Nicholas Andrew Uren was born at Cornwall, England, January 26, 1827. He is the son of a tin miner and came to the United States at the age of seven. He went to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, first, at which place he served an apprenticeship at wagon making. At that time where he resided was on the frontier and the opportunities for obtaining an education were decidedly meager.
In 1850 he drove a mule team across the plains to California. Without any event worthy of mention he arrived in Hangtown July 26, 1850. He mined here without success, and then went to Stockton, where he worked at his trade and remained until 1856. During this year he came to the Parjaro Valley, and bought a squatter's claim, consisting of one hundred and seventy-two acres, a few miles south of Watsonville. A part of this proved to be government land, and a part belonged to the grant, but he eventually got a title for all of it. Upon this property he has resided ever since, engaging in farming, stock raising and dairying. In 1888 he assisted in organizing the Parjaro Valley Bank, and was one of its directors in the second year, an office which he now holds. He is director and treasurer of the Old Parjaro Valley Fair Association and member and trustee of the Watsonville Grange. He held the position of Master of the Grange for two years, and for twelve consecutive years was school trustee of Spring Valley district.
He was married in Stockton, in 1853, to Elizabeth S. Dorris, a native of New York, whom he had previously known in the State4 of Wisconsin. Mrs. Uren is one of the prominent ladies of the Pajaro Valley. At the3 time of the organization of the Pajaro Valley Fair Association, several women were appointed as directors, one of whom was Mrs. Uren. She is also a member of the Grange.
They have four children living, N. A. Jr., aged thirty-three, living in Alaska, and agent for the Alaska Fur Company; Joseph R, aged thirty, carpenter, residing in Watsonville; George S. and James W. (twins), aged twenty-eight, carpenters, residing in Berkeley, in this State. A bright and promising boy died a year ago, at the age of eighteen, of lung troubles contracted while at college. Another child died in infancy. Another, William, died of typhoid fever, at the age of nine years.
Mr. And Mrs. N. A. Uren belong to the substantial and well-do-do class of people in the Pajaro Valley, During a residence here of twenty-five years they have acquired the friendship and esteem of neighbors and acquaintances, which, together with the blessings of a competence, make their declining years bright and cheerful.
History of Santa Cruz County, California
by E.S. Harrison
Published by Pacific Press Publishing Company
San Francisco, Cal., 1892
Transcribed by Yvonne Valentine
Santa Cruz County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2009; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.