History of Santa Clara - 1524
JOHN R. FREITAS
FRUIT GROWER of CUPERTINO
SURNAMES: FOCHA
Passing his early years in the land of his birth across the Atlantic,
and later spending eight years in Honolulu, John R. Freitas has never
regretted that his travels brought him to the beautiful valley of Santa
Clara thirty years ago. He was born in Madero, Portugal, January 15
1877, his parents being Joseph and Paulina Freitas. When John was
a lad of seven years, his parents made the long journey to the Hawaiian
Island and the succeeding eight years were spent at Honolulu. In
1892 they came to the United States, locating in Santa Clara County,
and here Joseph Freitas was engaged in dairying until his death, which
occurred in 1918. Mrs. Freitas is still living.
John R. Freitas received his schooling in Honolulu, helping his father
for a time on the dairy farm after coming to California. When he was
twenty-one he started out on his own account, however, and bought his
present place of twenty acres on Doyle Road on May 9, 1903. He
set to work at once to develop it, by finishing setting out his trees
and erecting the buildings, and in this he has met with qualified
success, and his well-kept orchard now ranks among the profitable
orchard properties of the Cupertino neighborhood.
Mrs. Freitas is a native daughter, born in Watsonville, and before her
marriage April 27, 1901, to Mr. Freitas, she was Miss Kate Focha.
Six children have been born to them: Clara, Harry, Frank,
Adaline, Edward and Beatrice,- and attending the public schools of the
county. Mr. Freitas has always been identified with the Republican
party and served as deputy constable under Thomas Maloney. He is
prominent in fraternity circles and is a member of the U. P. E. C., the
I. D. E. S., the S.E.S., and served on the finance committee for three
years; and A. P. U. M., and served as a grand president, 1919-1921, of
the later lodge for two terms and attended the Grand Lodge at Honolulu
and in Boston, Mass. He is public spirited and enterprising
and and ready to support all progressive methods.
Transcribed by Carolyn Feroben, from Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California,
published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 1524
SANTA CLARA COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES
SANTA CLARA COUNTY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY