Pen pictures from the garden of the world, or Santa Clara county, California, Part 102

Author: Foote, Horace S., ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : The Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 844

USA > California > Santa Clara County > Pen pictures from the garden of the world, or Santa Clara county, California > Part 102

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

RADLEY SMITH first made his home in the Willow Glen District, in 1869, when he bought a ten-acre tract on the corner of Washington and Pine Avenues. This property was then part of a barley field, with here and there a clump of wil- lows. His first fruit venture was the planting of five acres to blackberries, for which he found a good mar- ket at the canneries. This five acres was, however, afterward set to trees. Six acres of the ten are now in French prunes, and the remainder in apricots, cherries, etc. He also owns a very fine orchard of . twenty acres, of apricots and French prunes, in the . Hamilton District. In 1887 the apricot trees on that property yielded a crop which realized a sum of $225 to the acre. He was one of the first men to engage in raising prunes, cherries, and apples for the general market. A thorough understanding of horticulture and painstaking care have made Mr. Smith eminently successful in fruit culture.

He dates his birth in Calais, Maine, in 1841. His father, George Stillman Smith, engaged in mercantile business in Calais, died suddenly, when Bradley was

a child. His mother, Elizabeth Bradley, was the daughter of Rev. Caleb Bradley, who was well known throughout that country as "Old Parson Bradley." He was born in 1771, and distinctly remembered being held at the window, by his nurse, to witness the passing of the "Red Coats," as the British soldiers in the Revolution were called. He graduated at Har- vard University early in this century.

In 1861 Mr. Smith volunteered in Company G, Ninth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and took part in all the engagements in which his regiment partici- pated, in the Department of the South, the engage- ments of Morris Island and Fort Wagner, and in the campaigns of the Army of the James, and passed through all grades, from private to First Lieutenant, to which position he was promoted on the sixteenth of September, 1863. During the same year, while at home on veteran furlough, he married Miss Fronia Shaw, of Hodgdon, Maine. When at Bermuda Hun- dred, Virginia, May 20, 1864, he was wounded in each arm by two separate shots. These severe wounds completely prostrated him for six months, and so dis- abled him that he was unable to return to the field. He received a well-earned honorable discharge, De- cember 29, 1864. He then returned to the old farm life in Maine. Later, he made an unsuccessful at- tempt at sheep-raising in Illinois. Poor health de- cided him to try the efficacy of the climate of Cali- fornia, and he came to this State, in 1869, with limited capital. We have already spoken of the success he has enjoyed in his business enterprises since settling in Santa Clara Valley.

With his admirable war record, Mr. Smith naturally feels great interest in the G. A. R. matters. He is present Post Commander of Phil. Sheridan Post, No.7, G. A. R., Department of California. He is also identi- fied with Friendship Lodge, No. 210, F. & A. M. He is thoroughly in accord with the principles of the Re- publican party, and upholds protection of American industry. Like a true soldier's wife, Mrs. Smith is interested in all that concerns the Relief Corps, G. A. R. She has served as President of Relief Corps, No. 2, Auxiliary to Phil. Sheridan Post. She has been very active in raising funds for the erection of a home for army nurses and the widows and orphans of Union soldiers. By her own personal efforts she has collected about $1,000 for that purpose, to which sum the Corps to which she belongs have added $100. The home is to be located at Evergreen, four miles east of San Jose.

547

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

OHN SINNOTT, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in Wexford County, Ireland, in June, 1800. His parents were natives of the county of his birth. He was reared to farm labor by his uncle, his father having died in his early youth. His educational facilities were good, and he availed himself of his opportunities, and started in life with the advantages arising from a sound and practical education. He followed the occupation of farmer and stock-raiser in his native county until, in 1831, he emigrated to Canada. Locating near Quebec, he en- gaged in agriculture. Desirous of bettering his con- dition, and seeking a more congenial climate, he came, in 1851, by the Isthmus route, to this State, landing in San Francisco in June of the same year. He came directly to Santa Clara County and rented a farm near Mountain View from his brother-in-law, Martin Murphy. There he engaged in farming and stock- raising until 1856, when he purchased 200 acres of land from the Alviso estate, located in the town of Milpitas, about seven miles north of San Jose. To this farm he added by purchase until he owned a mag- nificent tract of 575 acres, all of which, with the assist- ance of his energetic sons, Thomas J. and Patrick, he soon placed under cultivation. Mr. Sinnott was a man of intelligence and energy. His sound sense and business habits assured him success in his undertak- ing, and he soon ranked among the leading farmers of the county.

