The Farmer and the Milliner
James Addicott & Sarah Jane Venn (and children)
There is more information available on the first Addicotts in California than any of the other family lines. Irwin Addicott, a professor and administrator at Fresno State, produced a few well researched papers on the Addicotts and well as one on William Oliver. James Addicott’s son, James Edwin (JEA), wrote prodigiously about his life. In JEA’s case, the challenge is choosing what to not include. James, James Edwin, and Sarah Jane are considered to be among the “Fifteen Emigrants” of this website. Technically, Lilley, Lidia and Emma are also California emigrants, but there isn’t any known contact between James Edwin’s descendants, and those of his sisters. And, eighteen emigrants doesn’t sound right.
In the first portion of this page, I will differentiate between James the father and James the son by referring to the elder James as simply James, and the son will be referred to James Edwin.
In the first portion of this page, I will differentiate between James the father and James the son by referring to the elder James as simply James, and the son will be referred to James Edwin.
Ohio and Chico
Sarah Jane Venn and her husband James Addicott
Depending on the source, James Addicott (born 1842) either ran a store or was a farmer in Somerset County UK. Irwin Addicott reports that family lore has James owning a hardware store. Sarah Jane Venn’s family were farmers in the vicinity of Bishops Lydeard in County Somerset. According to James Edwin, his parents met when Sarah was sent to Taunton to work in a millinery shop (women’s apparel for the head). There, the two met. They were married in Sarah’s hometown on 9/7/1864 when James was 22 and Sarah was 21. After a few years, the two moved to Tarr Farm, about 25 miles from Taunton. There, five of their six children were born. (In the 1900 census - Sarah reports she had nine children of which five were living at the time of the census. I think there may be another family tree that shows the ninth child).
The Moravian
James Edwin wrote that his father was “a well nigh perfect wing shot”. A skill that may have played a role in the family's decision to emigrate to America. Sarah’s brother had earlier emigrated to North Bloomfield Ohio, and James had a cousin in Orwell Ohio five miles to the north of Bloomfield. The family stories offer two motivations for the James and Sarah’s move across the Atlantic. Irwin’s notes and James Edwin’s writings hint that James would sometimes stand adjacent to the local nobilities property while Sarah would beat the hedges in order to get the birds to alight. This was considered poaching or trespassing, hence James’ need to get out of England. Another narrative surmises that James was despondent after the death of two of his children. Both John, (an infant) and Annie, (age two) died in 1871. Within months, the family was off to America aboard the German steamer The Moravian. The family (minus Lydia, who stayed behind with her grandmother) arrived in Quebec on May 2 1871, and continued on to North Bloomfield where the family made their home for a few years.
Around 1873, they relocated from North Bloomfield to Warren Ohio, 15 miles south of North Bloomfield. There, James and Sarah had a small farm and a two story house. Their youngest child, Emma was born in Warren on 7/23/1874. Nothing in James Edwin, or Irwin’s notes indicate any sort of discomfort or hardship in Warren, but the family stayed there for just a few years before they left for California.
According to James Edwin, James left for California in September of 1876 (although, Sarah’s obituary for James has him coming to California in May). Arriving in Chico, James obtained a position as the overseer of General Bidwell’s plantation. He secured a home on the plantation grounds and sent for his family who arrived in December of 1876. (James Edwin’s dates are likely off by one year.)
James Edwin’s relates two memories of his father. One has them walking together with their dog Fido on the Bidwell Plantation. The second is of his father’s death:
"The old well had to be cleaned out, and the hired men would not venture down into it, so father went down. He did other hard work, and in a few days, I heard him say to mother, “My dear, what would you do if I was taken from you?” Two days later, mother was a widow in a strange land with four children to support."
James Edwin’s relates two memories of his father. One has them walking together with their dog Fido on the Bidwell Plantation. The second is of his father’s death:
"The old well had to be cleaned out, and the hired men would not venture down into it, so father went down. He did other hard work, and in a few days, I heard him say to mother, “My dear, what would you do if I was taken from you?” Two days later, mother was a widow in a strange land with four children to support."
Transcribed from the Butte Record 2/26/1876
Irwin has pneumonia as the cause James' death. Various records have James death on the 6th, 14th, and 15th of December 1875. (James Edwin’s year of the families emigration must be off by one year. This would have been within a few days or weeks of his family's arrival in California.)
