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 21
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land in his grant, later a part of Stockton, but the difficulties encountered in perfecting the title caused him to hesitate, and he thus lost an op- portunity which did not come to him in later days. For years he was active in the member- ship of the San Joaquin Society of California Pioneers. In politics he voted with the Demo- cratic party.
The family of J. H. Smythe comprised eight children, but one died at the age of three and one- half years, and another was taken from the home at the age of six and one-half years, these two being Gracie I. and Samuel Edgar. The six now living are as follows: Mary M., who is known by the name of Daisy and who resides at No. 1344 East Channel street, Stockton; Annie E., who is living at the old home ranch; Caroline M .; Herbert J .; Helen R .; and Hudson, a physician, who is married and engaged in practice at Stock- ton.
CHARLES WAGNER.
As one of the early settlers in the now pros- perous and thriving city of Stockton Mr. Wag- ner well recalls the transformation which has been brought about in the intervening years, for when he first came to make his home here in 1856 sloughs were a common sight even in the busiest part of the town. This was the condi- tion of Main street when he first saw it, but during his first year there it was planked and thus made more accessible. Mr. Wagner has not been an idle witness of the improvements which have followed with the passing of years, but he himself has been an active factor in bringing them about, and today is classed among her most enterprising and prosperous business men.
Charles Wagner is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Wurtemberg, January
Mr. & Mrs. E. M. Fessier
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23, 1837. As is the custom in Germany he was given a good education in her native schools, attending both the public and the polytechnic schools, and thereafter prepared for his life work by learning a trade. Both his grandfather and father before him had followed the tanner's trade and it was this calling that he selected for his own, serving his apprenticeship under his father, who owned a tannery. An elder brother, Jacob C., had been attracted to this country on account of the gold excitement in California, and for a time after coming here in 1852 con- tinued mining in the southern part of the state, until convinced that more dependable and satis- factory returns would be enjoyed by following his trade. Though the tanner's trade was less romantic there was no element of chance about it, and the times and conditions made it neces- sary for him to have a dependable income. He opened a small tannery at his present location in Stockton which from the first bore promise of enlarging its scope of usefulness, and it was under this pressure of business that he sent for his brother Charles to join him and take an in- terest in the business. At the time the plant was started that part of Stockton was practically in the wilderness, although it was in the limits of the city, and the country roundabout was used principally for vegetable farms which were worked by Italians. A few years later business was carried on under the name of Wagner Brothers ; from 1870 until 1895 under the name of Kullman, Wagner & Co., and in the year last mentioned it was incorporated as the Wag- ner Leather Company, a name which has gained high prestige for upright dealing and honest goods. This is the only manufacturing plant of the kind in the San Joaquin valley and it there- fore draws its patronage from a wide field. The corporation has other outside interests, the prin- cipal one being an extract factory in Humboldt county, where a supply of the California oak tan bark is yet abundant; the juice is extracted, evaporated and shipped to the tannery in bar- rels.
Mr. Wagner was married in 1867 to Philip-
pina Simon, who had come to the state the year previously with her uncle. Two children have blessed their marriage, Edward C., who is vice president of the Wagner Leather Company, and Bertha W., the wife of George E. Hou ken, nf Stockton, who is secretary of the corporater. Mr. Wagner has never taken a keen interest in political affairs, but has followed up and studied all movements for the interest of the public and his home city and county, preferring that others with more taste for public life should have the field. In the best sense of the word Mr. Wag- ner is public spirited, and no opportunity to pro- vide good school privileges, with the best et teachers, fails to receive his hearty support, Fra ternally he is identified with Stockton Lodg No. 11, I. O. O. F., and socially he belongs 10 the Turnverein, being a charter member of the society in Stockton. At its fiftieth anniversary in 1906 he was the only one present of the orig- inal founders. He has always been one of it most active members, working for the advaner- ment of sound and practical knowledge, ani ol- ucation of the uprising generations. The fam- ily have a pleasant home at No. 233 Fast Fre mont street, Stockton, where their many friends delight to gather and enjoy their hospitality. which is dispensed with a lavish han l
EUGENE NICHOLAS FESSIER.
