California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


J. M. MUGRIDGE. A resident of California but a little over four years, Mr. Mugridge has 
gained for himself an enviable reputation as a horticulturist and his place is one of the best in 
this section of the county. To build up and improve a ranch in such a short time requires 
a great amount of hard labor, but in face of the many obstacles he has had to overcome, our 
subject has made hosts of friends and is considered one of the leading members of his district. 

A native of New Hampshire, he was born in Concord, August 27, 1867. a son of John Y. 
and Maria E. (Eaton) Mugridge. The father was also a native of Concord, where he was en- 
gaged in the practice of law, becoming one of the best known men in the state. For years he 
took a leading part in political matters and at one time had the distinction of serving as pres- 
ident of the New Hampshire State Senate. His wife was the daughter of Dr. Leonard Eaton, 
a graduate of Dartmouth College and a leading physician of the state. Mrs. Mugridge became 
the mother of two children, Annie, now Mrs. F. L. Pattee, of Boston ; and J. M. 

Reared in the city of his birth, J. M. Mugridge there and elsewhere received an excellent edu- 
cation. At the age of twenty he located in Colorado, pre-empting one hundred and sixty acres 
of land in the San Luis valley. The following year he sold out and returned east on account of 
the death of an aunt. With the intention of entering Dartmouth he spent some time in a pre- 
paratory school, but changing his plans he came west again in 1890, locating in Wyoming, where 
he soon became interested in the sheep business. This occupation he continued to follow for eight 
years, when he disposed of his business and made a trip east. After a short time spent amid 
the scenes of his boyhood, he again started for the west, finally going to Old Mexico, where he 
became interested in growing coffee. In 1900, owing to the unhealthful climate, Mr. Mugridge 
was compelled to return to California. On his arrival he located in Tulare county, purchasing 
twenty-two acres of land near Naranjo. In order to become familiar with the growing of oranges 
he spent six months in Tulare county, at the end of that time beginning the improvement of 
his own ranch, which is now a very attractive place. 

A Republican in politics he is deeply interested in the welfare of his party, but has neith- 
er the time nor the inclination to take an active part in political matters, preferring rather 
to devote his entire time to his own business interests.