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 93
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In 1856 Mr. Cox was united in marriage with Rebecca Cathers, who was born in Ireland, May 27, 1830, and came to the United States in girl- hood with her parents, James and Mar- garet (Moreland) Cathers, the former of whom died young, while the latter passed away in California at the age of eighty-five years. Five children comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Cox, namely: Hattie, who married Joseph Wangaman, of Watsonville; Anna, wife of Wil- liam A. Trafton, of Watsonville; Sarah, who re- sides with her mother in Watsonville; Maggie, wife of Dr. S. B. Gordon, of Salinas ; and Lyman, who is manager of the home ranch. The name of Mr. Cox is enrolled among those of the sub- stantial pioneers of Monterey county, and his successes in his adopted state are worthy of emulation as well as a source of encouragement to those who are now starting out in active life
THOMAS A. KING.
Although not a land owner in the Pajaro valley, Thomas A. King represents the most progressive element among the agriculturists of this fertile region, of which he has been a resident since 1893. He comes of old Southern stock, and was born in Tazewell county, Va., September 28, 1859. Ilis parents, Harvey and Mary (Thompson) King, were also natives of Virginia, in which state the former was a farm- er during his young manhood, his father set- tling there upon removing from England. The Thompson family were of Scotch descent, and
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have been represented in this country for many years. In 1870 Harvey King removed from Virginia to California, and eight years later lied upon his farm of six hundred and forty acres near New Hope, where he engaged in ex- tensive grain operations. To himself and wife were born eight children, all of whom are living: James, Thomas A., Rebecca, Emma, Jolin, Har- vey, Josie and Virginia.
Thomas A. King was twelve years of age when the family came to the coast, and he re- mained on the home farm until his removal to the vicinity of Watsonville in 1893. At the pres- ent time he lives about five miles from town, where he is engaged in onion raising on ninety acres of land, a portion of the tract being de- voted to pasture. He has been very successful, and has done much to verify the general impres- sion of desirability attached to the Pajaro valley. The family of which he is a member is further represented in the valley by James King, a brother of Thomas A., who is one of the most extensive onion raisers in the county.
In 1887 Mr. King married Bessie Woodward, a native of Illinois, and of this union there have been born three children, James, Hazel and Wheeler. Mr. King is politically in favor of the Democratic party, although he has never de- voted much time to local political undertakings. Fraternally he is associated with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Or- der of United Workmen. He is a very genial, progressive and tactful member of the commu- nity, and has an enviable standing from an agri- cultural and social standpoint.
FREDERICK W. LUCAS.
The present city clerk and tax collector of Santa Cruz is also a typical pioneer of the state, . and has passed through many varied and inter- esting experiences. Of stanch old New England stock, he was born in Plymouth, Mass., July 27, 1831. a son of Joseph and Lydia (Keene) Lucas, the former of whom was a machinist by trade.
After completing his education in the public schools of Plymouth, Mr. Lucas inaugurated his business career by starting in to work in an iron works, but this plodding occupation paled
into insignificance beside a consuming desire to follow the fickle fortunes of the sea. He chose fishing as the most desirable of the water enter- prises of which he had knowledge, and for two years set out on many voyages in search of the finny tribe. Finally convinced that he was not to the water born, he sank his former ambition in the more absorbing desire to make a fortune in the gold fields, and his latter-day reefing of sails, and the roar of the tempest, was mingled with bright hopes of an easily acquired and mon- ummental fortune. Therefore, Mr. Lucas set out on the sailer Mallory, commanded by Captain Borden, and undertook the long and wearisome voyage around the Horn, meeting with many adventures and thrilling experiences. Arriving in San Francisco September 12, 1849, he found there a queer conglomeration of houses, cabins and tents, the greater number of which were given over to gambling, the solace of rudderless wanderers in search of homes and fortunes re- mote from their own: firesides.