According to James Edwin, Mrs. Bidwell and other neighbors came to Sarah’s aid, but not to the extent that the family would be allowed to stay in the home on the plantation. Sarah and the children moved into an abandoned home on Elm Street, and Sarah took a job in a millinery shop working from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM six days a week. Later Sarah homesteaded some land on Poverty Ridge (now called Paradise). She was assisted in the process by a lawyer friend. The attorneys wife found a husband for Sarah, and on 5/16/1877 she was married to William Chapman. The marriage didn’t last long. James Edwin's only mention of his first step father: “His cruel blacksnake whip was used on his beautiful horses and also on me, so mother soon gave him up."
According to James Edwin, Mrs. Bidwell and other neighbors came to Sarah’s aid, but not to the extent that the family would be allowed to stay in the home on the plantation. Sarah and the children moved into an abandoned home on Elm Street, and Sarah took a job in a millinery shop working from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM six days a week. Later Sarah homesteaded some land on Poverty Ridge (now called Paradise). She was assisted in the process by a lawyer friend. The attorneys wife found a husband for Sarah, and on 5/16/1877 she was married to William Chapman. The marriage didn’t last long. James Edwin's only mention of his first step father: “His cruel blacksnake whip was used on his beautiful horses and also on me, so mother soon gave him up."
Sarah Jane Addicott and David Fotheringham Taylor
California Index of Marriages 1881
Rocklin
I haven’t found any hard evidence of Sarah and her children’s life between 1877 and 1881 other than a note in a newspaper article stating that James lived as a boy in Laurel (above Los Gatos) in 1880, along with a brief section of his Life and Lineage of J. E. A..
In his narrative, James Edwin states that a temperance lecturer and lumberjack, David Taylor, courted Sarah and was kind to the children, and that he helped out on the homestead. James goes on to say that Sarah convinced him to enroll in the Pacific Theological Seminary in Berkeley. While David was enrolled in the Seminary, the two were wed. The Marriage took place in Sacramento county, and James Edwin writes that soon, they were living as a family in Rocklin (Placer County).
The Catalogue of the Pacific Theological Seminary lists D. F. Taylor as a student “In Special Studies” for the school year of 1879-1880, and a “Middle Class (as opposed to Senior or Junior Class) Student” in 1880-1881. His origin is listed as Cherokee, California, which is very close to Paradise (Poverty Ridge). Later Seminary records list him as an alumni, and as ordained on 10/31/1882 in Rocklin. Upon completing his studies at the seminary, he was commissioned to Rocklin as an A.P. (which I take to mean assistant preacher). This is consistent with James Edwin’s notes
I haven’t found any hard evidence of Sarah and her children’s life between 1877 and 1881 other than a note in a newspaper article stating that James lived as a boy in Laurel (above Los Gatos) in 1880, along with a brief section of his Life and Lineage of J. E. A..
In his narrative, James Edwin states that a temperance lecturer and lumberjack, David Taylor, courted Sarah and was kind to the children, and that he helped out on the homestead. James goes on to say that Sarah convinced him to enroll in the Pacific Theological Seminary in Berkeley. While David was enrolled in the Seminary, the two were wed. The Marriage took place in Sacramento county, and James Edwin writes that soon, they were living as a family in Rocklin (Placer County).
The Catalogue of the Pacific Theological Seminary lists D. F. Taylor as a student “In Special Studies” for the school year of 1879-1880, and a “Middle Class (as opposed to Senior or Junior Class) Student” in 1880-1881. His origin is listed as Cherokee, California, which is very close to Paradise (Poverty Ridge). Later Seminary records list him as an alumni, and as ordained on 10/31/1882 in Rocklin. Upon completing his studies at the seminary, he was commissioned to Rocklin as an A.P. (which I take to mean assistant preacher). This is consistent with James Edwin’s notes
From: The Catalogue of the Pacific Theological Seminary (1881 and 1880)
Both Irwin and James Edwin drop Sarah and David F. from their narratives once James Edwin entered the San Jose Normal School. Various seminary, congregational, and presbyterian church records, along with a few newspaper articles provide just enough clues to get a rough picture of the couple's lives between 1882 and 1898. Assuming that there weren’t two Reverend D. F. Taylors, and that Sarah stayed with the reverend throughout each of his commissions, what follows is a fair account of where they lived.
List of San Jose Normal School Graduates 1863 - 1889. Lily Addicott is listed in the class of December 1883.
Church records show David Taylor assigned to Rocklin and Lincoln in 1882 and 1883. James Edwin wrote that his sister Lilly, coached James Edwin in preparation for the entrance exams for San Jose Normal School while they were living in Rocklin (1883).
Irwin’s account is very similar. His writings suggest that Lilly coached James Edwin in preparation for the Country School Teachers Certificate exams. This certificate allowed him to teach in a “country school” when the family moved to Modoc County. Lily A, Addicott of Placer County is listed as a member of the San Jose Normal School’s 25th graduating class in December of 1883.
