History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 117

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1660

USA > California > San Joaquin County > History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 117

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made foreman of the tannery and now he is superin- tendent of the shipping and grading department. His well-merited promotions from time to time are a sub- stantial acknowledgement of the esteem in which he is held by the heads of the company and his long retention is in itself a high recommendation of his faithful services.

On March 1, 1892, Mr. Oser was married to Miss Emma Stoetzer, and one daughter, Lois, was born to this marriage. Mrs. Oser's father, Henry E. Stoet- zer, was born near Stuttgart, Germany, February 12, 1830, the son of Casper Stoetzer, a manufacturer, who followed his son to the United States and died here. Henry E. Stoetzer was interested in railroad work for some time before coming to California in 1860, by way of the Horn. Going directly to Calaveras County he was successfully engaged in mining at Copperopolis for two years, when, in 1862, he re- turned to Germany and was there married to Miss Bernardine Buehner, in Steinbach-Hallenberg. With his bride Mr. Stoetzer returned to the United States via Panama, but instead of resuming mining, he opened up a restaurant in Copperopolis, the first to be established there. In 1865 Mr. Stoetzer came to Stockton and continued in the same business under the name of the Copperopolis Restaurant, at the cor- ner of Main and Sutter streets, and this was success- ful from the start. In 1867, however, a fire destroyed the building and Mr. Stoetzer then opened the St. Charles Hotel. In 1870 he purchased another hotel at San Joaquin and Weber streets, first known as the Fairplay, afterwards changed to the San Joaquin

Hotel. On this site, in 1909, his two daughters erected a three-story building for stores and offices, greatly improving the property. In his various un- dertakings Mr. Stoetzer accumulated a competency which enabled him to live retired for twenty years before his death, which occurred June 6, 1900, his wife surviving him until October 30, 1907. They were the parents of four children: Louis F., in Wash- ington, D. C .; Antone E., deceased; Mrs. Emma Oser and Mrs. Lena Berg.

Mr. Oser has many interesting memories of the early days of Stockton, as he has seen it grow from a small town to a beautiful, prosperous city, and he can well remember shooting ducks on Banner Island, opposite Stockton. He was a member of the old Vol- unteer Fire Department for many years, has occupied all the chairs of Stockton Parlor No. 7, N. S. G. W., and of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Elks. Mr. Oser has always taken an active inter- est in public affairs and from 1884 to 1886 was con- stable of Stockton. In 1911 he was elected to the city council of Stockton, the only Republican on the council, receiving the majority of votes in the second ward over a very strong opponent. He served for two and a half years, up to the time the city adopted its new charter providing for a commission form of government. He was the instigator and carried through the measure to build steel sheds on the wharf to take place of the old wooden ones. This did away with having a fire boat and in the end was a means of great saving. He met with much opposition in this measure, but carried it through. A man of steadfast convictions, he can always be found on the side of the community's best interests and stands high in its esteem. The family make their home in a beauti- ful residence at 607 North Lincoln Street.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

WILLIAM B. WOLLAM .- A resident of San Joaquin County since 1875, where he has made an enviable record for honesty and integrity of purpose is William B. Wollam, a Civil War Veteran, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 6, 1836. His father, Ratchford Duffield Wollam, who was born in Beaver County, Pa., was a contractor. He mar- ried Sarah Watson, a native of London, England, who came with her parents to America, having suf- fered shipwreck on the trip across the Atlantic. In 1856 the elder Wollam removed to St. Paul, where he followed contracting and building, erecting some of the large business houses of those days. The mother died in St. Paul, but the father returned to New York, where he spent his last days. They had a family of four sons and four daughters and all four of the sons, John, Ford, Harry and William B., served in the Civil War.

As a boy William B. lived in Cincinnati and in Jackson, Ohio, where he received a good education in the local schools. At the age of seventeen he left home to earn his own livelihood, going to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1856 he removed to St. Paul, Minn., working at his . trade until 1858, and then returned to Chillicothe, Ohio. In 1862 Mr. Wollam volunteered in Com- pany D, 117th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as quartermaster-sergeant until he was transferred to Company D, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, in which he served until he was honorably discharged in Knox- ville, Tenn, on July 25, 1865.

