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 137

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 137

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L. A. MILLS .- Prominent among the professional men of San Joaquin County is L. A. Mills, popular attorney at 710 Commercial Bank Building, Stockton, and widely known on account of his activity on behalf of the principles and aims of the Progressive Busi- ness Club, now recognized as one of the most effect- ive organizations making for higher commercial and civic standards in the United States. He was born at Mt. Palatine, Putnam County, Ill., on March 8, 1878, and attended the public schools of his native city. He pursued courses for a couple of years at the State Normal School, and after that took a course for three years in engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Boston. He followed electrical engineering for a couple of years in Boston, and from 1904 to 1913 was in the wholesale electrical supply trade at Peoria, Ill. In 1913, he came West to San Francisco, and the following year removed to Stockton, where he had charge of the electrical de- partment of the Sperry Flour Company. In 1915 he started the Mills Mercantile Agency, commencing in a small way by sending out cards from his home, and building up a large business, which now requires a suite of offices in the Commercial and Savings Bank Building. During this time he also studied law, and on April 1, 1919, he was admitted to the California Bar. He enjoys a lucrative law practice-the result of ability and dependability.

Mr. Mills is a director and past president of the Progressive Business Club of Stockton. This is one of the leading luncheon clubs, and is active in fur- thering the best interests of Stockton and vicinity. It is affiliated with the national organization. Two members from each line of business or profession are eligible to membership, and every Thursday there is a luncheon, when public speakers of repute are enter- tained and live topics of the day are discussed. The club aims to spread the doctrine of true Americanism, to disseminate the high principles and patriotic ideals of the United States Government, to promote interest among different local clubs in proposed legislation, to foster the spirit of fraternalism among members and between local clubs, to encourage each local Pro- gressive Business Club to pledge its active support to all meritorious civic movements and co-operate in every way for the benefit of local conditions, and to promote and encourage the living of the Golden Rule in private, civic, social and business life.

Mr. Mills' faith in Stockton is such that he invests every dollar he can spare in Stockton real estate. He rendered valuable service on the committee appointed to secure a suitable camp-site for recreational pur- poses for the people of Stockton, which resulted in the selection of a beautiful site of thirty-one acres at Silver Lake, in Amador County. He also rendered valuable services to his municipality, as chairman of the City Council's Committee of thirty, in drafting the new building law pertaining to building restric- tions and zoning. He is a member of the mayor's unemployment committee under Secretary Hoover,

and is giving much time and attention to securing employment for those in need of it. He is very active in encouraging "Stockton First" investments. Through smart salesmanship, thousands of dollars have each year been taken out of Stockton and San Joaquin County. In order to keep the money at home for building up the home city, Mr. Mills interested himself in the organization of the Mort Investment Company, which has for its purpose the erection of business buildings in Stockton. The company was recently incorporated with a capital stock of $350,000. Mr. Mills is serving on its directorate and also as its general counsel. Its first building will be known as The Mort, which will be a two-story-and-basement reinforced concrete building, 101 by 303 feet, extend- ing clear through the block from Stanislaus to Weber Street, between Webster and Main. Mr. Mills is the chairman of the new charter general committee com- posed of thirty-six members chosen from twelve local organizations; it has for its object the adoption of a new charter for the city of Stockton, embodying the managerial plan of city government. He is vice- chairman of the forum committee of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Merchants' Association and Advertising Club, and also a member of the executive board of the South Stockton Improvement Club. He is an able promoter of Stockton's material interests.

EUGENE MYRLE GRAHAM .- The family name of Graham is well-known throughout San Joaquin County. The paternal grandfather of Eugene M. Graham was an early settler here, and here the pres- ent efficient county clerk of San Joaquin County, Eu- gene D. Graham, was born and reared, as were also Eugene M. Graham of this sketch, and his two brothers, hereinafter mentioned, all prominent in Stockton's professional, political and business circles. Grandfather Robert L. Graham, who settled here in 1852, was a native of Kentucky, born of Scotch lineage, while the maternal grandparents were of German descent. Grandfather Graham left Ken- tucky with an emigrant train bound for California in 1852, and upon arrival located 'upon a ranch near Lodi. Of his four children, Eugene Douglas Graham, the father of Eugene Myrle Graham, was the young- est. He was born on his father's ranch north of Stockton in 1866, and in 1888 was married to Miss Frances E. Mann, a native of Iowa, who had accom- panied her parents to California in 1869, being then a babe in arms. Eugene Douglas Graham farmed for seven years after his marriage, or until 1895, when he removed to Stockton to take up the duties of deputy county clerk under Otto Grunsky. He con- tinued in the office for five years, when he resigned to engage in grain farming near Lodi. In 1902 he was nominated on the Republican ticket and elected county clerk of San Joaquin County. Since taking the oath of office in 1903 he has served continuously and efficiently in that office, being held in high esteem by the citizens of the county. Three sons have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Graham: R. Ellsworth, deputy county clerk in Department 2 San Joaquin County; Lloyd L., engaged in the grocery business in Stockton; and Eugene Myrle.

