Chapter 5

JOHN STEINBECK'S ROOTS

Draft

Donald G. Kohrs
Copyright © 2021

CHAPTER 5 

THE STEINBECK'S  OF HOLLISTER

To begin the chapter on the Steinbeck family of Hollister, California, we first turn to a letter John Steinbeck wrote to Reverend Leon M. Birkhead in May 7, 1940, and his mention of his grandfather, Johann A. Steinbeck. My grandfather on my father's side was German, the son of a farming family which lived and still lives on a fairly large farm near Düsseldorf. My grandfather came to America in the late fifties in time to be in the Civil War. There has been little communication with the German branch since then except for a visit to Germany about four years ago by a second cousin of mine. He reports that the family still lives on the same farm...[1]

The family farm that Steinbeck mentions in his letter to Reverend Birkhead lies in Heiligenhaus Mettmann, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, remains a working farm to this day, and retains the original ancestral name Großsteinbeck. On this farm, Johann Adolf Großsteinbeck (1828-1913), along with his siblings Friedrich Wilhelm Großsteinbeck (1821-1858), and Maria Katharina Großsteinbeck (1826-1862) were raised. The Großsteinbeck children were born of an agrarian heritage that dates back hundreds of years.

In 1849, Maria Großsteinbeck, who married to a Lutheran missionary Gustav Thiel (1825-1907) had left Germany to join a Christian settlement in Palestine. Johann and Frederick, also devout Lutherans, were invited to join the couple. The four who rode on horseback from Germany to the Holy Land and settled in a small Christian colony, located on the outskirts of Jaffa, named Mt. Hope, with the intentions of establishing a farm and teaching agriculture to the local Jewish community.

In 1854, an American family, the Dickson’s from Groton, Massachusetts, joined the Jewish settlement. Walter Dickson (1799-1860) and wife Sarah Eldridge Dickson (1800-1878) were Seventh Day Baptists who traveled with four of their six children to Mt. Hope: Mary Dickson (1833-1867), Almira Dickson (1828-1923), Henry Augustus Dickson (1837-1924) and Caroline Dickson (1847-1932). Philip Dickson, son of Walter, had been in Jaffa but succumbed to illness in 1853 before his family arrived. Their eldest child Sarah Augusta Dickson (1825-1909) and eldest son Walter Eldridge Dickson (1831-1872) remained in Massachusetts.

The Dickson’s and the Großsteinbeck’s - belonging to the same family of religious enthusiasts - were seeking to evangelize the Holy Land by persuading the Jews to convert to Christianity while teaching them how be successful farmers. Within a year of her arrival to Jaffa, Mary Dickson married Friedrich Steinbeck, with whom she had two children, Sarah Gertrude Steinbeck (1855-1932) and Edward Joseph Steinbeck (1857-1935).

Like her sister, within the year, Almira Dickson had married Johann Steinbeck. While living in Jaffa, the couple had one son, Charles Steinbeck, born in (1857-1935). Upon their marriage to the Dickson sisters, the Steinbeck brothers pledged allegiance to the US Consulate and changed their name to Steinbeck.

Several years after the Dickson and Steinbeck couples had married, the families were attacked on their Mt. Hope farm. According to family accounts, on the night of January 11, 1858, five Palestinian tribesmen raided the farm, killing Frederick Steinbeck, severely injuring Walter Dickson and assaulting their wives, Mary Steinbeck, and Sarah Dickson. During the attack, Mary’s sister, Caroline “Carrie” Samueletta Dickson, hid baby Edward Steinbeck beneath a table, pleading with the Arabs to spare the child’s life. Nine months following the horrifying attack, the families left Mt. Hope and returned to the United States.

MASSACHUSETTS

Recorded amongst Boston Passenger lists for the ship Champion arriving from Alexandria, Egypt to Boston Massachusetts on September 17, 1858 were the following passengers: Mrs. Walter Dickson, age 50, Caroline S. Dickson, age 10, John A. Steinbeck, age 26, cabinet maker, a citizenship of Germany; Almira A. Steinbeck, age 32; child Charles M., infant male; Mrs. Mary Steinbeck, age 25; Gertrude Steinbeck, age 2; and Edward J. Steinbeck, infant.

Walter Dickson returned to Harvard, Massachusetts in September 1858. A little more than one year later, on January 21, 1860, Walter passed away at the age of sixty. His wife, Sarah Dickson remarried in November 1867 to a man named James Swallow, fifteen years her senior, in Nashua, New Hampshire.[2]

FLORIDA

Shortly before the Civil War began, the Steinbeck family chose to move to St. Augustine, Florida. When the war broke out, Steinbeck was drafted into the Confederate army on October 1, 1861, for a period of one year. This resulted in his leaving Almira, who was four months pregnant with John Ernst Steinbeck, and their first child Charles behind and going to battle.[3] In September 1862, five months after the birth of her son, John Ernst Steinbeck, Almira received permission to travel from St. Augustine to return to Massachusetts. During his service, JE Steinbeck was taken prisoner, paroled, whereupon he joined his young wife and two boys who had made their way to back to Massachusetts.[4] Johann Ernst Steinbeck remained in Massachusetts for several years, where he worked in a piano factory as a piano case carpenter. In the fall of 1872, Johann Ernst Steinbeck left Massachusetts bound for California.[5],[6]

In addition to intertwining the American agrarian myth into the plot of East of Eden, Steinbeck weaved a good portion of the family history of his paternal ancestors - the Hamilton’s - into his book. John Steinbeck positioned this story around the family’s homestead ranch where his grandparents, Samuel, and Eliza Hamilton, and several of their children, had settled. In his book East of Eden, Steinbeck suggested that all the children of Sam and Eliza Hamilton lived on the ranch, which we now know, as presented in the previous chapters, was not the case.

Had Steinbeck chosen to weave a portion of the family history of his paternal ancestors - the Steinbeck’s - into a book, he may have written a story with similar elements to The Octopus written by Frank Norris. The Octopus describes the wheat industry in California, and the conflicts between wheat growers and a railway company, the Central Pacific Railroad Company. The Octopus emphasized the control of "forces" – emphasizing the power of railroad monopolies - over individuals. In a similar manner, Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, emphasized the control of "forces" - as was the power of the banking industry and the industrialization of the farming industry - over individuals.

In his book East of Eden, Steinbeck described the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad down the Salinas Valley. In that day the railroads—growing, fighting among themselves, striving to increase and to dominate—used every means to increase their traffic. The companies not only advertised in the newspapers, they issued booklets and broadsides describing and picturing the beauty and richness of the West. No claim was too extravagant - wealth was unlimited. The Southern Pacific Railroad, headed by the wild energy of Leland, had begun to dominate the Pacific Coast not only in transportation but in politics. Its rails extended down the valleys. New towns sprang up, new sections were opened and populated, for the company had to create customers to get custom.

As we will learn, Steinbeck’s paternal ancestors, his father and four uncles, each established decade long careers working for companies which were ostensibly extensions of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. As we will find, the SP Railroad Co. close association with the milling industry, whom the Steinbeck boys worked as sales agents / bookkeepers, has striking parallels to the story Frank Norris presented in his book, The Octopus.

Our roadmap explaining how the five Steinbeck boys became employed in enterprises associated with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company begins with a biographic sketch of his father, Johann Adolph Steinbeck and mother, Almira Ann Steinbeck and their life in Hollister, California.

JOHANN ADOLPH AND ALMIRA ANN STEINBECK

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA

In 1869, Hollister was a small agricultural community with a population of about three hundred settlers and part of Monterey County. Two years later, in July 1871, the Tres Pinos Branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad began service to the community. The following year, in November 1872, Johann Adolph Steinbeck (1847-1942), having grown tired of the cold winters in Massachusetts, boarded a train to find a new home for his family in California.[7]  Scholars have suggested that when Johann arrived in California, he learned the newly established farming community of Hollister needed carpenters, and being a carpenter by trade, he quickly found employment. It seems more likely that Johann had been encouraged by the opportunities he heard California offered for farming, rather than his seeking employment as a carpenter.

 At the time of Steinbeck’s arrival, the arable and fertile valleys surrounding Hollister, which stretched for miles, grew fields of wheat, barley, tobacco, hops and fruit orchards, with the more distant hilly region devoted to sheep and cattle grazing.[8] Besides passenger service, the recent arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad provided an inexpensive and reliable source of transportation for the valley’s agricultural commodities to larger markets. A pattern that had repeated itself throughout rural America with the extension of railroads during the latter half of the nineteenth century.

 The first year that Steinbeck arrived in Hollister, he set out to establish a dairy farm on the outskirts of town near the San Benito River. His first year was a struggle on account of the severe drought that gripped California. Two years later, having established himself in Hollister, Steinbeck telegrammed his wife, Almira Dickson Steinbeck (1828-1923), requesting she travel west with the five children. On November 11, 1874, Almira Steinbeck and her five boys left Leominster, Massachusetts. Charles (1857-1935), Herbert, (1859-1903) John, (1862-1935) William (1865-1942) and Henry (1867-1908). Fourteen days later, on November 25, 1874, the family arrived at Hollister's train depot, with their father, JA Steinbeck, waiting to greet them.[9]

The family would count themselves lucky to have arrived in California, as the winter in Massachusetts was to be the most prolonged bitter winter on record.

The coming years would see other members of the Dickson family move to California. In fact, just five years after Almira and the boys had arrived from Massachusetts, Almira’s youngest sister Caroline “Carrie” Dickson, (1847-1942), then age thirty-two, traveled to California and settled with the Steinbeck family in Hollister.[10] Prior to her moving to California in 1879, Carrie had lived a very interesting life. She had lived through the traumatic attack on the family at Mt. Hope. Returning with her family to Massachusetts at the age of ten, her father passed away two years later. During her teenage years, Carrie Dickson served as a nurse during the Civil War, which raged between the Eastern and Southern States from April 1861 until April 1865. How many years she served as a nurse is unclear. In 1869, at the age of twenty-two, Carrie joined the American Missionary Association, volunteering as a teacher for four years in the earliest of colored schools in Georgia. What she may have shared with her Steinbeck nephews after she arrived in California, and over the next sixty years of her life, one can only imagine. With the arrival of Carrie Dickson to Hollister, the Steinbeck - Dickson family began to weave themselves into cultural fabric of the Central coast, as agrarian farmers, grain mills, Masonic lodges and temperance societies began to dot the California central coast.

Johann Steinbeck’s initial venture into the farm in Hollister began with his purchasing of ten acres of land located on the corner of Line and South Street. From this location, the couple raised their boys and ran the dairy business. The succeeding years proved profitable, and within ten years, Steinbeck’s venture had grown to eighty acres with a dairy herd of thirty cows. By 1886, the dairy was producing thirty gallons of milk per day, which was sold to the local community. Beyond the dairy farm, Steinbeck had established a large orchard on the land, which produced a variety of fruits.[11]

In rural Hollister, JA and Almira Steinbeck raised their five boys, exposing them to the tasks associated with maintaining a small family farm. Not only were the Steinbeck boys introduced to the skills associated with farming, but politics and community service. Four of the five boys, CM Steinbeck, JE Steinbeck, HE Steinbeck, WP Steinbeck, would become members of the of the Republican Party, and each were members of California’s Freemason Society. As the boys married, their wives join them becoming members of their local masonic lodges.

FREEMASONS

Amongst the material held in the Steinbeck - Ainsworth Collection in Stanford University’s Special Collection is a bound certificate from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts announcing the induction of Johann A. Steinbeck as Master Mason.[12] This certificate recognizes J.A. Steinbeck as a member of the freemason society prior to his arrival to Hollister. Located in Leominster, Massachusetts, the Wilder Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) was chartered on January 01, 1859. Still functioning today, the Wilder Lodge dates to more than one hundred and sixty-four years, may have been a unit of the Freemasons where Johann Steinbeck became a member. As such, it may have been that other members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts had chosen to relocate to California, encouraging JA Steinbeck to join them.

As many of the arriving settlers to Hollister were Freemasons, members of the association quickly recognized the need for a Masonic Lodge for the benefit of Masons and the growing community. In June 1870, the Freemasons of the community sent a request to the Grand Lodge in Sacramento for the formation of a Masonic Lodge in Hollister. On October 14, 1871, during the twenty-second Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, a charter was granted to Freemasons of Hollister to establish the San Benito Masonic Lodge No. 211, F. & A. M. Nine years later, in 1880, the community established the Order of the Eastern Star, Athena Chapter No. 46.

Being part of the small community was important to both Johann and Almira Steinbeck who quickly became lifelong members of the local Masonic Order, the Hollister Chapter No. 68 of the Freemasons, and the Athena Chapter No. 46 of the Eastern Star. Both Johann and Almira Steinbeck were Charter Members  (founding members) of the Athena Chapter.[13] In December 1883, Almira was accepted as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star’s Athena Chapter of Hollister.[14] Three years later, for the year 1886 -1887, one finds Johann serving as Worshipful Master of San Benito Masonic Lodge, No. 211.[15] The following year (1887-1888), Almira, served as the Grand Conductress for the Order of the Eastern Star.[16], [17],[18]

The San Benito Masonic Lodge was an important source of contacts for the Steinbeck family, with the Masonic order providing opportunities for the members of the community to visit with one another and network. In addition to Johann Adolf Steinbeck, four of his sons, Charles, John, Herbert, and William, were members of the San Benito Masonic Lodge. As well, the wives of several of the Steinbeck’s were members of the Eastern Star.

RICHARD M. SHACKELFORD

On June 1, 1881, Johann and Almira Steinbeck celebrated their twenty-fifth “Silver” wedding anniversary in Hollister with a surprise party provided by the Order of the Eastern Star, Athena Chapter.  Listed among the two hundred guests invited to attend the celebration were Richard M Shackleford and wife.[19]

Richard Matthew Shackelford’s association with the Freemason’s of California stretched back to 1860, when he served as a Warden in Yuba Lodge, No. 39 in Marysville.[20] RM Shackelford, a man who eventually became a well-respected California entrepreneur, appears many times in the biographical history of each of the Steinbeck boys. By all accounts it appears Shackelford befriended the Steinbeck’s during the thirteen years (1873 - 1886) he and his wife lived in Hollister.

A dozen years following their silver wedding anniversary, one finds Johann and Almira’s five sons working in the grain business enterprises of RM Shackelford, which were positioned in various locations in Central California (Hollister and Salinas Valley). In 1893, the Southern Pacific Milling Company employed Charles M. Steinbeck in Templeton; Herbert E. Steinbeck for the Central Milling Co. in Hollister, John Ernst Steinbeck working at the Central Milling Co. in King City, Wilhelm P. Steinbeck, as superintendent of the Hollister Mills and Harry E. Steinbeck employed at the Southern Pacific Milling Company in Santa Margarita.[21]

 SEVERAL MORE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

In 1896, the family reunited in Hollister to celebrate John and Almira Steinbeck’s fortieth wedding anniversary.[22] As suggested by the headline that appeared in the Hollister Free Lance - “Twenty-two Steinbeck’s sat down to the table loaded with all to feast the taste and sight”- the couples five sons and existing families appear to have traveled to Hollister for the celebration. Each family’s commute to celebration was possible via the Southern Pacific Railroad, which now stretched from San Francisco through the Salinas Valley clear to San Luis Obispo and Lompoc. At the time of their fortieth wedding anniversary, Johann and Almira Steinbeck were living in their home on Monterey Street in Hollister.

Mr. and Mrs. Steinbeck remained rooted in the community while their son’s found employment in the grain milling enterprises in Hollister and other parts of the state. Through the years, one finds the Steinbeck boys that had moved away returning with their families for frequent visits with their parents in Hollister.

In 1906, John and Almira celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with children and grandchildren surrounding them. In addition to the Steinbeck family, Almira’s sister’s Sara Augusta Dickson Keyes, age eighty, and Caroline Dickson Danks, age fifty-nine, and niece Sara Gertie Park (Sarah Gertrude Steinbeck), age fifty, and grand-niece, Hattie Bores, (daughter of Sarah Gertrude Steinbeck) age twenty-nine, attended the gathering, signing their name on their anniversary card. Among the many Steinbeck’s named scribbled on the card, was the future novelist, John E. Steinbeck, age four.

On August 10, 1913, Johann Adolph Steinbeck passed away at his home on Monterey Street in Hollister, California, and several days later the funeral held at the family residence.[23] The following month, Almira received a heartfelt letter from both San Benito Lodge, No. 211 F.& A. M. and the Athena Chapter No. 46, Order of the Eastern Star, expressing members of Freemason’s deepest sympathy to Almira and the extended Steinbeck family for their loss.[24] At the time of his passing, his yet to be Pulitzer prize winning grandson, John Steinbeck, was ten years old.

Seven years later, the U. S. Federal Census of 1920 recorded Almira A Steinbeck living with her son, William P. Steinbeck, and a twenty-eight-year-old housekeeper named Agnes M. McKanna, in a home at 829 South Street in Hollister, California.[25]

Almira Steinbeck, born October 02, 1828, passed away three years later, on March 01, 1923, at the age of ninety-five in Hollister as a member of Athena Chapter No. 46. At the time of her passing, John Steinbeck, the soon to be published novelist was a twenty-six-year-old Stanford University drop out.

 SHACKELFORD IN HOLLISTER

WATER WORK, STEINBECKS & FLOUR MILLS

The relevance of the following review of Richard M. Shackelford business enterprises, and how these operations pertain to the Steinbeck family history become apparent as the biographies of the Johann Adolph and Almira Ann Steinbeck’s son’s Charles, Herbert, John, William, and Henry are presented in the forthcoming pages.

RM Shackelford arrived in Hollister in 1873. Within three years, he had established the town’s first public water works. Six years later, in 1879, Shackelford had bought a small grist mill, added modern machinery, expanded the mill’s operation, and formed the Hollister Flour Mills Company.[26]

As previously mentioned, while living in Hollister, Shackelford befriended the Steinbeck family, with he and Mrs. Shackelford among the two hundred guests who attended the couple’s silver wedding anniversary in 1881.[27] Besides Mr. and Mrs. Steinbeck, Shackelford became a friend and employer of the Steinbeck boys, Charles, Herbert, John, William, and Henry, hiring them as sales agents /bookkeepers amongst his ever-expanding grain related business efforts. [28]

In 1884, the Hollister Flour Mills property was renamed the Victor Flour Mills with RM Shackelford, serving as vice-president and manager. While serving as manager of the Victor Mills, Shackelford, in 1887, joined with other mill proprietors in the counties of Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey and San Luis Obispo to form the Central Milling Company.[29] The merger that formed the Central Milling Company comprised eleven grain mills in the following five communities (City Mills in San Jose; Victor Mills, Hollister; Salinas Mills, Salinas; King City Mills, King City; and the Gridley Mills in Gridley). The Central Milling Company merger positioned Shackelford on the board of directors alongside Moses Hopkins, a Southern Pacific Railroad official and the brother of the railroad baron, Mark Hopkins.[30]

In the coming years, Shackelford would serve as a “right-hand man” for the Southern Pacific Railroad. As the rail tracks extended south, train depots and small towns were constructed, and grain fields boomed into production. There laid the opportunity for SP Railroad to establish businesses along the route, which enabled the Railroad to monopolize the grain industry and lumber products deep into the Salinas Valley.

 SHACKELFORD IN PASO ROBLES

In early July 1886, the first construction trains reached Paso Robles, situated in the Salinas Valley of San Luis Obispo County, and building of the town begun. A few months later, on October 31, 1886, the first Southern Pacific Railroad passenger train reached the minimally constructed town of Paso Robles. Shortly after the SP Railroad reached Paso Robles, RM Shackelford left Hollister to join hundreds of settlers who’d arrived to establish the community.

As the community of Paso Robles became established, three enterprising men, R. M. Shackelford, D. D. Blackburn, and D. W. James, took the opportunity to organize the Paso Robles Water Company.[31] Put into operation in May 1888, the Water Company consisted of a spring that was gravity fed into a reservoir with a storage capacity of 150,000 gallons.[32]

Daniel D. Blackburn, his brother James Blackburn, and D. W. James are recognized as founders of Paso Robles and builders of the Paso Robles Hotel, which was constructed at a cost of more than $250,000.[33] As well, each of the forenamed gentlemen were members of the Freemason Society.

Along with the Steinbeck family, Shackelford had a close association with the Freemasons of California. On October 13, 1887, during the thirty-eighth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, a charter was granted to Freemasons of Paso Robles to establish the Paso Robles Masonic Lodge, No. 286.[34] With a capital of $20,000, the freemasons of Paso Robles built a Masonic temple for the community. The officers of the Association included James H. Blackburn, President; R. M. Shackelford, Vice President; D.W. James Treasurer; A. R. Booth, Secretary.[35]

In addition to helping to start the town of Paso Robles, Shackelford put efforts toward planting fruit orchards and fields of grain in the upper region of the Salinas Valley near Paso Robles.

With the extension of tracks further into the valley, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company recognized the need for grain warehouses to accommodate both the needs of both the railroad and the farmers. It was then that officers for the Southern Pacific Railroad approached Shackelford, encouraging him to position warehouses among the various towns quickly being established as the tracks were extended south toward San Luis Obispo.[36]

With the Salinas Valley native timber composed of cottonwood and California oak stands, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company also recognized the opportunity to provide quality lumber for the buildings constructed within these hastily formed townships.[37] Beyond the lack of quality lumber available for milling, Monterey and San Luis Obispo County had few sawmills and hence few lumber yards. What lumber yards that did exist in a small community were quickly purchased by the Salinas Valley Lumber Company, thereby eliminating competition.  Historically, sawmills in early California were difficult to establish and maintain.  Early efforts were plagued with broken saw teeth, worn engine parts and labor shortage, the establishing of the California timber industry Southern Pacific Railroad Company quickly recognized the opportunity to provide quality lumber for the buildings constructed within these hastily formed townships.

Recognizing the opportunity to ship lumber from the San Francisco Bay area, the SP Railroad also encouraged Shackelford to position lumber yards alongside the grain warehouses they had charged him with establishing.

