Henry W. Old

Henry W. Old (deceased) was one of the most respected pioneers of the Santa Clara Valley, Ventura County, California. He was born in Corwin Parish, Cornwall, England, October 5, 1834.  May 4, 1845, his parents, both English people, set sail for America, bringing their family, and locating in Wisconsin. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in that State. He spent six years of his life working in the Cliff copper mines in Wisconsin. He was after that variously employed in different places: in Illinois, then in Dodgeville, Wisconsin; in 1857 removed to Eagle River, Michigan; in 1862 went to Vermont to look after the development of a copper mine for a company, and was five months opening a mine.

    While in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, on the 23d of November, 1850, Mr. Old was united in marriage to Miss Ketura Cox, a native of Plymouth, England. Before coming to this coast three children were born to them: Elizabeth A., Eliza J. and James J. With his wife and his little family he started for California, coming via the Isthmus route. He worked in the mines at Grass Valley, Nevada City, for seven years, being in the employ of a company. In 1869, with his family and his brother-in-law, Richard Cox, he came to Ventura County. Old purchased 320 acres of land in what was then a wilderness of wild mustard, where their present fine home is now located. There were no trees and no land marks, and here the family struggled along with adversity and worked with unremitting zeal, both Mr. and Mrs. Old being united in their efforts to make a comfortable home. In the course of years they succeeded admirably, their ranch being now one of the finest in the valley. They built a large and commodious house, large barns, and planted rows of Eucalyptus trees, a large orchard, plenty of small fruit, and an abundance of flowers and shrubs; and the skill and good taste combined in the planning and execution of this work have rendered it an attractive place. The ranch is supplied with plenty of artesian water. Mr. Old raised both grain and stock, while Mrs. Old took a just pride in her turkeys, ducks, and chickens, which afforded both pleasure and profit. George W. and Edith were added to their family in California.

    Late in the month of May, 1889, Mr. Old was taken ill. The disease in a few days terminated in heart trouble, which caused his death June 2. To his wife and children it was very unexpected, and they deeply mourn his loss. He was an industrious man, a faithful and loving husband and father, and he died with his trust in the Saviour. He is missed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Their loss in his infinite gain, and he has gone to forever enjoy the reward of a well-spent life. The home he made by toil and self-denial and left to his family, is his most fitting monument.

    The oldest son, James, is married and resides on the place with his mother. He is an industrious young man of good health and character, and is a support and comfort to his widowed mother in this her time of bereavement.

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