FERNALD, Hercules Archelaus

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Archelus Fernald
• Also Known As: Hercules Fernald
• Military: Private, Massachusetts Militia, Revolutionary War
• Residence: 1830, Berwick, York, Maine

Notes:

Some discrepancy in deaths, and Old Kittery and Her Families lists as 27 Oct 1833. Have changed from prior records I had which listed death 22 Jul 1836, which I believe came from DAR records by Olive Fernald / Mabel Drennan. Also, a close look at his headstone reads what looks to be “81” or “811”(!) yrs, so still a bit of a mystery.

Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution, 17 Vols:

Fernald, Archelaus, Pepperellborough. Capt. Samuel Leighton's co.; pay abstract for travel allowance from home to Dorchester Heights in Aug., 1776; also, same co.; company receipts for wages for Aug.-Oct., 1776, dated Dorchester; also, Capt. Leighton's co., Col. Ebenezer Francis's regt.; pay abstract for travel allowance from Dorchester Heights home; warrant allowed in Council Nov. 29, 1776; credited with 7 days allowance; also, same co. and regt.; company receipt for wages for Nov., 1776, dated Dorchester; also, Private, Capt. Elisha Shapleigh's co., (late) Col. Joseph Storer's regt.; enlisted Aug. 14, 1777; discharged Nov. 30, 1777; service, 123 days, travel (300 miles) included; roll sworn to at Kittery.

From Miriam Fernald Bancroft’s DAR entry:

Hercules Archelaus Fernald, 1776, enlisted in Capt. Samuel Leighton’s company, and in 1777 served under Capt. Elisha Shapleigh. He served at the siege of Boston, in the Burygone campaign, and was detailed to guard prisoners after the surrender. He was a pensioner when he died in North Berwick in 1836, aged eighty seven.

Hercules married PERSLEY, Miriam on 30 Jan 1772 in York, Maine, USA. Miriam was born about 1747 in York, York, ME, USA; died on 22 Jul 1826 in North Berwick, York, ME, USA; was buried in Fernald Cemetery (private), West Beech Ridge Road, North Berwick, York, ME, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Blacksmith & Farmer
• Residence: 1 Jun 1840, North Berwick, York, Maine, USA
• Residence: 1850, Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1860, North Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1880, North Berwick, York, Maine

Notes:

Maine death records have his date of death as March 30, 1883. Headstone shows March 31, 1883 as his date of death, which is used in this record as his death date. Interesting/odd that his granddaughter, Mabel Drennan Byrne, used a different, earlier date (2 Mar 1882) in a 1927 DAR account on early California pioneers.

Oliver married EVANS, Mary A. on 28 Aug 1845 in St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church, Dover, Strafford, NH, USA. Mary was born in Feb 1823 in Somersworth, Strafford, NH, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Oliver married HEARD, Olive on 8 Mar 1821 in North Berwick, Maine. Olive (daughter of HEARD, Benjamin and CHADBOURNE, Joanna) was born on 24 Nov 1801 in Berwick, Maine; died on 2 Mar 1831 in North Berwick, Maine. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Oliver married ADAMS, Louisa on 6 Dec 1832 in North Berwick, Maine. Louisa was born on 1 Apr 1804 in Maine; died on 22 Aug 1842 in North Berwick, Maine; was buried in Fernald Cemetery (private), West Beech Ridge Road, North Berwick, York, ME, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, North Berwick, York, Maine, United States
• Residence: 1900, Sanford, York, Maine
• Census: 12 Jun 1900, Springvale Village, Sanford Town, York, ME, USA

Andrew married UNKNOWN, Perris in 1886. Perris was born in Aug 1861 in Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, North Berwick, York, Maine, United States

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, North Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1870, Augusta, Kennebec, Maine
• Residence: 1880, North Berwick, York, Maine, United States
• Residence: 1900, Augusta, Kennebec, Maine

Notes:

Believe this to be a son of Oliver Fernald and Olive Heard/Hurd. He is in the household of Oliver in the 1860 Census. He appears to have been mentally disturbed, as both the 1870 and 1900 Census have him in the Maine Insane Hospital in Augusta, Kennebec. In the 1880 Census, Luther is living independently in Berwick.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Between 1849 and 1853, Editorial at San Francisco Post & Alta Californian
• Arrival: 14 Jun 1849, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Arrival: 1853, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
• Public activity: 14 Mar 1853, County Judge, Santa Barbara
• Residence: 1870, Township 2, Santa Barbara, California
• Elected: May 1882, Mayor, City of Santa Barbara

Notes:

Among that striking group of men who in the latter part of the
nineteenth century bore the burden of government and contributed in a
very large measure to the material, political, civic and moral development
of Santa Barbara county, Charles Fernald was a. prominent and
influential figure. For nearly forty years he was a resident of Santa
Barbara and during practically all of that period was actively and effectively
interested in the public affairs of this locality, his alert and
vigorous mentality, his fine public spirit and his sterling integrity giving
him marked prestige throughout this section of the state.

Mr. Fernald was born at Berwick, Maine, on the 27th of May, 1830;
and his death occurred at Santa Barbara on the 7th of July, 1892, in
the sixty-third year of his age. He secured his education in the district
schools of his native state, where he remained until 1849, when, at
the age of nineteen years, he joined the stream of gold-seekers who
were in that historic year crossing the plains to California. He arrived
in San Francisco June 14, 1849, and was soon engaged in editorial
work on the San Francisco Post and Alta Californian. He studied law
and was admitted to the bar. In 1853 he came to Santa Barbara and
on March 14 of that year was appointed county judge, to which position
he was later elected, and reelected, his career on the bench being
marked by an ability and fairness that stamped him as possessing a
naturally judicial mind. In May, 1882, Judge Fernald was elected
mayor of Santa Barbara, and later was appointed United States commissioner
for the southern district of California, discharging his official
duties with distinction and ability.