The family represented by this well known contractor of Stockton is of French bnens". becoming established in this country in 1675. at which time the father. Nichols Fe ier, inmi grated to the United States with his wife and three children. His early life was associate l wishi his birthplace, Alsace, where he was reared and educated, and in mature years he fellwed farm- ing as a means of gaining a livelihood. At the
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age of twenty-two years he took upon himself the responsibilities of family life, choosing as his wife Miss Virginia Dennis, one of his country- women, she being a native of Paris, France. Be- sides being a farmer Mr. Fessier was an accom- plished basket-weaver, and for fifteen years after his marriage followed this craft almost exclusive- ly. In the meantime he had been preparing him- self to become a contractor and builder and for a number of years followed this business in Paris with exceptional success, many of that city's finest structures attesting to his skill and ability. Upon coming to the United States in 1875 Mr. Fessier made his way directly to Calaveras coun- ty, Cal., having taken up land here upon which he at once began farming. Three children com- prised the parental family at the time removal was made to the United States, Joseph, Charles and Eugenie, one daughter having died in in- fancy, and after their location in California one more child, a son, was added to the number.
Eugene N. Fessier was born on the homestead ranch in Calaveras county, Cal., January 22, 1880, and attended school in Comanche and Wal- lace, in that county. When a youth of eighteen years he went to Angels Camp, also in that coun- ty, to try his luck at mining, remaining there for three years, when he came to Stockton and was variously employed for eight years, principally in the line of contracting, however, for before leaving Calaveras county he had learned the busi- ness under his father. Subsequently he took up the business in earnest, concentrating all of his efforts with one object in veiw, to become one of the foremost artisans in that calling in Stockton, and his efforts have not been in vain, for this honor is freely accorded him by those in a posi- tion to judge of his ability. Recently he has es- tablished a painting business and is also asso- ciated with D. G. Bambauer in the plumbing business.
In Calaveras county, Cal., September 3, 1901, Eugene N. Fessier was united in marriage with Miss Edna Adeline Matatall, the descendant of French-Canadian stock on the paternal side, John C. Matatall, her father, having been born
in Nova Scotia; on the maternal side she claims Irish lineage, although her mother, in maiden- hood, Maggie Gillrooney, was born in Virginia City, Nev. Mr. and Mrs. Fessier have a pleasant residence at No. 630 East Worth street, where they dispense a cordial hospitality to their numer- ous friends, both being popular in social circles in the city. Mr. Fessier is affiliated with a number of organizations, holding membership in Stockton Lodge No. II, I. O. O. F., Stockton Lodge No. 106, W. O. W., Stockton Aerie, No. 83, F. O. E., and Rebekah Lodge, No. 97, be- sides belonging to a number of insurance orders. Following in the training of his parents Mr. Fessier is an adherent of the Catholic Church.
HON. CHARLES G. HUBNER.
Not many years after the discovery of gold in California there came to this coast a young German, Charles G. Hubner, a native of Saxony, educated in the excellent schools of his country, and qualified by robust health and powers of endurance to surmount the obstacles attendant upon the settlement of a new country. Prior to coming to this state in 1855 he had learned the trades of wheelwright and wagon-maker, and was thoroughly acquainted with every detail con- nected with the same, so that he was able to earn a livelihood and better wages than would have been paid to an unskilled worker. For a time he was employed by John Gilgert at Stockton, but soon he embarked in business for himself, and by industry and perseverance built up a fair trade as well as an enviable reputation for work- manship and integrity.
Upon becoming a citizen of our country, Charles G. Hubner gave his allegiance to the Democratic party and always supported its prin- ciples. In recognition of his services to the party
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and his qualifications for the office, he was elected a member of the state legislature and served as a member of the eighteenth assembly during the session of 1869-70. In an early day he began to buy land, taking advantage of the low prices of the time. As property increased in value he reaped the benefit of his early invest- ments and became one of the well-to-do citizens of Stockton. The Farmers' canal had in him a stanch champion from the beginning of the movement in favor of the project and he aided the work in every way possible until it was brought to completion.
