From the Primary Journal of Mary Duran, page 138:
"Tomasa Alvarado and Gil Cano were married Oct. 31, 1894"
Relationship note: Mary Alvarado Duran was a 1st cousin of Tomasa and a 3rd cousin of Gil Cano. Mary's husband Jesus was a brother-in-law to Tomasa by his first wife, Magdelena, Tomasa's sister, who died.
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
"Between Beats" by Ralph Salazar,
Wednesday, July 21, 1937:
"In these days of "quickie" marriages, it is bracing to find elderly couple whose first meeting still has a romantic interest for them. In this connection we immediately think of Mr. and Mrs. Gil Cano of Pajaro. (Is that "La Golondrina" we hear or is it only our imagination?). The Canos are among the last links to a California that suggests fiestas and siestas, bright shawls, castanets and guitars, missions, padres, cabelleros, and the coming of the Americano. A chance meeting at a dance and a guitar figured in their romance, California!
IN A LITTLE SPANISH TOWN
A summer night in 1885. A dance in Sotoville, now Santa Rita. Young Gil Cano and a party of stags arrive. Romantic thoughts are bubbling in their heads. They came to dance but the musicians are taking an over-long intermission. Cano's friends urge him to play the fiddle. He dares not. He has no license. But the violinist taking a rest, gives consent. But who will play with him? A lovely Spanish girl volunteers to accompany him on the guitar.
PART AS STRANGERS
Together they place several pieces. They are the hit of the evening. A spark has been struck between them but they do not know it. After the dance they go their separate ways still strangers to each other. Not that they had been indifferent, but reticence stood in the way. After all they had not been formally introduced.
CHANCE MEETING AGAIN
Five years went by. Young Gil Cano, then living in Salinas, could not put the guitar player out of his mind. Inquiries among his friends shed no light as to who she was or where she lived. She had been a stranger to those he knew. But romance was not to be thwarted. One day, Cano received a letter from a friend, Diego Soto, still living in San Benito county. It told of a sheep-shearing job in the Quien Sabe district. Early the next morning Cano got on his horse and headed for unfamiliar country. Night overtook him. He was lost in the wilds of the Alvarado district, but he found a night's lodging at the rancho of Don Juan Alvarado after whom the district was named. Next morning when he and his host sat down to breakfast, who should serve them but the guitar player herself! It was not until then he learned her name was Tomasa Alvarado, daughter of his host. His search was ended.
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
The look of delighted recognition in Gil's and Tomasa's eyes revealed to Senor Alvarado that the two knew each other. The rest can be imagined. Courtship in the Spanish California manner . . . playing guitar duets together in the patio of an evening . . . and at fiestas . . . then marriage. Four children were born to them. And today, after 52 years since their first meeting they are still eagerly sought for mission fiestas, Grange and Townsend meetings and radio programs. Recently their picture ran in the Townsend National Weekly.
SWING, SPANISH STYLE
Cano served as constable of Pajaro for 30 years. Possessed of a keen analytical mind, his sleuthing resulted in a high percentage of arrests and earned him the respect of fellow peace officers. But the years will leave their mark. And now that he is retired, the Canos have an income from their campground and tamale parlor in Pajaro. They are never too busy to pick up their guitars for a round of Spanish and Mexican songs-much to the delight of their friends."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Thursday, October 26, 1944:
"Open House Slated For Gala Event"
"Mr. and Mrs. Gil R. Cano of Pajaro, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Sunday Oct. 29, at their home 20 San Juan road, with an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. The Pajaro Valley Historical association is assisting in the celebration to which their many friends and the public are invited.
Gil Refugio Cano was born July 4, 1864 at Natividad, Calif. He married Juana Maria Tomasa Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894, at San Juan Bautista Mission where she was also baptized. Four children were born to them, namely, Martha Presentacion Ardaiz of Monterey, Gil Refugio Jr. (deceased), Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Bertha.
The Canos have an enviable and colorful California background. Mr. Cano's great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from Spain to Mexico in 1770 with Father Junipero Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year, he helped build the Carmel Mission and planted the first pear orchard on the land known as "Rancheria del Carmelo," where he married Margarita (Neophyte Indian), of Las Virjines reservation, located in the Carmelo. After his marriage Butron was sent as a soldier and official of the Spanish government, to the Presidio of Monterey.
Mr. Cano's father, Nicholas Cano, was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835 and was baptized at Mission San Carlos. When a little boy, he watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes rise on the flagstaff.
The first grant of land made in California was a tract of "146 varas sq." at the Mission of San Carlos, Nov. 27, 1775, to Manuel Butron, soldier in consideration that he had married Margarita, a daughter of the mission. Father Junipero Serra, recommended this family, to wit, the solider and the native woman, to the government and all other ministers of the king "as being the first in all of there establishments who have been chosen to become settlers of the same."
Mrs. Canos grandparents were Joaquin Alvarado of Los Angeles and Juana de Dios Higuera of San Francisco and San Jose. Mrs. Cano is a descendant of California Governor Alvarado. Her parents were the Juan Jose Ylario Alvarados. Mr. Alvarado was born in Monterey in 1825 and served as a soldier at the Customs House and the old Chartel.
The Canos inherited several grants of land, one of many leagues of land known as Rancho de la Carpenteria located at Carneros near Aromas in Monterey county.
Mr. Cano served as the deputy sheriff in Monterey county from 1900 to 1930, was then made constable of the county and is now again deputy sheriff. He owns and operates an auto camp at his home on the San Juan road in Pajaro."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Wednesday, November 1, 1944:
"250 Guests Congratulate Canos on Golden Wedding Anniversary"
"While 250 friends and relatives gathered Sunday to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gil Refugio Cano on their 50th wedding anniversary, their grandson, Arden Ardaiz of the navy air corps, flew over the Cano home on San Juan road and dipped his wings in tribute.
Members of the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted Miss Eleanor Cano, in receiving the guests, and many attractive gifts and flowers were presented to the honored couple.
During the celebration two barbecue dinners were served and dancing was enjoyed both during the day and evening with the Canos entertaining with the traditional hospitality of early California families.