He married Miss Elizabeth Bolger, a resident of Canada. Five of their children are living, viz .: Thomas J., Patrick, Catharine, Mary, and Ellen.

The death of Mr. Sinnott left his magnificent estate to the care and ownership of his sons, who, having been thoroughly taught the duties of farm life, are des- tined to carry to a successful termination the projects of their father. Thomas J. Sinnott resides upon his portion of his father's homestead (375 acres) situated in the town of Milpitas. He has erected a fine two- story residence upon his place. He is unmarried, and his sister Ellen cares for his comfortable home. Pat- rick Sinnott resides upon and is the owner of 200 acres of the old homestead lying just south of his brother's land. His farm he devotes to the raising of hay and grain. He is also engaged with his brother in exten- sive stock-raising and dairy business. Among his cattle are about 100 head of Durham stock, and he also owns fine horses of the Norman and Patchen breeds. In 1887 he married Miss Ellen Twohig, the daughter of Timothy and Ellen Twohig, of Alameda County. Catharine Sinnott is a member of the order

of Notre Dame, and is living in San Francisco. Mary Sinnott married John Murphy, now deceased. She is now residing in the Hamilton School District, about six miles east of San Jose, upon the well-known Cen- ter Ranch, comprising 490 acres, which is owned by her brothers.

This family is well-known throughout the county, and every member is entitled to and receives the re- spect and esteem of the community in which they re- side. The brothers, who are the heads of the family, are well educated, intelligent gentlemen. Although tempted to seek the avenues leading to political honors, they prefer the more peaceful and profitable pursuits of agriculture. Strongly Democratic in politics, they are still very liberal in their views. Taking a great interest in all matters that tend to the building up of their section of the country, they are ever ready to aid in enterprises having that end in view.

HARLES W. YOUNG makes his home on a beautiful tract of land, adjoining the town of Alviso, on its eastern boundary, and situated in the Alviso District. He is the owner of eighty- two acres, eight acres of which are yielding strawber- ries of the Sharpless, Longworth, and Cheney varic- ties. The remainder of his land, with the exception of that devoted to 200 fruit-trees, is devoted to the raising of hay and grain, and for stock purposes. Three artesian wells furnish an abundant supply of water for irrigation and other purposes. Mr. Young has a comfortable and commodious residence, sur- rounded by well-ordered grounds. He also owns 379 acres of land located one-half mile north of the Alviso and Milpitas road, and about two miles east of his home farm. This tract is devoted entirely to hay, grain, and stock, and is furnished with water from one fine artesian well.

The subject of this sketch dates his birth in Cayuga County, New York, January 26, 1826. His parents were natives of Rhode Island. He was left an orphan while yet an infant, and was taken into the family of John Wilson, a resident of Cayuga County. He was reared and schooled with the same care and attention that were given to Mr. Wilson's own children. Trained to labor, and given such education as the schools of that period afforded, he laid the foundation of those industrious and energetic habits that, exercised in his after life, have insured his success. He remained with

548

PEN PICTURES FROM THE "GARDEN OF THE WORLD."

Mr. Wilson until he was twenty-three years of age, after which he engaged in variousoccupations-among thein that of a tanner. In 1852 he left New York, by the Isthmus route, for California, and reached San Francisco in June of that year. The first year of his life in this State was devoted to mining in Tuolumne County. Not meeting with the hoped-for results, he returned to the city and worked in the flour mills of I. Friedlander and others for about five years. In July, 1858, he came to Alviso, and entered the large flouring mills of Rowley & Adams, in whose employ he worked faithfully for ten years. During the latter part of that time he was also engaged in the produc- tion of grain on his present homestead, of which he took possession as a resident in 1868. Since that time he has devoted his time exclusively to the culti- vation of his fine farm, and reaps the reward of his industry in the good condition of his property. He is widely known as an intelligent and public-spirited citizen. He has served several terms as School Trus- tee in his district. Politically he is a strong and con- sistent Republican, taking an interest in all the politi- cal questions of the day.

