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 24
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That is the way and manner in wiech Us sherid escorted that ragged regiment through bo overy and deported theni bevond its Firsts salleme fire judice. As a prominent citizen said an die time "Sacramento may have her ralrodit winge anil her state capitol, but Stockion hur Tes Tom Cunningham.''
In the conduct of the affairs of or olbec, of-
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ing escaped the sheriff's searching scrutiny; and while kindly disposed towards his subordinates, he could not for a moment look with allowance upon tardiness or dereliction in the discharge of duty ; and from his under-sheriff to the humblest attache of the county jail, each in his sphere, man- ifested the same orderly system and thoroughness in the discharge of the duties assigned him, as was so rigidly observed by the chief himself. Such was his keenness of perception, closeness of observation, and knowledge of human nature, that when an individual suspected of a crime was brought into his presence, he seemed able, from a single glance at the physiognomy of the man, and his general bearing, to determine his moral status and the secret workings of his mind; and evilly disposed persons, having once passed under his scrutinizing gaze, seldom had a desire for a second interview.
As an instance of his influence and reputation among the criminal element we recite the follow- ing: A young emigrant from the rural districts of England, after working hard and faithfully for three years on a ranch in the Sacamento Val- ley, without once leaving the ranch, determined to make a trip to San Francisco and deposit his savings at interest in the Hibernia Bank; so, tak- *ing a check for his three years' wages, he took the train for the metropolis. Being of a trusting disposition, and ignorant of the ways of a great city, 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 endorse 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 atten- tion, 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 detective 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." Arriving 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 year's 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."
As may well be supposed of one so painstaking, there had accumulated upon the sheriff's hands, during his long term, vast quantities of curios ; mementos of deeds of bloodshed and violence. Rifles, shotguns, pistols, burglars' outfits, coun- terfeiters' molds with specimens of their work; in short, almost every conceivable device and ap- pliance that savored of crime. These are now a valuable asset of San Joaquin county, and are ar- ranged and labeled, and occupy one of the suite of four rooms set apart for the use and occu- pancy of the sheriff in the court house and consti- tute what is popularly known as the sheriff's museum.
Sheriff Cunningham did not live in the age of automobiles, but kept his own stable of well-bred horses for the use of himself and deputies. He had no stated hours set apart for rest or recre- ation during the whole course of the year; and when a message reached him from any part of the county demanding his personal presence, at whatever hour of the day or night, he did not "stand upon the order of his going," but in a very few minutes was in the saddle, hastening
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on his way; and those who thus appealed to him have frequently speculated as to how soon he would appear among them; in fact he seemed al- most ubiquitous ; and 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 in- tegrity, 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, always giving aid to those less fortunate than himself, the deserving were always given a helping hand; and it will never be known how much he gave away in private unostentatious relief. He belonged to many orders which worked for the benefit of man. He was a member of Morning Star Lodge, F. & A. M .; Stockton Chapter, R. A. M .; Stockton Council, R. & S. M .; and Stock- ton 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 Tuttle- town, Tuolumne county, on November 26, 1900, while on a journey to a ratification meeting at Sonora after the political campaign of that year. The news of his death in Stockton and the sur- rounding country caused, in the words of the Morning Independent of that date, "A deeper sensation than any similar occurrence has ever produced." His funeral was attended by prominent men from all over the state, and was the largest in the history of San Joaquin county. His name was known throughout the length of California, and throughout the adjoining states, as a name that carried 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 cen- tury of existence.
There is engraved upon his tombstone in the Stockton Rural Cemetery the following quota- tion emblematic of his life and death:
"Faithful toiler, thy work all sene Beautiful soul, into glory gone.
Virtuous life, with the crown now on God giveth thee rest.'