Judge Fernald was the owner of extensive farm lands and was the
first to experiment on a large scale in the growing of olives, to which
he planted a large tract of land and in which he met with - eminent success. In everything relating to the progress and upbuilding of his
community he took an active interest and was a leader in the promotion
of many movements of inestimable benefit thereto. He was a life
member of the Society of California Pioneers and was affiliated with
the Sons of the American Revolution. Fraternally he was a member
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and also belonged to the
American Academy of Political and Social Science, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.

On May 7, 1862, at North Berwick, Maine, Judge Fernald was united
in marriage to Miss Hannah Hobbs. Noted as a citizen whose career,
useful and honorable, conferred credit on his community, and whose
marked abilities and sterling qualities won for him much more than
local repute, Judge Fernald held distinctive precedence as one of the
most progressive and successful men of his day in this locality. He was
essentially a man of affairs, sound of judgment, keen in discernment,
quick in decision, and his success was the legitimate fruitage of consecutive
and well directed effort. He gave to the world the best of an
essentially virile, loyal and noble nature and his standard of integrity
and honor was inflexible. He was in the truest sense the architect of
his own fortunes and upon his entire career there rests no blemish, for
he was true to the highest ideals in business, professional, civic and
social life.

From The Last Best Place:

Arrived in Santa Barbara in 1852 for a visit to a friend, accepted job as Sheriff. Then served as County Judge; Mayor 1882; Commission of the 9th U.S. District Court; built the Fernald House on lower Santa Barbara Street (since moved to West Montecito Street); part owner of several local ranches; founding member of Santa Barbara College; funded first street railroad; founding member Chamber of Commerce; responsible for introduction of the Australian Eucalyptus to the region; and served on the Board of the Santa Barbara Cemetery Association. Storke, Yda, pg. 674

From a Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura

CHARLES FERNALD. — Conspicuous among the homes of the Channel City is that of the Hon. Charles Fernald, perhaps the most widely known as well as the oldest New England resident of Santa Barbara. An entire city block is devoted to the culture of fruit and forest trees, upon a slight elevation in the midst of which stands the dwelling. The exterior is a true indication of the hospitable home within, for the Judge and his family unite to the simplicity and character of social life in New England, the genial hospitality and grace of the sunny South.

Judge Fernald traces his lineage to one of the oldest stocks of American progenitors, being a direct descendent from Dr. Renald Fernald, who came from England to New Hampshire with Captain John Mason's company, in 1631, and settled in Piscataqua in that year. The Doctor had the distinguished honor of being the first surgeon who settled in New Hampshire, where the family has continued for more than two centuries.

In 1640 appears the name of Renald Fernald as one of the grantors of fifty acres of glebe lands settled by the government and inhabitants of the Piscataqua Rivers to the church wardens for the advancement of the cause of religion. The city of Portsmouth has since been built upon the site of this grant. With this city the name of Fernald has been deservedly connected to the present day.

Dr. Renald Fernald and is brother Thomas Fernald, who came from England with him, became proprietors of the island, or the northeast shore of the Piscataqua River, and their descendants held the same for a century and a half, until John Fernald, Jr., of Middleton, New Hampshire, conveyed away the middle one, known as the " Lay Claim Island, " and also as Fernald's Island, which afterwards on June 15, 1806, passed into the ownership of the United States and is now tlie site of Fort Sullivan in the Portsmouth or Kittery navy yard.

The Fernalds have ever been a brave and loyal race. In 1776 Mark and Gilbert Fernald appended their signatures to the solemn engagement, to oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies against the United American Colonies, and Hercules, or Archelaus Fernald, as he was sometimes called, the grandfather of our present subject, then only twenty-seven years of age, and a resident of Kittery, York County, Maine, enlisted in the Continental army in the regiment of Colonel Francis, when he marched to the Heights of Dorchester near Boston and engaged in the defense of his country. He afterward did much other pa-triotic service.

The subject of our present sketch. Judge Charles Fernald, was born at North Berwick, County of York, State of Maine, on May 27, 1830. After completing the preparatory studies for college under the tuition of Professor Harrison Carroll Hobart, at the age of eighteen he joined that band of hardy and brave youth sent forth by New England to California, arriving at San Francisco June 14, 1849, being one of the Argonauts to pass through the Golden Gate in that memorable year, — which honor the Judge still preserves by a life membership in the California Pioneers' Society. After a few months spent in the mines he returned to San Francisco in November 1849, and was engaged in editorial work and law reporting until May 1852, being upon the staff of the Morning Post and Alta, the two leading journals of that day. During the time of his residence in San Francisco, he pursued his law studies with steadfast ardor, although interrupted greatly by the fire of May 4, 1851, which blotted out the city and for a brief period checked business pursuits. On May 4, 1852, a conflagration again destroyed the growing city and swept away his entire library, which he had accumulated in the meantime. This second disaster seemed to have changed his determination to remain longer on this coast, and he resolved to return to Boston. Having many friends and acquaintances in Southern California, the Judge resolved to visit them on his way home, stopping at Santa Barbara and at Los Angeles, intending to take the Panama steamer at San Diego where it then touched. On June 30, 1852, he arrived at Santa Barbara, where he met his friends, Ed-ward Sherman Hoar and Augustus F. Hinehman, who were among the leading lawyers and citizens of what was then an old and respectable Spanish settlement.

