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 70

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 70

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Always looking ahead, Father O'Connor saw the necessity of having a larger plot of ground for their cemetery than the one block of ground already in use. Taking the matter to Captain Weber, he again showed his generosity by a free gift of land now em- braced in the San Joaquin Cemetery to be conse- crated as God's acre. In 1893, this tireless worker began making arrangements in and about the church. This task was completed on June 24, the twenty-fifth anniversary of his advent in Stockton and he was given a large reception on this, his silver jubilee. Father O'Connor was presented with a purse of $1,000 on condition that he use the money for him- self. But he stated he accepted the gift without con- ditions, and later applied the entire amount to the church. Another building, which is the result of his endeavors is the modern parsonage, erected in keep- ing with the dignity of the parish and a comfortable home for the priests. It was furnished under his per- sonal direction, and it was only several years later that some of his friends discovered that he had no rug and slept on an old bed-lounge. It was charac- teristic of the man, as there was no necessity for

this. He was then in poor health and when it was suggested that he put away the old furnishings and have more modern equipment he replied, "There are many that have worse." A little conspiracy was formed and when the good man was out of the city for a day, a carpet was put down and a comfortable bed put in place of the old lounge. Upon his return he noted the changes, conformed to them, remarking in his kindly way, "Somebody has been pretty busy during my absence."

The greatest achievement of Father O'Connor was the founding of St. Joseph's Home, which was dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies on March 19, 1899. The good priest well knew that the saddest condition of human life is desolate old age without a home. He saw the need of such a home and conceived the plan for relief. The project seemed so visionary at the time that only the stoutest heart could work out its solution. It needed much money for building and equipment and what money he had was needed in the parish work. He told his plans to J. D. Peters, who immediately gave Father O'Connor $10,000. Miss Julia Weber and others also gave generously and the building was completed in good time. For the fol- lowing fifteen years he saw old age ministered to as it had never been before and he lived to see the Home take a commanding position among the benevolent institutions of the state. It was here that he passed his last days, cared for by loving hands and enjoying the taste of peace and joy he had so wisely provided for others. The Home, with hospital annex, is pro- vided with all conveniences and comforts and presided over by the Sisters of St. Dominic.

Father O'Connor was a consistent advocate of tem- perance and organized temperance societies among his people. From his early manhood until his death he never used intoxicating liquors. After a life filled with good deeds and unceasing toil that others might be benefited, Father O'Connor passed away on De- cember 26, 1911. His physical strength was not equal to the task imposed upon it by his indomitable spirit and he retired to St. Joseph's Home, which name he had given the haven of refuge built under his per- sonal supervision. He is sadly missed for he was everywhere that human need was. The sick, the sinning, the sorrowing, the struggling, the unfortu- nate, the dying-these were his daily schedule. Dis- tress in any form could call him at any hour of the day or night, and he always brought a cheerful heart. He spent himself for others, he never looked for rec- ognition, but screened his good works behind a mod- esty, real, inherent, simple and true. He was no ordinary man and was respected by men of all creeds.

In reviewing a life like that, which never knew a selfish thought, which abounded in heroism that sounded the last depths of unselfish devotion, as was shown during the scourge of smallpox that once visited Stockton, we need not mind the circumstance that he achieved in an humble and restricted sphere when we venture to award him a place among the great; for we can say of him as was said of another, "Prime ministers and princes are private citizens beside a man like that." But his work is done. He brought his life work to a full completion. He was a saint on earth. In commemoration of his life work a statue was erected and unveiled in the grounds of St. Joseph's Home and Hospital on June 7, 1914.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

