California Biographies, Santa Cruz County.
L. B. McCORNICK. 

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

Source:
History of Santa Cruz County, California 
Pacific Press Publishing Company
San Francisco, Cal. 1892
By E. S. Harrison 

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

L. B. McCORNICK. 

Although not establishing a permanent home in Santa Cruz until 1883, Mr. McCornick had enjoyed a previous acquaint- 
ance with the town and had made a sojourn here as early as the year of 1870. Long identification with the citizenship as 
well as prominence in the building business gives to him a wide circle of acquaintances. Nor are his friends limited to 
the city of his residence. On the contrary, he is well known throughout the county, into every part of which his interests 
as a contractor have called him. Not only is he the pioneer builder of the town, but in addition it is said that he has 
erected more structures here than have been built by any other carpenter. Altogether, some one hundred or more build- 
ings in and near Santa Cruz have been put up under his supervision and a number of these are public buildings and 
residences equal to any to be found in the large cities of the state. 

Born in Western Canada April 8, 1844, L. B. McCornick had no special educational advantages, but he possessed the 
advantage of a thorough training as a carpenter. Canadians follow the old English custom of giving an apprentice the 
most rigorous training in his trade. Incompetency is not permissible among them. Intelligent industry is. insisted up- 
on in the smallest task, and" the young carpenter therefore was thoroughly prepared for future responsibilities. Upon 
leaving home to earn his own way he went to Chicago and secured employment as a carpenter, but soon returned to his 
old Canadian home, whence in 1866 he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. For two years he followed 
his trade in San Francisco, for one year worked at San Rafael, Marin county, and for a year also found employ- 
ment near what is now Dixon, Solano county. During the White Pine mining boom lie went to Nevada in 1869, spend- 
ing a year at those mines and in Virginia City. On his return to California he followed contracting in Santa Cruz. 
Next he went to the southern part of the state and took charge of a large flock of sheep, which he drove across the country 
through Nevada, Idaho and Utah, later disposing of them in Wyoming. 

As early as 1876 Mr. McCornick had the contract for building the Pope house on Mission street, Santa Cruz. Later he 
built the Gatt school, an addition to the Brancefort school, and a livery barn on the corner of Vine and Mission streets. 
Other buildings he here erected are the Hageman hotel, Neary block, Staeffler block, and an addition to the St. George 
hotel, all on Pacific avenue. Several fine residences were built by him on Beach hill, as well as many beautiful homes 
on Ocean View avenue, also the Unitarian church and church house on Center street, the residence of Rev. Dr. Stone 
on High street and the Fagan house on Mission street. The old Mansion house at Watsonville was partly built by him, 
also the high school and a livery stable in the same town. In politics he votes with the Republican party, but he has been 
so busily engaged with business affairs that he has had no leisure for participation in politics and for office-holding. For 
thirty years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and during all of that long period he has 
contributed of means and influence to aid the philanthropic activities of the organization. His marriage, solemnized in 
1877, united him with Miss Margaret Ketchum, by whom he has two daughters. The elder, Mary Vance, is the wife of 
Thomas Marquis, of San Francisco. The younger, Lucile, married S. W. Coleman, who holds a position as manager of 
the Union Traction, Gas and Electric Light Company, of Santa Cruz.