As such, in November 1886, Shackelford, along with officers of the Southern Pacific Railroad, established the “Southern Pacific Milling Company” and the “Salinas Valley Lumber Company”. During the process of forming these companies, Shackelford became a shareholder and board member of the SP Milling Company, and a shareholder and the manager of the SV Lumber Company.[38], [39] The two companies - the Southern Pacific Milling Company and the Salinas Valley Lumber Company – shared a main office in San Francisco, with Timothy Hopkins named as president, Fairfax H. Wheelan as vice president, and RM Shackelford, as general yard manager with headquarters in Paso Robles. As such, the SP Milling Co. and the SV Lumber Co. had the same officers, as the milling and lumber companies were operated in close association with one another.[40] By 1886, Timothy Hopkins, the adopted son of the deceased railroad baron, Mark Hopkins, had risen to the position of treasurer of the Southern Pacific Railroad. In this position, Hopkins gained the experience that served him well in later years as officer and director of some of the largest industrial and financial enterprises of California.

By 1894, the SP Milling Co. owned and operated twenty-four warehouses along the line of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, while the Salinas Valley Lumber Company operated twelve lumber yards in the Salinas Valley. The yards of the Salinas Valley Lumber were positioned in Soledad, King City, Lucas, San Ardo, and Bradley in Monterey County, San Miguel, Paso Robles, Templeton, Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, and Oceana in San Luis Obispo County and Guadalupe. Santa Maria and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County.[41]

The Salinas Valley Lumber Company provided Timothy Hopkins an opportunity to utilize his extensive holdings in timberlands which consisted of forty thousand acres of old-growth redwood forests in the Santa Cruz mountains. Over the years, Hopkins had become the primary stockholder in, and an officer of, the Loma Prieta Lumber Company, the Pescadero Lumber Company, and the Santa Clara Valley Mill and Lumber Company

The Loma Prieta Lumber Company logged the redwood forests located in Aptos (portions of today’s Nisene Marks State Park) and had lumber yards in Salinas, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pajaro, Gilroy and Santa Cruz. The Pescadero Lumber Company logged the redwood forests located in Boulder Creek (portions of today’s Big Basin State Park). The Santa Clara Valley Mill and Lumber Company’s headquarters were on San Fernando Street between Third and Fourth Streets in San Jose and its principal mill was Boulder Creek. The company also had a lumber yard and depot in Los Gatos. The laying of the Southern Pacific Rail tracks from provided Timothy Hopkins the means to deliver the products of these mills to lumber yards positioned in along the Southern Pacific line and sell his lumber products hundreds of miles from their origin.

In addition, the laying of the Southern Pacific tracks provided the opportunity for these mill yards to produce and sell the redwood ties on which the SP rails were laid. By 1917, SP Railroad reported an approximate consumption of 750,000 to 1,000,000 redwood ties per year.[42]

The two companies - the Southern Pacific Milling Company and the Salinas Valley Lumber Company - along with the Central Milling Company and the Southern Pacific Railroad, formed a monopoly that would profit from early settlers of the Salinas Valley; monopolizing the merchants who required lumber to construct wooden “board and batten” buildings for their businesses, and the farmers of the recently planted grain, bean and orchard farms who depended on the railroad to get their harvested crop to markets.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD

When completed, the Southern Pacific Railroad was extremely overcapitalized and profits for the company were remote. As a result, the Southern Pacific was forced to squeeze every available penny from the rate-paying public, and charge excessive amounts which California shippers were required to pay for many years.

As the Southern Pacific extended tracks south of Salinas toward San Luis Obispo, the farmers - most of whom were recent participants of the California grain rush - became dependent on the railroad to transport their crops to market. Unable to negotiate reasonable shipping rates, the farmers found themselves forced to pay the inflated cost of transportation set by the railroad.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC MILLING COMPANY

As previously mentioned, the Southern Pacific Milling Company was established in November 1886. Contrary to the name, the SP Milling Co. did not operate grain mills and thus was not involved in the production of milled flour. The Southern Pacific Milling Co. constructed large warehouses near the towns railroad depot for storing of the farmers harvest of grains (wheat, barley, and oats) and beans for shipment via the SP Railroad to San Francisco. A mention in the Monterey County Illustrated: Resources, History, Biography, which was published in 1889, described the Southern Pacific Milling Company’s grain warehouses as “conspicuous features of the county” positioned near every railroad depot.[43] These noticeable warehouses were of immense size, with several having the capacity to store as much as 10,000 tons of surplus wheat and barley.[44]  In Paso Robles, for example, two long SP Milling Co. warehouses were constructed on both sides of tenth street, parallel to the railroad track, to receive and ship thousands of sacks of wheat from local farmers.[45]  In addition to the storage and shipping charges, farmers were charged a fee for loading the grain onto railroad cars.

The SP Milling Co. also served as a grain merchant, purchasing grain (wheat, barley, oats) and beans from farmers. Beyond serving as a shipping agency and grain merchant, the SP Milling supplied farmers with grain sacks, twine, grain seed, and other necessities for the planting and harvesting of crops.

Beyond these services, the company provided loans to farmers whose grains and beans were stored in Southern Pacific Milling warehouses. During the 1890s, many farmers found in necessary to tender their crops as collateral to the Southern Pacific Milling Co. As a result, during their first fourteen years in business, 1886 -1900, the SP Milling Co., served as a form of a bank, issuing more than two hundred loans secured against farmer’s personal property.[46]

Within less than a decade, the SP Milling Co. had established twenty-five grain warehouses alongside the SP Railroad tracks stretching from Salinas south to Santa Paula.[47] Among the communities where the warehouses were located were Salinas, Chualar, Gonzales, Soledad, San Ardo, San Lucas, Bradley, San Miguel, Paso Robles, Templeton, Santa Margarita, and San Luis Obispo. According to an article that appeared in the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, in April 1903, the company had thirty-eight warehouses located in different parts of the State.[48] By 1914, The Southern Pacific Milling Company had expanded to the point that it owned and operated forty-seven warehouses in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.[49]

CENTRAL MILLING COMPANY

The Central Milling Company began as a business on January 1, 1887, just two months after the Southern Pacific Milling Co. was established. The King City flour mill, built by Shackelford in 1886, became part of the Central Milling Company’s expansion into the Salinas Valley. And as typically was the case, a SP Milling Co. warehouse was located adjacent to the flour mill.

Three years later, in 1890, the Central Milling Company had completed construction of the Banner Flour Mill, a four-story structure furnished with electricity and state-of-the-art milling equipment, in Paso Robles. With a 150-horsepower engine, the mill could process 200 barrels of flour per day. Beyond processing of flour, the mill produced ample electricity to power the electric lights for Paso Robles merchandise stores and dwellings.[50]

Photograph of the Banner Flour Mill in Paso Robles Andrea H. Hobbs, Milene F. Radford, Paso Robles Pioneer Museum Arcadia Publishing, 2007 Images of America)

With the addition of the Banner mill, the Central Milling Company had absorbed and controlled much of the milling activities along the Southern Pacific railway line in San Benito, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties. By this point, the Central Milling Co. had grain mills operating in seven different communities: the City Mills in San Jose; the Victor Mills, Hollister; the Salinas Mills, Salinas; the King City Mills, King City; the Banner Mills, Paso Robles; the San Luis Obispo Mills in San Luis Obispo; and the Gridley Mills in Gridley, thus having mills in the counties of Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Butte.[51]

Once established, the Central Milling Company’s flour mills contributed to the Southern Pacific Railroad’s four-way monopoly by refusing to grind the wheat grown in the Salinas Valley. The Company’s denial required farmers to transport their entire grain crop to San Francisco - via the SP rail line - with no portion of the harvest permitted to remain for personal or local consumption.[52]

The Southern Pacific Milling Co. and Central Milling Co. worked their conspired monopoly until 1892 when local farmers, to break Shackelford's stranglehold, organized their own milling cooperative, the Farmers' Alliance Flour Mill. The efforts of the Farmers' Alliance provided some financial relief to the grain farmers of the Salinas Valley.

That same year, 1892, the Central Milling Company merged with the Sperry Flour Company, allowing Shackelford to become a shareholder and prominent member of the board of directors. Shackelford’s position in the Sperry Flour Co. ensured S. P. Railroad’s preferential treatment afforded to the Central Milling Co. would continue for years to come.[53]

SALINAS VALLEY LUMBER COMPANY

As previously mentioned, Shackelford, along with officers of the Southern Pacific Railroad, established the Salinas Valley Lumber Company in November 1886. The Salinas Valley Lumber Co. was well positioned to benefit from the building boom set off by the extension of the SP Railroad beyond Soledad further into the Salinas Valley. The SV Lumber Co. sold not only lumber, but posts, pickets, doors, windows, lime, plaster, hair, and various other building materials.[54]

With headquarters in Paso Robles and San Francisco, the Salinas Valley Lumber Company built lumber yards next to the warehouses of Southern Pacific Milling Co. in many of the towns south of Soledad.

Eventually, the Salinas Valley Lumber Company would maintain retail lumber yards in the central coast counties of Monterey and San Luis Obispo, positioning them in the following fourteen towns - Soledad, San Lucas, King City, San Ardo, Bradley, San Miguel, Paso Robles, Templeton, Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, Oceana, Guadalupe, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.[55]

 SALINAS VALLEY FARMERS VERSES THE

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD

Farmers in the Salinas Valley (Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties) experienced additional obstacles to contend with as the Southern Pacific Railroad extended their control beyond the rate for shipping their grain to market.[56]

Michael Magliari, in his PhD dissertation titled, California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903, provided the following description of Shackelford’s economic influence wielded amongst the SP Railroads four monopolizing businesses: “From his office in Paso Robles, he announced local passenger fares and freight tariffs for the railroad, set regional lumber prices, fixed grain storage rates, and aggressively plunged into the wheat trade each season as a buyer and seller competing directly with Eppinger, Sinsheimer Brothers, and other grain brokers. Like them, he also functioned as a sack merchant and a moneylender who controlled the spigot for an immense pool of investment and working capital.

Shackelford loaned cash or extended credit on both growing and harvested crops. On grain stored in SP Milling warehouses, Shackelford doled out funds at six or seven percent interest. He also took out chattel mortgages on crops still in the field, charging farmers the prevailing twelve percent annual rate.” [57]          

An article in the San Francisco Call in May 1903 described the first annual picnic for employees of the Southern Pacific Milling Co. and, by chance, mentioned that among the guests were brothers J. E. and C. M. Steinbeck.[58]  During the gathering, Timothy Hopkins of the SP Railroad offered a few words to the attendees, during which he commended Shackelford, crediting him for the impressive growth and success a Southern Pacific Milling Co. "To know him," said Hopkins, "is to love him." [59]

RICHARD M. SHACKELFORD AND THE STEINBECK BROS.

The local newspapers of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo described RM Shackelford and his business ventures. These news articles presented Shackelford’s professional career as one of a large wheat dealer; an extensive grain grower and capitalist; a landowner and grain raiser; a ranch capitalist; grain merchant; and a rancher.

But RM Shackelford also invested in the establishing of community water works, in Hollister, Paso Robles and Templeton. And shortly after his arrival to Paso Robles, he and two of the Steinbeck men attempted a ventured into the “Stock and Fruit” business.

FRUIT ORCHARDS

When Shackelford moved to Paso Robles in 1886, he purchased 1,700 acres of land with plans to establish a breeding farm for the raising of fine horses and the planting of a very large fruit orchard. [60] In 1889, he organized a company named the Stock and Fruit Farmers Association in partnership with Fred A. Earll, Eugene C. Griswold, Charles M. Steinbeck, and John E. Steinbeck.[61],[62] Charles and John Steinbeck being brothers; Eugene Griswold, the father-in-law of Charles Steinbeck. E.C Griswold was also employed as an agent for the SP Milling Co. in San Ardo[63] and F. A. Earll, was employed as an agent for SV Lumber Co. and SP Milling Co.[64]

One of the earliest mentions of Charles Steinbeck’s and Richard M. Shackelford’s efforts about forming of the “Stock and Fruit Farmers Association” was an announcement in the Pacific Rural Press on April 7, 1888, as the men worked to establish a breeding farm for the raising of fine horses.

 “Through the Leader, Shackelford & Steinbeck invite all owners of colts sired by "Young America" to participate in a colt-show to be held at Paso Robles, the first Saturday in June, 1888. A premium of $40 will be given the owner of the best colt with a dam weighing 1200 pounds and over, and $40 premium to the owner of the beat colt with dam weighing less than 1200 pounds—the exhibitors to select the judges”[65]

A second announcement appeared San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune in June 1889 detailing the establishing of a Stock and Fruit Farmers’ association.

New Stock Company. Articles of incorporation of the Stock and Fruit Farmers’ association were filed with the county clerk yesterday. Its capital stock is $100,000, and its principal place of business is Paso Robles. The directors for the first year are R. M. Shackelford, F. A. Earll, E. C. Griswold, J. Steinbeck, and C. M. Steinbeck. The purposes of the association are to acquire, improve, and sell land; raise, buy, and sell stock, and cultivate, buy, and sell fruit. Its term of existence will be fifty years.[66]

One printing in the San Luis Obispo, Morning Tribune in July 1889, mentioned the exact lots and amount of acreage purchased by the directors of the Stock and Fruit Farmers’ association.

R M Shackelford to Stock and Fruit Farmers’ association, $2412.58, lot 33 of Rio Santa Ysabel, 48.86 acres. R M Shackelford and John E. Steinbeck to same, $22,096, lots 16,17, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,80, 31, and 32, Rio Santa Ysabel, 827.98 acres.[67]

Several years later, a description of Shackelford’s orchard appeared in the University of California College of Agriculture Agricultural Bulletin (June 1902). Experiment Station Bulletin No. 141 (June 1902).[68]

The Shackelford Orchard. - This very notable orchard is one mile southeast of Paso Robles, east of the river, and here, in 1890, Mr. R. M. Shackelford planted thirty acres of Bartlett pears, 90 acres of French prunes, and 40 acres of Redding Picholine olives. The pears were on a light, sandy loam, 20 to 40 feet above the bed of the Salinas the prunes were on a higher bench, and the olives on the rolling uplands. The culture was excellent for a number of years, but the orchard "never paid expenses, or near it," and has, naturally, been neglected. Frost and drought were the causes of failure. The pears are said to have paid for themselves and were the most promising crop.

If the partners had been successful in their fruit orchard enterprise, Shackelford’s close association with the Southern Pacific Railroad would have afforded the partners of the Stock and Fruit Farmers Association favorable shipping rates for transporting their harvest to San Francisco. As it was, orchard farmers who shipped sizable quantities, “the size of carload lots,” received a lower freight rate from the SP railroad.[69]

The Stock and Fruit Farmers Association was apparently a failed enterprise that was dissolved when Shackelford filed for bankruptcy in 1901. Shackelford’s bankruptcy was described as “One of the heaviest failures recorded in this district of California, since the national bankruptcy law went into effect.”[70] At the time of the bankruptcy in 1901, Shackelford’s liabilities were placed at $174,170 while his assets were valued at less than half that amount, at $84,495, with the note for the Stock and Fruit Farmers Association was valued at $30,510.[71] Shackelford would later recover from this bankruptcy and play an important role in establishing the California Polytechnic State University – today’s Cal Poly. At the time of his death on January 12, 1915, RM Shackelford was recognized as one of the leading men of San Luis Obispo County.

FIVE STEINBECK BROTHERS

As previously stated, research findings about the five sons of Johann Adolph and Almira Ann Steinbeck lead one to recognize that each of these sons worked for one milling company or another that were part of Shackelford’s sweeping business enterprise. In fact, four of these five brothers, Charles, John, William, and Harry, each worked at one of Shackelford’s milling enterprises for twenty years or more.

From what has been uncovered, it appears each of these brothers began their employment amongst in one of Shackelford’s milling enterprises in the late 1880s. In 1887, one finds Charles M. Steinbeck, age thirty, Treasurer of Shackelford’s Templeton Water Works Co. and sales agent / bookkeeper for the Southern Pacific Milling Co. and the Salinas Valley Lumber Co., while Herbert Steinbeck was employed at the Central Milling Company in Hollister.

Also in 1887, John Ernst Steinbeck, age twenty-five, was working as a sales agent / bookkeeper for the Central Milling Company at the King City flour mill while William P. Steinbeck held the position of manager of the Victor Mills in Hollister. In 1888, their youngest brother, Henry E. Steinbeck, age twenty-one, left Hollister and moved to San Ardo, where he worked as a sales agent / bookkeeper for the Southern Pacific Milling Co. and the Salinas Valley Lumber Co.[72]

Employment of the Steinbeck brothers followed Shackelford’s milling, warehouse, and lumber companies, which were positioned in the rural towns that sprang up as the Southern Pacific Railroad extended tracks from Hollister down the Salinas Valley to King City, San Ardo, Paso Robles, Templeton, Santa Margarita, and San Luis Obispo.

CHARLES MINOR STEINBECK

Charles M. Steinbeck was born in Joppa, Palestine, April 27, 1857. As a child, he immigrated to Massachusetts with his family, arriving aboard a ship named “Champion” that had sailed from Alexandria, Egypt, into Boston, Massachusetts on September 17, 1858.[73]

Twelve years later, as recorded by the 1870 U. S. Federal Census, Charles M. Steinbeck, age thirteen, was living in Worcester, Leominster, Massachusetts in a household of ten, which consisted of George H. Taylor, age fifty-seven, Abigal R. Taylor, fifty-three, his father, Johann A. Steinbeck, thirty-seven, his mother Almira Steinbeck, forty, his first cousin Sarah Gertie Steinbeck, age fifteen, and his brothers, Herbert E. Steinbeck, ten, John E. Steinbeck, eight, William P. Steinbeck, five and Henry E. Steinbeck, three.[74]

Four years later one finds on November 25, 1874, Charles Steinbeck, age seventeen, arriving with his mother and four younger brothers at the train depot in Hollister, California. And just four years later, Charles Minor Steinbeck, age twenty-one, registered to vote on June 1, 1878, in Hollister.[75]

In 1880, the U. S. Federal Census recorded Charles Minor Steinbeck, twenty-three, a farmer, was living with his father Johann Adolph, age forty-seven, farmer; and mother Almira, fifty-one, keeping house; his brothers Herbert, twenty, farmer; John Ernst Steinbeck, eighteen, student; William, age fifteen, student; Harry, age twelve, student; and aunt Carrie Dickson thirty-three in Hollister, California.[76] As the 1880 U. S. Federal Census suggests, Almira Steinbeck’s sister, Carrie Dickson, had been living with the family since her arrival in 1879.

Two years later, the Fitchburg Sentinel of Fitchburg, Massachusetts on March 30, 1882, printed that Charles M. Steinbeck, a former member of the community, had returned for a visit with friends.[77]

SOUTHERN PACIFIC MILLING CO.,

TEMPLETON

 As the SP Railroad extended their tracks south from Paso Robles, the West Coast Land Company purchased 63,000 acres of surrounding countryside to be sold to settlers as small ranches. From this land holding, the Company also set aside 160 acres near the Salinas River, to establish the town of Templeton. In early October 1886, the first Southern Pacific Railroad construction trains reached the property that had been set aside and building of the town begun. One month later, On November 16, 1886, the first passenger train arrived in Templeton.

Within ninety days of its founding, Templeton had built two hotels, a school, drugstore, meat market, a shoe shop, two blacksmith shops, a barbershop, five saloons, a newspaper, and twenty-five to thirty dwellings and a post office with daily mail service.[78]

For a short time, Templeton stood as the last town on the SP Railroad route from San Francisco. Commuters traveling beyond Templeton purchased passage on horse-drawn stagecoaches that journeyed south to San Luis Obispo. Templeton remained the end of the line for the SP railroad until 1889, when the rails were extended fourteen miles south to Santa Margarita.

On November 23, 1887, Charles M. Steinbeck, age thirty, then a resident of Templeton, married the daughter of Eugene Carleton Griswold, nineteen-year-old Bertha Iva Griswold, in Paso Robles. Richard Matthew Shackelford of Paso Robles and John Ernst Steinbeck of King City were present to witness the event, with Reverend Francis H Robinson officiating.[79]

Reverend Robinson served as the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Templeton that was built in 1888. Each of these men, C. M. and J. E. Steinbeck, R. M. Shackelford, E. C. Griswold, and F. H. Robison were members of Paso Robles Masonic Lodge No. 286, F. & A. M. During his time, as a member of Paso Robles Masonic Lodge, CM Steinbeck served as a Master Mason and Senior Deacon.[80]

Charles Steinbeck spent twenty years living in Templeton (1887- 1907). During these years, Charles involved himself with the community, the Presbyterian Church, the Volunteer Fire Department and several of the business efforts of RM Shackelford. In 1887, replicating what he’d done in Hollister, Shackelford established the Templeton Water Works Company with Steinbeck as secretary/treasurer.[81]

In November 1887, the Templeton Times announced the need for the community to organize a Volunteer Fire Department and requested $600 for the purchase of fire equipment to protect the community structures, built entirely of wood, from a devastating fire. To manage the community investment, a Board of Directors administered the purchase of a $200 hose cart, four fire hydrants and 500 feet of hose. Several weeks after the Templeton Times announcement, the Templeton Fire Department “Hose Company #1” was established with fourteen volunteers. Charles M. Steinbeck, who was appointed Chief Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department, was given a nickel-plated trumpet to alert the volunteers to any fire.[82] The establishing of volunteer fire-fighting brigades in small rural towns in the West was not uncommon, as fires occurred quite frequently, and often was a cause of significant destruction to these communities. In fact, Templeton, in 1898, was struck by a fire that destroyed most of the wooden buildings along Main Street, including two SP Milling Co. Warehouses resulting in that section of the town to be rebuilt using brick construction.[83]

Beyond his responsibilities as Chief Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department, Charles Steinbeck, for several years, served as the defacto librarian of sort for the community of Templeton. On several occasions, installments of books from the traveling state library were kept at the Southern Pacific Milling Company’s office, and available for check out, Monday through Saturday.[84],

Steinbeck’s business association with Shackelford, which appears to begin the year of his arrival, 1887, extended beyond the Templeton Water Works Company, to include his partnership in the “Stock and Fruit Farmers Association” and serving as a manager (sale agent / bookkeeper) for the Shackelford’s Southern Pacific Milling Co. and Salinas Valley Lumber Co.

