DRENNAN, Samuel

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Real Estate, General Agent
• Residence: 1850, Not Stated, Sangamon, Illinois
• Arrival: Aft Jan 1853, New Orleans, LA
• Arrival: Bef Mar 1853, Panama Isthmus, Panama
• Arrival: Mar 1853, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Arrival: Aft Mar 1853, Gold Fields, Mariposa County, CA, USA
• Arrival: Aft Apr 1853, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Occupation: Between 1856 and 1891, Real Estate & Insurance Agent
• Membership: 1857, Grand Lodge of California, Free & Accepted Masons
• Residence: 1860, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Witness: Dec 1860, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Juror: Aug 1862, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1884, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

From DAR of California Pioneers:

A member of a pioneer Illinois family ? 1822 his grandfather surveyed and marked stakes for Springfield, Ill. He left Illinois Dec. 18, 1852 and went down the Mississippi to New Orleans, thence to Isthmus which he crossed on mule back ? arrived in San Francisco, Calif March 1853. He went to mines of Mariposa County for a short time then came to Santa Cruz where he remained until his death. He served as Deputy Sheriff under the second, third and fourth sheriffs of the County. The fourth Sheriff of the County was John T. Porter. ON return from a hot dusty ride Mr. Porter and Samuel Drennan went to mouth of San Lorenzo river on Monterey Bay, disrobed and bathed in surf. They were greatly invigorated and continued the practice. Huts for dressing rooms were erected and sea bathing, now one of Santa Cruz main attractions, was inaugurated. He was a member of the Butler Guards during the Civil War. He was a member of the early Volunteer Fire Company ? the Pilots. He was instrumental in introducing bituminous rock, a native product, as a road building material. He was prominent in the business and social life of the city from 1854 until his death in 1891.

Buried:
JPG, Genealogy/Reunion/headstones/2007 10 03 002_edited-1.jpg, Samuel Drennan Headstone, HEADSTONE, JPG, Genealogy/Reunion/headstones/2007 10 03 004_edited-1.jpg, Drennan Family Marker, HEADSTONE

Samuel married FERNALD, Olive Louisa on 28 May 1868 in Pacific Ocean House, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. Olive (daughter of FERNALD, Oliver and ADAMS, Louisa) was born on 4 Apr 1839 in North Berwick, York, ME, USA; died on 21 Feb 1921 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 26 Feb 1921 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Notes:

Died:
GRAGG In this city, Dec. 22d, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Hazzard Gragg

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: From the Santa Cruz Sentinel, 8 Jan 1989: John Drennan Byrne Private services will be held for John Drennan Byrne of Santa Cruz, who died Saturday after several months of declining health. He was 84. A Santa Cruz native, Mr. Byrne's family has lived in the area for more than 125 years. He was born in a house on Walnut Avenue and attended the original Mission Hill School and Santa Cruz High School. After graduation from Stanford University, Mr. Byrne joined the firm his father and uncle had founded, Byrne Bros. Hardware. The business closed in 1967, when the partners retired. From 1955 to 1971 Mr. Byrne was a member of the Santa Cruz Library Board, which oversaw the construction of both the main library downtown and the east-side branch. For 39 years Mr. Byrne was secretary of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz. In 1972 he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest honors of Rotary International. After his retirement, Mr. Byrne participated in the Local History Project at UCSC, identifying and cataloging photographs and other local historical material. He also returned to his hobby of amateur radio. He was a pioneer in amateur radio, using a spark-gap transmitter as a young man, and was a regular participant in the California weather network and the Professional Loafers Net. He also repaired old clocks. He is survived by his wife, Vivian E. Byrne of Santa Cruz; his daughter, Catherine B. Boxwell of Sunnyvale; his son, John A. Byrne of Palo Alto; his sisters, Barbara Byrne of Chula Vista, Louise B. Shreve of Menlo Park and Miriam B. Kerr of San Diego; his brother, Gilbert G. Byrne of Redwood City; four grandsons; and a great-grand-aughter. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arnold's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polio Plus Project through the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz, P.O. Box 497, 950610, or to a favorite charity.
• Occupation: Byrne Brothers Hardware, Santa Cruz, California. Worked for father and eventually purchased business.
• Cause of Death: Urosepsis (sepsis) + Congestive Cardiac Failure
• Residence: 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1930, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: Feb 1933, 396 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA

John married EBI, Vivian Irene on 17 Nov 1929 in Stanford Memorial Church, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, California, USA. Vivian (daughter of EBI, Alvin Dryden and AUSTIN, Grace Alma) was born on 19 Nov 1907 in Hollister, San Benito, California, USA; died on 20 May 1999 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried in Jun 1999 in Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish, 330 Ravenswood, Menlo Park, San Mateo, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 23 Apr 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Census: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Cause of Death: Roller coaster accident
• Residence: 23 Apr 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Census: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

FERNALD BYRNE MEETS WITH FATAL ACCIDENT

The first fatality on the great dipper at the beach was last evening done one of the brightest and most promising boys of the community, Fernald Byrne, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Byrne lost his life.

