Frank Barrows

    Frank P. Barrows, the leading general merchant in the town of Nordhoff, was born in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, June 23, 1850. His father, J. L. Barrows, was a descent of the Puritan Fathers. (See the ancestry of the family in the history of his brother, Thomas Barrows, in this book.) The subject of this sketch is the youngest son, and was educated in the public schools of his native town. He began business for himself, in Chicago, in 1867. In 1871, he, in partnership with his brother, took a general agency for the Victor Sewing Machine, and they did a thriving business, selling 25,000 machines in the short time they were there. They were in the great Chicago fire, but a week afterward were at business again and receiving orders. Mr. Barrows, on account of failing health, his disease being throat and lung trouble, was obliged to give up business, and, by the advice of his physician, came to California in 1875, and to Ventura County in 1879. He has here fully recovered his health. His first venture was to buy the Ojai Valley House, which he improved and conducted for five years. He bought 100 acres of land, and later purchased a stock of general merchandise in Nordhoff, and is doing a thriving business, employing five clerks. He has the largest store and stock of goods in the town, and enjoys the confidence and patronage of the people in the two valleys. He is liberal in his views on all topics, and has good natural as well as acquired ability for the mercantile business. He takes orders and delivers goods all over the territory which naturally belongs to Nordhoff. His customers have found they can buy no better goods elsewhere. Mr. Barrows gives only a few hours each day to his business, just enough to keep himself thoroughly informed as to how it is being conducted. He has a handsome residence near the center of town; the grounds, comprising ten acres, are dotted over with beautiful live-oaks and other trees, with flowers in profusion. A delightfully shaded brook runs through the grounds, and the whole place speaks of taste and refinement.

    Mr. Barrows was married in 1882, to Miss Julia Smith of San Francisco, daughter of Stephen Smith, a merchant there. This union has been blessed with three children, all born in Nordhoff: Albert L., Stephen S. and Edward S. Mr. and Mrs. Barrows are both members of the Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Barrows is a Republican. He spends most of his time with his family, in his beautiful home, surrounded with balmy air, fine scenery, cooling shade, and enjoys a paying business. Why should he not be healthy and happy in his lovely California home?

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