At this period the law-abiding citizens of Santa Barbara were carrying on a vigorous campaign against an organized set of bandits who, disregarding all laws, had so terrorized the peaceful residents that their lives were a daily burden. They had compelled the offi- cers of the law in the county to resign their trusts, and anarchy and terrorism ruled supreme. At a public meeting of the leading citizens of the town it was resolved to make a firm and determined effort to re-establish order, and they invited Judge Fernald, then a young man of twenty-two, to remain and assist in the good work, desiring him to accept the office of County Judge. He was not a man to decline a public duty thus imposed upon him, and finally consented to remain. Upon the application of the leading citizens of Santa Barbara, Governor John Bigler, on March 14, 1853, appointed him Judge of Santa Barbara County. To this place he was elected September 5, 1853, and re-elected in 1857. At these elections the Judge was the unanimous choice of the citizens of the county, only a few votes being cast against him. Among his first official acts was the appointment of Russel Heath to the office of district attorney, with a strong and efficient corps of county officers throughout to take the places of those who had resigned. To these the people gave loyal support and the county government was successfully reorganized, and so strictly and impartially were the laws enforced under the new regime that no public disorder or resistance to the laws was attempted for many years, notwithstanding many " bravos," outlaws and desperados were at large in some of the adjoining counties.

On January 7, 1860, by a joint resolution of the Senate and Assembly, Judge Fernald was granted five months' leave of absence from the state, in order to transact some very important business and visit his old home in the East.

The Judge spent six months in Massachusetts and in the East. On his return he was again elected County Judge, in 1861. In 1862 he again visited his old home in New England, and returned in October of that year accompanied with his bride, who was Miss H. H. Hobbs, of North Berwick, Maine, ever since and now the universally esteemed and honored wife who has so well aided in making an ideal home in Santa Barbara.

In 1862 the Judge resigned his office on account of the inadequacy of the salary, and entered upon the active practice of his profession in Santa Barbara and throughout Southern California, where he has continued his practice with signal success up to the present time. He was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of this State on September 2, 1854, and the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of California, September 2, 1857, and to the Supreme Court of the United States at the October term, 1874. He was appointed Judge Advocate of the Fourth Division of the California Militia, April 26, 1854, by Governor John Bigler.

Judge Fernald was almost unanimously elected Mayor of the city of Santa Barbara in May, 1882, and held the office for two years, to the great satisfaction of the citizens and honor to himself, declining to accept any salary, provided by city charter, for his services as such.

For more than thirty years Judge Fernald has been identified with all the important litigation of this and adjoining counties, and throughout Southern California, and has numbered among his clients the most distinguished citizens as well as the largest non-resident land-owners; and during that long period has maintained his great reputa- tion in his profession for fidelity and signal ability. He is said never to have lost a land case.

Nearly all the great land-owners, including John C. Jones, late of Boston, Massachu- setts; Colonel Thomas A. Scott, T Wallace More, Henry M. Newhall, Dr. Nicholas A. Den, Thomas B. Dibblee, Dr. J. B. Shaw, EUwood Cooper, Lazard Freres, the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, and the Southern Pacific Railway Company were numbered among his clients. He has never been identified in any way with any doubtful or questionable litigation, refusing retainers in in- equitable cases as well as declining criminal practice.

He is strong physically and morally, alert, an acute observer, and possesses the great and natural advantage of a good memory of facts and occurrences at a trial, as well as tireless industry.

His services to this city in finally settling the title to and fixing the boundaries of its municipal lands, as successor to the ancient Pueblo of Santa Barbara, by obtaining a patent therefor (four square leagues) from the United States Land Department, the first patent ever issued to a pueblo in this State, were of great value to this city and its inhab-itants.

Fortune has smiled on the Judge's professional career, and bestowed upon his exertions ample pecuniary rewards. He is now an ex- tensive land-owner in Santa Barbara and its vicinity, and a stockholder in many of its leading corporations. The Fernald Block, in which his elegant offices are located, is a striking ornament on State Street, situated in the heart of its business center. He has ever been one of the foremost in all local enterprises for the improvement of the city, and he has contributed in no small degree to its business prosperity.

There is perhaps no citizen of Santa Barbara more widely known and respected than Judge Fernald. He is deeply read in an- cient and modern history, in English, French and Italian literature, and familiar with the principles of the civil as well as the common law; also a close student of international law and the science of government.

He has ever taken a deep interest in fruit culture and in forestry, being a life member of the American Forestry Association. The first experiment in planting, and in the culti va tion of the olive tree in Southern California, outside of the old missions, was made by him. As early as 1865-'66, and long prior to the greater and more successful experiment of Mr. Ellwood Cooper, he purchased the "Belmont property," about seventy-five acres of land, near the city of Santa Barbara, and planted it out in olives of the mission variety, for the purpose of establishing the fact that the soil and climate of Southern California was alike favorable for the produc- tion of olives for preserving and for making oil of the best quality.

Charles married HOBBS, Hannah on 7 May 1862 in North Berwick, York, ME, USA. Hannah (daughter of HOBBS, HIram H and E, Sarah) was born in Jun 1842. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: From the Santa Cruz Sentinel, 13 Aug 1906: ANGEL OF DEATH CALLS MRS. PRAY WIDOW OF LATE AMASA PRAY AND MOTHER OF FRED H PRAY YIELDS TO OLD AGE. Mrs. Amasa Pray, the widow of the late Amasa Pray, at one time half owner of the Pacific Ocean House and a member of one of the pioneer families of Santa Cruz, died at her home on Union St. at 2:15 on Saturday morning, surrounded by her children. Mrs. Pray died of a general breakdown, at the age of 85. Mr. and Mrs. Pray were among the earliest pioneers of this section, coming here 45 years ago. Deceased leaves two sons, Amasa Pray of San Francisco, Fred H. Pray of this city, and two daughters. Mrs. Minnie Bancroft and Mrs. Fanny Hobbs of Berkeley. She was born in Berwick, Maine. The Palmer drug store property, as well as the home on Union St. belonged to Mrs. Pray, the latter place having been her home for many years. For two months she has been very ill and her two daughters and her son Fred have been in almost constant attendance on her. They have the sympathy of many friends in their loss.
• Residence: 1850, Dorchester, Norfolk, Massachusetts
• Census: 25 Aug 1850, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA
• Census: 27 Jul 1860, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA
• Census: 9 Jun 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1880, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 2, Santa Cruz, California

