Central California Biographies

A memorial and biographical history of the coast counties of Central California : illustrated : containing 
a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its discovery to the 
present time, together with glimpses of its auspicious future, illustrations and full-page portraits of 
some of its eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers, and prominent citizens of 
to-day (1893)

Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Author: Barrows, Henry D; Ingersoll, Luther A

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 


PETER CONRAD.� Mr. Conrad is one of the venerable citizens of Hollister and is a 
native of Germany, having been born in the Province of Rhine, September 29, 1818. 
He inherited a good business mind from his father and received a liberal schooling 
in his native land. He emigrated to America when nineteen years of age. His first 
location was at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1843, where he engaged in farming and 
in an insurance and loaning business. This latter he was able to carry on as he had 
established credit in England and controlled large amounts of money, which he 
negotiated in the form of loans, secured by mortgages on lands. 

Upon coming to California he located in San Benito county, near Hollister, where he 
purchased 320 acres of land and engaged in farming. To this property he added broad 
acres which he still owns. 

Our subject was married, at Bridgeport, New York, April 25, 1843, to Elizabeth E., a 
daughter of Wheeler French, of that city, who was a contractor and house-builder of 
New England ancestry, and his wife of English descent. Mrs. Conrad was born January 
1, 1823, and her children are as follows: John William, deceased; George F., deceased; 
Louise, deceased; Martin J.; and Emma L., now Mrs. Hall of Hollister. 

Mr. and Mrs. Conrad have retired from their active farm life to a beautiful little home, 
such as Hollister is noted for, where they are esteemed for their kindness of heart 
and noble traits of character.