On December 25, 1865, at Chillicothe, Ohio, Mr. Wollam was married to Miss Annie I. McDougal, born in that place, after which he engaged in con- tracting and building in that city until 1875; then he came to California, locating in Stockton, and here he followed contracting off and on for twenty-three years, establishing a successful reputation for build- ing tanks and tank houses. In 1886 he purchased a lot on North Argonaut Street and built the residence in which he still resides. He was bereaved of his faithful wife August 27, 1918, a woman much loved and esteemed by all who knew her. She was a devout Methodist and active in the W. R. C. They were blessed with eight children: Rowena, Mrs. F. E. Goodell of Stockton; Georgia, Mrs. W. J. Sharp, presides over her father's home; her two sons served in the World War; Lloyd-Keyes Sharp served ten months overseas, and Norman Sharp served in the U. S. N. R. F. and was stationed at Goat Island; Ratchford D. lives in Oakland; he served as a lieu- tenant in the Spanish-American War in the Sixth California Regiment; Delia C. is the wife of Blendin Campbell, a celebrated artist in New York City; Percy V. lives at Pt. Angeles, Wash .; William also served in the Spanish-American War and while a member of the 17th U. S. Regulars, serving in the Philippines with others of his command they were ambushed and he was killed; Dell J. also lives in Pt. Angeles, Wash .; Mrs. Ada Forester is deceased.

In 1878 Mr. Wollam became a member of the Vol- unteer Fire Department in Stockton as a member of Weber Engine Company No. 1; he served many years, the last three years as foreman of the com- pany, up until the pay department was instituted. He is now vice-president of the Exempt Firemen.

Mr. Wollam has been an Odd Fellow since 1867. being a member of Truth Lodge, Stockton, as well as the Encampment. He is a member of Rawlins 47

Post No. 23, G. A. R., department of California and Nevada, and of Rawlins Chapter, W. R. C., and Roosevelt Circle, Ladies of the G. A. R. He is also a member of the Daughters of Veterans, an honorary member of the Spanish-American War Veterans. He attends the Department Encampments as well as many of the National Encampments. Mr. Wol- lam's life is guided by the Golden Rule, to which he strictly adheres.

ROBERT F. NAGEL,-A pioneer vineyardist and horticulturist who resides on his highly improved home place three miles east of Stockton, is Robert F. Nagel. For the past thirty years Mr. Nagel has been located on his present ranch and has overcome all the obstacles that beset the path of the early settler in any community, and his fine vineyard and orchard home is a demonstration of his industry. He was born in East Prussia, Germany, December 16, 1860, a son of Charles Nagel, born in the same province, and the mother, Augusta (Prengel) Nagel, was born in a neighboring province. Charles Nagel was a farmer in his native province in Germany and lost his life while commanding field artillery in the battle of Getzburg, leaving a large estate to his sur- viving family. Subsequently Mrs. Nagel married Frederick Rhodes, who proved to be a good father to the orphan boys. Mrs. Nagel died in 1872 and Mr. Rhodes died in 1876.

Robert F. Nagel completed the grammar and gym- nasium courses in Germany, then entered the Agri- cultural College at Spitzengen near Koenigsburg, where he spent two years. In 1880 he was appointed superintendent of the Gerken estate in Germany, where he had full charge of the sheep, cattle and dairy business carried on, on this extensive estate; however, after two years he gave up the position to seek a home in a new world. In 1882 he left his native country for America, and arriving in New York he boarded the S. S. Rujia, a coastwise vessel, for Weatherford, Texas, arriving in September, 1882. For the first few months he had a job of plowing for cotton and corn planters, which paid him eight dollars per month. He remained in Texas until 1885, when he started for California, arriving in Stockton September 2, 1885.

On August 20, 1884, at Weatherford, Texas, Mr. Nagel was married to Augusta Goodsight, also a native of Germany, who came to Texas when a young girl; her mother, Anna Goodsight, came four years later and now makes her home with Mr. Nagel and she is ninety-two years of age. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nagel: Truda died at the age of five years; Louise died at the age of six months; Amalia, a graduate of Elmwood school, presides over her father's home; Anna L. is the widow of Capt. William D. Hatch, who lost his life in the service of his country in 1918 while in France with the A. E. F. They have one son, William. Subsequently Mrs. Hatch married Lieut .- Com- mander E. M. Patch, and they have one son, Ernest Arthur, and at present are stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiian Islands; Margaret, Mrs. Andrew J. Smith, has one son, Robert. Mr. Smith is the cashier of the First National Bank at Vallejo, Cal. Mrs. Nagel passed away at the family home in 1914.