Out-of-town guests were Monterey-Shano Ardaiz and family, Mrs. Enos Subia, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Damas, Mrs C. Raynsford, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bergquiest, Mr. and Mrs. Hielding Bergquiest and Mrs. Mary Green, Custom House; Salinas-Mrs. Ray Kallam, Francis, Lee and Gene Alvarado, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Duncan, Mrs. Neliie Castro, Mrs. K. Brown, Lucile Clouser, and Bob, Ann and Jerry Echeveria; San Francisco-Mr. and Mrs. Adrian B. Cano, Mr. and Mrs. S. Sparks, M. S. Crane, and Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Alvarado; Washington, D. C.-Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence O. Peck; Paso Robles-Mr. and Mrs. Tony Ruez; San Jose-Eloise Ardaiz, Mrs. R. Vioget, Dolores Schiele, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Haran, Joe Cruz and Bob Johnson; Santa Clara-Beatrice Cabral and Clara Lochbaum; Santa Rita-Mr. and Mrs. George Alvarado; Tres Pinos-Joe Alvarado and family; San Juan Bautista-E. T. Littlejohn and family; Richmond-Mr. and Mrs. Ed Duran; Modesto-J. J. Long; Los Angeles-Mrs. Angie Rios; and many others who neglected to sign the register."
newspaper obituary, Register-Pajaronian,
April 1947:
"Colorful Career of Gil Cano Ends With Death in Pajaro Home"
"Gil Refugio Cano, 82, for 34 years a colorful and adventurous constable of Pajaro township in Northern Monterey county and who held a badge as Monterey county deputy sheriff for even a longer period, died early Wednesday morning at his home in Pajaro. The venerable peace officer, who traced his ancestry back to the early Spanish era in California when his great-great-grandfather came with Father Junipero Serra to Carmel as a soldier, was widely known, not only in the Monterey bay area, but throughout the state.
Born July 4, 1864, at Natividad, Calif., he was the son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto. His father was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835, and baptized at Mission San Carlos. As a child, the elder Cano had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
Gil Cano married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894 at San Juan Bautista Mission where Mrs. Cano had also been baptized. Four children were born to them, Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Cano, and Gil Refugio Cano Jr. (deceased).
In 1944 the Canos observed their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home. At that time the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted in the celebration, attended by hundreds of friends.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Cano first ran for constable of Pajaro township. He was elected at that time and in every succeeding election until 1934. He was appointed deputy sheriff in 1902 and always retained that job, serving as well as substitute sheriff during the term of the late Bill Nesbitt in Monterey county.
During his career as constable he and the late D. W. Rohrback formed a notable team in Pajaro township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work.
Years ago when the Northern Monterey county chamber of commerce was active in Pajaro, Mr. Cano took part in its organization and direction.
His Spanish background stemmed from his great-great-grandfather, Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from to Mexico, and in 1770 with father Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year he helped to build the Carmel mission and he planted the first pear orchard near the mission. This land was known then as the Rancheria del Carmel.
He married Margarita (neophyte Indian) of the Las Virgenes reservation which was located in the Carmelo. After his marriage he was sent as a soldier and an official of the Spanish government to the Monterey presidio, where he was given a lot by the Spanish government.
There were two children born to Manuel Butron and Margarita, Manuel Joseph, Mr. Cano's great-grandfather, and Sebastian.
Manuel Joseph Butron, after his marriage to Maria Ignacio Higuera, lived in San Jose and Natividad. Twelve children were born to them. One of these, Joanna Maria Lorensa Butron, who later married Joaquin Soto and herself reared 12 children, was Mr. Cano's grandmother.
In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel valley, Mr. Cano's forbears had land grants in San Jose in front of where stands the Sainte Claire Hotel now stands, the Natividad grant near Fremont's Peak. They prospered under two treaties, Spain with Mexico, and the United States with Mexico.
Mr. Cano is survived by his widow, Mrs. Tomasa Alvarado Cano of the family home in Pajaro, two daughters Mrs. Shano Ardaiz, Monterey, and Mrs. Warren Foster, Watsonville; a son, Adrian B. Cano, San Francisco, six grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. P. J. Piatti of San Jose.
Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday from Mehl's Funeral Home, followed by a low mass of requiem at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick's church. Rosary will be recited Sunday at 8 p.m. at Mehl's chapel. Burial will take place in the family plot in the Watsonville Catholic cemetery."
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
Friday, November 13, 1998, Community section, page 5,
"That was Watsonville" by Betty Lewis:
"Gil Cano was notable guardian of peace"
"One of the most beloved peace officers in the Pajaro Valley was one Gil Refugio Cano, who was born, July 4, 1864. The son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto; he was born at Natividad, calif. Gil's great, great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, a Spaniard who came from Spain to Mexico, then up to Carmel, California in 1770 along with Father Serra. He was to help in the building of the mission, and plant the first pear orchard on the mission grounds. A marble plaque on the floor of Carmel Mission basilica reads: "In memory of Manuel Butron, died January 4, 1793 Corporal of the Mission Guard."
As a soldier and an official of the Spanish government, he was sent to the Monterey Presidio. His son, Manuel Joseph Butron, was to have 12 children by his wife, Marie, and one of these was Joanna who married Joaquin Soto. These were Gil Cano's grandparents. In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel Valley, Mr. Cano's family held land grants in San Jose near where the Sainte Claire Hotel is now located and also, land near Fremont's Peak. As a child, Gil's father had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
On October 21, 1894, Gil married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado at the San Juan Bautista Mission. There were four children from this union: Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista, Eleanor Bertha and Gil Refugio Jr. In 1900, Gil Cano was elected to the office of constable of Pajaro Township on the Monterey side of the Pajaro River and was to hold that office until 1934. In 1902, he was appointed deputy sheriff and always retained that position. He served as substitute sheriff when Bill Nesbitt was serving as sheriff in Monterey County.
In 1916 the following appeared in the Watsonville Pajaronian: "G.R. Cano of Pajaro yesterday afternoon made $150 in a rather slick fashion. He pulled three tramps out of a box car at the junction and after giving them the once over more closely with the result that he discovered three of them to be deserters from the Presidio at Monterey. As the government pays $50 for all deserters returned to the army posts, Cano is $150 to the good."
The Canos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1944 when they hosted friends and relatives at an open house in their Pajaro home.
The Pajaro Valley Historical Association helped organize the celebration that hosted hundreds of people.
Gil Cano died at the age of 82 on April 2, 1947 in his Pajaro home with his wife by his side. The man had organized the Northern Monterey County Chamber of Commerce and had served the people in Pajaro faithfully for so many years. The following is from the Pajaronian: "During his career as constable (Cano) he and the late D.W. Rohrback formed a notable team in the Pajaro Township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge, and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues, which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention, until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work."
Betty Lewis, a local historian, is a contributing columnist to the Register-Pajaronian."
"Tomasa Alvarado and Gil Cano were married Oct. 31, 1894"
Relationship note: Mary Alvarado Duran was a 1st cousin of Tomasa and a 3rd cousin of Gil Cano. Mary's husband Jesus was a brother-in-law to Tomasa by his first wife, Magdelena, Tomasa's sister, who died.
