Pen pictures from the garden of the world, or Santa Clara county, California, Part 90

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 90

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lows: Twenty-five acres in the different varieties of prunes, twelve acres in apricots and peaches, eight acres in apples, and the remainder in cherries, plums, and grapes.

The subject of this sketch is the daughter of Samuel Smith, of Essex County, England. She came to California with friends who emigrated from that coun- try. She became the wife of Rolla Butcher, in Plumas County, of this State, in 1859, and proved a loving wife and devoted mother. She was ever ready to sustain her husband in the various enterprises in which he engaged, and in the works which he was constantly instituting for the welfare of the communities with which he was connected. Mrs. Butcher is a woman of a high order of intelligence, and the possessor of sound, practical business knowledge and customs. These sterling qualities have been shown in a re- markable degree since the death of her husband, which occurred only a few weeks after their settle- ment in this county. By his loss she was left not only with the care of the large estate and the settle- ment of his business affairs, but also with the educa- tion and rearing of their children. How well, by her unaided efforts, she has fulfilled the trust, what maternal solicitude and moral influence she has dis- played in the work, let the present attest. She is the owner of one of the finest fruit ranches in the county, in a high state of cultivation, with well-ordered build- ings and comfortable home, which contains all the needed comforts, if not luxuries, that characterize the rational enjoyment of life in this age. Her children are grown to intelligent manhood and womanhood, most of them married and settled in homes of their own, and all in the enjoyment of the happiness that their education and moral training so well befit them to enjoy. Mrs. Butcher is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is connected with the San Jose Grange.

In a sketch of this character it is eminently proper that extended notice should be made of her hus- band, Rolla Butcher, who was born in Wood County, Virginia, in 1825. His early youth was spent upon his father's farm, but his ambition led him to seek something more congenial than farm life. He studied hard to acquire an education, and in his young man- hood was a teacher in the schools of his section. He also engaged in such mercantile ventures as his re- stricted capital would enable him to carry to a suc- cessful issue. At a later date, he was quite extensively engaged in the lumber business on the Kanawha River, in Wood County, Virginia, but the heavy floods of 1856 and 1857, destroying his dams and carrying

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PEN PICTURES FROM THE "GARDEN OF THE WORLD."

away his log booms, entailed such losses as to compel him to retire from this pursuit. In 1857 he came to Salt Lake City, being engaged in a civil capacity with Johnston's expedition against the Mormons. Thence he came to California and entered the mines. He was extensively interested both in placer and quartz mining in Butte County, of this State, and was also connected with mercantile interests in Silver City, Idaho. He was the discoverer and developer of the famous Alice Mine, of Butte, Montana, which he sold to Walker Brothers, of Salt Lake City, and which was afterward listed in the Eastern stock market at $10,- 000,000. Mr. Butcher was a man of prominence in whatever community he made his home. Always at the head of every project for public improvement, the establishment of schools and the erection of churches, ever ready with extended hand and open purse to aid the sick and needy, he was a man whose worth was felt, and whose character was respected. Had he so chosen, any office of trust in the gift of the people of his community would have been at his command. He was elected as County Commissioner of Silver Bow County, Montana, and filled the position with great ability and faithfulness, but failing health, after more than twenty years of business and mining pur- suits on this coast, compelled him to seek some more congenial climate than was found in the Montana mountains. Accordingly, in 1881, he came with his family to this county, and on the first day of the succeeding year took possession of the estate upon which his widow now lives. He was left but a short time in the enjoyment of his new home, his death occurring February 13, 1882.

There was born from the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Butcher five children, as follows: Elizabeth E., the wife of J. A. Harrington, of Butte, Montana; Emma F., the wife of Joseph Daft, of the same place; Joseph- ine, the wife of A. C. Hollenbeck, of Santa Clara County; Rolla, and Arthur C.

PAPTAIN FRANK DUNN. Among the horti- Guise

culturists of this section must be mentioned the subject of this sketch, who owns a very produc- e tive orchard and vineyard tract in the Braley District. This tract is on the San Francisco road, at its junction with Reed Lane, about three-fourths of a mile west of Lawrence. Of the thirty acres which it contains, six acres are set with cherry trees, one acre each with pears, peaches, prunes, and plums, and eight-

een acres are devoted to the growing of vines, which furnish wine grapes of the Cabernet and Walbeck varieties. The remainder of the property is occupied by the fine residence, surrounded by a beautiful lawn and substantial out-buildings. As showing the care exercised by Captain Dunn over his fruit interests, mention may be made of the fact that one cherry tree of his orchard (age unknown) produced, in 1887, 330 pounds of marketable fruit, while in the same year several of his vines yielded 30 pounds each of fine grapes.

