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 98
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The marriage of Mr. Estabrook and May Van Hyning occurred in 1878, and of this union there are three children, Lois M., Zelda, and Mildred W. Lois M. is engaged in educational work in Pacific Grove.
WILLIAM H. DOOL.
Prominent among the Canadian-Americans who have made a success of mercantile life in Boukler Creek may be mentioned William H. Dool, for many years at the head of a successful meat industry, conducted on modern lines and with reasonable profit to the owner thereof. Mr. Dool was born in Ontario, and is one of the children born to Thomas and Eliza (McCum) Dool, both of whom were natives of Canada.
When eighteen years of age William II. Dool left his Canadian home and settled in Michigan, where he engaged in farming and such other occupations as came his way for about four years. In 1880 he located in Boukler Creek, where for some time he was in the em- ploy of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company.
Later he entered into business on its own ar count, and has since catered to the largest and most exacting trade in the locality.
In 1888 Mr. Dool married Emma L. Paschall, who was born in Santa Cruz county, and who is the mother of two children, Hazel and Esther. Mr. Dool is now filling the important responsi- bility of mayor of Boukler Creek, which office he was elected to in February, 1902. He is a loyal and active Republican, and has at times been very active for his friends and associates. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fel- lows Encampment, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Foresters. Many admirable characteristics have won for him prominence in both private and public life, and he is regarded with favor by those who are associated with him in whatsoever capacity.
AUGUST EINERT.
To a greater degree than in any portion of the United States landscape gardening has been made a science in California, and among the men who have contributed to the promotion of the industry may be mentioned August Ehnert, who was a florist and landscape gardener, with office at No. 168 Water street, Santa Cruz. Mr. Ehnert was born in Bohemia, Austria, in 1856. a son of John Ehnert, and grew to manhood in his native province, receiving such educational advantages as fall to the lot of the average youth of that region. Much was told of the oppor tunities of the new workl in the papers of the country, and the lad naturally took a keen in- torest in this as well as in general affairs.
On crossing the ocean Mr. Ehnert proceeded (lirect to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for a short time, and from there went to Seattle. Wash., remaining for two years in that section. His next location was San Francisco, in the vicinity of which city he worked at his trade for nearly two years, and in 1806 removed to Santa Cruz, where he secured a position as landscape gardener and florist for the powder mills and grounds. Later he was engaged by F 1. HIihn. Recognition of his work, and the wide acquaintance given by association with these people caused him to decide to embark in busi-
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ness for himself, and he formed a partnership with Theodore Miller, but in 1902 purchased his partner's interest, and afterward conducted the business alone. llis shop on Water street con- tained a fine display of tuberoses, begonias and other choice varieties of bloom, and he devoted the best of care to the nurture of his chosen beautiful but silent friends. Mr. Ehnert won a large patronage among the exclusive people of his adopted town, his graciousness of manner, tact, knowledge of flowers, and general adapt- iveness, contributing not a little to his popular- ity and business success.
In his young manhood Mr. Ehnert married Annie Newman, who was a native of the same part of Bohemia, and was educated and reared in her native land. Mr. Ehnert was fraternally identified with the Red Men.
BLESSING BROTHERS.
