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 152

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 152

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In 1875 Mr. Thoming was married to Miss Lena Mashoff, a native of Holstein, Germany, and they became the parents of the following children: Jacob is manager of the Thoming ranch; Anna Maria, who is now Mrs. Francis Huck, has three children; Charles conducts a contract farm and power ma- chine business at Stockton. Mrs. Thoming passed away on March 24, 1883, at the family home. In community affairs Mr. Thoming has always been

deeply interested and has been the champion of his locality and county. For thirteen years he served as a trustee of the New Jerusalem school district, eleven years of that time serving as clerk of the board. He is unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles of the Republican party and most loyal in his support of everything that tends to ad- vance public progress and elevate society. He be- longs to the Lutheran Church and is identified with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Tracy; he is also a member of Sumner Lodge No. 177, I. O. O. F., at Tracy, and of Tracy Encampment, and in his life exemplifies the helpful spirit which is the basic element of that fraternity. Mr. Thoming has made two visits to his native land, one in 1905 and the other in 1913, returning ot California in February, 1914. In 1921 he retired from active business life, after fifty years of activity in the agricultural de- velopment of the county and the management is now entrusted to his son, Jacob. Coming to Amer- ica when twenty-three years of age, Mr. Thoming has never regretted the step then taken, for in this land, with its varied opportunities, he has gained success and has won the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated.

HERMAN VOLLBRECHT .- San Joaquin County is largely indebted to the intensive farmer for its remarkable progress and development; and to this class belongs Herman Vollbrecht, whose ex- cellent vineyard of twenty acres is among the best- improved and most successfully managed ranches in the county. He was born in Iowa, near Rice- ville, Mitchell County, on September 30, 1881, a son of William and Anna Vollbrecht. William Voll- brecht was born in Germany and was brought to America by his parents when he was three years old. Herman Vollbrecht is one of a family of twelve children: Martha, deceased; Herman, of this sketch; Amanda; Jennie; Emma, now Mrs. Merrill; Minnie; Charles, residing at Lodi; and Lillian, Clara. Cora, Jack and Robert, of Stockton. His father and mother still reside in Iowa.

Herman Vollbrecht received his education in the Iowa grammar schools. When he was twenty-one, he left the parental roof, but remained in Iowa. farming until 1907, when he came to California and settled at Lodi, where he purchased ten acres in the vicinity of Victor; later he added ten acres to it, so that he now has twenty acres in a fine vine- yard. He has a fine ranch house on this property, and it is equipped with a good irrigation plant, with a four-inch pump driven by a ten-horsepower motor, which is sufficient for the cultivation and irrigation of his entire twenty acres. He also owns an interest in 106 acres just north of the Mok- elumne River in partnership with C. W. Hoag, of Christian Colony, and J. J. Schmiedt, of Victor. At the present time, this property is undeveloped; but it will be improved, and probably set to vines.

The marriage of Mr. Vollbrecht occurred on November 14, 1906, at Elma, Iowa, and united him with Miss Laura Miller, a native of Iowa, born in the vicinity of Elma, and a daughter of Henry and Bertha Miller. Henry Miller passed away on March 8, 1920, at Lodi; the mother still lives at Lodi. Mrs. Vollbrecht is the oldest of four chil- dren, the others being Dorothy, Roy and Bertha. Mr. Vollbrecht is a Republican: and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

HARRY H. McCOMB .- A vineyardist who has been successful in his agricultural operations is Harry H. McComb, the owner of a thirty-acre vineyard four and one-half miles northeast of Lodi and three-quar- ters of a mile east of Dougherty Station. He was born in Jackson County, Iowa, on January 10, 1870, a son of Joseph and Martha (Livingston) McComb, both natives of Pennsylvania, from which state they removed to Iowa, and later to Nebraska, when they homesteaded a quarter-section of land. There were seven children in the family, as follows: William F., Flora B., Armenta D., Harry H., Fannie H., and two other children, who died in infancy.

Harry H. McComb received his education in the country schools of Nebraska. His agricultural train- ing was also received in that state, on his father's farm. On March 1, 1892, he came to California and settled near Dos Palos, San Joaquin County, but had remained there only a short time when he went to San Benito County, where he worked on a ranch for the next eleven years. Then he removed to San Joa- quin County, where he bought a five-acre peach and alfalfa ranch directly west of Lodi, on which he re- sided for two years, and then sold out and removed to Lodi. One year later he purchased twenty acres east of Dougherty Station. He continued to reside in Lodi until twelve years ago, and then removed to his ranch, and has since made his home there. In 1918 he purchased a ten-acre peach orchard lying east of his vineyard, on which he has installed a four-inch irrigation pump with a ten-horsepower motor, which is adequate for the irrigation of his thirty-acre tract.