Notes:

Census:
Amasa Pray / 34 / Male / Occu - Wood Warf / Born in Maine-Miriam Pray / 27 / Female / Born in Maine-Charles A Pray / 9 / Male / Born in Mass-Francis A Pray / 7 / Female / Born in Mass-Amasa Pray / 4 / Male / Born in Mass

Census:
Miriam Pray / Age 38 / Sex F / / Birthplace Maine-

Census:
Pray Marian / Age 48 / Female / White / Keeping House / Born in Mass

Died:
(address later became the Walter Byrne residence, but at this time had been in the Pray family)

Miriam married PRAY, Amasa on 2 Oct 1839 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Amasa (son of PRAY, David and Sarah) was born in 1817 in North Berwick, York, Maine, United States; died on 23 Aug 1881 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 24 Aug 1881 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joanna married HALL, John on 28 May 1846. John (son of HALL, John) was born on 2 Oct 1822 in North Berwick, York, ME, USA; died on 17 Jul 1902. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: MRS. OLIVE DRENNAN'S LONG, USEFUL LIFE, DRAWS TO CLOSE This morning, soon after three o'clock, occurred the death of an old citizen of Santa Cruz -- one of most distinguished ones -- a woman identified with the best things carried on In this city for a very long period. Mrs. Olive Louisa Drennan passed to her well-earned rest, at the age of 81 years 1 month and 21 days. She had been ill at her home on Church street, only being in bed for a week, though she had needed care for five years. She had a keen brain to the last, vividly interested in matters of world wide importance a great reader tile best in modern literature, as as that of older times. Mrs Drennan -- Olive Louisa Fernald being her maiden name -- was born in North Berwick, Maine, and received her education there and Boston, where she attended school under W. J. Rolfe, the famous Shakespearian scholar. In '63 she came to California with her sister, Mrs. Amasa Pray, Mr. Pray and their family of children. They were in Santa Barbara for a year, with a brother, Charles Fernald. In '64 Miss Fernald settled in Santa Cruz with the Prays, and she taught in Santa Cruz schools for four years. While at Mission hill's little two room building she was one of those who planted a long row of trees, a later landmark. She married in '68 Samuel Drennan, a prominent business man, and entered the Church street Home where she passed away last night, as a bride. She was a staunch Congregationalism secretary of the Ladies' society and the missionary society for years almost without number. She was the second president of the Decorative Art society and Women's exchange a charter member of the Improvement society, which closed its affairs in her home a few months ago. She was its treasurer for a long period. Other activities were the D. A. R., to the local chapter of which she belonged, an honored member, and the Saturday Afternoon club. Mrs. Drennan is survived by her four children Captain Ryland Drennan of the Pacific Mail Steamship company, at Shanghai, but at present in Calcutta; Mrs. Hazzard Gragg of San Luis Obispo; Mrs. Walter Byrne of this city, and Mrs. R. H. B. Collier of Berkeley. The funeral services will be by her own request, strictly private, and will be held at her late home, 45. Church street, tomorrow afternoon at half past 2.
• Residence: 1850, Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1860, North Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1892, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 3, Santa Cruz, California
• Residence: 1910, r. 45 Church street, Santa Cruz, CA
• Residence: 1910, 3-Wd Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
• Residence: 1914, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1920, Santa Cruz Ward 5, Santa Cruz, California

Notes:

Excerpt of first person oral history of early Santa Cruz County, "My Early Childhood Memories", by Sarah Hinton Gourley.

Following the death of Gourley's grandmother in May, 1858:

"Our folks took up about eighty acres of land in Blackburn Gulch. When they moved to this farm, I went to live with Aunt Hannah Anthony, and attended the Grant School for a short time. Miss Louisa Fernald [DRENNAN] was the teacher and boarded at the Geo. Anthony home. I helped Aunt Hannah with [her] work. In the evening I sat with Grandfather by the fireplace in his room as he was so lonely. He told me stories of his early life which were very interesting."



Misc:
Though she died in 1921, her estate apparently wasn’t settled until 1938 by daughter Mabel Byrne.

Residence:
Also residence Edith, Mabel

Residence:
Precinct 8-44 Drennan, Mrs. Louisa Republican Homekeeper 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz-

Olive married DRENNAN, Samuel on 28 May 1868 in Pacific Ocean House, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. Samuel (son of DRENNAN, William and ANDERSON, Margaret L) was born on 30 Oct 1829 in Chatam, Sangamon, IL, USA; died on 7 Sep 1891 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 10 Sep 1891 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: ROGERS, Robert Cameron. Robert was born on 20 Dec 1900; died on 28 Jan 1981; was buried in Santa Barbara Cemetery, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, Santa Barbara Ward 1, Santa Barbara, California

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: First class of Stanford University
• Occupation: Cattle rancher and later banker
• Residence: 1900, Santa Barbara Ward 1, Santa Barbara, California

Notes:

From The Best Last Place (book on Santa Barbara Cemetery):

Born in Santa Barbara. Son of Judge Charles Fernald. Graduate of Stanford University in the very first graduating class under David Starr Jordan. Purchased a cattle ranch in Mexico with his first wife, Elizabeth Swift, a member of the Chicago Swift family. Selling the ranch, they relocated to Chicago where Fernald started a banking career with Fort Dearborn bank. Later became Vice President of Continental Bank. Second wife, Katherine Miller Smith, married in 1933.

