Ventura County Biographies

James T. Donlon

Submitted by Sandy Neder

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

Donlon Brothers
 
Donlon Brothers are prominent ranchers of Hueneme, and natives of California. 
Their father, Peter Donlon, came to Ventura County in 1870, with his wife and 
their two little sons. He purchased 400 acres of land, which has since become 
valuable property. It was at that time a wilderness, and the little board house, 
still standing not far from their more modern home, speaks plainly of pioneer 
times and days of small things. Peter Donlon was born in County Longford, 
Ireland, in 1846, both his parents being natives of Ireland. he was an 
industrious and respected citizen, and by his honest toil he had provided 
himself and his family with a comfortable home, surrounded by fruit trees and 
fields of waving grain, in one of the most fertile valleys of the State. Here, 
when he was so favorably situated to enjoy life, a fatal accident occurred, in 
1888, that terminated his useful life. He was engaged in cutting trees, and a 
ladder was thrown against his head by a falling tree, which resulted in his 
death a few hours afterward. This sad accident was a severe trial to his family, 
and a shock to the community in which he had resided so long. He left a family 
of five children, three sons and two daughters, as follows: James T., born in 
Alameda County, July 29, 1868; Charles, also born in Alameda County, August 30, 
1869; Joseph, born at the home ranch in 1871; and both the sisters, Mary and 
Ida, also born at the home place.
    Since their father's death the farm is being conducted by the sons, under 
the firm name of Donlon Brothers, and the sisters manage the housekeeping. The 
crop raised on this ranch is principally barley, but they also do general 
farming and raise horses, cattle and hogs. They are agents for 600 acres of land 
besides their own ranch, and 350 acres of it they are farming.
    The family are all members of the Catholic Church. The two oldest sons 
belong to the Young Men's Institute and the youngest is a member of the order of 
Native Sons of the Golden West.
 
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS 
OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 580