Irwin’s account is very similar. His writings suggest that Lilly coached James Edwin in preparation for the Country School Teachers Certificate exams. This certificate allowed him to teach in a “country school” when the family moved to Modoc County. Lily A, Addicott of Placer County is listed as a member of the San Jose Normal School’s 25th graduating class in December of 1883.
Modoc County
James Edwin writes that the reverend moved the family to Modoc County the next year. They settled in a cabin in Cedarville, where Eva and Helen (Ella) were born on January one 1886. Sarah was 42 when she gave birth to the twins.
James Edwin writes that the reverend moved the family to Modoc County the next year. They settled in a cabin in Cedarville, where Eva and Helen (Ella) were born on January one 1886. Sarah was 42 when she gave birth to the twins.
Cover of James Edwin's Teaching Cowboys (1951)
According to James Edwin, the reverend Taylor performed services in Cedarville, Eagleville, Fort Bidwell, and Lake City each Sunday. The services must have been short as the round trip was 84 miles, and this was before automobiles were available in Northern California. James Edwin’s writings in Prairie Pioneers: Teaching Cowboys have James living on his own away from his Mother and stepfather. He writes that he taught for two years at age 17 and 18 in 1885 and 1886. I believe that James Edwin's intent was to write non-fiction as he described his early teaching experiences, and while much of what he described rings true, his narratives might be somewhat embellished by time and memory.
It was after teaching “for a few years” that James entered college. He graduated from San Jose Normal School in 1890.
It was after teaching “for a few years” that James entered college. He graduated from San Jose Normal School in 1890.
First Congregational Church Pescadero Built 1867
Pescadero
Pacific Theological Seminary records show that the Reverend Taylor was posted to Rocklin in 1884, and again in 1887. It can be reasonably assumed that they were there in the intervening years. In October of 1887 his posting was moved to Pescadero on the San Mateo County coast. Records have them there in 1888, and 1890-1891. In 1892 the posting is listed as Fairview/San Gregorio. Likely the same assignment, as all three communities were very small and very close together. Mrs. D. F. Taylor is listed as the Superintendent of Sunday School in 1892. The image at left is of the Congregational Church in Pescadero. The building was constructed twenty years before the Sarah and David arrived. I assume that David conducted the services there for five years.
Pacific Theological Seminary records show that the Reverend Taylor was posted to Rocklin in 1884, and again in 1887. It can be reasonably assumed that they were there in the intervening years. In October of 1887 his posting was moved to Pescadero on the San Mateo County coast. Records have them there in 1888, and 1890-1891. In 1892 the posting is listed as Fairview/San Gregorio. Likely the same assignment, as all three communities were very small and very close together. Mrs. D. F. Taylor is listed as the Superintendent of Sunday School in 1892. The image at left is of the Congregational Church in Pescadero. The building was constructed twenty years before the Sarah and David arrived. I assume that David conducted the services there for five years.
San Francisco Examiner 8/8/1893 page three - click for the full article
Sausalito
In 1893 the Taylors moved to Sausalito were the Reverend became the pastor of The First Congregational Church of Sausalito. Their stay was short lived as David was quickly fired. Sarah Taylor accused a wealthy widow of trying to “win her husband’s affections”. David confided to a friend that the wealthy widow had put her arms around him and kissed him. Sarah seemed to have held some sort of suspicion regarding the nature of the widow's interest in the reverend. One day, upon hearing that the widow was in the parsonage, she went home and discovered the widow with her hand on David's shoulder. After word of the unfortunate turn of events go out, the congregation was forced to choose between David and the wealthy widow/patroness. They chose the wealthy widow. After his exit, David sued for his remaining salary since he was dismissed without formally being charged for any wrongdoing. He later settled his claim for fifty dollars. His replacement mysteriously resigned within a few months of replacing Reverend Taylor.
The San Francisco Examiner ran a page three story on the Reverends dismissal. To read the full article click here.
In 1893 the Taylors moved to Sausalito were the Reverend became the pastor of The First Congregational Church of Sausalito. Their stay was short lived as David was quickly fired. Sarah Taylor accused a wealthy widow of trying to “win her husband’s affections”. David confided to a friend that the wealthy widow had put her arms around him and kissed him. Sarah seemed to have held some sort of suspicion regarding the nature of the widow's interest in the reverend. One day, upon hearing that the widow was in the parsonage, she went home and discovered the widow with her hand on David's shoulder. After word of the unfortunate turn of events go out, the congregation was forced to choose between David and the wealthy widow/patroness. They chose the wealthy widow. After his exit, David sued for his remaining salary since he was dismissed without formally being charged for any wrongdoing. He later settled his claim for fifty dollars. His replacement mysteriously resigned within a few months of replacing Reverend Taylor.
