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 468.
J. E. McCoy. - J. E. McCoy was born in Placerville, California, June 7, 1864. His father, J. D. D. McCoy, was born in Canada in 1835, was the pioneer hotel proprietor of Hueneme, and now resides at Portland, Oregon. His ancestors were Scotch, but residents of America for many generations. Mr. McCoy's mother, Margaret (Lynch) McCoy, died when the subject of this sketch was quite young, leaving a family of ten children. Mr. McCoy was reared and educated in Ventura and Hueneme, and began his business career in a hotel. He has owned the Seaside Hotel for the past five years. This house was built by Mr. Judkins twenty-two years ago, and Mr. McCoy's father bought it, made some additions to the building, and opened it to the public, conducting the business for fifteen years. Since it has been in the possession of Mr. McCoy, Jr., he has remodeled and enlarged the building. It is as old as the town itself, is well managed, and is provided with a good table.
Mr. McCoy was married April 17, 1884, to Miss Ina Woodruff, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of William and E. A. Woodruff, who reside in Hueneme. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have one child, Maggie, born in Hueneme, March 17, 1885.
The subject of this sketch votes the Republican ticket, but is not an active politician. He is a well-known business man in the county, and has been identified with the best interests of Hueneme since its beginning.
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Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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 323.
Achille Levy. - Achille Levy, one of the prominent business men of Hueneme, came to California in 1871. He was born in Alsace, France, now Germany, October 23, 1853; his parents were both natives of France. After he arrived in San Francisco he went to a business college for two years, to take a business course and to learn the English language. He then engaged in clerking and as book-keeper in a general merchandise store in Dixon, Solano County, and was there two years. In 1875 he came to Hueneme and engaged in business, the firm being Wolff & Levy, in which they continued for ten years, meeting with excellent success. In 1885, he sold his half interest, and opened a wholesale grain, commission and banking business. He handles large quantities of grain, honey, beans and wool, and ships his produce all over the United States and Mexico; he is also a director, stockholder, and vice-president of the Hueneme Bank. He is extensively interested in real estate throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties.
In 1881 Mr. levy took a tour to Europe and was there married to Miss Lucy Levy, a "forty-second cousin" of his, and a native of Paris, where her parents reside. They have four children, born in Hueneme: Anna E., Palmyre, Joseph Paul and Julia E. Mr. levy has built a nice home; he has bought recently a ten-acre lot on one of the best streets, about ahalf-mile from town, which he designs to fit for a residence, and lay out in handsome grounds in the near future. In his political views he is a Republican, and prominently identified with that party; he is a very active business man, and a member of the San Francisco Produce Exchange.
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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 323.
Achille Levy. - Achille Levy, one of the prominent business men of Hueneme, came to California in 1871. He was born in Alsace, France, now Germany, October 23, 1853; his parents were both natives of France. After he arrived in San Francisco he went to a business college for two years, to take a business course and to learn the English language. He then engaged in clerking and as book-keeper in a general merchandise store in Dixon, Solano County, and was there two years. In 1875 he came to Hueneme and engaged in business, the firm being Wolff & Levy, in which they continued for ten years, meeting with excellent success. In 1885, he sold his half interest, and opened a wholesale grain, commission and banking business. He handles large quantities of grain, honey, beans and wool, and ships his produce all over the United States and Mexico; he is also a director, stockholder, and vice-president of the Hueneme Bank. He is extensively interested in real estate throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties.
In 1881 Mr. levy took a tour to Europe and was there married to Miss Lucy Levy, a "forty-second cousin" of his, and a native of Paris, where her parents reside. They have four children, born in Hueneme: Anna E., Palmyre, Joseph Paul and Julia E. Mr. levy has built a nice home; he has bought recently a ten-acre lot on one of the best streets, about ahalf-mile from town, which he designs to fit for a residence, and lay out in handsome grounds in the near future. In his political views he is a Republican, and prominently identified with that party; he is a very active business man, and a member of the San Francisco Produce Exchange.
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Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
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 323.
Messrs. Lee & Rice [Editor inserted: Fred E. Lee & J. Clarence Rice]
Messrs. Lee & Rice. - As one approaches the town of Santa Paula in any direction he will see a star on the stones and boulders, and when he arrives in the city he will find several stars in front of a neat and tasteful clothing store. This is the Star Clothing House of Santa Paula, the firm being Lee & Rice.