ANDREW McCORMICK .- It is very interesting to write the story of a successful business man, who is also at the same time very progressive, enterpris- ing and liberal, giving of his energy and best en- deavor to improve and build up the community where he resides. Such a man is Andrew McCormick, a representative business and mining man of Stockton, who was born in Sonora, Toulumne County, Cal., December 17, 1861. Ever since 1854 the McCormick family have been prominently identified with the his- tory of California, for Daniel McCormick, the father of our subject, a native of Ireland, came from Phil- adelphia around Cape Horn in a sailing vessel in 1854 and settled near Sonora. He had emigrated in youth to. Manayunk, near Philadelphia, where he married Margaret McCormick, also a native of Ire- land, who had also come to Philadelphia in her youth. After his arrival in Sonora Mr. McCormick engaged in mining for a short time, his family join- ing him a few years later. Later on he became pro- prietor of a general merchandise store in Sonora. In those days gold dust was the medium of exchange for all supplies. This dust he sent to the mint in San Francisco and aside from some gold pieces he received, the balance was deposited to his credit with Donohue, Kelly & Company, San Francisco, from which he checked it out. Later he engaged in the cattle business and operated a butcher shop and in time became a large landholder. He passed away at the age of fifty-five, his widow surviving him until 1908, passing away at the age of seventy-three.

Mr. and Mrs. McCormick had six children, all boys: John was in charge of the Stockton business of the M. McCormick Company; he served as coun- cilman and died in San Francisco in 1907; James died at Sonora in 1905. These two were born in Philadelphia, while the four youngest were born at Sonora. Daniel died in Stockton about 1910; Joseph passed away in Stockton in 1902; Andrew is the sub- ject of this review; Frank, who was president of M. McCormick Company until his death in 1908, passed away at their Linden ranch where he had gone for a few days on account of his health. Their mother was a woman of wonderful business acumen and kept the boys together .in business, advising them to work for themselves and be united in their efforts. She was energetic and active and left her impress on the community for her sterling qualities and her strong personality. Her influence for good was appreciated by the people, and at her passing she was deeply mourned by her family and friends. Her memory was very dear and precious to her sons and her advice was followed, for they continued in business together until they passed away, dwelling together in harmony and peace and cooperating agreeably, each doing his part and aiding in making the business a success.

Andrew, the fifth son, was born at Sonora, Cal., on December 17, 1861, and was reared on his fa- ther's ranch and received his education in the public schools. At an early age he went into partnership with his brothers and engaged in the cattle business and in connection ran a meat market in Sonora, at one time owning 9,000 acres of land in Tuolumne County on which ranged 900 head of cattle. In 1884 the brothers bought 320 acres of land near Linden and raised grain for a period of seven years; then in 1891 they purchased a meat market in Stockton on Center Street owned by John Gross, where they

carried on a large business, at the same time main- taining the meat market at Sonora; later their busi- ness was removed to the corner of Main and Center streets, where they remodeled the old building for a modern, butcher shop and cold storage plant; later this became the headquarters with branch stores in many other parts of Stockton. Aside from the rais- ing of stock, they bought cattle from all over Sacra- mento and San Joaquin counties for their own ab- attoir and also shipped to San Francisco. They built a large abattoir on the French Camp Road on a tract of 600 acres. After doing business for some years as McCormick Bros., they incorporated as M. McCormick Company, in honor of their mother. She had always been their guiding star and by her in- fluence had kept the family together in business. When his brothers had passed away, Andrew as- sumed full charge of the business and continued it and in the course of time increased it to large pro- portions, putting in all of his time in looking after the business, ranches and cattle, as well as the mines. After making a success of the business, he finally divided the property among the heirs and meantime he purchased some of the interests. He continues to hold the M. McCormick Company and carries on his business that way; he still owns the two ranches, one on French Camp Road and the Linden ranch on which he has installed four pumping plants, de- voted to the raising of vegetables and fruit; the French Camp ranch is also irrigated with a pump- ing plant. In 1884 Mr. McCormick moved to his ranch near Linden and made his home there until he removed to Stockton in 1900. He owns a num- ber of valuable gold producing mines in Tuolumne County, including the Golden Gate mine, the Draper, and the McCormick mine, which he is developing. He is the vice-president of the Sacramento Gas Company, which was formerly the Sacramento Nat- ural Gas Company, established by a brother, John McCormick and two associates; this company being the first to develop natural gas in Sacramento.

