Ventura County
Biographies
Jose De La Rosa
Jose De La Rosa was born in the city of Los Angeles, Mexico, January 5, 1790, at one o'clock in the morning, and was baptized in the cathedral the same day at seven o'clock in the evening. He is the son of Senor Don Jose florencio de la Rosa and Dona Maria Antonia Narzisa Rosa. His baptismal name is Jose Maria Telisforo de la Solida de los Santos Angeles de la Rosa. He has the distinction of being the first printer in this State, having arrived from Mexico in 1834. He was sent by the Mexican government, as government printer in California. In the year 1845 he was appointed by the government as Alcalde of Sonoma (which is the same in the English language as district judge). He remained in Sonoma until 1867, when he removed to Martinez, Contra Costa County. Here he resided until 1879, and in that year he came to Ventura, where he still lives, in the enjoyment of good health, at the advanced age of one hundred years. He is a devout Catholic.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 568 Transcribed by Sandy Neder
Donlon Brothers
Donlon Brothers are prominent ranchers of Hueneme, and natives of California. Their father, Peter Donlon, came to Ventura County in 1870, with his wife and their two little sons. He purchased 400 acres of land, which has since become valuable property. It was at that time a wilderness, and the little board house, still standing not far from their more modern home, speaks plainly of pioneer times and days of small things. Peter Donlon was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1846, both his parents being natives of Ireland. he was an industrious and respected citizen, and by his honest toil he had provided himself and his family with a comfortable home, surrounded by fruit trees and fields of waving grain, in one of the most fertile valleys of the State. Here, when he was so favorably situated to enjoy life, a fatal accident occurred, in 1888, that terminated his useful life. He was engaged in cutting trees, and a ladder was thrown against his head by a falling tree, which resulted in his death a few hours afterward. This sad accident was a severe trial to his family, and a shock to the community in which he had resided so long. He left a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, as follows: James T., born in Alameda County, July 29, 1868; Charles, also born in Alameda County, August 30, 1869; Joseph, born at the home ranch in 1871; and both the sisters, Mary and Ida, also born at the home place.
Since their father's death the farm is being conducted by the sons, under the firm name of Donlon Brothers, and the sisters manage the housekeeping. The crop raised on this ranch is principally barley, but they also do general farming and raise horses, cattle and hogs. They are agents for 600 acres of land besides their own ranch, and 350 acres of it they are farming.
The family are all members of the Catholic Church. The two oldest sons belong to the Young Men's Institute and the youngest is a member of the order of Native Sons of the Golden West.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 580 Transcribed by Sandy Neder
John Donlon
John Donlon is one of the prominent ranchers of Ventura County, California. He was born in County Longford, Ireland, in the year 1847, the son of Irish parents. He came to California, in the fall of 1870, and since that time has been variously employed. He first worked for wages at San Jose and in Alameda County for three years. Next he went to San Francisco, where he was employed for two years. In 1875 he came to Ventura County, and worked out for a year, after which he engaged in sheep-raising, following that business seven years, and keeping from 500 to 3,000 sheep. He sold his sheep and purchased 403 acres of land, and on this property he has since lived, engaged in farming. His principal crop has been barley, of which he has raised 3,400 sacks in a single year, which sold for ninety cents per hundred pounds. He also raises horses, cattle and hogs.
Nearly all this time Mr. Donlon lived the life of a single man. June 24, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Forrer, a beautiful young lady, native of Utah, and daughter of Fred and Caroline Forrer, natives of Germany. Now things are changed at the once dreary bachelor's hall, for here are two interesting children: Peter A., born April 28, 1887, and William C., born December 2, 1888. The patter of children's feet can be heard and the prattle of childish voices greet the tired father as he returns from his daily routine of ranch life; and he whispers to himself, "How much I missed by remaining single so long!"
Mr. Donlon is, religiously, a Catholic, and, politically, a Democrat. He has served the public as School Trustee, and is much interested in the development of his section of the country. Living, as he does, so near the village of New Jerusalem, he enjoys the advantages of stores, school and church.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 588 Transcribed by Sandy Neder