SURNAMES: Martin, Bernal, Ortega, Stelzer
[Transcribers note- spelling of fathers name in biography
published in 1888 is GALLAGER]
See
Family Group Sheet
Widely known as a highly respected citizen of Santa Clara County,
Richard Gallagher is among the prominent pioneer farmers of the valley,
contributing much to the growth and prosperity of his native county and
state. He was born in Santa Clara County, August 10, 1863, the son of
Andrew Thomas and Maria Remonda (Martin) Gallagher, the former a native
of New York and the latter of Scotch descent. Andrew Thomas Gallagher
was the son of Andrew Thomas Gallagher, a native of Ireland, but came
to America more than a century ago.
The boyhood of Andrew Thomas was spent in
New York where he was educated and where he learned the trade of
tailor. During the year of 1848, he embarked on the steamer John W.
Cater,
for a voyage around Cape Horn to California. Arriving in San Francisco
on the 14th day of March, 1849, he soon made a purchase of the launch Mary
and Catherine.
After making a few trips to Sonoma, he sold the vessel and entered the
mines in Tuolumne County, but only remained there for a few months,
when he began teaming between Alviso and Santa Clara, at the same time
transproting freight between San Francisco and Alviso, having purchased
the schooner Catherine Miller, using her in this trade, and a
part of the time commanded the vessel himself. He spent some two years
in this line of work, and then made a complete change, taking a
clerkship in one of the warehouses in Alviso. Meantime he had purchased
a half-section of land in the Alviso district and devoted it to the
raising of hay and grain; later forty acres were planted to orchard. He
also excelled in the cultivation of strawberries, raspberriew and
blackberries, having at one time some thirty-six acres devoted to the
raising of small fruits. The mother was the daughter of John and
Vaclecia Bernal (Ortega) Martin, her father, a native of Scotland,
coming to California in 1829 as ship's carpenter in the English naval
service. Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher were the parents of eleven children,
five of whom are now living. Both parents have passed away.
Richard Gallagher was educated in the public schools of Santa Clara
County, and during vacation time assisted his father on the ranch and
thus became well versed in agriculture, and he and his brothers still
farm the old homestead near Alviso.
The marriage of Mr. Gallagher united him with Miss Elizabeth
Stelzer, and they dispense hospitality at their comfortable home at 146
South Fourteenth Street, San Jose. Politically, Mr. Gallagher is a
Republican, but locally gives his support to progressive, constructive
legislation, regardless of party lines, supporting the best men and
measures.
Transcribed by Carolyn Feroben, from Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. 1515
SANTA CLARA BIOGRAPHY PROJECT
SANTA CLARA COUNTY The Valley of Heart's Delight
July 17, 2005