As previously mentioned, in June 1889, CM Steinbeck in partnership with RM Shackelford, FA Earll, his father-in-law EC Griswold, and brother JE Steinbeck and, incorporated the Stock and Fruit Farmers Association with a capital stock of $100,000 in Paso Robles.[85]

A brief mention in the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) in July 1893 stated Charles Steinbeck was to manage the Southern Pacific Milling Company’s grain warehouse that was under constructed at the Atascadero railroad station.[86] Another brief mention in the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California)) in October 1893 recognized Charles position with the SP Milling Co. and his fruit orchard enterprise. TEMPLETON…. C. M. Steinbeck has the lumber yard and is the local agent for the Southern Pacific Milling Co., and yet finds time to cultivate a twenty-acre pear orchard, chiefly of the Bartlett variety. The orchard is very productive and is a source of no mean sum of revenue. [87]

Two years later, in June 1895, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune mentioned C.M. Steinbeck as the intense summer heat gripped Southern Salinas Valley. “It in reported that the heat became so intense in Templeton during the recent hot wave that the thermometer at one time registered 107 degrees. A number of white rabbits running at large in Chas. Steinbeck's yard, actually tumbled over dead.”[88]

Two year later, in August of 1897, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune mentioned C. M. Steinbeck shipping pears he’d harvested to Illinois. A Car Load of Bartlett Pears Shipped to Chicago. Ed. Tribune: This place is making known to the outside world the excellency of the products of its orchards. C. M. Steinbeck shipped a car loud of Bartlett years to the Chicago market. He received a good price, but more than that it will serve as a splendid advertisement for this section.[89]

The following year, in August 1898, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune again mentioned C. M. Steinbeck and his pear orchard. Chas. M. Steinbeck gathered some Clap’s Favorite pears from his orchard a few days since, some of which measured 12 1\4 inches in circumference and weighed 1 pound and 3 ounces. Pretty good for a dry year fruit.[90]

 In May 1898, Steinbeck placed an advertisement in the nationally syndicated “Farm Journal” marketing his farm for sale.  Beautiful California Ranch, 29 acres, 2000 trees, mostly Bartletts, full bearing, close to depots, schools, and churches. Splendid location on Salinas River. Must be sold. CM Steinbeck, Templeton, San Luis Obispo Co. Cal. Farm Journal, Volume 22, No. 5, (May) 1898. Page 141. Philadelphia, Published by Wilmer Atkinson Company.

The following year, in August 1899, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune mentioned Mr. Chas. Steinbeck will soon begin gathering his pear crop, of which there will be about 1/2 yield, but of a fine quality.[91]

The U. S. Federal Census of 1900 recorded Charles M Steinbeck, age forty-three, was living in Templeton with his wife Bertha Iva Steinbeck, thirty-two, their daughter Agnes A., ten, Frederick D., nine, Carl G., six, Richard M., two, and Rose Rutherford, a servant, age twenty-two; Charles being employed as a sales agent / bookkeeper (“lumber yard sales”). [92]

The following year, in September 1902, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune mentioned that Charles Steinbeck of Templeton was shipping from fifty to seventy-five boxes of pears daily to Los Angeles.[93] Again, September 1903, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune mentioned that Charles Steinbeck of Templeton, with the help of hired field workers, was shipping pears to Los Angeles.[94]

One can presume that CM Steinbeck established his sizable orchard of almonds, apples, peaches, pears, prunes, walnuts, and wine grapes as part of the Stock and Fruit Farmers Association.[95] A description of his orchard appeared in the University of California College of Agriculture Bulletin 141 in 1902 including a photograph of the fruit trees that appeared on the first page of the article.

The Steinbeck Orchard. There is a noted orchard at Templeton where 1600 Bartlett pears and a small collection of other fruits were planted in 1890 on two benches, one low just above the river, the other higher and on more gravelly soil, underlaid by siliceous rock. The lower orchard is 15 feet to water; the upper is 25 to 30 feet.

The apples failed in 1900, but bore well other years; “summer varieties do best.” The prunes “bore only once, in 1897.” Peaches bear in some years. But pears are “the only profitable fruit, and that only on the lower bench,” as in some seasons there is not enough moisture on the upland to mature a crop. In 1899, the crop was sold to San José canneries, delivered at the railroad station, for $42.50 per ton, sizes two and a half inches and upward. In 1900, the price obtained, delivered in San Francisco was $25.00 per ton, sizes two and a quarter inches and upward.

 In this orchard the Bartlett’s ripen earlier than at the sub-station and in some other orchards. In 1897, fruit was shipped before August 12th; in 1898 from August 18th to September 5th; in 1899 from August 21st to September 1st; in 1900 August 30th. Bartlett’s of large size and high quality are grown at the sub-station, on the adobe soil, and, of course, without irrigation, ripening in mid-autumn. Picked September 29, 1897, they were fit for table use October 7th. The highest-priced Bartlett’s grown in this entire region will be such late fruit as this, produced on heavy soils in the hills, not always necessarily on the river bottoms. The experience, however, of Mr. Steinbeck, Mr. Webster, Mr. Reynolds, and others shows the road to commercial success on lands near the streams whether the fruit be late or early.[96]

Through the years, Charles Steinbeck put much effort into establishing his farm, but the orchard was fraught with problems. In May 1895, Steinbeck wrote that his orchard was “troubled with cutworms this season, for the first time, that is, to any extent;… they are cutting the leaves and young fruit in the orchards; prunes and pears the worst.” [97]

All the while Charles Steinbeck lived in Templeton, the community remained very small, reaching a population of three hundred in 1899.[98]

In 1900, Charles reported his orchard had produced a “poor crop of apples” and that “all other fruits destroyed by frost.”[99]

Years later, in the publication, History of San Luis Obispo County and Environs, California (1917) a biographical sketch described CM Templeton’s efforts to establish his orchard in the community.

No better man ever lived and worked hard in Templeton than “Charlie” Steinbeck. He was, for many years, agent for the S. P. (Southern Pacific) Milling Co. there. He bought a tract of land just across the Salinas from town, a nice level piece of alluvial land one would call it, set out a pear orchard, and year in and year out spent his salary in caring for it. One year the trees were loaded with fruit - one year mind you, not every year - and Charlie hired all the help he could get, picked, packed and shipped his big pear crop East. He paid his help, paid for his boxes and for loading the car, out of his salary, and waited for the return from his car load of pears. It came - a bill for freight. They sold or took the pears and asked for more to defray freight charges. After years of this sort of thing Mr. Steinbeck passed over his land to the man who held the mortgage, and left for Hollister, where he is now a successful business man; but as the children say, “listen here.” That land which was always a bill of expense to C. M. Steinbeck is now a little gold mine. The present owner just pumped some water up out of the Salinas and ran it out on the alfalfa that covers those acres. It feeds sleek dairy cows and waddling porkers, and you couldn’t buy that land today, for it is not for sale.[100]

In 1906, one finds CM Steinbeck serving as Chairman of the First Presbyterian Church of Templeton, a church which he and the family may have been members since 1888.[101] The First Presbyterian Church of Templeton was chartered on May 5, 1887. The original building, positioned on the corner of Sixth and Crocker streets, was dedicated on November 11, 1888.

 Also, during the year 1906, CM Steinbeck was mentioned as holding the position of President of the Van Ness Mining Company. Formed in Paso Robles, the plan for the Mining Company was to establish in Van Ness Canyon, ten miles west of Templeton, a mine whose ore reportedly contained silver, lead and traces of gold.[102] The Engineering and Mining Journal, dated November 30, 1907, stated that the Van Ness Mining Company owned twelve claims on Morro creek and were preparing to ship copper. No further information can be found regarding the Van Ness Mining Company, suggesting Charles Steinbeck’s venture into mining panned out as poorly as did his efforts in fruit orchards.

STEINBECK STABLES, HOLLISTER

In 1907, CM Steinbeck and the family moved back to Hollister when he was apparently offered a position in the Hollister mills.[103] Living in Hollister, Charles became a member of the Hollister Chapter of Freemasons and Bertha became a member of Athena Chapter of the Eastern Star.[104],[105] Several years later, in 1910, CM Steinbeck, age forty-three, purchased Hollister’s Fashion Livery Stables.[106]

The U. S. Federal Census of 1910 recorded that the family residence was located at 450 Monterey Street. Bertha Iva Steinbeck, age forty-two, their daughter Agnes A., age twenty, Frederick D., age eighteen, Carl G., age sixteen, Stanford Steinbeck, age three, and Etta Chapman, a servant, age twenty-one.[107] The census did not list Richard Minor Steinbeck, who would have been age twelve, as he had passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 1906, when the family was living in Templeton. [108], [109]

A decade later, the U. S. Federal Census of 1920 recorded Charles M Steinbeck, age fifty-two, living at 305 Monterey Street in Hollister and employed as a sales agent / bookkeeper. The family residents included Bertha I. Steinbeck, forty-two, Frederick D., twenty-eight, Carl G., twenty-five, Stanford E. Steinbeck, twelve, and Helen Steinbeck, nine. [110]

The Hollister Presbyterian Church recorded Bertha Steinbeck and her children, Stanford, Helen, Edward, and Lawrence, joining the congregation after 1920.

Spring forward another decade, and the U. S. Federal Census of 1930 recorded Charles M. Steinbeck, age seventy-two, as a sales agent/bookkeeper at a hardware store, living with his wife Bertha Steinbeck, sixty-two, at a different address, 829 Monterey Street in Hollister.[111]

On June 28, 1935, Charles M. Steinbeck passed away at seventy-eight in Hollister. Services were held at the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery under direction of Kuehl Funeral home with Rev. Thomas Mitchell officiating. His obituary mentioned Charles had remained a member of the Paso Robles Masonic Lodge. He was buried in the Templeton Cemetery.[112], [113]

Bertha Steinbeck remained living in Hollister for the next fifteen years, passing away on November 15, 1950, in Hollister, California.[114] Her nephew John Steinbeck, who’d become a world-famous, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, was forty-eight years old at the time of her passing.

HERBERT ELDRIDGE STEINBECK

 Herbert Eldredge Steinbeck, born September 06, 1859, in Plainfield, New Jersey. On November 25, 1874, when Herbert was fifteen, he arrived at Hollister's train depot. Four years later, in February 1878, Herbert portrayed the character Tom Loker, the cruel slave catcher, in the play Uncle Tom’s Cabin, under the direction of the Hollister Minstrels.[115]

On August 13, 1880, age twenty-one, Herbert Steinbeck registered to vote in Hollister. He’d again register to vote in Hollister in 1890, 1892 and 1898.[116] For several years, Herbert E. Steinbeck worked for the Central Milling Company (Victor Mill) of Hollister, which RM Shackelford had helped to establish.[117]

At some point HE Steinbeck moved to Ontario, a small community in Southern California, positioned between the base of the Sierra Madre mountains and the banks of the Santa Ana river, where he worked as the manager of the West Coast Redwood Company.[118] On December 20, 1887, Herbert Eldredge Steinbeck married Ella B. Phillips in Ontario, California, with services conducted by Judge George R. Holbrook.[119] The couple remained in Ontario for several years before moving to Hollister. [120]

The U. S. Federal Census of 1900 recorded Herbert E Steinbeck, his wife Ella, and adopted daughter Neva Trout, lived at 274 Sally Street, Hollister, CA. At the time, Herbert was employed as a drayman - a person who delivers beer for a brewery.[121] At the turn of the century, Hollister had several breweries, including the Pajaro Brewery at the corner Fifth and San Benito.

The Steinbeck family bible recorded Herbert E Steinbeck died on January 9, 1903. The tragic accident that resulted in the death of H. E. Steinbeck was published in the Salinas Weekly Index on January 15, 1903.

HERBERT E. STEINBECK KILLED

TRAMPLED BENEATH THE FEET OF HIS TRUCK TEAM

Superintendent JE Steinbeck, of the Sperry mill here, was called to Hollister yesterday afternoon by a message conveying to him the sad news that his brother, Hebert E. Steinbeck, had been seriously injured by falling under the feet of his truck team. After receiving the message, which was meager in details, Mr. Steinbeck hastened to Hollister by private conveyance and reached that place in the evening, just in time to see his brother breath his last.

He learned that his brother Herbert, who was a drayman, had rushed in ahead of his team, which he had left standing further up a street but had become frightened and were running away. In his effort to stop them he was thrown down and trampled upon in a fearful manner. It is supposed that the heavy truck ran over him and the body was badly mangled. He was carried to his home and only lived a few hours, without regaining consciousness.

The sad accident has cast a gloom over Hollister, as the deceased was held in high esteem by all who knew him. his loss. Besides a wife he leaves an adopted daughter to mourn.

The remains will be cremated in the Cypress lawn cemetery, San Francisco tomorrow.[122]

According to church records, Ella Steinbeck joined the Hollister Presbyterian Church congregation in 1892, and their adopted daughter Neva Eldridge Steinbeck joined the congregation on January 13, 1904. The U. S. Federal Census for 1910 listed the two women living together in Hollister, Ella was forty-eight, working at home as a dressmaker, Neva eighteen employed as a clerk in a newspaper office.[123]

Both Ella Steinbeck and Neva Eldridge Steinbeck were dismissed from the Hollister Presbyterian Church to the Presbyterian Church of Ontario, California in 1911, which suggests the Ella and her adopted child had relocated to Southern California.

JOHN ERNST STEINBECK SR.

 John Ernst Steinbeck was born April 23, 1862, in St. Augustine, Florida. According to his mother, writing to her son on his forty-sixth birthday, remembered his delivery “when alone with only a faithful colored woman you came a wee baby.”[124]  As suggested by her letter, Almira was pregnant with her son, John Ernst, and raising her two older sons, Charles and Herbert, when her husband was drafted into the Confederate Army in October, 1861. Shortly after his birth, Almira returned with her three boys to Massachusetts.  California voter registration records show JE Steinbeck, first registering to vote on May 7, 1883, in Hollister, age twenty-one.[125] He became a member of the Freemason Society several months later, being admitted to San Benito Masonic Lodge No. 211, F. & A. M., on July 31, 1883. Five months later, in December 1883, he was accepted as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; Athena Chapter of Hollister. [126],[127]

On May 3, 1886, JE Steinbeck again registered to vote in Hollister, California, at age twenty-four.[128]

CENTRAL MILLING COMPANY

 KING CITY

The first Southern Pacific Railroad passenger train reached King City on July 20, 1886. According to an article printed in the King City Rustler in 1927 stated - The history of King City began in the month of July in the year 1886, when J. E. Steinbeck, present county treasurer, who at that time was appointed agent for the Southern Pacific Milling Co. and later Superintendent of The Central Milling Co., arrived on the scene with a carload of lumber to begin •the erection of the first unit of S. P. Milling Co.’s warehouse.[129]

Six months later, on January 14, 1887, the Hollister Free Lance printed the following mention in the personals section: “Ernst Steinbeck came up from Kings City, last Saturday, and remained until Wednesday. He reports that the settlers about Kings City are fearful of a dry season”- suggesting he’d already moved to South Monterey County. Beyond the mentioning of Steinbeck, the subject of rainfall was a reminder of how much grain farmers throughout California depended on an ample amount of winter precipitation was necessary for a successful summer crop.

The following month, in February 1887, the directors of the Central Milling Company, which included RM Shackelford, appointed John Ernst Steinbeck, age twenty-five, as the manager the Company’s new King City flour mill.[130] Steinbeck, who was among the first settlers of the community would live in the small town for the next five years, being among. He was the first agent for King City’s Central Milling Co’s flour mill and S.P. Milling Co. warehouse, both of which were positioned alongside the railroad tracks running through town.

One month later, on February 18, 1887, the Hollister Freelance printed a short mention about Steinbeck’s new position at the flour mill. “At a meeting of the directors of the Central Milling Co., in San Jose, last week, Ernst Steinbeck was appointed manager of the Company’s mill at Kings City. This appointment reflects great credit upon the ability and trustworthiness of Ernst, whose many friends join in sending their congratulations to the young man.”

Herb Hinrich recalled during a recorded interview with Pauline Pearson of the Salinas Library his family’s recollection of John Ernst Steinbeck working for the King City’s Central Milling Company.

“Originally, in King City, when my father first came to the United States, he went to stay with his uncle down in King City, he got a job with the SP Milling Company…He had served his apprenticeship in his father flour mill back in Germany, and he also had a smattering of steam engineering, so he was a miller for the SP Milling Company, and John’s father, Ernst Steinbeck, well they called him Mill man, but mother always said all he was, was the bookkeeper, and they worked together in King City…They started raising a lot of wheat in the Southern part of the county, and at the SP Milling company, they didn’t make flour but they made, cracked wheat, cracked corn, rolled barley, and things for chicken feed and animal feed, and also cleaning the wheat so it could go to the flouring mill. So, the Sperry Flour Company built a flour mill on Mill Street, which is now called New Street in Salinas. My dad got a job at the flour mill as head miller, and Ernst Steinbeck, I believed was office manager in Salinas” [131]

While living in the small community of King City, Steinbeck donated ten dollars to the construction of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Congregation, which was completed in 1888.[132] Records also show JE Steinbeck registered to vote on April 16, 1888, King City, California, at age twenty-six.[133]

On October 16, 1889, at the Forty-First Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, a charter was granted to Freemasons of King City to establish the Santa Lucia Masonic Lodge, No. 302. One year later, in 1890, one finds JE Steinbeck serving as Senior Deacon of the Santa Lucia Masonic Lodge No. 302, F. & A. M., in King City, California. At the time, his ‘soon to be’ brother-in-law, William J. Hamilton, was serving as a Master Mason of the Santa Lucia Masonic Lodge No. 302.

A mention in Salinas Daily Index August 7, 1890, noted that Steinbeck had traveled to Salinas the day before, on August 6, and was advanced to Master Mason in Salinas Chapter, No. 59, Royal Arch Masonry (R. A. M.) JE Steinbeck being twenty-eight years of age at the time.

Several months later, Salinas Daily Journal (October 30, 1890) mentioned - R. M. Shackelford of Paso Robles and J. E. Steinbeck of King City are in town – again recognizing the close association of these two men. [134]

And later that year, on December 22, 1890, JE Steinbeck and WJ Hamilton registered their arrival at the Lick House hotel on Montgomery at Sutter in San Francisco.[135] The Steinbeck family bible recorded that JE Steinbeck and Olive Hamilton were married on December 22, 1890, in San Francisco. After her marriage to JE Steinbeck, Olive Hamilton Steinbeck retired from her career of teaching children in rural schoolhouses of Monterey County.

In late August 1891, Salinas Daily Journal printed another mention about JE Steinbeck. The Central Milling Company is superintended by J. E. Steinbeck a young man 28 years of age and the first inhabitant of King City before the town was started. Mr. Steinbeck is a public spirited citizen and is largely interested with Mr. Shackelford in the land business. The present capacity of his mill is 200 barrels per day. [136]

On April 14, 1892, John, and Olive’s first child, Olive Esther Steinbeck, was born in King City. Records show that JE Steinbeck registered to vote two months later, on June 13, 1892, in King City, California, age twenty-nine.[137] Nelson Valjean, in his book, John Steinbeck, the Errant Knight, noted that the 1892 Great Register for Monterey County, compiled for voting purposes holds the following description of Steinbeck’s father “John Ernst Steinbeck, 29, six feet tall, fair complexion , scar on the left cheek, a native of Florida, and a bookkeeper in King City.”[138]

In August 1892, the Central Milling Co. became part of a larger conglomeration, the Sperry Milling Co. which, when incorporated, included eleven of the fourteen largest flour mills in California. Counted among these eleven mills were those in Salinas, King City and Paso Robles.[139] In the fall of 1892, the King City mill was closed for the season until the next year’s grain plantings were harvested, at which time, JE Steinbeck was transferred to the Sperry flour mill in Paso Robles.[140]

SPERRY MILLING COMPANY

PASO ROBLES

In November 1892, the Steinbeck family moved from King City, when John Ernst was sent to manage an operation owned by the Sperry Milling Company, the Banner flour mill, in Paso Robles, California.[141] For the next eight years, the family lived in Paso Robles. John Steinbeck Jr. twisted this bit of family history in the book East of Eden when he wrote: Olive did marry her young man and did move, first to Paso Robles, then to King City, and finally to Salinas.

FIRE AT THE BANNER FLOUR-MILL

On May 25, 1894, their second daughter, Elizabeth Steinbeck, was born in Paso Robles. Two years later, on August 11, 1896, a fire destroyed the Banner flour-mill and two adjoining buildings. The local newspaper provided a brief mention of the incident.

“This morning at 3:15 o'clock the engine at the Flour Mills sounded an alarm of fire, and shortly after the clang of the fire bell brought out the Fire Department. It was soon discovered that flames were bursting from the roof of the four-story mill of the Sperry Flour Company. The firemen put two lines of hose in place, but for some reason there was not a sufficient force of water to do any good.

As it was impossible to save the mill the firemen turned their attention to saving the Southern Pacific warehouse and other buildings nearby. A small blacksmith shop and a few small outbuildings of little value were burned, with their contents. The mill is valued at $35,000, with an insurance of $20,000. The stock of wheat and flour was worth about $12,000.

Everything is lost. The cause of the fire was the checking of the elevator in the upper story, which caused the belt to slip on its pully. The friction set fire to the belt and then to the wood. The night watchman says if he could have got water through the hose he could have put the fire out.”[142]

JE Steinbeck, then manager of the mill, succeeded in retrieving the papers and books of the company from the burning structure. The mill was rebuilt, and Steinbeck remained in the community several more years working for the Sperry Milling Company’s - Banner flour mill.

WORSHIPFUL MASTER - PASO ROBLES MASONIC LODGE

As previously mentioned, on October 18, 1887, at the thirty-eighth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, a charter was granted to Freemasons of Paso Robles to establish the Paso Robles Masonic Lodge, No. 286. Prior to the opening of King City’s Santa Lucia Lodge No. 302 in 1889, JE Steinbeck had joined Paso Robles Lodge, No. 286, which had been established in 1887; a Masonic Lodge RM Shackelford had been influential in establishing.

