Santa Cruz County Archives - California Genealogy

Biography of Mrs. Albert R. Atwood of Santa Cruz

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

Highly esteemed in the community in which she maintains and develops one of her chief interests, Mrs. A. R. Atwood, proprietor and manager of the Mission Hospital, has become an influential leader in Santa Cruz in movements for the welfare of humanity and the extension of the fame of both town and county as among the most desirable of residential districts in California. Mrs. Atwood was born at Sheridan, California, the daughter of George M. and Mary Ann (Fogerty) Adams, both worthy pioneers in the good old Golden state, her father having crossed the Great Plains as a boy, when … Read more

Biography of A. Early Averrett of Soledad

A. Early Averrett, senior member of the firm of Averrett & Stephens, dealers in general merchandise at Soledad, is a native of the State of Georgia, where he was born on the thirteenth day of November, ’45. At the age of seven years, he moved with his parents to Alabama, where he remained until he was twenty-three years old, when he came to California via the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco in June, 1868. He went to Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, and entered the mercantile house of A. Lewis & Co., as salesman, which position he occupied seven … Read more

Biographies of Santa Cruz County, California

These biographies are extracted from a variety of sources and cover the men and women in Santa Cruz County California’s history.

Biography of Peter Pasquale Antonelli of Santa Cruz

The late Peter Pasquale Antonelli whose memory is still held sacred by all who knew him, irrespective of race or creed, was born in Italy in May, 1854, and there educated under the excellent system for which Italy is famous. While still a young man he came to America, and fortunately for many besides himself he came direct to California. For a time he worked in the lime kiln at Cowell, but in 1890 began business for himself. At Santa Cruz he opened the Tuscano Hotel, which he conducted, as one of the best hostelries of its kind in this … Read more

Biography of Earl H. Amos of Santa Cruz

A manager of experience in the theatrical field, who has done much to give Santa Cruz the best of dramatic advantages, is Earl H. Amos, the wide-awake progressive director of the New Santa Cruz Theater. He was born at Tecumseh, Oklahoma, August 29, 1893, the son of L. J. and Effie (Beams) Amos, who removed to Los Angeles in 1904. Father and son started the Amos News Company there. Both parents are still living, now honored residents of Mountain View, Santa Clara county. Earl H. Amos attended the schools of Los Angeles, studied at home, and took a business course, … Read more

Biography of Nicholas N. Alaga of Watsonville

An extensive shipper of apples, who is also his own grower and packer, is Nicholas N. Alaga, of 114 Maple avenue, Watsonville. Like many others in this locality, he was born in Dalmatia, February 18, 1874, his parents being Nicholas and Mary Lettunich. The mother is still living but the father, who was a hardworking farmer, is now dead. Nicholas N. Alaga had rather a hard time acquiring his education after he had gone through the lower grades of the home schools, but has gained a good knowledge of affairs since coming to the United States at the age of … Read more

Biography of Frank Mattison of Santa Cruz

Frank Mattison, born near Santa Cruz, California, on February 5, 1860, served as a member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district of California. He was the son of John S. Mattison, an English-born original California forty-niner, and Lila Miles, of Pennsylvania. Frank’s career began in agriculture and expanded to the grocery business before entering public service. Elected county assessor in 1890, he served three terms. In 1902, he was elected to the state board of equalization. Active in the Republican party, Mattison also held roles in various fraternal organizations. He married Carrie A. Peck in 1883, and they had two daughters, Lila E. and Ruth.

Biography of George F. Martin of Watsonville California

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 Louis C. Scholl of Santa Cruz California

A popular institution for the comfort of the masses is the Seabright Rati-t at Seabright Beach, in Santa Cruz county, owned and managed by Louis C. Scholl. A native son of the most loyal type, always enthusiastic for the Golden state, Mr. Scholl was born at Santa Cruz, on August 7, 1887, the son of Conrad and Alice (Gripenstraw) Scholl, the former from New York city, the latter a native of Illinois. Conrad Scholl was born in the eastern metropolis June 2, 1856; and his father having died when he was only two years old, he was brought out to … Read more

Biography of Clarence M. Smith of Watsonville California

Clarence M. Smith, a veteran of the World war, is acting as manager of the Hammond Lumber Company at Watsonville, and that he is a thoroughly dependable young man of more than average ability is indicated by his selection for this responsible position. He was born in Leadville, Colorado, January 30, 1893, and there received his early instruction. He also attended schools in England and in Stockton, California, completing his education in the Polytechnic College of Engineering at Oakland. In 1917 he responded to the call of his country and spent twenty-two months overseas, winning the commission of first lieutenant. … Read more