Eugene Myrle Graham was born on September 13, 1896, at Stockton. His preliminary education was obtained in the grammar and high schools of his native city, and after graduating from high school,

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

in 1915, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco, where he was graduated with the class of 1918. During the World War he served in the United States Navy Hospital Corps and was sent overseas on the hospital ship Mercy. After the armistice was signed he returned to his home in Stockton, where he began the practice of his pro- fession. He has won for himself an excellent posi- tion as a representative of the dental fraternity. He is a thorough and discriminating student, and his judgment is rarely at fault in matters pertaining to his profession. Fraternally, he is a member and second vice-president of Stockton Parlor No. 7, N. S. G. W., and a member of the Delta Blue Lodge Masons. He is a member of the San Joaquin County Dental Association. A man of broad learning and culture, possessing the progressive spirit of the day, he has won an enviable place in the social and pro- fessional circles of Stockton.

EMIELIE MEYERS .- A widowed mother of a large and highly respected family, Mrs. Emielie Meyers, of Lodi, left the rigors of North Dakota to bring up her family in the delightful climate of California. Mrs. Meyers is the widow of Frederick Meyers, who passed away at their North Dakota farm home, September 27, 1904.

Frederick Meyers was born at Mensguth, Prussia, January 20, 1859. While yet a very young boy he was brought by his folks to Russia, as a result of a colonization project of German people in the Czar's dominions. He grew up in Russia in the colony of German people, and was schooled in the German lan- guage and brought up to farm work, his forebears having followed agricultural pursuits for several gen- erations. Desiring to better his condition in the land of freedom, he emigrated to Dakota Territory, set- tling near what is now Madison, S. D., where on September 20, 1888, he married Miss Emielie Poelke, born at Wolinige, Russia, a daughter of Carl and Amalie Poelke, who were born and married in Ger- many and after their marriage went to join the Ger- man colony at Wolinige, Russia. The Poelke ances- tors, in addition to being thrifty farmers, had for generations been craftsmen and carpenters and joiners; they manufactured spinning wheels and were adept in woodwork and building. Of seven children born to Mrs. Meyers' parents, only one brother and one sister besides herself are now living, namely: Mrs. Amalia Matz, of Fessenden, N. D., and Ru- dolph Poelke, a carpenter and builder in Los An- geles. Mrs. Meyers is the youngest of the family.

About one and a half years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Meyers moved to Wells County, N. D. There the young couple worked hard, prospered, and became the owners of a large wheat farm and the parents of ten children: Elliott E., who receives biographical mention elsewhere in this work; Albina L., the wife of Ed Whittleton, a farmer at Tracy; Emma, Mrs. G. D. Smith, of Lodi; Oscar, who died at Lodi in 1921, at twenty-five years of age; Rudolph, residing at home in Lodi; and Lydia E., Hildah, Minnie M. and Henry A. (twins), and Mertha E., all residing at home with their mother. Mrs. Meyers still owns the large wheat-farm of 640 acres in Wells County, N. D.

In 1906, with her family, Mrs. Meyers moved out to Lodi, Cal., and has since nobly worked to keep

her family together and to bring up her children in a Christian manner, according to the best of Ameri- can ideals. In this she has succeeded in the highest degree. Mrs. Meyers has built a commodious and up-to-date residence at 524 East Locust Street in the city of Lodi. Her home is a center of hospitality and of true domestic happiness. In religion, Mrs. Meyers is a Baptist; in politics, a Republican.

JAMES W. COLEY .- A man of unusual ability and great strength of character, is James W. Coley, who has closely identified himself with the best inter- ests of San Joaquin County and more especially with the Escalon section of the county for the past fifteen years. He was born near Gate City, Va., October 9, 1872, his parents being George W. and Virginia (Agnor-Vineyard) Coley, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. There were seven chil- dren in the family, James W., the subject of this sketch, being the oldest. He received his education in the public schools and Kingsley College, a pri- vate school. When he was eighteen years old he became associated with his father in farming pursuits, raising splendid crops of buckwheat, corn, and also high-grade stock.