After living in the community for five years, JE Steinbeck was elected to serve as Worshipful Master at Paso Robles Lodge, No. 286, a two-year term (1897-1899).[143] A Worshipful Master serves as the senior officer of a Masonic Lodge, and the highest honor to which a lodge may appoint any of its members. His elder brother, Charles M. Steinbeck, was also a member of Paso Robles Lodge, where over the years, served as a Master Mason and a Senior Deacon.[144]

While living in the community, Olive B. Steinbeck became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Bethlehem Chapter (Paso Robles) #95.[145]

            In October 1899, Samuel and Eliza Hamilton celebrated their fiftieth anniversary at John and Olive Steinbeck’s home in Paso Robles. All the Hamilton children, including those with families, attended the anniversary celebration.[146]

In January 1900, just prior to his departure from the community, Paso Robles Lodge No. 288 F.& A. M. presented the retiring Worthy Master J. E. Steinbeck with a beautiful Masonic Past Master jewel. [147] Several days later the John and Olive Steinbeck were given a farewell party at the home of Mrs. Daniel D. Blackburn.[148] As well the Paso Robles’ Bethlehem Chapter of the Eastern Star gave a farewell party to Mrs. E. J. Steinbeck.[149]

SPERRY MILLING COMPANY

SALINAS

In February 1900, JE Steinbeck was transferred to the Sperry Milling Company’s flour-mill in Salinas.[150], [151] In August of that year, Steinbeck announced the flour mill was running twenty-four hours a day with two working shifts.[152] The Sperry Flour mill in Salinas was, at the time, one of the largest mills in the State, with the capacity to turn out 750 - 1000 barrels of flour daily. [153],[154]

When the family moved to Salinas, Steinbeck became a member of the Salinas Masonic Lodge No. 204, F. & A. M. [155] The U. S. Federal Census of 1900, recorded that the Steinbeck family lived on Castroville Street with Dessie Hamilton.[156] It remains unclear when the Steinbeck family moved into their 1897 Victorian home at 132 Central Avenue. It has been suggested that John Ernst Steinbeck’s parents, Johann Adolph and Almira Steinbeck originally purchased the home from J. J. Conner on March 28, 1901, and that John and Olive Steinbeck later purchased the house from his parents in 1908.[157] The suggestion is supported by the fact that a month prior, on February 19, 1908, the Salinas Daily Index published the following property transaction - J. A. Steinbeck et ux. To J. E. Steinbeck – S. 127.6 feet of lot 1 of e1/2 of lot 2, block 3, Stone’s addition to Salinas.[158]

JOHN AND MARY STEINBECK

The couple’s only son, John Steinbeck, was born in Salinas on February 27, 1902. A mention of the birth appeared in the Salinas Daily Index March 15, 1902 “Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Steinbeck of Salinas, formerly of Paso Robles, are the happiest parents in this glorious state of ours, and all because they have a son. We don’t blame you, friend Ernst. We know how jubilant you must feel to have a son and heir. May the little man prove a blessing to both father and mother. Congratulation from all your Paso Robles friends. Paso Robles Leader.”[159]

On April 15, 1902, John Ernst Steinbeck was presented with a certificate of his consecration to the degree of Royal Arch Mason, and a Mason’s Bible during the Forty-Eighth Annual Convocation of Anointed High Priests of the California Freemasons held in San Francisco, California. The Most Excellent Samuel Hopkins Wagener Grand High Priest, and Franklin St. Day, Grand Secretary performed the service.[160],[161]

The following year, in 1903, JE Steinbeck built a small three-room summer cottage in Pacific Grove, California, just two blocks walking distance from the Monterey Bay. Located at 147 Eleventh Street, the family used this house as a weekend and summer vacation home. On January 9, 1905, their youngest child, Mary Steinbeck, was born in Salinas, California.

VISITS FROM THE STEINBECK FAMILY

Over the years, the Steinbeck’s Victorian home on Central Avenue saw a stream of Hamilton and Steinbeck family members come for a visit. Mentions in the Salinas Daily Index noted Eugene Steinbeck, son of Harry Steinbeck, visiting from Paso Robles in 1900.[162]

In October 1904, George Hamilton and family visited Salinas, during which time he was put in charge of the Sperry Flour Mill in the absence of J. E. Steinbeck.[163] The following month, in November 1904, both of Harry Steinbeck’s boys, William, and Eugene Steinbeck, visited from San Luis Obispo.[164]

VISITS FROM THE DICKSON FAMILY

SARAH AUGUSTA DICKSON KEYES

The following mention, which appeared in the Salinas Daily Index in April 1906, finds the Dickson sisters, Caroline Dickson Danks and her sister Sarah Dickson Keyes, visiting the Steinbeck’s family home. Mrs. Danks accompanied by her sister Mrs. Keyes of Hollister, stopped over in Salinas upon their return from Pacific Grove, after spending the week there attending the W. C. T. U. conference and they are the guests their niece, Mrs. J. E. Steinbeck.[165]

This mention in the Salinas Daily recognizes that Caroline Danks was joined by her sister, Sarah Augusta Dickson Keyes (1826-1909), who apparently moved to Hollister after the death of her husband, Walter Keyes, in October 1898.

Sarah Augusta Dickson, age thirty-one, married Walter Keyes, (1813-1898) age forty-four, on September 12, 1857, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Marriage records indicate it was Sarah’s first marriage and Walter’s second marriage.[166] Walter Keyes died October 16, 1898 in Germania, Marquette, Wisconsin, and buried in Germania Cemetery. Sarah Augusta Dickson Keyes, born September 13, 1825, in Groton, Massachusetts died twenty-seven years following the passing of her husband, on January 9, 1909, in Hollister, California at eighty-four years of age.[167] She was buried next to her husband in Germania, Wisconsin.

HENRY A. DICKSON

In September 1903, Henry A Dickson, brother to Caroline Dickson Danks and Sarah Augusta Dickson Keyes, visited his nephew Henry E. Steinbeck and family in San Luis Obispo.[168] As mentioned in the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, H. A. Dickson of Fitchburg, Mass, is the guest of his nephew, H. E. Steinbeck. Mr. Dickson is an old G. A. R. veteran and attended the encampment in San Francisco. He belonged to Company B of the famous 6th Massachusetts regiment which had the fight with the mob in Baltimore at the beginning of the war. As suggested in the Morning Times mention, Henry Dickson had traveled to California to participate in Thirty-seventh National Encampment held in San Francisco, California, August 20-21, 1903. The following year, 1904, Carrie Dickson Danks traveled to Massachusetts.[169] Five years later, in May 1909, Carrie Dickson Danks again traveled to Massachusetts and visited her brother in Fitchburg.[170]

The book, History and complete roster of the Massachusetts regiments by George W. Nason, outlined Dickson’s service in the Union army during the Civil War.

Henry A. Dickson was born in Groton, Mass., July 2, 1837; with his parents in 1853, he went East and was for five years among the Arabs in Palestine, learning the Arabic and German languages. Returning to this country in 1858, he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, responding to the first call for troops. Enlisted again, July 11, 1862, in Company E, Thirty-Third Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, for three years. Was made a Sergeant, July 1,1863; promoted to First Sergeant; was in the Army of the Potomac until September 1863, when he went West with the Twentieth Corps; the remainder of his service was with General Sherman. At the battle of Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864, received a gunshot wound in the right shoulder, but recovered from it sufficiently to get back to the Regiment ten days before they started on the famous march from Atlanta to the Sea. Was in every battle and engagement in which the Regiment participated with the exception of the time between May 15 and November 1, 1864. Commissioned First Lieutenant November 3, 1864, and discharged with the Regiment June 11, 1865. A resident of Fitchburg, Mass., for the past thirty-seven years and a member of the city common council for the year 1892.[171]

As a volunteer in the 6th Massachusetts Militia Regiment, among those militia referred to as the Minute Men of ’61, Henry A. Dickson was counted among the 6th regiment of volunteers who responded to the first call of President Abraham Lincoln, April 15, 1861, to defend the flag and Constitution of the United States. Massachusetts was the first state to respond with approximately 3,000 men from the Massachusetts 6th and 8th regiments reporting for duty the next day by marching to Boston’s Faneuil Hall, and receiving their equipment. The regiments quick response resulted in their being nicknamed the “Minute men of 61.”

CARRIE DICKSON DANKS

Henry A. Dickson was not the only family member who dedicated a portion of his life service. Steinbeck’s aunt Carrie Dickson, who volunteered as a nurse during the civil war.[172]

Shortly after the Civil war ended, Carrie served as dedicated teacher for the American Missionary Association (AMA); a nondenominational society that worked to develop educational opportunities for African Americans in the South.

As a Protestant-based abolitionist organization founded in 1846 in Albany, New York, the groups primary efforts included the abolition of slavery, promotion of racial equality, education of African Americans, and spreading Christian values.

In October of 1867, Carrie Dickson, alongside Lucy E. Case and Abbie E. Howe were sent by the AMA of Massachusetts to teach in the earliest of African American schools established in Georgia. Carrie Dickson taught in Georgia for five years (1867-1871), with her first two-year teaching at the Worcester School in Albany, Georgia (October 1867- June 1869). Dickson next taught the Howard School in Cuthbert, Georgia (July-September 1869). Responding to request by residents further in the South, Dickson taught at the Milford School, in Fort Gaines, Georgia (December 1869 – April 1871) located along the Chattahoochee River. Dickson’s experience with the Missionary Association, teaching in the colored schools in Georgia, was described within her letters to administrative officials associated with the Massachusetts American Missionary Association.

Dickson, Carrie S. Letter: Fitchburg, Massachusetts, August 28, 1868, to E. P. Smith. 28 Aug. 1868.

Dear Sir, Yesterday I met with Miss E.A. Howe and had a few moments talk with her. She said [illegible] that she had been informed that it would not be safe for teachers to be at Albany, Ga., another year, as all the military was removed. Must the work that was successful the first year be abandoned! I am willing to return there and run all risks. I have confidence enough to in my Heavenly Father to trust my life with him. Miss Howe too is willing to go to Albany. I cannot endure to think of our glorious work at the South being retarded by the plans of the wicked opposers. Will God permit it? The church of Groton, Mass. intend to support me another year… Deeply interested in the work of the A.M.A. I remain your truly, C. S. Dickson

 Dickson, Carrie S. Letter; Cuthbert, Georgia, August 17, 1869, to E. P. Smith. 17 Aug. 1869.

Rev. E. P. Smith,

            Dear Sir, Two men came from Fort Gaines this week to inquire about getting a teacher. When I first went to Albany, Mr. Rockwell was talking of sending teachers to Fort Gaines. I do not know why none were sent for the people have wanted them and repeatedly made an effort to procure them. The people are getting discouraged over the matter and will do nothing more by way of working in an Educational Association till a teacher is there and a school started. The man said that he thought that the people would support their teacher if one would only come. He seemed to think that one would be all they could support until a school was…and the people saw that something was really done. He thought they were able to pay a dollar a family per month as they do in Cuthbert. Miss… thinks from what she has heard that there would be … for a teacher. As the place is only twenty-two miles distant by railroad I did not know but it would be well for me to go down there and see the place and see the people but concluded I had better ask you first. It seems a pity for the place not to have a teacher when they have been getting started for one two years. They will wait anxiously to hear their fate and I promised to write as soon as I heard from you.

Do you want to know what we Cuthbert school … are doing this warm weather? About 125 hopefuls meet us from day to day. Miss L. have given the primary department into a charge of a capable colored girl, whose school house is in the yard. Bureau has fitted one school room with desks and seats. I think that the children study well for the warm weather, The season has been remarkably cool and pleasant. I am better and stronger than when I left Albany.

I do not see but a summer school is as flourishing and that there is as much good to be done as in the winter. I am glad that I remained to teach. Work is rather dull just know before cotton picking begins and some have come in for a month or so. It is their only chance. Two lads came this week who have never before been to school but they read and write…ably well and have studied out written arithmetic thru division. We are going to start up a temperance movement. A man yesterday took the pledge. I showed him a chromo Black Valley Railroad and he decided to get of the trin. I have found pleasant things in the work here, but I am not willing to remain here longer than to fulfill my summer engagement.

Hoping to hear from you son in regard to Fort Gaines, I remain, Yours Truly, Carrie S. Dickson

 Dickson, Carrie S. Letter: Cuthbert, Georgia, September 14, 1869, to E. P. Smith. 14 Sept. 1869.

Rev. E. P. Smith,

            Dear Sir,

I have been to Fort Gaines. The hotel was “to full” to receive me, so I put up at a colored family’s and had pleasant and comfortable accommodations. I attended Sunday School where were present some fifty pupils beside their teacher, The school appeared very orderly and well conducted. Besides the religious instructions, each teacher taught his class to read and spell; but it is as one teacher said to me, “We’s dun teached um ‘bout all we knows; we wants a teacher now.” This school has been sustained three years. In a meeting with the people, I took the name of seventy families who were present and wished to send children to school. There were ninety children for day school and thirty for night school. Of course, … only a fraction of the people. Nearly all these seventy families pledged to pay a dollar a family per month. Making due allowance for the difference between the colored people’s promising and their performing I have no fear about their support for a teacher there. My greatest fear is that one teacher cannot do all the work. For two years the people have waited and longed for a school they are famishing for…

I went around the place somewhat and saw the homes of the people. They seemed thrifty and well to do. In a pleasant, health location many have bought lots and built houses; and no where have I seen better cabins. Many of them have glass windows. At this settlement they are building …

 In all my intercourse with the people I was particularly pleased with their delicate consideration of my comfort. I think that Fort Gaines will be a pleasant… So I am “booked for Albany”. Is the book of the A.M.A. like the law of the Medes and Persians? I know that I have many friends among the colored people in Albany and I love Keen? Cottage. I have not been with Mrs. Case and Miss Howe two years without learning to value them – but I have decided objections to returning to Albany. Fort Gaines has been rather forced upon my attention, but now I am eager to go there. I understand the position of affairs there better than a strange could, the people must have a teacher, I want to be that teacher. May I go?

I understand that in going there, I am to look for neither salary nor aid from the A. M. A. I shall try to get the Bureau ten dollars which you mentioned, …I will trust the people of Fort Gaines.

Yours Truly, C. S. Dickson

Dickson, Carrie S. Letter: Fort Gaines, Georgia, March 12, 1870, to E. P. Smith.

Dear Sir, I want some Bibles and Testaments so much, are there some for me? I have a Bible class every Sabbath afternoon, which I teach as best I can, with only a polyglot Bible for an aid. Most of my pupils who can read the Bible attend, but almost none of them have Bibles and a part have testaments. Are those Abridgements of worship all disposed of? I gave one that I obtained to a colored man here, and he thinks that it is beautiful. He totes it all day Sunday.

 I am getting along prosperously as ever. God has blessed me very abundantly in [illegible] things, and it is my most [illegible] desire that the spiritual [illegible] may not be withheld…..Often I think that the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of my pupils. Day school now numbers a few less than a hundred, and night school not quite twenty. I have never enjoyed a school or a work as much as here at Fort Gaines, and altho I teach eight or more hours each day, I am perfectly well. I have found all God’s promises here in regard to having strength equal to my work. I am not disturbed by the white people and never have been. Yours truly, C. S. Dickson

Dickson, Carrie S. Letter: Fort Gaines, Georgia, May 16, 1870, to W. E. Whiting.

Dear Sir, My mother, Mrs. Swallow, of Nashua, N.H. has collected $100.00 to aid me in purchasing land her on which to build a school, [illegible] I expect that she will send the money to you. Please send it to Mr. Ware as he has been promised to advance the money for the purchase. Mr. Ware said the A. M. A. had been drawing money from the Bureau. For me, please send me $20.00. Your Truly, C. S. Dickson.

 Several letters from Dickson were addressed to Erastus Milo Cravath (1833–1900) who was a pastor and American Missionary Association (AMA) official. After the American Civil War, Cravath helped found numerous historically black colleges in Georgia and Tennessee for the education of freedmen, including the Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He also served as president of Fisk University for more than 20 years.

 Dickson, Carrie S. Letter: Fort Gaines, Georgia, January 31, 1871, to E. M. Cravath.

Dear Sir, Enclosed please find the school reports which you requested although I do not see of what use they are to the A.M.A as this is entirely an independent school. Thus far I have succeeded quite well in “paddling my own canoe”. School is constantly increasing. Every pupil pays a dollar apiece in the payment of the tuition. My accomplishment for myself and school are as good as might be expected in a small town. On my arrival. I was unable to get the house which I wanted so for two weeks I boarded in a colored family and taught in a church. Said church consisted of a frame, the sides were covered with board, or cracks, more properly speaking. Half of the roof was shingled. There were no doors; part of the windows were boarded up. The seats were in harmony with the rest of the building. The first few days were warm and we were very comfortable, when it did not rain, or the wind blew,, but toward the last of the second week the weather became real cold. It was impossible to be comfortable in a building that had more crevices than boards, so we took our benches outdoors and for two days we had school in the sun.

Although we escaped some cold, we encountered other [illegible] annoyances. The Church was situated in a colored settlement and there was much [illegible]. We had a constant stream of pig, dog, and chicken visitors. Very small children, doubtless thinking it to be a public school, made free to come. Altogether it was a very funny school experience. At Christmas, the school had a Christmas tree and a little school exhibition which seemed to be very gratifying to the pupils and the parents. As yet there has never anything happened to take away the sympathy of the people with the school. We work together in excellent harmony. My cousin of whom I wrote to you last fall has opened a school nine miles from here.

The people are preparing to avail themselves of the new school law.

 Yours truly, C. S. Dickson

According to the Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865–1871, the average of the Fort Gaines School where Carrie Dickson was positioned was seventy students.[173]

A Fort Gaines teacher, conducting school in a dilapidated church covered with cracks" instead of boards, had to laugh at the "constant stream of pig, dog, and chicken visitors which constantly interrupted the children's lessons (A Great Opportunity)

Carrie Dickson’s years of service in the colored schools of Georgia had a profound impact on her. During her life, Carrie Dickson Danks donated the greater part of her limited resources as a gift annuity to the Atlanta University. In October 1927, after visiting her hometown in Massachusetts, Carrie visited Atlanta University for a few hours during which time she shared her early impressions and experiences with the teachers of the institution.[174]

When the war was over, my Great-Aunt Carrie, a tiny woman of whalebone and steel, daughter of that same Dickson who had gone to Palestine to convert the Jews to Christianity, this wee woman carrying a little satchel of contributions from her neighbors in Leominster, Massachusetts, went South and opened a school for Negro children. She was as tough as her father had been. No sooner had she opened her school and assembled a class of pickaninnies than the Ku Klux Klan burned it down; she opened another and kept the children in at night, and the white robed horsemen fired through the walls while the children and Great Aunt Carrie lay on the floor. With the little black kids helping her, she raised a sandbag defense inside the building, and cooked grits in the school fireplace to feed herself and her charges. Her spirit never gave out, but her money did; and the grits ran out, too-for, while Negroes crept near late at night bringing what food they could scrape together, the Klan soon closed that gap, and finally, weak from starvation and weighing less than her smallest charge, Aunt Carrie capitulated and retreated with her flag flying. It must be admitted that the Southern gentlemen did not disarm her; she marched away carrying her weapons-a Bible, Pilgrim's Progress, and McGuffey's First Reader.[175]

The Encyclopedia of African-American Education and many other sources confirm that there was much hostility directed to the American Missionary Associations efforts to educate African Americans in the south. FC Jones-Wilson described the harassment with the following sentence. AMA educators from the North often faced open hostility to their presence in southern states. Several schools were burned, and many teachers became victims of attacks by racist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan.[176]

Steinbeck may have embellished the harassment endured by his aunt Carrie Dickson during her time teaching in the AMA school in Fort Gaines Georgia. In her thesis titled Great Opportunity - Northern Teachers and The Georgia Freedmen 1865-73, Jacqueline Jones provided reasoning as to why white teachers from the north were not physically attacked or outright murdered.

Given the strength of the Georgia Klan, the prevalence of racial violence during this period, and the general antipathy which whites harbored against Yankees and black education, it is surprising that northern teachers themselves received so little in the way of bodily harm. Although whites left no direct evidence that would explain their reluctance to use force against the teachers, there are obvious reasons. For example, they probably considered the freedmen-male and female--as more appropriate targets because of their economic vulnerability, political weakness, and alleged racial inferiority. A different standard existed for northern whites, and especially white women. Although there were examples of beatings and even murders of native white Republicans, white communities might have avoided outraging Northerners in particular for fear of drawing national attention to the state. The AMA, for instance, would have showed no hesitation in widely publicizing physical attacks upon any of its teachers.[177]

In the winter of 1867, Carrie Dickson first wrote several paragraphs of missionary service in Athens, Georgia, describing “a man over forty years of age sitting down with his primer in his hand…”[178] Dickson’s paragraphs that appeared in the periodical, American Missionary, recognizes the students she was teaching was not limited to children.

Again, in the fall of 1869, Carrie Dickson wrote several paragraphs for the American Missionary, mentioning the donations she had recently received from several New Hampshire Congregational Churches.

THANKS FOR “BARRELS.”

MISSION HOME, FORT GAINES, GA.

 Nov. 26th, 1869.

The four barrels have arrived. One was from a Congregational Church in Milford, N.H. whose missionary I am this year. It was a wonderful barrel, containing almost every kind of a household article. The people sent liberally not only useful things, nice and new, but, “believing in the utility of ornament,” they have contributed to the beautifying of my home.

The other three barrels were collected among friends in Nashua, N.H. These barrels contained a marvelous assortment of household articles, clothing, books, etc.

I am supplied so abundantly that I shall be able to supply some of the needs of my less fortunate sisters at the Mission Home in Cuthbert.