The marriage of Mr. McComb occurred in San Francisco on April 16, 1903, and united him with Miss Julia Rivers, born in Hollister, a daughter of William and Katherine Rivers. Her father engaged in the stock business for many years, and then en- gaged in the teaming business in San Francisco. Mrs. McComb passed away in 1907. Fraternally, Mr. Mc- Comb is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Improved Order of Red Men, of Lodi.

MRS. HATTIE (GRUPE) HOLMAN .- The daughter of a well-known pioneer, and herself a native daughter of the Golden State, Mrs. Hattie (Grupe) Holman was born in San Joaquin County on the Linden road about nine miles from Stockton. She is the eldest daughter of Carsten and Margaret (Behnke) Grupe, natives of Hanover and Bremen, Germany, respectively. Carsten Grupe came to Cali- fornia around the Horn in 1849. Settling in San Joaquin County, he mined in the hills east of Linden, and later he purchased 1,300 acres of grain land in the same section of the county. Eight children were born to these California pioneers: Hattie, of this sketch; Katherine, now Mrs. Ramsay of Stockton; Doris, now Mrs. Stowe of Stockton; Henry, resid- ing in Linden; John, also of Linden; Mattie, Mrs. Smith, who resides in Linden; Charles, deceased, and George, of Stockton.

On September 12, 1876, Miss Hattie Grupe was united in marriage with Herman C. Holman, a na- tive of Germany, son of Henry and Margreta Hol- man. Herman C. Holman came to California in 1862 and engaged in farming. He removed to Stock- ton and became the proprietor of the old United States Hotel; later he rebuilt it, and it is the present United States Hotel on South Center Street. In

1905 he erected his splendid residence at 307 East Oak Street and retired from the hotel business, his sons, George and Leland, assuming the management of the hotel. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holman: Charles, a dairyman in Stockton; George; Leland of Stockton, and Hattie, residing at home with her mother. Charles, the eldest son, married Miss Bertha Salbach, of Stockton, and they have two children, Herman and Katherine. Mr. Holman died in 1910 at the age of sixty-seven years, a highly respected citizen. Mr. Holman was a friend to the cause of education and served four terms as a member of the board of education. He was a Republican in politics, and fraternally was a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows Lodge and of the Encamp- ment and Ridgely Canton, Stockton, and also a member of Stockton lodge, No. 218, Elks.

WILLIAM J. S. HICKOX .- Prominent in busi- ness circles of Stockton, William J. S. Hickox has made an outstanding success in the different activi- ties in which he has been engaged. A native son, he was born at Castroville, Monterey County, on March 16, 1873. His parents, both native of New York, were Frank G. and Clorinda (Sarles) Hickox, and both are now deceased. Grandfather Jeremiah Sarles came around the Horn to California in 1851, and Mrs. Hickox was only three years old when she arrived in California, coming by way of the Isthmus in 1852. There were only seventeen women in Stock- ton at that time and she was the first white child. Jeremiah Sarles teamed to the Southern Mines in the early days and later ran a dairy, delivering milk there in 1862. He bought the J. C. Smith ranch on the Sacramento Road, which he later sold, and he also followed sheep raising and mining for a time. In 1872 he ran for sheriff of San Joaquin County, and was defeated by only one vote. Frank G. Hickox, our subject's father, was one of Stockton's pioneer painting contractors, coming there in the early days of the town and actively engaging in his trade.

William J. S. Hickox was only one year old when his parents brought him to Stockton. He was for- tunate in receiving a good education, attending the University of California after he had completed his work in the public schools. Returning to Stockton after his University days, he was employed as a book- keeper for a time ,and then learned the trade of painting and became a partner with his father in the business, continuing for himself after his father's death. He gradually drifted in to the business of house wrecking and general contracting, and in these lines he is now engaged. He owns two lumber yards in Stockton and a number of apartments and residences, and has been very successful in his un- dertakings, due to his hard work and his progressive methods of business.