F. E. Lee, of this firm, was born in Detroit, Michigan, March 23, 1859. He is the son of John L. Lee, who was born in England and came to the United States in 1850. Mr. Lee was educated in the city of Lansing, taking a thorough course in a commercial college. He commenced business as a pressman, in the State printing office at Lansing, and was engaged in press work there for five years. Then for a time he was in a store with his brother, in Lincoln, Nebraska, after which he spent five years in Chicago, on press work. From there he came to Los Angeles, California, and held the position of foreman in the press-room of the Times office, five years, until he came to Santa Paula. Mr. Lee is married to Miss Balcom, one of the fairest young ladies of Santa Paula, daughter of W. E. Balcom, a wealthy and influential citizen of Santa Paula.
J. C. Rice, who is manager of the store with Mr. Lee, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1854, and completed his education at the Michigan State Normal School, at Ypsilanti. He has had experience in the clothing business with the best wholesale houses in the East, and in Los Angeles, both as a salesman and traveling man. He has thus gained a knowledge of the cost of goods which is of much value to him in their present business. Mr. Rice was married, September 22, 1889, to Miss Fanny M. Baker, daughter of C. N. Baker, a prominent resident of Santa Paula and a member of the Board of County Supervisors.
These gentlemen are both talented business men. They established their business in Santa Paula September 22, 1889. They purchased the building in which their store is located, in the business center of the town, have a fine stock of goods, and quite an extensive trade. Both Mr. Lee and Mr. Rice are Republicans and both are worthy members of the K. of P.
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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 323.
Messrs. Lee & Rice [Editor inserted: Fred E. Lee & J. Clarence Rice]
Messrs. Lee & Rice. - As one approaches the town of Santa Paula in any direction he will see a star on the stones and boulders, and when he arrives in the city he will find several stars in front of a neat and tasteful clothing store. This is the Star Clothing House of Santa Paula, the firm being Lee & Rice.
F. E. Lee, of this firm, was born in Detroit, Michigan, March 23, 1859. He is the son of John L. Lee, who was born in England and came to the United States in 1850. Mr. Lee was educated in the city of Lansing, taking a thorough course in a commercial college. He commenced business as a pressman, in the State printing office at Lansing, and was engaged in press work there for five years. Then for a time he was in a store with his brother, in Lincoln, Nebraska, after which he spent five years in Chicago, on press work. From there he came to Los Angeles, California, and held the position of foreman in the press-room of the Times office, five years, until he came to Santa Paula. Mr. Lee is married to Miss Balcom, one of the fairest young ladies of Santa Paula, daughter of W. E. Balcom, a wealthy and influential citizen of Santa Paula.
J. C. Rice, who is manager of the store with Mr. Lee, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1854, and completed his education at the Michigan State Normal School, at Ypsilanti. He has had experience in the clothing business with the best wholesale houses in the East, and in Los Angeles, both as a salesman and traveling man. He has thus gained a knowledge of the cost of goods which is of much value to him in their present business. Mr. Rice was married, September 22, 1889, to Miss Fanny M. Baker, daughter of C. N. Baker, a prominent resident of Santa Paula and a member of the Board of County Supervisors.
These gentlemen are both talented business men. They established their business in Santa Paula September 22, 1889. They purchased the building in which their store is located, in the business center of the town, have a fine stock of goods, and quite an extensive trade. Both Mr. Lee and Mr. Rice are Republicans and both are worthy members of the K. of P.
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Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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 550.
C. N. Kimball [Editor inserted: Charles N. Kimball]
C. N. Kimball is one of the prominent ranchers of Saticoy, Ventura County, California. He was born at West Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts, September 17, 1843. His father, C. F. Kimball, was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1818. He was a shoemaker and a farmer. Mrs. Kimball, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was nee Hannah Tyler, born in Boxford, Massachusetts, in 1817. She was a daughter of Flint Tyler, a native of the State of Vermont. C. N. Kimball was the second of a family of seven children, all of whom are living at this writing. He was reared and educated in his native place, and his first work was as a machinist. His country's claim in its time of need caused him to enlist, and he was placed in unattached service on the coast of his native State, doing duty in the fortifications. he was mustered out on the 4th of July, 1865. Then for two years he worked in the factories of Lynn and Haverhill, engaged in the manufacture of shoes.