The Blessing Brothers, liverymen of Watson- ville, belong to a family represented in California long before the great gold excitement swept over the land. The paternal grandfather, John, came hither in the early '4os, leaving behind in Wis- consin the family whom he was destined never more to see. He spent his time in mining in Placer county, and because of the want of op- portunity never communicated with those to whom he was bound by ties of kinship and blood. His death occurred in 1856, and it is supposed that his life in the wild mining regions of Cali- fornia in a measure compensated him for his withdrawal from more civilized conditions. His « 11. John A., the father of the successful busi- ness men of Watsonville, was born in Wisconsin, And was but three years of age when his father left for California. At that early age he was bound out, and grew to manhood in his native state. In the days of gold in 1849 he joined the great throngs that took their way over the plains in search of fortunes easily made, his object being the finding of the father whom he had not seen for seventeen years. In the memorable winter of 1849 he crossed with ox-teams and wagons, and the little party of which he was a member was either behind or before the famous Donough party, all of whom perished from want
and exposure. His first search was conducted at Gold Hill, Placer county, where he took up mining and exhausted every resource for the finding of his beloved parent. Sometimes he would hear of him as being in some gulch or on some mountain fastness, but when he reached the spot it was to learn that he had just missed the object of his search by a few hours or days. Thus his devotion was doomed to perpetual dis- appointment, for father and son never met on this side of the Great Divide. Mr. Blessing fol- lowed mining with alternate success and failure from 1850 until 1875, in which latter year he came to Hollister and bought a ranch just east of the town, and where he spent the remainder of his days in farming and raising stock. He was a practical agriculturist and knew how to best improve his land, and he worked hard at all seasons of the year, and rarely left his home. Of quiet and unobtrusive tastes, he gloried in the peace and happiness to be found at his own fireside, and his death, in 1900, removed a man of pride and spirit, largeness of heart, and con- sistent living. He married in Santa Clara with Mrs. Rowe, a widow, by whom he had three children : J. F. and O. C., and Mrs. Canfield, of Exeter, Cal.
J. F. and O. C. Blessing, proprietors of the largest livery interests in Watsonville, were born in Placer county, and came to Hollister in 1875, while both were small boys. They were reared on the paternal farm east of the town of Hol- lister, and as opportunity permitted attended the public schools. In 1875 they bought out the liv- ery business of the Fashion Stables, which they still own, and in 1900 purchased the City Stables, both of which are managed after the most ap- proved plans, and equipped with all the requi- sites of a first-class business. For some time they farmed the old homestead near the town, and so well have their interests developed that the oil industry has come in for a large share of their time and attention, as well as other enterprises represented in the neighborhood. They own stock in San Benito county, especially in the Hollister Petroleum Company, the Hamiltonian Oil Company, and the Hollister Crude Oil Com- pany, and are accounted enterprising and far- sighted business men, of unquestioned integrity
St. Largest
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and devotion to the all-around well-being of their locality.
In 1900 the elder of the brothers, J. F., mar- ried Hattie C. Miles, who died August 10, 1901. Oscar C. Blessing was married in 1896 to Minnie Hayworth, and of this union there is one dangh- ter, Wilhelmina. The brothers are Democrats in national politics, but as regards local matters are in favor of the best man, regardless of the color of his political affiliation. They have en- tered into the general improvement of their city. and in all emergencies may be counted on to generously aid a worthy canse.
HON. BRADLEY V. SARGENT.
In his present office as Judge of the Superior court of Monterey county and also through his long identification with the bar of Salinas, Mr. Sargent is well known to the people of his city and county. A native son of California, he was born in Monterey July 5, 1863, and his early life was spent on San Carlos rancho, comprising twenty-four thousand acres. The ranch was then owned by his father, B. V. Sargent, and is still in the family. The latter was born in New Hampshire, and at the age of ten years started out, a barefoot boy, with his home be- hind him and the lottery of life ahead. Walking to Boston, he found employment in a bakery. During the days of 1849 he came to California and in Calaveras county engaged in the butcher and stock business. Having gained a fair com- petence, in 1857 he settled in Monterey county, where he continued to make his home until his death in 1895, at the age of sixty-five years. In the affairs of his locality he was prominent. His successes were a matter of pride to his family and to all who appreciated his fine business abil- ity and devotion to the general good. Ont of liis abundance he gave liberally to those less fortunate than himself. His character was such that he was universally respected, and his suc- cess aroused no envy. A Democrat in politics, he was supervisor from 1885 to 1887, and was fraternally connected with the Odd Fellows. Knight Templar Masons and Pioneer Society. He was of Scotch-English descent, and one of his brothers was an army surgeon during the
Civil war. He married Julia Flynn, who was born in Boston, Mass., the daughter of Irish parents, highly educated and financially pros- pered. Of the three sons and one daughter born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sargent, James P., the eldest, is engaged in the wholesale meat business in Monterey; R. C. has charge of the family ranches; and Harriet is the wife of M. P. Gregg, auditor of the Southern Pacific Milling Company, and owner of the elevators along the line.
