USA > California > San Joaquin County > History of the State of California and biographical record of San Joaquin County; containing biographis of well-known citizens of the past and present. Volume II > Part 20
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William Dennis went to Big Oak Flat and later to Murphy's, where his knowledge of the machin- ist's trade made him of valuable assistance in setting up the first sawmill in Calaveras county. In 1854 he went to Willow Creek and established a lumber enterprise, besides which he bought and sold stock, two industries which he carried on successfully until 1868. The next year he went to Virginia City, Nev., and there he died after a short illness soon afterward. His mar- riage, November 8, 1855, united him with Miss Delphina J. Eaton, the daughter of True and Abigail T. (Comins) Eaton, natives of New England, although the later years of their lives were passed under the balmy skies of California. Three children were born of this marriage. The eldest, George B., died June 5, 1870, at the age of thirteen years; the youngest, William S., resides on the old homestead at Jenny Lind, Calaveras county.
T. Lewis Dennis, the oldest child living in the parental family, was born March 10, 1859, at Willow Creek, near San Andreas, Calaveras county. When he was eight years old his father moved to Jenny Lind, in that county, and bought a large ranch upon which the family was living at the time the death of the father occurred. The son was educated in the public schools of the town during his earlier years, and later was sent to San Francisco to complete his school training. After the close of the course he remained in the metropolis for a time, having secured a position in the office of Newton Brothers, commission merchants of that city. After giving this up he came to Stockton, in 1878, and for some time thereafter was engaged in a clerical capacity with various firms. At the death of William O. Cut- ler in 1897, he returned to the home ranch at Jenny Lind, Calaveras county, where for the fol- lowing eight years he engaged in ranching and mining. In 1902, however, he relinquished the active duties of ranch life and has since made his home in Stockton, where he has erected a com- fortable residence at No. 1445 North Commerce street, which he occupies with his mother, the widow of William O. Cutler. Mr. Dennis still
has large interests in Calaveras county, being a part owner with his mother and brother in two gold dredgers in operation on the old home ranch.
Mr. Dennis is a very prominent and active worker in the Odd Fellows order, of which he has been a inember since January 20, 1882, at which time he joined Stockton Lodge No. II. Not only has he passed through all the chairs of his lodge, but he is also affiliated with and an ac- tive worker in all of the auxiliary bodies of the order, being a member of the Parker Encamp- ment No. 3, of which he has been a member since August 2, 1887; and of the Patriarch Militant Branch, Canton Ridgley No. 15, and is also a member of Lebanon Lodge of Rebekahs, No. 4I. In May, 1903, after having served twenty-one years in the Odd Fellows' order, Mr. Dennis became affiliated with the Veteran Odd Fellows Association of California.
LUTHER PARK WHITMAN.
The association of the name of Whitman with California dates back "to the days of old, the days of gold, the days of '49," for it was in that year that Mr. Whitman landed upon her shores, having made the voyage from Boston around Cape Horn. He was associated with his uncle in the ownership of the vessel on which they made the voyage, as well as being part owner of the cargo. The latter they disposed of read- ily in San Francisco, after which they sent the ship back.
For several years after his arrival in the me- tropolis Mr. Whitman made his home in San Francisco, but later went to Sonora, where in addition to mining he carried on a merchandise business for some time. Subsequently he gave this up and came to Stockton, establishing here
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the pioneer lumber yard, in connection with which he also ran his own ships. This was one of the thriving industries in the young town and proved a great impetus in encouraging other business men to establish themselves here. With a desire to lead a more retired life, Mr. Whit- man went to Empire, Stanislaus county, and settled on land near the old McMullen ranch, and there he made his home until about 1896, when he again came to Stockton, and here lived retired for a few years, after which he went to Sacramento. At his death, which occurred in Sacramento in 1904, the state lost one of her early pioneers and San Francisco and Stockton one of their earliest business men, for in both cities he inaugurated lumber and shipping in- terests which have continued to the present time.
EDWARD REES THOMPSON.