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
"Between Beats" by Ralph Salazar,
Wednesday, July 21, 1937:
"In these days of "quickie" marriages, it is bracing to find elderly couple whose first meeting still has a romantic interest for them. In this connection we immediately think of Mr. and Mrs. Gil Cano of Pajaro. (Is that "La Golondrina" we hear or is it only our imagination?). The Canos are among the last links to a California that suggests fiestas and siestas, bright shawls, castanets and guitars, missions, padres, cabelleros, and the coming of the Americano. A chance meeting at a dance and a guitar figured in their romance, California!
IN A LITTLE SPANISH TOWN
A summer night in 1885. A dance in Sotoville, now Santa Rita. Young Gil Cano and a party of stags arrive. Romantic thoughts are bubbling in their heads. They came to dance but the musicians are taking an over-long intermission. Cano's friends urge him to play the fiddle. He dares not. He has no license. But the violinist taking a rest, gives consent. But who will play with him? A lovely Spanish girl volunteers to accompany him on the guitar.
PART AS STRANGERS
Together they place several pieces. They are the hit of the evening. A spark has been struck between them but they do not know it. After the dance they go their separate ways still strangers to each other. Not that they had been indifferent, but reticence stood in the way. After all they had not been formally introduced.
CHANCE MEETING AGAIN
Five years went by. Young Gil Cano, then living in Salinas, could not put the guitar player out of his mind. Inquiries among his friends shed no light as to who she was or where she lived. She had been a stranger to those he knew. But romance was not to be thwarted. One day, Cano received a letter from a friend, Diego Soto, still living in San Benito county. It told of a sheep-shearing job in the Quien Sabe district. Early the next morning Cano got on his horse and headed for unfamiliar country. Night overtook him. He was lost in the wilds of the Alvarado district, but he found a night's lodging at the rancho of Don Juan Alvarado after whom the district was named. Next morning when he and his host sat down to breakfast, who should serve them but the guitar player herself! It was not until then he learned her name was Tomasa Alvarado, daughter of his host. His search was ended.
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
The look of delighted recognition in Gil's and Tomasa's eyes revealed to Senor Alvarado that the two knew each other. The rest can be imagined. Courtship in the Spanish California manner . . . playing guitar duets together in the patio of an evening . . . and at fiestas . . . then marriage. Four children were born to them. And today, after 52 years since their first meeting they are still eagerly sought for mission fiestas, Grange and Townsend meetings and radio programs. Recently their picture ran in the Townsend National Weekly.
SWING, SPANISH STYLE
Cano served as constable of Pajaro for 30 years. Possessed of a keen analytical mind, his sleuthing resulted in a high percentage of arrests and earned him the respect of fellow peace officers. But the years will leave their mark. And now that he is retired, the Canos have an income from their campground and tamale parlor in Pajaro. They are never too busy to pick up their guitars for a round of Spanish and Mexican songs-much to the delight of their friends."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Thursday, October 26, 1944:
"Open House Slated For Gala Event"
"Mr. and Mrs. Gil R. Cano of Pajaro, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Sunday Oct. 29, at their home 20 San Juan road, with an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. The Pajaro Valley Historical association is assisting in the celebration to which their many friends and the public are invited.
Gil Refugio Cano was born July 4, 1864 at Natividad, Calif. He married Juana Maria Tomasa Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894, at San Juan Bautista Mission where she was also baptized. Four children were born to them, namely, Martha Presentacion Ardaiz of Monterey, Gil Refugio Jr. (deceased), Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Bertha.
The Canos have an enviable and colorful California background. Mr. Cano's great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from Spain to Mexico in 1770 with Father Junipero Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year, he helped build the Carmel Mission and planted the first pear orchard on the land known as "Rancheria del Carmelo," where he married Margarita (Neophyte Indian), of Las Virjines reservation, located in the Carmelo. After his marriage Butron was sent as a soldier and official of the Spanish government, to the Presidio of Monterey.
Mr. Cano's father, Nicholas Cano, was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835 and was baptized at Mission San Carlos. When a little boy, he watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes rise on the flagstaff.
The first grant of land made in California was a tract of "146 varas sq." at the Mission of San Carlos, Nov. 27, 1775, to Manuel Butron, soldier in consideration that he had married Margarita, a daughter of the mission. Father Junipero Serra, recommended this family, to wit, the solider and the native woman, to the government and all other ministers of the king "as being the first in all of there establishments who have been chosen to become settlers of the same."
Mrs. Canos grandparents were Joaquin Alvarado of Los Angeles and Juana de Dios Higuera of San Francisco and San Jose. Mrs. Cano is a descendant of California Governor Alvarado. Her parents were the Juan Jose Ylario Alvarados. Mr. Alvarado was born in Monterey in 1825 and served as a soldier at the Customs House and the old Chartel.
The Canos inherited several grants of land, one of many leagues of land known as Rancho de la Carpenteria located at Carneros near Aromas in Monterey county.
Mr. Cano served as the deputy sheriff in Monterey county from 1900 to 1930, was then made constable of the county and is now again deputy sheriff. He owns and operates an auto camp at his home on the San Juan road in Pajaro."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Wednesday, November 1, 1944:
"250 Guests Congratulate Canos on Golden Wedding Anniversary"
"While 250 friends and relatives gathered Sunday to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gil Refugio Cano on their 50th wedding anniversary, their grandson, Arden Ardaiz of the navy air corps, flew over the Cano home on San Juan road and dipped his wings in tribute.
Members of the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted Miss Eleanor Cano, in receiving the guests, and many attractive gifts and flowers were presented to the honored couple.
During the celebration two barbecue dinners were served and dancing was enjoyed both during the day and evening with the Canos entertaining with the traditional hospitality of early California families.
