Ventura County Republican Project: History and Genealogy
"A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura, California" (1891), page 465.
Jacob K. Gries
Jacob K. Gries is one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Ventura County. He came to California in 1852, and has had large experience in the early history of the State, as well as the early settlement of Ventura County. He has been a leading man - a man of nerve and of great natural ability. His early experience in the Golden State would make a book of interest; but he declines to recount the privations, dangers and exciting times that tried men's souls in the settlement of the great State in which he has had a share, and in which he has borne an honorable part, and for which he is now rewarded by having his home in the most civilized, enlightened and delightful portion of the world. All new countries have their ruffians and renegades, and California was no exception to the rule, but she has proudly and grandly outlived the stormy days, and the pioneer looks with just gratification and pride upon the great country he has helped to develop.
Mr. Gries was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1830. His father, Jacob Gries, was a native of the same county, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. In early life he had been a hat-maker, but after his removal to Ohio he became a farmer. He died on his own farm, in Ohio, in 1870. The subject of this sketch was reared in Ohio. At the age of twenty years he removed to Indiana, and a year later took his course westward to the Pacific Coast. He arrived in June, 1852, and July 16, following, he was twenty-two years old. He went to Foster's Bar, on the Yuba River, and mined until late in the fall, then, in company with others, he engaged in the hotel and staging business, two very important occupations at that time. The hotel in which he was interested was the Oregon House, in Yuba County, and he was thus engaged for three years. From 1857 to 1860 he was in the butchering and meat business. In the latter year he removed to Nevada, remaining there until 1869, ranching and mining. He owned a ranch in the Washoe Valley, which he sold in the fall of 1868, and removed to White Pine County, where, for several months, he was interested in the toll-road business.
November 1, 1869, Mr. Gries came to Ventura County and engaged in farming, raising barley, corn and wheat, on eighty acres of land which he purchased of the Briggs grant, near Santa Paula. This property he still owns. He also bought 360 acres of Thomas R. Bard, on the Colonia Ranch, which he afterward sold at a great profit, and bought 412 acres in the ex-Mission ranch, still retaining it. He has a one-half interest in 426 acres on the Colonia ranch. Mr. Gries came to Nordhoff in December, 1887, and has here built a fine residence, where he resides with his family. For a number of years he has been interested in the production of thorough-bred horses, mostly trotting stock.
In 1860, Mr. Gries was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Foulks, daughter of John Turbett. By her he had one child, Belle, born in Yuba County, California. She married Norris Claybury, and they reside near Santa Paula. After twenty-two years of wedded life, Mrs. Gries died. Four years later Mr. Gries married Mrs. Mary Simpson, a native of Texas, and widow of Frank J. Simpson. Mrs. Gries is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gries is a Republican; he was a Democrat before the war, but at that time took a strong stand in favor of the Union and has since affiliated with the Republican party. He is a man of strong convictions, a natural leader among men, and has been prominent in Ventura County ever since its organization. He has been active in helping to maintain law and order in his county, for which he has the respect and good will of every worthy citizen in the county. Mr. Gries has enjoyed pleasant business relations with others, and has had in his employ men who have remained with him for years, all of them speaking highly of Mr. Gries, and some of them having risen to wealth and influence. It is scarcely necessary to add that he is a warm admirer of California and considers Ventura County the cream of the great State.
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! PROCLAMATIONS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON AND ABRAHAM LINCOLN
http://www.allabouthistory.org/thanksgiving-history.htm
Thanksgiving History – The Thanksgiving Proclamation
New York, 3 October 1789
By the President of the United States of America: a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me `to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn [sic] kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease [sic] of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
George Washington
Thanksgiving History – The Day
Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day October 3, 1863
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence [sic], have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
Thanksgiving History – The Thanksgiving Proclamation
New York, 3 October 1789
By the President of the United States of America: a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me `to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn [sic] kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease [sic] of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
George Washington
Thanksgiving History – The Day
Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day October 3, 1863
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence [sic], have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Genealogy
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Genealogy
"A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura, California" (1891), page 549.
K. P. Grant [Editor inserted: Kenneth P. Grant, b. abt. 1844 Canada]
K. P. Grant, a Ventura rancher. When the Americans began to settle at Ventura the whole face of the country was covered with mustard plants to tall and thick that one could scarcely ride a horse through it - indicated that the soil was of the best quality. The town was then a Spanish village. The American seeking a productive soil was allured by the rich alluvium and delightful climate of this region. Dr. Voorman had come to Ventura, and, being acquainted with Mr. Grant, informed him of the fine opening at Ventura, and September 29, 1869, Mr. Grant arrived in the town, where he has since made his home and met with success so satisfactory as to render him content.