On arriving at Stockton, Mr. Nagel stopped with his friend, Mr. Stetsinger, proprietor of the San Joa- quin Hotel, and soon after. his arrival found a job with Ott & Daniels, manufacturers of chicory, where

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he worked for one year; then he entered the employ of L. U. Shippee, the owner of a large ranch near French Camp, and he soon became assistant foreman, remaining in that position until 1890; he then became foreman for Charles Haas on his ranch three miles east of Stockton, consisting of 240 acres, then a grain field. In 1890 Mr. Nagel planted his first vineyard of five acres and later he purchased six and one- quarter acres more, which he has developed to orch- ard and vineyard, among the model places in the county. The discouragements, accompanying the planting of the first vineyard, were met with true heroism as he was forced to plant four different times. On one occasion when he set out 3,000 well-rooted vines he found within a few days that the squirrels and rabbits had destroyed them all excepting fifteen vines; however, he continued to plant vines until he succeeded in getting a fine stand. He also has a fine orchard of almonds. In the winter of 1922-23 Mr. Nagel, with his daughter Amalia, made a trip to the Hawaiian Islands on a visit to his son-in-law and daughter, Commander and Mrs. E. M. Patch, at Pearl Harbor, taking in many side trips, among them a trip to Hilo. Mr. Nagel received his U. S. citi- zenship papers and cast his first ballot for the Repub- lican party in Stockton in 1886. For fifteen years he served as trustee of the Elmwood school and in many other ways has been a progressive citizen.

WILLIAM G. MICKE .- One of the most suc- cessful grape growers in- Central California, William G. Micke is a native of Missouri, where he was born on April 25, 1874, and reared on a farm until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1895 he removed to Nebraska where. he engaged in farming for two years; then he came to California, settling at Florin, Sacramento County, with a capital of three dollars, but plenty of grit and determination. He worked as a ranch hand for a year, then rented the place and ran it for four years, and here he received his first knowledge of: grape culture. In 1902 he removed to Lodi and one year was occupied by ranch work and in 1903, in partnership with John Merrill, he purchased the old race track ranch on Cherokee Lane and Lodi Avenue consisting of fifty-six acres, plant- ing his half to Tokay grapes, while Mr. Merrill planted his to peaches. While his vines were grow- ing he bought small crops of fruit and grapes and shipped them through the local packing house. In 1908 he purchased the interest of Mr. Merrill and erected a packing and shipping shed; in 1918 he bought twenty-five acres more adjoining on the south and in 1919 twenty-four acres adjoining on the north, making a total of 105 acres. He ships his products under the "Race Track Brand," which has become a very popular brand in the eastern markets; he also buys Tokays in the open market, and in 1920 shipped 100 carloads from his packing house, receiving $1,000 per acre for his grapes. Recently Mr. Micke pur- chased the Simpson grain ranch two and a half miles south of Lodi, consisting of 465 acres, 400 acres of which is now planted to grapes; the purchase price of the property was $140,000.

The marriage of Mr. Micke united him with Miss Julia Harrison, a daughter of Bruce Harrison, one of the early mayors of Stockton. It is not an usual thing for a man arriving in a new county with such limited capital to make such a pronounced financial success as has Mr. Micke, but his financial inde-

pendence is not his only success, for he has been able, by his thorough and expert knowledge of viticulture, to lead many growers to a fuller understanding of grape culture, thereby becoming a most potent factor in the development of the Lodi section.

MRS. SUSAN A. BAWDEN .- All over the United States we find women coming more and more to the front in the different professions and various lines of business endeavor, showing their ability to make a success and to embrace every opportunity afforded them. Such a woman is Mrs. Susan A. Bawden, proprietor of Hale & Bawden, funeral direc- tors of Lodi, one of San Joaquin County's most capable women, and she has a wide acquaintance throughout the northern part of the county, where her business ability is recognized and appreciated. A native daughter of San Joaquin County, she was born on the old home ranch at Acampo, her parents being Peter F. and Susan (O'Mally) Jahant, the latter a native of Ireland. The father, who was born in France, came to San Joaquin County in the early '50s and took up 160 acres of Government land near Acampo, later acquiring another 160 acres near by. This was in its primitive state at that time, covered with brush and trees, but Mr. Jahant persevered in clearing it, building the family home there and rais- ing grain on the virgin soil. He became a large landowner and a wealthy man, and was one of the pioneer fruit growers of the county, setting out one of the earliest vineyards for commercial purposes, and as an experienced agriculturists he exerted a splendid influence for good in the community. Well known throughout this part of the country from his years of association with its development, he was an honored member of the San Joaquin County Pio- neer Society. He passed away in 1913, Mrs. Jahant's death having occurred several years before.

