SURNAMES:  Hart, Byrne, O'Brien, 


Born in the state of Vermont, of Irish parents, Michael McKenzie possesses those characteristics which have won him popularity, and his success as a rancher has been won by hard and honest toil.  He has witnessed the marvelous growth and prosperity of his locality and has, at all times, taken an active interest in neighborhood affairs.  He was born January 27, 1864, at Shelburne, Vt., a son of John and Bridget (Hart) McKenzie, both natives of  Ireland, but born and reared in different counties in the western part of Ireland.  They were the parents of a large family and passed away in Vermont.  
Michael made good use of his limited educational advantages, but most of his boyhood days were occupied with hard work, working out by the month on Vermont farms.  He gradually worked his way to California and after arrival here worked 
on different ranches.

Mr. McKenzie's marriage united him with Miss Mary Byrne, a daughter of Patrick and Ellen (O'Brien) Byrne, born in County Tipperary, Ireland.  Her parents were farmers and passed away in their native land.  She grew to womanhood in 
Ireland and when she was twenty-five  came to the United States and settled in San Francisco.  The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie was solemnized at San Rafael in 1896 and their wedding trip was made to Vermont, where they remained 
for two months.  Upon returning to California, they settled in Santa Clara County and they first purchased ten acres near Lyola Station.  This place was sold to the University of Santa Clara.  In 1904 they bought fifteen acres of the 
present place and have added to it by four subsequent purchases until they now own thirty-six acres.  It is a part of the Emerson and Bubb tracts, both owned by early pioneers.  It is in a beautiful location on Permanente Creek with 
never failing water supply, with an orchard of full-bearing prune and apricot trees.  Mr. McKenzie has his own drying yards and his products are famed for quality.  Their home is one-half mile from Lyola Station[Los Altos] on the electric line and 
two and a half miles from Mountain View.  Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie are the parents of four children: John looks after Frank Bacon's ranch; Bridget, a sister at Notre Dame, is a teacher in that institution; Ellen is a Student at Notre 
Dame College; Robert is a student in St. Joseph's High School.  Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie have by hard and constant work, and good management, built up and paid for one of the finest fruit ranches in Santa Clara County.  They and their 
children are highly respected and adhere to the Catholic faith in which they were born and reared.


SOURCE:  Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - 
Edited by H.S. Foote.- Chicago:  The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888. page 1616  Transcribed by Roena Wilson

SANTA CLARA BIOGRAPHIES

SANTA CLARA HISTORY AND GENEALOGY