On the sixth of September, 1862, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Mary Paulina Berry- essa, the daughter of Guadaloupe Berryessa, of Santa Clara County. They have had but one child, Mary Frances, who died September 26, 1881, at the age of fourteen years. The circumstances attending the death of this young girl were peculiarly sad. With her mother she had attended the funeral obsequies in commemoration of the death of President Garfield. Returning home their horse became frightened, and Miss Young, in her alarm, sprang from the buggy, and received such severe injuries as to cause her death within a few minutes.

UDGE CHARLES G. THOMAS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in Milton, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 8, 1807. His boyhood and early manhood were spent in that county, and there he was educated. In this respect he was more favored than many of the youth of his acquaintance, in that he received a better education than the majority in those days. We record his marriage, in 1830, to Miss Barbara Eckert, a native of Pennsylvania. From this mar- riage have been born the following-named children:

Louisa, Charles L., Arthur R., George E., William N., Delia D., and Frank H.

But to return to his early life. Mr. Thomas learned the hatter's trade, but in 1834 went to Galena, Illinois, where he engaged in various pursuits, most of his time being devoted to legal business. For several terms he was elected to the honorable position of Probate Judge of Jo Daviess County. After a resi- dence of about seventeen years in that county and city, Judge Thomas came, in 1851, to California, lo- cating at San Francisco. For about a year, while in that city, he was engaged in the United States custom service. In 1852 his wife and a part of his family joined him, and in the following year he came to Santa Clara County, and established his home on 120 acres of land on the Alviso road, two and a half miles north of San Jose. This land is now owned and occupied by liis son, George E. After a resi- dence of one year on this property he purchased the eighty-acre tract adjoining on the south, and took up his residence there on the Brokaw road. In addi- tion to the work which he put upon his farm, the Judge served for ten years as a Justice of the Peace in this county. He also held the responsible position of Postmaster in San Jose for over three years.

His death occurred on the seventeenth of January, 1886. He was well and favorably known in this county, particularly in San Jose and vicinity. He was a man who was universally respected, and whose death was deeply regretted. He was a strong Re- publican and an ardent supporter of the general government during the war. He was an honored member of Garden City Lodge, I. O. O. F.

EORGE E. THOMAS owns a fine farm of 100 & acres, lying west of the San Jose and Alviso road, and extending to the Guadaloupe Creek. st It is in the Orchard District, about two and a half miles north of the business center of San Jose, and one mile east of Santa Clara. Upon his prop- erty he has a comfortable cottage-home, surrounded by well laid-out grounds. Twenty acres are devoted to the culture of fruit-trees, principally pear trees, although apple and French prune trees are also to be found in the orchard. Mr. Thomas gives a great deal of attention to the cultivation of berries, having forty acres exclusively in strawberries and blackber- ries, the former of the Sharpless, Cheney, and Tri- umph varieties, and the latter of the Kittatinny va-

549

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

riety. The rest of the farm is devoted to the raising of vegetables, etc., among which we mention fifteen acres of tomatoes. A plentiful supply of water is furnished by four artesian wells, which range from 212 feet to 250 feet in depth, flowing from one to four inches each over a seven-inch pipe.

Mr. Thomas dates his birth in Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, December 31, 1836. (A sketch of the life of his father, Charles G. Thomas, appears in this connection.) His early youth and manhood were spent in obtaining a schooling, for which he was given good advantages. After completing his edu- cation, in 1856, he joined his parents in California, whither his father had gone in 1851. Upon his ar- rival in this county, he assisted his father in the cul- tivation of his farm, until he purchased the place before described, which adjoined his father's farm. At the time that the farm came into his possession the principal crops were stubble and mustard, but Mr. Thomas set manfully to work, and soon the place gave evidence of the industry, intelligence, and fore- thought of its owner. Mr. Thomas is well known, and his persevering and honest methods of conduct- ing his business excite favorable comment, while the results of his work are seen in his farm, which is one of the finest and most valuable in his section. Po- litically he is identified with the Republican party, but is liberal in his views.

In 1875 he married Miss Maggie Drum, the daugh- ter of Thomas Drum, of Galena, Illinois, and brought her to the pleasant home which he had created in this favored valley.

