Ventura County
Biographies
J. A. Conaway
J. A. Conaway, residing near Fillmore, is one of California's pioneers. He was born in West Virginia, April 4, 1830. His father, Eli Conaway, was a native of Virginia, and his great-grandfather was born in Ireland, and came to America before the Revolution. His mother, Mary (Baker) Conaway, was a native of Virginia, of Welsh ancestry. They had a family of nine children, of whom Mr. Conaway was the sixth. He was educated in Virginia, and finished his education in Iowa. He left home in 1849, and remained in Wisconsin two years; he then went to Missouri, and he worked in Ashley, Pike County, that State, part of the time as an overseer on a plantation; the rest of the time he was in a shop running an engine and sawing lumber. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California, with an ox team, having a prosperous and safe journey. He settled on a ranch in Amador County, and engaged in raising stock. He then removed to San Joaquin County, and settled upon a Government ranch, where he perfected the title and made it his home for twelve years; he improved the place by building upon it and planting a vineyard and orchard. For his present place he bought a Government claim, and also paid the railroad for it. The railroad soon after wanted the right of way, and he received his money back. Mr. Conaway took the place when it was wild and uncultivated, and has since built a fine house, and planted fruit of all descriptions, and the whole place shows the work of a first-class farmer; every tree and shrub has been planted by his own hands. He is engaged in general farming, and his orchard contains fruit of nearly every variety.
Mr. Conaway has held public office in the county for years; he was one of the first Supervisors of the county, and Assessor seven years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church at San Buenaventura. Mr. Conaway is a Democrat and a temperance man.
He was married in 1859, to Miss Lizzie Jane Blanney, a native of England. They have had thirteen children; only ten are now living, five boys and five girls, all born in California, viz.: May, Kate, Austin E., Alice P., Jennie B., Charles W., Lulu V. and Lelia V., twins, Ethan W. and Albion N. (twins), and T. Benton.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 316 Transcribed by Sandy Neder
William C. Cook
William C. Cook, one of the prominent business men of New Jerusalem, Ventura County, California, was born in Toronto, Canada, October 28, 1856. His birth occurred in Canada while his mother was there on a visit, so that he is the son of a United States citizen. His father, William Cook, was born in England, came to America in 1837, and settled at Buffalo, New York. His mother, Hannah (Chappel) Cook, was also a native of England. Of the five children born to them, William is the only surviving one. His early life was spent in Rochester, New York, at Buffalo, and at London, Canada. He graduated at a high school and also spent one year at the Huron College. For nearly a year he sailed on the steamship Oceanic, White Star Line, between New York and Liverpool, after which he traveled in England, Ireland and France. His father sent him a ticket to return to America on the Atlantic. He missed that ship, however, and sailed in the Oceanic. On that voyage the Atlantic went down near Halifax, Nova Scotia, with 950 souls on board! His parents thought he was on the lost ship, and it was a glad surprise, indeed, when he reached them in safety. His father thinking it best for him to learn a trade, he chose carriage-making, and worked at it three years, receiving $25 per year and his board. After his term of apprenticeship had expired he worked in the same shop for a while, and later in Detroit and Chicago. He then accepted the position of brakeman on the New York Central Railroad. After being thus employed for two months he went home on a visit, and in May 1876, came to California. He worked in Saticoy two years, then went to the Conejo Valley, and next came to New Jerusalem. A year and a half he worked here for wages, and then was employed for four years in Hueneme. He returned to New Jerusalem and formed a partnership with Mr. Wilkes and opened his present carriage and blacksmith business. The firm now, 1890, is Cook & Joy, Mr. Joy having bought out Mr. Wilkes. Mr. Cook owns a five acre lot, on which he built his residence. He also owns another house and lot.
The subject of this sketch was married November 26, 1876, to Miss Annie Groves, a native of Canada. They have a family of two sons and two daughters, all born in Ventura County, viz.: Hannah, Emma, Charles, and Willie. Mr. Cook is a Republican and takes an active part in political matters. He holds the office of Justice of the Peace, and is clerk of the board of trustees of the school district. He has recently been appointed Postmaster of New Jerusalem. He is Deputy Grand Master of the A.O.U.W. and a charter member of the order at Hueneme, where he aided in establishing a lodge. Mr. Cook has recently united with the F. & A.M.
It should be further stated, in connection with the history of Mr. Cook's family, that his father, brother, and an uncle were Union soldiers in the late war. His brother and uncle both died at the Andersonville prison.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 300 Transcribed by Sandy Neder