EZRA FISKE
Well-nigh sixty years in their swift flight love brought many remarkable changes to Cablirsa since Ezra Fiske, a young machinist vi the east, led by the glittering lure of gold, ort sul fu the then unknown shores of the Probe, and finally landed at his destination after buyone sailed for one hundred and fifty-six days apon the high seas. Around him on every hand were evidences of a hasty civilization, cruile in its simplicity, extravagant in its manrientaumers Rich and poor mingled together in a common ambition to find gold. Shacks and tente answerel the purposes of houses and stores. The refine ments of the east were wanting and convenider were conspicuous by their alscrue Travel wss by boat or stage-coach. Railroadli had me yee been built across the mountains and the domen. to bring into close connection the opposite sides of our continent. Mining was the principal do cupation. At first little attempt was made in vol tivate the land, but soon sone of the diresdel of the prospectors found that the earth, shul a bountiful mother, gave of her rides te & gres er degree in the soil than in the names and is was these keen-sighted pioneere who eyeosoder accumulated competencies aml bald The look tion of prosperity for the commonwealth
In the little village of Wenn twelve west of Boston, Mass. Firm Flike we bem August 25, 1825, being a son ni Fars kol Lyda (Sanderson) Fiske, also natives vi xhe be Bay state, and descendants of families kuncand ale the colonial history of our puuntry The base_
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a farmer by occupation, died when the son was only five years of age, and fourteen years later the mother passed away. Ezra, Jr., was given a common school education and after leaving school served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade with the firm of Coolidge & Sibley at Weston. After the completion of his time he worked as a journeyman at Camden, N. J., next at Phila- delphia, later found employment at his trade in Springfield, Mass., and eventually returned to the shop at Weston where he had learned the trade.
While working as a machinist at Weston, news came to Mr. Fiske concerning the discovery of gold in California and his adventurous spirit at once became fired with restless desires for western experiences. Plans were soon made. During October of 1849 he set sail from Boston on the ship Richmond, which made the voyage via Cape Horn. The first stop was at St. Cathe- rine's, Brazil, during the holidays, and there the vessel was heid in quarantine for one week. The 22d of February, Washington's birthday, was spent at Valparaiso, in the harbor of which they remained for ten days. No other stop of long duration was made, and on the 6th of April, 1850, the vessel cast anchor at San Francisco after a pleasant and uneventful voyage covering one hundred and fifty-six days. Mr. Fiske and a fellow-voyager, Joseph Adams, late of Stock- ton, left the ship at Benicia, secured their be- longings and proceeded on the steamer McKim, for Stockton, where they outfitted for the mines. Their first experience with mining was at Moke- lumne Hill, but favorable indications were not found, and Mr. Adams soon returned to Stock- ton. After mining without results at Moke- lumne Hill and Rich Gulch until October, Mr. Fiske joined his friend in Stockton and assisted him in his blacksmith's shop. During the spring of the following year he tried mining at James- town, but became discouraged at lack of results and returned to Stockton.
After having cut hay during the summer of 1851, Mr. Fiske took up land in the autumn of the same year. Much arduous work was necessary
to get the tract in shape for a crop, and while he was busy with his preparations an unforeseen trouble occurred. Upon arising one morning he was shocked to observe the whole country un- der water. Nothing was visible above the water except the house he occupied. However, he bowed gracefully to the inevitable, took his team to a large tract where the wild feed was excel- lent, and then walked to Stockton, where he re- mained during the winter. In the spring he sowed barley and wheat, being one of the first in the county to undertake the raising of these grains. During the summer of 1852 he was em- ployed by Mckay Carson and H. C. Gillingham, who were operating a threshing machine, prob- ably the first used in the entire county. While traveling through this region he availed himself of an opportunity to secure some land whose location he liked. Securing a quarter section by pre-emption, he later acquired surrounding land by purchase, and eventually became the own- er of three hundred and eighty acres southwest of Lodi, where he now resides. The ranch is among the best in the locality and its fortunate location has made it a most profitable investment for the owner. In early days he raised grain almost wholly, but of more recent years he has been greatly interested in grape culture, and a portion of his vineyard was planted as early as I861.
