Antonio "Tony" Fontes

Antonio “Tony” Fontes was a skilled horseman and ranch hand on the Big Sur coast.

ANCESTRY: Of Mission Indian descent. His forefathers were among the “pagan Indians who stole silently from the hills to hear the first Padres sing the Canticle of Dawn at the San Antonio Mission.” His father Gabriel Fontes made his home on the south side of Cone Peak near the head of Mill Creek.

SIBLINGS: Alberta (eldest, became a governess for a wealthy family, made trips to Europe) and Leandro (married a girl from Oregon, lived near San Jose).

EARLY WORK: Started working for wages at age 16. Worked for Abraham Yates in Jolon Valley, then for the Sans brothers in Mill Creek.

LAND & DIGGES: Filed on a homestead above Lion Creek which he sold to R.M. Digges. Worked for Digges for many years.

MARRIAGE: While working for Digges, met and married Victoria Cosio, daughter of Ramon Cosio. They lived in Ventura Canyon near the head of Stoney Creek flat.

CHILDREN: Tony Jr. (killed in shipyard accident), Johnny (drowned in Mouckalome River), Eddie, and Julia (Mrs. Gandara).

SKILLS: “Expert rider and famous for his skill in training saddle horses.” Drove 8 or 12-horse teams in the San Joaquin Valley during harvest.

LATER LIFE: Caretaker for George Gamboas at French Camp (head of Vicente Creek) for 8 years. Later worked for Chum Earl near Lockwood. Eventually moved to Sutter Creek to be near daughter Julia.

DEATH: Died in Sutter Creek after suffering a stroke on August 5 (year not specified in source).