Peter McMillan

Peter McMillan, one of the pioneers of Santa Paula, Ventura County, was born in Canada, March 31, 1834. His parents, Donald and Mary McMillan, were natives of Canada, and both of Scotch descent. Mrs. McMillan's maiden name was the same as her husband's, while they were not relatives. In 1870 Mr. McMillan came to Santa Paula. For eighteen months he was employed on a ranch, working for wages, after which he rented lands and, for two years, raised barley and corn. He was not successful in that enterprise, and again worked by the month for a year. In 1874 he built a livery stable - the third building in Santa Paula - which served as a station on the stage route between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Mr. McMillan had charge of eight stage horses all the time, turning out that many at 4 o'clock every morning, and the same number at 9 o'clock in the evening. His livery stock consisted of two horses, a wagon and a spring buggy. One of the horses with which he began business, Salem, is now twenty-six years old, is a good horse yet and is some times let for light work. Mr. McMillan bought the ground for his stable and also the lumber to build on time. For eight years he worked along without getting much ahead. He then purchased three acres on Main street for $350, and from this he sold the lots on which Cleveland Hall and the Petrolia Hotel are built, for $45 per foot front. He also owns two acres a little further out on the same street, his home property and some other lots. His livery business has increased until he now has nine rigs and fourteen good horses, and is raising some valuable colts. Mr. McMillan has been fairly successful in his business enterprises, and is one of the reliable old settlers of Santa Paula.

    December 24, 1884, Mr. McMillan, like his father, wedded a lady of his own name, Mrs. McMillan. She was born in New Brunswick; is the daughter of John Murray and widow of William McMillan. She has two children by her first husband, William and Nellie. Mrs. McMillan is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McMillan is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and in his political views is a Republican.

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