Upon the organization of the Patrons of Hus- bandry at Woodbridge Mr. Fiske was chosen an officer and from the inception of the move- ment in 1873 until it was disbanded he held po- sitions of responsibility. At one time he was a trustee of the San Joaquin County Association of Pioneers. On the organization of the Po- mona Grange he was chosen the first master and he likewise served as treasurer. He was inter- ested in the incorporation of the Grangers' Union and also served as the first president of the board of horticultural commissioners of San Joaquin county. One of the first schools in the county outside of Stockton was built in 1854 and is now part of a house owned by Mr. Fiske. Through his long association with the county he
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has been deeply interested in movements for the local welfare, particularly such enterprises as will benefit the tillers of the soil. On all subjects having to do with the public welfare he is well informed, in business dealings he is conscientious, and in his intercourse with others always con- siderate of their feelings. His ideas are liberal. his views broad. Dignity of manner modulated by unfailing courtesy, principles of honor, in- tegrity of action and sincerity of purpose have won and retained for him the confidence of the people among whom his lot has been cast.
GEN. THOMAS E. KETCHUM.
So replete is the life of General Ketchum with the history-making events of our country that to depict them in their entirety would be to portray the progress of the nation through two of her most trying wars and also the trials and difficulties which beset that brave band of pioneers who came to the Pacific coast country in the early days of the American occupancy. That he comes of good fighting stock is undeniable, for his grandfather, Israel Ketchum, fought on the side of the Colon- ists in the Revolutionary war, and in turn his father, also Israel Ketchum, was a participant in the war of 1812. For more than half a century the latter was a resident of the city of New York, where he carried on a large business as a flour merchant, and in many ways was one of the influential men of that metropolis. He passed away in that city in 1858, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, in maidenhood. Alice Case, was the daughter of Wheeler Case. who was a surgeon in the army and later be- came a Presbyterian minister in Dutchess coun- ty, N. Y., where he organized a church and con- tinued its pastor until his death. One of his sons, Walter Case, was a member of Congress
in 1819, representing the Newburgh (X Y) district. An uncle on the paternal xide. Hlewe- as Ketchum (after whom the general was named). was a graduate of the military shock at Weir Point, a training which he put to good prichos in the war of 1812, where he heroically fongm to save the military supplies from istlugg inte the hands of the enemy at Sacket Harles, NY
Thomas E. Ketchum was born into the home of Irsael and Alice (Case) Ketchom In New York City July 8, 1821. the restdeter being cated at the corner of Cedar and Gremweb streets and was for years a well known bod mark of that city. After receiving a thornegb education under private instruction Thomas E Ketchum began his business career by want ing his father in his mercantile enterprise Thu did not appeal to him as a desirable hic banseu however, and he gave it up after a short time 16 devote himself to the study of surveying sol civil engineering. In 1844. when he was a ysedy man of twenty-three years, he was honered hrs mp pointment to a position in the New York Che- tom House under President Tyler, It upm the election of James K. Polk he was obliged to give way for political reasons. For a time alla hr was mail agent between Boston and New York In 1846 he was employed as chemial, serveyon and agent for a copper-mining company in the Lake Superior country. Work wi this character appealed to him strongly and he letermined :0 follow the profession of civil engineer ad a life work, but other matters claiming be atmoun at this time the whole course of his future einer was changed.
In 1846 and 1847. at the request of Mfajne General Gaines, Mr. Ketchum servert as vilsa- teer aide-de-camp, wherein hs fir ilimty was to raise recruits for the Mexican war, Sip- tember 18. 1847. he left New York I was wo Cape Horn on the ship Swellen, having on Boanl ninety-eight men to recruit Semwon't red ment. of which he was male froid ligerewww commanding the second detacender som? ! from New York. Arriving at Monterey Fale ruary 22. 1848, they at once startel fur Morrho
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on the barque Isabella, and reached LaPaz on March 15. Captain Turner, who had assisted in raising the troops, resigned his position with the army about this time and left Rio Janeiro for New York. As a result of this the command fell to First Lieutenant Matzell, who after the battle of Todos Santos went to Mazatlan from LaPaz and Lieutenant Ketchum was put in com- mand. At the battle of Todos Santos he was in command of a reserve force that did efficient service under Colonel Burton in deciding the for- tunes of the day. He continued in command of the company until rejoined by Lieutenant Mat- zell at Monterey, where with his regiment he was mustered out October 22, 1848.
