Ventura County
Biographies
Michael Flynn
Michael Flynn, one of the prominent and progressive ranchers of Springville, Ventura County, was born in the west of Ireland, October 13, 1858, his parents, David and Ellen Flynn, also being natives of that country. In 1875, Mr. Flynn came to America and worked for one year in Boston, Massachusetts, and in 1876 came to San Francisco and engaged in teaming in the city two years. He then came to Ventura County and engaged in farming and sheep-raising, following that business five years, a part of the time in partnership with his brother-in-law. He bought out his partner's interest and continued the business alone for awhile. In 1885, the country becoming developed and much of the land being used for farming purposes, Mr. Flynn closed out this business and turned his attention to speculating in grain at San Francisco. A year later he removed to Los Angeles, and in October, 1886, came to his present location in Ventura County. He purchased 142 acres of land, on which he has since resided, and which he has improved by erecting a good dwelling-house and suitable out-buildings, surrounded by well-kept grounds. He has planted a quantity of walnut trees, and is going into that business quite largely. His present principal crop is beans and corn. Mr. Flynn is also engaged in raising horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, in partnership with Mr. Paulin, having some very fine specimens of horses. They are devoting about 800 acres of land to wheat and barley, and employ eight men and six teams.
Mr. Flynn was married in 1878 to Miss Lavelle, who was born near his own native place, her parents being Irish people. They have a family of six children, all born in Ventura County, viz.: David E., Robert E., Mary Grace, Albert E., Clarence E., and Sarah Clara. Mr. Flynn is a Democrat. He and his family are worthy members of the Catholic Church.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 410 Transcribed by Sandy Neder
B. W. Gally
B. W. Gally, one of the prominent business men of the Ojai Valley, was born in Wheeling, Virginia, July 9, 1852. His father, Hon. Thomas M. Gally, was a native of Virginia, a leading Whig politician, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Virginia in 1852 and 1854. His mother, who, before her marriage, was Miss Mary List, was a native of Wheeling and a daughter of H. List, Esq., a leading banker of Wheeling. Mr. and Mrs. Gally had but two children, a son, the subject of this sketch, and a daughter.
B. W. Gally, after receiving a liberal education, was engaged in the banking business until his health became impaired. He was advised by his physician to give up a sedentary business and seek a milder climate; and with that object in view he came to California in 1883. He purchased seventy acres of land, on which was located a pleasure and health resort, one mile east of the town of Nordhoff. This was formerly the property of W. S. McKee. Mr. Gally has improved the place very much by erecting four new buildings. The hotel is on the cottage plan, with main buildings in the middle containing parlor and dining-room, and the cottages affording home conveniences. It is situated on a beautiful lawn, shaded and made delightful by scattering live-oak trees. It is both a winter and a summer resort; is patronized in summer by Californians, and in winter by Eastern people. All are delighted by the grand and picturesque scenery, which meets the eye in every direction. A fine new Presbyterian Church edifice stands near the hotel, and the beautiful tree-embowered town of Nordhoff is only a mile distant. The whole valley is noted for its equitable climate and balmy and health-producing air. In the valley are found mineral springs, and at the hotel an abundance of good water, choice fruits of all kinds, and the best of Jersey milk and butter.
Mr. Gally was united in marriage in 1885 with Miss Mary Davidson, a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, and a daughter of Dr. William Davidson of that place. Howard and Killborne, their two children, were born at their present beautiful home. Mr. Gally is possessed of those courteous and agreeable manners so characteristic of the Southern gentleman. In his political views, he is Republican. Mrs. Gally is a member of the Episcopal Church.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 586 Transcribed by Sandy Neder