R. G. Surdam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
R.G. Surdam
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| Born | August 11, 1835 |
| Died | September 2, 1891 (aged 56) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Real estate agent/developer |
Royce Gaylord Surdam (born August 11, 1835 – died September 2, 1891) was an American businessman. He was a real estate agent and developer. He played a big part in building up Ventura County, California. He also founded the towns of Nordhoff (which is now Ojai) and Bardsdale. Surdam never married. He was a member of the Royal Arch Masons and a strong Republican.
Contents
His Life Story
Early Years and Moving West
Royce Gaylord Surdam was born in Dutchess County, New York. He was the oldest of four children. His parents, Lewis L. Surdam and Julia Lockwood, were both from Connecticut.
His family later moved to Illinois. They lived in LaSalle County. In 1854, Surdam moved to California. For ten years, he worked in gold mines across different parts of the state.
From Mining to Real Estate
In 1864, Surdam traveled from San Francisco to Los Angeles. He was very sick with a fever. Nuns from the Sisters of Charity helped him get well. In 1865, he managed gold mines on Santa Catalina Island. He also enjoyed showing visitors around the island.
In 1866, Surdam moved to San Buenaventura. At that time, Ventura was part of Santa Barbara County. Surdam built a warehouse there. For ten years, he worked with grain and oil. By 1870, he was working as a real estate agent in Ventura.
Building New Towns
On August 4, 1871, Surdam and Thomas R. Bard got permission to build a wharf at Hueneme. Ventura County officially started on January 1, 1873. This brought many changes to the area.
Founding Ojai
In 1874, Surdam bought about 1,700 acres (6.9 km²) of land in the Ojai Valley. He then planned and created the town of Nordhoff. He built a hotel and gave 20 acres (81,000 m²) for public use. The town quickly became known as a good place for health and relaxation. Surdam named the town after the writer Charles Nordhoff. Mr. Nordhoff sent a letter thanking him and praising the area's climate and beauty. The town's name was changed from Nordhoff to Ojai in 1917.
Starting the Ventura County Fair
In 1877, Surdam started the first annual Ventura County Fair. He sponsored the celebration in Ventura. By 1880, he was living in Saticoy and still working as a real estate agent.
Creating Bardsdale
In 1887, Surdam founded the town of Bardsdale. He bought about 1,500 acres (6.1 km²) of land from Thomas Bard. He named the town in honor of Bard. The U.S. Post Office opened the Bardsdale Post Office on May 18, 1887. Surdam was chosen as the first postmaster. In 1891, he lived in Bardsdale and managed the entire property. He called it his "pet tract."
His Final Years
Royce G. Surdam passed away at age 56. He is buried in the older part of Bardsdale Cemetery. His tall gravestone stands under a large cypress tree. The words on his stone say, "Living, he made the poor man's heart be glad, and at his death, the sorrowing ones more sad." These words are said to be from Thomas Bard.