Mr. Dunn was born in Nova Scotia in 1833. He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Dunn) Dunn, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Nova Scotia with the historical Selkirk Colony, in 1812. He was reared to a farmer's life, receiving such education in his boyhood as was furnished in the traditional log school-house of that early day. In 1843 his father moved his family to Calais, Maine, and in that seaport the son con- tracted a love and desire for a seafaring life, which lasted for more than thirty-six years. When but twelve years of age, he commenced his life on the rolling deep, by making his first voyage as a sailor in the schooner Mary Chase, Capt. George Knight com- manding. Two years later he enlisted in the United Stated Navy for service in the Mexican War, as a boy in the sloop-of-war Saratoga, and shortly afterward was transferred to the sloop-of-war Portsmouth, where he rapidly rose in his profession, being made Cox- swain of the Commodore's barge. He participated in the bombardment of Vera Cruz, and his bravery and conscientious discharge of every duty won for him much favorable comment. At the expiration of his service in the navy, he was highly complimented by Commodore Francis H. Gregory for his exemplary conduct throughout the term of his service. Later he entered the Merchant Marine Service, and, as before, was most successful, being, at the age of nineteen years, Chief Mate of a large clipper ship. He was ad- vanced rapidly, and, when he reached twenty-six years of age, occupied the proud position of Captain of one of the finest ships of the period. In 1861 the love of change led him to China, where he entered the" employ of the old house of Russell & Co., of Shanghai. There he remained for two years, and then went into the employ of the Japanese Government, as com- mander of steamers in the transport service. He was also in charge of a Government dispatch boat during the Civil War in Japan, after which he commanded the Tokio Maru, the pioneer steamer of the "Three Diamond Line," connecting the Pacific Mail Steam-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ship Company (mail line), with Shanghai, through the inland Sea of Japan, in which service he remained un- til the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister, Okubo, who was the founder and promoter of this line. The death of Okubo caused a change in the ad- ininistration of the company. This occurred in 1878, and was the cause of Captain Dunn's return to the United States. Landing at San Francisco, he visited Santa Clara County, and, struck with its beauty and fertility, he purchased the property upon which he now makes his home. But, having spent so many years in change and adventure, he was not satisfied with the quiet life on a farm, and after about a year's residence here returned to China, and entered into the employ of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company, engaging in the survey and sounding of the Hue River, the entrance to the capital of Anam. He was also sent to Scotland, to superintend the construc- tion of a steamer suitable for the Anam trade, with which he returned to China. This steamer he com- manded until the advent of the French in the Ana- mite War, which compelled the withdrawal of the steamers and the abandonment of the enterprise. The captain then returned to Santa Clara, and took up a permanent residence upon his estate. An intel- ligent, energetic, public-spirited citizen, he is one of the best and most favorably known men of the section in which he resides. A large experience of affairs, and a thorough knowledge of men and things gained in travel and residence at home and abroad, make him a valuable acquisition to the social and secret societies to which he belongs. He is one of the founders of the Lawrence Social Club, having served as its President during the first two years of its existence. He was also one of the promoters of the Horticultural Hall Association of San Jose, and since its organization has served continuously as its Secretary. He is con- nected with the Masonic Lodge, and also with the San Jose Grange, in which he has served one term as Master.

er HATCHER F. BARNES. Among the large land owners of the county we mention the sub- ject of this sketch, whose fine farm of 260 acres in the Alviso District is located one-half mile north of the Alviso and Milpitas road, and about two and one-half miles east of Alviso. An orchard, bear- ing apples, pears, and quinces, covers eight acres, while

nine acres produce strawberries of the Sharpless and Cheney varieties. Ten acres are devoted to asparagus, and the remainder of this large farm is used for the raising of hay and grain, and for stock purposes. Mr. Barnes is greatly interested in stock-raising, particu- larly in the improvement of the trotting stock of the county, to accomplish which he is breeding from several thoroughbred mares.