The marriage of Mr. McCormick united him with Miss Zelma Paradis, a native of Manistee, Mich., and they are the parents of three children, Jack P., Elaine, and Daniel. By a former marriage Andrew McCormick has one son, Le Roy, who was in the merchant marine during the World War. Mr. Mc- Cormick is a member of Stockton Lodge No. 218, B. P. O. E. He is a truly self-made man in every sense of the word, for he has forged his way upward step by step until he has become a man of means and independence, wielding a wide influence for good in his community. A man of pleasing per- sonality, with affable manners, he is well informed and it is a pleasure to meet and converse with this interesting pioneer.

HENRY TINKHAM .- "I believe that all things are for the best." "Do unto others as you would be done by." This was the philosophy and the life axiom of Henry Tinkham, who was born in 1820, in the old Green Mountain State, of a Scotch father and an English mother. The family can be traced back to the great-grandfather, who in 1776 served as a cap- tain in the Revolutionary war; and his grandfather was a private in the war of 1812.

Young Henry, like all of the New England boys of that day, worked hard all summer on the little rock fenced farm, where, as he declared, "It took all sum- mer to raise enough to live on through the winter."

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Andrew Mc Cormick

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

He had but two suits of clothing a year, the cloth be- ing woven and made up by his mother; Henry, with the other children in the family, walked to church, barefoot through the snow, carrying his shoes under his arm, so that he might wear them bright and shin- ing in the meeting-house.

During the winter months he attended the district school, the teacher being such as Goldsmith describes, "A man severe he was and stern to view, I knew him well, and every truant knew." On one occasion the teacher gave Henry a whipping for misbehavior, sometimes, however, the pupils gave the teacher the whipping, but in this instance Henry got the birch rod, the teacher always keeping a supply on hand, as the birch trees grew near by. On going home he re- ceived no consolation from his father, the latter quietly remarking, "Now. Henry, if you get another whip- ping at school, I'll give you one when you come home." His father, Daniel Tinkham, was a man be- loved alike by his family and the community in which he lived, for his sterling qualities of heart and mind, but severe in discipline and unwavering in his ideas of right and wrong, he believed in upholding parental, educational, civil and religious authority.

At the age of eighteen Henry Tinkham obtained a position as a clerk in the Woodstock dry goods store, but not liking the work, for he was a strong, active, ambitious young man, he later took passage on a stage for Boston, and asked for work in a hard- ware store. The proprietor said to him, "All right, come around in a few days." The stage journey had taken all of his money, and the applicant replied: "Well, I am out of money and I want work now." The employer immediately put him to work; he re- mained about a year, then became an apprentice meat cutter in one of the markets of old Faneuil hall, his- toric as the birthplace of American liberty. He was employed in the meat cutting business three years and during this time, in the words of the Yankee song, he went "sparking Sunday night" and during a part of the time he was one of the quartette in the Park Street Unitarian Church. The result of his "sparking" was his marriage to Frances Baxter, the family being one of the oldest in Boston. The fruits of this marriage were four sons and four daughters, viz .: George Henry, Frances Isadore, Etawah (Etta), Elmer, Lil- lian, now Mrs. Thomas Shaw of San Diego; Edgar, Marian, Mrs. E. L. Gnekow of Stockton, and Alfred, who passed away in 1922. The father died in 1896, the oldest daughter in 1901, and the wife and mother in 1905.

Between the marriage and death of Mr. Tinkham there lies fifty years of an industrious, honorable life in business, home building, protecting and sustaining; the home was his life, the business an auxiliary, as

"His home the spot of earth supremely blest, A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest."

To build the home, when the cry of gold resounded throughout the east, with a company of one hundred and sixteen young men he started for California, ex- pecting to make his fortune in a few months and re- turn. Chartering the bark Lenark, they loaded her with provisions sufficient to last two years, and after a long voyage of six months, September 12, 1848, they anchored in the harbor of San Francisco. The company parted, some going to the mines, Mr. Tink- ham being of this number. They sailed up the San Joaquin river seven days, during which time it rained heavily, and they were compelled to sleep in their

wet blankets on the open deck. As a result Mr. Tink- ham was taken sick with fever. The party he was with purchased a two-wheeled ox cart and oxen to carry their supplies to the mines, and after placing Mr. Tinkham on top of the load they started to the Sierras. The hot sun's rays beat upon the open cart as it jolted over the rough road and added to the already intense sufferings of the sick man. Although the teachings of his youth helped him to bear patient- ly the ills of life, yet one day, when very hungry and thirsty, he resolved, if die he must, to die with a full stomach. The party had gone on a bear hunt, leaving him alone, and crawling from the cart, he found some crackers and cheese and the water can- teen. He ate and drank all he desired, the result of which was surprising, for two days later he had re- covered from his sickness.

