I found several archived newspaper articles mentioning Dr John A. Stewart and/or the “Etha Hill”/“Etta Hill” vineyard.
It appears that Dr Stewart led an interesting, if scandalous, life. The estate at “Etha Hill” - where ever it once stood - must have been a remarkable site.
I believe the following article excerpt will help determine the exact location of “Etha Hill” estate and vineyards.
Hopefully someone is able to parse the Plat Map jargon and make use of contemporary maps or county property records.
The California Digital Newspaper Collection
Santa Cruz (Daily) Sentinel, Vol 24, # 126
“Sheriff’s Sale: In the Superior Court of the County of Santa Cruz, State of California; Elizabeth R. Stewart, Plaintiff, vs John A. Stewart, et al, Defendant”
March 12, 1896
"…The said land and premises now stand on the records of said county in the name of Catherine McKenzie, and are described us follows, to-wit: Those certain lots, pieces or parcels of land situate, lying and being in the said County of Santa Cruz, State of California, and particularly described as follows, to-wit: All that certain parcel ot land lying and being situate at Scott’s Valley, in the said County of Santa Cruz, State of California, and known as and called ‘Etha Hill’ and further described as the Southeast Quarter of Section Number Twelve (12), in Township Ten (10) South of Range Two (2) West of Mount Diablo Base and Meridian.
“AIso all that certain parcel of land lying and being situate above Boulder Creek, in the said County of Santa Cruz, State of California, and known being called ‘Blavin’, and further described as the Northwest Quarter of Section Thirty-two (32), the Southeast Quarter of Section Thirty-two (32), and the South half of the Northeast Quarter, and the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section Thirty-two (32), all in Township Number Eight (8) South of Range Number Two (2) West of Mount Diablo Base and Meridian; also Lot Number One (1) in Section Number Five (5) in Township Number Nine (9) South of Range Number Two (2) West, of said Base and Meridian…”.
Library of Congress
“Official Map of Santa Cruz County”
Created by Andrew Jackson Hatch
Published by A.J. Hatch, San Francisco (1889)
Wine Berserkers
“1800s Santa Clara Parcel Maps & Grape-Growers”
June 12, 2021
County of Santa Cruz
GIS Web Map:
https://gis.santacruzcounty.us/gisweb/
The California Digital Newspaper Collection
Santa Cruz Daily Sentinel, Vol 19, #135
“Marriage Bells”
September 21, 1893 - Page 3
“On the 10th inst. marriage bells rang at Etha Hill, the vineclad home of Mrs. C. McKenzie, located deep in the foot-hills east of Scott’s Valley, the occasion being the marriage of Mrs. Annie Mcintosh, daughter of Mrs. McKenzie and W. C. Herbert, of San Francisco. Assemblyman Adams performed the ceremony in the presence of a large assemblage of relatives and friends. The bride was beautifully dressed. Her maids were Miss Curtis, of San Raphael, and Miss Elsie Stewart, daughter of Dr. John Stewart. The decorations were numerous and elegant. At the close of the marriage services, and after hands had been shaken and good wishes said, all adjourned to a feast for the inner man, the vintage of Etha Hill lending sparkles to the wit of the occasion.”
Santa Cruz (Daily) Sentinel, Vol 24, No 74,
“Judge Breen Decides Against Stewart: The Wife Granted a Divorce and Two-Thirds of the Community Properly”
January 12, 1896
"…That in pursuance of an understanding Dr. Stewart and Mrs. McKenzie met in Santa Cruz and established themselves on a fruit ranch belonging to the former, and known as Etha Hill, where they continued to live in open and notorious adultery, until the commencement of this action.
"…The remaining questions, as to how the community property shall be apportioned between the parties, is attended with much difficulty. The property is of great value, but is heavily encumbered. Both spouses are advanced in years, and naturally incapable of much exertion to obtain a livelihood.
"…Considering all the circumstances of the case, and relying to some extent on precedents established by the Supreme Court in cases similar to this one, a just and equitable apportionment would seem to be that the plaintiff should receive two-thirds of the community property and the defendant one-third.
“Let findings be prepared and submitted in accordance with the foregoing views. And thereupon a judgment will be entered in favor of plaintiff for a divorce and the costs of the action; and further, and further that the deed of separation referred to in the complaint be cancelled and rescinded, and that the deed executed by John A. Stewart to Catherine McKenzie, conveying the property known as ‘Etha Hill’, be declared to be a trust in favor of Eiizibeth A. Stewart and John A. Stewart, and that said ‘Etha Hill’ be reconveyed to them ; and that all the community property be apportioned between said Elizabeth H. Stewart and John A. Stewart, in the proportions of two-thirds to the former and one-third to the latter…Acting Judge January 8, 1896.”