The marriage of Mr. Coley occurred in 1896, which united him with Miss Belle Ramey, born at Gate City, Va., and they are the parents of seven children: Roy W. enlisted in August, 1917, in Battery C. at Stockton, was assigned to the 143rd Field Artillery and trained at Camp Kearney for seven months; then transferred to the first division of the Fifth Field Artillery and was sent overseas, reaching France in July, 1918, and became a part of the A. E. F., being in four major engagements and for nine months was in the Army of Occupation at Coblentz, Germany. He received his honorable discharge in September, 1919, and immediately joined his family. He is now a merchant in Escalon; Verne died at the age of eighteen years; her twin sister, Ona, is now the wife of Oscar Franklin and they have one daughter, and they reside in Escalon; Vonley en- listed in Battery C at Stockton and was transferred to the 144th Field Artillery and sent to Camp Kear- ney for training. On account of being under age he was discharged; later he re-enlisted in the Coast Artillery at San Pedro and went overseas. On account of illness he was sent home, but later re- enlisted at Camp Lewis in the Coast Guards and served until the end of the war. After his discharge he remained at home for a few weeks, then enlisted in the U. S. Marines and has since been at Pearl Harbor, Philippine Islands; Clarence, Joy and Grady are the younger children.

When James W. Coley located at Escalon in 1907, the place was merely a railroad station and our sub- ject and his brother, John A. Coley, were the first men to build a business block in the town; they also invested money in vacant property, which is now all built up. Mr. Coley has also built a number of residences and has developed two ranches in the South San Joaquin Irrigation District; after the fire in 1917 he erected a business block on Main Street and he also owns valuable real estate on Coley Ave- nue. He has always been a strong advocate of irri- gation and has given his untiring effort to the per- fecting of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

Games ON, Caley

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

HENRY STIER .- It is seldom the privilege of a biographer to write a review of the life of a centenar- ian, and it is with pleasure that we record the activi- ties of Henry Stier, a resident of Stockton for nearly sixty-five years. He took a great interest in the affairs of city, state and nation, and it was indeed interesting to converse with him on matters pertain- ing to the long ago. A native of Germany, he was ·born on October 20, 1819, fifty miles from Frankfort- on-Main, and learned the trade of shoemaker in his native land. He immigrated to America and landed in Baltimore, Md., on November 22, 1845. For ten years he was in various cities of the East, among them being Lancaster, Pa .; New York City; Cincin- nati, Ohio; Nashville, Tenn .; and St. Louis, Mo .; and successfully followed his trade. In 1854 he started for California via the Nicaragua route. Landing in San Francisco during the same year, he engaged in his chosen occupation. He was a member of the famous Vigilantes. In 1857 he removed to Stockton, and in 1860 opened a shoe store on North El Dorado Street. He was occupied as a shoemaker up to about twenty years ago, when he retired from active busi- ness life. Mr. Stier well remembered seeing the first railroad engine enter the city over the Central Pa- cific (now the Southern Pacific) tracks in 1868.

The first marriage of Mr. Stier occurred in Ger- many, in 1840, and of that union was born one son, John, now deceased Mr. Stier's second marriage occurred in 1850 in St. Louis, Mo., and united him with Miss Helena Belt, a native of Illinois, who passed away at Stockton April 1, 1904. They were the par- ents of three children, all living: Leroy Henry, of Fresno; Edward James, in Alaska; and Clara A., who was educated in the schools of Stockton and was graduated from the Stockton high school in 1876.

Since 1877 Clara A. Stier has been a teacher in the public schools of Stockton. She has witnessed many changes and introduced many new methods in the schools during her forty-three years of faithful and efficient service. She has been active in all educa- tional matters, and is now teaching in the Lafayette School. For many years she was soprano in the Epis- copal Church. Her mother was an excellent business woman, and the daughter has no doubt inherited much of her mother's ability. She has been successful in her various business ventures, and owns valuable real etate in Stockton and a productive forty-acre vineyard near Manteca, which she planted in 1907. She is past president of San Joaquin Parlor No. 5, N. D. G. W.

Henry Stier was always a stalwart Republican, and voted for eighteen Presidents of the United States. He cast his first vote for President Pierce in 1852, having become a naturalized American citizen in 1851; twice he voted for Abraham Lincoln; and he voted for President Harding at the last election. He was a well-informed man, kept abreast of the times, and gained a valuable store of knowledge by reading the best of literature, being especially interested in science and art; and he was a great lover of music. He was always temperate in all things, which ac- counted for his remarkable physical and mental activ- ity, and his unusual longevity. He was liberal and enterprising, and was always ready to assist worthy enterprises and movements for the betterment of con- ditions in the community. He died March 1, 1922.

