Santa
Clara County
Biographies
JOEL LEVIN
For half a century Joel Levin has taken the
products from the bounteous chest of nature for the maintenance of himself and
family in one locality---in the vicinity of Mountainview,
(sic) Cal., where he located in 1853, and although an octogenarian and not in
the best of health, he still manages a small tract of land which consists of
ten acres, having generously given all the rest to his children, five in
number. His land is well located, just north of Mountainview,
(sic) and the original purchase made in 1855 contained but fifty-nine acres.
From time to time as circumstances permitted, additional purchases were made,
and in this way Mr. Levin acquired one hundred and eighty acres of fresh land
and besides, seventy acres of marsh land. Here upon this place he has devoted
almost half a century of energy in pursuing a calling which holds a
never-ceasing interest for him, and his success is but a natural result. Amid
the same familiar scenes he is now spending the sunset of life, on his son,
Ulysses’, place of ten acres, on the old Sleeper tract.
Born January 6, 1824, in Calhoun county, Ill., Mr. Levin is the second in a family of eight
children, being the only son. His father, George Levin, was a native of Germany
and emigrated to the United States at an early day,
immediately locating in Calhoun county, Ill., and engaging in farm pursuits. He
had previously been a merchant tailor. In 1838 he removed to Greene county of the same state and the same winter chronicles his
death, which occurred in the latter county. His widow remarried soon and she
died in Christian county, Ill., but before her death her son had her visit
California twice.
Mr. Levin, in his youth, obtained
but a meager education and when of suitable age began work on the home farm.
Later he rented land and entered upon his own career. In 1852, after harvesting
his first crop, he was induced to go to California. Starting May 7, the trip
overland was made behind horse and ox teams and the party of which he was a
member arrived at Volcano the following August. Mr. Levin contracted mountain
fever on the journey, and was obliged to go down into the Santa Clara valley.
Some distance south of Santa Clara, on the Hoosier ridge, he in partnership
with a cousin rented land from P. G. Keith and engaged in farm pursuits, as
soon as he was able to work again. He was entirely without money at this time
but after harvesting his second crop his prospects were brighter and the next
year he farmed on his own account, and a little later purchased the land
previously described, and upon which he still lives.
By his marriage in Mayfield, Cal.,
he was joined in matrimony with Mary Elizabeth Swall,
an Illinois lady, who died recently, July 8, 1901, marking the date of her
death. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Levin and they are named as
follows: Anna, Ulysses, Mamie and George. Mr. Levin also has an adopted
daughter, Melissa. In his political views, he is an unswerving Republican and
has ever taken a decided interest in the political issues of the day, keeping
himself well posted on affairs in general, and his influence in these matters
has been far reaching.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: History of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast
Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Page 1153. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Cecelia M. Setty.