December 31, 1867, Mr. Kimball sailed from New York for California, at which place he arrived January 22, 1868. He accepted a position on the Central Pacific Railroad, remaining in railroad employ nine months. On Christmas of that year he came to Southern California, and bought a band a sheep which he took to Eastern Nevada and traded for a ranch in Lamoille Valley. He there engaged in farming, raising potatoes and barley; and from that place he went to Eureka, same State, where he burned charcoal for the smelting furnaces. After he had been there a year and a half he was taken sick with pneumonia. At that time he returned to California and worked near Gilroy two years. In 1876 he came to his present locality and purchased seventy-five acres of land. Here he has built a tasteful home and planted trees and flowers, making a very attractive place. In farm products his specialty is Lima beans, which proves to be a bonanza for many of the farmers of Saticoy. Mr. Kimball's crop last year averaged 1,600 pounds to the acre, the price being from three to four and a half cents.
Mr. Kimball was married in February, 1884, to Miss Carry Duval, a native of the State of Maine, and a daughter of E. A. Duval, a prominent citizen of Saticoy, whose history appears in this book. One child, a daughter, born October 4, 1888, died November 4, 1889. Mrs. Kimball is a member of the Union Church. In political views Mr. Kimball is a Republican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a good citizen and a man of worth and integrity.
***
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 550.
C. N. Kimball [Editor inserted: Charles N. Kimball]
C. N. Kimball is one of the prominent ranchers of Saticoy, Ventura County, California. He was born at West Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts, September 17, 1843. His father, C. F. Kimball, was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1818. He was a shoemaker and a farmer. Mrs. Kimball, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was nee Hannah Tyler, born in Boxford, Massachusetts, in 1817. She was a daughter of Flint Tyler, a native of the State of Vermont. C. N. Kimball was the second of a family of seven children, all of whom are living at this writing. He was reared and educated in his native place, and his first work was as a machinist. His country's claim in its time of need caused him to enlist, and he was placed in unattached service on the coast of his native State, doing duty in the fortifications. he was mustered out on the 4th of July, 1865. Then for two years he worked in the factories of Lynn and Haverhill, engaged in the manufacture of shoes.
December 31, 1867, Mr. Kimball sailed from New York for California, at which place he arrived January 22, 1868. He accepted a position on the Central Pacific Railroad, remaining in railroad employ nine months. On Christmas of that year he came to Southern California, and bought a band a sheep which he took to Eastern Nevada and traded for a ranch in Lamoille Valley. He there engaged in farming, raising potatoes and barley; and from that place he went to Eureka, same State, where he burned charcoal for the smelting furnaces. After he had been there a year and a half he was taken sick with pneumonia. At that time he returned to California and worked near Gilroy two years. In 1876 he came to his present locality and purchased seventy-five acres of land. Here he has built a tasteful home and planted trees and flowers, making a very attractive place. In farm products his specialty is Lima beans, which proves to be a bonanza for many of the farmers of Saticoy. Mr. Kimball's crop last year averaged 1,600 pounds to the acre, the price being from three to four and a half cents.
Mr. Kimball was married in February, 1884, to Miss Carry Duval, a native of the State of Maine, and a daughter of E. A. Duval, a prominent citizen of Saticoy, whose history appears in this book. One child, a daughter, born October 4, 1888, died November 4, 1889. Mrs. Kimball is a member of the Union Church. In political views Mr. Kimball is a Republican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a good citizen and a man of worth and integrity.
***
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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 274.
G. E. Kilson [Editor inserted: George E. Kilson]
G. E. Kilson was born in Iowa, January 29, 1857. His parents, Lewis and Caroline Kilson, were natives of Bergen, Norway. They emigrated to America in September, 1838, and went to Cincinnati, the journey at that time being a most arduous one. They soon afterward settled in Adams County, Illinois, on a farm they bought and improved. Later, they sold it and moved to Wisconsin, and, after a year spent in that State, removed, in 1855, to Butler County, Iowa. They entered 240 acres of land for a homestead, and this they developed into a fine farm. They built a nice home, and there resided until their deaths, which occurred, the mother's on November 10, 1881, and the father's November 28, 1889.