Family/Spouse: SWIFT, Elizabeth. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married SMITH, Katherine Miller in 1933. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, Santa Barbara Ward 1, Santa Barbara, California
• Residence: 1920, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 24 Aug 1850, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA

Notes:

Census:
Amasa Pray / 34 / Male / Occu - Wood Warf / Born in Maine-Miriam Pray / 27 / Female / Born in Maine-Charles A Pray / 9 / Male / Born in Mass-Francis A Pray / 7 / Female / Born in Mass-Amasa Pray / 4 / Male / Born in Mass

Died:
Does not appear in 1860 census and Amasa & Miriam’s next child, born 1862, is named Charles

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Fannie
• Census: 25 Aug 1850, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA
• Census: 27 Jul 1860, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA
• Residence: 1880, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States

Notes:

Census:
Amasa Pray / 34 / Male / Occu - Wood Warf / Born in Maine-Miriam Pray / 27 / Female / Born in Maine-Charles A Pray / 9 / Male / Born in Mass-Francis A Pray / 7 / Female / Born in Mass-Amasa Pray / 4 / Male / Born in Mass

Census:
Fannie Pray / Age 17 / Sex F / / Birthplace Mass

Family/Spouse: HOBBS, Hiram H. Hiram (son of HOBBS, HIram H and E, Sarah) was born about 1832 in Maine; died on 28 Apr 1900 in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bookkeeper
• Census: 25 Aug 1850, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA
• Naturalization: 2 Sep 1851, Newport, RI, USA
• Census: 27 Jul 1860, Dorchester, Norfolk, MA, USA
• Residence: 1880, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Notes:

Census:
Amasa Pray / 34 / Male / Occu - Wood Warf / Born in Maine-Miriam Pray / 27 / Female / Born in Maine-Charles A Pray / 9 / Male / Born in Mass-Francis A Pray / 7 / Female / Born in Mass-Amasa Pray / 4 / Male / Born in Mass

Naturalization:
730 Drennan, Samuel 50 Illinois Gen’l Agent Santa Cruz #2 Jul 14, 1880-

Census:
Amasa Pray / Age 14 / Sex M / / Birthplace Mass-

Amasa married WILLEY, Annie B on 26 Jan 1874 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA. Annie (daughter of WILLEY, Samuel Hopkins) was born in 1852 in California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Fred
• Obituary: From the Santa Cruz Evening News, 18 Jun 1910: FRED H. PRAY PASSES OVER DEATH COMES TO END SUFFERINGS OF WELL KNOWN MAN-ABOUT TOWN. SON OF THE LATE AMASA PRAY, A NAME LINKED WITH EARLY LOCAL HISTORY. Fred H. Pray, the well known man-about-town, who has lived in Santa Cruz for over 40 years, died at the Mission Hill sanatorium this morning, after a long Illness, following injuries he receved In a fall from a wagon on the Scotts Valley road a ittle over a year ago. Pray was the son of the late Amasa Pray, one of the pioneers of Santa Cruz, who conducted the Pacific Ocean house In early days. His father and mother are both dead, Mrs. Pray having died here about three years ago. Mrs. Miriam F. Bancroft of Berkeley, a sister, was with him when he died. He was unconscious for some time before he passed away, but before that he frequently wished for death to end his sufferings. The dead man was much beloved by his many friends. He was a native of Massachusetts, 58 years of age, but came to California when he was 13 and lived In Santa Cruz practically ever since. Since his mother died Pray made his home with Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Young, old friends of the family. Further down the page: Died Pray - In Santa Cruz, June 18, Fred H Pray, a native of Massachusetts, aged 58 years. The funeral services for deceased will be held from Wesendorf & Stafflers undertaking parlor tomorrow, Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend the services. Interment strictly private.
• Census: 27 Jul 1860, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA

Notes:

A somewhat astonishing tale as told in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, 16 Sep 1908:

FRED PRAY STILL LIVES

PROMINENT MAN THROWN FROM WAGON IN SCOTTS VALLEY.

Fred Pray is not dead, all reports to the contrary. He had a bad fall Tuesday afternoon and is somewhat bruised up, but he is resting comfortably at W. P. Young's Dye Works on on Locust St. He was brought in from Scotts Valley in an ambulance, and immediately after his arrival the report was current that he had breathed his last and was resting at the Pacific Coast Undertaking Parlors. Many kind words were said about Mr. Pray by those who thought him deceased.

"I'm not dead, and you can't kill me off," said Mr. pray with a faint smile to a "Sentinel" reporter, who interviewed the unfortunate man as he rested back on his pillows. "It was Just this way. I wasn't very busy to day, so for the mere pleasure of an outing I accompanied Mr. Miland, of the Seidlinger Transfer Co on his express wagon with a load of furniture for Locke's place In Scott Valley. We had a nice lunch and started home. Near Bert Fagen's place Mr. Miland left me for a few moments, and then the trouble began. One of the horses was a big, buxom colt, a mean critter, who could kick six feet high. This colt kicked sideways with such force as to knock one of the traces loose, and the pole dropped. The horses started on a mad tear. To save my life I ran them into a bank. I fell headlong to the ground, and the wagon fell on top of me. It is a miracle that I am alive today. But I am not yet destined to die, for way back in '76 I fell 42 feet into a well, breaking a leg in two places, but I have lived on. I held on to the reins with a grip of steel, until help came and relieved me".

During his talk Fred Pray gave frequent groans, for his body is badly wrenched. His right arm is so sore that he can hardly use it, and it may be a very long time before he will ever be able to work with it again.

