Santa Clara County
Biographies
ROBERT P. NASH
Especially deserving of honorable mention in this biographical volume is Robert P. Nash, of San Jose, a man of recognized worth and ability, who is distinguished both for his own life and work, and for the excellent ancestry from which he is descended. On the paternal side he comes of substantial Irish stock, while on the maternal side he is of pure Scotch lineage, and on either side of the house he is of thrifty pioneer ancestry, both of his grandfathers having been among the earlier settlers of California, coming here with their families prior to 1850. He is native of Santa Clara county, his birth having occurred December 30, 1855, near Mountain View. He paternal grandfather, Thomas Nash, and his father, the late Patrick Nash, were both born in Ireland, near the city of Limerick. Emigrating with his family to America, Thomas Nash settled first near Quebec, Canada, where he lived for fifteen years. Starting for the Pacific coast in 1849, he crossed the plains with ox teams, at the end of six months arriving in Santa Clara county, where he took up land, and was employed in farming until his death, at the venerable age of ninety-seven years. He was a man of exceptional vigor and strength, both physical and mental, retaining the use of his faculties during his entire life.
But three years of age when he crossed the ocean with his parents, Patrick Nash was reared and educated in Canada. As a young man he came with the family to California, and for a few years was engaged in farming on the ranch belonging to Martin Murphy, Sr. Subsequently removing to Stockton, he was there engaged in his independent calling for a time, and then went to Contra Costa county, where he took charge of a part of the old Norris ranch. Returning to Santa Clara county, he invested his money in one hundred and sixty acres of wild land, farm which he improved a farm, devoting it to grain and stock-raising. The third year after taking possession of his ranch, while attempting to appease the wrath of a rowdy workman in a threshing crew, he was hit in the forehead by half a brick thrown by the miscreant, receiving injuries from which he died three days later, being then but forty-eight years of age. He was an active member of the Democratic party, and is most esteemed and respected citizen. Patrick Nash married Christina Duncan, who was born at Blair-Gowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, a daughter of Robert Duncan, who came with his family to California in 1846, landing in Monterey on the very day that Admiral Sloat there raised the Stars and Stripes. Further history of the Duncan family may be found on another page of this work, in connection with the sketch of the late James Enright, whose widow, Mrs. Margaret (Duncan) Enright, is also a daughter of Robert Duncan. Mrs. Nash survived her husband, and subsequently married Samuel Milliken, who came to this county as a pioneer in 1853. By her first marriage she became the mother of five children, namely: Robert P. Nash, the special subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Milliken, of Santa Clara county; Thomas J. Nash, of Mayfield, a horticulturist; Mrs. Annie Childers, of Fresno; and Charles H. Nash, one of the proprietors of the San Jose Transfer Company. Of her union with Mr. Milliken three children were born, two of whom are living, namely: George Milliken, of San Jose; and Duncan Milliken, a dentist, in the government service, holding a lieutenant’s commission.
At the age of fourteen years, having completed his studies in the district schools, Robert P. Nash went to live with his uncle, Samuel Duncan, a ranchman, remaining with him five years. Wishing to further advance his education, he then entered the old Washington College, at Irvington, going from there to Livermore College. Leaving the latter institution in his senior year, he took a course at the Santa Clara Business College, there finishing his early education. Subsequently going to Watsonville, he served an apprenticeship of two years at the machinist’s trade with Mr. McLean, after which he worked as a journeyman in different shops in San Francisco. Going thence to Puget Sound, Mr. Nash worked as assistant foreman in the machine shop connected with the Port Blakeley mill. Coming back to Santa Clara county, he assumed charge of J. A. Wright’s mill and yards at Mountain View, being manager of the lumber business for five years. In 1892 Mr. Nash accepted the position of foreman in William McClellan’s box factory, in San Jose, and was afterward similarly employed in E. Newby’s mill at Willows. In 1897 he was made foreman of the California Pine Box & Lumber Company, at San Jose, and has since held the position, performing the duties thus devolving upon him with ability and fidelity.
In Santa Cruz, Cal., Mr. Nash married Kate I. Martin, who was born in that city, the daughter of William Martin, a prominent foundryman. Of the union of Mr. Mrs. Nash five children have been born, namely: Martin died at the age of five years; Charles Duncan; Christina May; William Martin; and Raymond. Politically Mr. Nash is a warm advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. Fraternally he a member of the Woodmen of the World. Religiously he belongs to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Transcribed
by Joyce Rugeroni.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 946-949.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Joyce Rugeroni.