 I have one hundred and fifty pupils, one-third of whom are night scholars. Do you think one little body will be able to do all the work here? I have a pleasant house and a grateful people and expect to pass an interesting winter. CARRIE S. DICKSON.[179]

Carrie Dickson last mention of her missionary service in Fort Gaines, appeared in October 1870’s issue of American Missionary, with several short paragraphs within which she mentioned that her Sunday School “averaged about sixty” students.[180]

After her missionary service in Georgia, Carrie Dickson returned to Groton Massachusetts where she taught school for several years before joining the Steinbeck family in Hollister, California in 1879.[181]

Four years following her arrival to the Golden State, Caroline “Carrie” Dickson, age thirty-six, married Joseph C. Danks on February 27, 1883. According to the 1880 and 1900 U. S. Federal Census, Joseph Danks was a farmer in Hollister who hailed from Massachusetts. Danks was thirty years Caroline’s senior and had several children from a previous marriage.

*Fishing Party -- On Tuesday, a fishing party consisting of Mr.& Mrs. J.A. STEINBECK, Will STEINBECK and wife, Harry STEINBECK and Mr. & Mrs. J.P. DANKS spent the day near Santa Ana Peak. How many fish did they catch? Whoever will believe the most solemn truth about a fish catch! Mrs. Will STEINBECK began the game by getting 4, one of the largest trout caught all day, almost as fast as she could drop her line, pull out a fish, remove it, and drop her hook again. At the lunch spread under a large oak, fish were a prominent feature. If anyone wants to spend a delightful day, we recommend to them the Santa Ana trout brook. (Hollister Freelance, 29 April 1887)

Joseph and Caroline Danks remained childless and after seven years of marriage, in 1900, Joseph died.

While living in California, Caroline Dickson Danks became deeply involved in the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, serving as one of forty-four pioneer women who founded the Hollister chapter in 1887.[182]

Steinbeck’s aunt Carrie Dickson Danks was dedicated to her religious Puritan beliefs, and nationally known for her work in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) serving as a veteran of the organization for over forty-two years. Much of this time she held the position of Vice President and corresponding secretary of the Hollister extension of the Tri-County (San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz counties) WCTU. One would be hard pressed to find a more blue-blooded New England Puritan based group than the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

She participated in organizing and speaking at numerous gatherings throughout California during these years. For example, in August 1902, during the Congress of Reform of the WCTU held in Pacific Grove, the day which Sarah Severance spoke on The Evolution of Woman, Mrs. C. S. Danks spoke on National Preservation.

In 1906, Mrs. Danks authored a leaflet "An American Problem," of which the following description was offered in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier. “The problem which she discoursed upon is from the standpoint of the temperance work in America. She declared that foreigners were bringing to America their horrid drinking habits and were also tending to destroy the observance of the American Sabbath, and give us instead the sham cosmopolitan affair of the old country. That sixty per cent of saloon keepers were foreigners. This paper received much applause." [183]

The 1910 U. S. Federal Census recorded Carrie residing with Johann and Almira Steinbeck in Hollister, and Johann listed as a farmer. A decade later, the 1920 U. S. Federal Census recorded Carrie living in Hollister and with a guest, Martha M Patch, age 69 who was born 1851 in Massachusetts. Reviewing the 1910 U. S. Federal Census, one finds Martha M Patch was a widower living in Groton Massachusetts.

EDWARD JOSEPH STEINBECK & SARAH GERTRUDE (STEINBECK) PARK

The Y. C. A. (Young Christian Association held prayer meeting at E. J. Steinbeck’s residence (Champaign County Herald (Urbana, Illinois) · Wed, Jul 4, 1883 · Page 8) E. J. Steinbeck President of Young People’s Society of the Congregational Church. (The Champaign Daily Gazette (Champaign, Illinois) · Thu, Feb 7, 1884 · Page 1 E.J. Steinbeck visiting wife and child who were spending the summer in Lowell, Mass. (Champaign County Herald (Urbana, Illinois) · Wed, Apr 29, 1885 · Page 8 ) (The Champaign Daily Gazette (Champaign, Illinois) · Sat, Sep 5, 1885 · Page 1)

Hotel Arrivals, Palace Hotel San Francisco EJ Steinbeck, Dubuque, Iowa. (Daily Alta California, Volume 84, Number 45, 14 February 1891). Hotel Arrivals, EJ Steinbeck, Dubuque, Iowa. (Daily Independent (Santa Barbara, California) · Wed, Feb 25, 1891 · Page 4.). Ramona Hotel Arrivals EJ Steinbeck, Dubuque, Iowa. (San Luis Obispo Tribune (San Luis Obispo, California) · Tue, Feb 24, 1891 · Page 4) E. J. Steinbeck in town. Santa Cruz Sentinel (Santa Cruz, California) · Thu, Feb 19, 1891 · Page 3

Edward Joseph Steinbeck, a survivor of that fateful night in Jerusalem, lived in Tewksbury, Massachusetts with the Timothy Hunt family in the 1870s and was naturalized in 1878. By 1880 he was working in the Dakota Territory as a civil engineer. In 1884 he married Susan Clark, whose family settled Tewksbury in 1737. The family lived in Chicago, IL between 1890 and 1920. Steinbeck worked for a number of years as roadmaster for the Illinois Central, with headquarters in Clinton, and eventually became chief engineer of construction.

Ordained Elder at the Clinton Presbyterian Church in Clinton Illinois. (The Clinton Public 25 Jun 1897, Fri · Page 9) According to Freeport Illinois Daily Democrat 27Apr 1900, Eight Quarto Volume (Volume 48) March 17, 1910, Page 696) Thu · Page 1,(Vol. XIII No 198) Headline: An Organization Effected: Young People’s Temperance Union Elected Officers Last Night. E. J Steinbeck set out to organize American Young People’s Christian Temperance Union. According to the Railway Age Gazette, Edward was employed as a assistant engineer for the Illinois Central Railroad.

Superintendent of Congregational Church, Dubuque Iowa.

Edward J. Steinbeck, his wife Susan, and three young children are buried in the old Hunt-Clark Burial Ground in Belvidere, not far from the Clark and Hunt homesteads on Clark Road. The house where he grew up still stands at 204 Clark Road, in an area annexed from Tewksbury to Lowell in 1906. (Lowell Historical Society Spring Newsletter, Volume 37, May 2012 Page 3).

E.J. Steinbeck and his wife traveled to Southern California in 1924 to spend a few weeks in 1924 and visit friends. (Costa Mesa News. Santa Ana Register (Santa Ana, California) · Sat, Mar 15, 1924 · Page 11)

Edward Joseph Steinbeck, a survivor of that fateful night in Jerusalem, would eventually travel to Hollister. The 1930 U.S. Census for Hollister, San Benito, California listed Edward residing in the household of Caroline (Dickson) Danks. The census recorded not only Carrie’s widowed nephew Edward Joseph Steinbeck but her widowed niece Sarah Gertrude (Steinbeck) Park, age 74, residing at 438 Monterey Street. Her niece, Sarah Gertrude Steinbeck, who had married Frank Leone Park, in November 1895, had been living in Los Angeles since 1900, according to U. S. Federal Census of 1900, 1910 and 1920. Sarah G. Park died August 16, 1932, in Los Angeles, California.[184]

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Steinbeck of Chicago, who are touring California, are visiting Mrs. C. S. Danks and other relatives here. Mr. Steinbeck s a double cousin of Will Steinbeck and C. M. Steinbeck. (Headline: Personals. San Jose Mercury-news, Volume LXXXVI, Number 63, Wednesday, March 4, 1914).

Edward Steinbeck Dies at Hollister. Edward J. Steinbeck, 78-year-old Hollister resident, injured in an automobile accident Nov. 29, died there Friday. The aged man was a colorful figure and passed an eventful life having been born in Palestine when his father was a missionary there. As a year-old child, he was present at the murder of his father by Arabs. He went to Hollister in 1928, after retirement as an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad. Deceased was a cousin of the late John Steinbeck, former Monterey County treasurer. (King City Rustler, Volume 35, Number 67, 19 December 1935)

Edward J. Steinbeck, age 78, died December 13, 1935, in Hollister, California. ["California Death Index, 1905-1939," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKS9-NGVB : 23 February 2021), Edward Joseph Steinbeck, 13 Dec 1935; citing 72041, Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics Department, Sacramento; FHL microfilm 1,686,050.] He is buried next to his wife, Susan Frances Clark Steinbeck in the Clark Cemetery Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA

On January 1, 1910, the Salinas Daily Index printed an article about Salinas City outlining the various businesses. The piece mentioned the Sperry Flour Company, (the largest flour mill in Northern California) which had been in operation for 25 years, employed twenty-five men and the capacity to produce 900 barrels of flour a day. Also stated was the Mill had doubled its equipment during the past 10 years and that “the success of the mill is due largely to the efficient management of J. E. Steinbeck.”      Four months later, in April 1910, the Salinas Daily Index printed a mention of the rumored shutdown of the Sperry Flour Mills in Salinas and Paso Robles and the buildings used as warehouses.[185]

Less than one year later, in February 1911, J. E. Van Schaick, manager of Sperry Company Mills in San Luis Obispo, was appointed to the Sperry Flour Mill in Salinas, replacing J. E. Steinbeck as manager.[186] The wording referencing the departure of J. E. Steinbeck signals a strange departure for a man who had work within the mill industry for almost twenty-five years.

J. E Van Schaick, late of San Luis Obispo, has been appointed manager of the Sperry company’s interest in this city, vice J. E. Steinbeck, who has been in charge for several years. The latter gentleman will take a rest before deciding what he will do. He has made many friends here, who wish him success wherever he may go.

The new manager Mr. Van Schaick has been manager of the Sperry company’s mills in San Luis Obispo for twenty years, and comes here with the best recommendations.[187]

 MONTEREY COUNTY FEED COMPANY SALINAS

With the loss of his job, Steinbeck chose the feed store business as his next career. In December 1911, Steinbeck purchased Blackies Feed store at 332-334 Main Street, which on the first floor of the Masonic Building. On January 1,1912 having purchased Mr. Blackie’s complete stock, Steinbeck took possession of the business.[188]

J. E. Steinbeck begins the new year right. He is the proprietor of the Monterey County Feed company, successor to Blackie, and fills all orders promptly. If you need feed for stock or poultry, ring up Steinbeck, Main 60.[189]

In the first year of operation, Steinbeck named his business, the Monterey County Feed Company (Monterey Co. Feed Co.), specializing in the selling of food for stock and poultry.[190] In 1914, any reference to Monterey Co. Feed Co. had disappeared, and from that point on, the store was identified according to the address, 350-352 Main Street, and the proprietor’s name, J. E. Steinbeck. By 1914, Steinbeck simply advertised himself as a proprietor of products for the raising of poultry. Finally, in January 1918, after a few financially difficult years, Steinbeck permanently closed the feed store.

Steinbeck next found work as a bookkeeper at the Spreckels Sugar Company, a position he held for the next several years, before becoming Monterey County treasurer.

TREASURER FOR MONTEREY COUNTY SALINAS

In 1923, James Taylor, the incumbent Treasurer for Monterey County, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of embezzlement. The Salinas board of supervisors then named George Dudley as treasurer. Mr. Dudley declined the position when he discovered he would have to resign as a member of the board of supervisors, whereupon John Ernst Steinbeck was chosen to be the Treasurer for Monterey County.[191]

When JE Steinbeck was appointed to the position, in February 1923, he was provided a salary of $250 per month and permission to employ a deputy at $125 per month.[192] An announcement on March 1, 1923, in the Salinas Daily Index titled New Deputy Treasurer noted the hiring of his wife, Olive: “Mrs. J. E. Steinbeck was sworn in as deputy county treasurer to assist her husband in his official duties during the suspension of Treasurer James Taylor.[193] John Ernst Steinbeck’s twenty-four years of bookkeeping experience within the Southern Pacific Milling enterprises likely came in handy.

Though the Monterey County Treasury accounting was a bit muddled, there appeared to have been no criminal activity on his part, and as a result, in April 1923, Taylor was acquitted of the charge of embezzlement.[194]

An explanation for the missing treasury funds later became apparent shortly thereafter when the former Monterey County Treasurer, James Taylor, who had been removed from office, committed suicide.[195], [196], [197] Apparently, Taylors unscrupulous nephew, Dale Rowan, who was visiting Salinas from San Francisco, had stolen the treasury funds.[198]

Within a little more than one year of his taking office, Monterey County Treasurer J. E. Steinbeck, had $360,000 of the county funds loaned to banks and earning interest for the treasury; with him retaining just $400 of county funds for office change.

Quoting from the article “Steinbeck claims that through the new policy the people reap a double benefit in that the county money is kept in circulation, thus helping the farmer and the merchant.” [199]

A newspaper article that appeared in July 1924 recognized Steinbeck’s effort to a significant percentage of the county’s money earning interest. “County Treasurer Steinbeck’s policy of keeping county funds busy is a sound business policy and profitable to the county”[200]

In 1926, J.E. Steinbeck, at age sixty-four, ran for re-election for county treasurer against Henry C. Clausen, which Steinbeck won with a sizable lead.[201]

In February 1933, an article that appeared in the Monterey Peninsula Herald took a shot at Steinbeck Sr. for the preferential treatment of employing his wife Olive Steinbeck as Deputy Secretary. “The office of the County Treasurer C. E. Steinbeck, whose salary is $3,000 per year, presents another example of nepotism. Mrs. Steinbeck draws $1,500 annually as deputy treasurer. She was appointed by her husband.[202]

Elita Hawley, a grammar school classmate of the author, in an interview, provided the following remembrance of John Ernest and Olive Steinbeck regarding their roles at the Monterey County Treasury Department “His father was always in the background rather than the foreground and even when Mr. Steinbeck was elected city treasurer, his wife went down and took over the office. He was well liked but the people that worked in the office resented the fact that she came in and took over, but she was just that way, she was an organizer, a manager, but this was Mrs. Steinbeck. But I think that John felt his mother was going to far.”[203]

In 1934, to retain his position as county treasurer, Steinbeck ran against Russel Giles of Pacific Grove. Shortly before the election, the Monterey Peninsula Herald wrote for their support of Mr. Giles.

“It has not been the habit of this newspaper to recommend candidates for county office just because they happen to reside on the Monterey Peninsula.

However, there are two locally resident candidates this year, whose candidacy should be closely compared with those of the incumbents: and the write believes such comparison is favorable to Russel Giles, who is running for the office of county treasurer…People acquainted with the treasurer’s office and who are not playing political favorites, quite generally, and rightly hold the opinion that if Mr. Steinbeck’s were deprived of a deputy for a week’s time, that office would practically cease to function for that week.[204]

In his bid for re-election in 1934, Steinbeck, age seventy-two was defeated by the much younger candidate, Russel Giles of Pacific Grove by a significant margin.[205] Giles served as County Treasurer and Tax Collector for the next thirty-one years. The following year, John Ernst Steinbeck Sr. born April 20, 1862, died on May 23, 1935, Watsonville, California at the age of seventy-three.

 WILLIAM PETER STEINBECK

 William Peter Steinbeck, originally named (Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck) was born February 4, 1865 in Fitchburg, Worcester, Massachusetts. [206] In 1874, WP Steinbeck, traveling with his family, arrived on November 25 to the Hollister train depot, with JA Steinbeck waiting to meet them.[207]

The U. S. Federal Census of 1880, recorded William Steinbeck, age fifteen; then a student, was living on the family farm with his father Johann Adolph, age forty-seven, a farmer; mother Almira, age fifty-one, keeping house; his brothers Charles Minor, age twenty-three, farmer; Herbert, age twenty, farmer; John Ernst Steinbeck, age eighteen, student; and Harry, age twelve, student; and Aunt Carrie Dickson, age thirty-three, in Hollister, California. [208]

On September 16, 1885, WP Steinbeck, age 20, married Flora N. McIntyre, age 19, a native of Maine and a resident of Lodi, California. Father of the bride was Ezra McIntyre, and mother of the bride, Syrena Moric. Reverend Dr. N. W. Lane, minister of the Lodi Congregational Church, presided over the wedding.[209] On May 3, 1886, WP Steinbeck, age twenty-one, registered to vote in Hollister.[210]

ORNITHOLOGY, OOLOGY, TAXIDERMY

In his youth, WP Hamilton became interested in birds, and their eggs. He had a particular interest in the American Golden Eagle, writing an article that appeared in the journal Ornithologist and Oölogist in 1884.

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetus) San Benito Valley situated at the southern extremity of Santa Clara Valley seems to be a favored spot for Golden Eagles. It is no uncommon occurrence to see eight or ten at one time. Their nests are also frequently found while it seems impossible to force the birds to leave the locality. Last year I took a set of eggs from one nest and killed the old bird female measuring 83 inches. This year the male had found a new mate and I was favored with a new set. The eggs measure 2.95, 2.20 and 2.90, 2.24. The nest was composed of branches some of which measure two and one half inches in diameter. The lining was of oat straw. Nest measured sixty inches outside measurement. The bird remained on the nest until I was almost up to it, Date March 16, 1884. Another set was taken the next day and was obtained within three miles from town. The nest was somewhat smaller than the first, lining the same. The eggs are almost pure white and measure 2.80 2.15 and 2.86 2.20. I would like to hear from someone about the statement that Eagles lay their eggs at intervals of two or three weeks. My experience has not been so with them. Will Steinbeck Hollister.[211]

Among the naturalists registered in The Naturalists' Universal Directory, William P. Steinbeck of Hollister California was listed with the special subject of study of Ornithology, Oology, Taxidermy.[212] Six years later, The Naturalists' Universal Directory had added “Coleoptera and Air Breathing Molluscs” to WP Steinbeck’s special subject of study.[213]

For the 1892 Special Bulletin of the Smithsonian Institution, Will Steinbeck contributed an article titled “Life Histories of North American Birds: The Golden Eagle: with special reference to their breeding habits and eggs.” [214]

WP Steinbeck’s interest in ornithology was extended later that year, when in December 1892, WP Steinbeck became a member of the California Zoological Club.[215] Of particular interest to Will Steinbeck was the American Golden Eagle, as mentioned in The Osprey (1897), an interest he kept throughout his life:

The monthly meeting of the Cooper Ornithological Club of California was held at San Jose January 9 with a large attendance of members including several from the Southern California Division. A few visitors were present among them Mr. Steinbeck of Hollister who is accredited with having taken as many Golden Eagles eggs as any man in the State. Mr. Steinbeck's name was proposed for membership.[216]

Over twenty years later, on April 24, 1923, WP Steinbeck presented a lecture titled “Life and Habits of the Golden Eagle in California” at the California Academy of Sciences.

Also during the Spring of 1923, Steinbeck provided a collection of flowers from the Sierra Nevada to the California Academy of Sciences flower exhibit.

The exhibition of flowers, both native and exotic, which is maintained in the vestibule of the Museum is one of the most popular features of the Museum and has great educational value. Each specimen is labelled with the scientific and common name and, in the case of the native flowers, the locality, while the native country is given with the exotics. More than a thousand species are on exhibition during the year, as there is continual change. Some good friends of the Academy have been of great assistance in sending or bringing specimens. Mr. W. P. Steinbeck of Stockton has sent beautiful flowers from the Sierra Nevada almost every week during the flowering season,…[217]

VICTOR FLOUR MILLS

HOLLISTER

In January 1887, WP Steinbeck was appointed manager of Shackelford’s Hollister flour mill, as mentioned in a paragraph that appeared in The Hollister Free Lance.

Mr. Will P. Steinbeck, appointed last week as Manager of the Victor Mills, one of the most important of the mills included in the Central Milling Company, occupies a position of much more importance than is generally held by young men of his age. He is but 22 years of age, and with no special advantages or powerful backing has, in 4 years, worked his way up from the position of common laborer in the mill to that of manager, having control of the business of the mill, and largely responsible for its future success. Mr. Steinbeck came to Hollister 12 years ago at the age of 10 years; was educated at the Hollister Public School, under Prof. A. Leggett, and 4 years ago went to work as a truckman in the Victor Mills. In a few months he was taken into the office as bookkeeper, and during the past 2 years has held positions of constantly increasing responsibility and trust. Mr. Steinbeck’s industry, ability, and character bid fair to make him one of the citizens who in a few years will add greatly to the prosperity of this county, and we wish him and his continued prosperity and success.[218]

A newspaper advertisement for Victor Flour read: The Victor Flour is made by the most complete modern mill on the coast, and from the celebrated San Benito Valley wheat. If you want the best flour made in the State try the “Victor.” Ask your grocer for Victor Flour and see for yourself what modern machinery can do with San Benito Wheat. If your grocer has not the Victor Flour, and won’t get it for you, go where you can get it. One sack will make you a regular customer of the Victor Mills. R. M. Shackelford, Manager

Beyond his position at the Victor Mills, the February 1, 1889, issue of The Hollister Free Lance mentioned William Steinbeck as being a member of the San Benito Well Boring Company.

On the B. McMahon ranch last Saturday the artesian well borers obtained a magnificent flow of water at a depth of four hundred and fifty feet. As Mr. William Steinbeck, one of members of the San Benito Well Boring Co., which bored the well, remarked, "We can strike artesian water anywhere between San Felipe and Poverty Hill.”[219]

SPERRY FLOUR MILLS

SALINAS & HOLLISTER

The Salinas Daily Index, on August 19, 1899, noted William E. Steinbeck was appointed as manager of both the Salinas and Hollister Sperry Flour Mills, at which time he relocated to the Salinas headquarters.[220] The news article also noted William had been employed by the Milling Company for sixteen years, suggesting he’d began his employment in 1883. Thus, Will Steinbeck apparently began his employment on the Milling business at eighteen years of age. His employment at the Sperry Flour Mill in Salinas lasted but a few months, as it was announced in January 1900, he’d taken charge of the company’s Stockton mill.[221] His mangers position was succeeded by his older brother, J. E. Steinbeck, who had been in charge of the Sperry Flour Mill in Paso Robles. [222]

As presented in the following mention that appeared in the Pacific Rural Press (1889), Will Steinbeck, at age twenty-four, had become a respected voice for grains grown in San Benito and Monterey County.

