BIO- Sawyers

SURNAMES: SKANSE, MUNOZ

As keen and progressive burnishes men of Santa Clara County the three brothers, Mitchell, Nick, and Peter Ucovich, compose a trio of successful restaurateurs, who have taken their place in the ranks of active business men.  Mitchell Ucovich, the eldest of the three brothers , was born in Dalmatia, Jugo-Slavia, in 1881, a son of Paul and Mary (Skanse) Ucovich.  The father, Paul Ucovich, was a successful farmer in his native land, acquiring some 10,00 acres of land, on which he raised olives and grapes.  Both parents are deceased.  They were the parents of eight children, one of whom is deceased, the other seven children being the heirs to the large estate left intact by the father.

Nick Ucovich was born in Dalmatia in 1884, and Peter, the youngest of the three brothers, was born in 1886.  The boys were reared on the farm, and there learned valuable lessons in industry and thrift.  Two of their maternal uncles were early settlers in Leeds City, N. D., and wrote such glowing letters to the family in Dalmatia that Mitchell Ucovich determined to seek his fortune in the far-away land of promise, and in 1898 he embarked for America, landing in New York City May 2.  Remaining there but a short time, he came direct to San Jose, where he began working the Overland Restaurant.  His early lessons in frugality caused him to save his earning and invest in business for himself.  In a few years he was able to purchase the Overland Restaurant, and on April 19, 1906, he was joined by his brother Nick Ucovich, and in 1908 the third brother, Peter, joined them. They became the owners of two restaurants, which they later disposed of, and in t1916 the restaurant known as "Nick's Place," at 9 North Market streets , was established.  Nick Ucovich was the originator of the establishment and the name was suggested by him.

The marriage of Nick Ucovich united him with Josephine Munoz, and Peter Ucovich married Isabella Munoz, her sister, both natives of San Jose who were daughters of an early Spanish family. Mr.. and Mrs. Peter Ucovich have one child, Mitchell.

Mitchell Ucovich is a naturalized citizen and is an adherent of the principles of the Republican party, and supports its candidates for various offices.  Fraternally he is affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose.  He is the business manager, while Nick and Peter Ucovich are the efficient chefs, a combination that is bringing them the deserved patronage and success.  They are stockholders in the new Growers' Bank and take just pride in local community affairs.  As public-spirited citizens they subscribe liberally to all measures that lead toward the advancement of the locality in which they live.

Transcribed by Carolyn Feroben from Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California,  published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. 1361