Calvin Martin, ca. 1870

Calvin Martin (1818) came to California via the Overland Trail, arriving in Sacramento in 1849. Like many other pioneers, he tried his hand searching for gold along the American River. He continued on to Mission San José, where he began a profitable cattle business. In 1850, he partnered with William Aikinhead and opened one of the first livery stables in San José, located on San Fernando Street. Later he opened a second, larger stable on Santa Clara Street. Ultimately he and his wife Frances owned two city blocks of San José business property as well as a 470-acre ranch.