Ventura County Biographies James T. Donlon Submitted by Sandy Neder This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives Donlon Brothers Donlon Brothers are prominent ranchers of Hueneme, and natives of California. Their father, Peter Donlon, came to Ventura County in 1870, with his wife and their two little sons. He purchased 400 acres of land, which has since become valuable property. It was at that time a wilderness, and the little board house, still standing not far from their more modern home, speaks plainly of pioneer times and days of small things. Peter Donlon was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1846, both his parents being natives of Ireland. he was an industrious and respected citizen, and by his honest toil he had provided himself and his family with a comfortable home, surrounded by fruit trees and fields of waving grain, in one of the most fertile valleys of the State. Here, when he was so favorably situated to enjoy life, a fatal accident occurred, in 1888, that terminated his useful life. He was engaged in cutting trees, and a ladder was thrown against his head by a falling tree, which resulted in his death a few hours afterward. This sad accident was a severe trial to his family, and a shock to the community in which he had resided so long. He left a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, as follows: James T., born in Alameda County, July 29, 1868; Charles, also born in Alameda County, August 30, 1869; Joseph, born at the home ranch in 1871; and both the sisters, Mary and Ida, also born at the home place. Since their father's death the farm is being conducted by the sons, under the firm name of Donlon Brothers, and the sisters manage the housekeeping. The crop raised on this ranch is principally barley, but they also do general farming and raise horses, cattle and hogs. They are agents for 600 acres of land besides their own ranch, and 350 acres of it they are farming. The family are all members of the Catholic Church. The two oldest sons belong to the Young Men's Institute and the youngest is a member of the order of Native Sons of the Golden West. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 580