Census:
Frederic H Pray / Age 9 / Sex M / / Birthplace Mass-

Died:
Death records & headstone have 17 Jun 1909, newspaper has 18 Jun 1909

Frederick married RIDDELL, Margaret on 8 Apr 1883 in Oakland, Alameda, CA, USA, and was divorced on 19 Sep 1889 in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. Margaret (daughter of RIDDELL, John William and Margaret) was born about 1855; died on 13 Apr 1890 in Glen Riddell, Gilroy, Santa Clara, CA USA; was buried in Saint Mary Church Cemetery, Gilroy, Santa Clara, CA USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Minnie
• Obituary: From the Oakland Tribune, 9 Dec 1941: Funeral Held for Mrs. Chas. Bancroft BERKELEY, Dec. 9. Private funeral services were held in Oakland this morning for Mrs. Charles E. Bancroft, a resident of this city for 40 years. Mrs. Bancroft died Sunday at her home, 3222 Piedmont Avenue. A native of Boston, she came to California" in 1863 and had lived most of the time in the Bay area. Mrs. Bancroft was a member of the San Francisco Chapter of the Colonial Dames and of the Century Club. She is survived by her husband, Charles, a nephew of the late H. H. Bancroft, the noted historian after whom the Bancroft Library at the University of California was named.
• Census: 27 Jul 1860, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA
• Census: 9 Jun 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Notes:

Census:
Minnie Pray / Age 2 / Sex f / / Birthplace Mass

Census:
Pray Minnie / Age 13 / Female / White / Attending School / Born in Mass

Family/Spouse: BANCROFT, Charles E. Charles was born on 28 Aug 1851 in California, USA; died on 31 Dec 1941 in Alameda Co, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: FAWCETT, Judge Eugene. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: From the Santa Cruz Surf, 4 Nov 1897: FRANK PRAYS DEATH. Well-Known in Santa Cruz, San Francisco and the West. ) From todays San Francisco Call is quoted the following well-written obituary notice of the late Frank P. Pray, son of Mrs. A. Pray and nephew of Mrs. Louisa Drennan of this city: Frank P. Pray, late of Denver, Colo., but formerly a well-known resident of San Francisco and of Santa Cruz, his early home, died at noon yesterday at the residence of his father-in-law, Captain John Bermingham, 741 Chestnut street, of peritonitis, resulting from a long, heroic and critical surgical operation to which he submitted on Monday last. Mr. Pray was born in Boston, Mass., and at the time of his death was a little over 40 years of age. When a mere child he came with his parents to California in the early 60s and with them settled Santa Cruz, where his aged mother still resides. For a number of years he was connected with the Bancroft Publishing Company in this city. Later he was in the stationery business here with Z. U. Dodge, under the firm name of Dodge Bros. & Pray. Subsequently, for many years, he was a real estate agent, with offices at 310 Pine street. Two years and a half ago, however, he ecame afflicted with appendicitis and was operated upon in this city. His recovery was slow and nevor complete. He closed out his real estate business and, as soon as he was able, moved to Denver, where, for the past two years, be was agent for the California Powder Works. Several weeks ago he returned here in the hope of recuperating from the weakening effect of a large wound that had never healed after it was first made by the surgeons knife. To rectify that surgical misfortune and to save his life the recent operation was decided upon. Frank Pray was physically a very large man, weighing in health 240 pounds. He had a particularly agreeable personality, and was uniformly good natured. He leaves a widow and one child, a little girl 5 years of age. Among the other relatives who survive him are a brother, Fred Pray, the hotel proprietor of Stockton, and two sisters, Mrs. H. H. Hobbs of this city, wife of Captain Hobbs foreman of the Grand Jury, and Mrs. Charles Bancroft, formerly the wife of the late Judge Fawcett of Santa Barbara. The funeral will take place tomorrow forenoon at 10 oclock from the Bermingham residence.
• Cause of Death: Peritontis
• Census: 27 Jul 1860, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA
• Census: 9 Jun 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Notes:

Census:
Frank P Pray / Age 8 / Sex M / / Birthplace Mass

Census:
Pray Frank / Age 15 / Male / White / Attended school / Born in Mass-

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: PRAY - IN Santa Cruz, Dec, 5, Charles Fernald, youngest son of Amasa and Miriam Pray, aged six years, one month and ten days.

Notes:

To date, I can only find source of middle name as "F", but I would assume this is "Fernald", her mother's maiden name.

From Santa Cruz Sentinel, 1871-12-2, Page 2, Col 5:

Died. Drennan - In Santa Cruz, November 29th, 1871, Alice F., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Drennan, aged 18 months

Oh loved and lost! - 'tis thus the lot of all
The loved are gone!
And lost to circle of the hearth and hall,
The Angel One
That comes to every house, when angels
Too soon upon

Buried:
JPG, Genealogy/Reunion/headstones/2007 10 03 007_edited-1.jpg, Alice Fernald Drennan Headstone, HEADSTONE, JPG, Genealogy/Reunion/headstones/2007 10 03 009_edited-1.jpg, Alice Fernald Drennan Headstone, HEADSTONE

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: From Santa Cruz Sentinel, 09 Jan 1940 Edith Drennan Gragg Passes In San Luis Follows Husband After Only Three Weeks; Was Early Resident Here Word was received in Santa Cruz Sunday of the passing of Mrs. Edith Drennan Crag" at the family home on the coast highway between San Luis Obispo and Pismo. Her husband preceded her in death on December 15. Mis. Gragg was born in Santa Cruz, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Drennan. Her father, a leading realtor and insurance man, was prominent in civic and business life, and her mother was a teacher in the old Mission Hill school. Mrs. Gragg attended the Mission Hill school and high school, and the Quincy Hall Seminary in San Francisco. A woman of culture, she was interested in Indian relics and had an "unusual collection. She was married about 40 years ago to Hazzard Gragg, also of a pioneer Santa Cruz family, and they went from here to San Luis Obispo to make their home. Mrs. Gragg is survived by two sisters, Mrs. W. C. Byrne of Santa Cruz and Mrs. R. B. H. Collier of Berkeley. Mrs. Ryland Drennan of this city was a sister-in-law. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Wessendorf Mortuary, and will be conducted by Rev. Norman Snow of Calvary church, formerly her rector at San Luis Obispo. Interment will be at the Odd Fellows' cemetery in the Drennan plot.
• Cause of Death: Heart Attack
• Residence: 1892, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Census: 12 Jun 1900, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
• Residence: 1920, Avila, San Luis Obispo, California
• Residence: 1930, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, California