HARLES H. WORTHINGTON, one of the pioneers of the State, resides on the Stevens Creek road, in the Doyle District, about five miles west of San Jose. He was born in the State of North Carolina, November 22, 1828. When he was twelve years of age his parents, Brooks and Hannah (Greene) Worthington, emigrated to the State of Missouri, and there made their home in La- fayette County. In that county the subject of this sketch spent his youthful ycars, engaged in labor on his father's farm, receiving his education in the schools of the county. Upon attaining his majority he de- termined to make his future home in the Golden State, and for this purpose left his home, April 25, 1850, and joined an overland train of emigrants, which reached Hangtown (now Placerville) July 16

of the same year. He first engaged in placer mining on the Middle Fork of the American River, but not long afterward spent a short time in Grass Valley, Nevada County.

About five months after his arrival in the State he could have been found in Mountain View, of which place he became a pioneer, settling there on the twentieth of December, 1850. He soon became identi- fied with the agricultural interests of the county, and spent the succeeding nine years in that vicinity, en- gaged in farming. In 1859 he took possession of his present home,-a farm containing sixty acres of choice land, which, by diversified farming, he has kept in excellent condition.

In this county, on the eighteenth of October, 1855, Mr. Worthington was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Meador, the daughter of John S. and Lu- cinda (Lemons) Meador. She was born in Jackson County, Missouri, and came with her parents to this county in 1852. Her father established his family on a farm near Mountain View, but lived only about two years after becoming a resident of this State. Her mother now resides with herself and her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are the parents of six children: Alice, born November 14, 1856; Lucinda Frances, born October 18, 1858; John B., born April 5, 1861; Martha Ellen, born December 1, 1862; Wil- let, born September 25, 1873; and Clara, born Feb- ruary 1, 1878.

Mr. Worthington is now devoting his attention partly to horticulture, having an orchard of fifteen acres, all but three acres being yet too young to be in bearing, but promising much for the future. The sub- ject of our sketch stands well to the front among the active, enterprising, and public-spirited agriculturists of Santa Clara County. No enterprise tending to advance the interests of his county fails to find in him a strong supporter. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of Santa Clara Encampment, of Santa Clara Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F., and also of Canton No. 10, of the Uni- formed Degree of Odd Fellows. In the Order of Odd Fellows he occupies a high position, having passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge, and being a mem- ber of the Grand Lodge of the Statc.

OHN WINSOR is the owner of thirty-nine acres of land in the Orchard School District, located on the Berryessa and Milpitas road, about six miles north of San Jose. The farm is of fertile soil,

550

PEN PICTURES FROM THE "GARDEN OF THE WORLD."

and very productive. Ten acres are devoted to fruit culture, pears and apricots being the chief products, although there may be found trees of nearly every kind grown in the county. The remainder of the land is used as hay and grain fields, except such parts as are used for pasturage. When Mr. Winsor took possession of the property, it was in a wild and un- cultivated state, and its present fine condition is the best proof of his thorough understanding of horti- culture.

The subject of this sketch was born in Devonshire, England, in 1821, and is the son of George and Mary (Couch) Winsor, who were natives of that county. His father emigrated to Simcoe, Louden District, Canada West, where he engaged in agriculture, in which the subject of our sketch was trained. When sixteen years of age he went into an apprenticeship to the tanner and currier's trade, at which he worked until he attained his majority. He then rented a farm in the Branford District, Canada West, and there engaged in farming until 1848, when he came to the United States and located on a farm in Kane County, Illinois. He made his home there for about two years, and then removed to Iowa, engaging there in farming, until, in 1852, he started overland for Cal- ifornia. On the way he spent about a year in Utah Territory, engaged in trading. In the fall of 1853 he completed his journey and went into the mines. He soon tired of that, however, and established a livery stable at Rattlesnake Bar, in Placer County. After a few months' experience in that line, he sold out and returned to mining, which he followed until 1856. Going into the San Joaquin Valley, he spent about eighteen months in farm labor, removing thence to the old mission of San Jose, in Alameda County. Two years were spent there, before coming, in 1859, to Santa Clara County. For the three years follow- ing, he engaged in farming and dairy business, taking up his residence on his present homestead, in the fall of 1862. During the many years of residence in the county, Mr. Winsor's quiet life and honest dealings have won for him the esteem of associates and neighbors.

