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 71

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 71

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Lafayette Dellman

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Anna Sellman

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

Street, and it has been the family home ever since. About fifteen years ago she incorporated the Stock- ton City Laundry, of which she is president. It is a close corporation owned by the members of her fam- ily; the establishment being one of the leading enter- prises of the city, is notably a member of the Stock- ton Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Asso- ciation.

Mrs. Sellman is a member of the Central Metho- dist Episcopal Church, is active in its societies and contributes liberally to its benevolences. She is a member of Lebanon Lodge, Rebekahs, Ladies of the Maccabees and Kauwaunita Council, Degree of Pocahontas. Her enterprise also finds other out- lets than the laundry, for she is a stockholder in the City Bank, also the Commercial and Savings Bank, the Union Safe Deposit Bank and the Stockton Sav- ings and Loan Society. Being an ardent protection- ist she is naturally a strong Republican.

JACOB BRACK .- A name worthy of perpetua- tion in the annals of San Joaquin County as that of a pioneer whose faith in its future was itself an incen- tive to others, is that of Jacob Brack. Good reason had he to be thankful that he resolved to come to California when he heard of the discovery of gold; the mines did not yield to him of their riches, but the soil rewarded his cultivation with bountiful crops, the lands rewarded his faith by swift increase in value, and by vessel and railroad his products were carried to the markets of the world. This honored pioneer of 1849 was born in Switzerland, February 20, 1825, be- ing a son of Jacob and Mary (Kestler) Brack, both natives of that country. After having obtained a common school education he was sent to a gymna- sium, where he remained a student until eighteen years of age. About this time he decided to seek a livelihood in the New World, and in 1844 he sailed to the United States, landing at New Orleans, where he proceeded up the Mississippi river to Burlington, Iowa, and from there went to Galena, Ill., for the purpose of securing employment in the lead mines. The work kept him steadily engaged, but offered no opportunity for advancement, and when in 1848 he heard of the discovery of gold in California he imme- diately determined to go to the Far West.

As a member of a train commanded by Captain Schoe and consisting of a large equipment of wagons drawn by oxen, Mr. Brack crossed the plains during 1849, and encountered many thrilling adventures while following the trail laid out by Capt. John C. Fremont. Upon arriving at Placerville he tried his luck at min- ing. A brief experience convinced him that he could achieve greater results at other employment, and accordingly he began to work for Sargent Bros., prominent stockmen of that day. In 1850 he bought a small tract in the vicinity of Woodbridge, San Joa- quin County, and immediately embarked in ranching for himself. The following year he went to the tule lands of the county, where he began to raise cattle and sheep, also raised various general farm products. With the Sargent brothers as partners Mr. Brack pur- chased a tract of 1,500 acres of land, the subsequent sale of which brought a fair profit. Next he bought 10,000 acres, for which he paid $200 to close the deal, and went into debt for the balance of the $50,000 con- stituting the purchase price. With shrewd foresight and the utmost confidence in the future of this region, he believed himself justified in burdening himself with

such a debt, and events proved his sagacity. A por- tion of the land had a frontage on the waterway, which enabled him to begin extensive operations on an independent basis, and he raised large quantities of barley and wheat. Selling one-half of the im- mense tract, at the end of two years from the time of purchase he still owned one-half of the property and was entirely free from debt.

The business grew to such proportions that Mr. Brack purchased a vessel and shipped his own prod- ucts to San Francisco and other markets. In addition, to secure facilities for freight by land, he was one of those who built a railroad from Lodi to Spring Valley, Calaveras County, this being now a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad. By land and by water his products reached the markets of the state and brought fair returns for his labor and his investment. His name became known as that of a prosperous and saga- cious rancher, and when in 1906 he retired from the active management of the ranch and removed to Lodi, it was a distinct loss to the agricultural interests of the region. Throughout active life he made ranch- ing his principal occupation, but he had other interests.

The marriage of Mr. Brack in 1854 united him with Miss Lena Meyer, who was born in Germany, came to California in 1852, and died in San Joaquin County in 1905 at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of eight children; Mrs. Mary Diers, died in San Francisco; Henry; John, both of Stockton; Mrs. Doretta Keller, of Lodi; Mrs. J. H. Schleef, of San Francisco; Jacob, of San Francisco; Miss Anna Brack, of Lodi and Caroline, died 1887. There are (1922) nine living grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Mr. Brack passed away on March 4, 1912. He was a man of sterling qualities, a good and generous parent, and an upright citizen.