San Benito Good Grain June 11th. WP Steinbeck Supt of the Victor Mills took a trip to King City by way of San Benito and Bitterwater. Learning this a Free Lance reporter interviewed him as to the grain prospect for the county. Mr. Steinbeck said “Everywhere I went the crops were fine. Al Leonard at San Benito told me his crop was the finest in ten years and many others could probably have said the same thing. The best crops I saw were in Bitterwater. There the wheat looked to be in simply perfect condition and a large yield of grain is assured. Looking at the grain crop from the standpoint of a miller it can be said that the crop is very satisfactory.”[223]

A description of the Victor Mills for which WP Steinbeck was manger appeared in Memorial And Biographical History Of The Coast Counties Of Central California in 1893.

The agricultural resources of San Benito county are very extensive. Some of the best wheat produced in the State is raised in the upper San Benito valley, and in the other smaller valleys in the southern part of the county. The soil of this region seems to be peculiarly adapted to the growth of both wheat and barley. While the crop of grain for the year 1892 is reported short in other sections of the State, owing to the lateness and shortness of the rains, that of San Benito county is said to be a full average in quantity, and extra in quality.

 San Benito county is noted for its hay product. The quantity of grain and hay produced in the county is prodigious.

The Victor Mills of the big Sperry Flour Company are located at Hollister. The capacity of these mills is 400 barrels of flour per day of twenty-four hours each, and they are now run night and day. They have twenty sets of rollers, and a 200-horse power engine, and consume 1,500 tons of wheat per month, or 18,000 tons per annum, or the larger part of the local product, besides about 200 tons of barley per month, or 2,400 tons per annum, which they convert into feed for stock. The market for their flour is the entire State. William Steinbeck is the local manager. Last year a business of about $600,000 was done by these mills, less than the average; this year they will do more.

A capital of about $200,000 is required to carry on the business including the plant. The Victor Mills are of immense value to the county, as they furnish its farmers a sure market for the greater portion of the grain they raise. The mills buy for cash and sell on thirty days’ time.[224]

On July 31, 1890, WP Steinbeck, age 25, registered to vote in Hollister;[225] then on August 13, 1892, WP Steinbeck, age 27, registered to vote in Hollister;[226] and on July 8, 1898, WP Steinbeck, age 34, registered to vote in Hollister, San Benito, California.[227]

FREEMASONS, HOLLISTER

Like his father, WP Steinbeck was a registered Royal Arch Mason of the Hollister Chapter No. 68 which met at the San Benito Lodge No 211.[228],[229] On April 21, 1896, during the Forty-Second Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California at the Masonic Temple in San Francisco, WP Steinbeck was recognized as a High Priest of the Hollister Chapter No 68.[230]

In 1887, Will’s wife, Mrs. Flora Steinbeck, then age twenty-one, became a member of Hollister’s Order of the Eastern Star’s Athena Chapter No. 46.[231]

Two years later, in September 1899, Mrs. William Steinbeck and Mrs. L. E. Logan were selected as the Worthy Matrons to attend the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and represent the Athena Chapter No. 46 of Hollister.[232]

SPERRY FLOUR MILLS

STOCKTON

In 1900, WP Steinbeck moved to Stockton to manage the Sperry Flour Mills, at which time he became a member as a Royal Arch Mason of Stockton, Chapter No. 28. The 1900 U. S. Federal Census listed Will Steinbeck living with his family at 125 West Oak of Stockton and recorded him as a manager of flour mills. William P Steinbeck, age thirty-five; his wife Flora Steinbeck, age thirty-three, and children, Earl Steinbeck, age thirteen, Grace Steinbeck, age eleven, Willis Steinbeck, age two.[233]

On July 7, 1900, WP Steinbeck, age thirty-five, registered to vote in Stockton. The registration again noted his address as 125 W Oak St, Stockton, San Joaquin, California.[234] On February 15, 1902, WP Steinbeck, age thirty-seven, registered to vote in Stockton (125 W Oak St, Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States).[235] In 1903, Steinbeck served as an officer of the Freemason Stockton Council No 10.[236] On June 30, 1904, WP Steinbeck, age thirty-nine, registered to vote in Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States.[237]

William Steinbeck became a prominent member of the community, where he served as vice-president in 1901, president 1902, and director 1903, of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce.[238] During his time as president, Steinbeck guided the development of Stockton to become one of the most progressive cities in California. WP Steinbeck served as a member of the Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade, being selected once again to serve as a director of the Chamber in 1911.[239] William Steinbeck’s position as President of the Chamber of Commerce provided him the opportunity to befriend the prominent members of the Stockton community. [240]

In April 1904, WP Steinbeck, as manager of Stockton’s Sperry Flour company, brokered “one of the largest, if not the largest, wheat transaction ever made” in the San Joaquin Valley. This business deal secured by Steinbeck and H. Hughson, a Modesto farmer, involved the purchase of four thousand tons of Australian and club wheat worth an estimated about $120,000.[241],[242]

In August 1904, an article titled “Milling Wheat Is Eagerly Sought As A Necessity For This State” appeared in the San Francisco Call recognizing WP Steinbeck as a man quite knowledgeable in the State’s corn, wheat, and barley crops.

One particular thing — the composition of the corn plant has been distinctly changed under a system of careful scientific experiment. A great deal can be accomplished by the introduction of new seeds. Find out what seeds are adapted to this State and to the different parts of the State and encourage the use of them. Mr. Steinbeck tells us that Turkey Red wheat has been very profitable near Stockton and that it is In great demand there for seed. I am told that the Turkey red wheat will grow on the adobe lands near Stockton. For one year at least it did not fall back at all. There was an improvement in gluten, which is an important fact — a distinct gain in information.

Valuable information from experiments was imparted by Mr. Steinbeck of San Joaquin County. He said that the Turkey red milling wheat that was imported from Kansas to be used as seed in California was tried by Mr. Mondan, who planted ten acres, sowing 980 pounds. The wheat was good and about three-quarters developed. It stood the dry weather and the heat better than the Australian and club wheat. The crop was better than the original sowed in that it contained more gluten. The yield was eleven sacks per acre for eight acres. The wheat was better than the other wheats from a milling: point of view. The wheat that increased in gluten was raised on heavy adobe land. The neighbors were anxious to get some of the seed and were going ahead extensively this season. There was little difference in the matter of threshing out between the Australian and Turkey red wheat.

Mr. McMillan contributed information based on experiments. He reported that he had tried many different varieties of wheat that were a success in Sacramento County. From one pound of Fife seed he received ninety-five pounds. Last year he received sixty nine sacks of wheat from the sowing of one pound. There are six varieties of this wheat.[243]

On April 18, 1905, WP Steinbeck, age forty, registered to vote in Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States.[244]

In July 1905, an article in the Pacific Rural Press reveals WP Steinbeck’s involvement with improving the crop yields in the county by providing farmers with different seed varieties for experimentation.

Good Wheat.—Stockton Independent, July 14 G. A. Smith, a farmer who lives on the Sonora road, 3 miles east of Stockton, placed a sheaf of wheat in the Chamber of Commerce Thursday, which Secretary Brown at once put on exhibition in the show window. Mr. Smith raised fifteen sacks of the wheat to the acre, while other wheat sown under like conditions in fields adjoining only yielded eight sacks. Mr. Smith's account of the crop is that W. P. Steinbeck, resident manager of the Sperry Flour Co., furnished him the seed and besought him to sow it as an experiment. The seed is from Kansas and Mr. Steinbeck assured him it was richer in gluten than the California grain. Mr. Smith tried the seed and harvested it this week. He realized fifteen sacks to the acre while on part of the same and adjoining fields he realized only eight sacks. The new grain is amber colored and the ears are bearded like barley. It is heavier than California seed wheat and the mills pay 10 cents per hundred more for it than the ordinary California grain. As Mr. Steinbeck gave out the same seed to about thirty farmers in this vicinity, like good results are expected from other experimental crops.[245]

On July 30, 1906, WP Steinbeck, age forty-one, registered to vote in Stockton (1029 North Hunter Street, Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States).[246]

The 1910 U. S. Federal Census recorded William P Steinbeck was living with his family at 1029 North Hunter Street in Stockton, California. WP Steinbeck, age forty-four, listed as a grain merchant. With him, lives his wife, Flora M Steinbeck, age forty-three and their children, Charles E. Steinbeck, age twenty-two, (listed as a mechanical engineer), Grace C. Steinbeck, age twenty-one, John Willis Steinbeck, age twelve, and Thelma Steinbeck, age five.[247]

By 1911, WP Steinbeck, a recognized leading authority of the grain crops grown in the State of California,[248] began building a thirty-ton alfalfa mill in Stockton, California.[249] The Wolf Company of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, furnished the machinery for the alfalfa mill.[250]

The processing plant, when completed, was named Aurora Flour Mill with WP Steinbeck, as lessee. In 1913, WP Steinbeck severed his ties with the facility and the Aurora Flour Mills of Stockton, California was taken over by Jewel Alexander of San Francisco.[251]

In 1924, one finds William P. Steinbeck as President of the Central California Fish and Game Protective Association.[252]

W. P. Steinbeck died July 15, 1942, in Stockton, where he had been a resident for forty years.[253] By this time, his nephew John Steinbeck was forty years old and a world-famous Pulitzer Prize winning author.

According to his obituary, W.P. Steinbeck was manager of the Sperry Flour Mill in Stockton for twenty years. He was the second president of the Stockton chamber, serving in 1902 and 1903. [254]

HENRY EUGENE STEINBECK

Henry Eugene “Harry” Steinbeck was born October 5, 1867, in Dudley Massachusetts.[255] In 1874, Harry Steinbeck, traveling with his family, arrived on November 25 to the Hollister train depot, The following mention appeared in the personal section of The Hollister Free Lance on December 10, 1886: “Harry Steinbeck came up from King’s City Wednesday” The mention suggests Henry may have been living with his brother, John Ernst Steinbeck in South Monterey County.[256]  Beyond visiting his brother, Harry Steinbeck, at the time may have already been employed by R. M. Shackelford. 

 SOUTHERN PACIFIC MILLING CO.

SAN ARDO

On August 20, 1886, Southern Pacific Railroad reached San Ardo, a township 40 miles south of Soledad, which had recently been founded earlier that year.

In 1888, Henry E. Steinbeck left Hollister and moved to San Ardo to work as a sales agent/bookkeeper for the Southern Pacific Milling Company and Salinas Valley Lumber Company.[257],[258] On July 25, 1888, HE Steinbeck, age twenty-one, registered to vote in San Ardo. On September 1, 1889, Henry Steinbeck, age twenty-two, married Mamie (Mary) L. Carlton, age seventeen, in San Ardo.[259] Mamie Carleton was the daughter of Columbus Carlton, a hotel proprietor and postmaster of San Ardo who had settled in the community in 1887.[260] On May 7, 1890, Harry and Mamie Steinbeck’s first child, Eugene Henry Steinbeck was born in San Ardo.[261] Mentioned in the King City Rustler, August 1890, Henry was one of three men purchasing the harvested grain.[262]

Just how small the population of San Ardo was during this time, is counted by the population count for 1910 totaled three hundred and sixty-five, For the town of Santa Margarita the population recorded in the U. S. Federal Census of 1900 was eight hundred and ninety-six.[263] In the early years, the small community was allowed to have the children attend classes in the Southern Pacific Milling Warehouse until a schoolhouse was built near the Salinas River.[264]

SOUTHERN PACIFIC MILLING CO.

SANTA MARGARITA

 Ten miles southeast of the Garcia Mountains, where the headwaters of the Salinas river begin, the town of Santa Margarita was established in 1889, when the Southern Pacific Railroad extended its tracks from Templeton.

The Southern Pacific Railroad reached Santa Margarita on April 20, 1889. In Santa Margarita, the Southern Pacific Milling Company had purchased two blocks of the town - from Murphy Street to Encina Street - on El Camino Real.[265] In a short time, the town had constructed not only the S. P. Milling Co. warehouse, but a hotel, restaurants, taverns, and a blacksmith shop.

In 1891, Harry Steinbeck moved his family to Santa Margarita and continued his employment as a sale agent/bookkeeper at Southern Pacific Milling Company warehouse. Harry Steinbeck and family lived in the community for the next six years. On November 30, 1891, their second child, William Ernst Steinbeck, was born.[266] On August 15, 1892, HE Steinbeck, age twenty-five, registered to vote in community of Santa Margarita. His voter registration recorded HE Steinbeck’s height as 5 foot 6 inches, with a light complexion, blue eyes, light hair.[267]

SOUTHERN PACIFIC MILLING CO.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

On May 5, 1894, the first Southern Pacific train reached San Luis Obispo. Later that year, HE Steinbeck moved his family to San Luis Obispo, where Harry continued to work for the Southern Pacific Milling Co./Salinas Valley Lumber Co.[268]

A November 1894 newspaper article that appeared San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune mentioned H. E. Steinbeck and his serving as an sales agent/bookkeeper for the lumber company.

OUR NEW LUMBER YARD. The Price of Building Material to Be Greatly Reduced.: At last the people of this city and vicinity can congratulate themselves on the fact that we have a lumber yard, and one that will stay. The old prices are broken, and we can now get lumber at living prices. H. E. Steinbeck, the obliging agent of the Salinas Valley Lumber company, the new proprietors to whom we are referring, kindly showed the writer about the company’s extensive yards near the Southern Pacific depot, yesterday. The yards are well arranged—handy—and supplied with everything necessary for any or all classes of buildings. All grades of pine and redwood lumber, doors, windows, lime and cement, are among the materials kept at the yards. The company is selling good merchantable lumber, and poorer grades, at figures which are something near prices we should pay for lumber, which makes building possible now where it could not be thought of at the old rates. Another convenience is the delivery of lumber. Any quantity over 1000 feet will be delivered by the company to any part of the city.[269]

An article that appeared in the San Luis Obispo, Morning Tribune in February 1895, mentions the strong arm of the Salinas Valley Lumber company predatory actions toward competition. “Take Possession Monday. The rumor that has been going the rounds for several days that the Salinas Valley Lumber company is to take possession of the Schwartz, Beebee & Co.’s yard, is well founded, and tomorrow H. Steinbeck, the local manager of the former company, will assume control of the yard near the P. C. Ry. depot. By this deal the Salinas Valley Lumber company secures complete control of the market in this city.” [270]

Later that year, during the 4th of July celebration of 1895, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune noted Harry Steinbeck’s quick action in stopping a fire that was about to engulf the lumber yard.[271]

In May 1896, the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune noted Steinbeck’s traveling to Hollister to attend his parents’ 40th anniversary celebration. Leaves for Hollister. Harry Steinbeck leaves today for Hollister and the obliging clerk, Clifford Bickell, will be in charge of the Salinas Valley lumber yard. Mr. Steinbeck will be joined by his wife at San Ardo. He will attend the 40th anniversary celebration of the wedding of Mr. Steinbeck’s parents at Hollister.[272]

Several months later, in July 1896, San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune noted the harvesting of grain by threshing crews and the purchasing of harvests by Steinbeck for the Salinas Valley Lumber Co. Threshing Crews. Sim and Paul Still Bucking Straw In East Santa Fe. A Tribune representative had the pleasure yesterday of a visit to the threshing crews of W. H. Sim and Alya Paul at work in the East Santa Fe district. Both of them are turning out the grain at a lively rate. …. Harry Steinbeck was run across in the travels of the Tribune representative. Mr. Steinbeck is buying grain for the Salinas Valley Lumber company, and he is paying first-class prices, so the farmers all said. [273]

A year later, in July 1897, San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune noted Henry Steinbeck receiving a shipment for the for the Southern Pacific Milling Co. “H. E. Steinbeck received 1000 sacks of barley at Edna yesterday for the Southern Pacific Milling Co.[274] The Southern Pacific Railroad, stretching from Stockton to Hollister to San Luis Obispo allowed the Steinbeck’s and their extended families to visit each other on a frequent basis.[275] Beyond visiting family, the Steinbeck’s were able to conduct business for the Southern Pacific Milling Co. and attend gathering of Freemason society held among the Masonic Lodges from San Francisco to Stockton to San Luis Obispo. The Steinbeck brothers rubbed shoulders with men of prominence. William Steinbeck toured Edward Henry Harriman, President of the Southern Pacific railway system during his visit to Stockton. CM Steinbeck and JE Steinbeck close association with those who helped establish Paso Robles; James H. Blackburn, Daniel D. Blackburn R. M. Shackelford, and D.W. James. HE Steinbeck’s association with the members of the Republican Party, serving as Secretary Republican Convention 1902.

The U. S. Federal Census of 1900 recorded three hundred and twenty-one residents in San Luis Obispo including Harry and Mary Steinbeck, their son’s Eugene H. Steinbeck, age ten, and William E. Steinbeck, age nine. The census taker recorded HE Steinbeck’s employment as a manager of a mill.[276] In March 1903, HE Steinbeck purchased a residence on Buchon Street near Broad Street.[277] Two year later, in 1905, he purchased a lot on the corner of Buchon Street and Nipoma Street.[278] These addresses lie in the heart the current San Luis Obispo historic district.

HE Steinbeck’s family lived in San Luis Obispo for the next ten years, during which time he became a member of the Woodmen of the World (Modern Woodmen), Eucalyptus Camp No. 183,[279] and secretary of the Republican County Central Committee.[280]

In 1907, the family moved from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles, where HE Steinbeck and his brother-in-law William Carlton bought the JH Van Wormer’s furniture and carpet store.[281] Harry then left his job with the Southern Pacific Milling Company and the Salinas Valley Lumber Company, his employer for the past twenty years.[282]

In February 1908, HE Steinbeck became ill, which required a visit to San Francisco’s St. Luke’s Hospital. When traveling back from San Francisco to Paso Robles, he again fell ill, which forced him to stop at his brother John Ernst Steinbeck’s home in Salinas, where he passed away.[283] The Steinbeck family bible recorded Henry E. Steinbeck died on March 3, 1908. At the time, his nephew, John Steinbeck, was six years old.

Reverend BD Weigle of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church conducted the service in the home of John and Olive Steinbeck in Salinas. Henry E. Steinbeck’s remains were shipped on train No. 23 to the Cypress Lawn Center in San Francisco for cremation, accompanied by many sorrowful friends and relatives.[284]

In April 1908, the inventory and appraisement of HE Steinbeck’s estates was filed in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, after R. M. Shackelford, C. O. Bickell and W. C. Bennett had appraised his real and personal property.[285]    In 1919, Mary Steinbeck inherited from her aunt Lou P. Carter, 480 acres of prime agriculture land in Bloomfield, California.[286]

REFERENCES

[1] Steinbeck: A Life in Letters; Image: John Steinbeck, via To Reverend Leon M. Birkhead. May 7, 1940.

[2] "New Hampshire, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1636-1947," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FDKG-FB7 : 30 October 2020), Sarah Dickson in entry for James Swallow, 11 Nov 1867; citing Marriage, Nashua, Hillsborough, New Hampshire, United States, New Hampshire Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics, Concord; FHL microfilm 007578107.

[3] Letter from Captain John Lott Phillips, of Company B, 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment, to Capt Steele requesting that John A. Steinbeck be released from military service. The letter is dated August 11, 1862, and is from near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The letter includes a response from Colonel William S. Dilworth, also of the 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment, denying Steinbeck's request to be discharged from military service. Stanford University. Libraries. Department of Special Collections and University Archives. http://purl.stanford.edu/gh711ty1052

[4] A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California: Illustrated. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period ... and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today ...Henry D. Barrows Lewis Publishing Company, 1893

[5] John A. Steinbeck, Leominster, Massachusetts, Piano Forte Top Manufacturer. The Massachusetts register, Volume 1872, vol. 2 Page 505.

[6] Dore, Davide. John Steinbeck’s roots run through Leominster. Leominster Champion. September 12, 1918. https://www.leominsterchamp.com/news/20180912/john-steinbecks-roots-run…

[7] Headline: Six degrees of Star Wars. Gilroy Dispatch. May 19, 2005.

[8] Barrows, Henry D. A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California: Illustrated. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period ... and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today. San Francisco, Lewis Publishing Company, 1893.

[9] Headline: Milk Ranch. The Hollister Free Lance. (Hollister, California) December 10, 1886.

[10] Headline: Services Held For Mrs. Caroline Danks. Salinas Index Journal. (Salinas, California) September 22, 1932. Thursday, Page 10.

[11] Headline: Milk Ranch. The Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California). December 10, 1886.

The following description of Steinbeck’s dairy ranch was published in the December 6, 1886 issue of The Hollister Free Lance. The milk ranch of Mr. J.A. Steinbeck will well repay a visit. Lying on the outskirts of Hollister, with the San Benito river flowing in the rear, the situation is most excellent, and with the rich soil and feed, affords unusual advantages for engaging in the milk business. The ranch proper consists of 70 acres, though there are 10 additional acres belonging to the home ranch. For 10 years, Mr. Steinbeck has continued in the business, and in spite of the bad start he made on account of the dry year of 1872 in which he commenced business, he has gone steadily onward and enlarged his business each year. The 30 cows with which the ranch is stocked are of good breed, 10 of them being Jersey and the rest mainly Durham stock. Although this is the time of year when the feed is of the poorest quality, the cows are all fat and in excellent condition. They give at present 30 gallons of milk, all of which is used by Mr. Steinbeck in supplying the wants of his Hollister customers. The barn is large and kept in perfect order, and the milk house is built under a large oak tree, and with its cement floor and double walls filled with sawdust, keeps the milk cool and fresh in the hottest weather. Mr. Steinbeck has a large and steadily growing list of customers, all of whom are supplied with milk of the richest quality. Mr. Steinbeck also engages quite extensively in horticulture, and at the home ranch especially there are thrifty orchards of all varieties of fruit.

[12] Bound certificate from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts (no date) Induction of John A. Steinbeck as Master Mason, 12th November ---- (Masonic Date) Box 6, Volume 4,Steinbeck - Ainsworth Collection: Stanford University. Special Collection.

[13] Printed history celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Order of the Eastern Star, Athena Chapter No. 46. The history is dated June 6, 1905, Hollister, California. Stanford University. Libraries. Department of Special Collections and University Archives. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/rd435nv4661

[14] Headline: Eastern Star. San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California). December 18, 1883, Tuesday. Page 3.

[15] Sherman, Edwin Allen. Fifty Years of Masonry in California, Volume 1. San Francisco, G. Spaulding, 1896.

