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 79

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 79

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Cutler Salmon, who crossed the plains with the party of which Mr. Reynolds was a member, served in the Black Hawk War in Wisconsin and received from the U. S. Government a claim for 160 acres of land. David R. Reynolds purchased this claim from Mr. Salmon. This was at the time of the second election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency of the

United States and Mr. Lincoln's name appeared on the deed to Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds farmed this place from 1855 to 1860, then returned East via Panama to Wisconsin. There on May 11, 1862, he married Miss Isabel Harelson, a schoolmate of his boyhood. In 1864, with his bride, he crossed the plains the second time and located on his ranch where he farmed for fifty-two years before retiring and moving to Stockton. He at first owned 160 acres, but as his financial resources increased he added to this property until he owned 320 acres. In the early days grain ran about fifty bushels to the acre and Mr. Reynolds in addition raised consider- able stock which he pastured on the San Joaquin River. He was a member of the Grange and the cause of education and religion received his hearty support, serving for twenty-six years as trustee of the Union school district. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of five children: Melvin E., Clyde H. and Matt C. are deceased; and the two daughters, Henrietta and Gertrude Belle. There are two grand- children, the children of Clyde H .; Gertrude Isabel and M. Clinton. Miss Henrietta Reynolds is widely known for her activity in the restoration of the East Union Cemetery near Manteca. A number of years ago she undertook the plan to restore the church and cemetery to its former beauty and she has worked hard and faithfully among the families of the pioneers and with the aid of the Native Daugh- ters of California, the cemetery has been restored and is a monument to her efforts. A new wire fence has been built and a concrete archway constructed bearing the inscription "Union Cemetery, Memorial to the pioneers of the vicinity". A memorial tablet on the east side of the arch gives the names and dates of the deceased pioneers, the first name being that of W. O. Lewis who came to California via Mexico in 1846. This almost forgotten burial place of the hardy pioneers now shows signs of loving care and the residents of San Joaquin County owe a last- ing debt of gratitude to Miss Reynolds for her ef- forts in restoring this noted and historic cemetery. Miss Gertrude Belle Reynolds is an elocutionist of ex- ceptional ability and a great favorite at Stockton where she has appeared repeatedly at concerts and entertainments. Perhaps no other of Stockton's daughters has received as numerous and flattering press notices as has Miss Reynolds.

D. R. Reynolds is one of California's most hon- ored pioneers. When living at Hangtown, he be- came acquainted with Mr. J. M. Studebaker, in 1853. Their acquaintance grew into a lasting friend- ship. Later on Mr. Studebaker went back to his old home at South Bend, Indiana, and then began to build wagons and buggies on an extensive scale. Mr. Studebaker stuck with the gold camp at Hang- town for five years. He did not meet with any great success as a gold-miner, so directed his energies to making wheelbarrows and tunnel cars in a small shop at Hangtown, which was the real beginning of the great Studebaker manufacturing concern, now one of the greatest corporations in the land.

On May 11, 1922, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds cele- brated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage at their home 745 East Sonora Street, Stockton, which was a happy event in the lives of these old and es- teemed pioneers. Mr. Reynolds has a clear mind and a remarkable memory of the events of the early days, his own experience in mining at Hangtown,

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the depredations of bandits and the swift justice meted out by the Vigilantes. His name should be endur- ingly inscribed upon the records of the early set- tlers of San Joaquin County.

ANTHONY HUNTER .- Among one of the most prominent and influential of the early day pioneers of San Joaquin County who left his impress on the development of this famed section and garden spot of the world was the late Anthony Hunter, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, March 10, 1819. He was a son of Anthony and Eliza (Lynn) Hunter. The mother died when he was a youth, but his father lived to the age of eighty years.

When a mere lad, Anthony, with his grandmother, left Ireland for Glasgow, where he was reared in her home, and was set to work at menial labor in a dis- tillery. From childhood he had a strong inclination toward prohibition and rebelled at being compelled to remain long at such a task, and all this time he never tasted liquor. He was liberal in thought, set in his ways, and inclined strongly to freedom, his aim was to start in a new land. So he chose the country of the Stars and Stripes for its liberal gov- ernment and for the untrammeled opportunities it afforded.