The education of Bradley V. Sargent was ac- quired in the public schools of Monterey county and at the Santa Clara College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1884, with the degree of B. S., later receiving the degree of M. S. During 1885 he entered the law depart- ment of Yale College, from which he was grad- uated in 1887 with the degree of LL. B. On his return to California he entered the office of the district attorney of San Francisco and partici- pated in the national campaign of 1888. The following year he was selected by a Republican board of supervisors as assistant district attor- rey of Monterey county and in 1890 was elected district attorney, holding the office for one term, but refusing renomination. although he would have been elected without opposition. Since then he has continued to practice law in Salinas. Among the important cases that have come to him may be mentioned the fol- lowing: The People vs. Moore; the People vs. Hawse: People vs. Vasquez ; and the Liborn vs. Sorg libel case. Like his father, Mr. Sargent is a Democrat, and has stumped various por- tions of the state a number of times. September 6. 1902, the Democratic party in convention as- sembled nominated him judge of the superior court and he was elected by a majority of one hundred and forty-seven votes over Judge Dorn, a popular official of twelve years' service.
The marriage of Mr. Sargent and Rose Little- field, adopted daughter of Hiram Carey, occurre 1 in Salinas in 1901. Of this union there are three children, Bradley V., Jr., Stanley and Richard. Mr. Sargent is grand vice chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Native Sons of the Golden West, the Pioneer Society,
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Foresters of America, Canadian Order of For- esters, Druids, Fraternal Brotherhood, Eagles, Bar Association, and Conselho Salinas No. 39. 1. P. E. C. To an exceptional degree he has the confidence and appreciation of his fellow- townsmen, and he is personally popular by rea- -on of his ability, tact and genial disposition.
SAMUEL DONATI.
Not a few of the Swiss settlers of the United States have found their way into California and are numbered among the persevering and in- dustrious citizens of our state. In this list may be included the name of Samuel Donati, who was born in Switzerland in 1853 and crossed the ocean to America in 1872, proceeding at once to the Pacific coast and settling in Sonoma county, Cal. The first employment he secured was in a dairy. In 1876 he came to San Luis Obispo county, where he now resides. Select- ing a location near Cayucos, he purchased a ranch of eight hundred acres in 1877 and at once assumed the duties of a general farmer and dairyman. For the latter business his previous experience in Sonoma county admirably quali- fied him. During 1881 he made a purchase of his present ranch, consisting of twelve hundred acres lying along the coast and in the vicinity of Cayucos. To the management of this prop- erty he has since industriously given his atten- tion. An excellent grade of cattle and hogs is kept on the farm, while he keeps one hundred and twenty cows for his dairy.
It is a noteworthy fact that wherever the Swiss are found, they almost invariably make valuable citizens and aid materially in the de- velopment of material resources, and Mr. Donati is no exception to this rule. His atten- tion has been given so closely to the improve- ment of his ranch and the care of his dairy that he has little leisure for participation in public affairs. Yet he has not been negligent of his duties as a citizen. In politics he votes with the Republicans. For several years he has served as justice of the peace. His interest in educa- tional matters led him to accept the office of school trustee, which he filled with such faith- fulness that the state superintendent of schools,
Hon. T. J. Kirk, said of him that he was "the best trustee in the state of California." The qualities that have brought him prosperity in personal affairs have made him a leader among the Swiss settlers of San Luis Obispo county, who have the highest regard for his ability and often consult him in regard to business projects. Under appointment from Governors Markham and Budd he served for some years as a notary public. In 1892 he was chosen manager and cashier of the Bank of Cayucos, an agency of the San Luis Commercial Bank, and he continued in the same capacity until 1898, when the bank was closed by order of the directors.
Fraternally Mr. Donati is a member of Cayu- cos Lodge No. 300, I. (). (). F., and San Luis Encampment No. 13. He has officiated in his lodge as noble grand and has represented the same in the state grand lodge. His first mar- riage was to Miss Maria P. Bassi, of Cayucos, who died in 1892, leaving seven children. After- ward he was united in marriage with Miss Celes- tina Franzina, and they are the parents of three children.
WILLIAM CHANEY.