The history of a community is best told in the lives of its citizens, and when these citizens are men of forceful character, progressive and public- spirited, giving of the best in their lives not alone to the upbuilding of their own fortunes and the furthering of their own personal interests, but to the establishment and maintenance of enterprises calculated to advance the general welfare of those about them, then indeed is such a career worthy of a place in the highest type of citizenship. Such qualities and characteristics were pre-eminent in the life of the late Edward Rees Thompson, whose accomplishments in legal, business and fra- ternal circles in Stockton made him one of the best-known and most highly respected citizens in this part of the state. Death came to him at his home in this city March 7, 1909, after a lingering illness of many months.
A native son of San Joaquin county, Edward R. Thompson was born at Woodbridge, March
13, 1864, the son of John C. and Caroline ( Rut- ledge) Thompson, early settlers in this western commonwealth. On another page of this volume will be found mention of John C. Thompson, and the family history appears therein, showing that they were pioneers of San Joaquin county and have long been prominently associated with the material development of this part of the state. Primarily educated in country schools, Edward R. Thompson later was sent to Woodbridge Col- lege and there took the regular course of study. On the completion of his classical education he took up the study of law in the University of California, from which he was graduated in 1888, at the age of twenty-four years. Immediately subsequent to graduation he was admitted to the bar before the supreme court of the state. His initial training in his chosen profession was as managing clerk in the office of Louttit, Woods & Levinsky. Later he became a law partner with J. J. Paulsell, and still later was associated with Judge Baldwin, under the name of Baldwin & Thompson, this partnership continuing until the death of the judge. Subsequently John E. Budd and Mr. Thompson formed a partnership under the name of Budd & Thompson, which existed up to the time of the death of Mr. Thompson. At the time of his death Mr. Thompson was serving his third term as city attorney, during which time he had been the legal advisor of the municipality, with credit to himself and the city. He entered the office during the term of Mayor William Inglis, was continued under Mayor Har- rison, and finally was appointed by the Democrat- ic majority of the council elected after the new charter went into effect. As an official of the city he protected its interests and promoted its wel- fare. His work in the office received the warm- est approval and elicited favorable comments as to his ability and professional knowledge. Stanch in his allegiance to the Democratic party, and ac- tive in local, county and state politics, Mr. Thompson never displayed partisanship in his opinions, but was liberal and broad-minded, an 1 hence won popularity among the people of all parties. Mr. Thompson was recognized as che
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of the ablest practitioners of this section of the state. He was counsel for several prominent interests and by reason of his scholarly attain- ments and excellent judgment had built up a fine law practice.
At his death Mr. Thompson left a large estate. Among his real-estate holdings was the former site of the Stockton Iron works, at the corner of California and Weber streets, in which enter- prise he was financially interested. In fraternal relations he became a prominent Mason, belong- ing to Woodbridge Lodge No. 131, F. & A. M., the Stockton Chapter, Stockton Commandery K. T., and Islam Temple, N. M. S. Socially he was a member of the Yosemite Club. All improve- ments tending to the good of the city and county received his support and to them he gave gener- ously of time, influence, and means.
JAMES WALLACE KERRICK.
The Kerrick family was an old and influ- ential one in Kentucky, where the grandfather, Harrison Kerrick, was making his home at the time of the Revolutionary war, and two suc- ceeding generations have had their origin in that southern state. James Kerrick, the father, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., and his wife, Rachel McKernan, was also of southern birth, being a native of Virginia. A son of these par- ents, James W. Kerrick, was born in Nelson county, Ky., October 22, 1831. When a child of five years the parents removed to Randolph county, Ill., four years later going to Arkansas, and after remaining there the same length of time they settled in Missouri, and it was there that their son acquired the greater part of his school instruction, attending first the district school, and later having private instruction.
In 1853 the family made their final and most important move, that year marking their advent
into California. The party of which they formed a part comprised one hundred and forty-eight men, thirteen women and eleven children. With twenty-six wagons the party proceeded from Independence, Mo., to Fort Kearney, thence to Fort Laramie, via Sublett's cut-off, Steamboat Springs and the Humboldt river. At the sink of the Humboldt they left the main route and pro- ceeded by way of Sonora into California, theirs being the first party to take this route. On the way they ran out of provisions and had to sub- sist on their cattle until reaching Relief Camp, where supplies had been sent out to them. At Sonora the train disbanded, and with the seven hundred head of cattle which Mr. Kerrick drove across the plains he settled on land about four- teen miles from Sonora, where for a time he raised hay. From there he went to Tuolumne county, and during the four years he remained there he followed farming and also hauled freight and lumber to the mines. For much of the latter labor, however, he never received any pay.