The water required for irrigation, stock, and other purposes, is furnished by four artesian wells, two of which flow two and one-half inches over a seven-inch pipe.

The subject of this sketch dates his birth in Cayuga County, New York, on the seventeenth of April, 1828. His parents were Luther and Zipporah (Ferris) Barnes, who were residents and natives of the place of his birth. He was reared as a farmer, and in his youth received a good practical education. In 1852 he crossed the plains to California, bringing with him considerable stock. He reached Oroville, Butte County, on the first of September of that year, and at once proceeded to Marysville, Yuba County. There he disposed of his stock, and after a short stay in Sac- ramento went to the mines of El Dorado County, where he spent one year. He then engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising in Monterey County, and there made his home until, in 1856, he removed to Santa Clara County, and located near Alviso, upon land rented from the Alviso estate. This land he cultivated as a grain ranch for about four years, and then pur- chased and took possession of the land heretofore described, to which he has since given his entire attention.

In May, 1850, the subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Mary Van Wie, the daughter of Henry and Lydia (Conger) Van Wie, residents of Cayuga County, New York. They have two daugh- ters,-Imogene and Eudora. The former is the wife of Rufus Fisk, formerly of Santa Clara County, but now a resident of San Luis Obispo County. The lat- ter married Edward Crossette, of San Francisco.

Mr. Barnes is an educated and intelligent man, one who, by energy and the practice of good business prin- ciples, has won much success as an agriculturist and man of business. He has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods, and has justly earned the esteem of his associates. Politically he is connected with the Republican party, taking a deep interest in all public affairs. During the dark days of the Rebellion he was made Captain of the Alviso Rifles, a position which he retained until their disbandment, in 1866.

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PEN PICTURES FROM THE "GARDEN OF THE WORLD."

AVID HOBSON. Special mention should be made of the rich and productive farm of the above-named owner. This tract of land, 175 acres in extent, is situated on the south side of the San Jose and Berryessa School Districts, about three miles northeast of San Jose. Upon the twenty acres devoted to orchard culture he has the following trees: 600 pear, 500 apricot, 300 cherry, 200 apple, 400 Silver prune, and 100 French prune. The re- mainder of his land is used for the production of grain and hay, and for raising stock. Of the latter he has some fine specimens of full-blooded Durham, Holstein, and Jersey cattle. Upon this place are to be found some of the finest surface wells in this section, fur- nishing all the water required for stock and other purposes.

The subject of this sketch was born in North Caro- lina, February 20, 1822. His parents were Stephen and Mary (Bond) Hobson, both natives of that State. His father was engaged in various enterprises, among which were extensive works for the smelting of iron, and a flour mill. A portion of his time was also given to agriculture, and to this industry the subject of our sketch was reared. Mr. Hobson received but little education in his youth, but remedied this defect when he became his own master. In his young man- hood he was engaged in his father's smelting works as a " hammer " man, and also held other positions in the iron manufactory.

The great emigration to this coast decided him to seek his fortune in the "Golden State," and accord- ingly, in 1850, he started across the plains. The train to which he was attached made but slow progress. The emigration was so large during this year that it was impossible to keep on the trail. Everything like vegetation was swept clean for miles each side of the trail, and, in order to supply the stock with feed, it was necessary to make miles of deviation. The ferry on the North Fork of the Platte River was worked to its full extent for weeks. Six hundred wagons a day were ferried at this point for six weeks !

Mr. Hobson reached Sacramento, after a long and tedious trip, on the fourth of October, 1850, and soon after entered the mines in Tuolumne County. He followed mining with varying success, until 1853, when he came to Santa Clara County. Several months were spent in working in the Redwoods, and at farming. He then purchased the lands before de- scribed, and began their cultivation. Having tired of farming, he icturned, in 1855, to the mines, and there remained four years. In 1859 he went back to his

farm, and spent the next year in its improvement, setting out trees, etc. During the following year he spent some months in the mines. However, this was his last experience in mining, for since that time he has devoted himself, with great success, to agricultural pursuits.

Mr. Hobson is well known and much esteemed in the community in which he resides. He is a consist- ent member of the Society of Friends, and his daily life is a noble exemplification of the tenets of their belief. He is a strong temperance advocate, and is a member of Eden Division, No. 5, Sons of Temperance. Politically he has heretofore been a Republican, but now advocates the principles of the Prohibition party. He is a strong supporter of all public measures tend- ing to advance the welfare and elevate the morals of his section and county.