At the first start of Hill's Ferry, Mr. Hubner was a promoter of the new town. Much of the building was done under his supervision and he opened a warehouse in the town. Later it was merged into Newman and there still stands be- side the river the old hotel which is a memorial of the earlier village. In fraternal relations Mr. Hubner was a Mason and belonged to the lodge at Hill's Ferry. Ere yet old age had come to him, but while he was still in the prime of life's usefulness, he was called from earth at the age of forty-eight years.
The marriage of Mr. Hubner was solemnized in Stockton and united him with Miss Mary Margaret Ransom, who was born in Germany, came to America in girlhood, settled in Stockton and resided here almost continuously afterward until her death, in 1902, at the age of sixty-eight. Four sons and four daughters formed the Hub- ner family. Three children died at an early age and one son was called from earth after at- taining manhood. Two sons, Milton and George, reside in Stockton, and both are natives of this city. One of the daughters, Miss Mary Eliza- beth, is unmarried, while the other, Laura Ame- lia, is the wife of H. W. Keith, residing at No. 126 South Pilgrim street, Stockton. Mrs. Keith was the only member of the family born in Stan- islaus county. She has one son, George Hubner Keith, and her brother. Milton, has five children, Esther, Hazel, Mabel, Milton and Stella. In the organization of the German Methodist Epis- copal Church Mr. Hubner took an active part,
becoming one of its charter members, and con- tributing to its maintenance throughout the re- mainder of his life.
WILLIAM F. MCKEE.
In tracing the causes that have led to the present prosperity of California, the student of "history discovers that the citizenship of men from the states to the cast has been a lea fing factor in the results now visible. Numbereil among the business men of Stockton who by their excellent business judgment ant untiring energy contributed to the growth of the city. mention belongs to William F. McKee, who from the time he came to the west from Pennsylvania in 1851 until his death a quarter of a century later gave the best of his strength and intellect to the upbuilding of this city and commonwealth
A native of Westmoreland county, Pa, barn December 2, 1824. William F. McKee wat a sen of Andrew and Elizabeth ( Tittle ) McKee, both also natives of the Keystone state, where thor entire lives were spent. There also the boyhodl and youth of William F. were spent, and indeed he had reached young manhood under native skies before he had determined to beate in the west. The fact of the gold discovery in California in 1848 had much to do with his decision :D locate in the Pacific coast country, a plan which he carried out in 1851. Making the wyage by way of the Isthmus of Panama, the lop on which he sailed cast anchor in San Franci n in due season, and from there he made lik way direct to Stockton. He came to this city 1e 60 the position of clerk in the postoffice, anul toner he was made assistant postnlaster
Mr. McKee's services in the postoffice, raum factory as they were, proved but a stepping mine to his later business career. In partnership with
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B. W. Owens he embarked in the mercantile busi- ness, the association thus formed continuing for some time or until Edward Moore was admitted as a third member of the firm which was known then as Owens, McKee & Moore. Subsequently business was carried on under the name of Shippee, McKee & Co. and still later as McKee & Southworth, Mr. McKee retaining his connec- tion with the business through all of its various changes. He was considered one of the most thoroughgoing business men of the city, and through all of the changes in the business with which he was associated he was considered the mainstay of the concern.
The marriage of Mr. McKee occurred May 3. 1854, and united him with Miss Mary L. Brown, the daughter of Judge A. G. Brown, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Five of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKee are deceased, and the following- named are living: Albert B., Edgar L. and Robert T. Mr. McKee was popular and highly esteemed and one of San Joaquin county's most deserving and successful settlers and citizens. Fraternally he was a Mason. He died at his home in Stockton September 4, 1875.
ALFRED L. WYLLIE.
Tradition has it that during the religious per- secutions in Scotland the Wyllie family was forced to flee from their native country, and accordingly crossed over to the north of Ireland, where they settled and flourished for several gen- erations. Early in the colonization of America some of the name crossed the Atlantic to New England and there aided in the pioneer task of building up homes out of the wilderness. Oliver C. Wyllie was born at Warren, Me., in 1822, and learned the butcher's trade, which he followed in
Boston for some years after his marriage to Ruth L. Potter, who was born in Maine in 1827. Meanwhile a brother, Alexander Wyllie, had migrated to California during 1853 and had be- come connected with the operating of a sawmill in Calaveras county. Favorable reports came back to the east from him and Oliver was there- fore induced to join him in the new country. Immediately after his arrival he bought teams and engaged in freighting from Stockton to the mines. As the road was extended he made the terminus his starting point.