The San Francisco Examiner ran a page three story on the Reverends dismissal. To read the full article click here.
Chewelah First Congregational Church - Constructed 1892
Chewelah
The events in Sausalito may explain why the Taylor’s next move took the family to far north western Washington state. The reverend was commissioned to the pulpit in Chewelah Washington in 1893. David had attended a conference in Washington a few years earlier. The only records of their time in Washington that I have been able to find are mentions of a few dollars raised for the church, and the article below from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (9/26/1894). In the third panel, the article mentions the Reverend's posting to Chewelah and Springdale.
The last record of the Taylors in Chewelah is from 1895. I have not been able to locate any records from that point until 1898.
The events in Sausalito may explain why the Taylor’s next move took the family to far north western Washington state. The reverend was commissioned to the pulpit in Chewelah Washington in 1893. David had attended a conference in Washington a few years earlier. The only records of their time in Washington that I have been able to find are mentions of a few dollars raised for the church, and the article below from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (9/26/1894). In the third panel, the article mentions the Reverend's posting to Chewelah and Springdale.
The last record of the Taylors in Chewelah is from 1895. I have not been able to locate any records from that point until 1898.
The Seattle Post - Intelligencer 9/26/1894 page 2
Santa Cruz Sentinel 11/17/1898
Felton
1898 would bring Sarah and her husband to their last posting. The earliest mention of the Taylors in Felton comes from a brief article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. The Sentinel mentions David as a preacher from Felton. This contradicts the plaque in the Felton Presbyterian Church's social hall which commemorates his contribution to the church. That plaque and Wikipedia have Taylor starting in Felton in 1899. Only the twins Ella and Eva remained with Sarah and the reverend at that point.
1898 would bring Sarah and her husband to their last posting. The earliest mention of the Taylors in Felton comes from a brief article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. The Sentinel mentions David as a preacher from Felton. This contradicts the plaque in the Felton Presbyterian Church's social hall which commemorates his contribution to the church. That plaque and Wikipedia have Taylor starting in Felton in 1899. Only the twins Ella and Eva remained with Sarah and the reverend at that point.
Sarah with granddaughter Helen Addicott
The move to Felton would be Sarah and David's last. David's served as the pastor of the Presbyterian Church for 16 years. It is not clear if he retired just before or just after Sarah's death. David's name can be found in church records and in small mentions in the newspapers from time to time. I have been able to find very, very few mentions of Sarah. A gallery of newspaper clippings from Sarah and David's time in Felton appears at the bottom of this page.
In various newspaper articles, There are mentions of the two purchasing land in Felton and Mt Herman. At some point, they settled in the home on the corner of Gushee and Empire Grade. That house stayed in the family into the 1970's. Sarah's great great grandchildren remember visiting the twins there in the 1960's. Felton would become a hometown of sorts for some of Sarah and David's children. James would buy land there, and his children and grandchildren held fond memories of spending summer vacations in the cabins that Sarah's son James built in Mt. Hermon.
Census records have Eva living with her brother James Edwin in San Jose shortly after his wife's (Ruth) death. In 1920, she was back in the Felton area with her father. In the Early twenties, Eva married Clarence Arnold Kurtz. The couple lived in the Oakland/Alameda area for a time. There, their son David was born. By 1930, the family had moved back to Felton.
In various newspaper articles, There are mentions of the two purchasing land in Felton and Mt Herman. At some point, they settled in the home on the corner of Gushee and Empire Grade. That house stayed in the family into the 1970's. Sarah's great great grandchildren remember visiting the twins there in the 1960's. Felton would become a hometown of sorts for some of Sarah and David's children. James would buy land there, and his children and grandchildren held fond memories of spending summer vacations in the cabins that Sarah's son James built in Mt. Hermon.
Census records have Eva living with her brother James Edwin in San Jose shortly after his wife's (Ruth) death. In 1920, she was back in the Felton area with her father. In the Early twenties, Eva married Clarence Arnold Kurtz. The couple lived in the Oakland/Alameda area for a time. There, their son David was born. By 1930, the family had moved back to Felton.
 Sarah Jane Venn Addicott Taylor
Sarah died on September 9 1914. Other than two brief notices of her death in the Santa Cruz newspapers, I have not been able to find any other mention of her passing.