In Stockton on May 5, 1896, Mr. Hickox was mar- ried to Miss Annie S. Smith, a native daughter of California, born at Angels Camp, Calaveras County, and they make their home at 528 North American Street. Mr. Hickox enters enthusiastically into all public-spirited movements and he is especially well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Woodmen of the World, Red Men, Court of Honor, Yeomen, and Royal Highlanders.

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Hrm. J.S. Hickory

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

J. F. RILEY .- One of the growing business firms of Stockton is the Pacific Transfer and Storage Com- pany; and as its manager, J. F. Riley is taking his place among the responsible and energetic business men of this city. Mr. Riley was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 25, 1891, and in 1905 accompanied his par- ents to Los Angeles, Cal. Here he gained his educa- tion in the public schools, taking a business course in the Polytechnic High School and participating actively in its athletics, being a member of the foot- ball team. In 1915 he located in San Francisco and entered the employ of the Irvine Music Company, owned by his uncle, R. S. Irvine, remaining there until the spring of 1922, when he accepted the posi- tion of manager of the Pacific Transfer and Storage Company and took up his residence at Stockton. This company was started in 1904 by R. S. Irvine, one of the early settlers of Stockton, and at that time the equipment consisted of one horse and wagon. As the business has grown, new equipment has been added; and now nine motor trucks and four drays are in constant use. The warehouse at 110 South Aurora Street is used for the storage of household goods, an extensive branch of the business. In recent years long-distance draying has been a large factor in their activities, loads being taken from Stockton to distant points and delivered direct to the house. They have transported goods as far as San Diego, and make frequent trips up the valley and to the bay cities; and during the season fruit hauling forms a large item of their business.

Mr. Riley's marriage, which occurred at Los An- geles, January 12, 1912, united him with Miss Flor- ence Morrill, a native of Buffalo, N. Y .; and they are the parents of two children, Helen and Donald, both born in California. An enthusiast for the state of his adoption, Mr. Riley is particularly optimistic over the future of the San Joaquin Valley.

THOMAS J. RAINES .- A familiar figure in the business circles of Lodi is Thomas J. Raines, the genial and accommodating yard foreman for the Fuller Lumber Company, a position he has occupied for the past nineteen years. Mr. Raines is a man of enterprise, and has been engaged in steady and worthy endeavor ever since boyhood. Like most successful men, he began with small capital, and his own char- acter and ability are the sources of what he has gained. He was born on the Holly Oak ranch at Napa, Cal., September 12, 1873, a son of Harry and Marilla (Mathews) Raines, natives of England and Canada, respectively. In 1869, Harry Raines came to California and settled in Napa County, where he farmed for four years. Then he removed to Ontario, Canada, and engaged in farming until 1884, when he returned to California and settled near Vallejo, where he owned and conducted a ranch. Two years later, in 1886, the family came to San Joaquin County, set- tling in the vicinity of Clements; and the father rented 385 acres, which he farmed to grain for five years. Then he moved back to Vallejo, and there rented a farm. Returning to San Joaquin County, he purchased the Baird ranch north of Clements, the ranch of 385 acres which he had formerly leased. He farmed this place for six years and then sold it and moved to Lodi. There he bought a home on South School Street, where he lived until his death, May 18, 1922. There were four children in the family: Alvin, deceased at the age of forty-nine; Nellie, Mrs.

Drake; Thomas J., of this sketch; and Arthur E., employed in the navy yards at Vallejo, Cal.

In 1904 Thomas J. Raines entered the employ of the Young-Smith Lumber Company in Lodi, and was soon made foreman of their yards; later, when Mr. Young purchased Mr. Smith's interest, Mr. Raines continued in the same capacity; and when, in 1910, Mr. Fuller bought the lumber yards, Mr. Raines again retained his position.

On August 18, 1908, in Jackson, Cal., Mr. Raines was married to Miss Cora Wrigglesworth, a native of Amador County, Cal., a daughter of George and Augusta (Hubble) Wrigglesworth, the former a native of New York and the latter of California. Grandfather Hubble came to California in 1849, from Illinois, and settled in Amador County, where his daughter Augusta, as well as his granddaughter, Mrs. Raines, was born. Mrs. Raines is the youngest in a family of three children: Orville, residing in Oak- land; George, and Cora, now Mrs. Raines. Cora Wrigglesworth began her education in the grammar schools of Amador County, and later attended school in Berkeley, Cal. She was engaged in teaching school for eleven years, three of which were spent in the schools of Lodi, just previous to her marriage to Mr. Raines. Her father died at the age of seventy-four, and her mother at fifty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Raines had one son, George, who died at the age of three months. In politics, Mr. Raines is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masons and the Eastern Star of Lodi; while Mrs. Raines is past worthy matron of Lodi Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.