Upon being joined by his family, who came via the Isthmus to California, Oliver C. Wyllie in 1862 established his home in San Andreas, where his wife still lives, hale and hearty notwithstanding her advanced years. Their son, Leonard A., also makes his home in San Andreas. Throughout all his residence in the west Mr. Wyllie was deeply in- terested in the development of Calaveras and San Joaquin counties and gave his support to every progressive enterprise. A friend of all the pio- neers, he enjoyed maintaining intimate relations with them, and it was a source of deep regret to him when one of them dropped from the ranks and passed from earth. When he, too, was called into eternity in 1886 he was deeply mourned by the surviving old-timers, many of whom had known him in the days when he drove his freight- ing outfit through the country. Six years before his death he and his wife had returned to the east and had enjoyed a pleasant visit amid the scenes of early days. In politics he supported the Re- publican party.
Born in Boston, Mass., in 1857, Alfred L. Wyllie was a small child when his mother brought him to California, and his education was obtained in the schools of Calaveras county. After leav- ing school he began to teach and for eight years, commencing in 1875, he followed that profession in Calaveras county. For five years he acted as superintendent of a mine and still retains some mining interests. From 1886 to 1898 he held office as county clerk, to which he was elected on the Republican ticket, for, like his father, he always has been stanch in his allegiance to that
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party and its principles. His marriage united him with Miss Ella S. Creighton, who was born in Calaveras county, and received excellent advan- tages in local schools. Their children, Oliver C., Genevieve L. and Loring A., were born in San Andreas and received their primary educa- tion in the schools of that town. In order that they might enjoy the splendid educational advan- tages offered by Stockton, in 1905 Mr. Wyllie brought his family to this city, where they reside at No. 30 West Rose street. His interest in edu- cational matters has been steadfast. He believes that the proper education of the young will pro- vide for the welfare of the next generation. In fraternal relations he is a member of Calaveras Lodge No. 78, F. & A. M., and Calaveras Chap- ter No. 83, R. A. M .; also is identified with San Andreas Lodge No. 50, I. O. O. F., in which he passed all of the chairs.
HON. JOHN THOMAS LEWIS.
For a long period of successful activity Senator Lewis has been intimately associated with the material growth of Stockton and it was a fitting recognition of his progressive citizenship when, in 1908, the Republican convention without opposition tendered him the nomination for the state senate. The election that followed gave him a large majority. As the representative of the people he is aiming to support only such measures as will be of general benefit and contribute to the public betterment. Unostentatious in manner, fluent in speech, broad in information, liberal in views, he adds to these advantages for public service the fact that he is a native-born son of the state and throughout all his life has been intensely interested in its progress.
The founder of the family in California was David Lewis, a pioneer of 1849 and a native of
Pawlet, Rutland county, V't., born in 1832. When a mere boy he lost his father by death and irom that time until able to earn his livelihood hve re- mained with relatives, meanwhile serving an af prenticeship to the trade of a carpenter, at which he served for seven years. While still young he went to the south to make his lone with a relative. There lie came in contact with the la.c system which was abhorrent to his spirit to dos a degree that he refused to pernut the slave to wait upon him. For that reason he was riflesde ! and called "white trash." The mater ended in his running away and going to Texas, where he joined a government surveying party lownl for Mexico. During the progress of the work lic was captured by Mexicans and hell pri oner for a long time. It was the custom of the prison au- thorities to have numerous drawings aming the prisoners and the unfortunates who drew a black bean were taken out and shot. By sheer luck David Lewis escaped such a death and finalh was released at Resaca de la Palma, whence he was sent back home by the government.
