A. Connelly

A. Connelly is another one of the prominent ranchers of the Santa Clara Valley, who has risen by his own frugality and industry to an enviable position as a citizen and land-owner. He is one of a number of gentlemen of Irish birth who left their native land to enjoy the liberty of citizenship in the United States. Several of them have settled in the same neighborhood, and when they came here they found the country a waste; by their industry they have made it a paradise, dotted all over with the fine homes of a thrifty people. The well tilled fields of this valley, the neat farm houses with their fruit and shade trees and flowers, all go to make up a picture beautiful to behold.

    Mr. Connelly was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, March 10, 1844, and came to America in 1866, at the age of twenty-two years. He first worked for wages in New York and New Jersey. In 1869 he came to California. After working some time in Contra Costa County and also in Sonoma County, and not liking the country, he came to Ventura County and was pleased with the prospect here. He was employed by Mr. Leonard and Mr. Hill, and later he rented 200 acres of land and bought a small house. After working along in this way until 1876, he purchased his present ranch of 264 acres of Thomas R. Bard. By building and other improvements he has made a valuable property of this.

    Mr. Connelly was married in 1878, to Miss Eliza Cline, a native of County Longford, Ireland. They have had nine children, six of whom are living, all born at their present home, viz.: John L., Ann C., Mary, Joseph A., Frances and James N. The whole family are members of the Catholic Church. In his politics Mr. Connelly is a Democrat. He has been Roadmaster of his district for the last five years.

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