In 1857 Mr. Kerrick came to San Joaquin county and purchased the ranch on which he now lives, this formerly being the property of Dr. Chalmers. After bringing the ranch to a high state of cultivation he took a needed rest in 1883, visiting a number of the eastern states, and while he was away from home on this trip he was elected to the legislature on the Demo- cratic ticket. He served as chairman of the com- mittee on overflowed lands, and was also a mem- ber of the committee on county government and agriculture. At the close of his second term he declined to serve longer and thereafter re- turned to private life, taking up his residence in Stockton. He was not long permitted to re- main out of office, however, for in 1891 he was elected county treasurer and was thereafter re- elected four times, serving in all twelve years, and for the past fifteen years he has taken part in every Democratic state convention. After this prolonged term of service he moved back to the ranch and as far as possible is living a quiet, retired life.
A.W. Brooks.
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Kerrick's marriage, which occurred Jan- uary 17, 1868, united him with Katherine Uriell, a native of Iowa, and seven children, four sons and three daughters, have been born of their marriage. The eldest child, John Wallace, is a bookkeeper in San Francisco; Harrison is em- ployed in the United States Forestry Reserve : Alice Maria is the wife of Thomas Downey, of Modesto, and the mother of four children, three daughters and one son; Cordelia is a music teacher, following her profession in Oakland; Charles Sylvanus attended the naval academy at Annapolis, Md., having received his appoint- ment at Sacramento, and after his graduation in 1892 was on the ship Oregon for some time or until sent to the Philippines, where he re- mained for about three years ; later he was trans- ferred to the Atlantic fleet, which he is now ac- companying as commander of the Truxton; Walter Carrol is an actor and singer, having an excellent baritone voice; the youngest child, Evelyn, is now attending the State Normal school at San Francisco. Politically Mr. Ker- rick is a stanch Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to Stockton Lodge, Order of Elks.
CAPT. A. W. BROOKS.
The title which Captain Brooks won as a result of his many years of seafaring life still clings to him, although for about fifteen years he has been a landsman and a resident of Stockton. He was born in Wales, February 28, 1829, and when a lad of only eleven years shipped as a cabin boy on vessels bound for far-distant ports. During one of these voyages, in 1849, he entered the port of Suez, at the head of the Red sea. This was prior to the construction of the canal, and he well recalls the novel sight of camels transport- ing freight across the Isthmus on their backs.
After following the sea continuou Is for about twelve years Captain Brooks cante to Callformu in 1852, having been attracted here on vousml of the reported wealth to be had for devine the mines. The fact that he left the mine -sms months later and returned to life on the is conclusive evidence that his expectation were not wholly realized in his new undertaking Hle shipped as quarter-master on a vessel be tel fer Panama, steadily rising from this position, low- ever, until he held the position of second weniger on ocean liners. A desire to once more try his luck in searching for the yellow metal took him to the mines again in 1855, this time with better success, judging from the fact that lie continued in the mines steadily from that year until 1866. A call to his old life once more at- tracted him to the sea, but he finally gave tlar up in 1894. and has since been a re ilent ní Stockton, and one of the city's dependable buni ness men. He is president of the Stockion Ic and Fuel Company (of which he was one of the organizers), and he is also president of the San Joaquin Brick Company. Captain Brooks, an sociated with J. D. Peters and Arthur Corneall. built the Frolic, the first tug beat on the river used for towing schooners up the river This cost $10,000 : they later built a four hurel barge to carry grain to San Francisco, an1 . the business increased added four more to their equipment. Freight rates startel at $1 50 per ton, but came down to St. They also beil the stern wheeler Herold, now owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and tive Leader was also built and put in commimin: this was partially burned in March, Byn Cap- tain Brooks was one of the organizers ni the San Joaquin Improvement Company, while era the beginning of the present Califorris Naviga- tion and Improvement Company
Captain Brooks was married in Too' mine county, in 1857. to Miss Martha Bober. woo ar her death, in 1889, left two daughters, Florence and Eva. Outside of his home ar l Mworm interests there is probably nothing that has a stronger hold on the affections of Caprain Produ
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than the fraternal associations with which he is connected, and in Morning Star Lodge, F. & A. M., and Stockton Lodge No. 218 B. P. O. E., he is counted one of the most valuable members. Although he takes an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his adopted country Captain Brooks does not take an active part in the workings of either of the great political parties, and has never had any desire to come before the people in a public capacity. He has now reached the venerable age of eighty years and is in the enjoyment of all his faculties. For some years past the family home has been at No. 838 North San Joaquin street.