When news came of the discovery of gall in the west, David Lewis decided to try his fortunes in the mines and during 1849 maile the Nog voyage by way of Cape Horn to San Francuor First he mined at Beale's bar on the Sacraco river, but all he made there was lost in the floods. It had been his intention to return to the east, but losing his little fortune causeil a change in plans. For a tinie he minel at Sutter's creek. Next he became superintendent of the Eureka mine, in which he owned sixty shares of snuck. Building a cabin near the mine, he installed ha family there, and in that hun bịc home (the re- mains of which are still standing) a on was born October 21, 1856, to whom was given the name of John Thomas. The cabin and mine were located in that part of Calaveras county bom in- cluded within the limits of Amador county.
Immediately after the birth of this son Das ! Lewis abandoned mining and movel he fards to San Joaquin county, where he parchoof one hundred and sixty acres near the present om mf Bellota. Improving the tract, Fe erigugel
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farming. Two years after he settled on the farm, a bear was killed near their cabin, and this was the last bear ever seen in the neighborhood. For twenty years he remained on the same homestead and meanwhile a change was being made through- out the country from mining to agriculture. Pub- lic-spirited, well-informed and progressive, he was a desirable citizen, served as a trustee of the Old Guard school, assisted in building and did other pioneer work. An exciting event of early days was the theft of the church building, which was moved one night to Linden. Early in life he was a Whig, but upon the disintegration of that party he allied himself with the Repub- licans. Prominent in the Grange movement, he served as master of the Linden Grange. He was a member of Scio Lodge No. 102, I. O. O. F., and passed all the chairs of that organization. In 1887 he died at his Linden home.
The marriage of David Lewis took place at Jackson, Amador county, in 1855, and united him with Mary Ann Medlen, who was born in Devon- shire, England, and in infancy was brought to the United States by her parents, the family set- tling in Wisconsin. When seven years of age she was taken from Wisconsin to New York and there boarded a vessel bound for the Isthmus of Panama. After crossing there another ship was boarded and finally she landed in California. Her father, a native of Cornwall, England, and an experienced miner, engaged in mining in Amador county for several years. Her death occurred in 1905. Seven children were born of her marriage, namely: John T., whose name introduces this article ; Mary M., who married S. P. Elliott, of Stockton; Minnie, unmarried; Elizabeth, who died at the age of nineteen years; Addie, Mrs. Howard Mosher, of Oakland; Horace, living at the old homestead; and William D., also a rancher, living in the vicinity of Linden. The children were reared and educated in San Joaquin county and all are honored and prosperous.
Reared on the home farm and educated in the Linden schools, John Thomas Lewis was taught by his father the use of tools and the ele- ments of the carpenter's trade. After the death
of his father he endeavored to carry on the old homestead, but agriculture, was not to his taste and he met with little or no success. No one appreciates more than he the value of agricul- ture, but every man must find the work for which he is suited, and he soon found that carpentering was more interesting and less difficult for him than farming. While trying for work in Stock- ton he therefore drifted into carpentering, but he did not have the money necessary for tools, so he walked to the ranch, asked his mother to give him those belonging to his father, was given them with a mother's blessing and best wishes, and then returned to Stockton ready for work. For some years he worked by the day. Little by little he became more proficient at the trade. After a time he began to take contracts in Stock- ton and San Joaquin county. Since 1901 he and C. A. Barling have done a general contract- ing business, meeting with success from the start. Aside from this he has superintended the erec- tion of the First National Bank and other sub- stantial blocks in the city. One of his principal sources of income has been the buying of vacant lots, the building thereon of substantial cottages, and selling the same at a fair profit. During 1904 he erected at No. 245 South American street the residence he now owns and occupies, this be- ing of unique style of architecture, following a design original with himself.
The marriage of Hon. John T. Lewis took place in 1888 and united him with Miss Ella Paty Davidson, a native of Tuolumne county and the daughter of a California pioneer. They have two children, Earl M. and Naomi Welcome. In fraternal relations Mr. Lewis is identified with San Joaquin Lodge, F. & A. M., and Charity Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F .; also was the first native-born son of California to be initiated into Scio Lodge at Linden; further holds connection with the Ancient Order of United Druids and the Knights of the Maccabees. The Stockton Cham- ber of Commerce has the benefit of his progressive association therewith. While active as a con- tractor and builder, he never has allowed busi- ness and personal matters to engross his entire
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