Michael White, as painted by artist Clarence Ellsworth in 1935 from photographs. Courtesy of San Marino Historical Society
Michael White was an English s ailor who settled in Southern California in 1828. The Bancroft Library recorded his colorful life in “California: All the Way Back to 1828,” which tells of White’s exploits and accomplishments proving his status as an important figure in our history. Michael White:
- Joined an English whaling ship, and defeated a pirate attack as a teenager;
- Served as an officer in the Hawaiian Navy;
- Was among the first ship builder in Southern California;
- Captained many sea voyages from California to Mexico;
- Guided the Rowland - Workman party from New Mexico to California;
- Joined Pio Pico in his insurrection against Mexican Governor Micheltorena;
- Was held as prisoner of war in the Mexican – American war;
- Married Maria Rosario de Guillen and fathered 13 children.
Many of White’s descendants still live in the area and consider the Adobe as part of their family heritage.