BRADNER CURTIS .- It is ever interesting to recount the life events of the pioneer, who endured the privations of this new country and passed through the hardships and dangers incident to a sea voyage in a sailing vessel following the gold discovery in California. Bradner Curtis was born in Williamson, Wayne county, New York, January 9, 1825, and in young manhood he learned to be a pattern maker and was employed by his brother, who engaged in the foundry business and in manufacturing agricultural implements, up to the time he left for the West.

During his school days Bradner Curtis formed the acquaintance of Miss Kezia Benton, who was born in Canajoharie, N. Y., December 20, 1822, was edu- cated in Canajoharie Academy, on the Mohawk River, and still later was a pupil in Cortland Academy, both in New York State. She was a daughter of Hiram and Cynthia (Hodge) Benton, on her mother's side, being a descendant of a colonist who came in the Mayflower. The acquaintance of the young people formed during school days ripened into a deeper affec- tion that resulted in their marriage September 23, 1849. In December of the same year, they sailed from New York harbor bound for California, on a vessel that had formerly done service as a packet, but had been reconstructed for use as a sailing craft. Eight months were consumed in the voyage, although they were at no time out of sight of land, and while passing Valparaiso they could hear the natives call- ing to them. Some of the delay was due to the fact that at Cape Horn they were compelled to lay over for one month, owing to heavy storms prevailing at

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the time. They reached San Francisco in July, 1850, and after remaining there for two days, having been met in the meantime by Mrs. Curtis' two brothers, Hyland and Byron Benton, the latter conducted them to Mormon Gulch, near Tuttletown, Tuolumne County, where the brothers lived while they teamed from Stockton. Mr. Curtis also became interested in mining and started a trading camp there, but finally hired a man to help him at that, while Mrs. Curtis took charge of the trading camp and she baked pies and pastry, which were rapidly bought up by the miners and Indians. Mr. Curtis was the first man to build a sluiceway on the creek at Columbia and this creek was named after him. Mrs. Curtis was the first white woman in the mines near Sonora, Tuolumne County. They remained in that vicinity for about three years, during which time he made sufficient money to enable him to start ranching here.

Removing to Stockton from Tuolumne County, Mr. Curtis bought 320 acres of land just north of the city, some of it being purchased for twelve dollars per acre; this land was a part of a Spanish grant which Captain Weber had bought in the early days. The assessed valuation of this land is now $200 per acre; this ranch was farmed to grain. Thirty acres of this tract was sold in 1885 to the Caledonian Club for $10,000; later it was bought by the Stockton Electric Railroad Company and sold by them to the City of Stockton for $30,000. It is now Stockton's amuse- ment park, known as Oak Park, and is valued at $75,000. Mr. Curtis named this thirty acres Good- water Grove, from a fine well of cold water on the place; this grove was used as a picnic ground for many years by the residents of Stockton. Mr. Curtis bought a block of land in Stockton from Charles Whale, bounded by Center, Commerce, Vine and Rose streets. At the time of purchase it was a grain field and Mr. Curtis built a house on this property and made his home there until his death, March 4, 1881. Later Mrs. Curtis moved a house from the ranch and these two houses are still standing on the property. Mrs. Curtis has reached the advanced age of 100 years, December 20, 1922. Mr. Curtis was a prominent Odd Fellow for many years, holding a membership in Charity lodge. Mrs. Curtis erected a family vault in the Odd Fellows' cemetery at Sonora, where in life Mr. Curtis had made his first start. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis: Mrs. Belle K. Jackson, born in Tuttletown; Frank B. and Forest D., both deceased; and Fornia S., all born in San Joaquin County.

REES BOWEN THOMPSON .- The life of this early pioneer began in Tazewell County, Va., Febru- ary 10, 1830, and closed in Oakland, Cal., July .3, 1908. Between these dates were enacted a life of use- fulness exerted unselfishly toward the betterment of his adopted home in the west. Leaving his southern home in the year of 1850, Rees Bowen Thompson came to California across the plains, going direct to Hangtown, now Placerville, where he engaged in min- ing. After he had remained there a year he returned East for his parents, with whom he had moved from Virginia to Missouri. With his parents Mr. Thomp- son again took up his westward march in 1852, cross- ing the plains this time as he had done two years previously. Coming direct to San Joaquin County, he settled eighteen miles from Stockton near, a place which has since become known as New Hope, where

he purchased a large ranch and engaged in the cattle business until the year 1880.