Notes:

Residence:
Drennan, Edith Miss, Student, res 45 Church Street

Census:
Gragg, Edith / Wife / White / Female / Mar 1872 / Age = 28 / Married / Married 5 years / No Children / Born in California / Father born in IL / Mother born in ME / / Reads / Writes / Speaks English

Residence:
Ranch outside of San Luis Obispo near Shell Beach

Edith married GRAGG, Hazzard James on 4 Jun 1895 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA. Hazzard (son of GRAGG, George T and Ruth) was born on 9 Feb 1869 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; died on 15 Dec 1939 in San Luis Obispo, California; was buried on 18 Dec 1939 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: San Jose Normal School (aka San Jose State)
• Obituary: From the Santa Cruz Evening News Mrs. Mabel D. Byrne, 67, S. C. Leader, Succumbs Funeral services for Mrs. Mabel Drcnnan Byrne, 67, one of Santa Cruz' most esteemed women, who died at 11 o'clock Monday night at a local hospital, will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday from Wessendorf's mortuary. Private interment will follow in the I. O. O. F. cemetery. She had been ill since Sept. 5, when she suffered a stroke. Prominent in the church, educational, civic and social life in her native Santa Cruz, Mrs. Byrne will be mourned by the entire community in whose betterment she maintained an active leadership. Mrs. Byrne was born in the pioneer Drennan home on Church street, which recently was razed for the Wessendorf mortuary parking lot. She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Louisa Drennan. The mother was one of the early teachers in the public schools and was a leader in the church, club and civic life. Her father was a prominent citizen and for years a leading realtor and insurance agent. Mrs. Byrne attended the schools of the city, was graduated from the San Jose State Normal school, now known as San Jdse state college, and then was recognized as a teacher of unusual ability in the Mission Hill school. LEADER A woman with a keen mind and intellect she was a leader in all that stood for the best progress of the city. She figured in civic and social life, but above all her church life was always first; As a girl she united with the Congregational church. She was as an infant baptized in this church and the baptismal robe worn by her was worn by children of her own family for the sacred ceremonial. AFTERNOON CLUB She was one of the early members of the Saturday Afternoon Club, now the Santa Cruz Woman's club. From the beginning she was a member of the Friday Shakespeare club, also of the Santa Cruz Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the Decorative Art Society. She had served a number of times on the Santa Cruz Council of the Young Women's Christian Association and was interested in all the work for young people. In this city she was married to Walter C. Byrne. The wedding was at the family home on Church street Her husband preceded her in death about a year. He was prominent in the business life of the community and was connected with the Byrne Bros, store in the Drennan block. Surviving her are children, Barbara, of the high school faculty at San Diego, Gilbert and John, Santa Cruz; Mrs. George Shreve, Redwood City; Mis. Paul Kerr, Daley City; and a sister, Mrs. R. B. H. Collier, of Berkeley.
• Occupation: Teacher prior to marrying
• Cause of Death: Complications of stroke
• Residence: 1892, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 2, Santa Cruz, California
• Census: 23 Apr 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Arrival: 13 Jul 1922, San Francisco, California
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Mrs. Byrne was born in the pioneer Drennan home on Church street, which recently was razed for the Wessendorf mortuary parking lot.

Residence:
Drennan, Mabel L Miss, Student, res 45 Church Street

Mabel married BYRNE, Walter Charles on 6 Jun 1899 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA. Walter (son of BYRNE, George Griffing and EARLEY, Henrietta) was born on 16 Feb 1868 in Jackson, Jackson Co, Michigan; died on 22 Oct 1940 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 24 Oct 1940 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 3, Santa Cruz, California
• Residence: 1910, r. 45 Church street, Santa Cruz, CA
• Residence: 1947, 2611 Benvenue, Berkeley, CA
• Residence: 1951, 968 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA

Notes:

Santa Cruz Sentinel, Jun 24, 1882, Page 3 Col 1: Dora Drennan, daughter of Samuel, broke her arm Thursday, while reaching for goodies high up in her mother's pantry.

Dora married COLLIER, Richard Bartlett Howard on 28 Jun 1912 in 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. Richard (son of COLLIER, Richard H and SNIVLEY, Emma) was born on 9 May 1869 in CANADA; died on 25 Feb 1947 in 2611 Benvenue, Berkeley, CA; was buried on 27 Feb 1947 in Chapel of the Chimes, Alameda County, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Color/Complexion: Medium
• Physical Description: Large scar on right side of face
• Eye color: Grey
• Hair color: Brown-grey mixed
• Height: 5 feet, 8 inches
• Obituary: From San Francisco Chronicle: Capt. Drennan Drops Dead in Midst of Song Famous Mariner Started Career Here With Line 24 Years Ago --------------------------- Captain Ryland Drennan, port superintendent of the Panama Mail Steamship Company and one of the best known mariners on the Pacific, dropped dead yesterday as he finished a round of golf with two friends at the Olympic Club. He was 51 years old. Drennan, whose wit and irrepressible high spirits had made him one of the best liked men in maritime service, had played a match with John O’Connor, manager of the Donovan Lumber Company, and E. A. MacMahon another shipping man. He seemed in even better spirits than usual as he walked to the clubhouse with them. He left them with a joke to go to his locker room. He was singing to himself as he walked along the corridor. Heard Him Fall Then O’Connor heard him fall, and rushing to his side, found him strangely still. O’Connor called Dr. L. O. Kimberlin, who was standing nearby, and the physician pronounced Drennan dead from heart failure. Captain Drennan entered the service of the Pacific Steamship Company, forerunner of the Panama Mail Company, twenty-four years ago, when he sailed as the fourth officer on the liner Manchuria, then sailing between San Francisco and the Orient. His rise was rapid. Five years later he was made commander of the liner Pennsylvania and had the distinction of being one of the youngest skippers in transpacific service. In 1917 he was transferred to the Columbia, then running to China. Entered World War A year later, when the United States entered the World war, John H. Rosseter, director of operations for the United States Shipping Board and vice-president of the Pacific Mail, took Drennan to Washington, D. C. as his assistant. Drennan was there for a year. Then he returned to San Francisco to take command of the navy training ship Iris. After the war he served as his company’s agent in Shanghai and as master of the steamer Hoosier State, now the President Lincoln, until 1924, when he was installed in San Francisco as port captain of the Pacific Mail. June 1, 1925, when the firm was succeeded by the Panama Mail, Drennan retained the corresponding position of port superintendent. Drennan was born in Santa Cruz in 1877. His only survivor is his widow. Since making his home in San Francisco he had lived at 2983 Pacific avenue.
• Occupation: Sea Captain
• Residence: San Francisco, San Francisco, California
• Cause of Death: Heart Attack
• Residence: 1880, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1900, Australia
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 3, Santa Cruz, California
• Membership: 1910, Royal Arch Masons of Santa Cruz
• Residence: 1920, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia
• Residence: 1921-1928, 2983 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

