Santa Clara County
Biographies
LAWRENCE
MAHER
For the past forty-one years Mr. Maher has been a continuous resident of California, and ranks among her most successful fruits-growers. Born October 30, 1832, in County Tipperary, Ireland, he is the eldest in a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters, born to William and Mary (O’Brian) Maher, both natives of the above named county, and their entire lives were spent in the vicinity of their birthplace. Educated in the national schools of Ireland, Mr. Maher followed the career of a laborer in his native country for a number of years, but finally determined to come to America and take advantage of the increased opportunities of young men to build for themselves a career of usefulness within her bounds. Arriving in New York City May 15, 1857, he very soon afterward found a suitable location near Monson, Mass., and there he followed agricultural pursuits for several years. In 1861 he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama and upon reaching his desired destination followed ranching pursuits a few months in Trinity county. He also prospected about one month in the vicinity of Lewiston, but not meeting with success, he abandoned mining. Soon afterward he went to San Francisco, and in the fall of 1861 returned to New York. From there he went to Chicago, Ill., thence to Lexington, Mo., and from there to St. Louis, where he saw the rebel flag raised on the court house. From there he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Monson, Mass., and in 1863, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, he returned to California. After spending a month in Redwood City he proceeded to Santa Clara county, and ever since May 15 of that year has been a continuous resident of the county. He devoted his attention strictly to farming pursuits and in 1882 had accumulated sufficient means to purchase twenty acres of land on the Tulley road, near San Jose, and soon afterward made an additional purchase of seventeen acres on Lucretia avenue, along the Coyote creek, and about a quarter of a mile from the city limits on the south. Upon this latter place he still resides, and at this writing (1904) his productive fruit ranch contains thirty acres. Although well advanced in years Mr. Maher gives his personal attention to fruit growing, having one-half of his place in pears and the balance in prunes, peaches and assorted fruits.
In Monson, Mass., Mr. Maher was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Handley, who was also born in County Tipperary, Ireland. At her death, July 16, 1901, she left three children, William John, Nicholas and Mary. The latter is her father’s efficient housekeeper and the eldest son is also a resident of the home place, rendering able assistance to the father in fruit culture. Nicholas resides in San Jose. The family unite in worshipping at the Catholic Church, and in his political views Mr. Maher has ever been a stanch Democrat. Surrounded by his children, he is spending the sunset of life in the full enjoyment of the fruits of his earlier years of toil, an esteemed resident in his community.
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., Pages 878-879.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2015 Cecelia M. Setty.