Out-of-town guests were Monterey-Shano Ardaiz and family, Mrs. Enos Subia, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Damas, Mrs C. Raynsford, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bergquiest, Mr. and Mrs. Hielding Bergquiest and Mrs. Mary Green, Custom House; Salinas-Mrs. Ray Kallam, Francis, Lee and Gene Alvarado, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Duncan, Mrs. Neliie Castro, Mrs. K. Brown, Lucile Clouser, and Bob, Ann and Jerry Echeveria; San Francisco-Mr. and Mrs. Adrian B. Cano, Mr. and Mrs. S. Sparks, M. S. Crane, and Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Alvarado; Washington, D. C.-Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence O. Peck; Paso Robles-Mr. and Mrs. Tony Ruez; San Jose-Eloise Ardaiz, Mrs. R. Vioget, Dolores Schiele, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Haran, Joe Cruz and Bob Johnson; Santa Clara-Beatrice Cabral and Clara Lochbaum; Santa Rita-Mr. and Mrs. George Alvarado; Tres Pinos-Joe Alvarado and family; San Juan Bautista-E. T. Littlejohn and family; Richmond-Mr. and Mrs. Ed Duran; Modesto-J. J. Long; Los Angeles-Mrs. Angie Rios; and many others who neglected to sign the register."
newspaper obituary, Register-Pajaronian,
April 1947:
"Colorful Career of Gil Cano Ends With Death in Pajaro Home"
"Gil Refugio Cano, 82, for 34 years a colorful and adventurous constable of Pajaro township in Northern Monterey county and who held a badge as Monterey county deputy sheriff for even a longer period, died early Wednesday morning at his home in Pajaro. The venerable peace officer, who traced his ancestry back to the early Spanish era in California when his great-great-grandfather came with Father Junipero Serra to Carmel as a soldier, was widely known, not only in the Monterey bay area, but throughout the state.
Born July 4, 1864, at Natividad, Calif., he was the son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto. His father was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835, and baptized at Mission San Carlos. As a child, the elder Cano had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
Gil Cano married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894 at San Juan Bautista Mission where Mrs. Cano had also been baptized. Four children were born to them, Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Cano, and Gil Refugio Cano Jr. (deceased).
In 1944 the Canos observed their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home. At that time the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted in the celebration, attended by hundreds of friends.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Cano first ran for constable of Pajaro township. He was elected at that time and in every succeeding election until 1934. He was appointed deputy sheriff in 1902 and always retained that job, serving as well as substitute sheriff during the term of the late Bill Nesbitt in Monterey county.
During his career as constable he and the late D. W. Rohrback formed a notable team in Pajaro township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work.
Years ago when the Northern Monterey county chamber of commerce was active in Pajaro, Mr. Cano took part in its organization and direction.
His Spanish background stemmed from his great-great-grandfather, Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from to Mexico, and in 1770 with father Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year he helped to build the Carmel mission and he planted the first pear orchard near the mission. This land was known then as the Rancheria del Carmel.
He married Margarita (neophyte Indian) of the Las Virgenes reservation which was located in the Carmelo. After his marriage he was sent as a soldier and an official of the Spanish government to the Monterey presidio, where he was given a lot by the Spanish government.
There were two children born to Manuel Butron and Margarita, Manuel Joseph, Mr. Cano's great-grandfather, and Sebastian.
Manuel Joseph Butron, after his marriage to Maria Ignacio Higuera, lived in San Jose and Natividad. Twelve children were born to them. One of these, Joanna Maria Lorensa Butron, who later married Joaquin Soto and herself reared 12 children, was Mr. Cano's grandmother.
In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel valley, Mr. Cano's forbears had land grants in San Jose in front of where stands the Sainte Claire Hotel now stands, the Natividad grant near Fremont's Peak. They prospered under two treaties, Spain with Mexico, and the United States with Mexico.
Mr. Cano is survived by his widow, Mrs. Tomasa Alvarado Cano of the family home in Pajaro, two daughters Mrs. Shano Ardaiz, Monterey, and Mrs. Warren Foster, Watsonville; a son, Adrian B. Cano, San Francisco, six grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. P. J. Piatti of San Jose.
Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday from Mehl's Funeral Home, followed by a low mass of requiem at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick's church. Rosary will be recited Sunday at 8 p.m. at Mehl's chapel. Burial will take place in the family plot in the Watsonville Catholic cemetery."
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
Friday, November 13, 1998, Community section, page 5,
"That was Watsonville" by Betty Lewis:
"Gil Cano was notable guardian of peace"
"One of the most beloved peace officers in the Pajaro Valley was one Gil Refugio Cano, who was born, July 4, 1864. The son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto; he was born at Natividad, calif. Gil's great, great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, a Spaniard who came from Spain to Mexico, then up to Carmel, California in 1770 along with Father Serra. He was to help in the building of the mission, and plant the first pear orchard on the mission grounds. A marble plaque on the floor of Carmel Mission basilica reads: "In memory of Manuel Butron, died January 4, 1793 Corporal of the Mission Guard."
As a soldier and an official of the Spanish government, he was sent to the Monterey Presidio. His son, Manuel Joseph Butron, was to have 12 children by his wife, Marie, and one of these was Joanna who married Joaquin Soto. These were Gil Cano's grandparents. In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel Valley, Mr. Cano's family held land grants in San Jose near where the Sainte Claire Hotel is now located and also, land near Fremont's Peak. As a child, Gil's father had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
On October 21, 1894, Gil married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado at the San Juan Bautista Mission. There were four children from this union: Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista, Eleanor Bertha and Gil Refugio Jr. In 1900, Gil Cano was elected to the office of constable of Pajaro Township on the Monterey side of the Pajaro River and was to hold that office until 1934. In 1902, he was appointed deputy sheriff and always retained that position. He served as substitute sheriff when Bill Nesbitt was serving as sheriff in Monterey County.
In 1916 the following appeared in the Watsonville Pajaronian: "G.R. Cano of Pajaro yesterday afternoon made $150 in a rather slick fashion. He pulled three tramps out of a box car at the junction and after giving them the once over more closely with the result that he discovered three of them to be deserters from the Presidio at Monterey. As the government pays $50 for all deserters returned to the army posts, Cano is $150 to the good."
The Canos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1944 when they hosted friends and relatives at an open house in their Pajaro home.
The Pajaro Valley Historical Association helped organize the celebration that hosted hundreds of people.
Gil Cano died at the age of 82 on April 2, 1947 in his Pajaro home with his wife by his side. The man had organized the Northern Monterey County Chamber of Commerce and had served the people in Pajaro faithfully for so many years. The following is from the Pajaronian: "During his career as constable (Cano) he and the late D.W. Rohrback formed a notable team in the Pajaro Township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge, and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues, which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention, until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work."
Betty Lewis, a local historian, is a contributing columnist to the Register-Pajaronian."
From the Primary Journal of Mary Duran, page 138:
"Tomasa Alvarado and Gil Cano were married Oct. 31, 1894"
Relationship note: Mary Alvarado Duran was a 1st cousin of Tomasa and a 3rd cousin of Gil Cano. Mary's husband Jesus was a brother-in-law to Tomasa by his first wife, Magdelena, Tomasa's sister, who died.