The subject of this sketch was the fifth of a family of seven children. He was reared in Bristow, Butler County, Iowa, and received his education in the public schools of that town. He assisted his father on the farm until the age of twenty-one years. At that time he came to California to carve his own destiny in the land that offers so many inducements to the worthy citizen, arriving in the Golden State February 7, 1882. He had already obtained some knowledge of telegraphy, and his first move was to finish learning that business, at Pino, Placer County. He was afterward sent to Arizona and at different times had charge of several stations: was three months at Yuma, one year at Dragoon Summit, the highest point on the Souther Pacific Railroad, and was two years at Nelson.
Mr. Kilson was married to Miss Laura F. Williams, December 17, 1886. She is a native of California. From nelson Mr. Kilson moved to Saticoy on the 20th of November, 1887. Here he has the position of ticket and station agent. He is an active and capable business man, and at once became identified with the best interests of Saticoy; has bought property and built a neat and pleasant home, where he resides with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Kilson have two children: Lewis, born at Nelson, and Elmer, at Saticoy.
In his political views, Mr. Kilson is a Republican. He is a member of the K. of P., Eden Lodge, No. 101, at Nelson, Butte County, California.
***
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 274.
G. E. Kilson [Editor inserted: George E. Kilson]
G. E. Kilson was born in Iowa, January 29, 1857. His parents, Lewis and Caroline Kilson, were natives of Bergen, Norway. They emigrated to America in September, 1838, and went to Cincinnati, the journey at that time being a most arduous one. They soon afterward settled in Adams County, Illinois, on a farm they bought and improved. Later, they sold it and moved to Wisconsin, and, after a year spent in that State, removed, in 1855, to Butler County, Iowa. They entered 240 acres of land for a homestead, and this they developed into a fine farm. They built a nice home, and there resided until their deaths, which occurred, the mother's on November 10, 1881, and the father's November 28, 1889.
The subject of this sketch was the fifth of a family of seven children. He was reared in Bristow, Butler County, Iowa, and received his education in the public schools of that town. He assisted his father on the farm until the age of twenty-one years. At that time he came to California to carve his own destiny in the land that offers so many inducements to the worthy citizen, arriving in the Golden State February 7, 1882. He had already obtained some knowledge of telegraphy, and his first move was to finish learning that business, at Pino, Placer County. He was afterward sent to Arizona and at different times had charge of several stations: was three months at Yuma, one year at Dragoon Summit, the highest point on the Souther Pacific Railroad, and was two years at Nelson.
Mr. Kilson was married to Miss Laura F. Williams, December 17, 1886. She is a native of California. From nelson Mr. Kilson moved to Saticoy on the 20th of November, 1887. Here he has the position of ticket and station agent. He is an active and capable business man, and at once became identified with the best interests of Saticoy; has bought property and built a neat and pleasant home, where he resides with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Kilson have two children: Lewis, born at Nelson, and Elmer, at Saticoy.
In his political views, Mr. Kilson is a Republican. He is a member of the K. of P., Eden Lodge, No. 101, at Nelson, Butte County, California.
***
Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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 624.
J. B. Kelsey [Editor inserted: Joseph Barnett Kelsey]
J. B. Kelsey, a rancher near Ventura, is one of the pioneers and extensive farmers of Ventura County. He was born in Morris County, New Jersey, November 8, 1838; his father, J. B. Kelsey, Sr., was a native of the same State; his ancestry were from Scotland. Mr. Kelsey's mother was Delia (Conyer) Kelsey; her ancestors were of French extraction. J. B. Kelsey was the eleventh of a family of fifteen children. after his early schooling, at the age of fourteen years, he went to work in a grocery store in Rockaway, and continued there five years, when he came to California, in 1858. He remained one year in San Francisco, and then removed to Alameda County, where he rented lands and engaged in farming market produce. He continued that business until 1868, when he came to Ventura and rented land two years, and then bought and improved 182 acres of land near Ventura. He still owns the property, and has planted trees and built a fruit-dryer. He moved upon the place in 1876, and is now raising corn and beans on a very large scale, - 1,500 pounds of Lima beans, and about the same quantity of small white beans to the acre. His average crop of shelled corn is from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds per acre.
