Biography of Peter J. Storm of Watsonville California

Peter J. Storm, a member of one of the honored pioneer families of Watsonville, is ably continuing the work begun by his father and ranks with the leading stock raisers of the Pajaro valley. He was born December 4, 1876, on the home ranch, and his parents, Christian F. and Laura (Anderson) Storm, were both natives of Denmark. The father was born in Schleswig-Holstein and was a son of Peter Storm, who came to this section of the state in the late ’50s. The latter engaged in farming near Watsonville and built the first bridge across the slough, at the foot of Walker street. Christian F. Storm came to Watsonville when eighteen years of age and also took up agricultural pursuits, later specializing in the raising of stock, in which he won a measure of success. He was an acknowledged leader in that field of activity and owned five thousand acres of grazing land, the greater part of which was situated in the mountainous district of San Benito county, while he also had holdings in Merced county. He passed away September 29, 1907, and the mother of our subject is also deceased. Of the children born to their union, three are now living, namely: Peter J., C. F. and James, all of whom were born on the home ranch, just north of Watsonville.

After completing his education Peter J. Storm joined his father in the stock-raising business, which he has made his life work, and years of experience and study have given him an expert knowledge of everything pertaining to this line of endeavor. He owns the grazing land which was formerly the property of his father. His land has been brought to a high state of development and is very productive. Mr. Storm has equipped his place with labor-saving devices and all modern improvements. He believes in scientific methods and has advanced the standards of farming and stock raising in this part of the state.

In April, 1903, Mr. Storm married Miss Margaret F. Conlan, one of Watsonville’s native daughters. Her father was a pioneer stock raiser of the Pajaro valley and the owner of valuable real estate in Watsonville. Mr. and Mrs. Storm have a daughter, Frances, aged nineteen years. Mr. Storm is an indefatigable worker, reserving all of his energy for the conduct of his extensive affairs, and the only organization with which he is affiliated is Watsonville Parlor, No. 65, Native Sons of the Golden West. He is one of the progressive agriculturists who are the strength and hope of the state—men who bring to their work an intelligence and efficiency which constitute the basis of all success, and his record is a matter of pride to the residents of the community, who are thoroughly appreciative of his worth.


Source: History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California : cradle of California’s history and romance : dating from the planting of the cross of Christendom upon the shores of Monterey Bay by Fr. Junipero Serra, and those intrepid adventurers who accompanied him, down to the present day. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1925.


1 thought on “Biography of Peter J. Storm of Watsonville California”

  1. I have come across Mr Storms family plot in Pioneer Cemetery and was perplexed by the passing of a few members of the family just years apart. Did they succumb to illness?

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