Mr. Thompson's interest in and qualifications for public life led to his election as representative to the Legislature from San Joaquin County in 1880, at which time he was the only member of the Demo- cratic party in the house. He was elected by a large majority, his great popularity with both parties tak- ing many votes from his opponent on the Republican ticket. After his election to the Legislature Mr. Thompson disposed of a portion of his ranch prop- erty and the following year, 1881, removed to Oak- land, which was his home thereafter until his death, July 3, 1908. While living in New Hope he was united in marriage, July 4, 1865, with Miss Josephine Hardesty, a native of Indiana, who died in 1910 in Oakland. Mr. Thompson was a man of much worth, integrity and earnestness of purpose, and it can truly be said of him that he was representative of the best in American citizenship, living up to a high standard in public and private life.

MRS. MARY ANN WILSON .- A California citi- zen since 1860, Mrs. Mary Ann Wilson owns a fine estate on the French Camp Road, ten miles south of Stockton, which she has handled to good advantage since her husband's death, but she has now turned the active management over to her son, James A. Wilson. She was born at Peoria, Ill., March 17, 1849, a daughter of James and Catherine (McCue) Kenney, both natives of Ireland. Her father, James Kenney, came to America in a sailing vessels in the early '40s and settled in Illinois; in 1852 he removed to Minne- sota and remained there until coming to California. In 1860 the family started across the plains from St. Joseph, Mo., and almost eight months were con- sumed by the journey. Arriving in San Joaquin County, Mr. Kenney was employed by Captain We- ber on his extensive ranch near Stockton, and later he farmed 160 acres in the vicinity of Wallace, which was his -home at the time of his death in 1892, Mrs. Kenney surviving him until 1903.

Mary Ann Kenney was reared in Stockton, attend- ing the Center Street school, and later she attended Dr. Hunt's seminary in Stockton. In 1877 she was married to John Peter Wilson, a native of Gothen- burg, Sweden, where he was born April 23, 1838. In the early '70s Mr. Wilson came to America and first settled in Michigan; later he came to California, where his brother John had already settled. Mr. Wilson was a farmer by occupation and was thrifty and economical so that when he came to San Joaquin County he invested his savings in a splendid ranch, where Mrs. Wilson now resides. He was a charter member of the Ripon lodge of Odd Fellows and in politics was a stanch Republican. He was a success- ful agriculturist and was an esteemed resident of his locality. He passed away in January, 1910, mourned by his widow, five children and five grandchildren; the -children of the pioneer couple being as follows: John A. was a graduate of the law department of the University of California and was a successful practic- ing attorney in Stockton when he passed away in July, 1919. He is survived by his widow and two children: Kathryn married D. R. Beebe and has one child, and they live at Coaldale, Canada; Mrs. Ella Frances Olson Powers has one son; James A .; and Joseph A., who is married and has one boy. Mrs.

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Wilson is today one of the venerable pioneer women of San Joaquin County. More than half a century has passed since she arrived in California, and her mind bears the impress of many events which now constitute a part of the history of the county.

THOMAS CUNNINGHAM .- It is interesting, in- structive and profitable, on occasions, to review the lives of men who have risen through their own ef- forts to honor and distinction among their fellowmen. Thomas Cunningham was, perhaps, not only the best-known man in San Joaquin County, but also widely known throughout the state, over which his active career as sheriff in this county, for over a quarter of a century, had carried him. He was a native of County Longford, Ireland, where he was born on August 17, 1838, the youngest of a family of seven children. When ten years of age he came to the United States with relatives and located in Brooklyn, N. Y. There he served an apprenticeship at the harness-making trade with his brother-in-law. and while so employed devoted his spare time to study and in attendance at night school as he had a chance. He worked there until 1855, when he left for California via Panama, and landed in San Fran- cisco on June 16, 1855. Soon after his arrival there he came to Stockton and found employment with Peachy & Baggs, harness-makers. He afterwards worked in the same line of business for George Ells- worth and H. T. Dorrance. In 1860 he started in business for himself, on Main Street near Eldorado, having bought out the stock of J. W. Scott.

