious high school building was surected on Walnut avenue, which commands one of the finest views on the coast and consists of a two-story structure, modern in respect to heating and ventilation, and thoroughly up to date in every particular. From the spacious grounds there may be seen the ocean and the beautiful mountains, and a fine view is also to be had of the city itself. At this writing there are forty-four teachers in the city schools and more than sixteen hundred pupils. The largest graduating class was in 1896, when forty-seven received diplomas certifying to the completion of the regular curriculum. As a preference is given to graduates, many of these are employed in the capacity of teachers and when vacancies cecur their names are considered rather than those of strangers.
In Petersburg, Menard county, Ill., Professor ( lark was born June 23. 1857, a son of David and Martha (Berry) Clark. In 1863 the family cemoved to California and purchased a farm near Santa Rosa, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until death. On this home- stead David C. Clark was trained to habits of industry and usefulness, and from it he went forth into the world, prepared to fill positions of honor and trust. After having graduated from the Pacific Methodist College in 1876, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and became associated with D. N. Carithers of Santa Rosa, in the dry goods and clothing busi- ness. Two years later he resumed teaching, in which he had engaged prior to graduation. For a time he was connected with the high school of Santa Rosa, after which he accepted a posi- tion as vice-principal of the Heallsburg school. Later he was elected principal of the Sonoma schools, continuing in that capacity until 1884. when he removed to Santa Cruz. Since then he has continued in the same position and has lischarged his duties with indefatigable energy andl a patient persistence that have won the con- Milence of all who appreciate the importance of first-class educational system. In addition to his other duties, he is now president of the
board of education, of which he has been a member almost continuously since coming here.
From time to time Professor Clark has real- ized the need of a technical knowledge of the law to assist him in his varied and responsible duties. With him to believe is to act, and hence we find him during the 'gos devoting his leisure hours and vacations to the study of Blackstone. In 1898 he was admitted to practice at the bar in all courts of the state, since which time he has been professionally engaged at several terms of court. He was elected mayor of Santa Cruz in April of 1902 and at this writing is the executive head of this beautiful coast town. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fel- lows, Knights of Pythias and Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, while in religious views he is of the Methodist Episcopal faith. His attractive home opposite the school is presided over by Mrs. Clark and brightened by the pres- ence of their two daughters, Bessie C. and Alice Mildred. Mrs. Clark was, prior to her marriage in 1877, Allie L. Crump, and was born in Arkansas, coming from there to California with her father. Hon. Richard W. Crump, who afterward was honored with the office of superior judge of Lake county.
HORACE H. COWLES.
The fruit growing industry of the Pajaro valley has received a decided impetus from the laudable efforts of Horace H. Cowles, owner of a fine farm in the valley, forty-five acres of which are under apples. This representative farm is further noticeable because of a two and a half story frame residence erected by the owner in 1896; it has thirteen rooms, finished in red woods, and was erected at a cost of $3,000.
A native of Vermont, Mr. Cowles was born in Caledonia county, Vt., September 30. 1849, a son of Timothy Cowles, also a native of Ver- mont. The father came to California in 1852, by way of the Isthmus, locating near Watson- ville, in which town he is now making his home, at the age of eighty-eight years. He married a Miss Shaw, and reared to maturity three chil- dren. Horace II. Cowles came to California in
PETER COX
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1863, settling in San Benito county, but later removing to Santa Cruz county, where in 1877 he bought a farm upon which he lived until removing to his present farm in 1883.
The wife of Mr. Cowles was before her inar- riage Mary Rodgers, and is the mother of five children: Florence, Hubert, Lillian, Ethel and Gertrude. Mr. Cowles has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been asso- ciated during his residence in the county, and his friends rejoice at the success which has crowned his untiring industry and conservative management. He is public spirited and enter- prising, and may be counted on to further any wise plan for the betterment of the community.
PETER COX.
Among the pioneers of 1852 who came to California with every intention of making a for- tune in the gold mines, but who eventually turned their thoughts to the tilling of the soil, was Peter Cox, whose death, October 23, 1901, removed from Monterey county one of its worthy men, a citizen of untiring industry, large landed possessions and an enviable reputation.
Although a native of New York state, where he was born March 9, 1825, Mr. Cox was reared and educated in Michigan, to which state his parents removed when he was a very small child. Nothing of unusual moment occurred to indi- vidualize his life until 1851, when he set out for California. The voyage was made via the Horn and brought him many hardships and perils, which, to the superstitious, would have argued ill for his future on the coast. The steamer In- dependence, containing the emigrants, was wrecked off the coast of Lower California, and Mr. Cox lost everything that he had in the world. Being a good swimmer, he was not only . able to save his own life, but the lives of several of his fellow passengers as well.
For some time the little band of shipwrecked Argonauts remained on a lonely island, and sad would have been their fate had they not been rescued by the crew of a whaling vessel. Ou this ship he completed his journey to California, and on arriving in this state tried his luck in the mines of Eldorado county, but soon decided
that he was not fitted for the speculations of a miner's life. In 1855 he came to Pajaro town- ship, Monterey county, and bought a squatter's right to one hundred and ninety acres. To this possession was added by later purchase enoughi land to make seven hundred acres, which has since been divided up into three ranches and is operated by his widow and son. About 1891 he removed from the farm into the city of Wat- sonville, and thereafter did not confine his atten- tion to farming, but also had other interests. From the organization of the Pajaro Valley Bank he was one of its directors and served in a similar capacity with the Watsonville creamery.
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