Accompanied by others. Mr. Lucas set out from San Francisco for the mines of Weber creek, where he encountered many hardships. At times he was successful in his mining opera- tions, but at other times met with disappoint- ment. He next went to Benecia, where he spent the winter, and where he was engaged in work for the government at a salary of $150 per month, including rations. Eventually he re- turned to San Francisco somewhat disillusion- ized as far as mining was concerned, but after working for the government during the spring of 1850, went to the Mariposa mines, remain- ing until storms interfered with living in a can- vas tent. For a time he lived in Martinez and Tuolumne, in the latter county engaging with fair sitccess in both mining and hotel-keeping. Subsequently he purchased a stock ranch in the Livermore valley, and after three years spent thereon went to the Mission of San José, and after farming there for several years, for some time was similarly engaged in the Salinas val- ley. A farm in the Pajaro valley became his home for a couple of years, after which he came to Santa Cruz and engaged in teaming, later taking up the lumber business. As a lumberman he represented such prominent firms as the
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Santa Clara Lumber Company of San José and the Pacific Manufacturing Company of Santa Clara, later being identified with the Grover Lumber Company for a period of twelve years.
In April, 1878, Mr. Lucas was elected city clerk of Santa Cruz, which position he held one term. August 1, 1898, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of treasurer and collector, to which office he was regularly elected in 1899. and still maintains the same. He has creditably held many offices of importance, among them being supervisor of Alameda county. By his marriage, July 11, 1862, with Mary A. Sylvester, daughter of Solomon Sylvester, three sons were born, one of whom, Willie V., was killed on the railroad when twenty-three years of age. George H. is a resident of Santa Cruz and Harry C. is a law student, and graduate of the Leland Stan- ford University, class of 1902. Mr. Lucas en- joys to an unusual degree the confidence and ap- preciation of his fellow townsmen, and his serv- ices in connection with municipal affairs have received hearty endorsement, evidenced by his securing a bond of $160,000 among his acquaint- ances.
JOHN WILLIAM LINSCOTT.
One of the foremost public educators of Santa Cruz county for many years and the present superintendent of schools is J. W. Linscott, who was born in Jefferson, Lincoln county, Me., May 7, 1848, the son of Mellen and Rachel ( Weeks) Linscott, the former a farmer during his active life.
No royal road to success was mapped out for Professor Linscott by an indulgent early fortune, nor did influence or money play aught but an inconsequent part. Even the privilege of fol- lowing his chosen calling unhindered was won only after severe deprivation and close acquaint- ance with adverse conditions. A rugged per- sistency and determination to succeed seem to have been inculcated while rising early and working late on the paternal farm, in connection with which he attended the district schools and Lincoln Academy, further study being curtailed owing to ill health. At the age of seventeen he entered upon his career as an educator, and during the summer time worked with accus-
tomed energy on the home farm. This by no means roseate existence was invaded by a vista of possibility, opened before the expectant gaze of the teacher by returned California tourists, who glowingly depicted the advantages of cli- mate, surroundings and opportunity awaiting the industrious beyond the Rocky mountains. Small wonder that the limitations of the Maine farm and school house were emphasized in com- parison, or that the receptive intelligence of the searcher after better things responded thereto. Arriving in San Francisco, via Panama, April 21, 1868, Mr. Linscott's choice of location was influenced by the presence in Santa Cruz of his cousin, J. A. Linscott, through whose influence he was brought to the notice of the county su- perintendent of schools, H. E. Makinney, with such satisfactory results that three days after his arrival he was installed as teacher of the Rail- road district school near Watsonville. The al- together new and invigorating surroundings in his adopted state inspired in Mr. Linscott a de- votion which has never wavered in its allegiance, but has strengthened with the passing of every year. He taught also in the Roach district, and in the Beach school, and during the summer turned his attention to the more healthful work in the open fields of the country.
In September, 1872, Professor Linscott was elected principal of the Watsonville school, and in November, 1882, was elected county super- intendent of schools, and has been re-elected successively ever since. When first elected su- perintendent there were forty-five districts and seventy-one instructors, and the pay was so small that he maintained his position as princi- pal of the Watsonville school until pressure of responsibility necessitated his resignation there- from January 1, 1891. At the present time the districts number fifty-six, and the number of teachers employed is one hundred and thirty- one. The administration of Mr. Linscott has given the most gratifying satisfaction, and his advanced methods, tact, practicability and devo- tion to his work are on the whole appreciated to an unusual degree. Fraternally lie is asso- ciated with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Mac- cabees, and is grand warden of the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., of California. IIe is a mem-
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ber and trustee of the Congregational Church.