In 1861 Mr. Cunningham was married in Stockton to Miss Catherine Quirk, of the Isle of Man, who died April 4, 1875. They became the parents of three children; Mrs. Lillian May Confer, deceased; Margaret Ella; and Katherine Q., wife of Frank S. Boggs. Mr. Cunningham was a leading member of the old Volunteer Fire Company, and in 1857 was elected a member of the Eureka Engine company No. 2, and he soon stood at the head of the company as its foreman. In 1865 he was chosen chief of the Stockton Fire Department and served in that posi- tion for several terms.

In 1865, and again in 1870, Mr. Cunningham was elected a member of the Stockton city council from the third ward; and was distinguished for the sound- ness of his views upon all matters of public interest presented during his term. It was at this time when the question was before the city council of grant- ing a franchise by which the Stockton & Copper- opolis Railroad could gain access to the water front through Weber Avenue. Councilman Cunningham stood alone in determined opposition to the measure; contending that railroads should reach the wharves, mills and warehouses by some obscure route, as is being done today, but when the final vote was taken upon the granting of the franchise, his vote was the only one recorded in the negative. He predicted then in his final stand before the vote was taken, that if the railroad was kept off the avenue, that it would be the main business street of the city, extending as it did from the water front to the Central Pacific depot and out toward the tributary country beyond. One can realize now, after more than forty years, the fore- sight of this man at that time. It was a long, hard fight to get the steam cars off Weber Avenue, and the boom it has taken as a retail street with splendid, modern buildings since they were removed and the

electric street car system substituted is remembered by many of the residents.

In the fall of 1871 Mr. Cunningham was nominat- ed by the Republican party for sheriff of San Joaquin County and unanimously elected. He took office on the first Monday in March, 1872, thus entering upon one of the longest and probably the most notable career of any sheriff on the Pacific Coast. Pessimists on all sides wagged their heads and prophesied that this "harnessmaker" would prove a dismal failure when confronted with the duties of his office, but this adverse criticism proved a blessing in disguise, for it aroused all the latent energies of his mind and indomitable will. From that time until his volun- tary retirement in January, 1899, he was continu- ously in office, and during the unsettled period of the early part of his career he had many opportuni- ties of showing his tact and courage. In the saddle, over mountain passes and through swamps, about the campfire and in the stealthy watch of the silent night, on guard for the good of the commonwealth; from the trailing of Vasquez and his band for 6,000 miles until they were finally run to earth near Los Angeles in 1873, up to the tracking of the train rob- bers in southern San Joaquin Valley in 1898, just before he retired from office, he took a prominent part in every important man hunt in the state; was at the seat of danger wherever there was a disturb- ance, as in the Moquelemos grant and other set- tlers' troubles; and was in general a tower of strength on the side of law and order over the wide territory where his influence was felt and his determination known.

One of the leading characteristics of this remark- able man, that enabled him to hold an office con- tinuously for such a length of time, was his kindly sympathy for even the most hardened criminal. His manhood life abounded in deeds of charity, known only through the recipients of his generosity. Be- tween Thomas Cunningham in civil life and social intercourse with his fellowmen, and Sheriff Cun- ningham in his constant and fearless efforts for the suppression of crime within his jurisdiction, the line was sharply drawn, and one is at a loss to understand how these two qualities could combine to such a degree in the same individual .. An illustration of the peculiar tact and strategic ability that stood this veteran sheriff in hand throughout his brilliant ca- reer, is the following: When in 1894, during the extreme industrial depression of that year, a branch of that army of unemployed and impecunious men, on their way to Washington to present their griev- ances to the Government, rendezvoused at Sacra- mento, and remained for months, exhausting the hospitality of its citizens and disturbing the general peace of the community; the time came when they received orders to move on and they then com- menced preparation for a descent upon Stockton. Anticipating this visit Sheriff Cunningham appeared before the board of supervisors and submitted his plan of operation, asking their cooperation to the extent of appropriating a comparatively small sum of money to enable him to prevent this infliction upon the community. The supervisors heartily ap- proved the sheriff's plans, and freely voted the re- quired aid. The "army" was soon on the march; but they had heard of "Tom Cunningham," and approached the borders of this county with fore- bodings of a hostile reception. On reaching the