After he lost Sarah, David, lived for another 7 years. In 1917, he married a Mrs. Evelyn Cruikshank. David continued to preach and lecture, but not as the head pastor of any one church. David's death was much more dramatic than Sarah's. On September 20, 1921 while delivering a sermon in Gilroy, David collapsed to the floor, and died. I have found a handful of clippings that mention Sarah and David. They can be seen here. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel 1/23/1917
|
|
|
|
|
The Sisters Lily, Lydia, and Emma Addicott
Lily
Lily graduated from the San Jose Normal School in 1883. She briefly worked as a teacher in the central valley where she met David Snodgrass. Lily's career was cut short due to failing health. Her beau David was a school principal at the time. They became engaged, but the couple postponed wedding plans in the hope that Lily's health would improve. After a period of years, they decided to marry in spite of Lily's illness. They were wed in 1886. Tragically, Lily died of tuberculosis in 1888. The couple did not have any children. David went on to marry again, left education and became a banker.
Lydia
Lydia married a classmate, Frank Cauch in 1883. The marriage likely took place in Modoc County. The couple lived in Cloverdale and later Oakland. Frank was a teacher, and Lydia taught music lessons. Frank became, like his brother in law, a leader in manual training education. Frank and Lydia had two children, a son and a daughter. Their offspring are Cauch's, Dufour's, and High's.
Lily
Lily graduated from the San Jose Normal School in 1883. She briefly worked as a teacher in the central valley where she met David Snodgrass. Lily's career was cut short due to failing health. Her beau David was a school principal at the time. They became engaged, but the couple postponed wedding plans in the hope that Lily's health would improve. After a period of years, they decided to marry in spite of Lily's illness. They were wed in 1886. Tragically, Lily died of tuberculosis in 1888. The couple did not have any children. David went on to marry again, left education and became a banker.
Lydia
Lydia married a classmate, Frank Cauch in 1883. The marriage likely took place in Modoc County. The couple lived in Cloverdale and later Oakland. Frank was a teacher, and Lydia taught music lessons. Frank became, like his brother in law, a leader in manual training education. Frank and Lydia had two children, a son and a daughter. Their offspring are Cauch's, Dufour's, and High's.
Fresno Republican Weekly 1888
Emma
Emma was a junior at the State Normal School in San Jose in 1895-1896. She was likely living with her older brother, James, who taught at the college. The 1900 census lists her as still living with her brother and sister in law in San Jose. By 1910 she had married Harry Painton, a doctor and the couple had one child, Harriet Ruth. Emma and her husband later lived in San Francisco where Harry ran his medical practice. Their daughter married Francis Reid. Emma's descendants include Reid's, Lynch's, DeMartini's, Goldbergs, Smiths, and Davis'.
Eva and Ella Taylor
Eva and Ella were about thirteen years of age when their mother and father settled in Felton. They likely attended Santa Cruz High School, but I can not locate any documentation of their enrollment.
Ella (Helen)
In 1910, Ella was living with her sister Lydia Couch in Oakland. The census lists her as a public school teacher. In 1910 she married Albert Denton of Oakland. Denton was a bank examiner. They moved to Berkeley sometime before the 1930 census. Albert died in 1955, and Ella returned to Felton to live with her sister Eva.
Eva
Eva was also in Oakland in 1910. After the death of her sister in law, she stayed with James to care for his children while he started his new job at Prescott School. Eva married Clarence Kurtz on May thirteen 1922 in Arizona. Clarence, originally from Pennsylvania, enlisted in the army from Arizona. It is not clear how they met, or how Clarence ended up in Arizona. The couple lived in the East Bay (Albany and Berkeley) until around 1929 when they moved to Felton. His occupation is listed as "salesman" on several city directories. The couple had one son, David. Clarence died in 1947. Eva passed away in 1969. David was a truck driver for the Felton Quarry. No mention of a wife or children has been located.
Emma was a junior at the State Normal School in San Jose in 1895-1896. She was likely living with her older brother, James, who taught at the college. The 1900 census lists her as still living with her brother and sister in law in San Jose. By 1910 she had married Harry Painton, a doctor and the couple had one child, Harriet Ruth. Emma and her husband later lived in San Francisco where Harry ran his medical practice. Their daughter married Francis Reid. Emma's descendants include Reid's, Lynch's, DeMartini's, Goldbergs, Smiths, and Davis'.
Eva and Ella Taylor
Eva and Ella were about thirteen years of age when their mother and father settled in Felton. They likely attended Santa Cruz High School, but I can not locate any documentation of their enrollment.
Ella (Helen)
In 1910, Ella was living with her sister Lydia Couch in Oakland. The census lists her as a public school teacher. In 1910 she married Albert Denton of Oakland. Denton was a bank examiner. They moved to Berkeley sometime before the 1930 census. Albert died in 1955, and Ella returned to Felton to live with her sister Eva.
