CHARLES H. McKEVETT. The ancestral home of the late Charles H. McKevett is in Scotland. He, however, was of American birth and parentage, the first of the name to immigrate to our shores being Alexander McKevett, grandfather of the subject, who came to America as a boy and settled in New York City. There he married and reared his family, and one of his sons became the father of the subject of this all too brief review.

Charles H. McKevett was born in Cortland County, New York, on October 3, 1848. Details regarding his early life and education are lack- ing, but it is known that he was still very young when he first identified himself with the oil business in Pennsylvania. His early connection with that great enterprise was as an employee, but he was not made of the stuff that would permit him long to remain in that position, and he soon found it possible to launch out as a contractor in well drilling. Still later he became an independent operator. His knowledge of the business was most comprehensive, and for a period of fifteen year he continued to operate in Clarion, Butler, Warren and McKean counties, Pennsylvania. As a result of his labors in those years he amassed a considerable fortune and in 1886 he decided to withdraw completely from the oil business and locate in different surroundings. A complete change of climate and activity was what he wanted, and in casting about for a suitable location he chose California.

Mr. McKevett first came to this state in January, 1886, and after a little looking about he chose Santa Paula for his permanent place of residence. At that time the town was in a most undeveloped condition, lacking everything in the way of transportation advantages and boasting a population of not more than zoo people. Mr. McKevett looked ahead a few years and was able to see that land purchases made in the com- munity then would be profitable ventures, and accordingly bought a tract of 424 acres from the Bradley and Blanchard ranches in the town. His land extended from about the center of the town out into the outlying country, and a few years later a good part of it was platted into city lots and sold. A few years after the time of purchase, however, he planted a portion of it to oranges, lemons and apricots, as well as devoting some of it to general farming.

In 1887 Mr. McKevett organized the Santa Paula Lumber Company and was president of the concern until its consolidation with the Ventura County Lumber Company, when he became general manager of the com- bine. In 1888 he organized the Santa Paula State Bank, George H. Bonebrake becoming president and himself vice president, with J. R. Haugh, cashier. On September 23, 1889, the bank was converted into the First National Bank of Santa Paula, Mr. McKevett being elected to the presidency of the new concern. He also served as secretary and treasurer of the Graham Loftus Oil Company, and was a director and treasurer of the Limoneira Company, then owners of about 350 acres, which was afterward increased to the present holdings of 800 acres. Lemons constituted the main crop of this ranch, hut some oranges and walnuts were also produced. Another office Mr. McKevett long held was that of vice president of the Santa Paula Water Company, being the incumbent of the office at the time of his death in 1907.

His life on the whole was one of tremendous activity. He was interested in every upward movement inaugurated in the county as long as he was resident in it, and his interest was always a helpful one. When he died the community and the county lost a man who had contributed largely and in numerous ways to the betterment and upbuilding of that section of the state. He was a republican in politics and a Mason of high degree. He was a member of Santa Paula Lodge No. 291, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Ventura Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of the Commandery and the Shrine. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In 1873 Mr. McKevett was married in Pennsylvania to Alice Stowell, of Pennsylvania birth and parentage. Three children are now living: Mrs. Harriett M. Teague of Santa Paula, Mrs. Helen Best of Los Angeles, and Allan C: McKevett. Allan C. was born in Bradford, Pennsyl- vania, on January 31, 1884, and he attended the schools of Santa Paula to the age of fourteen. Owing to impaired eyesight he was compelled to leave school. He had an admirable business training at his father's hands in the bank and in the offices of the lumber concern of which his father was head, and proved himself the possessor of the splendid business instincts that had made his father so successful in life. Since the death of his father he has had the management of the McKevett estate in his charge and is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Santa Paula. He also represents his mother on the directorate of a number of corporations in which she is heavily interested. Mr. Allan C. NIcKevett is a republican in politics, but has never taken an active part in political matters, as the business of the estate demands his entire attention. He was married in Santa Paula to Miss Ruth Lowry on June 6, 1907, and they have one child, Virginia, now seven years of age and attending the public schools. Mrs. Allan C. McKevett is a native of Los Angeles County, California, and a daughter of Dr. J. H. Lowry, deceased, who was practicing medicine in Santa Paula at the time of the marriage of his daughter.

Mrs. Charles H. McKevett has given to the City of Santa Paula the grounds upon which the North Grammar School has been built, and she is now preparing to build a Women's Club House, which is to be given to the women of Santa Paula. This club house will be situated on grounds laid out and beautified as a park, and will be given to the women of Santa Paula in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Collins Teague, the daughter and son-in-law of Mrs. Charles H. McKevett.

(From History of Santa Barbara San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties California by C M Gidney - Santa Barbara Benjamin Brooks - San Luis Obispo Edwin M Sheridan - Ventura Illustrated Volumes I & II Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, ILL. 1917)