PUTMAN VISHER.
Possessed of a temperament that fitted him for the endurance of frontier hardships, Putman Visher came to the regions of the southwest at a time when large opportunity was afforded for the exercise of his natural instincts. Many and varied have been his experiences in the meantime, but he has surmounted them all and has become recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the community in which he has made his home for over half a century, half of this time having been passed in Stockton.
On the Mohawk river, near Schenectady, N. Y., Putman Visher was born November 16, 1836, into the home of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Put- man) Visher, in the development of which sec- tion of country the Putman family took an active part. Putman Visher passed his boyhood amid the scenes of his birth, attending the public schools of the village near his home, and when not at- tending the short school term, assisting his father with the chores on the farm. The finding of gold in California was not to pass without having its effect on the Visher family, for among the
argonauts who sought this eldorado in '49 was Se- bastian Visher. Leaving his family in the east,. he set out with a party of others equally anxious to make their fortunes in the mines, and after a long, tedious journey finally reached San Joa- quin county, Cal. After reaching his destination and realizing the possibilities that might be de- veloped for a permanent residence, he secured land and began its cultivation, carrying this on. in connection with mining interests on the Sacra- mento river. After three years of hard work Mr. Visher felt justified in sending for his fam- ily, July 5, 1852, witnessing their departure from New York on the ship Ohio. The journey across. the Isthmus was varied indeed, being made by rail, boat and on the backs of mules, and upon. reaching the Pacific side they embarked on a vessel which landed them in due time in San Francisco, on August 13.
Putman Visher was less than sixteen years of age when he reached his new home in the west,. and it was here that his life began in earnest. He- at once took charge of the ranch which his father had purchased in San Joaquin county, and contin- ued its management until attaining his majority. With only $10 to his credit, he started out for himself at this age. After securing a loan of $3,000 he purchased cattle in Monterey county and brought them to his ranch, later selling them at a good advance. His next venture, taking a band of sheep on shares, was likewise successful,. but his career was not to be without its reverses, as later developments proved. After disposing of his sheep he undertook a general ranching enter- prise in which, in eighteen months, he lost all. the money he had previously saved. He then ob- tained employment on a levee which his father was building, having charge of the work as su- perintendent for six months. With the proceeds. of his work during this time he bought a team of six horses and began freighting to Aurora, Nev., and while in that locality drove an ox-team in one of the logging camps for a time. He next freighted to the Reese river country, but mis- fortune again overtook him, this time in the death of four of his horses. Going to the town of Wash-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ington, he carried on teaming there for a time, and later, in 1863, embarked in the butcher busi- ness there. Later, in the vicinity of Modesto, he engaged in ranching in partnership with his brother John, but at the end of one year he be- came sole owner of the enterprise and continued it alone for a like period.
Following the disposition of his interests in Stanislaus county Mr. Visher came to San Joa- quin county, renting a ranch on the French Camp road which he carried on for two years. His first purchase of land in the county consisted of one hundred and sixty acres of land just south of Stockton, on which he began ranching on a modest scale. From time to time he was enabled to add to his original purchase, until he finally owned eleven hundred acres all in one body. In 1884, however, he discontinued its management and took up his residence in Stockton, in order to give his children better educational facilities. Some time after locating in the city he pur- chased a barley mill on Hunter street, which he conducted until 1903, but he still continues his interest in the ranch and stock industry which he managed personally until removing into the city.