Eva
Eva was also in Oakland in 1910. After the death of her sister in law, she stayed with James to care for his children while he started his new job at Prescott School. Eva married Clarence Kurtz on May thirteen 1922 in Arizona. Clarence, originally from Pennsylvania, enlisted in the army from Arizona. It is not clear how they met, or how Clarence ended up in Arizona. The couple lived in the East Bay (Albany and Berkeley) until around 1929 when they moved to Felton. His occupation is listed as "salesman" on several city directories. The couple had one son, David. Clarence died in 1947. Eva passed away in 1969. David was a truck driver for the Felton Quarry. No mention of a wife or children has been located.
Felton Presbyterian Church 1927. The Taylor family home is located to the photographers right. I have not been able to locate an image of it. The home is still occupied, but the exterior has been much changed since the sisters lived there.
|
Founding board of the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Library (1956) - The Taylor sisters are in the back row. Eva is fourth from right. Ella (Helen) is second from right.
|
James Edwin Addicott
James Edwin Addicott
|
San Jose Normal School
James completed his studies at the normal school in 1890. On the advice of one of his professors, he went to Saint Louis Missouri to study Manual Training at Washington University. He then returned to San Jose and became the instructor for the Normal School's manual training program in September of 1891. According to James, he was the first person to teach manual training in California. He is also listed as an instructor in Geometry in Normal School catalogues. |
Ruth Elinor Oliver - Image provided by James Moore - Grandson of James Edwin Addicott Jr. and Great Grandson of James Edwin Addicott Sr.
In 1893, the Normal School organized its first football team, and James was the first coach. He lead the team from 1893 through 1898, and returned for part of the 1900 season. It should be noted that the team didn't play every year during that span. During his tenure as head coach, the team won six games, lost six and tied four (according to Wikipedia - other sources vary).
It was while he was teaching at the Normal School, that James met Ruth Oliver. Ruth was the daughter of a successful rancher from Hollister who moved his family from Hollister to San Jose to allow his two daughters to continue their education past elementary school. Ruth enrolled at San Jose Normal where the two met. According to James:
"A brilliant senior, Ruth Elenor Oliver, was carving a Grecian ante-fix as the end to a bookrack. A few months later, June 22nd, 1898, that beautifully carved bookrack ornamented our home at 55 George Street, San Jose."
The 1900 census shows the James and Ruth at that address along with their 14 month old son, Irwin, and Emma, James' sister. Ruth was 5 months pregnant with Helen on the day the census was taken. Helen was born on September 29, 1900. James Edwin followed on September 8, 1902, and Hazel on July 13, 1906.
It was while he was teaching at the Normal School, that James met Ruth Oliver. Ruth was the daughter of a successful rancher from Hollister who moved his family from Hollister to San Jose to allow his two daughters to continue their education past elementary school. Ruth enrolled at San Jose Normal where the two met. According to James:
"A brilliant senior, Ruth Elenor Oliver, was carving a Grecian ante-fix as the end to a bookrack. A few months later, June 22nd, 1898, that beautifully carved bookrack ornamented our home at 55 George Street, San Jose."
The 1900 census shows the James and Ruth at that address along with their 14 month old son, Irwin, and Emma, James' sister. Ruth was 5 months pregnant with Helen on the day the census was taken. Helen was born on September 29, 1900. James Edwin followed on September 8, 1902, and Hazel on July 13, 1906.
The Normal School
The photos above (except for the faculty photo and the post card of the school) are all believed to have been taken in 1892 by James Edwin Addicott for the 1883 Worlds Fair Exhibit.
|
To the East
In 1902 James enrolled at Columbia University in the teacher's college to become an industrial arts supervisor. It is not know if the family accompanied him to New York. The Catalogue of the Officers and Graduates of Columbia University (1916) Lists James as earning his BS in 1904 and his Masters in 1905. |
|
|
In 1904, upon Graduation from Columbia, James become the principal of the Isidore Newman Manual Training School in New Orleans where he served as Principal for four years. James was the schools first principal. It opened as a K through eight school, and High School Grades were added in subsequent years. The school was intended to be a model for the inclusion of the Manual Arts into schools. Students received instruction in the manual arts as well as the standard grammar school curriculum. According to James, "the prime objective of the school was to train the hand and so to train the mental faculties that hand and brain may work together toward the accomplishment of good results in a given line of manual endeavor."
|
Subjects taught the Newman School, in addition to traditional education included, Fine Arts, Manual Arts, Domestic Arts, Gymnastics, Household Management, Music, and Mechanical Drawing. His family joined him in Louisiana, but "the climate did not agree with the family". In 1908, James resigned citing the poor health of his family.