Santa Cruz (Daily) Sentinel, Vol 25, # 149,
“Judge Logan Assaulted: Catherine McKenzie Attempts to Strike Him with a Whip”
October 8, 1896 - Page 1
"…The Surf says: Mrs. McKenzle has felt much aggravated towards Judge Logan in reference to the troubles that have resulted in long litigation and the final loss of the fine property at Etha Hill, held by herself and her brother, Dr. J. A. Stewart.
"Her bitter feelings culminated today in the assault described above.
"The Record says: The trouble Is the outcome of the fact that the Judge testified against her interest in civil cases. Mrs. McKenzle’s mind is at times unbalanced, and as she was in that frame of mind today, no significance can be attached to the unusual occurrence.
“Persons who claim to know say that the woman has been brooding over her financial troubles for some time past.”
Santa Cruz (Daily) Sentinel, Vol 39, # 122
“Death of Dr Stewart”
September 9, 1903 - Page 1
“Dr. J. VA. Stewart died Monday morning at his home near Scotts Valley after a long illness. Deceased came to this country from China about twenty years ago. In China he was a Government physician. He brought from China a large collection of Oriental curios. He established a large vineyard, which he named Etha Hill, spending a large amount of money. Dr. Stewart contributed articles to the Sentinel on viticultural matters, and attended conventions of fruit-growers. At county fairs he was always among the principal exhibitors. His ventures proved unsuccessful. Two years ago his library and many of his curios were destroyed by fire.”
California Digital Newspaper Collection
Region: Santa Cruz County
Publication: Santa Cruz Daily Sentinel
“Etha Hill” (11 Results)
Santa Cruz Sentinel, Vol 6, # 120,
“Wines of the Wine Growers’ Convention”
March 17, 1887 - Page 2
"Ed. Sentinel: The general status of the wines excelled that of the wines of any convention we have yet had. Indeed, some of the wines were magnificent, and gave notice that the era of ‘Grandy Cruz’, if not already on us, was very close. There need be no longor the least doubt that California has the soil and climate for wines fit to meet and rival the best productions of Europe.
"Judging from the samples placed for examinations, the valley lands of Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Clara are specially good for white wines - say Riesling and Sauternes, and none should hesitate to plant the best white wine grapes in these places. Livermore and Mission San Jose excel for red wines of a Burgundy type, that is, wines dominated by body and smoothness; the Santa Cruz Mountains for red wines of the Bordeaux type, or wines prevalent in bouquet and light acids; the San Joaquin and similar plains for sherries, ports, and brandies of the best types.
"I should say that we almost already know now how the future of California will be as to wines. The merchant will go to the Sonoma, Napa, and Santa Clara valleys for his white wines; of course not for all, but for most; to such places as Livermore and Mission San Jose for his nearest approach to Burgundies; to the Santa Cruz Mountains for his Medocs; to the great interior raisin-producing plains for his sweet wines and brandies, while San Francisco itself shall be another Bordeaux; especially if the new scheme of storing abd ripening wines there succeeds.
- J. A. Stewart,
Member of the Tasting Committee"
Santa Cruz Sentinel, Vol 6, # 120,
“Good Advice to Vineyardists”
March 17, 1887 - Page 2
"Ed. Sentinel: You will be pleased to hear the position in wines which the Santa Cruz Mountains are taking. Urge on every one to drop everything in vines except the best, say Cabernets, Merlots, Verdots, with Tannats and some Alicante Bouschets; as also Sauvignons, Semillons, Raisinottes. Let Missions never be mentioned among us for wine; nor Malvoise*, Hamburg and Charbono. Zinfandel should not be discarded, but better to graft over even our Chauches Gris if one has time. We have the soil and climate to be the Haut Medoc of California, and should be nothing less; our soil and climate being rare, even in California, we should take advantage of it.
"The very highest type of Chauche Gris wine at the Convention came from Mr. Bram, while the Chauche Gris of Messrs. Fitch and Jarvis and of Mrs. Kloss stood next to it. If Mr. Mel’s Merlot stood third for clearness and taste, it stood first for bouquet, hereby bringing out our great characteristic, and what we are to beat every place for.
"When the future wine merchant shall want to give the perfecting touch to his wine, he will come to our mountains for that requisite, nor think of elsewhere.
“Faithfully Yours,
J. A. Stewart
Etha Hill Vineyard, March 13th”
- Depending on the source of the vine material and local terms for specific cultivars, “Malvoise” could have referred to: Malvasia, Cinsault, Pinot Gris, or Refosco.