As local manager of the Victor Flour Mills, at Hollister, William Chaney is identified with an important commercial enterprise of the town, and in the discharge of his responsibility has shown marked business and general ability. A native of Monterey county, Cal., he was born in Salinas in 1873, and lived there until his eighth year. His father, A. V. Chaney, came to Cali- fornia in 1870, and to San Benito county the following year, with the interests of which he has since been substantially connected. For sev- eral years he lived on a farm near Hollister and engaged on a large scale in farming and stock- raising, and during that time served as super- viser of his township. In tooo he materially changed his occupations and surroundings by removal to Tres Pinos, and has since been en- gaged in business in that enterprising little town.
At the age of eight years William Chaney re- moved with his father to San Benito county, and was here educated in the public schools, and trained in all the duties which enter into the life
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of a practical farmer. Of an ambitious turn of mind, and anxious to advance the family for- times, he embarked upon business life at prac- tically an early age, and became associated with the Central Milling Company as bookkeeper and accountant, and when that enterprise was merged into the Spring Flour Company, in 1892, he still retained his former position. So satisfactory were his services, and so readily did he learn every department of the work, that in 1898 he became local manager of the mill.
Among the many outside interests which en- gage the ability and public-spiritedness of Mr. Chaney may be mentioned the fraternal organiza- tions in which the town abounds, and among the members of which he enjoys an enviable popular- ity. He is associated with the local lodge of Masons and Odd Fellows, and is politically affiliated with the Republican party. Mr. Chaney is one of the most enterprising and resourceful of the younger business men of the town, and his friends predict pronounced future business success. He is honorable in all of his deal- ings, and personally possesses a genial and tact- ful manner.
LUIS L. ARGUELLO.
The name of Arguello is a familiar one in California, having been associated with many of the important happenings in the early his- tory of the state. The forefathers were evidently men of conspicuous attainments and worthy of all confidence, for two of them, the paternal grandfather, Louis Antonio, and the paternal great-grandfather, were governors of the state, the former under Mexican, and the latter under Spanish rule. José, the father of Luis L., was born in San Francisco in 1828, and died in 1876, leaving to his heirs the large estates he had in- herited from his father. lle married Isabel Al- viso, a native of California.
A native of Santa Clara, Cal .. Luis L. Ar- guello was born July 23. 1867. and was reared and educated in his native town. Ilis youth was practically uneventful, and, owing to his father's superior financial and social position, the neces- sity was not forthcoming for him to start out in the world and carve his own fortune. His ma-
terial well-being was further augmented by his marriage with Arcadia Spencer, daughter of David Spencer, the latter one of the prominent and wealthy pioneers of California. Mrs. Ar- guello owns about three thousand acres of land in the Salinas valley, which formerly belonged to her father, who was a sturdy Scotchmian, pos- sessed of great thrift and financial ability. The station called Spencer, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, is situated on the property of Mrs. Arguello, and is named in honor of her father. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Arguello, Camilla and Isabelle, both of whom are attending the convent of Notre Dame.
J. P. BARNHARDT.
By no means the least interesting or enterpris- ing center of activity in Soledad is the blacksmith establishment of J. P. Barnhardt. He was born at Ribe, Denmark, in 1847, and comes honestly by his chosen occupation, for his father. Peter Barnhardt, was for many years a blacksmith at Ribe, and one of the foremost citizens of the place. As one would naturally suppose, his son, J. P., learned the trade from his earliest boy- hood, and showed a readiness and aptitude which prestiged his successful future. He was edu- cated at the public schools, and this, taken in connection with the substantial home training accorded the average Danish youth, prepared him for the trials awaiting his independent ca- Ieer.
In 1868 Mr. Barnhardt emigrated to America, and, after spending a summer in New York City, lemoved to Texas, where he followed his trade. thereafter returning to New York City, where he found employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. After serving for three years as blacksmith for the company, he came to California in 1873, and for five months worke I with fair success at Salinas. Thinking the field a more desirable one, he then took up his resi- dence at Soledad, and at first was employed by the man whose place of business he now owns. This he rented for a year before purchasing it. and for the eight years that the town formed the terminus of the railroad did an enormous busi ness, because he had the trade for many miles
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beyond. besides that which the town afforded.