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
"Between Beats" by Ralph Salazar,
Wednesday, July 21, 1937:
"In these days of "quickie" marriages, it is bracing to find elderly couple whose first meeting still has a romantic interest for them. In this connection we immediately think of Mr. and Mrs. Gil Cano of Pajaro. (Is that "La Golondrina" we hear or is it only our imagination?). The Canos are among the last links to a California that suggests fiestas and siestas, bright shawls, castanets and guitars, missions, padres, cabelleros, and the coming of the Americano. A chance meeting at a dance and a guitar figured in their romance, California!
IN A LITTLE SPANISH TOWN
A summer night in 1885. A dance in Sotoville, now Santa Rita. Young Gil Cano and a party of stags arrive. Romantic thoughts are bubbling in their heads. They came to dance but the musicians are taking an over-long intermission. Cano's friends urge him to play the fiddle. He dares not. He has no license. But the violinist taking a rest, gives consent. But who will play with him? A lovely Spanish girl volunteers to accompany him on the guitar.
PART AS STRANGERS
Together they place several pieces. They are the hit of the evening. A spark has been struck between them but they do not know it. After the dance they go their separate ways still strangers to each other. Not that they had been indifferent, but reticence stood in the way. After all they had not been formally introduced.
CHANCE MEETING AGAIN
Five years went by. Young Gil Cano, then living in Salinas, could not put the guitar player out of his mind. Inquiries among his friends shed no light as to who she was or where she lived. She had been a stranger to those he knew. But romance was not to be thwarted. One day, Cano received a letter from a friend, Diego Soto, still living in San Benito county. It told of a sheep-shearing job in the Quien Sabe district. Early the next morning Cano got on his horse and headed for unfamiliar country. Night overtook him. He was lost in the wilds of the Alvarado district, but he found a night's lodging at the rancho of Don Juan Alvarado after whom the district was named. Next morning when he and his host sat down to breakfast, who should serve them but the guitar player herself! It was not until then he learned her name was Tomasa Alvarado, daughter of his host. His search was ended.
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
The look of delighted recognition in Gil's and Tomasa's eyes revealed to Senor Alvarado that the two knew each other. The rest can be imagined. Courtship in the Spanish California manner . . . playing guitar duets together in the patio of an evening . . . and at fiestas . . . then marriage. Four children were born to them. And today, after 52 years since their first meeting they are still eagerly sought for mission fiestas, Grange and Townsend meetings and radio programs. Recently their picture ran in the Townsend National Weekly.
SWING, SPANISH STYLE
Cano served as constable of Pajaro for 30 years. Possessed of a keen analytical mind, his sleuthing resulted in a high percentage of arrests and earned him the respect of fellow peace officers. But the years will leave their mark. And now that he is retired, the Canos have an income from their campground and tamale parlor in Pajaro. They are never too busy to pick up their guitars for a round of Spanish and Mexican songs-much to the delight of their friends."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Thursday, October 26, 1944:
"Open House Slated For Gala Event"
"Mr. and Mrs. Gil R. Cano of Pajaro, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Sunday Oct. 29, at their home 20 San Juan road, with an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. The Pajaro Valley Historical association is assisting in the celebration to which their many friends and the public are invited.
Gil Refugio Cano was born July 4, 1864 at Natividad, Calif. He married Juana Maria Tomasa Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894, at San Juan Bautista Mission where she was also baptized. Four children were born to them, namely, Martha Presentacion Ardaiz of Monterey, Gil Refugio Jr. (deceased), Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Bertha.
The Canos have an enviable and colorful California background. Mr. Cano's great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from Spain to Mexico in 1770 with Father Junipero Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year, he helped build the Carmel Mission and planted the first pear orchard on the land known as "Rancheria del Carmelo," where he married Margarita (Neophyte Indian), of Las Virjines reservation, located in the Carmelo. After his marriage Butron was sent as a soldier and official of the Spanish government, to the Presidio of Monterey.
Mr. Cano's father, Nicholas Cano, was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835 and was baptized at Mission San Carlos. When a little boy, he watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes rise on the flagstaff.
The first grant of land made in California was a tract of "146 varas sq." at the Mission of San Carlos, Nov. 27, 1775, to Manuel Butron, soldier in consideration that he had married Margarita, a daughter of the mission. Father Junipero Serra, recommended this family, to wit, the solider and the native woman, to the government and all other ministers of the king "as being the first in all of there establishments who have been chosen to become settlers of the same."
Mrs. Canos grandparents were Joaquin Alvarado of Los Angeles and Juana de Dios Higuera of San Francisco and San Jose. Mrs. Cano is a descendant of California Governor Alvarado. Her parents were the Juan Jose Ylario Alvarados. Mr. Alvarado was born in Monterey in 1825 and served as a soldier at the Customs House and the old Chartel.
The Canos inherited several grants of land, one of many leagues of land known as Rancho de la Carpenteria located at Carneros near Aromas in Monterey county.
Mr. Cano served as the deputy sheriff in Monterey county from 1900 to 1930, was then made constable of the county and is now again deputy sheriff. He owns and operates an auto camp at his home on the San Juan road in Pajaro."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Wednesday, November 1, 1944:
"250 Guests Congratulate Canos on Golden Wedding Anniversary"
"While 250 friends and relatives gathered Sunday to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gil Refugio Cano on their 50th wedding anniversary, their grandson, Arden Ardaiz of the navy air corps, flew over the Cano home on San Juan road and dipped his wings in tribute.
Members of the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted Miss Eleanor Cano, in receiving the guests, and many attractive gifts and flowers were presented to the honored couple.
During the celebration two barbecue dinners were served and dancing was enjoyed both during the day and evening with the Canos entertaining with the traditional hospitality of early California families.