On the tenth of October, 1858, Mr. Winsor was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Costala, a resident of Alameda County. Four children were born from this marriage, three of whom are living: Delia, born June 8, 1860; Margaret Catharine, born May 5, 1862; and Edward, born May 14, 1863. The second daughter, Margaret, is the wife of Lawrence Finneran, of San Jose. Mr. Winsor suffered the loss

of his wife on the twenty-fourth of December, 1877. His present wife, whom he married January 29, 1878, was formerly Miss Frances Mary Kelly, the daughter of Bernard and Mary Kelly, residents and natives of Dublin, Ireland.

GRANK A. WERT, fruit-drier and horticulturist, resides on Cypress Avenue, between the Stevens Creek road and the Williams road, four miles west of San Jose. Mr. Wert was born in In- dianapolis, Indiana, in 1846, and is the son of Joseph and Rebecca Wert, both of whom are now deceased. He received his education in the schools of the city of his birth. Near the close of the Civil War he en- listed in Company G, 154th Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and served for six months in the Army of the Shenandoah.

The subject of our sketch was trained to the indus- tries of the city, first learning the tinner's trade. This occupation he followed for several years, later becoming a carpenter. That trade he also plied until after he came to this county from Indianapolis, in 1 880, having had, before that time, no experience either in agriculture or horticulture. The three years suc- ceeding his arrival in this county were spent in San Jose. He then bought, in 1883, ten acres of land on the Stevens Creek road, in the Meridian District, three and a half miles west of San Jose. There he planted a general variety of fruit-trees, French prunes leading. This model little orchard also contained apricots, peaches, cherries, Bartlett pears, figs, apples, almonds, and English walnuts. In learning this new business, he availed himself not only of theories but also of the experience of successful horticulturists. That he was successful, is shown by his sale of the orchard in January, 1888, at $850 per acre. Not intending to abandon the business, Mr. Wert soon afterward bought eighteen acres, which he will devote mainly to the culture of French prunes and apricots. In 1887 he dried about seventy-one tons of green fruit, and his success in producing a superior line of goods shows his skill in handling, and has encouraged him to make fruit-drying a specialty. His preparations for the crop of this season, and of coming seasons, are care- fully made. Five acres of land he has reserved for fruit-drying purposes, and, having a Waliss drier, and 1,000 sun-trays, he is fully equipped, and will com- pete actively for a share of future crops.

Mr. Wert is a member of the Order of Chosen

551

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Friends, and also, as becomes an old soldier, of the Phil. Sheridan Post, G. A. R. Politically he is thor- oughly identified with the Republican party.

In April, 1871, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he married Miss Mattie Hayes, who was reared in Indianapolis, and whose father, E. S. Hayes, lives in Minneapolis, Min- nesota. Mr. and Mrs. Wert have three daughters: Clara, Georgie, and Julia Blanche.

OSEPH GOULD NORWOOD. Among the earliest settlers of Santa Clara County must be mentioned the subject of this sketch, he having taken up, as a claim, the tract upon which he now lives, at the early date of 1849, and making it his home two years later. The farm is situated in the Braley District, about three and a half miles west of Santa Clara, on the Saratoga and Alviso roads. It contains eighty acres of highly cultivated land, de- voted chiefly to the production of hay and grain, such stock being raised as is needed for carrying on farm operations. Among the noticeable features of this property is a handsome group of large oak trees that surround the house, one of which is said to be the largest in the county.

Mr. Norwood dates his birth in Portland, Maine, January 17, 1807. His parents, Joshua and Lydia (Gould) Norwood, were natives of Maine. The family were greatly bereaved by the loss of the father in 1816, he being drowned at sea. The mother spent the remainder of her life in her old Portland home, her death occurring in that city in 1833. The early youth of the subject of our sketch was spent in school, but at the age of fifteen years he commenced an apprenticeship of six years in the cabinet-making trade. After the conclusion of his apprenticeship, he spent the next two years working at his trade and at piano-forte making in Portland and Boston. But he was not content to be a mere wage earner, and in 1830 started out in business for himself, establishing a piano-forte manufactory in Portland. He after- wards removed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he established similar works, which he con- ducted for three years. Upon selling his business, he went to work for Chickering, of Boston, remaining there until 1849, when the failure of his health deter- mined him to seek a complete change of climate and scene. The great tide of travel was turned toward California, and Mr. Norwood made the overland trip. The route chosen was known as the Southern trail.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Pen pictures from the garden of the world, or Santa Clara county, California, Part 102

Author: Foote, Horace S., ed Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago : The Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 844

Author: Foote, Horace S., ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : The Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 844