Santa Clara County Biographies


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



MICHEL KERLOCH, JR., 
 
owns an orchard of six acres, all in fruit and nearly all in bearing, on the 
corner of Booksin and Hicks Avenues, in the Willow District. This orchard 
consists mainly of cherry trees. He also owns, on Delmas Avenue and Home Street, 
five acres of fine fruit land, which is as yet undeveloped.
        Mr. Kerloch was born in Paroisse de Primelin, Canton Pont Croys, 
Department of Finistere, France, April 17, 1853. His parents, Michel and Mary 
Jane (Good) Kerloch, are French by birth. Both are yet living in their native 
land, and are in very comfortable circumstances, as they own a fine property of 
300 acres. Michel Kerloch, Jr., whose name heads this sketch, is the sixth child 
in a family of eight children, all of whom are yet living, and all married 
except Michel, who keeps " bachelor's hall " on his ranch. He was the only one 
to leave the home land, to try his fortune in America. His brother John is an 
officer on a French man-of-war, stationed in the Chinese seas. At the present 
time (1888) he has been in the service for over twenty-three years. The other 
brothers and sisters are leading lives of industry and contentment in France, 
engaging in agricultural pursuits. Michel was of a different temperament from 
his brothers and sisters, and, filled with a spirit of adventure, became a 
sailor boy at an early age. It was in this way that he was led to make his home 
so far from his country and kindred. He was cabin boy on the ships Marie and 
Louise, on one of which he made the port of San Francisco, December 27, 1873. 
Still influenced by the love of adventure, he took " French leave " of his 
vessel. His position was certainly one of great discomfort, to speak mildly. He 
was in a strange country, with no acquaintances, absolutely penniless, and 
unable to speak a word of the language of the country in which he was to make 
his home. His success in horticulture, as well as in the mastery of the language 
and customs of the country, shows what can be accomplished by a poor French lad, 
who possesses the spirit of determination.
        He has been strictly temperate and industrious. A close observer of 
passing events, he has become thoroughly identified with the interests of the 
county which he makes his home, while by his integrity and strict attention to 
his business he has won the respect of his neighbors.
 
Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, 
Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago:  The Lewis Publishing Company, 
1888.
Pg. 430-431