Horace Hawes was the unintended father of San Mateo County, and he didn't even live here at the time of its birth.

Hawes was born in Danby, New York, on June 10, 1813. His family moved shortly after that, and he was eventually placed with another family to learn the trade of carpentry. The placement of children was often a form of indentured servitude. From hints in his biography, it seems life was not very pleasant for young Horace. He bought his freedom for $50 at the age of 16 and proceeded to better his education. He studied law and science and taught school for a while and then practiced law.

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