He boarded a westbound sailing vessel, the "Lord Ashburton," and landed in New York in February of 1844. He went directly to Monroe County, Ohio, and there he invested $500 in a fifty-acre farm; this he held two years and sold to good advantage for $1,000. The next five years he was employed at various jobs, being located near Wheeling, W. Va., as a dairy farmer for a time.

In 1851 he decided to come to California. The jour- ney was made from New York to Aspinwall on an old side-wheeler. He then crossed the Isthmus on muleback to Panama, where he boarded a steamer and arrived in San Francisco August 1, 1851. He went directly to the mines in Calaveras County, and he was occupied at prospecting for nine years, making a marked success, but discontinued it in 1860.

In 1863 Mr. Hunter purchased a ranch of 500 acres near Waterloo, where he engaged extensively as a wheat grower. This ranch he sold in 1867. He went back to Ohio, visiting friends in that state, then went to New York, where he visited in the city and as far west in the state as Westfield. The trip, besides being very pleasant, was also an educational one for him. In 1868 he returned to California and was mar- ried at Murphys, being united to Miss Eliza J. Mc- Gill, the ceremony taking place June 8, 1868.

In 1868 Mr. Hunter bought a ranch on the Cop- peropolis Road, in a favored section nine miles east of Stockton. Having noticed the natural climatic conditions favoring that locality, as well as the won- derful fertility of the soil which made it possible to raise large crops in a succession of years, he acted as his insight directed. His first investment was a ranch of 120 acres-the home place; the residence was, suitably remodeled and has been the Hunter home ever since. He was also a prominent figure in financial circles in Stockton. On his ranch he devel- oped a small orchard and set out a vineyard. Mean- time, after a succession of favorable years, he in- vested in 322 acres eleven miles east of Stockton on the Linden Road, which is now owned by Miss Hun- ter. He was one of the first in that part of the coun-

ty who demonstrated the adaptability of the soil for fruit raising.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter was blessed with a daughter, Jennie Mateer Hunter, who was a delight and comfort to her parents. As she grew up she displayed marked business acumen. Her father took her into his confidence and close associa- tion with him in varied business affairs. His death, occurring as it did on January 21, 1891, was a severe loss to his family and many friends. He was reared a Presbyterian and he held to that denomination; but he was liberal, and as a Christian man he contributed freely to all denominations. Quiet and unassuming, but kind-hearted and generous, he aided much in the development of the valley and the great state which he loved.

MRS. ELIZA J. HUNTER .- It is interesting to chronicle the life history of the pioneer women who in their prime entered the wilderness, braving the perils of savage beast and who endured the hardship and privation incident to the conquering of the virgin soil they claimed as their heritage. Such a worthy character is found in the story of the life of the late Mrs. Eliza J. Hunter, who was born in County Down, Ireland, August 31, 1839.

She was reared at the country home of her parents in Ireland, her education being obtained in the local schools of her native land. Her father, Joseph Ma- gill, was also born in County Down, Ireland, and his father, Thomas Magill, was born in Scotland; he, in turn, was a son of Lord Magill of Scotland, who fought for the freedom of Scotland, and during the reign of Cromwell left his native heath with his fam- ily for Ireland, settling in County Down, where he could have religious freedom. Thomas Magill was a farmer in Ireland and a very ardent Presbyterian, observing very strictly the discipline of the church, and insisting on each member of the family observ- ing the Sabbath Day. This same religious zealous- ness was adhered to by his son, Joseph, and his de- scendants. Mrs. Hunter's mother was Jennie Ma- teer, also born in County Down, of Scotch parentage.

In 1866 Eliza J. Magill came to America with her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Doug- lass, and in 1868 she arrived in San Francisco. Miss Magill had two cousins, Mrs. Johnston . and Mr. McKee at San Andreas, Calaveras County, and to their respective homes she went to visit.

On June 8, 1868, at Murphys, she was married to Anthony Hunter, with whom she passed a happy married life of almost twenty-three years. Immedi- ately after her marriage she took up her residence and duties on the frontier farm of her husband; here she aided him in his ambition, and they became very successful, accumulating a large acreage. Their only daughter, Jennie Mateer Hunter, was the pride and light of their home, and after the father's death the two lived together and managed the large affairs be- queathed them by Mr. Hunter, and were inseparable in their companionship.

Mrs. Hunter lived twenty-four years and seven months after her husband's passing away, retaining her faculties unimpaired until her death, September 14, 1915. A woman highly honored and beloved, she was a devout member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockton; by her simple, earnest, and Chris- tian life she left an influence for good in the com- munity and was indeed a great benefactor.

