Alameda County
Biographies
JOHN P. MARLIN
Not only is John P. Marlin a successful orchardist and vegetable grower, but he is a very popular man, having tact and sympathy and generosity, and a fund of good humor and anecdote. He likes a good horse, a good story, and good friends, and takes pride in doing well whatever has to be done around his ranch. Mr. Marlin comes from one of the pioneer families of Eden township, and was born near where he now lives, October 21, 1860. In the sketch of his brother, H. B. Marlin, may be found extended mention of the progenitor of the family on the coast, and of his successful rise to wealth and prominence. The name carries with it great influence, and the family is noted for the integrity and personal success of its members.
The elder Marlin acquired a property of two hundred acres of very valuable vegetable and fruit land, probably as fine and productive as the state contains. John P. Marlin was nineteen years old when his father died, and he continued to live at home until attaining his majority, when, with his brother, H. B., he bought the interest of the others heirs. Since this transaction the brothers have divided the property, each taking one hundred and two and a half acres, valued at $500 an acre, and this Mr. Marlin has placed under the highest possible cultivation, and has a property of unexcelled fertility. About thirty acres of his land is under orchard, mostly apricots, and the balance is devoted to vegetables, for which there is a ready market in the vicinity. About thirty acres of his land is under orchard, mostly apricots, and the balance is devoted to vegetables, for which there is a ready market in the vicinity. About thirty acres are under potatoes this year (1904), and the crop averages one hundred and fifty sacks to the acre, some of them weighing three pounds each; while tomatoes average one thousand boxes per acres Mr. Marlin has made a special study of vegetables. His ranch has all necessary modern improvements, and the system and order maintained within its borders is admirable. On a small scale he also engages in general farming, raising cattle and horses, the latter always of superior breed. Mr. Marlin always drives horses which have style and breeding, and he sees to it that they are well and kindly cared for. He has a pleasant home and three children, Maud, Rhoda and Jack. Mr. Marlin was formerly Mathilda Fitter, a native of San Francisco, and her sympathy and tact and economy have proved a boon to her ambitious husband. Mr. Marlin has shown his public spirit in many ways, promoting the cause of education, good roads, churches and charitable organizations. For the past eight years he has been a trustee of the San Lorenzo Cemetery, which is as beautiful as the plans of man and California climate can make it, and the order and care of which are matters of pride with the citizens of town and county. To his intimates Mr. Marlin is known as Jack Marlin, and he is conceded to be as pleasant, obliging, and large-hearted a man as Eden township has produced.
Transcribed
Joyce Rugeroni.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 981-982. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Joyce Rugeroni.
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