Gin Chow: The Wizard of Lompoc

Gin Chow has to be numbered among the most colorful figures in the history of the South Coast. This native of China developed a reputation as a soothsayer, predicting everything from the local weather to the timing of earthquakes to international conflicts. Such was the accuracy of many of his predictions locals came to call him the “Wizard of Lompoc.”

Gin Chow was born near Canton in 1857. The gift of prophecy apparently ran in the family, and when Gin Chow’s grandfather made some predictions that displeased the imperial government, he was imprisoned for the rest of his life. This tragedy no doubt helped Gin Chow in his decision to come to the U.S.

In 1873, Gin Chow journeyed to Santa Barbara to join family members already here. He engaged in various odd jobs then went to work as a servant on W. W. Hollister’s Glen Annie ranch in Goleta. Hollister was a vigorous champion of Chinese immigration to California, and the family and Gin Chow developed a warm relationship.