FREDERICK AUGUST RUHL .- To a consider- able degree the present prosperity of California may be attributed to the German-American citizens of the state, men who came to the West in an early day and gave their most earnest endeavors to the upbuilding of the country. With them they brought the charac- teristics of the German race, thrift, economy and industry, which have contributed to their success. These traits, supplemented by the American quality of enterprise, brought prosperity to the late Frederick August Ruhl, who came to the United States in 1860, and to California in 1867. In 1869 he settled in Stockton, and for many years carried on a hardware and plumbing business, but eventually disposed of his interests and retired.

Mr. Ruhl was born in Prussia, November 8, 1839, a son of Matthew and Edna Ruhl; and there he attended school between the ages of six and fourteen, and from then until he was eighteen served an ap- prenticeship in the plumber's trade in Hesse-Cassel. Upon the expiration of his time he began to work as a journeyman plumber, and in that capacity he trav- eled throughout his native country. Crossing the ocean in 1860, he settled in New York City and se- cured work at his trade. When the first call came from President Lincoln for 75,000 men, he offered his services to his adopted country, and was accepted as a private in the 5th New York Infantry, with which he was ordered to Washington and detailed to act as guard of that city. At the expiration of four months he was honorably discharged, and upon his return to New York City resumed work at his trade. In 1867, Mr. Ruhl came to California via the Isthmus and settled in Sacramento, where for two years he worked at his trade. During the year 1869 he re-

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

moved to Stockton and with his savings of $950 opened a plumbing shop in a building that stood on the site of the old Mansion House. Later he became interested in the hardware business and thereafter continued the two kindred enterprises with growing success for a long period. In 1903, Mr. Ruhl suf- fered the loss of his store and contents by fire, which entailed a loss of $10,000. About that time, with his oldest clerk, F. E. Goddell, he organized a company and incorporated what was known as the Ruhl-Good- ell Company, Mr. Ruhl being the president. Soon afterward he sold his interest to his partner and retired from the business. He then became the presi- dent of the Security Land Company of Stockton, but was mainly retired from active labor, enjoying in quiet content the comforts accumulated by long years of industry. After retiring from business, in 1907, he took a trip back to his old home in Germany.

Mr. Ruhl's marriage united him with Miss Mary Christ, a native of Germany; and they were the parents of one daughter, Hattie, who married Wil- liam H. Lorenz, the president of the First National Bank of Lodi. On account of his war service, Mr. Ruhl was a pensioner of the government. All move- ments for the betterment of Stockton or the advance- men of the state received his stanch support, and he was always ready to aid worthy projects to the extent of his ability. Mr. Ruhl served four years in the city council. With many of his fellow-country- men he enjoyed the activities of the Turn -Verein. Upon the organization of the Improved Order of Red Men he became one of its charter members, and he was also a member of Stockton Lodge No. 11 of the Odd Fellows. Long connection with the business interests of the city gave him a wide acquaintance throughout Stockton and vicinity, and his death was a great loss to the community.

HARRY C. STANLEY .- A representative of the bar of San Joaquin County, Harry C. Stanley is a native of Iowa, born at Lewis, Cass County, Decem- ber 1, 1877. He is a son of Horace M. and Sarah (Upson) Stanley, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Illinois, who now have five living chil- dren: Harry C .; Mrs. Maude Mill, of San Francisco; Arthur E., of Tuolumne County; Fred R., a deputy county clerk of San Joaquin County; and Mrs. Grace Goodwin, of Lodi. The family came to California in 1879, locating in Tuolumne County. There the father followed mining, in later years coming to Lodi, where he engaged in building operations.

Harry C. Stanley attended school in Tuolumne County, and later the Stockton Business College, Heald's Business College in San Francisco, the Y. M. C. A. Law School in San Francisco, and the law department of Highland Park College, Des Moines, Iowa. He was admitted to the bar of California, January 15, 1906, and began practicing law on No- vember 1, 1909. During the interim between 1906 and 1909, Mr. Stanley was engaged as instructor in the commercial and normal departments of the Stock- ton branch of Heald's College. He opened up his first law office in the Stockton Savings and Loan Bank Building, November 1, 1909. He served as assistant district attorney of San Joaquin County under District Attorney Charles Light, who died while in office. He pursues a general law practice

and maintains offices in the Farmers and Merchants Building.