In 1866 he married Miss Mary E. Langensee, the daughter of Charles Ludwick and Christiana B. Lan- gensee, natives of Germany but residents of Santa Clara County. Mr. and Mrs. Hobson have ten chil- dren living. Their names are: Annie C., Philip, David W., Alfred, Elvira E., Mary E., Charles S., Jesse V., Franklin B., and Ruth Isabelle.

HARLES INGLESON is one of the pioneers of Santa Clara County, having been a resident of it since 1850. His farm, in the Alviso District, is located on the Alviso and Milpitas road, about one and one-half miles east of Alviso. His fifty-two acres arc devoted chiefly to the growing of grain and hay, although a small portion is used for a small fam- ily orchard; twelve acres produce strawberries of the Sharpless, Cheney, and the Queen varieties, and two acres raise vegetables. A goodly supply of water is furnished by two artesian wells. A comfortable cot- tage home, with substantial out-buildings, corresponds with the prosperous condition of the farm.

Mr. Ingleson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1823, and is the son of Robert and Mary (Ogier) In- gleson, residents of Maryland, but natives of England. The first years of his manhood were spent in Balti- more, in the work to which he was trained in his youth-that of gardening. The gold excitement of 1849 was not without its effect upon his after life, for he determined to visit this State, and accordingly, in May, 1850, he embarked at New York for Cali- fornia, coming by the Panama route, and arriving at San Francisco on the sixth of August. He visited the

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

mining districts, but failing health necessitated his re- turn to the city, and from there he came to Santa Clara County in October of that year. Here for five years he farmed on shares for Mr. A. H. H. Hatter, on what is now the Ogier homestead. In 1855 he bought a tract of 200 acres on the San Jose and Alviso road, about five and one-half miles north of San Jose, and there engaged in the raising of stock. During the following year he bored an artesian well, it being one of the first in the county.

Mr. Ingleson was united in marriage, in 1857, with Miss Louisa Bergan, the daughter of Joshua and Mary Bergan, of Baltimore. Five years after his marriage Mr. Ingleson sold his ranch on the Alviso road, and from that time until 1874 cultivated and lived upon rented lands. In the year last mentioned he pur- chased and took possession of his present home, and has since made its cultivation his business. His long residence in the county has made his associates thor- oughly acquainted with him, and he is known as a successful agriculturist, a man of honor in business affairs, and a useful citizen.

Mr. and Mrs. Ingleson have eight children. Their names are: Mary, the wife of Michael Harper, living in Santa Clara County; Robert and Charles, resi- dents of this county; John, married and residing in San Luis Obispo County; Annie Elizabeth, James, Margaret and Clara, who reside on the old homestead with their parents.

CHUYLER B. DAVIS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in North Carolina, De- cember 24, 1824. His father, Col. P. I. Davis, was a veteran of the Mexican War, and a prom- inent man in the different sections in which he lived. Mr. Davis received his schooling and his education as a farmer at the place of his birth. In 1836 he commenced a three years' course at the Estabrook College, after the completion of which he engaged in teaming between Knoxville and Augusta, Georgia. After spending about two years in this occupation, he took charge of a toll-road, owned by his father. In 1842 he accompanied his father's family in their em- igration to Missouri, where he followed agriculture for a time. He engaged in cattle dealing, selling largely, in 1845, to Samuels and Hoynes, Liverpool packers. During the following year he continued the business with the United States Government,

filling large contracts for beef cattle to be used in the Mexican campaign. He also superintended the herd- ing and driving of these cattle to Santa Fe. Return- ing home from this trip, he engaged in various pur- suits until 1850, when he crossed the plains to Cali- fornia, following his father's family, who had come to the State the preceding year. His overland trip, with emigrant train, was unaccompanied by any startling events, with the exception of some pillaging by the Indians, who levied upon them for forced contribu- tions of clothing, provisions, cattle, etc., the smallness of the party being such as to render submission on their part necessary.

Upon his arrival in California he procceded directly to Santa Clara County, arriving here September 8, 1850, thus becoming one of its early settlers. In the following year Mr. Davis returned to Missouri, leaving San Francisco on the second of September, by way of the Panama route. The steamer upon which he took passage was wrecked off Cape St. Lucas, and was towed into the port Acapulco. Thence he pro- ceeded to the city of Mexico by mule train, thence by stage to Vera Cruz, thence by water to New Or- leans, going from that city directly to his home, which he reached on the sixth of November after a long and adventurous journey.