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county line, to their surprise, they were met by the sheriff, wearing his blandest smile, and with assur- ance of his hearty sympathy for them in their for- lorn condition, and that he would do all in his power to forward them toward their ultimate destination. He directed them to place their blankets and lug- gage on wagons he had drawn up for the purpose and after partaking of a lunch prepared for them, they were ready for the march to the camping ground in the city the sheriff had kindly provided for them. Arrived on Banner Island, a grand feast awaited them, comprising all the substantials and delicacies of the season, and the inner man being fully satisfied, they were in excellent good humor. About this time a tug with two barges, drew up to the landing. The sheriff then informed them he had yet one more proof to offer of his good intentions towards them. He had provided these barges to speed them on their journey toward their destination, to the extent of the navigable waters of the San Joaquin river. This announcement was received with loud acclamations of approval, and they thereupon embarked with alacrity, and were soon ready to bid adieu to Stockton and their good friend, Tom Cunningham.

In the conduct of the affairs of his office, nothing escaped the sheriff's searching scrutiny and he re- quired from his under-sheriff to the humblest at- tache of the county jail, the same orderly system and thoroughness in the discharge of the duties as- signed him, as he observed himself. As an instance of his reputation and influence among the criminal element is the following: A young emigrant from the rural districts of England, after working hard and faithfully for three years on a ranch in the Sacramento Valley, without once leaving the ranch, determined to make a trip to San Francisco and deposit his savings at interest in the Hibernia Bank; so taking a check for his three years' wages, he took the train for the metropolis. "Being of a trusting disposition, his fellow boarders in the house where he stopped were not long in finding out the reason of his trip to San Francisco. In a short time he was inveigled into a game of chance, made to en- dorse the check, and had soon lost every cent. The gamblers then magnanimously loaned him enough money to pay his way back to the ranch, where he arrived heartbroken from the loss of his three years' labor. In due time the check came back with another name endorsed upon it. The case was called to Mr. Cunningham's attention, and on his next trip to the city he took the check along with him. Calling upon his friend, the captain of the San Francisco de- tective force, he showed him the check and related the story. "Come along with me up the street," said the captain, "we will see what we can do." Arriv- ing at the gambler's place of business, Mr. Cunning- ham remained outside upon the sidewalk, while the captain went inside. Upon being shown the check, the gambler grew very indignant. "It was his own fault," said the gambler, "he took a chance at the game and lost his money." "He knew nothing about your game," said the captain; "you have robbed the poor man of his three years' savings, and I want the money back." "Where is your evidence?" said the gambler haughtily. "Tom Cunningham is waiting outside; he has come down especially on this thing; you know he generally gets what he goes after. I guess I will call him in." Like a shot the gambler was at the front door peering out stealthily. In a moment he returned trembling like a leaf. "What

are you going to do?" said the captain. "Well, don't make any disturbance and I'll dig up this time;" and he did, in hard gold coin to the amount of the check -such was the terror of the crooked fraternity of the name of "Tom Cunningham."

Sheriff Cunningham was known and honored by every officer of the law in California, from Oregon to San Diego, and from the mountains to the sea, for his bravery, sagacity, sterling integrity, and self- sacrificing devotion to the duties of his high and responsible office. For forty-five years Stockton was his home. Anything that came up for its betterment found him a ready supporter. Public-spirited, al- ways giving aid to those less fortunate than him- self; and it will never be known how much he gave away in private relief. He belonged to many orders which worked for the benefit of man. He was a member of Morning Star Lodge, F. & A. M .; Stock- ton Chapter, R. A. M .; Stockton Council, R. & S. M .; and Stockton Commandery, K. T. He was also a member of Charity Lodge, I. O. O. F., having joined in 1858; Stockton Lodge B. P. O. E .; Charter Oak Lodge, K. P .; and Iroquois Tribe of Red Men. He died suddenly of heart disease at Tuttletown, Tuolumne County, on November 26, 1900, while on a journey to a ratification meeting at Sonora after the political campaign of that year. His name was known throughout the length of California, and throughout the adjoining states, as a name that car- ried with it respect and honor among law-abiding citizens and fear among the criminal element; and his name stands out with that of C. M. Weber, the founder of the city, as one that Stockton prizes most during her first half century of existence. There is engraved upon his tombstone in the Stockton Rural Cemetery the following quotation emblematic of his life and death:

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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 71

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