Mr. Kelsey was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary Fichter, a native of New York city, but was raised in New Jersey; her parents were of German extraction. They have had eight children, three of them born in Alameda County, and the others in Ventura, viz: Sarah, who is now attending the Normal School in Los Angeles; Agnes, Victor, Mary (who is also at the Normal School), Della, Helen, Fred, and Olive. They have a large stock ranch, of which Victor has charge, and Agnes is keeping house for him. On this ranch he is breeding horses, both Norman and Clydesdale stock. Mrs. Kelsey died September 24, 1884; they had been married twenty-three years, and the loss was most deeply felt by them all. Mr. Kelsey is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the Masonic fraternity; in his political views he is a Republican. He was again married, to Mrs. Redwin, widow of the late Mr. Lewis Redwin, of Ventura. She is a native of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey and several of the family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
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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 624.
J. B. Kelsey [Editor inserted: Joseph Barnett Kelsey]
J. B. Kelsey, a rancher near Ventura, is one of the pioneers and extensive farmers of Ventura County. He was born in Morris County, New Jersey, November 8, 1838; his father, J. B. Kelsey, Sr., was a native of the same State; his ancestry were from Scotland. Mr. Kelsey's mother was Delia (Conyer) Kelsey; her ancestors were of French extraction. J. B. Kelsey was the eleventh of a family of fifteen children. after his early schooling, at the age of fourteen years, he went to work in a grocery store in Rockaway, and continued there five years, when he came to California, in 1858. He remained one year in San Francisco, and then removed to Alameda County, where he rented lands and engaged in farming market produce. He continued that business until 1868, when he came to Ventura and rented land two years, and then bought and improved 182 acres of land near Ventura. He still owns the property, and has planted trees and built a fruit-dryer. He moved upon the place in 1876, and is now raising corn and beans on a very large scale, - 1,500 pounds of Lima beans, and about the same quantity of small white beans to the acre. His average crop of shelled corn is from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds per acre.
Mr. Kelsey was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary Fichter, a native of New York city, but was raised in New Jersey; her parents were of German extraction. They have had eight children, three of them born in Alameda County, and the others in Ventura, viz: Sarah, who is now attending the Normal School in Los Angeles; Agnes, Victor, Mary (who is also at the Normal School), Della, Helen, Fred, and Olive. They have a large stock ranch, of which Victor has charge, and Agnes is keeping house for him. On this ranch he is breeding horses, both Norman and Clydesdale stock. Mrs. Kelsey died September 24, 1884; they had been married twenty-three years, and the loss was most deeply felt by them all. Mr. Kelsey is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the Masonic fraternity; in his political views he is a Republican. He was again married, to Mrs. Redwin, widow of the late Mr. Lewis Redwin, of Ventura. She is a native of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey and several of the family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
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Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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 328.
Josiah Keene
Josiah Keene was born in the State of Maine, December 19, 1828. His father, Jeremiah Keene, was also born in the "Pine Tree State," and his grandfather, Isaac Keene, was a native of Massachusetts, wand served in both the Revolution and the war of 1812. The Keenes were of Scotch-English descent. Josiah Keene's mother, nee Rebecca Kendall, was born in Maine, a daughter of Colonel David Kendall, who was also a native of Maine and a soldier in the war of 1812. They were of Welsh ancestry, who came to America in the early Colonial times. Mr. Keene's grandmother, on the maternal side, was a Cobourne, a cousin of Governor Cobourne of Maine, and a member of one of the oldest families of the state. The subject of this sketch was the fifth of a family of fourteen childre. All but two are still living. There were three pairs of twins in the family. In 1888 a reunion of the family was held in Minnesota, and members of the family from all parts of the country assembled there, ten grey-haired men and women being present.