JOSEPH GIANELLI .- Prominent in the business life of Stockton for half a century, and an active participant in the upbuilding of the city, Joseph Gi- anelli is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished by a poor lad coming to a foreign country and achieving success through his own un- aided efforts. A native of Italy, he was born near Genoa, March 23, 1853, the son of a farmer, and was reared in his native place, early in life fitting himself for a business career, buying and selling stock for an uncle, a merchant. The newer world beckoned him, however, and in 1873 he made the long trip across the ocean, landing in New York and coming direct across the continent to California, and with characteristic energy he immediately secured employ- ment in a country store ten miles from Stockton, the neighborhood being sparsely settled in comparison with its thickly populated country district of today.

On May 5, 1875, Mr. Gianelli entered the employ of Basilio Laogier, who kept a small grocery store at the corner of Hunter and Market streets. November 14, 1876, he embarked in the grocery business for him- self in partnership with his brother, the late Ben Gianelli, and they conducted a grocery store at the corner of California and Fremont streets. This part- nership was later dissolved, and in 1879 Joseph Gi- anelli established his store at Hunter and Market streets and here the business has been continuously conducted since that date. The volume of business was small in those early days, as was his store, but he gave it his undivided attention, and soon a steady growth began, his stock being enlarged from time to time until now this store carries everything for the home and ranch. Groceries, light hardware, household goods, agricultural and farming implements are among the merchandise carried, and the establish- ment is headquarters for Delta ranch owners, sheep raisers and cattlemen and others of this rich section, where opportunity welcomes new homemakers and investors.

Mr. Gianelli's success was attributed largely to his capacity for detail and familiarity with every feature of the grocery business. It was said of him that he could walk through his big store where scores of clerks were employed and at a glance tell just what was necessary at the moment; he gave his directions in a quiet, friendly manner and every part of the business responded to his knowing and steady man- agement. An active man, he was often at the store before his clerks arrived and he could be found in his office long after business hours, studying the various angles of his big business.

Mr. Gianelli's marriage united him with Miss Louisa Sanguinetti, and they were blessed with a family of seven children: Joseph, Jr .; Basilio R .; Amerigo E., the well-known realtor of Stockton; Reuben; Ru- dolph; Mrs. Edna Dooley and Mrs. Rachela Scho- field. Two of the sons were associated in business with their father, Joseph being vice-president of the corporation, and Basilio R., president of the Stockton Merchants' Association, is the secretary and treasurer, the store being under his active management. Mr. Gianelli was a member of Stockton Lodge No. 218. B. P. O. Elks; for years he was a prominent figure in the Italian Benevolent Society and other Italian organizations. In earlier years Mr. Gianelli owned several ranches, but his inclinations were for business

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

and he sold them to give all his time to his store. He was a self-made man and his prosperity was acquired solely through his own efforts. He died February 20, 1923, at his home at San Joaquin and Flora streets, mourned by a wide circle of friends and by his numerous relatives.

HERBERT J. WOOCK .- Prominent among the outstanding figures in the business circles of San Joa- quin County is Herbert J. Woock, who was born on March 22, 1894, at Acton, in Los Angeles County, California, the son of Julius and Elizabeth (Nickel) Woock, natives of Germany. Julius Woock came to California about thirty-five years ago and settled in Los Angeles County, where he was married. He and his wife are now residing in Lodi, and are the parents of four children: Hattie; Walter R., a rancher near Lodi; Herbert J., of this sketch; and Eric M., secre- tary of the Superior Iron Works, Inc. Julius Woock is the owner of two vineyards at Lodi. He was a bee-keeper and rancher in Los Angeles County for some time, but has followed ranching and horticul- ture since he came to Lodi.