A Hunter

Eliza& Hunter

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

MISS JENNIE MATEER HUNTER .- Worthily perpetuating the name of a highly honored pioneer family, Miss Jennie Mateer Hunter is a native daugh- ter born on the Hunter homestead near Linden, San Joaquin County. Her parents, the late Anthony and Eliza J. (Magill) Hunter, natives of Ireland of Scotch parentage, were pioneers of the Golden State. Miss Hunter was afforded an unusually good home on com- pleting the public schools. She entered and com- pleted a business course at the Stockton Business College, finishing her education at the celebrated Mills Seminary, Oakland.

In the meantime she was acquiring a thorough knowledge of the ranching business in close associa- tion with her beloved father prior to his death, Jan- uary 21, 1891, and on his death he bequeathed her a ranch of 322 acres, a valuable legacy. However, she remained with her mother at the old Hunter home, ministering to her comfort at all times as well as looking after her business interests; she thus relieved her mother from all unnecessary worry and care. This she faithfully carried out with a daughter's true devotion. She was constantly at her mother's side during the latter's declining years, and no wish was ever left ungratified. On September 14, 1915, at the passing of Mrs. Hunter, death separated the two who had been so closely attached for nearly twenty-five years after the death of her father.

Miss Hunter is a prominent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockton, and is active in itt many benevolences. She is a member of the auxiliary of the San Joaquin County Pioneers. Intensely inter- ested in ranching, she has been a keen student of progressive ideas and advance made in farming meth- ods, and attributes her success to the selection of assistants in her extensive enterprise. In May, 1921 Miss Hunter accompanied the famous Lundy party on an extended travel tour of the British Isles and Continental Europe. Four months were occupied in the trip, the return being made September 17, 1921. While thus engaged, Miss Hunter made a side trip alone into Ireland, visiting the home in County Down, Ireland, in which occurred the birth of her grand- mother, Jennie Mateer Magill; here she met old-time relatives and enjoyed their hospitality. Aside from the many pleasurable experiences, Miss Hunter re- gards the trip from the standpoint of an education, and one which is never to be forgotten.

MRS. CELESTA ANN HICKOK .- Among the honored and esteemed pioneer women of San Joa- quin County the name of Mrs. Celesta Ann Hickok brings to mind the days of '49, the year her parents arrived in California and located at Sutter's Fort, where two days later our subject was born; thus she is the first child born at that historic place. Her birth occurred on July 6, 1849, and she was the eldest child of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Twitch- ell, the father a native of Ohio and his wife, formerly Irene Hopper, a native of Kentucky. Grandmother Hannah (Moore) Hopper, born in Ireland, lived to be 110 years old. She came to Kentucky when fifteen; was there married to William Hopper, who lived to be 105. They are both buried at San Juan. On the paternal side, Grandfather Joshua Twitchell lacked two months of reaching 100 years, and his wife, Ursula (Knight) Twitchell reached 101. They also are buried at San Juan. The party crossed the plains in a covered wagon, drawn by a pair of cows

and a yoke of oxen and they passed the winter of '48 and '49 at Salt Lake City and on July 4, 1849, arrived at the south entrance of Sutter's Fort. When the miners learned of the birth of the little babe they were eager to see her and soon began to gather in large numbers. Of course they wanted to christen her, but the mother said her name was to be Celesta Ann; however, the miners always called her "Cali- fornia Flower." In 1864 the family came to San Juan and there they made their home, both passing away in Paso Robles.

The first marriage of Celesta Ann Twitchell oc- curred at Santa Cruz when she was fifteen years old and united her with William A. Stowell, also an early pioneer of California, who followed teaming and blacksmithing. He then removed to the San Juan Valley, near Hollister, and there the greater part of her life was spent and there her nine children were born: William L. and George D., of Fresno; Ellen, Mrs. James Rardin, of Centralia, Wash .; Franklin, deceased; Seth M. and Henry, of Rock- lin; Fred B., of Stockton; Hattie, Mrs. George Mar- shall, of Berkeley; and Nettie, Mrs. Henry Jones, also of Rocklin. There are twenty-four grandchil- dren and ten great-grandchildren, the eldest of whom is now fifteen years old.