Out-of-town guests were Monterey-Shano Ardaiz and family, Mrs. Enos Subia, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Damas, Mrs C. Raynsford, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bergquiest, Mr. and Mrs. Hielding Bergquiest and Mrs. Mary Green, Custom House; Salinas-Mrs. Ray Kallam, Francis, Lee and Gene Alvarado, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Duncan, Mrs. Neliie Castro, Mrs. K. Brown, Lucile Clouser, and Bob, Ann and Jerry Echeveria; San Francisco-Mr. and Mrs. Adrian B. Cano, Mr. and Mrs. S. Sparks, M. S. Crane, and Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Alvarado; Washington, D. C.-Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence O. Peck; Paso Robles-Mr. and Mrs. Tony Ruez; San Jose-Eloise Ardaiz, Mrs. R. Vioget, Dolores Schiele, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Haran, Joe Cruz and Bob Johnson; Santa Clara-Beatrice Cabral and Clara Lochbaum; Santa Rita-Mr. and Mrs. George Alvarado; Tres Pinos-Joe Alvarado and family; San Juan Bautista-E. T. Littlejohn and family; Richmond-Mr. and Mrs. Ed Duran; Modesto-J. J. Long; Los Angeles-Mrs. Angie Rios; and many others who neglected to sign the register."
newspaper obituary, Register-Pajaronian,
April 1947:
"Colorful Career of Gil Cano Ends With Death in Pajaro Home"
"Gil Refugio Cano, 82, for 34 years a colorful and adventurous constable of Pajaro township in Northern Monterey county and who held a badge as Monterey county deputy sheriff for even a longer period, died early Wednesday morning at his home in Pajaro. The venerable peace officer, who traced his ancestry back to the early Spanish era in California when his great-great-grandfather came with Father Junipero Serra to Carmel as a soldier, was widely known, not only in the Monterey bay area, but throughout the state.
Born July 4, 1864, at Natividad, Calif., he was the son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto. His father was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835, and baptized at Mission San Carlos. As a child, the elder Cano had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
Gil Cano married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894 at San Juan Bautista Mission where Mrs. Cano had also been baptized. Four children were born to them, Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Cano, and Gil Refugio Cano Jr. (deceased).
In 1944 the Canos observed their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home. At that time the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted in the celebration, attended by hundreds of friends.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Cano first ran for constable of Pajaro township. He was elected at that time and in every succeeding election until 1934. He was appointed deputy sheriff in 1902 and always retained that job, serving as well as substitute sheriff during the term of the late Bill Nesbitt in Monterey county.
During his career as constable he and the late D. W. Rohrback formed a notable team in Pajaro township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work.
Years ago when the Northern Monterey county chamber of commerce was active in Pajaro, Mr. Cano took part in its organization and direction.
His Spanish background stemmed from his great-great-grandfather, Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from to Mexico, and in 1770 with father Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year he helped to build the Carmel mission and he planted the first pear orchard near the mission. This land was known then as the Rancheria del Carmel.
He married Margarita (neophyte Indian) of the Las Virgenes reservation which was located in the Carmelo. After his marriage he was sent as a soldier and an official of the Spanish government to the Monterey presidio, where he was given a lot by the Spanish government.
There were two children born to Manuel Butron and Margarita, Manuel Joseph, Mr. Cano's great-grandfather, and Sebastian.
Manuel Joseph Butron, after his marriage to Maria Ignacio Higuera, lived in San Jose and Natividad. Twelve children were born to them. One of these, Joanna Maria Lorensa Butron, who later married Joaquin Soto and herself reared 12 children, was Mr. Cano's grandmother.
In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel valley, Mr. Cano's forbears had land grants in San Jose in front of where stands the Sainte Claire Hotel now stands, the Natividad grant near Fremont's Peak. They prospered under two treaties, Spain with Mexico, and the United States with Mexico.
Mr. Cano is survived by his widow, Mrs. Tomasa Alvarado Cano of the family home in Pajaro, two daughters Mrs. Shano Ardaiz, Monterey, and Mrs. Warren Foster, Watsonville; a son, Adrian B. Cano, San Francisco, six grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. P. J. Piatti of San Jose.
Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday from Mehl's Funeral Home, followed by a low mass of requiem at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick's church. Rosary will be recited Sunday at 8 p.m. at Mehl's chapel. Burial will take place in the family plot in the Watsonville Catholic cemetery."
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
Friday, November 13, 1998, Community section, page 5,
"That was Watsonville" by Betty Lewis:
"Gil Cano was notable guardian of peace"
"One of the most beloved peace officers in the Pajaro Valley was one Gil Refugio Cano, who was born, July 4, 1864. The son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto; he was born at Natividad, calif. Gil's great, great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, a Spaniard who came from Spain to Mexico, then up to Carmel, California in 1770 along with Father Serra. He was to help in the building of the mission, and plant the first pear orchard on the mission grounds. A marble plaque on the floor of Carmel Mission basilica reads: "In memory of Manuel Butron, died January 4, 1793 Corporal of the Mission Guard."
As a soldier and an official of the Spanish government, he was sent to the Monterey Presidio. His son, Manuel Joseph Butron, was to have 12 children by his wife, Marie, and one of these was Joanna who married Joaquin Soto. These were Gil Cano's grandparents. In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel Valley, Mr. Cano's family held land grants in San Jose near where the Sainte Claire Hotel is now located and also, land near Fremont's Peak. As a child, Gil's father had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
On October 21, 1894, Gil married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado at the San Juan Bautista Mission. There were four children from this union: Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista, Eleanor Bertha and Gil Refugio Jr. In 1900, Gil Cano was elected to the office of constable of Pajaro Township on the Monterey side of the Pajaro River and was to hold that office until 1934. In 1902, he was appointed deputy sheriff and always retained that position. He served as substitute sheriff when Bill Nesbitt was serving as sheriff in Monterey County.
In 1916 the following appeared in the Watsonville Pajaronian: "G.R. Cano of Pajaro yesterday afternoon made $150 in a rather slick fashion. He pulled three tramps out of a box car at the junction and after giving them the once over more closely with the result that he discovered three of them to be deserters from the Presidio at Monterey. As the government pays $50 for all deserters returned to the army posts, Cano is $150 to the good."
The Canos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1944 when they hosted friends and relatives at an open house in their Pajaro home.
The Pajaro Valley Historical Association helped organize the celebration that hosted hundreds of people.
Gil Cano died at the age of 82 on April 2, 1947 in his Pajaro home with his wife by his side. The man had organized the Northern Monterey County Chamber of Commerce and had served the people in Pajaro faithfully for so many years. The following is from the Pajaronian: "During his career as constable (Cano) he and the late D.W. Rohrback formed a notable team in the Pajaro Township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge, and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues, which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention, until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work."
Betty Lewis, a local historian, is a contributing columnist to the Register-Pajaronian."
"Tomasa Alvarado and Gil Cano were married Oct. 31, 1894"
Relationship note: Mary Alvarado Duran was a 1st cousin of Tomasa and a 3rd cousin of Gil Cano. Mary's husband Jesus was a brother-in-law to Tomasa by his first wife, Magdelena, Tomasa's sister, who died.