Herbert J. Woock received his early education in the public schools of Los Angeles County, and in 1904 came with his parents to Lodi. He was raised on his father's farm; and in time he and his brother Walter R. Woock, went into the electrical wiring, engine repairing, and pump business, starting in a little shop on their father's farm, which is located one and one-half miles southeast of Lodi. They did general pump repairing for the neighbors until they became the general sales agents for the well-known Monarch Pumps manufactured by the Monarch Foundry. These two brothers invented the elbow check-valve and the "Superior" Pump. They are now the manufacturers of the celebrated Superior centrifu- gal and turbine pumps, one of the leading pumps for irrigation purposes. They are also the manufacturers of the Superior line of pumps for domestic and muni- cipal purposes. As their business expanded, the Su- perior Manufacturing Company was incorporated with Walter R. Woock as president and Herbert J. Woock as sales and shop manager. The name was changed to the Superior Iron Works, Inc., upon reorganiza- tion of the company, January 1, 1923, and Herbert J. Woock then became president as well as general man- ager. The factory, which is located at 420 North Sacramento Street, Lodi, is a fine brick and steel structure, having a frontage of 450 feet. The main building, built in 1920, is 206 by 139 feet, and the grey-iron and brass foundry building, which was added in 1922, is 50 by 80 feet. This plant is consid- ered one of the best equipped machine shops in San Joaquin Valley.

The Superior Iron Works, Inc., is capitalized at $600,000, and its annual output is $200,000. The com- pany's business is expanding, and they employ ap- proximately fifty men in full season. They do general jobbing in both the foundry and the pattern-making department. Through the efficient management and co-operation of the brothers, this concern has become a thriving and successful business house. Herbert J. Woock is a member of the Lutheran Church and the Luther Walther League, of Lodi. He is also a prominent member of the Business Men's Associa- tion and the Mokelumne Club.

WILLIAM WILSON HURON .- A venerable pioneer citizen, William Wilson Huron has been a resident of San Joaquin County for almost half a century. His life work and success have been closely identified with this section of the state and the es- teem of his fellow-citizens reflects the industry and ability which he has displayed in his career. He is living retired from active business life at his home, 117 Olive Street, Lodi. He was born in Boone County, Ky., September 6, 1844, a son of William Huron and his wife Lydia (Coleman) Huron. The father was a carpenter by trade and he and his wife were the parents of eight children: Elizabeth, Mrs. Farrell, deceased; Francis Marion, deceased; Maria, Mrs. Bradford, resides in Boone County, Ky .; Madi- son, deceased; William Wilson of this sketch; Ma- linda and Nancy are deceased; Thomas A. lives in California.

William Wilson Huron at the age of eighteen en- tered the service of his country in the Second Ken- tucky Volunteer Cavalry and served under Generals Morgan, Forest and Wheeler until April, 1865. After the Civil War was over he removed to Virginia and on October 1, 1868, at Jeffersonville, now Tazewell, Tazewell County, he was married to Miss Louise Thompson, a native of that place, a daughter of James and Lavisa Thompson, farmers in Virginia. Mr. Huron engaged in farming in Virginia until 1874, when he came to California by train, the jour- ney consuming about ten days. He settled first at New Hope, where he farmed for a year, then in 1877 went to the Woodbridge section of San Joaquin County, where he purchased a quarter-section of land three miles west of the town. In 1879 he bought another quarter section and farmed the 320 acres to grain until he was obliged to give it up on ac- count of the drought. He then took a contract to develop 160 acres to vineyard for Mr. Thompson, receiving seventy acres for doing so. On this ranch Mr. Huron built a house and lived until 1917 when he leased his vineyard. In 1920 he disposed of it, and now lives in Lodi. Mr. and Mrs. Huron were the parents of one son, James, who is now deceased. Mrs. Huron passed away in 1901, and in Merced, January 3, 1914, Mr. Huron was married a second time to Mrs. Levisa (Smith) Thompson, a native of Tazewell County, Va., a daughter of James and Rebecca Smith, prosperous farmers, of old-time families of the South. Levisa Smith was first mar- ried to Jas. H. Thompson and they came to Califor- nia in 1875 and in time came to own 640 acres six miles east of Galt. There Mr. Thompson passed away in 1911. They had twelve children, ten of whom grew up. Rebecca and Mrs. Bessie Thomas are both deceased; Mrs. Mary Connor lives near Wilton; Edgar H. is a rancher near Clements; Wm. of Acampo; Clarence served overseas in the World War, being stationed in England, and now resides in Stockton: Reese is a rancher near Elliott; Mrs. Josephine Chapdelaine of Woodbridge; Mrs. Flor- ence Galt of Stockton; Walter lives in Christian Col- ony. After her husband's death Mrs. Thompson sold the ranch and resided in Stockton until her mar- riage to Mr. Huron. Mr. Huron is affiliated with the Masons and is a past master of Woodbridge Lodge and with his wife is also a member of the Eastern Star; in politics he is a Democrat.

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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 137

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