December 4, 1870, Mr. Linscott married Emma Scott, a native of Santa Cruz, and daugh- ter of Richard J. F. Scott, a California '4ger. After a short experience in the mines, Mr. Scott located in Santa Cruz, and later in Watsonville, in both of which towns he conducted hotels. In Santa Cruz he managed the hotel of that name, and in Watsonville conducted and built a hotel on the plaza, where Mrs. Tuttle's house now stands, and where both himself and wife died. To Mr. and Mrs. Linscott have been born seven children, viz .: Harry A., principal of the San Leandro school of Alameda county; May, the wife of J. R. Williamson of Santa Cruz; William R., a dentist of Santa Cruz; A. M., deputy county superintendent of schools; Richard R., Herbert C., and Maynard, the three last men- tioned still attending school.
WALTER LYNSKEY.
One of the neat and prosperous appearing farms on the road between Soquel and Santa Cruz is owned and operated by Walter Lynskey, who is devoting his well improved forty-two acres to general farming, fruit and stock raising. He was born in Ireland in 1837. and is the son of a farmer, Patrick Lynskey, who lived and died in his native land. The mother, Mary (Roach) Lynskey, also born in Ireland, had the following children besides Walter: Timothy, a farmer in Ohio: John, living in New York state; Mary, Cecil and Bridget.
In his native land Walter Lynskey received a fair common school education, and when he ar- rived in New York harbor in 1856 was well equipped to avail himself of the advantages by which he was surrounded. After living for a short time in New York city he removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he farmed until 1862, thereafter removing to California via Panama, the trip being made in three weeks. Formerly he owned and lived on a farm of ninety-five acres in Santa Cruz county, but in 1888 assumed con trol of his present property. He has taken an active part in the affairs of his neighborhood, and has been school trustee for the past four- teen years. With his family he attends the Ro-
man Catholic Church, in which his wife, who was formerly Irene Salmon, of Ireland, is an active worker. Mr. Lynskey is considered one of the reliable and substantial members of the community of Santa Cruz county, and his many fine traits of character have made him a favorite in his locality.
JOHN A. McGUIRE, M. D.
The distinction conferred by more than ordi- nary success has been added to the professional ranks of Santa Cruz by the altogether creditable career of Dr. John A. McGuire, a resident of the city since 1890, and the recipient of a patronage by no means local in its extent. Born near Meadville. Crawford county, Pa., March 27, 1841, he is a son of John and Catherine (Gevin) McGuire, the former a farmer by occupation.
The occupation of farming, while beneficial in its results as an inculcator of thrift and energy, at no time appealed to the youthful as- pirations of Dr. McGuire as an acceptable field of life-long activity. Having decided in favor of medicine and surgery, and having gained a fair education in the public schools, he entered the office of Dr. W. Lyon, of Salem, Ohio, and at the same time attended lectures preparatory to entering Sterling College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1873, from which he was duly graduated in 1881. As early as 1868 he had begun practice in Chili, Ohio, and after his graduation he prac- ticed at Salem and Republic, that state, and Castleton, N. Dak., in 1887 going to Butte, Mont. Three years later, in 1890, he came to Santa Cruz, and from the start chanced upon opportunities which established a reputation for erudition and profound grasp upon his chosen calling. In 1901 the doctor established a private hospital for the care and treatment of his pa- tients, in which has been conducted operations which have won him praise from the fraternity all over the county. In curing the complicated disorders of woman, Dr. McGuire has accom- plished truly remarkable results, and it is per- haps to this specialty that his abilities are best adapted, and more prolifically useful and far reaching.