Two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Jahant are deceased and the following are living: Mrs. Frances Murphy, of Lodi; George, a- rancher of Acampo; Mrs. Martha Eddleman, of Lodi; Mrs. Eliza Gehan, of Los Angeles; Mrs. Carrie Pattee, of Acampo; and Mrs. Susan A. Bawden, of this review. Reared on her father's ranch at Acampo, she has spent all her life in this community, receiving a good education in the public schools. In 1907, at her parents' home at Acampo she was married to Thomas Leslie Bawden, who was born in Amador County, where he was reared and educated. As a young man he came to Sacramento and learned undertaking with the firm of Miller & Skelton.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bawden resided in San Francisco, where Mr. Bawden was manager for the Truman Undertaking Company for six years. While living there Mrs. Bawden became interested in the study of embalming and having received a legacy from her father she concluded to engage in the business of funeral director, in which she had become deeply interested. In 1912 she came to Lodi and purchased an interest in the business of Mr. Hale, the firm becoming Hale & Bawden, and in 1914 she acquired Mr. Hale's interest. Mr. Bawden from the outset entered heartily into the management of the business, his experience making him one of the most capable men in his line in the county. He is prominent in the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias and Native Sons of the Golden West.

In 1914 Mrs. Bawden purchased the large resi- dence of A. J. Larson on West Elm Street, and this

A ..

Susan Q. Bawden

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

they have converted into modern funeral parlors, with reception room, offices, chapel, etc., with garages for their automobile equipment, and they have their residence quarters on the second floor. In 1917 Mrs. Bawden acquired the Lodi Cemetery from Leon Vill- inger and has greatly improved it, beautifying the lawns with plants and flowers, and seeing that it is well kept. Seeing the need for larger grounds she purchased ten acres adjoining on the east, devoted to a vineyard, which she superintends, but this will eventually become a part of the cemetery. Although very busy in her profession, she finds time to partici- pate in the progressive life of the community, and she is a popular member of the Woman's Club, the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, having been president of the Lodi Parlor, and is a member of the California Funeral Directors' Association. Mr. and Mrs. Baw- den have one daughter, Marjorie Alice, a student in the public schools.

G. PEIRANO .- One of the successful, honored and respected citizens of San Joaquin County was the late G. Peirano, who located in the county in . an early day, when pioneer conditions existed in this part of the state, the work of improvement and progress having been scarcely begun. He was born in Genoa, Italy, August 18, 1860, and at the age of fifteen left home and native land for America, arriv- ing in San Francisco early in the year of 1875, a stranger in a strange land with very little capital, but a willingness to do whatever he could for a live- lihood. His first job was working on the streets of San Francisco and as soon as he had saved enough money he went to the mines in Amador County, where he spent a few months in placer mining, but soon gave it up for the more substantial occupation of farming and year by year he steadily gained a place for himself until he was classed. among the most progressive citizens of his community.

Mr. Peirano was married in Stockton to Miss Maria Severi, also a native of Genoa, Italy, born October 15, 1868. She came to California with her six sisters in 1882, all residing in this county, Mrs. Peirano being the eldest. Mr. Peirano was a friend of Captain Weber and farmed for him on his land near Stockton; he also farmed for many years on Rough and Ready and Union islands, raising large quantities of wheat, barley, onions and potatoes, and through his dealings in these products he became financially independent; at one time he owned and conducted a store in Stockton. Mr. Peirano owned and developed a ranch on the Calaveras River about five miles from Stockton on which he pioneered in a vineyard and orchard, later he sold this place to good advantage. In 1906 he moved to the Linden Road, where he bought twenty acres of the John White tract and was the first man to set out a vine- yard in this district, as previous to this time only grain had been raised. At the present time the country presents a view of a continuous orchard.