At Stockton, Mr. Stanley was united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Sperry, a native daughter of that city, whose father, Nelson Benjamin Sperry, was one of Stockton's pioneer residents, coming here in 1858. Prominent in fraternal circles, Mr. Stanley is a mem- ber of Morning Star Lodge No. 68, F. & A. M .; is Past Noble Grand of Truth Lodge No. 55, I. O. O. F .; has passed through all chairs of Parker Encamp- ment; and is past commander of Yosemite Tent No. 35, K. O. T. M.

JAMES C. JOYCE .- The son of a worthy and es- teemed early settler of Stockton is James C. Joyce, who was about a year old when with his mother and brother he arrived in this city, coming via Panama. Born -in Waltham, Mass., on October 15, 1862, he is the son of Alfred and Margaret (McFarland) Joyce, both natives of Ireland; his father was a baker by trade who came to California via the Isthmus of Panama in the spring of 1863 and settled in Stock- ton. Three days out of the week he worked on the levee and the other three days made yeast and sold it from house to house; later he was cook in the What Cheer Hotel, which stood at the corner of Center and Main streets; and then head cook at the State Hospital, remaining there for nine years. After he had saved some money he went to Captain We- ber's office and told his clerk, L. M. Cutting that he wanted to purchase a lot for a home. Mr. Cutting recognized him as a man he had known in Walt- ham, Mass., and the friendship was renewed. Mr. Joyce purchased a one-fourth of a block for $500 on East Oak Street at the corner of Sacramento, and he there erected his house and barns and later his bake shop, which was called the Pacific Bakery. This was the only house in that part of town and was considered out in the country at that time; he carried on his business until 1910. There were four children in the family: John F .; Lizzie; James C., our subject; and Mary, the widow of the late Jacob R. Koch, cashier of the San Joaquin Valley Bank. Alfred Joyce, the pioneer, passed away in 1913; the mother made her home with the children at the old home until her death, March, 1922, aged ninety-three years, hale and hearty till her last illness of only a month's duration.

James C. first attended the Vineyard school at the corner of Park and Pilgrim streets; later when the Jefferson school was built he attended there, and during odd times he helped his father in the bakery and thus learned the trade. As his father grew old, he and his brother, John F., took over the business and ran it as the Pioneer Bakery until 1917 when they closed out the business and retired. They built up a large business, running three delivery wagons, and were among the oldest in this line of business. Having followed the bakery business from twelve years of age, since 1874, Mr. Joyce retired after forty-three years. However, wishing to again have something definite to occupy his time, he en- tered the employ of Oranges Bros.' Garage. Mr. Joyce was a member of the Volunteer Fire Depart- ment in early days, foreman of Hose No. 4, which was dubbed the "crazy four." He is loyally inter- ested in everything that pertains to the advancement of the community which has been his home for so many years of his life.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

CHARLES R. RUTLEDGE .- A man of enter- prise and rare business qualifications, Charles R. Rut- ledge is a leading citizen of Woodbridge, Cal., and is in close touch with the horticultural interests of San Joaquin County, occupying the position of field representative of the Woodbridge district for the Earl Fruit Company. A native son of California, he was born at Woodbridge on the Robert Boyce ranch on August 10, 1870, a son of Edward G. and Mary C. (Farmer) Rutledge, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Missouri. His father crossed the plains to California in 1852 and settled at Acampo, San Joaquin County. He formed a partnership with the late Senator Langford and entered into a contract with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to cut wood, and thousands of cords of wood were cut and delivered to the railroad company. When the con- tract was completed, in partnership with a brother and their father he opened a general store in Wood- bridge under the firm name of John Rutledge & Sons; later, in partnership with Mr. McLeran he bought out the store of John Rutledge & Sons and continued the business for some years as Rutledge & McLeran. Then he located at Sonora and became watchman in the gold mines, and while thus occupied met death by accident. The mother crossed the plains with her parents in an early day; and her father, Washington Farmer, became a prominent agricultur- ist of Woodbridge. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are living: John W., of Tuo- lumne; Charles R., of this sketch; Benjamin F., of Monterey, Cal .; Edward, with the Standard Oil Com- pany, at Richmond, Cal .; and Clarence, a rancher living in Woodbridge.

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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 152

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