Mr. Grant is a Master Mason and belongs also to the Chapter and Commandery, having passed all the chairs. He is Past Master and Past High Priest, and is now filling the second office in the commandery. He has also held the office District Deputy in the Odd Fellows order for seven years, and is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. and K. of P., and is a member of the A. L. of H. Politcally he has been a steady Republican. Recently he was appointed by Governor Waterman a member of the commission to locate the new insane asylum. In his manner he is genial and unassuming, and in his general character a very practical man.
"A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura, California" (1891), page 549.
K. P. Grant [Editor inserted: Kenneth P. Grant, b. abt. 1844 Canada]
K. P. Grant, a Ventura rancher. When the Americans began to settle at Ventura the whole face of the country was covered with mustard plants to tall and thick that one could scarcely ride a horse through it - indicated that the soil was of the best quality. The town was then a Spanish village. The American seeking a productive soil was allured by the rich alluvium and delightful climate of this region. Dr. Voorman had come to Ventura, and, being acquainted with Mr. Grant, informed him of the fine opening at Ventura, and September 29, 1869, Mr. Grant arrived in the town, where he has since made his home and met with success so satisfactory as to render him content.
Mr. Grant is a Master Mason and belongs also to the Chapter and Commandery, having passed all the chairs. He is Past Master and Past High Priest, and is now filling the second office in the commandery. He has also held the office District Deputy in the Odd Fellows order for seven years, and is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. and K. of P., and is a member of the A. L. of H. Politcally he has been a steady Republican. Recently he was appointed by Governor Waterman a member of the commission to locate the new insane asylum. In his manner he is genial and unassuming, and in his general character a very practical man.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Genealogy
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Genealogy
"A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura, California" (1891), page 411.
T. B. Gosnell [Editor inserted: Truman B. Gosnell]
T. B. Gosnell, a prominent rancher of Ventura County, was born in Newark, Ohio, November 2, 1848. His father, Nelson Gosnell, was also born at the same place, and his grandfather, Joshua Gosnell, was a native of New York, his ancestors having emigrated from England to that State. His mother, Samantha (Barrick) Gosnell, daughter of John Barrick, a native of Pennsylvania, traces her ancestry back to the Pennsylvania Dutch. Mr. and Mrs. Gosnell had thirteen children, seven of whom are now living. The family removed from Ohio to Illinois when the subject of this sketch was nine years old, residing there eight years. In 1865 they removed to Missouri and remained there ten years. Mr. Gosnell was reared a farmer, and also learned the carpenter's trade. He returned to Ohio, and, in 1885, came to his present locality. Here he purchased 102 acres of land on the Ventura avenue, and built on it two houses and a barn. He is now engaged in erecting a very fine family residence on one of the most sightly spots of the whole avenue, it being on a high point of land that overlooks the entire valley in every direction, with all the beautiful homes on Ventura avenue in full view. Mr. Gosnell has a family orchard with a variety of fruit of nearly all kinds, and also 300 walnut trees.
In 1879 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Caroline McGuire, sister of William McGuire, a history of whom will be found on another page of this book. It was on account of Mrs. Gosnell's health that they came to California. They are the parents of two children, Ira and Lena, both natives of Ohio. Mr. Gosnell is a Royal Arch Mason. Politically he is a Republican.
****
Descendants of Nelson Gosnell
1 Nelson Gosnell b: 31 Aug 1819 in Mckean, Licking, Ohio d: 1880 in Ohio
.. +Samantha Barrick b: 02 May 1825 in Woodcock Valley, Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania m: 29 Aug 1841 in Newark, Licking, Ohio d: 27 Apr 1892 in Carroll, Missouri
........ 2 Willis Gosnell b: 1846 in Mckean, Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Truman Barrick Gosnell b: 02 Nov 1848 in Newark, Ohio d: 21 Dec 1937 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
............ +Caroline McGuire b: 25 Jul 1855 in Coshocton, Ohio m: 01 Oct 1879 in Coshocton, Ohio d: 19 Dec 1913 in Ventura, Ventura, California
................... 3 Ira Gosnell b: 1890 in Lafayette, Coshocton, Ohio d: 28 Jul 1942 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
....................... +Mary Elizabeth Selby b: 20 Sep 1884 in Stockton, Rooks, Kansas m: 14 Aug 1907 in Ventura, Ventura, California d: 07 Nov 1963 in Ventura, Ventura, California
............................. 4 Thomas Selby Gosnell b: 1908 in Ojai, Ventura, California
............................. 4 Marjorie Caroline Gosnell b: 13 Apr 1910 in Ojai, Ventura, California
............................. 4 Mary Jeanne Gosnell b: 1911 in Ojai, Ventura, California
................... 3 Lena Gosnell b: 1879 in Licking, Ohio d: 05 Aug 1933 in Helena, Lewis And Clark, Montana
....................... +Harry Bowyer
................... *2nd Husband of Lena Gosnell:
....................... +Frank Harvey Cook
................... *3rd Husband of Lena Gosnell:
....................... +Wayne Cutting
........ *2nd Wife of Truman Barrick Gosnell:
............ +Mary Ethel Mortenson m: 17 Nov 1914 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
........ 2 Oriana Gosnell b: 1850 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Alexander Gosnell b: 1852 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Caroline Gosnell b: 1854 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 May Gosnell b: 1855 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Alfred Gosnell b: 1857 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Lena Gosnell b: 1859 in Licking, Ohio
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
"A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura, California" (1891), page 411.