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
"Between Beats" by Ralph Salazar,
Wednesday, July 21, 1937:
"In these days of "quickie" marriages, it is bracing to find elderly couple whose first meeting still has a romantic interest for them. In this connection we immediately think of Mr. and Mrs. Gil Cano of Pajaro. (Is that "La Golondrina" we hear or is it only our imagination?). The Canos are among the last links to a California that suggests fiestas and siestas, bright shawls, castanets and guitars, missions, padres, cabelleros, and the coming of the Americano. A chance meeting at a dance and a guitar figured in their romance, California!
IN A LITTLE SPANISH TOWN
A summer night in 1885. A dance in Sotoville, now Santa Rita. Young Gil Cano and a party of stags arrive. Romantic thoughts are bubbling in their heads. They came to dance but the musicians are taking an over-long intermission. Cano's friends urge him to play the fiddle. He dares not. He has no license. But the violinist taking a rest, gives consent. But who will play with him? A lovely Spanish girl volunteers to accompany him on the guitar.
PART AS STRANGERS
Together they place several pieces. They are the hit of the evening. A spark has been struck between them but they do not know it. After the dance they go their separate ways still strangers to each other. Not that they had been indifferent, but reticence stood in the way. After all they had not been formally introduced.
CHANCE MEETING AGAIN
Five years went by. Young Gil Cano, then living in Salinas, could not put the guitar player out of his mind. Inquiries among his friends shed no light as to who she was or where she lived. She had been a stranger to those he knew. But romance was not to be thwarted. One day, Cano received a letter from a friend, Diego Soto, still living in San Benito county. It told of a sheep-shearing job in the Quien Sabe district. Early the next morning Cano got on his horse and headed for unfamiliar country. Night overtook him. He was lost in the wilds of the Alvarado district, but he found a night's lodging at the rancho of Don Juan Alvarado after whom the district was named. Next morning when he and his host sat down to breakfast, who should serve them but the guitar player herself! It was not until then he learned her name was Tomasa Alvarado, daughter of his host. His search was ended.
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
The look of delighted recognition in Gil's and Tomasa's eyes revealed to Senor Alvarado that the two knew each other. The rest can be imagined. Courtship in the Spanish California manner . . . playing guitar duets together in the patio of an evening . . . and at fiestas . . . then marriage. Four children were born to them. And today, after 52 years since their first meeting they are still eagerly sought for mission fiestas, Grange and Townsend meetings and radio programs. Recently their picture ran in the Townsend National Weekly.
SWING, SPANISH STYLE
Cano served as constable of Pajaro for 30 years. Possessed of a keen analytical mind, his sleuthing resulted in a high percentage of arrests and earned him the respect of fellow peace officers. But the years will leave their mark. And now that he is retired, the Canos have an income from their campground and tamale parlor in Pajaro. They are never too busy to pick up their guitars for a round of Spanish and Mexican songs-much to the delight of their friends."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Thursday, October 26, 1944:
"Open House Slated For Gala Event"
"Mr. and Mrs. Gil R. Cano of Pajaro, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Sunday Oct. 29, at their home 20 San Juan road, with an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. The Pajaro Valley Historical association is assisting in the celebration to which their many friends and the public are invited.
Gil Refugio Cano was born July 4, 1864 at Natividad, Calif. He married Juana Maria Tomasa Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894, at San Juan Bautista Mission where she was also baptized. Four children were born to them, namely, Martha Presentacion Ardaiz of Monterey, Gil Refugio Jr. (deceased), Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Bertha.
The Canos have an enviable and colorful California background. Mr. Cano's great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from Spain to Mexico in 1770 with Father Junipero Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year, he helped build the Carmel Mission and planted the first pear orchard on the land known as "Rancheria del Carmelo," where he married Margarita (Neophyte Indian), of Las Virjines reservation, located in the Carmelo. After his marriage Butron was sent as a soldier and official of the Spanish government, to the Presidio of Monterey.
Mr. Cano's father, Nicholas Cano, was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835 and was baptized at Mission San Carlos. When a little boy, he watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes rise on the flagstaff.
The first grant of land made in California was a tract of "146 varas sq." at the Mission of San Carlos, Nov. 27, 1775, to Manuel Butron, soldier in consideration that he had married Margarita, a daughter of the mission. Father Junipero Serra, recommended this family, to wit, the solider and the native woman, to the government and all other ministers of the king "as being the first in all of there establishments who have been chosen to become settlers of the same."
Mrs. Canos grandparents were Joaquin Alvarado of Los Angeles and Juana de Dios Higuera of San Francisco and San Jose. Mrs. Cano is a descendant of California Governor Alvarado. Her parents were the Juan Jose Ylario Alvarados. Mr. Alvarado was born in Monterey in 1825 and served as a soldier at the Customs House and the old Chartel.
The Canos inherited several grants of land, one of many leagues of land known as Rancho de la Carpenteria located at Carneros near Aromas in Monterey county.
Mr. Cano served as the deputy sheriff in Monterey county from 1900 to 1930, was then made constable of the county and is now again deputy sheriff. He owns and operates an auto camp at his home on the San Juan road in Pajaro."
newspaper article, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian,
Wednesday, November 1, 1944:
"250 Guests Congratulate Canos on Golden Wedding Anniversary"
"While 250 friends and relatives gathered Sunday to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gil Refugio Cano on their 50th wedding anniversary, their grandson, Arden Ardaiz of the navy air corps, flew over the Cano home on San Juan road and dipped his wings in tribute.
Members of the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted Miss Eleanor Cano, in receiving the guests, and many attractive gifts and flowers were presented to the honored couple.
During the celebration two barbecue dinners were served and dancing was enjoyed both during the day and evening with the Canos entertaining with the traditional hospitality of early California families.
Out-of-town guests were Monterey-Shano Ardaiz and family, Mrs. Enos Subia, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Damas, Mrs C. Raynsford, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bergquiest, Mr. and Mrs. Hielding Bergquiest and Mrs. Mary Green, Custom House; Salinas-Mrs. Ray Kallam, Francis, Lee and Gene Alvarado, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Duncan, Mrs. Neliie Castro, Mrs. K. Brown, Lucile Clouser, and Bob, Ann and Jerry Echeveria; San Francisco-Mr. and Mrs. Adrian B. Cano, Mr. and Mrs. S. Sparks, M. S. Crane, and Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Alvarado; Washington, D. C.-Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence O. Peck; Paso Robles-Mr. and Mrs. Tony Ruez; San Jose-Eloise Ardaiz, Mrs. R. Vioget, Dolores Schiele, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Haran, Joe Cruz and Bob Johnson; Santa Clara-Beatrice Cabral and Clara Lochbaum; Santa Rita-Mr. and Mrs. George Alvarado; Tres Pinos-Joe Alvarado and family; San Juan Bautista-E. T. Littlejohn and family; Richmond-Mr. and Mrs. Ed Duran; Modesto-J. J. Long; Los Angeles-Mrs. Angie Rios; and many others who neglected to sign the register."
newspaper obituary, Register-Pajaronian,
April 1947:
"Colorful Career of Gil Cano Ends With Death in Pajaro Home"
"Gil Refugio Cano, 82, for 34 years a colorful and adventurous constable of Pajaro township in Northern Monterey county and who held a badge as Monterey county deputy sheriff for even a longer period, died early Wednesday morning at his home in Pajaro. The venerable peace officer, who traced his ancestry back to the early Spanish era in California when his great-great-grandfather came with Father Junipero Serra to Carmel as a soldier, was widely known, not only in the Monterey bay area, but throughout the state.