Locating at Hawkins' Bar the party began mining, and after several days sluicing they obtained about $3,000 in gold dust. One night it rained heavily and the following morning when the party arose every- thing was gone. Money and tools had been swept away in the flood that came rolling down the canyon. Mr. Tinkham then came to the conclusion that he had had all the mining he wanted.

Returning to Stockton he hired out to Harry Mor- ton, a butcher, for $300 a month. The following morning his employer said: "Can you dress a beef?" "Yes, I guess so," Tinkham replied. "Well, go out and shoot one of those steers and bring it in." The cattle were running loose where now stands the court- house. Never in his life had he dressed a bullock, but he was an unerring rifle shot, and in the "green hills" of Vermont, many a time he had gone bear or woodchuck shooting. Taking a rifle he singled out an animal and shot it through the brain, and somehow caused it to bleed profusely. Fortunately a butcher was dressing a beef nearby and he finally gave the amateur butcher a lesson in the business, and from that time on he had no trouble. Two years later Mr. Tinkham opened a meat market at the corner of Main and Sutter streets, and in 1854 he opened the City Market opposite the Yosemite hotel, and for more than fifty years he was engaged in the business.

He made and lost several fortunes; thousands of dollars were lost in bad debts, for he would not be- come involved in lawsuits nor engage in any transac- tion that would involve the good name which he so highly prized, or cause any suffering to a poor debtor or his family. Very sympathetic in his nature and generous and charitable even beyond sound judgment he believed that the getting of money could never be justified in doing a wrong act.

He was for many years an Odd Fellow and a mem- ber of Charity Lodge No. 6 and Parker Encampment No. 3 and during the four years of his patient, un- complaining sickness they faithfully fulfilled their obligation. He was also a volunteer fireman, being a member of Eureka No. 2, and was a member of the San Joaquin County Pioneers. In politics he was a Republican, and at one election, at the "solicitation of friends" his name was placed before the. convention for sheriff. They promised to support him, but this they failed to do, and it so disgusted him he never again would consent to run for office, for a lie to him was a lie, whether in business or politics.

A man of fine sensibilities and tastes, he despised vulgar language or stories, and had no regard for un- clean men or actions. In his family he was the head,

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his word was law, yet he was never rude or harsh in tone or action, but gentle, kind and considered gener- ous and unselfish, and ever thoughtful of those he loved. His family all present, he passed from earth as quietly as a sleeping child, his life an open book without a stain.

LAFAYETTE SELLMAN .- The career which this history narrates began in Canandaigua, Ontario County, N. Y., November 23, 1826, and closed in Stockton, Cal, March 25, 1889. Between these dates are recorded the events of an industrious and useful life, whose later efforts are perpetuated in a prosper- ous enterprise known as the Stockton City Laundry, one of the most up-to-date and reliable enterprises of its kind in the city. The founder, Lafayette Sell- man, was reared on a farm in the east; until reaching young manhood, when, in 1849, he set out for the gold fields of California, coming via Panama. His first and only experience as a miner was in the mines at Brown's Flat, Tuolumne County, where he became convinced of the uncertainties attending such a life and wisely determined to give it up and engage in something from which he could hope for more stable returns.

Following his mining venture Mr. Sellman went to Sonora and for a time engaged in the cattle and dairy business there, but it was not until he came to Stockton that he was satisfied that he had found the place offering the most inducements, both in the way of business prospects and as a suitable place to make his future home. While he was satisfied that he had found the right place for a location, still he had a desire to see Oregon, and thither he went soon after- ward, but the fact that he remained only twenty-four hours before returning to Stockton is ample evidence that he had no desire to change his opinion. It was after his return from Oregon, about 1871, that he established the nucleus of the laundry business which with the passing of years has grown to its present large proportions.