Fernald, a junior in the high school, was at the freshman reception enjoying the evening, and from there, with Noel Ferguson, a friend, went to the beach and it was in the neighborhood of 10:20 o’clock when the went on the dipper for a ride.

Brakeman Adolph Brutt stated that the two boys were standing up in the front seat of the first car all the way around as far as he could see them.

Coming in for (illegible) stops when the car was within about 50 feet of the end of the journey, Brutt suddenly saw Byrne’s feet up in the air and applied the brakes, lifting the car from the rail.

The entire six cars with about ten people in, came to a stop within about 15 feet, but young Byrne went under the forward car and it was necessary to get help to lift the car from him in order to get him out.

The cars passed over the body and when it was picked up life was gone. The head was badly crushed.

George Reid, the manager, practically confirmed Brakeman Brutt’s story. The Ferguson boy was so badly rattled by the accident that he was unable to give a coherent account of the accident.

When the car stopped he was yelling, “Where is he?” The accident occurred at about 10:20 last evening. In company with the Ferguson boy, Byrne had taken half a dozen rides around on the dipper before the fatal accident occurred.

From the comparatively small distance the cars ran after the boy fell, the cars were running slowly, preparatory to stopping, and where the accident occurred there is practically a level stretch of track with but very slight incline.

The news, when it was received at the freshmen reception, cast a gloom over the entire company, and quickly they left the evening where their young friend who meant so much to the school life had been a short time before.

Fernald was a lad who had much to look forward to in life, as he was one who would have had a future. He was a member of one of the well known families, his father, W. C. Byrne, being of the well-known firm of Byrne Bros. His mother, Mrs. Mabel Drennan Byrne, was a daughter of one of the families that had resided here from early days, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Drennan.

Fernald was born in this city, as was his mother, and after graduating from the Mission school went to the high school. He was an unusually bright lad, and one who entered into the activities of the school life, and would likely have gone on to college on completion of his high school course.

He has always attended the Congregational church and was a member of it, uniting several years ago. He was a member of the church choir and of the Boy Scouts, of which he was greatly interested.

Besides his parents he leaves brothers and sisters, John D, a student at Stanford university, Barbara, a student at Pomona college; Gilbert, Miriam and Louise. He was about 15 years old. The boy was taken to Wesendorf & Sons undertaking parlor.

(Santa Cruz Morning Sentinel, Sep 21, 1924)

INQUEST HELD ON DEATH OF W. FERNALD BYRNE AT BEACH

An inquest was held on the death of a 15 year old son of Walter C Byrne yesterday at the Wesendorf & Sons undertaking parlors, notes being taken by Mrs. Green, official court reporter while the questioning of witnesses was done by the coroner, George W Smith. S Matir, representing the United States Fidelity & Casualty company, and also Walter C Byrne, who asked a number of questions.

Dr. Cowden was the first witness called upon and told of being called to the beach by the accident and what he found on arriving. He stated that he was called about 10:25 Saturday night and arrived about ten minutes after the accident.

Young Byrne was dead when he arrived, and they were taking car from over the body. He stated he was lying on his back between the rails, with his feet pointing toward the stopping place of the train, and stated there were 8 or 10 cars in the train, eight passing over his body.

Q. by George Smith: What are the conditions as to lighting? A. There are lights where the car stops.

Q. Did you talk with any of the management? A. Yes, I talked with the manager of the train. He said just as the cars got over the hill he saw the body of the boy in the air. He applied the breaks and stopped the train.

Q. by Mr. Byrne: What is the condition of the platform? Is it finished off? A. It is about 75 feet from where the platform is. It was a rough condition there.

Dr. Cowden also stated that the boy was crushed in the head and chest. Adolph Brutt, brakeman of the train, was next called and told how long he had been engaged in his present occupation, and in answer to questions from Attorney Smith stated that this dipper was practically the same as the one in San Francisco.

He stated there were ten cars in the train and ten people riding them. He stated the brakes are operated from a station and on being asked if he could see the train all the way around stated he could not.

Q. by George Smith: You are the only man in charge, are you not? A. Of the brakes yes.

Q. This is the only means of stopping the train? A. Yes, sir.

Q. Did you see the accident? A. I heard the train coming and looked at the brakes and saw they were set, and when I looked up I saw the body in the air. I applied the brakes immediately.

Q. When you saw the body in the air, was the train over the rise? A. Yes, it had come over the top.

Q. What is the average speed of a train of this character? A. The average speed is about 35 miles an hour.

Q. What is the highest speed you could reach? A. That I could not say.

Q. Does it reach a speed of 90 miles an hour? A. That I do not know.

Q. The thrill is to have the people shoot around? A. Yes, sir.

Q. How far did the train travel before it stopped? A. 15 feet.

He stated that the brakes are frequently tested and that his hours of work were from ten in the morning until 10:30.

He also stated that the accident happened at 10:20 pm.