[16] Headline: Order of the Eastern Star. The Grand Chapter Concludes Its Work and Adjourns for a Year. The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California). October 21, 1887. Friday. Page 6.

[17] Headline: The Eastern Star. The Sixteenth Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of California Convenes.” “Most of the San Benito Lodge brothers were Eastern Star members. Almira Steinbeck, Grand Conductress, Hollister. Almira A. Steinbeck, Associate Grand Conductress.” San Francisco Evening Bulletin (San Francisco, California) October 15,1888. Page 1.

[18] The Grand Chapter Of The Order Of The Eastern Star. Almira A. Steinbeck, Associate Grand Conductress, Hollister. City Directory (San Francisco (Calif.), R. L. Polk, 1888).

[19] Headline: Hollister. The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California). June 12, 1881. Sunday. Page 3.

[20] Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California at Its Annual Communication Volumes 11-12 By Freemasons. Grand Lodge of California. 1860.

[21] Barrows, Henry D. A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California: Illustrated. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period ... and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today ... San Francisco, Lewis Publishing Company, 1893.

[22] Headline: Twenty-two Steinbeck’s sat down to the table loaded with all to feast the taste and sight. Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California). July 8, 1896.

[23] Highly Esteemed Resident of This City Since 1873, Dies at Age of 80 Years – Had Witnessed Stirring Times. Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California). August 11, 1913.

[24] Chapter No. 46, O.E.S., sympathy letter, [245] 1913-09. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/fk448hj4612

[25] “United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHWQ-1YX : accessed 27 September 2018), Wilhelm P Steinbeck in household of Almira A Steinbeck, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States; citing ED 32, sheet 13A, line 26, family 367, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 128; FHL microfilm 1,820,128.

[26] “Obituary. Shackelford.” American Miller and Processor. Vol. 43 no. 2, (February 1, 1915) Page 146.

[27] Headline: Hollister. The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California). June 12, 1881. Sunday. Page 3

[28] Headline: Twenty-two Steinbeck’s sat down to the table loaded with all to feast the taste and sight. Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California). July 8, 1896.

[29] “The California Combine The Central Milling Co and Its Interesting History.” The Northwestern Miller. Miller Publishing Company, Vol. 25 (January 20, 1888). Page 63.

[30] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992).

[31] Headline: To Build A Masonic Temple. Los Angeles Daily Herald. (Los Angeles, California) Vol. 27 (April 17, 1887) Page 2.

[32] Baker, Moses Nelson. California. Paso Robles. The Manual of American Water-works. Volume 2 (New York, Engineering News, 1889) Page 627.

[33] Headline: San Luis Obispo County Founder of Paso Robles Is Dead. Los Angeles Herald. Volume XXVIII, Number 247. June 4, 1901.

[34] Headline: To Build a Masonic Temple. Los Angeles Daily Herald. (Los Angeles, CA) Vol. 27 (April 17, 1887) Page 2.

[35] Sherman, Edwin Allen. “Paso Robles Lodge No. 286.” In: Fifty Years of Masonry in California, Volume 1. (San Francisco, G. Spaulding, 1896.) Page 476-477.

[36] Ibid.

[37] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992).

[38] “Through The Pass of Oaks” Overland Monthly and Out West Magazine, A. Roman and Company, 22 (1893) Pages 1-13.

[39] Headline: Shackelford Is Bankrupt. Paso Robles Man in a Financial Strait Assets $84,000—The Liabilities Double That. Los Angeles Herald, Vol. 28 No.132. February 10, 1901. Page 7.

[40] American Lumberman, September 28, 1912. Pg 53.

[41] American Lumberman, September 28, 1912. Pg 53.

[42] The Pacific Lumber Company. Actual Performance of Railroad Ties. Sweet's Engineering Catalogue. Sweet's Catalogue Service, Division of F.W. Dodge Corporation. 1921. Page 372.

[43] Clovis, Margaret E. Salinas Valley, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2005.

[44] Margaret E. Clovis and Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum, Salinas Valley (Images of America Series) Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2005) Page 84.

[45] Andrea H. Hobbs, Milene F. Radford, Paso Robles Pioneer Museum. Paso Robles. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007.

[46] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992).

[47] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992).

[48] Headline: Southern Pacific Milling Company Plans Royal Entertainment Event. Over Hundred Families are Invited to Partake of Barbecue—All Expenses Paid. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XXXII, Number 119. April 5, 1903.

[49] Decision No. 1889. In The Matter of The Application of Southern Pacific Milling Company For Authority To Issue Stock. Decisions of the Railroad Commission of the State of California. Volume 5. (1914) Page 631.

[50] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992)

[51] Burrows, Henry Todd. A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California: Illustrated. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period ... and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today, Lewis Publishing Company, 1893.

[52] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992).

[53] Magliari, Michael Frederick. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. (Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, 1992)

[54] Headline: Salinas Valley Lumber Company. Advertisement. San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram (San Luis Obispo, CA).

[56] Magliari, Michael Frederick, 1992. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis.

[57] Ibid.

[58] Headline: Milling Company Gives Picnic to Employees. San Francisco Call Bulletin. (San Francisco, CA.) Vol. 93, May 10, 1903. Page 23.

[59] Magliari, Michael Frederick, 1992. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis.

[60] Yda Addis Storke. “Hon. R. M. Shackelford.” In: A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California.. (Lewis Publishing Company, Fresno County (Calif.), 1891) 677 pages.

[61] “The Secretary of State's office at San Francisco Stock and Fruit Farmers Association, Principal place of business Paso Robles, capital stock $100,000 Directors RM Shackelford, FA Earll, EC Griswold, JE Steinbeck, CM Steinbeck.” The American Engineer Vol. 17 (Smith & Cowles, 1889, June 1889). Page 224.

[62] “ RM Shackelford, FA Earll, EC Griswold, JE Steinbeck and CM Steinbeck incorporated the Stock and Fruit Farmers Association capital stock $100,000 in Paso Robles.” The Record-Union (Sacramento, California) June 4, 1889. Tuesday. Page 2.

[63] The Californian (Salinas, California). August 22, 1890. Friday. Page 3.

[64] The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California). September 9, 1890. Tuesday. Page 11.

[65] Headline: San Luis Obispo. Colt Show Planned. Pacific Rural Press, Vol. 35 No. 14. April 7, 1888. Page 308.

[66] Headline: New Stock Company. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Vol. 5, No. 11. June 1, 1889.

[67] San Luis Obispo, Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Vol. 5 No. 42. July 10, 1889.

[68] Shinn. Charles Howard. (Inspector of Experiment Stations). “Experiments With Deciduous Fruits At And Near The Southern Coast Range Sub-Station Paso Robles, From 1889 To 1902” University of California College of Agriculture Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 141 (June 1902).

[69] Magliari, Michael Frederick, 1992. California Populism, a Case Study: The Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party in San Luis Obispo County, 1885-1903. Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis.

[70] Headline: Shackelford Is Bankrupt. Paso Robles Man in a Financial Strait Assets $84,000 - The Liabilities Double That. Los Angeles Herald. (Los Angeles, California). Vol. 28 No. 132. February 10, 1901. Page 7.

[71] Ibid.

[72] Henry D. Barrows. A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California: Illustrated. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period ... and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today. (San Francisco, Lewis Publishing Company, 1893).

[73] “Massachusetts, Boston Passenger Lists, 1820-1891," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KCHV-75Q : 12 March 2018), Charles M Steinbeck, 1858; citing p. , Ship Champion, NARA microfilm publication M277 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 053; FHL microfilm 419,947.

[74] 1870 U. S. Federal Census,

[75] “California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNNZ-7NN : 8 December 2017), Charles Minor Steinbeck, 11 Jun 1878; citing Voter Registration, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 977,091.

[76] 1880 U. S. Federal Census,

[77] Charles M. Steinbeck, son of John A. Steinbeck, formerly of this city now of Hollister, California, is visiting friends at the East. He has recently been in Texas.Fitchburg Sentinel (Fitchburg, Massachusetts). Thursday. March 30, 1882. Page 3.

[78] Yda Addis Storke. A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California ...: Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period of Its Occupancy to the Present Time, Together with Glimpses of Its Prospective Future; with ... Full-page Steel Portraits of Its Most Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers and Also of Prominent Citizens of To-day, (San Francisco, Lewis Publishing Company, 1891)

[79] "California, County Marriages, 1850-1952," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8DV-BV8 : 10 December 2017), C M Steinbeck and Berthie I Griswold, 19 Nov 1887; citing San Luis Obispo, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,290,847.

[80]Edwin Allen Sherman. “Paso Robles Lodge Santa Lucia Lodge.” In: Fifty Years of Masonry in California, Volume 1.(San Francisco, G. Spaulding, 1896.)

[81] Templeton: brick and wood buildings, one and two stories department one hose carriage feet good cotton hose; 14 volunteer members CM Steinbeck Water Supply Water works gravity 1 reservoir capacity 35.000 gallons 70 feet high. Steam pump; 1 mile street miins, 5 hydrants. A Seely own Clerk (The Insurance Year Book... Spectator Company, 1888.

[82] Ibid.

[83] Headline: Fire in Templeton. Sacramento Daily Union, (Sacramento, California) Vol. 96, No. 41, (October 1, 1898) Page 1.

[84] Headline: Templeton. Steinbeck Looks After the Library Books. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. Volume XXXVIII, Number 6. November 22, 1905.

[85] “The Secretary of State's office at San Francisco Stock and Fruit Farmers Association Principal place of business Paso Robles capital stock $100,000 Directors RM Shackelford, FA Earll, EC Griswold, JE Steinbeck, CM Steinbeck.” The American Engineer. Vol. 17, (Smith & Cowles, June 1889) Page 224.

[86] Headline: New Warehouse. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XIII, Number 43. July 12, 1893.

[87] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Vol, 13, No 134, October 26, 1893.

[88] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California), Vol. 17, No. 30, June 26, 1895.

[89] Headline: A Car Load of Bartlett Pears Shipped to Chicago. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XVI, Number 70, 13 August 1897.

[90] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume VIII, Number 80, 25 August 1898.

[91] Headline: Templeton. Local News and Social Events in that Town. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XX, Number 74, 17 August 1899

[92] U. S. Federal Census 1900

[93] Headline: Personal Mention. C. M. Steinbeck of Templeton is sending from 50 to 75 boxes of pears to Los Angeles daily. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XIV, Number 96. September 10, 1901.

[94] Headline: Templeton Advance. Steinbeck has a large force employed picking and packing his pears and has begun shipping the fruit to Los Angeles, having contracted the entire some time ago. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XXXI, Number 91. September 3,1902.

[95] “In Luis Obispo County, C. M. Steinbeck, Templeton: Almonds, medium; apples, full crop; wine grapes, full crop; peaches, poor; pears, medium; prunes and walnuts, full crop.” San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) June 15, 1903.

[96] Charles Howard Shinn. (Inspector of Experiment Stations). “Experiments With Deciduous Fruits at And Near The Southern Coast Range Sub-Station Paso Robles, From 1889 To 1902” University of California College of Agriculture Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 141 (Berkeley, The University Press (June 1902). Page 38-41.

[97] Mr. CM Steinbeck of Templeton San Luis Obispo County May 13, 1895 writes “Our section is troubled with cutworms this season for the first time that is to any extent they are cutting the leaves and young fruit in the orchards prunes and pears the worst.” (Reports On Entomology And Plant Diseases, Appendix to the Journals of the Senate and Assembly ... of the Legislature of the State of California ..., Volume 4, California Sup't State Printing, 1897.

[98] The Insurance Year Book For 1899. Fire and Marine. Appendix Fire Protection. A Compilation Showing the Water Supply and Fire Appliances of The Cities and Villages of the United States Corrected to June 20, 1899. Volume 27. 1899. Page 23. TEMPLETON San Luis Obispo Co population 300, fire area 150 acres, mercantile buildings, wood 2 stories, private wood 1 story, roofs permitted, no fireworks ordinance. Fire department,1 hose carriage hose rubber 500 ft value of fire department equipment $1,700 value of buildings occupied $250..

[99] San Luis Obispo County, CM Steinbeck, Templeton. “A poor crop of apples all others fruits destroyed by frost.” California Cultivator and Livestock and Dairy Journal. Volume 14 (G.H.A. Goodwin, 1900). Page 357.

[100] Morrison, Annie L. Stringfellow. History of San Luis Obispo County and Environs, California: With Biographical Sketches of the Leading Men and Women of the County and Environs who Have Been Identified with the Growth and Development of the Section from the Early Days to the Present. (San Luis Obispo County (Calif.), John H. Haydon Historic Record Company, 1917). Page 90.

[101] “Chief Steinbeck was the uncle of the famous author John Steinbeck. He was a member and Chairman (1906) of the Presbyterian Church.” (http://templetonfd.org/?page_id=1115 )

[102] San Luis Obispo County, Van Ness. “This company has formed at Paso Robles to open new mine in Van Ness Canon ten miles west of Templeton. The ore carries lead and silver and a small amount of gold. The section is a new one for mining C M Steinbeck is president of the company and AW Smith secretary” Engineering and Mining Journal, Vol. 82, (McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1906). Page 1234.

[103] Headline: Templeton News Brief Reported. Steinbecks Go To Hollister. San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram. (San Luis Obispo, CA). Wednesday, Jun 12, 1907. Page: 2.

[104] Headline: Officers Installed by the Eastern Star Athena Chapter Holds Installation and Banquet--Building New Bridge. San Jose Mercury Herald (San Jose, California) December 9, 1914.

[105] Headline: Officers Installed by Athena Chapter. Hollister Order of Eastern Star Members Hold Ceremonies and Banquet. San Jose Mercury Herald, (San Jose, California). December 19, 1915. Page 25.

[106] Headline: Buys Livery Stable. Charles M. Steinbeck has purchased the Fashion livery stables in Hollister. Mr. Steinbeck is well known here and his many friends with him success in his new venture.” San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram. (San Luis Obispo, CA) April 11, 1910. Page 3.

[107] U. S. Federal Census of 1910

[108] Headline: Templeton News of Past Week: Report of the funerals of Richard Steinbeck and Mrs. Fredricson. San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram. (San Luis Obispo, CA) August 1, 1906. Page 5.

[109] "California Death Index, 1905-1939," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKSM-6LRR : 8 November 2017), Richard M Steinbeck, 24 Jul 1906; citing 17894, Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics Department, Sacramento; FHL microfilm 1,686,047.

[110] "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHW7-FYZ : accessed 24 September 2018), Charles M Steinbeck, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States; citing ED 32, sheet 21B, line 90, family 697, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 128; FHL microfilm 1,820,128

[111] U. S. Federal Census of 1930

[112] Headline: Charles Steinbeck Pioneer, Is Dead. San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram (San Luis Obispo, CA) Saturday, June 29, 1935. Page 2

[113] Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKV-NS2R : 13 December 2015), Charles M. Steinbeck, 1935; Burial, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America, Templeton Cemetery; citing record ID 50876149, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

[114] "California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPK7-Y1S : 26 November 2014), Bertha Iva Steinbeck, 15 Nov 1950; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.

[115] San Benito Advance , Weekly Publication February 2, 1878. Uncle Tom’ s Cabin is under active rehearsal and will be presented in about 2 weeks, under the direction of the Hollister Minstrels. The cast of characters is as follows: Tom Loker:

[116] Age 21, registered to vote August 13, 1880 in Hollister "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNNZ-1NN : 8 December 2017), Herbet Eldridge Steinbeck, 13 Aug 1880; citing Voter Registration, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 977,091.

[117] A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California: Illustrated. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period ... and Biographical Mention of Many of Its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today ...Henry D. Barrows Lewis Publishing Company, 1893.

[118] San Bernardino Daily Courier, Vol. 2, No 111, August 18,1887, Thursday. Page 4.

[119] "California, County Marriages, 1850-1952," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL88-Y4P : 8 December 2017), Herbert E Steinbeck and Ella B Phillips, 20 Dec 1887; citing San Bernardino, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,290,189.

[120] Headline: Ontario Enterprise. The Progress of a Semi-Tropic Town. Los Angeles Herald, Vol. 31, No. 111, January 21, 1889, Page 2.

[121] "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M95M-8V5 : accessed 17 October 2018), Herbert E Steinbeck, Hollister Township Hollister town, San Benito, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 17, sheet 11B, family 282, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,097.

[122] Salinas Weekly Index. January 15, 1903.

[123] "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVLP-2W9 : accessed 11 January 2019), Neva Steinbach in household of Ella B Steinbach, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 23, sheet 11B, family 256, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 93; FHL microfilm 1,374,106.

[124] Letter from Almira Steinbeck to her son John. E. Steinbeck Sr. The letter is written from Hollister, California and dated April 23, 1918. Stanford University. Libraries. Department of Special Collections and University Archives.

[125] 1883 Voter registration

[126] From Nash Briggs, et al to All the Members of the Order of the Eastern Star. December 19,1883. Stating that John E. Steinbeck is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; location(s): Hollister. Box 2, Folder 12. Steinbeck - Ainsworth Collection. Stanford University Libraries. Special Collection,

[127] Headline: Eastern Star. San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California)December 18, 1883.Tuesday Page 3.

[128] 1886 Voter registration

[129] King City From July 1886 Down To The Present Time. King City Rustler, Volume 27, Number 46, 25 March 1927. Page 1

[130] The Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California) February 4, 1887. “At a meeting of the directors of the Central Milling Co., in San Jose, last week, Ernst Steinbeck was appointed manager of the Company’s mill at Kings City. This appointment reflects great credit upon the ability and trustworthiness of Ernst, whose many friends join in sending their congratulations to the young man.”

[131] Herb Hinrich, https://californiarevealed.org/islandora/object/cavpp%3A74248

[132] St. Marks Church Registry. St. Marks Church, 301 Bassett St, King City, California.

[133] 1888 Voter registration

[134] Salinas Daily Journal (October 30 1890) Thursday Page 3

[135] Headline: Hotel Arrivals: Lick House. The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Vol. 69, No. 22. December 22, 1890. Page 6.

[136] Salinas Daily Journal. August 23, 1891. Sunday

[137] 1892 Voter registration

[138] Nelson Valjean. (1975) Steinbeck, the Errant Knight. Chronicle Books. San Francisco.

[139] Headline: The Flour Output. A Combination of Millers Endeavor to Control It. Eleven Mills in the Pool, But Three of the Largest In the State Refuse to Join. Sacramento Daily Union, Vol. 83, No 147. August 10 1892.

[140] “Pacific Coast Notes.” Since the Central Milling Co has been swallowed in the larger combination the Sperry Milling Co the mill at King City Cal has been closed for a year or until next year's wheat crop is ready for grinding JE Steinbeck has been transferred to the Paso Robles mill and JC Brown will go to the same place to act as head miller” The Weekly Northwestern Miller, Vol. 34 (Miller Publishing Company, 1892, October 7, 1892) Page 517.

[141] El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society. Vol. 7 Issue 4, 2016. Page 3.

[142] Headline: Fires At Paso Robles. The Sperry Flour Mill and Two Adjoining Buildings Are Destroyed. The Conflagration Followed by a Second Which Damages the Farmers' Hotel… JE Steinbeck, Manager of the Mill succeeded in saving the books and papers of the company. The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Volume 80, Number 74, August 13, 1896.

[143] Edwin Allen Sherman. Paso Robles Lodge, Santa Lucia Lodge. Fifty Years of Masonry in California, Volume 1, (G. Spaulding, 1896)

[144] Ibid.

[145] Headline: Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Will Meet Tuesday Morning. Olive B. Steinbeck, Order of the Eastern Star, Bethlehem Chapter (Paso Robles). The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Volume 87, Number 136, October 14, 1900.

[146] Headline: Home Gatherings. San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Volume 86, Number 151. October 29, 1899.

[147] Presented With a Jewel. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XXI, Number 43. January 11, 1900.

[148] Headline: Farewell Party. A Delightful Evening with Cards in Paso Robles. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. Volume XXI, Number 49. January 17, 1900.

[149] Headline: In the County. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XXI, Number 53, 21 January 21, 1900.

[150] JE Steinbeck has been transferred to the Paso Robles mill and JC Brown will go to the same place to act as head miller. The Weekly Northwestern Miller, Pacific Coast Notes, Volume 34, October 7, 1892, Page 517. Miller Publishing Company, 1892.

[151] Headline: King City Items -- from last Saturday's 'Settler'. In a few days Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Steinbeck leave King City to make their future home in Paso Robles. For a long time they have [illeg] among the most popular of our people, [illeg] there is universal regret at their departure. Salinas Weekly Index. November 10, 1892.Thursday,

[152] Headline: Will Run Two Shifts. Salinas Daily Index, August 13, 1901.

[153] Monterey County California, The Great Salinas Valley. The Western Monthly, Volume 11, Truth Publishing Company, 1909, page 74-81.

[154] San Francisco Mills, Miller's Almanack and Year Book, The Northwest Miller Publishing Company, Minneapolis, Minn 1909, page 88.

[155] Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California at Its ... Annual Convocation, Volumes 37-39, 1891.

[156] "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6QCS TTX?cc=1325221&wc=9B79-N3X%3A1030559601%2C1034556701%2C1034565701 : 5 August 2014), California > Monterey > ED 2 Alisal Township Salinas city Ward 1-3 > image 21 of 67; citing NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d

[157] Robles, Carol. California Connections. Steinbeck Studies, Volume 15, Number 1, Spring 2004, pp. 154-157.

[158] Salinas Daily Index. February 19, 1908. Wednesday. Page 3.

[159] Salinas Daily Index. March 15, 1902.

[160] Proceedings of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Georgia, Royal Arch Masons. Grand Chapter of the State of Georgia, Grand Chapter, 1903, pg. 91-93.

[161] Mason's Bible of John Ernst Steinbeck (1902). Presented by The California Convention of Anointed High Priests to John E. Steinbeck, Consecration, San Francisco, April 15, 1902. Franklin St Day, Recorder. Box 6, Volume 1. Steinbeck - Ainsworth Collection, Stanford University Libraries. Special Collections.

[162] Salinas Daily Index. July 8, 1900.

[163] Salinas Daily Index. October 31, 1904.

