Philemon Garcia

Philemon Garcia is a native of California, born February 10, 1849. His father, Francisco Garcia, was a native of San Francisco, and his grandfather Garcia, also named Francisco, was born in Mexico, and came to California in an early day. His mother Maria Antonia (Paraulta) Garcia, was born in San Jose, this State. They had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom six are now living. Philemon Garcia was educated in the English schools, and at the early age of eleven years began to work for himself. He was first employed to ride race horses, riding Langford, Miami and Norfolk at the most noted races. They were then considered the best horses. He then worked on a ranch for H. Williams, and afterward on threshers for different parties, until he had a thresher of his own. Mr. Garcia, in company with A. B. Smith, was the first to start a cook house, in connection with threshing-machines, to board the hands. He came to Ventura County in 1873, and bought of Edward Borchard his present home place of twenty-six acres, paying $1 down, the purchase price of the property being $500. He paid it all the same year, and since then has built a house and barn and made other improvements, making his money by raising grain and threshing. He cleared a piece of land for Thomas R. Bard, and raised a crop on the same, for which he received $2,000. He is also clearing up other lands for Mr. Bard. Mr. Garcia runs a steam corn-sheller, with which he is doing a large business. 

    In 1884 he was married to Miss Filetica Vasques, a native of California, and daughter of Francisco Vasques, also born in this State. They have three children, Filetica, Anneta, and Philemon. Mrs. Garcia is a member of the Catholic Church. For several terms Mr. Garcia has served the public as School Trustee. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party.

Back to Biographies Page