Q. by Mr. Byrne: Is there only one point where the emergency can be applied? A. Yes, at the station.

Q. What was the approximate speed where this accident occurred? A. 20 or 25 miles an hour.

S. Muir of the United States Fidelity & Guarantee company also questioned a number of witnesses.

Q. by Mr. Muir: How many trips do you think the boy had taken before he was killed? A. About six trips. (This was found to be wrong as Nome Ferguson testified that they had only taken three trips in all).

George Reed, manager of the dipper, and two other witnesses were questioned.

Nome Ferguson, a school boy 16 years of age, was called to the stand and testified as follows: “We got on a car and rode twice in the back seat. Started to go away and then went into the front seat. Going down we stood up a couple of times and at the top above the station were were standing before starting to make the turn. We had hold of the bar. Then were standing up until we came to the turn that starts to come back and sat down at that turn and stood up again right before the last ride and at the top I sat down at that place. I don’t remember whether he was standing or not. At the top of the rise I have a faint recollection of his going over. The momentum threw me off the seat.

Q. When you came up that last raise, were you standing up at the time? A. No.

Q. Was he standing up? A. I can not say.

Q. When you stood up, did you stand on the floor? A. On the floor.

At 12:30 the jury was excused until 1 o’clock in order that they could view the dipper and see where the accident occurred, and at 1 o’clock after deliberating, the verdict was as follows: “Accident resulting in crushed skull, broken neck and crushed chest. This accident being caused on the giant dipper at the beach.”

Walter Fernald Byrne was a boy well liked by all and particularly bright in his studies at the high school, where he was in his junior year, and the sympathy of a host of friends goes out bereaved father, mother, and children.

Captain Ryland Drennan, uncle of the boy, was also present at the inquest.

(Santa Cruz Morning Sentinel, Sep 22, 1924)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: San Jose State (State Teachers College), San Jose, Santa Clara, CA USA
• Residence: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Award: 30 Oct 1928, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1930, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 6 Sep 1949, 460 Seventh Ave, Menlo Park, San Mateo, CA USA

Notes:

Award:
Eagle Scout

Residence:
Sept. 6.-Daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert G. Byrne of 460 Seventh ave.,

Gilbert married RODGERS, Dorothy Laurice on 21 May 1941 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA. Dorothy (daughter of RODGERS and MITCHNER) was born on 11 Dec 1907 in California, California; died on 30 Mar 1996 in San Mateo, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: San Jose State (State Teachers College), San Jose, Santa Clara, CA USA
• Census: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Miriam married KERR, Paul Ernest on 7 Jul 1934 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA. Paul (son of KERR, Ernest and TOMBLENSON, Minnie B) was born on 7 Jan 1909 in 715 E. 2nd Street, Mt. Vernon, Posey, Indiana, USA; died on 16 May 1958 in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: San Jose State (State Teachers College), San Jose, Santa Clara, CA USA
• Residence: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1958, 20 Berenda Way, Ladera, San Mateo, CA USA

Louise married SHREVE, George Wilcox on 19 Mar 1934 in Ukiah United Methodist Church, Ukiah, Mendocino, CA USA. George (son of SHREVE, Charles Henry and WILCOX, Marie) died in 1999. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Jack
• Education: Stanford University, BA Journalism
• Occupation: Editor, SRI International
• Religion: Episcopal
• Cause of Death: Heart attack
• Residence: 1962-1993, 3702 Redwood Circle, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, CA USA

Notes:

Birth:
Born at 7:30 p.m., 7 lbs 8 oz

Died:
Heart attack while walking with wife.

John married TRAPNELL, Sarah Valentine on 9 Feb 1957 in Frankfurt, Germany. Sarah (daughter of TRAPNELL, Valentine Coles and BROWN, Jean Hamilton Roxburgh) was born on 28 May 1937 in Brooklyn, Kings, New York, USA; was christened on 6 Nov 1947 in St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 580 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA; died on 18 Apr 2006 in 3702 Redwood Circle, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, CA; was buried in Jun 2006 in Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish, 330 Ravenswood, Menlo Park, San Mateo, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Catherine married BOXWELL, Donald Arthur [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BECKS, Edward Sandili. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From Santa Cruz Sentinel 12 Feb 1943

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Byrne of Menlo Park are the proud parents of a son, born in Mission hospital at 7:24 p. m. February 10, weighing 'five pounds and one and one-half ounces. Mrs. Byrne was before her marriage, Miss Dorothy Rodgers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Rodgers of 59 Laurent street. The baby has been named Michael Gilbert. Mr. Byrne is a member of the Union street family, hardware merchants, and is now engaged in government work in San Bruno.

Michael married HILPISCH, Elizabeth Jo [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Samuel married SETTLEMIER, Jolene Carol [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: MARTINI, James Horton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BROPHY, William. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: OSBORNE, Daniel. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Deborah married BUNDY, Paul Arthur [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Deborah married FAGEN, Richard Rees [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]