Notes:

Santa Cruz Surf (Weekly)
December 27 1890

Location: Santa Cruz
Source: Santa Cruz Public Library

Distressing Accident.
A Boy Shot While Carelessly Playing With a Gun.
An accident of a peculiarly sad and distressing handled by a boy, brought
disfigurement and perhaps death to a playmate.
Frank Sager and Ryland Drennan, two well known boys, were playing on
Chestnut avenue with a shot gun, and in some manner, Sager, who had the
gun, accidentally discharged it, the full force of the shot striking young
Drennan in the face tearing away the left side and shattering the jaw-bone.
It was a most unfortunate case as young Drennan was an unusually bright
boy, very popular among his friends, and should he recover will carry the
ugly marks, resulting from one day's careless sport, through life. The
shooting was entirely accidental, the boys being great friends. Young
Sager is almst crazed with grief and fright over the unfortunate occurrence. The attending physician removed the shattered remnants of
the bone, and it is hope that the boy may recover, although grave fears are
entertained that other complications may set in that will prove fatal.

Other notes on things to still be researched:

Went to sea at an early age, and eventually became a steamship captain. Some miscellaneous items:

* Travel and Comment - Page 17
by James Duval Phelan - Voyages around the world - 1923 - 318 pages
My ship was "The Hoosier State," Captain Ryland Drennan, a native of Santa Cruz,
on the bridge, and Chief Engineer MJ Stack, a native of San Francisco, ...

* The Historical Society of Southern California Quarterly - Page 25
by Historical Society of Southern California - California, Southern - 1961
... and later in the hands of her brother, Captain Ryland Drennan, of San Francisco,
another interesting bit of information was discovered. ...

* The National Marine
by National Marine League of the United States of America - Merchant marine - 1918
Page 42
You will also make the members of the crew directly responsible for the care of
these books and periodicals. CAPTAIN RYLAND DRENNAN, Deck Department. ..

* Japanese Immigration Legislation: Hearings Before the Committee on ... - Page 117
by United States Congress. Senate. Committee on Immigration - 1924 - 170 pages
Ryland Drennan told me on the voyage which I took with him that he lost 14 of
his crew in San Francisco on his previous voyage. ...

* Inquiry Into Operations of Shipping Board: Hearings, July 24-Aug. 7, 1919 - Page 144
by United States, Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Congress, House - 1919 - 795 pages
Ryland Drennan, who had been a captain of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. and also
other companies prior to that time, for many years. ...

* From the days prior to the Mongolia scandal unfolding, a story in the SF Chronicle about Ryland’s new appointment on the China Mail Steamship Company:

Harbor News

Under the houseflag of the China Mail Steamship Company, the former Pacific Mail liner China will steam from this port Saturday at 1 o’clock, and will inaugurate a service which is to compete with the T. K. K for the mastery of the trade between San Francisco and ports of the Orient other than Japanese. Captain Ryland Drennan is to go out in command of the China, and is well known as a navigator and master out of this port.

Drennan’s last command was the Pacific Mailer Newport in the Panama service, and later he went in the China trade of the company. He arrived here yesterday as chief officer of the liner Mongolia, and is to sever his connection with the Pacific Mail Company today.

The position of master of the China was offered him by radiogram from this port three days ago, and he accepted at once, so when the Mongolia steams for the Atlantic, there will be another chief as second to Captain Emery Rice.

Loaded to capacity with freight, the China will inaugurate the service of the of the new company to the Far East, and her cabins and steerage will be filled with passengers. Already the reservations of Chinese have filled the vessel as far as all accommodations except cabin are concerned, and at present Europeans and Americans have taken practically all the first-class accommodations on the trim liner.

Ceremonies incident to the christening of the houseflag of the new China Mail Steamship Company will be held on board the liner China at pier 42 this afternoon. At that time the new company will take its place among the shipping concerns of San Francisco and a large delegation of prominent shipping men will be present.


Served on the United States shipping Board, and is mentioned as being present during negotiations over the NY longshoremen’s strike in 1919.

A blog post I wrote about Ryland Drennan in 2012: http://byrnefamily.net/ryland-drennan-siren-song-sea/

Ryland married NICHOLS, Lois Mildred on 9 Oct 1909 in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. Lois (daughter of NICHOLS, Urial Schuymerhorn and GUILD, Pacific) was born on 2 May 1878 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; died on 11 Jan 1966 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 13 Jan 1966 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]