Born July 4, 1864, at Natividad, Calif., he was the son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto. His father was born in Monterey, March 22, 1835, and baptized at Mission San Carlos. As a child, the elder Cano had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
Gil Cano married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado, Oct. 31, 1894 at San Juan Bautista Mission where Mrs. Cano had also been baptized. Four children were born to them, Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista and Eleanor Cano, and Gil Refugio Cano Jr. (deceased).
In 1944 the Canos observed their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home. At that time the Pajaro Valley Historical association assisted in the celebration, attended by hundreds of friends.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Cano first ran for constable of Pajaro township. He was elected at that time and in every succeeding election until 1934. He was appointed deputy sheriff in 1902 and always retained that job, serving as well as substitute sheriff during the term of the late Bill Nesbitt in Monterey county.
During his career as constable he and the late D. W. Rohrback formed a notable team in Pajaro township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work.
Years ago when the Northern Monterey county chamber of commerce was active in Pajaro, Mr. Cano took part in its organization and direction.
His Spanish background stemmed from his great-great-grandfather, Manuel Butron, the Spaniard, who came from to Mexico, and in 1770 with father Serra to Monterey, settling in Carmel. In the same year he helped to build the Carmel mission and he planted the first pear orchard near the mission. This land was known then as the Rancheria del Carmel.
He married Margarita (neophyte Indian) of the Las Virgenes reservation which was located in the Carmelo. After his marriage he was sent as a soldier and an official of the Spanish government to the Monterey presidio, where he was given a lot by the Spanish government.
There were two children born to Manuel Butron and Margarita, Manuel Joseph, Mr. Cano's great-grandfather, and Sebastian.
Manuel Joseph Butron, after his marriage to Maria Ignacio Higuera, lived in San Jose and Natividad. Twelve children were born to them. One of these, Joanna Maria Lorensa Butron, who later married Joaquin Soto and herself reared 12 children, was Mr. Cano's grandmother.
In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel valley, Mr. Cano's forbears had land grants in San Jose in front of where stands the Sainte Claire Hotel now stands, the Natividad grant near Fremont's Peak. They prospered under two treaties, Spain with Mexico, and the United States with Mexico.
Mr. Cano is survived by his widow, Mrs. Tomasa Alvarado Cano of the family home in Pajaro, two daughters Mrs. Shano Ardaiz, Monterey, and Mrs. Warren Foster, Watsonville; a son, Adrian B. Cano, San Francisco, six grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. P. J. Piatti of San Jose.
Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday from Mehl's Funeral Home, followed by a low mass of requiem at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick's church. Rosary will be recited Sunday at 8 p.m. at Mehl's chapel. Burial will take place in the family plot in the Watsonville Catholic cemetery."
newspaper article, Register-Pajaronian,
Friday, November 13, 1998, Community section, page 5,
"That was Watsonville" by Betty Lewis:
"Gil Cano was notable guardian of peace"
"One of the most beloved peace officers in the Pajaro Valley was one Gil Refugio Cano, who was born, July 4, 1864. The son of Nicholas Cano and Presentacion Soto; he was born at Natividad, calif. Gil's great, great-grandfather was Manuel Butron, a Spaniard who came from Spain to Mexico, then up to Carmel, California in 1770 along with Father Serra. He was to help in the building of the mission, and plant the first pear orchard on the mission grounds. A marble plaque on the floor of Carmel Mission basilica reads: "In memory of Manuel Butron, died January 4, 1793 Corporal of the Mission Guard."
As a soldier and an official of the Spanish government, he was sent to the Monterey Presidio. His son, Manuel Joseph Butron, was to have 12 children by his wife, Marie, and one of these was Joanna who married Joaquin Soto. These were Gil Cano's grandparents. In addition to the Rancheria del Carmelo in Carmel Valley, Mr. Cano's family held land grants in San Jose near where the Sainte Claire Hotel is now located and also, land near Fremont's Peak. As a child, Gil's father had watched the flag of Mexico go down and the Stars and Stripes raised at Monterey.
On October 21, 1894, Gil married Juana Maria Tomaso Alvarado at the San Juan Bautista Mission. There were four children from this union: Martha Presentacion, Adrian Bautista, Eleanor Bertha and Gil Refugio Jr. In 1900, Gil Cano was elected to the office of constable of Pajaro Township on the Monterey side of the Pajaro River and was to hold that office until 1934. In 1902, he was appointed deputy sheriff and always retained that position. He served as substitute sheriff when Bill Nesbitt was serving as sheriff in Monterey County.
In 1916 the following appeared in the Watsonville Pajaronian: "G.R. Cano of Pajaro yesterday afternoon made $150 in a rather slick fashion. He pulled three tramps out of a box car at the junction and after giving them the once over more closely with the result that he discovered three of them to be deserters from the Presidio at Monterey. As the government pays $50 for all deserters returned to the army posts, Cano is $150 to the good."
The Canos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1944 when they hosted friends and relatives at an open house in their Pajaro home.
The Pajaro Valley Historical Association helped organize the celebration that hosted hundreds of people.
Gil Cano died at the age of 82 on April 2, 1947 in his Pajaro home with his wife by his side. The man had organized the Northern Monterey County Chamber of Commerce and had served the people in Pajaro faithfully for so many years. The following is from the Pajaronian: "During his career as constable (Cano) he and the late D.W. Rohrback formed a notable team in the Pajaro Township with Mr. Rohrback as justice court judge, and Mr. Cano as guardian of the peace. He was an ardent detective with a talent for seizing upon small clues, which in many cases led to the apprehension of law breakers. No case was too small to command his complete attention, until it had been settled to his complete satisfaction. His knowledge of Spanish often aided him in his work."
Betty Lewis, a local historian, is a contributing columnist to the Register-Pajaronian."
