JOHN GREENING
Among the most interesting and picturesque illustrations in this book is that representing the residence of Mr. John Greening , and including a broad view of the Pacific Ocean, the Morro Rock, which rises from the water like one of the pyramids of Egypt, and the Carp Lake belonging to the property of Mr. Greening. This gentleman is a native of Canada, born May 9, 1827, he being the eldest child of three, and only son of John and Hester Greening, the mother’s maiden name being Hester Brown. He remained in Canada during his youth and early manhood, there acquiring his education and engaging in business. Farming and lumbering occupied his attention in Canada until 1856, when he moved into the State of Michigan, where he remained as a farmer until 1862. In that year he crossed the plains to California, and established his home in Sonoma County. There he lived for twelve years, engaged in farming.
In 1873 Mr. Greening came to San Luis Obispo County, and purchased a ranch on Old Creek, and engaged in the business of farming and dairying, continuing in that locality for three years, when he disposed of his property. He had at that time been fourteen years absent from his former home in Michigan, and after so many years of hard work and prosperty, he and his wife resolved on a journey to their former homes in the East. Then the Pacific Railroad was completed, and instead of the tedious journey of four or five months they were compelled to make in coming to California, they were enabled to cross the continent in a week’s time. After visiting in Michigan and Canada, they returned, having been three months on their Eastern tour. Upon their return to San Luis Obispo, Mr. Greening purchased his present home and ranch of 190 acres, which is situated at the mouth of Morro Creek. From the residence a grand panoramic view is obtained of the ocean, with the ships, steamers, and smaller vessels in the distance, and in the background of the picture is the singular Morro Rock, with its throngs of seals and flocks of seabirds hovering around it.
Mr. Greening was married June 1, 1852, to Miss Frances Hunter, and they have five children living, three being sons and two daughters.
Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, p349. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.