Return to California - Tragedy
Once they returned to California, James, without a job, struggled to provide for his family. For much of the subsequent year, he made a living by lecturing at state conventions. Fortunately, James' career would begin to turn during the Summer of 1908. Unfortunately, the better times were not to last.
Once they returned to California, James, without a job, struggled to provide for his family. For much of the subsequent year, he made a living by lecturing at state conventions. Fortunately, James' career would begin to turn during the Summer of 1908. Unfortunately, the better times were not to last.
|
In 1909 James secured a new position, The family settled in Oakland, and James became the principal of the Prescott School. While serving as principal in Oakland, James would return to Mt. Herman each summer to operate the Institute of Mechanic and Household Arts. In September following the institute's inaugural session. Ruth fell ill and died of typhus (sources vary, the article at right states recovery from surgery). James became a forty one year old widowed father of four (ages ten, nine, seven, and three), alone in a new city and with a new job. Ruth's mother Luella, and his sister Eva Taylor came to the house on Magnolia Street in Oakland to help James raise the children. The 1910 census shows all seven living in the home. (It also lists James as a teacher, not principal.)
|
|
Wedding
James was not alone for long. In October of 1911, he married the twenty two year old Ottilia Klein (James was forty two). The marriage took place in Mt Hermon among the cabins he built to house his Summer Institute. Ottilia was the daughter of Frederick Klein, a San Jose plumber. She graduated from San Jose High School in 1906.
Ottilia was a brilliant high school student. She held the position of chief editor of the school paper, and competed for the school's debate team. She was a member Delphic society. At the Normal School, she successfully competed for San Jose Normal's debate team in 1907 against the University of Nevada. After college, she taught in the Berkeley schools for three years and was granted a leave of absence in June of 1911, presumably to marry James Addicott. She accomplished all of this before she turned 23 years of age.
James was not alone for long. In October of 1911, he married the twenty two year old Ottilia Klein (James was forty two). The marriage took place in Mt Hermon among the cabins he built to house his Summer Institute. Ottilia was the daughter of Frederick Klein, a San Jose plumber. She graduated from San Jose High School in 1906.
Ottilia was a brilliant high school student. She held the position of chief editor of the school paper, and competed for the school's debate team. She was a member Delphic society. At the Normal School, she successfully competed for San Jose Normal's debate team in 1907 against the University of Nevada. After college, she taught in the Berkeley schools for three years and was granted a leave of absence in June of 1911, presumably to marry James Addicott. She accomplished all of this before she turned 23 years of age.
|
|
|
|
Images: James and Otillia Wedding Photo at Mt Herman (left), San Jose Mercury News - October 15 1911 (right)
James Appointed to Poly as Prnicpal for One Year - SF Call 6/26/1913
|
1333 Waller Street (December 2018)
James' appointment as principal of Poly made permanent - SF Chronicle 10/28/1915
|
San Francisco
James held his position at the Prescott school for four years. Then in June of 1913 he was appointed to what would be the last position of his career. He became the principal of San Francisco's Polytechnic High School. Originally, he was offered a one year contract. On October 27, 1915 the school board reappointed him on a permanent basis. The family moved from Magnolia Street in Oakland to Waller Street in San Francisco. City registers have them at 1311 Waller Street in 1914 and 1915, and at 1333 Waller thereafter. (I am not sure if that is a typographical error, or if the family moved half a block down the street after two years.) |
At Poly, he would once again open a new school building. The school quickly grew from about 200 hundred students to over one thousand. He tenure was to be as eventful as it was long. He was the school's leader for 26 years. During those years, he would be fired, reinstated, and stories of his exploits there would be carried in the local and national press.
Fired and Reinstated
In 1920, James' position at Poly was threatened by what he would label city politics. In James words:
In San Francisco, the old political gang headed by Abe Ruff and Eugene Schmidt were returning to power after serving their terms in San Quinten. Their followers wanted to have a friend in Poly in place of a man of integrity. The board of education charged me with ten weaknesses, but could not proved one of them in a five-day trial. This trial was opened on August 9, 1920. I was congratulated for winning this trial, but the Board of Education followed the politicians, and 14 days later discharged me for insubordination.
In 1920, James' position at Poly was threatened by what he would label city politics. In James words:
In San Francisco, the old political gang headed by Abe Ruff and Eugene Schmidt were returning to power after serving their terms in San Quinten. Their followers wanted to have a friend in Poly in place of a man of integrity. The board of education charged me with ten weaknesses, but could not proved one of them in a five-day trial. This trial was opened on August 9, 1920. I was congratulated for winning this trial, but the Board of Education followed the politicians, and 14 days later discharged me for insubordination.