Early in 1852, accompanied by his family, he again made the overland trip to California, arriving at Placerville July 17, whence he went directly to Santa Clara County. Settling his family in the village of Santa Clara, he purchased a farm on the Alviso road about a mile southwest of that place, which he culti- vated with success until 1857, when he purchased and established his residence upon the land upon which his widow now makes her home. By intelligent and well-directed efforts, he brought the estate to its pres- ent high state of cultivation. ' An energetic and cult- ured man, he was greatly esteemed by his associates and by every member of the community in which he lived. As one of its pioneers, he was always deeply interested in the development of the interests and products of this county. In 1868 he established large grain warehouses at Lawrence Station, on the South- ern Pacific Railroad, thus affording storage and ready shipment for the products of that section of the county. He successfully conducted this enterprise until his death, which occurred February 27, 1882, as the re- sult of a fall from the roof of his warehouse, suddenly ending a useful carecr while he was yet in the prime of his life,

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PEN PICTURES FROM THE "GARDEN OF THE WORLD."

In 1843 Mr. Davis married Miss Lucinda F. Beaty (a sketch of whom is given below). From this marriage were born three children: Mary E., mar- ried Edwin Baker, at this time (1888) a real estate agent in San Luis Obispo, California; Emma H. is the wife of Ora N. Kent, now a resident of Boston, Massachusetts, and one of its most prominent mer- chants, and a descendant of the old house of Kent, so well known throughout New England; Charles C. died in Santa Clara County, November 18, 1887.

Lucinda F. Davis, the widow of Schuyler B. Davis, resides on the San Francisco road, about two and one-half miles west of Santa Clara, and is the owner of an extensive farm of 140 acres, upon which she has a pleasant and commodious residence, surrounded by well-ordered out-buildings. Formerly the land was principally devoted to grain and hay raising, with a small acreage in fruit trees, but of late years, since her husband's death, Mrs. Davis has rented quite a large tract to C. C. Morse, of the Pacific Secd Gar- dens, whose lands adjoin this farm. She is thus afforded much needed rest from the cares and labors attendant upon the successful cultivation of the ranch. Mrs. Davis was born in Tennessee, in 1825, being the daughter of John and Julia (Carter) Beaty. Her father was a native of Tennessee, while her mother was born in Virginia. When she was very young, her parents became pioneers of Chariton County, Missouri. In 1843 (as stated above) she married Schuyler B. Davis, and, through their long married life, shared with him all the trials and disappoint- ments, as well as enjoyed the success they achieved, finally rcaping the well-earned reward of their com- bined labors in the tranquil enjoyments of the com- forts and èven luxuries of her beautiful home.

ACOB H. LORD was born in Penobscot County, Maine, in 1829. His parents, Tobias and Mary A. (Fowler) Lord, were natives of that State. His early youth was spent on a farm, but at the age of fourteen years he entered the lumber woods, and for years was practically schooled in the hardships and work incident to a lumberman's life. In 1850 he entered into business upon his own account in the lumber districts of his native State. Desirous of a larger field of operations, in 1854 he located in Wis- consin and entered into the lumber business on the St. Croix River, locating himself at River Falls,

Pierce County, where he was also engaged in mercan- tile pursuits. In 1881 he entered into partnership with his son, Hersie F. Lord. In 1882 Mr. Lord sold out his lumber interests, and devoted his atten- tion to the prosecution of his mercantile pursuits un- til 1887, when he sold out his store and came to Cal- ifornia, locating in San Jose. A long life devoted to business, in which he has accumulated a fortune, has entitled Mr. Lord to a life of ease, and in seeking San Jose he has availed himself of its delightful climate, while still surrounded by the luxuries and life in a city. At No. 468 South Second Street he owns a fine cottage home, where he resides. He is also the owner of twenty acres of land adjoining the property of his son, Hersie F. Lord, on the Hostetter road, where he has a cottage home. This place, in connection with his son's, is known as the " Minnesota Twins," and in its products, etc., is almost an exact counterpart of that owned by his son, a description of which appears in this work.

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Pen pictures from the garden of the world, or Santa Clara county, California, Part 90

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