Mr. Visher's marriage occurred September 17, 1866, and united him with Miss Lucy H. Gard- ner, a native of Maine. At her death, in Sep- tember, 1870, she left one son, John Foster, who is superintending a sugar plantation in Hawaii. Some time after the death of his first wife Mr. Visher was married to Miss Louisa Wolf, this union resulting in the birth of two daughters, Hattie M. and Myrtle. Fraternally Mr. Visher is a member of Morning Star Lodge No. 68, F. & A. M., and also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. No one has had greater faith in the future of Stockton than has Mr. Visher, and he has shown this faith by a hearty willingness to contribute of time, means and advice toward any object inaugurated for the city's upbuilding. He holds membership in the Central Methodist Church, in which he has served as a trustee, and at the time of the building of the present house of worship he gave efficient service as a member
of the building committee. The alvarocment of the moral atmosphere in his home city Las ever been a subject dear to Mr. Vi hier's leant, and his accomplishments along this line have had a telling effect in the Young Men's Cheuran Association of this city, which for a tire le served as president.
J. H. SMYTHE.
The life of this honored pioneer of 1840 bal its beginning in county Antrim, north of Ireland, February 9, 1822, and its end cante in. 1855 after sixty-three years of activity andl usefulness The family which he represented was af premi- nent lineage in the amals of Ireland, where Is parents, Samuel and Mary ( Adam) Smythe, hell a high position in the niost refined circles of so- ciety. The mother died at the age of ciglio five years in 1865, and the father, who ownol and operated a large farm, was seventy at the time of his demise. Reading had given then a luail culture and they aspired to give their children advantages which they had been denied in their early years. One of their sons, Sammel, wis cfo cated for the ministry anl at the age of twenty- two he assumed a Presbyterian pastorale at Dra- perston, where he remained until his death torte years later. Meanwhile he was hovered an Ile- loved by the people among when he by way cast, and into their homes he went, welcomed alike in times of joy and of sorrow, cheering chie sick, helping the sorrowing and beefriesling che needy.
It was the intention of the parents that the son J. H. also should enter the numery, and with that ambition in view they gave bon e ceptional educational advantages ior that day and locality. However, his tastes were tid in the direction of ministerial work and after be fad
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studied some years he decided that he would seek other avenues of activity. Coming to America in 1842, he settled in Texas and there engaged in ranching for five years or more. Dur- ing 1849 he came to California via the isthmus. For a time after arriving in this state he mined at Columbia, Tuolumne county, and at Sonora, same county, but he met with no special good luck. His next venture was in the hauling of freight from Knight's Ferry to Columbia and Sonora, and later he had several teams hauling copper from the copper mines to Stockton. In 1859 he bought with school-scrip a raw tract of nine hundred and seventy acres. Later he in- creased his holdings by the purchase of one hun- dred and forty acres and another tract of two hundred and forty acres.
Returning to his old Irish home in 1859, Mr. Smythe was there married early in the year of 1860, his brother officiating at the wedding which united his destiny with that of Caroline M. Smythe, who though bearing the same fam- ily name, was not related in any way to him. Born in Ireland November 27, 1835, she was a daughter of John and Mary (Laughlin) Smythe, and traced her ancestry to England. The wed- ding trip of the young couple was a voyage to America. It had been the intention of Mr. Smythe to settle in Texas, but his wife became ill with the Panama fever, and it was then deemed advisable to proceed to California. They came by way of the isthmus and settled on the ranch eight miles from Stockton, where they indus- triously labored in the improvement of the land and the building up of a valuable property. Meanwhile he bore an active part in establishing the early schools and making the first roads through his part of the county. As school trus- tee he accomplished much in behalf of the com- mon schools. It was his belief that nothing promoted the growth of a district more than good schools and good roads, and his public spirit was evidenced in the energy and sincerity with which he supported these movements. One of his intimate friends was the illustrious Cap- tain Weber, who gave him an opportunity to buy
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