T. B. Gosnell [Editor inserted: Truman B. Gosnell]
T. B. Gosnell, a prominent rancher of Ventura County, was born in Newark, Ohio, November 2, 1848. His father, Nelson Gosnell, was also born at the same place, and his grandfather, Joshua Gosnell, was a native of New York, his ancestors having emigrated from England to that State. His mother, Samantha (Barrick) Gosnell, daughter of John Barrick, a native of Pennsylvania, traces her ancestry back to the Pennsylvania Dutch. Mr. and Mrs. Gosnell had thirteen children, seven of whom are now living. The family removed from Ohio to Illinois when the subject of this sketch was nine years old, residing there eight years. In 1865 they removed to Missouri and remained there ten years. Mr. Gosnell was reared a farmer, and also learned the carpenter's trade. He returned to Ohio, and, in 1885, came to his present locality. Here he purchased 102 acres of land on the Ventura avenue, and built on it two houses and a barn. He is now engaged in erecting a very fine family residence on one of the most sightly spots of the whole avenue, it being on a high point of land that overlooks the entire valley in every direction, with all the beautiful homes on Ventura avenue in full view. Mr. Gosnell has a family orchard with a variety of fruit of nearly all kinds, and also 300 walnut trees.
In 1879 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Caroline McGuire, sister of William McGuire, a history of whom will be found on another page of this book. It was on account of Mrs. Gosnell's health that they came to California. They are the parents of two children, Ira and Lena, both natives of Ohio. Mr. Gosnell is a Royal Arch Mason. Politically he is a Republican.
****
Descendants of Nelson Gosnell
1 Nelson Gosnell b: 31 Aug 1819 in Mckean, Licking, Ohio d: 1880 in Ohio
.. +Samantha Barrick b: 02 May 1825 in Woodcock Valley, Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania m: 29 Aug 1841 in Newark, Licking, Ohio d: 27 Apr 1892 in Carroll, Missouri
........ 2 Willis Gosnell b: 1846 in Mckean, Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Truman Barrick Gosnell b: 02 Nov 1848 in Newark, Ohio d: 21 Dec 1937 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
............ +Caroline McGuire b: 25 Jul 1855 in Coshocton, Ohio m: 01 Oct 1879 in Coshocton, Ohio d: 19 Dec 1913 in Ventura, Ventura, California
................... 3 Ira Gosnell b: 1890 in Lafayette, Coshocton, Ohio d: 28 Jul 1942 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
....................... +Mary Elizabeth Selby b: 20 Sep 1884 in Stockton, Rooks, Kansas m: 14 Aug 1907 in Ventura, Ventura, California d: 07 Nov 1963 in Ventura, Ventura, California
............................. 4 Thomas Selby Gosnell b: 1908 in Ojai, Ventura, California
............................. 4 Marjorie Caroline Gosnell b: 13 Apr 1910 in Ojai, Ventura, California
............................. 4 Mary Jeanne Gosnell b: 1911 in Ojai, Ventura, California
................... 3 Lena Gosnell b: 1879 in Licking, Ohio d: 05 Aug 1933 in Helena, Lewis And Clark, Montana
....................... +Harry Bowyer
................... *2nd Husband of Lena Gosnell:
....................... +Frank Harvey Cook
................... *3rd Husband of Lena Gosnell:
....................... +Wayne Cutting
........ *2nd Wife of Truman Barrick Gosnell:
............ +Mary Ethel Mortenson m: 17 Nov 1914 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
........ 2 Oriana Gosnell b: 1850 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Alexander Gosnell b: 1852 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Caroline Gosnell b: 1854 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 May Gosnell b: 1855 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Alfred Gosnell b: 1857 in Licking, Ohio
........ 2 Lena Gosnell b: 1859 in Licking, Ohio
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
