Gabriel Ruiz

Gabriel Ruiz is one of the native sons of California, born in Santa Barbara County in 1817. His father, Jose Ruiz, was born in Mexico and came to California many years ago. At one time he owned some land where Ventura is now located, having had a grant of 1,000 acres of land from the Mexican Government for services rendered the government in California. The ancestors of the family were officers in the Mexican army. Mr. Ruiz has a pleasant home and a fine ranch of 151 acres, called the Santa Anita Rancho, and he also owns some lots in Santa Barbara; also in Ventura. He has always lived the life of a farmer and stock-raiser. They came to this locality in in 1879. Here Mr. Ruiz raises Norman and Richmond horses and some fine grade cattle.

    The subject of this sketch was married in 1859 to Miss Rafaela Cota, daughter of Balentin Cota, a native of Mexico. They have fourteen children, all born in Southern California, and thirteen of them, at the present writing, making their home with their parents. Their names are as follows: Arthur, Doraliza, Lazaro, Ulpiano, Thomas, Albertina, Anzelmo, Petra Josepha, Lucy, Balentin, Gabriel and Acacia. They have all been sent to the English schools and can speak both the English and Spanish languages. All are members of the Catholic Church. Three of the sons are engaged in business. Thomas assists his father in the management of the ranch and is agent for the Spanish people in the vicinity of Santa Ana, acting as their interpreter and obtaining employment for them.  He is also a fine musician, playing both violin and guitar. He and his brothers form a band and furnish good music for social parties. Arthur has a saloon and the best billiard rooms in the county of Ventura. Ulpiano is a freighter and teamster, having a large, strong wagon, to which he drives four, and sometimes six, fine horses. They are a family of intelligent and refined people, and are well worthy the success which is attending them.

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