[164] Salinas Daily Index. November 30, 1906

[165] Salinas Daily Index. April 13, 1906. Friday. Page 3.

[166] "Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FHRP-51S : 29 December 2022), Walter Keys, 1857.

[167] "California Death Index, 1905-1939," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK91-TWQL : 23 February 2021), Sarah Keyes, 09 Jan 1909; citing 1541, Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics Department, Sacramento; FHL microfilm 1,686,045.

[168] H. A. Dickson of Fitchburg, Mass, is the guest of his nephew, H. E. Steinbeck. Mr. Dickerson is an old G. A. R. veteran and attended the encampment in San Francisco. He belonged to Company B of the famous 6th Massachusetts regiment which had the fight with the mob in Baltimore at the beginning of the war. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XXXIII, Number 100. September 12, 1903.

[169] Mrs. Carrie S. Danks of California, who, when a girl was Carrie Dickson and whose home was in Groton, visited Mrs. Mary W. Shattuck last week. Fitchburg Sentinel 05 Aug 1904, Fri · Page 1

[170] Mrs. C.S. Danks, a native of Groton, and daughter of the late Walter Dickson, after a residence of five years in Palestine and 30 years in Hollister, Cal. is visiting her brother, H. A. Dickson of this city. Fitchburg Sentinal. Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Saturday, May 8, 1909. Page 2.

[171] Nason, George W. (1910) History and complete roster of the Massachusetts regiments. Smith & McCance 38 Bromfield Street. Boston Mass.

[172] Headline: Hollister W. C. T. U. Worker Is Feted. Carrie S. Danks, veteran. W. C. T.U. worker and for over 40 years identified with the blue ribbon movement throughout California. yesterday was feted by several score members, church workers and pastors, on attaining her 80th birthday. Mrs. Danks was a missionary worker in the Far East in her early married days, and a nurse during the Civil War. Oakland Tribune, Volume 106, Number 119, 29 April 1927 Page 20.

[173] Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865–1871, Schedules of Schools and Rental Accounts, Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia (included Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and North Carolina.

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/freedmens-bureau-records

[174] The Bulletin: An Interesting Visit: Atlanta University: The Pioneer Negro College in Georgia. The Atlanta University Bulletin. Series II. No. 72. December 1927, Page 11.

[175] Steinbeck, John. “Created Equal.” America and Americans, New York: Viking Press, 1966. 55-66.

[176] Childress Jones-Wilson, Faustine. 1996. Encyclopedia of African-American Education. Page 25.

[177] Jones, Jacqueline. The "Great Opportunity:" Northern Teachers and the Georgia Freedmen, 1865-73. Madison, WI: J. Jones, 1976. 466p. Appendices.

[178] Dickson, Caroline S. 1867 From A Teacher. Miss C. S. Dickson. American Missionary Freedmen: Vol. XII No. 2. Page 31 February 1867. American Missionary Association.

[179] Dickson, Carrie (1870) Thanks For “Barrels.” The American Missionary . Volume 14 No.1 Page 19. January 1870. American Missionary Association.

[180] American Missionary Freedmen: Facts and Opinions: Touching the Progress and Hinderances of Colored People of the South. Vol. XIV No. 10. Page 223. October 1870. American Missionary Association.

[181] Headline: Services Held For Mrs. Caroline Danks. Salinas Index Journal. (Salinas, California) September 22, 1932. Thursday, Page 10.

[182] Headline: Hollister W. C. T. U. Honors Pioneers. Oakland Tribune February 24, 1929, Sunday, Page 42.

[183] Headline: Temperance Paper Read. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier. Volume 45, Number 144, November 19, 1906.

[184] California, County Birth and Death Records, 1800-1994", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLB2-G6XS : 1 March 2021), Sarah G Park, 1932.

[185] Headline: Sperry’s Mills at Salinas and Paso Robles to Shut Down. Salinas Daily Index. April 26, 1910.

[186] Headline: Change of Managers at Sperry Flour Mill. Salinas Daily Index. February 9, 1911.

[187] Headline: Change of Managers at Sperry Flour Mill. Salinas Daily Index. February 9, 1911.

[188] Salinas Daily Index. December 4, 1911.

[189] Salinas Daily Index. December 4, 1911.

[190] Salinas Daily Index. January 4, 1912.

[191] Headline: County Treasury Will Be Reopened. Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) February 27, 1923. Tuesday. Page 11.

[192] Santa Cruz Evening News. (Santa Cruz, California) Volume 31, Number 101. February 28, 1923. Page 5.

[193] Headline: New Deputy Treasurer. Salinas Daily Index. March 1, 1923.

[194] Headline: Taylor Acquitted. Santa Cruz Evening News (Santa Cruz, California) April 7, 1923. Saturday Page 5.

[195] Santa Cruz Evening News. (Santa Cruz, California) Volume 33, Number 142. April 16, 1924.

SAN JOSE, April 16, James Taylor, treasurer of Monterey County for a quarter of a century, made a quick exit yesterday afternoon from troubles which had recently beset him. He registered at the St. James hotel in San Jose at 2 o'clock, leaving a call for 2:35. He did not answer the call and the bell boy who went to his room to see what was wrong found him dead in the bath tub, a bullet having been fired into his mouth. "It takes a strong, man to commit suicide," said Taylor when he registered at the Hotel Montgomery two weeks ago. In San Jose and dictated a lot of letters which indicated that he contemplated the act. He had calculated on prompt action yesterday, allowing himself, but 35 minutes. Taylor was indicted a year ago on a charge of appropriating to his own use the interest on funds of the Salinas high school to the amount of approximately $4000. He was also charged with holding $300 of county funds from January,1922 to November, 1922. Subsequent, shortages from various funds brought the total to $15,000. Taylor was dismissed from office, though at the time, he had just been re-elected. Taylor always contended that the shortages were due to clerical errors, but paid back a few thousands by borrowing on his insurance. A civil suit is pending in Monterey County to recover the rest of the money, following which the county officials intended to press the criminal charges, it was stated. Prior to the discovery of the shortages, $10,000 was stolen from Taylor's office. He accused a Salinas bank clerk of taking the money, but later paid it back himself. It was apparent that Taylor had been contemplating, suicide for some time. He had written numerous notes, one to his wife at 104 Alisal street, Salinas, another to his sister, Mrs. G. H. Berry, Santa Rosa street, San Luis Obispo, and a third to Thomas Monahan, San Jose undertaker. In the latter note he said that Monahan and His chief of police had saved his life two weeks ago by arguing with him against his intention of ending his life.. This time be said he had come to the conclusion that there was no other way out for him.

[196] Press Democrat. Volume 50, Number 139. April 16, 1924, Page 1. SAN JOSE. April 15. (Associated Press.) James Taylor, for 24 years treasurer of Monterey county, who was removed by the court five months ago after embezzlement charges had been brought against him. shot and killed himself today in the bathroom of a San Jose hotel. He had registered at the hotel from Salinas this morning. An alleged embezzlement of $7000 In county funds was charged to Taylor a year ago. He was tried but the jury disagreed. Later the court suspended him from office. Taylor is said to have had $65.000 in insurance.

[197] Headline: James Taylor, Ex-Co. Treasurer, Suicided Tuesday in San Jose. King City Rustler. Volume 23, Number 51. April 18, 1924. The news that reached here Tuesday from San Jose of the death by his own hand of ex-County Treasurer James Taylor, created surprise at the deed and profound sorrow for her who was his splendid help meet through a long married life. “Jim” Taylor had so many warm friends throughout county that he was re-elected treasurer at a time when the county press was ringing with charges of embezzlement against him. A jury acquitted him of the charges, hut he was removed from office later by the court. It had been known in Salinas that he was in financial difficulties; that foreclosure proceedings against his property were impending; and that he was pressed for money to keep alive a considerable amount of life insurance, said to be in the neighborhood of $50,000. His friends believe that brooding over these troubles brought on a despondency that was too great for him to resist and he took the easiest way out. James Taylor was about 67 years of age, a native of California. Practically all his life was spent in Monterey County. His early manhood was spent in the cattle business in Slack’s canyon with his brother “Hi,” who later became a prominent citizen of and recently died in Paso Robles. Later Taylor came to Salinas and was engaged in the meat business for several years. He was first elected county treasurer, defeating U. Hartnell, 24 years ago, and held that office through repeated elections until February of last year.

[198] San Bernardino Sun. Volume 54, Number 139. July 17, 1924. SAN FRANCISCO. July 16 Dale Rowan, Bank of Italy teller who is alleged to have absconded several months ago with $42,500 of the bank's funds, has been found in a South American city and will be in custody probably today., according to word received here. A woman known as "Georgie" who has been missing since Rowan fled, is said to be with the former teller, her red hair dyed black. A. J. Kane, San Francisco detective, who received the report of Rowan's having been found, today claimed to have uncovered evidence connecting Rowan with a defalcation of $10000 charged to his uncle, James Taylor, former treasurer of Monterey County. Taylor was acquitted but several weeks ago committed suicide in San Jose as a result of brooding over the affair. Rowan was in Salinas at the time the money disappeared and had access to his uncles funds, according to Kane.

[199] Headline: County Funds Except $400 Earn Interest. Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) October 28, 1923. Sunday Page 15.

[200] Headline: Steinbeck Keeps County Funds Busy at Work. Peninsula Daily Herald. Monterey, California. July 12, 1924. Saturday. Page 4.

[201] Headline: Salinas Upset. Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California). November 5, 1926, Friday. Page 20.

[202] Headline: Nepotism Is Still Issue - Relatives on Payroll No Crime Is Official’s Plea. Relationship has Part in Filing County Positions. Monterey Peninsula Herald, February 1, 1933.

[203] Remembering John Steinbeck: The Young John Steinbeck: Elita Hawkins interview https://californiarevealed.org/islandora/object/cavpp%3A74238

[204] Headline: News Comments. Monterey Peninsula Herald. October 22, 1934. Page 1-2.

[205] Brazil, Giles And Oyer Are Winners. Monterey Trader Vol. 2 No. 39. Monterey Calif. Friday, November 9, 1934. Page 1.

[206] "Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXZZ-W6L : 11 March 2018), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 04 Feb 1865, Fitchburg, Worcester, Massachusetts; citing reference ID #v 129 p 158, Massachusetts Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 1,428,037.)

[207] "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6P7-MLM : 26 August 2017), John Steinbeck, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States; citing enumeration district ED 60, sheet 392D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0072; FHL microfilm 1,254,072.

[208] Ibid.

[209] California, County Marriages, 1850-1952," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K825-DRP : 10 December 2017), Wilhelm P Steinbeck and Flora Nina Mcintire, 16 Sep 1885; citing San Joaquin, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,841,856.

[210] "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNNZ-DMP : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm P Steinbeck, 03 May 1886; citing Voter Registration, Hollister 2, San Benito, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 977,091.

[211] Cal (Ornithologist and Oölogist, Volumes 9. No. 5 Pg 58 Frank B. Webster, 1884

[212] The Naturalists' Universal Directory Cassino Press, 1888.

[213] In The Naturalists' Universal Directory (Cassino Press, 1894) William P. Steinbeck of Hollister California was listed with the special subject of study of Ornithology, Oology, Taxidermy, Coleoptera, Air Breathing Molluscs.

[214] Life histories of North American birds: with special reference to their breeding habits and eggs / Smithsonian contributions to knowledge ; 1892 Special bulletin (Smithsonian Institution) ; no. 1, etc. by Bendire, Charles, 1836-1897.

[215] Zoe: A Biological Journal. Volume 3. No. 4 pg. 373 January 1893.

[216] The Osprey: An Illustrated Monthly Magazine of Popular Ornithology, Volumes 1 (Volume 1 September 1896 To September 1897) Pg. 84 Osprey Company, 1897.

[217] Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences by California Academy of Sciences Publication Volume 4th ser. v. 12, p. 695-1320 (1923-24 )

[218] The Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California). January 14, 1887.

[219] The Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, California). February 1, 1889.

[220] Headline: W. E. Steinbeck. Salinas Daily Index. August 19, 1899. Page 2.

[221] Headline: Change in Management. Colonel G. B. Sperry having resigned his position as manager of the Sperry Flour Company Assistant Manager A B. Hill has been advanced to the management. William P, Steinbeck of Hollister has succeeded Mr. Hill as assistant manager and has moved his family to Stockton. Mr. Steinbeck will reside at 135 West Oak street. Stockton Record. Volume X, Number 99. February 3, 1900.

[222] Headline: Going Away. Salinas Daily Index. January 5, 1900.

[223] Pacific Rural Press. Volumes 37-38. June 29, 1889. Page 614. Dewey & Company, 1889.

[224] Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California. Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period of its Discovery to the Present Time, together with Glimpses of its Auspicious Future; Illustrations and Full-Page Portraits of some of its Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of many of its Pioneers, and Prominent Citizens of Today. Chapter Viii Resources Of San Benito County. (Henry D. Barrows & Luther A. Ingersoll, Eds) Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company. 1893.

[225] “California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNNZ-CZQ : 8 December 2017), William P Steinbeck, 31 Jul 1890; citing Voter Registration, Hollister 3, San Benito, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 977,091.

[226] "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNND-32B : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 13 Aug 1892; citing Voter Registration, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 977,091.

[227] California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNND-92L : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 08 Jul 1898; citing Voter Registration, Hollister, San Benito, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 977,091.

[228] Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck Scribe, Hollister Chapter No 68 Hollister San Benito County; Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck King, Hollister Chapter No 68 Hollister San Benito County; Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck High Priest, Hollister Chapter No 68 Hollister San Benito County Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California at Its ... Annual Convocation, Volumes 40-42 1894- 1896)

[229] Past master at San Benito Lodge No 211 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California at Its Annual Communication, Volume 50, 1899)

[230] Proceedings Of The Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons Ok The State Of California At Its Forty Second Annual Convocation, Held At The Masonic Temple City Of San Francisco; Commenced Ox Tuesday, April 21, A. D. 1896 A. I. 2426 And Terminated On Wednesday April 22 A. D. 1896 A. I. 2426 San Francisco: Frank Eastman &. Co., Book And Job Printer. Page 486.

[231] Headline: Masonic. The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California). November 27, 1887. Sunday. Page 15

[232] Headline: Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star. Governing Body of the Order Will Convene Here to Legislate. Representatives Coming. The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) September 16, 1899. Saturday. Page 9.

[233] U. S. Federal Census 1900

[234] "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTXL-NLL : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 07 Jul 1900; citing Voter Registration, 125 W Oaks St, San Joaquin, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 1,838,465.

[235] "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTXL-Y2N : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 15 Feb 1902; citing Voter Registration, 125 W Oak St, San Joaquin, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 1,838,466.

[236] Transactions of the M L Grand Council Royal And Select Masters State Of California Forty Third Annual Assembly Hkld At The Masonic Temple In The City Of San Francisco Monday April 20th Ad 1903 A Dep 2903 San Francisco George Spauldixg & Co Book And Job Printers 414 Clay Street below Satisorue 1903.

[237] "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTXG-H45 : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 30 Jun 1904; citing Voter Registration, Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 1,838,467.

[238] Headline: Chamber Trustees: New Managers of Chamber of Commerce Organize for Work.

Stockton Record. Volume XIV, Number 89. January 15, 1902.

[239] Headline: Chamber Committee Xx Nominates Directors. Change in Bylaws of Stockton Body Recommended. The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Volume 111, Number 5, December 5, 1911. Page 8.

[240] Headline: San Joaquin County's Progressive Citizens Celebrate Chamber of Commerce Anniversary. San Francisco Call. Volume 87, Number 90. February 28, 1902.

[241] Headline: Large Wheat Transaction. Stockton, April 22. One of the largest, if not the largest, wheat transaction ever made in this part of the state has just been closed between William P. Steinbeck, manager of the Sperry Flour company, and H. Hugh son, a Modesto farmer. Mr. Steinbeck has purchased 4000 tons of Australian and club wheat from Mr. Hughson. Mr. Steinbeck would not state the price paid, but it is estimated that about $120,000 changed hands on the deal. (Los Angeles Herald, Volume XXXI, Number 207. April 23,1904. Page 11.

[242] Headline: Big Wheat Transaction. Salinas Daily Index. April 06, 1904.

[243] Headline: Milling Wheat Is Eagerly Sought As A Necessity For This State. The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Volume 96, Number 76. August 15, 1904. Page 7.

[244] "California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTXG-HC7 : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 18 Apr 1905; citing Voter Registration, Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 1,838,467.

[245] Pacific Rural Press. Volume 70, Number 4, July 22, 1905. Page 55.

[246] ("California Great Registers, 1866-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTXG-2MT : 8 December 2017), Wilhelm Peter Steinbeck, 30 Jul 1906; citing Voter Registration, 1029 N Hunter, San Joaquin, California, United States, county clerk offices, California; FHL microfilm 1,838,468.)

[247] "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVGJ-766 : accessed 21 September 2018), William P Steinbeck, Stockton Ward 2, San Joaquin, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 136, sheet 10B, family 223, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 103; FHL microfilm 1,374,116.

[248] Delta Country To Yield Record Barley Crop: San Joaquin River District Has Heavy Stand. The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) Volume 109, Number 177, 26 May 1911, Page 10.

[249] Alfalfa News. WP Steinbeck Stockton Cal will build a 30 ton alfalfa mill Flour & Feed: Devoted to the Interests of the Flour and Feed Trade, Volume 11, No. 8 pg 67. January 1911. Packages Publishing Company.

[250] The Wolf Company of Chambersburg Pa has furnished the machinery for the 30 ton alfalfa mill of WP Steinbeck at Stockton Cal. American Miller and Processor.Volume 39, Issue 1, Page 63. January 1, 1911.

[251] Frank B Miller will take over Mr. Steinbeck's lease. American Miller and Processor, Volume 41, Issues 4, Apri1 1913, page 317.

[252] Headline: Fishermen will be asked to restrain. Oakdale Leader (Oakdale, California) April 24 1924. Thursday. Page 9.

[253] The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) July 16, 1942, Thursday Page 15.

[254] San Francisco Examiner. July 16 1942 Thu Page 15.

[255] "Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXZX-4Q6 : 11 March 2018), Henry Eugene Steinbeck, 05 Oct 1867, Dudley, Massachusetts; citing reference ID #249, Massachusetts Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 1,428,039.

[256] The Hollister Free Lance. December 10, 1886

[257] On July 25, 1888, H. E. Steinbeck at the age of twenty one, registered to vote, San Ardo California.

[258] San Jose City Directory Including Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties by F.M. Husted, 1890, page 791.

[259] Headline: Married -- Steinbeck-Carlton -- in San Ardo, Sep 1; Mr. Harry Steinbeck to Miss May L. Carlton. The Hollister Free Lance. September 13, 1889.

[260] Columbus Carlton was a member of King David’s Masonic Lodge No. 209, died at his home in San Luis Obispo, February 1902

[261] "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZK4-6PG : 13 March 2018), Eugene H Steinbeck, 1917-1918; citing Sonoma County no 1, California, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,544,405.

[262] Kings City Settler. Volume 3, Number 8. August 16, 1890. San Ardo Sifting Aug. 10, 1890. Ed. Settler-Grain is coming in quite fast. Wheat is good and sells rapidly. H E. Steinbeck, Geo. Dudley Jr. and F. Alexander are the buyers.

[263] Bulletins of the Twelfth Census of the United States: Issued from October 6, 1900 to [October 20, 1902] ... Number 4 [-247]. Census office, 1900.

[264] Salinas Valley. By Margaret E. Clovis, Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum. 2005 Arcadia Publishing.

[265] Santa Margarita. Cheri Roe, Santa Margarita Historical Society Arcadia Publishing, Jun 27, 2016.

[266] In 1891, Harry Steinbeck, employed as an agent/bookkeeper by Southern Pacific Milling Company, moved his family to Santa Margarita. On November 30, 1891, their second child , William Ernst Steinbeck, was born. Steinbeck Family Bible.

[267] 1892 San Luis Obispo Great Voter Register

[268] Headline: Grand Jury Report. San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune December 15, 1987. Wednesday.

[269] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XV, Number 153, 17 November 1894.

[270] San Luis Obispo, Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XVI, Number 82, 24 February 1895.

[271] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XVII, Number 38, 6 July 1895. Small Blazes.: The small boy and the firecracker were the cause of several fires during the evening of July Fourth. While the fire department procession was passing down Higuera street, the fire bell sounded an alarm. The fire proved to be nothing more than a blaze emanating from a pile of rubbish in the rear of Mr. Vaudoit’s store and it was soon extinguished without the aid of the apparatus. After the parade, a fire broke out in the rear of the Cosmopolitan hotel, which finally reached a woodshed across the creek. Several members of the department attached a hose to a neighboring hydrant and soon had the blaze extinguished. The dry grass in the yard of the Standard Oil Company near the Southern Pacific yards blazed up, but before the flames reached the tanks, Mr. Steinbeck beat them out with a gunny sack

[272]San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XIV, Number 4, 26 May 1896.

[273] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XIV, Number 47, 16 July 1896.

[274] San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XVI, Number 50, 21 July 1897.

[275] Mrs. Steinbeck arrived from the north last evening and is the guest of her son, Harry Steinbeck. San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Volume XVIII, Number 135. October 28, 1898.

[276] U. S. Federal Census 1900

[277] Headline: Invests in Residence Property. San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. Sunday. February 22, 1903.

[278] San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. Wednesday, April 12, 1905.

[279] Headline: Woodmen Elect Officers 1901. San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. (San Luis Obispo, California) Wednesday. December 4, 1900.

[280] Headline: San Luis Obispo County. Los Angeles Herald. November 28, 1902.

[281] American Carpet and Upholstery Journal. Volume 25. Page 84.1907.

[282] San Luis Obispo Daily (San Luis Obispo, California) Telegram July 5, 1907. Page 5.

[283] Headline: H. E. Steinbeck Dies Suddenly. San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram. (San Luis Obispo, California) Tuesday. March 3, 1908.

[284] Ibid.

[285] San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram. (San Luis Obispo, California) April 25, 1908. Page 4.

[286] Headline: Left Money to Relatives And The Church. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier. (Petaluma, California) January 13, 1915. Wednesday. Page 6.