Then began another political upheaval to reinstate me and reorganize the entire school system of the city. Harry Saville was made president of the Public Schools Defense Association, and he with Ed J. Casey and me conducted the campaign. We were successful, and I was returned to Polytechnic High School as Principal on December 19, 1920. It was a hard and bitter fight lasting over four months, but right again overcame wrong in the city of San Francisco. A verbatim report (over 300 pages) of this trial is bound in my library; also a so called "war book" holding thousands of clippings from local and national dailies.
The location of that report and the "war book is unknown today, but scores of newspaper clippings are available. Newspaper clippings of James' dismissal and reinstatement are too large and numerous to include on this page. They can be viewed here.
The location of that report and the "war book is unknown today, but scores of newspaper clippings are available. Newspaper clippings of James' dismissal and reinstatement are too large and numerous to include on this page. They can be viewed here.
Poly 1920-1939
His tenure a Poly was remarkably colorful. Newspaper clippings from several notable events illustrate his time at Poly. A collection of newspaper clippings arranged by topic follow at the bottom of this page
His tenure a Poly was remarkably colorful. Newspaper clippings from several notable events illustrate his time at Poly. A collection of newspaper clippings arranged by topic follow at the bottom of this page
James Playing in Faculty Baseball Game Against Lowell SF Examiner 5/12/1916
 San Francisco Examiner 3/17/1926
|
James stint as coach of the Normal School football team presaged his interest in Poly Athletics. Notices of his participation and supervision appeared in the papers sporadically throughout his term of principal. Not all of the stories/incidents were complementary. The story at left is light hearted. Later in his career, his actions at a sporting event would end up being quite costly to James.
|
Santa Ana Register 10/7/1927
San Francisco Examiner 11/30/1919
|
Los Gatos - Addicottage
After twenty six years as head of Poly, James retired in June of 1939. By this time, he was 71 years old and had served in the public schools for thirty years. He and Ottilia left Waller Street shortly after his retirement and moved into what they would call. "Addicottage" nestled in the hills between Los Gatos and Saratoga. There he continued his passions of working with his hands and writing. It would seem that between his career and his family, very little time would be left for hobbies. In fact, he was reputed to be an accomplished fly fisherman and craftsman. The photos below are of two of his woodworking projects. He kept busy in retirement, self publishing a series autobiographical booklets.
After twenty six years as head of Poly, James retired in June of 1939. By this time, he was 71 years old and had served in the public schools for thirty years. He and Ottilia left Waller Street shortly after his retirement and moved into what they would call. "Addicottage" nestled in the hills between Los Gatos and Saratoga. There he continued his passions of working with his hands and writing. It would seem that between his career and his family, very little time would be left for hobbies. In fact, he was reputed to be an accomplished fly fisherman and craftsman. The photos below are of two of his woodworking projects. He kept busy in retirement, self publishing a series autobiographical booklets.
Bookshelf by James Edwin Addicott
|
Morris Chair by James Edwin Addicott
|
San Francisco Examiner 6/5/1925
James's Fishing Rod
|
|
Ottilia's Death
James and Ottilia's time together in Los Gatos would only last three years. On March 1, 1942, James was widowed for a second time. Ottilia died of undulant fever (milk sickness) at age fifty six. |
|
|
 Susan Fulton Herbert - James Edwin Addicott's Third Wife
1943-1957
James married a third time to Sue Herbert Seager on June Eight, 1946. Sue grew up in San Jose, and graduated from the Normal school in May of 1988. She married Dr. Harold Seager, and was living in San Francisco while James had been the principal at Poly. James wrote that Sue "wrote me a few lines of sympathy, and later, on June eight, 1946, she came to Addicottage. She has devotedly cared for me here since, and also has encouraged me, making possible the writing and publishing of my five books as an octogenarian."
|
San Francisco Chronicle 6/16/1946
|
Passing
James passed on March 22, 1957. Several newspapers noted his death. He is buried in the El Carmelo Cemetery Pacific Grove along with his wife, and many other Olivers and Addicott's. It seems that James' death is the only topic that he did not write about, but I am still searching.
James passed on March 22, 1957. Several newspapers noted his death. He is buried in the El Carmelo Cemetery Pacific Grove along with his wife, and many other Olivers and Addicott's. It seems that James' death is the only topic that he did not write about, but I am still searching.
Oakland Tribune 3/25/1957
|
San Francisco Examiner 3/25/1957
|
Santa Cruz Sentinel 3/25/1957
|