Mr. Keene was reared and received a good education in tthe public schools of his native State. At the commencement of the great civil war, he enlisted, in April, 1861, as a private soldier. He served nearly three years, or until the time of losing his left arm at the battle of Chattanooga. He participated in twenty-two hard0fought battles, first at Mills Springs, then at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Stone River, Perryville, Franklin, and all the engagements of his regiment. After he was wounded he was taken prisoner, and his arm was treated in the Rebel lines. Twelve days later he was exchanged. Mr. Keene considers it one of Mr. Lincoln's best acts when he exchanged 10,000 able Confederate prisoners for 10,000 maimed men, of whom he was one. It was a year before he was able to work, and then he obtained a clerkship in the Treasury Department at Washington and served ten years in that capacity. The close confinement was injurious to his health, and, in September, 1874, he came to California, and spent months in looking over the coast before he finally settled. He purchased three acres of land at San Buenaventura, on which he built a small house. After the boom he erected a very fine residence on that beautiful street, Ventura Avenue, where the family now reside. In the fall of 1875 he took a Government claim of 160 acres of land and also a timber culture of 160 more. This is located six miles due east of Santa Paula. He has planted seventy-five acres to trees and vines. Twenty-five acres are in olives, forty acres in raising grapes, two acres in a variety of fruit and the rest in Eucalyptus trees.
Mr. Keene was married, January 1, 1874, to Miss Lucy E. Monroe, a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of Rev. Calvin H. Monroe, of that State, a minister of the Baptist church. Their union has been blessed with five children. Kendall C. was born in the city of Washington. The following were born in Ventura, California; Allen H., Herman B., Robo-Vesta and Helen L. Mr. and Mrs. Keene are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican and an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
***
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 328.
Josiah Keene
Josiah Keene was born in the State of Maine, December 19, 1828. His father, Jeremiah Keene, was also born in the "Pine Tree State," and his grandfather, Isaac Keene, was a native of Massachusetts, wand served in both the Revolution and the war of 1812. The Keenes were of Scotch-English descent. Josiah Keene's mother, nee Rebecca Kendall, was born in Maine, a daughter of Colonel David Kendall, who was also a native of Maine and a soldier in the war of 1812. They were of Welsh ancestry, who came to America in the early Colonial times. Mr. Keene's grandmother, on the maternal side, was a Cobourne, a cousin of Governor Cobourne of Maine, and a member of one of the oldest families of the state. The subject of this sketch was the fifth of a family of fourteen childre. All but two are still living. There were three pairs of twins in the family. In 1888 a reunion of the family was held in Minnesota, and members of the family from all parts of the country assembled there, ten grey-haired men and women being present.
Mr. Keene was reared and received a good education in tthe public schools of his native State. At the commencement of the great civil war, he enlisted, in April, 1861, as a private soldier. He served nearly three years, or until the time of losing his left arm at the battle of Chattanooga. He participated in twenty-two hard0fought battles, first at Mills Springs, then at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Stone River, Perryville, Franklin, and all the engagements of his regiment. After he was wounded he was taken prisoner, and his arm was treated in the Rebel lines. Twelve days later he was exchanged. Mr. Keene considers it one of Mr. Lincoln's best acts when he exchanged 10,000 able Confederate prisoners for 10,000 maimed men, of whom he was one. It was a year before he was able to work, and then he obtained a clerkship in the Treasury Department at Washington and served ten years in that capacity. The close confinement was injurious to his health, and, in September, 1874, he came to California, and spent months in looking over the coast before he finally settled. He purchased three acres of land at San Buenaventura, on which he built a small house. After the boom he erected a very fine residence on that beautiful street, Ventura Avenue, where the family now reside. In the fall of 1875 he took a Government claim of 160 acres of land and also a timber culture of 160 more. This is located six miles due east of Santa Paula. He has planted seventy-five acres to trees and vines. Twenty-five acres are in olives, forty acres in raising grapes, two acres in a variety of fruit and the rest in Eucalyptus trees.
Mr. Keene was married, January 1, 1874, to Miss Lucy E. Monroe, a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of Rev. Calvin H. Monroe, of that State, a minister of the Baptist church. Their union has been blessed with five children. Kendall C. was born in the city of Washington. The following were born in Ventura, California; Allen H., Herman B., Robo-Vesta and Helen L. Mr. and Mrs. Keene are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican and an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
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Ventura County Republican Project: History and Rootsweb Genealogy posted by Jon Miller and Tony Larson.
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