Contra Costa County Archives - California Genealogy

Biography of James Marsh of Stockton

The history of the Marsh family in California dates back to 1835 when Dr. John Marsh, one of the first American pioneers in the region, settled in Contra Costa County. A leading physician and surgeon, Dr. Marsh was influential in the early development of California, also engaging in cattle ranching and writing about the state’s potential. His nephew, James Marsh, born on October 26, 1827, in Peabody, Massachusetts, arrived in California in 1851. Initially managing his uncle’s ranch, James later engaged in various businesses and settled in San Joaquin County in 1858. He was married to Mary A. Ranney and had an adopted daughter, Orpha A. James Marsh, a Republican and active community member, contributed significantly to the local development until his death in 1898.

Biography of George F. Martin of Watsonville California

History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

George F. Martin, manager of the California Pine Box Company of Watsonville, is a native of the Pajaro valley and represents one of its pioneer families. He was born on the home ranch, January 20, 1872, and his parents were Adam and Ella (Cochran) Martin. His father was a native of Germany and followed the tide of immigration to the new world, settling in Santa Cruz county, California, early in the ’60s. He located in the Riverside Road district and was one of the first to glimpse the possibilities of this region as a fruit-growing center. He had two ranches … Read more

Biography of Benjamin Clark of Russian River Township, California

An illustrated history of Sonoma County, California

Benjamin Clark, of Russian River Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Perry County, May 4, 1825, his parents being Robert and Nancy (Masterson) Clark, both of whom were Kentuckians by birth. In 1831, the family removed to Illinois, locating in Bureau County, and there Benjamin Clark was reared. In 1853, he joined an Illinois party bound for California. They crossed the Missouri River at Kaneville, and choosing the Salt Lake route, arrived in Shasta County on the 16th of September, having been to that time from the 17th of March in making the journey. After a residence of … Read more

Biography of Frank Bruno of Monterey California

Frank Bruno, who during the past eleven years has been accorded a profitable patronage as a dealer in cigars, and soft drinks in Monterey, has been honored with the presidency of the Americanization Society of the city and is indeed a loyal son of his adopted land. A native of Italy, he was born on the 17th of January, 1883, his parents being Vincento and Jennie Bruno. The father came to the United States and to California about the year 1880, locating first in Pittsburg. This place had been formerly known as Black Diamond and here it was that many … Read more

Biography of Stephen Scurich of Watsonville California

Some men are born with a genius for leadership and no obstacle can prevent them from attaining the object of their ambition. Of this type is Stephen Scurich, who came to this country a poor boy and through the strength of his character and the force of his mental endowments has overcome circumstances, bending them to his will. He has now reached a field of broad influence and usefulness, and Watsonville is the richer in resources and citizenship because of his enterprise and public spirit. Stephen Scurich was born in Dalmatia, October 18, 1868, and in 1884, when sixteen years … Read more

Biography of Orazio V. Enea of Monterey California

Orazio V. Enea, is a well known fisherman, doing business at 308 Main street, Monterey. He was born in Italy, November 12, 1877, the son of Vicenzo and Mary (Cardenilli) Enea. The father came to the United States but after expending five years in California returned to Italy. Both parents died in 1915. Orazio V. Enea attended the public schools of Italy, and when about twenty-one years of age, first locating in Pittsburg, California. He engaged in fishing in the Sacramento river and later in the Columbia river and in Alaskan waters. Since 1905 he has engaged in fishing at … Read more