Subsequent to the demise of Mr. Cowell on June 8, 1908, she was married to William Hickok, a native of Pennsylvania, born April 13, 1846, a son of Noah and Eliza (Pratt) Hickok, both natives of Pennsyl- vania. Noah Hickok crossed the plains in 1852; four yoke of oxen hitched to a prairie schooner hauled the supplies, a span of horses hitched to a wagon and a riding horse completed the outfit. The span of horses arrived in fine condition and were sold at Sacramento for $600. Mr. Hickok first settled at Cold Springs, Cal., where he mined for a time; then in 1857 took up 160 acres of Government land seven miles north of Stockton on the Lower Sacramento Road and plied his trade of blacksmith at Wood- bridge; the house where they lived is still standing. William Hickok is one of six children, himself and brother, Sylvender, being the only two living today.

The former worked on ranches and learned the blacksmith trade with his father until he was twenty- one years old, when he set out to earn his own way following his trade in various parts of the state. When he was fifteen years old he worked in the grocery store of Mark Lawson and delivered grocer- ies to every house in Stockton. In 1903 he gave up blacksmithing and engaged in farming and dairying at Dos Palos, later at Turlock, and still later Paso Robles. In 1910 he purchased the Dorling ranch of thirty acres near French Camp and brought his stock from Paso Robles. He always raised a fine herd - of Guernsey cattle and was successful in all that he undertook. In 1917 he sold his ranch and retired to pass the remainder of his days in rest and quiet and Mr. and Mrs. Hickok now reside at Stockton, 816 East Clay Street.

In 1864 Mr. Hickok enlisted in the Eighth Califor- nia Infantry, which later became heavy artillery and was stationed at Fort Point, San Francisco harbor. He is a member of Hartford Post, G. A. R., Lodi, and Mrs. Hickok is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps and the Ladies of the G. A. R. Mr. Hickok is the father of nine children by two former mar- riages, all of whom are living, as follows: Nellie; Howard, of Salinas; Ella, Mrs. Jane O'Hare, of

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Palo Alto; Fred, of Salinas; Ada, Mrs. Davlin; Stella Hickok, Mrs. Lena Griffin, Walter and Viola, all of San Francisco. In the '49 parade held at Sac- ramento in May, 1922, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok occu- pied a prominent place and received much attention, for they are truly pioneers. On July 22, 1922, to enjoy a family reunion at her residence at 816 East Clay Street, her eight children, fifteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and other relatives, gathered for the occasion.

JOHN CHRISMAN .- Born in Pennsylvania Sep- tember 30, 1831, the late John Chrisman went through the public schools of the day and then at- tended a private school, the Phoenixville Classical Institute, taking a mathematical and civil engineering course. He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Yeager) Chrisman, both natives of Pennsylvania, the old homestead being located within a few miles of historic Valley Forge, and Grandfather Chrisman, a soldier in the Continental Army, was with Wash- ington at Valley Forge.

At the age of twenty-two, John Chrisman emi- grated to Illinois where he resided four years, when he visited his old home in Pennsylvania and then returned to Illinois where he was to join an immi- grant train for California. In the spring of 1859 they left Mt. Carroll, Ill., for California, seven wagons drawn by oxen comprising the train as it drew out of Mt. Carroll; among the party were the following, all of whom are now deceased: Cyrus Needham, James Fields, Judge Briggs of San Jose, William Firmin, and others. Judge Briggs served as captain of the party and John Chrisman was chosen first lieutenant. The party originally started for Pike's Peak, Colo., but after leaving Platte River, they encountered a wagon train of emigrants on their return to the East and from them they learned that gold was not to be found in sufficient quantities to warrant settling there, so the party headed toward Carson Sink, and after six months and a half the train drew into what is now French Camp in Sep- tember, 1859. Mr. Chrisman and a friend by the name of Rapp went to Knights Ferry where they worked with their five yoke of oxen. Later they worked for McHenry and Brewster further down on the Stanislaus, hauling material into the mountains. Then they rented land on the Stanislaus and for two years raised corn. From the Stanislaus Mr. Chrisman transferred his activities to San Jose and for seven years farmed near Alum Rock, this during the Civil War days. He joined the regular state militia and was first lieutenant of Company E, Fifth Cavalry. In the fall of 1867 with Cyrus and Charles Needham he moved to this section, and bought 200 acres just east of town, now known as the P. P. Schmidt place, on which he erected a small-house, hauling the lum- ber from San Jose. In those days there was nothing better than a trail, and no towns between Livermore and Stockton.