An enthusiastic appreciator of the soil possi-
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bilities of California, and finding relaxation, pleasure and profit in the pursuit of horticulture and agriculture, Dr. MeGuire invested in eighty acres of land, advantageously and beautifully located on Ben Lomond mountain, twelve miles from Santa Cruz. His yield is devoted prin- cipally to apricots, peaches, pears and apples, although he has several acres under deciduous fruits. The McGuire home on the cliff drive is a delightful one, and is presided over by Mrs. McGuire, who was formerly Amanda, daughter of Daniel Wyant, and sister of A. H. Wyant, of New York city, the world famous artist. Mrs. McGuire is a native of Ohio, and is popular in the social life of Santa Cruz. She is the mother of three sons, all of whom are successful profes- sional men, Edward Harry as a dentist, and William Arthur and John A. as lawyers. Dr. McGuire is past grand of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, and is also associated with the Ancient Order United Workmen. He is liberal, broad minded, an acquisition to his pro- fession, a stanch friend, and an enterprising and popular citizen.
CHARLES T. ROMIE.
Although born at Hamburg, Germany, in 1837, Mr. Romie is an American by training and education, and is above all else a Califor- nian, by reason of those traits of honor, large- heartedness and unfettered expansion, so essen- tially the backbone of the true western spirit. His father, John F. Romie, born in Berlin, Ger- many, was the possessor of attainments that drew to him many distinguished friendships. among others that of General Sutter, through whose influence he came to California about 1841. Locating in Monterey, he was for eight years foremost in the commercial life of the town, going thence to join the throng of for- tune seekers among the splendid mining pos- sibilities of Placerville. While in a measure successful, his expectations were all too quickly terminated, for among the mines he contracted an illness which resulted in his death in 1850, at the age of fifty years. His wife, who sur- vived him until 1888, and who died in Monterey at the age of seventy six, was one of those
strong and courageous pioneer women who deemed no hardship too severe to be patiently undergone for the sake of those whom she loved and who were dependent upon her for affection and sympathy. Of the children whom she reared to be useful and industrious mem- bers of society there are: Ernest, who resides in San Francisco and is manager of the Espi- nosa estate: Paul T., who is the youngest son in the family, and who was born in Monterey and now lives in Salinas; Louise, who died soon after the family arrived in California; Mrs. Mary C. Jacks, of Monterey; and Charles T.
From childhood up Mr. Romie has lived and worked in Monterey county, and he is known from one end of it to the other. His business successes have in no way interfered with the building up of an admirable reputation, resting largely upon a foundation of humanitarian char- acter, which lavishly spends the results of toil for the betterment of those who are deserving and in need of help. Many a now prosperous man or woman in the county regards him as their benefactor and attributes to him their start in life. Innumerable unselfish kindnesses come to light in converse with his friends and associates, but which an innate refinement and delicacy on his part would forever withhokl from the knowledge of others. Most of the property of Mr. Romie has been acquired through his wisely conducted farming enter- prises, on the property about seven miles from Soledad, which has been his home since 1875. He is the owner of Paraiso Springs and a sur- rounding large tract of land, on which are con- ducted enormous grain-raising enterprises, and equally large stock-raising undertakings. He is a Republican in politics, and is fraternally asso- ciated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
JOSEPHI MCCOLLUM.
Few of the prominent farmers near Watson ville have led a more eventful life than has Jos- cph MeCollum, who has stored up an abundance of useful and interesting information while visit ing different parts of the world, and evolved
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from Mie wyerse experiences both success and. honor. He was born in New Brunswick, Canada, October 24, 1830, a son of Joseph MeCollum and his wife, Elizabeth (Douglass) MeCollum, both of whom were born in Scot- land, and possessed the hardy and thrifty char- acteristics of their race. The elder McCollum was a farmer in his native land, and after remov- ing to Canada continued his former occupation for a few years, thereafter locating in Chester county, Pa., where his death occurred in 1854.
ing the busy season Mr. McCollum is obliged to employ twenty hands, and in addition to beets he raises everything in the line of general farming.