To add to his responsibilities, Mr. Barnhardt leases three hundred acres of land, of which he is the overseer, and where he raises barley prin- cipally. He owns a good home in the town, and is also the possessor of a large and convenient livery barn and a store business. Politically he is a Democrat, and fraternally is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member of the lodge at Salinas. In 1871 he was married to Matilda Oleson, and of this union there are two children living. Mary, who is now Mrs. Miller, of Soledad, and Ray, who is living at home and attending school. Mr. Barn- hardt and family are members of the Lutheran Church. towards the maintenance of which he is a liberal contributor.
THOMAS F. ALLEN.
On the right hand side of the Ocean road. one and a half miles from Watsonville, is the farm of seventy-five acres upon which Thomas F. Allen is successfully conducting farming enter- prises, and where he was born July 11, 1876. This farm was for many years the special pride of Thomas Allen, his father, who was born 'in England, and came to the United States when a young man. Via Central America, he reached the desired destination, San Francisco, and after a time spent in investigating the general condi- tions of the state, located near Watsonville in the early 'Gos, and there lived until his death in 1890. He was progressive and successful, and his life and attainments were consistent with the best development of his adopted state and coun- try. His wife, Anna ( Gilmore) Allen, was born in Ireland, and became the mother of two chil- (Iren, Thomas F. and Anna J.
Fortunately, Thomas F. Allen inherits a liking for farming, and is thus well adapted to carry- ing on the work so well started by his father. While his land is cultivated in a general way and yields an all-around harvest, particular at- tention is given to the raising of sugar beets, potatoes and onions, which crops are especially alapted to the soil of the Allen farm. Mr. Allen is a Democrat in political affiliation, and is a worshipper in the Catholic Church. He is one of
the prominent younger farmers of the county, and has an enviable reputation as a stable and industrious citizen.
ALBERT NELSON.
One of the younger generation of attorneys who are destined to promote the professional prestige of San Luis Obispo is Albert Nelson, a native son of California, and born June 8. 1874. His family is a well-known one in this county, and his father. W. H. Nelson, is at present the recipient of a large dental practice in this town. Dr. Nelson is enrolled among those sturdy and self-sacrificing pioneers who braved the dangers of the overland trail in the days of gold, and subsequently endured with uncomplaining pa- tience the deprivations incident to camp life in the mining districts. With worn ox-teams he arrived on the coast in 1848. settled in Sonoma county, near Santa Rosa, and experienced the ups and downs of the average. rather than the exceptional, miner. In 1870 he settled in San Luis Obispo, bought land, and has since made this his home. He is a man of liberal education and broad views, and practiced his profession at first in the days when no certificate was required. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Fowler, was born in Missouri, and became the mother of six chil- (Iren, of whom Albert Nelson is second oldest.
The education of Mr. Nelson was acquired primarily in the public schools, and after gradu- ating at the high school he attended the San Luis Obispo University school. His professional training was acquired under the able instruction of William Shipsey, a prominent lawyer of this town, with whom he studied for five years. and he was admitted to the California bar in 1896. He is possessed of particular aptitude for his chosen profession, and has already met with gratifying appreciation. A Republican in polit- ical affiliation, he is ambitious of being able to combine politics and law as district attorney of San Luis Obispo county, and is at present a can- didate for this desirable office. Mr. Nelson is varionsly identified with fraternal and social or- ganizations in the town and county, especially with the Masonic Blue Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent Pro-
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tective Order of Elks. He is engaged in a gen- cral practice of law, and has not as yet decided upon any special line of professional work.
EDGAR W. STEELE.
For many years Mr. Steele was one of the leading men of San Luis Obispo county. His name was especially prominent as a dairyman, which business he followed with marked suc- cess. Indeed, he happily realized his ambition to establish and maintain a model dairy. The firm of Steele Brothers, of which he was a mem- ber, gained national prominence during the Civil war by the presentation to the National Sanitary Commission of a mammoth cheese weighing thirty-eight hundred and fifty-six pounds. One- half of this cheese was sold by the commission in San Francisco for $3,000, and the remainder was sent to the Army of the Potomac. For its manufacture, special machinery was constructed at considerable expense, the bands and hoop alone costing $500.
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