Mr. Chrisman was always a stanch Republican, and a great admirer of President Lincoln, voting for him in 1860 and in 1864, and in politics was numbered among the leaders in San Joaquin County. For years he was a member of the Republican County Central Committee, and a school trustee of the Banta district, and after the change in district boundaries, was for many years trustee of Willow district which later became the Tracy district. He was a pillar in the Presbyterian Church, was active in establishing the

present church in Tracy and for years was a member of its board of trustees. When old age necessitated his retirement he presented his resignation, but in- stead of accepting it the trustees made him an hon- orary member for life.

Mr. Chrisman was united in marriage in Santa Clara with Miss Ruth A. Hobson, and they were the parents of two children, Ruth A. and Elizabeth L. She passed away in 1869 and in 1873 he was married to Mrs. Savilla L. (Needham) Hatfield, a sister of Cyrus Needham, a member of the party crossing the plains with Mr. Chrisman, and one son, John C, was born to this union. Mrs. Chrisman was born in Ver- mont in 1846 and accompanied her parents to Illinois in 1852. Coming to California in 1869, she rode on the first train of the Central Pacific to traverse the western division into the San Joaquin County. On September 30, 1921, Mr. Chrisman was honored by his fellow-citizens upon the occasion of his ninetieth anniversary, taking him by surprise and remember- ing him kindly with presents and other marks of their respect. His death occurred May 23, 1922. Mrs. Christmas continues to live at the old home in Tracy.

JACOB PRESTON SARGENT, M. D .- Among the many notable families who have lived in San Joaquin County, perhaps no one was more widely or favorably known than the Sargents, and Dr. Jacob Preston Sargent was a worthy representative of this pioneer family. A native Californian, he was born on the old Sargent ranch in San Joaquin County, June 8, 1863, the son of Roswell C. Sargent, more familiarly known as Ross Sargent. The father was born in New Hampshire in 1821 and descended from sturdy New England stock. His earlier years were spent on the home farm, and when eighteen years of age he moved to Boston, where for a short period he worked for wages, afterward engaging in the milk business with his brother, J. P. Sargent. In 1847 he went to Chicago and was the pioneer ice merchant of that city. This enterprise he conducted for about two years, and in 1849, in company with his two brothers, J. L. and J. P. Sargent, he started overland for California, arriving on October 13, 1849. For a year and a half they engaged in mining, merchandis- ing and teaming in Placerville, but in 1851 came to San Joaquin County, preempted. land and started farming. From that time he began increasing his holdings by purchase and by reclamation of the rich overflowed land so that he became one of the largest landholders in the county, his holdings reaching in the neighborhood of 25,000 acres. Mr. Sargent used up-to-date methods in farming and was notably suc- cessful .. He invested heavily in different manufactur- ing enterprises in the county and also in city prop- erty in Stockton. As the years passed, these holdings have grown enormously in value, and at the time of his death, June 15, 1902, he left an extremely valuable estate. Mr. Sargent was popular with all classes of people. He was an unassuming man and always showed great consideration for the rights of other people. Liberal and charitable to almost an excess, it is not strange that his death caused genuine sorrow in the homes of a large percentage of the people who knew and honored him. Mr. Sargent left two chil- dren, Jacob Preston, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. F. N. Vail, of San Francisco.

Jacob Preston Sargent began his education in the district school in the vicinity of his home until four-

Jacob Preston Sargent AN,

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

teen years of age, after which he went for three years to St. Matthew's Hall at San Mateo, and for the two succeeding years to a private institution in Napa Valley. After this he attended for about six months at the San Joaquin Valley College at Woodbridge. He then commenced attendance on medical lectures at Cooper Medical College, San Francisco, remaining two years. In the latter part of 1884 he commenced at Bellevue Medical College, New York, and was graduated there May 4, 1886. He practiced in the out-door department of Bellevue Hospital until the latter part of that year, when he returned to Califor- nia. After practicing about three months in San Francisco, he went back to the ranch, and devoted his entire attention to the management of the estate, the large interests absorbing most of his time. At this time, the Sargent ranch consists of 3,700 acres, of which 183 acres are in vineyard, 1,000 acres de- voted to grain raising, 2,000 acres in pasture and some in alfalfa. The vineyard is under the Stockton-Mo- kelumne irrigation system.

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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 79

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