Extensive improvements, made necessary on ac- count of its growth, have made it one of the best- equipped laundries on the Pacific Coast. The ex- penditure of $50,000 has made it possible to install an electric-drive system of 100 horsepower, all run by a single motor; there has also been added a fine equipment of modern machinery, such as a steam pressure shirt-ironer, a special ironer for neckbands and cuffs. The curtain stretcher is a late invention, $9,000 has been spent in remodeling the working room alone; the flat-work ironer was installed at a cost of $6,000. A machine for softening water was installed at a large cost in the new building, which is 50x150 feet in size, and through the introduction of this ma- chine, the use of soaps and sodas has been greatly reduced. A girl's rest room has also been provided, with lockers for each girl, and hot and cold water, and an attractive lunchroom add to their comforts and pleasures. Since the death of Mr. Sellman, the busi- ness has been continued by his wife and children, Mrs. Sellman being president, Mrs. J. Y. Coates, sec- retary and treasurer, and Herman G. Meyer filling the two offices of manager and vice-president. As president of the company Mrs. Sellman has endeav- ored to follow out the wise policy of her husband in the management of the business, and that she has been successful is seen in the continually increasing patronage.

Mr. Sellman was first married in New York, this marriage uniting him with Miss Margaret Coon, by whom seven children were born, all now deceased. The mother of these children passed away in 1875, and on December 18, 1878, in San Francisco, Mr. Sellman married Anna Shafer, a native daughter of San Joaquin County and the daughter of Adam Sha- fer, a native of Germany and a California pioneer, who followed stock raising and teaming in Calaveras County. Six children were born of this marriage as follows: Henry Lafayette, is now deceased; Mrs. Grace S. Coates; Mrs. Maude S. Mathers; Julia died at five and one-half years of age; Mrs. Elsie S. Pike; and Mrs. Ivy F. Peters, all of Stockton. Throughout his residence in Stockton, Mr. Sellman was one of the city's most earnest and devoted citizens, and for two terms served efficiently as a member of the city council. He was also a well-known member of the Independent Order of Red Men, holding membership in Iroquois Tribe, in which body he passed through all the chairs, and he was also a member of the Pio- neers Society of the county. Mrs. Sellman is a mem- ber of Lebanon Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, Stock- ton Hive No. 2, Lady Maccabees, and of Kauwaunita Council, Degree of Pocahontas.

MRS. ANNA SELLMAN .- A woman of splendid attainments and much native business acumen who is greatly interested in the growth and development of Stockton is Mrs. Anna Sellman, a native daughter of San Joaquin County, who was born at French Camp. Her father, Adam Shafer, came from Ger- many to Canada when about twelve years of age, where being thrown upon his own resources he bravely made his own livelihood. On the discovery of gold in California he started for the New Eldorado and on reaching California engaged in teaming and farming. In Stockton he was married to Mrs. Julia (Behrent) Kuhn, a native of Germany, who came to California in pioneer days with her first husband, but he passed away here in early days. After their mar- riage they engaged in farming and stockraising near what was then Telegraph City. Both have now passed to the great beyond. This pioneer couple were blessed with five children: Anna, Mrs. Sellman of this review; Henry died in March, 1920; George resides in Tuolumne County; Julia died at four years; Albert lives near Escalon.

Anna Shafer's childhood was spent on the farm where she attended the public school in the Tele- graph district. When she was fifteen years of age her mother died and five years later her father also passed away and she then came to Stockton to make her home. Here she met Lafayette Sellman and the acquaintance resulted in their marriage in 1878.

Mr. Sellman was an early settler and successful business man in Stockton, who passed away in 1889, and after his death Mrs. Sellman assumed the man- agement of his affairs and continued to build up the laundry on the plan he had started and the property has been greatly enlarged and improved and is still owned by the family. Through Mr. Sellman's capa- bility and energy the City Laundry was the largest and leading one in the county in his day and Mrs. Sellman with the same pride has continued by pro- gressive methods and expending of vast sums to keep in the lead, being ably assisted in her endeavor by her daughter and her manager, Mr. Meyer. About 1892 she built her present home on East Weber

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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 70

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