Mrs. McCollum was formerly Ellen Hallett, a native of Pennsylvania, and is the mother of three children. John, who manages the ranch, married Cecil Foster, and has three children, Margaret, Josephine and John; Edward is de- ceased; and Ellen is the wife of Marks William- son. The children were born in the present It would seem that the occupation of farm- ing possessed its limitations for young Joseph MeCollum, for as soon as he coukl arrange to to so he put to sea, and left behind him the early hours and long labor days of the paternal farm. For eight years he sailed in the mer- chant marine of the high seas, in time becoming a seasoned tar, and in his travels visiting about home of the family, which is admirably located three hundred yards from the road. Mr. Mc- Collum is a Republican in political preference, and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont. He has taken an active part in the political de- velopments of his county, and was one of the first trustees of the city of Watsonville. From a religious standpoint he is in favor of the all the countries touched by vessels on their . Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. McCol- way around the world. But he was not so re- lum is also due the distinction of a meritorious military service during the Civil war, and he has the commission of second lieutenant signed by Governor Law. A man of decided character and great resourcefulness, his residence in the county of Santa Cruz has been prolific of prog- ress and unquestioned success. mote from land affairs that he failed to hear of the gold discoveries in California, and intent upon having a share in making the earth yield up its treasures, he shipped as a sailor on a boat bound for around the Horn, in December of 1849, reaching his destination in San Francisco the following June. His suceess or failure as a miner played but a small part in his western ex- JOSEPH W. PEERY. periences, and after reaching San Francisco he made a trip to Central America, and upon re- To Joseph W. Peery belongs the distinction of being one of the earliest residents of Boulder Creek, of which town he is now one of the influential citizens, as well as the owner of a portion of the land upon which the town is built. Innumerable landmarks in this mountain community bespeak the far sightedness and en- terprise of this honored pioneer, who recognized in the advantages of soil, climate and situation, splendid opportunities for the fulfilling of large ambitions, and for the leading of peaceful, con- tented and successful lives. turning worked upon the Sacramento river for three years. Still devoted to a life upon the water, he bought a small schooner which he operated in the San Francisco Bay, but eventu- ally sokl his craft and came to Santa Cruz county, living upon a farm for a couple of years. The first year he cleared $2,500, and with this money purchased his present farm of two hun- dred acres, paying Soo per acre. This farin teaches to the middle of the Pajaro river, and is .me of the finest properties in this part of the Bounty. The present house was erected in 1856, The descendant of an ohl southern family, Mr. Peery was born in Cabell county, W. Va .. October 2, 1830, a son of Iliram and Ruth (Les- ley) Peery, natives of Tazewell county, Va. Iliram Peery was a sollier in the war of 1812, and was the owner of a plantation in Kentucky. to which state he removed from West Virginia, Ant since then has been added to it, so that at present there are twelve rooms, equipped with very convenience possible in the country re gions. One hundred and twenty-five acres of the Tarm are devoted to beet culture, and the profit Darefrom in 19of amounted to $10,050. Dur
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The family fortunes were shifted to Missouri when Joseph W. was twelve years of age, and while in that state he lived on his father's farm and attended the public schools as opportunity permitted. His first trip across the plains was accomplished with ox teams in 1850, on which occasion he spent three years among the mines, but eventually returned to Missouri, engaging in farming in that state six years. Three years were subsequently spent in farming in Ne- braska, and in 1862 he again crossed the plains in the same manner as before, but this trip was darkened and rendered memorable by the death of his wife, who was buried near Austin, Nev .. but thirty-seven years afterwards was removed to Boulder Creek. For two years he engaged in farming in the San Joaquin valley, and after residing for three years in Stockton, came to Santa Cruz county, in 1867, locating in Boulder Creek in 1868. At once he became interested in the remarkable lumber resources of the county, and in that year bought an old fashioned water power saw mill, and has since been extensively engaged in the lumber and saw mill business. At the present time he employs several men, and it is said that during the course of his lum- bering experiences he has devastated of their natural growth eighteen hundred acres of land in this county. He is the owner of two hun- dred and sixty acres of land, besides a portion of that upon which Boulder Creek has been built.
The present wife of Mr. Peery was formerly Mrs. Thomkins, who is the mother of the fol- lowing children by her former marriage: Willis E .; Josephine; Thomsen: Jennie, the widow of George Bowen: Walter T., a soldier in the late Spanish-American war; Julia ; Alice ; and Elner. Mr. and Mrs. Peery have an adopted daughter. Eva N. Mr. Peery was originally a Whig, but afterwards voted for both Lincoln and Grant. lle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and during his life has contributed lib- crally towards the support of that denomination. In his general character and make-up he em- bodies the strength and excellencies of the typi cal California pioneer, and his reputation and position are both above reproach.
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