Mr. Peirano passed away October 3, 1915, survived by his wife and five children, namely: Mary A. resides at home; Joseph is married and has one child and is a wholesale commission merchant in San Francisco; he is a prominent member of the Elks; Angelo resides on the home ranch; Adolph; Frank F. In 1916 the two sons, Adolph and Frank F., purchased a twenty-acre piece adjoining the home place, where they have developed a fine

vineyard. Both young men being industrious and with a thorough knowledge of viticulture, are suc- ceeding well in their undertakings. Fraternally both are members of Pohono Tribe No. 93, Independent Order of Red Men.

CHARLES JORY .- Among the large manufactur- ing enterprises which have constituted important fac- tors in the attainment of Stockton's present prestige along industrial lines is that conducted by the firm of Charles Jory & Sons, manufacturers of agricultural implements and tools. Since its inception the under- taking has enjoyed a remarkably rapid growth, due in large measure to the business ability and untiring efforts of its founder, Charles Jory, who is numbered among Stockton's foremost citizens. He was born near Salem, Ore., September 15, 1858, son of Hugh Stephens Jory, pioneer of 1847 in Oregon, who crossed the plains with oxteams. He was born in New Brunswick, and with his parents left Illinois for the trip to Oregon. He went to Illinois and married in 1857 Mary Budd, born in that state. Both died in Salem, Ore., the former in 1912 and latter in 1915, leaving two sons, Charles and Oliver, the latter in Salem. Charles acquired his education in the public schools of that vicinity, afterward serving an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade. In 1877 he made a trip to California, working for a year in Marysville, at the end of which time he returned to Salem, where he followed his trade until 1885. On February 22 of that year he located at Stockton, securing employment with Tom Powell and S. L. Gaines, who were building a few harvesters on South Aurora Street. Later he became connected with the Holt Manufacturing Company, working in their blacksmith shop, of which he was afterward made foreman, and he continued to fill that position until 1903, when he embarked in business independently. He opened a small shop at the corner of Aurora and Lafayette streets which he equipped with the necessary machinery, and began the manufacture of agricultural implements and tools. The venture proved a success from the start and he secured the contract to build the Fresno Scrapers for the Holt Manufacturing Company, making many thousands of these, while he also manufactured machinists' and blacksmiths' tools. The superiority of his workman- ship secured for him a large trade and in 1918 he was obliged to seek larger quarters, purchasing an entire block at Aurora and Taylor Streets, on which he erected a modern factory building 100x100 feet in dimensions, installing therein the most improved equipment. He purchased from the Holt Company all the stock on hand used in making the Fresno Scraper, which he now manufactures independently, and he also makes plow moulds, in addition to which he has the contract for the construction of the Throop Land Leveller for the H. C. Shaw Company of Stockton. An indication of the growth of his busi- ness is shown in the fact that when he established the enterprise he employed three helpers, while he now has from fifteen to twenty assistants. He was a close friend of Benjamin F. Holt, with whom he worked in the experimental shops of the com- pany, and is an expert mechanic, while he also possesses marked creative ability and has invented some minor appliances which are still used in the Holt shops. When he founded his present business in 1903, Mr. Jory's two sons, Charles T. and William S., became partners in the concern, which is con-

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

ducted under the style of Charles Jory & Sons. They are natives of Oregon and are also skilled mechanics, both having been employed in the Holt shops, where they gained valuable experience, and they have aided materially in promoting the success of the undertak- ing. Charles T. married Miss Ora Goodrich and William S. married Frances McKenzie and both reside in Stockton.

At Salem, Ore., in 1881 Mr. Jory married Miss Sarah E. Patterson, who was a native of Iowa, and her demise occurred on May 11, 1913. Mr. Jory is a man of resolute purpose and marked strength of character and his life record is one in which notable business ability and the recognition and utilization of opportunity are well balanced forces. His enter- prise and initiative spirit have found expression in the development of a large industrial enterprise and he has been active in pushing forward the wheels of progress in Stockton.

MARION TALMAI NOYES .- More than sixty years have passed, bringing with them wonderful progress and development, since Marion Talmai Noyes took up his residence in San Joaquin County. A native of Indiana, he was born on March 24, 1838, the son of Talmai and Nancy. Brimhall (Noyes), both natives of that state. Grandfather Noyes was of English descent, while the maternal grandmother. Lydia Gatteau before her marriege, was descended from French forebears. When Marion Noyes was two and a half years old the family removed to Il- linois and settled in McHenry County and there he received his education in the log cabin school and Marengo Collegiate Institute. When he was eighteen years old, he took up his residence at Marengo, Il1.

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History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 117

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849 Publication date: 1923 Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1660

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1660