This was about the time of the early discover- ies of gold in California, and following his dis- charge from the service Lieutenant Ketchum went to the mines of Tuolumne county, arriving there December II, 1848. For about a year he mined at Woods Diggings and at Jamestown Flat, and during this time he built the first log cabin in that county. With a friend whose ac- quaintance he had made while in the service, George A. Pendleton, in 1849 he opened a gen- eral merchandise establishment at Jamestown, where they did an excellent business in supply- ing the miners with necessities. The partner- ship continued until 1853, when Mr. Ketchum sold his interest. Prior to this he had come to San Joaquin county on a tour of investigation and had purchased some land about ten miles from Stockton upon which it was his intention to settle down as a rancher at some future time. At the time there was little to encourage the pur- chase, for the little settlement bore small prom- ise of becoming the thriving city that it now is, there being only a few scattering tents besides the house in which Captain Weber lived, at the foot of Center street. His purchase consisted of three hundred and twenty acres, for which he paid $5 per acre, but he had considerable trouble in securing a perfect title on account of its being grant land. Nevertheless he persevered and was finally able to get a clear title to the proper- ty. By making a careful study of the conditions
and needs he developed the land to good advan- tage, at first raising general produce, and later combining this with the raising of stock. This remained his home from the time he settled there in 1853 until 1891, when he retired from active business and has since made his home in Stockton.
At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Ketchum again responded to his country's call and in Stockton raised a company of eighty men. His services received due recognition from the gov- ernment September 16th, when he was made captain of the regiment, and still later, on Octo- ber Io, he received the commission of senior captain. He saw service among the Indians in Humboldt county, from October, 1861, until Au- gust of the following year, during which time the company to which he was attached had killed or captured six hundred and fifty Indians. The first company of his command, Company A, consisted of eighty-four men who had charge of a district on the Van Dusen river at Fort Baker. After his service in Humboldt county he returned to Stockton with his command, and with Companies B and D he was stationed at Camp Hooker. In October he left under orders to join his regiment in Salt Lake, but upon reaching Fort Churchill he was detained for a time and did not reach his destination until the following September. He left on recruiting service in May, coming to Stockton, thence went to San Jose and to San Francisco, and in the latter city was mustered out of service. After three years of continuous service in the cause of his country he resumed the life of the civilian on his ranch near Stockton, his holdings having been increased by one hundred and sixty acres which was given him as a soldier's warrant. Twice General Ketchum has been honored with an appointment of brigadier-general of the Na- tional Guard of the state.
In 1852 General Ketchum was united in mar- riage with Miss Esther Sedgwick, who was born in Columbia county, N. Y., a daughter of Thomas and Phimela (Hodge) Sedgwick. Of the children born to General and Mrs. Ketchum
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
only two are living, a son and daughter. The organization. It would indeed be hard to fall son, Frank E. Ketchum, was born on the home ranch where he is now located, thus relieving his father of responsibility and enabling him to enjoy his later years in quiet retirement; he is well educated, in addition to attending the schools of the county, taking a thorough business course in Healds College and also re- ceiving private instruction from a tutor in Berk- eley. The daughter, Anna A., became the wife of F. S. Israel; she also received every advan- tage of an educational character, and graduated from Mills College, Oakland, May 29, 1889.
In looking back over the events that have made up the life of General Ketchum one al- most instinctively asks himself, whence comes the indomitable spirit which enabled him to ac- complish his purpose at all times in the face of seeming impossibility. The secret is not hard to find when it is known that he inherits in large measure the qualities of the sturdy Holland- Dutch, who count nothing impossible. His ma- ternal ancestors as a result have all been up- builders of the country for generations, and in transmission the qualities have been increased rather than diminished, judging from their ex- pression in the life of the general. During his early life he was a Whig in his political belief. and after the birth of the Republican party gave that party his support. The emoluments of of- fice have at no time been attractive to him, al- though at one time, soon after he returned from the service, he allowed his name to be used as a candidate to the legislature. His defeat fol- lowed, and thereafter he refused to have his name come before the convention for any office. He is a member of the Loval Legion, and was one of the organizers and the first commander of Rawlins Post, G. A. R., of Stockton. Few if any took a keener interest in the welfare of the farmers in his community than did General Ketchum. He was a member of the Grangers Union and the Farmers Co-operative Milling Company and owned stock in both. Twice he was made master of the Stockton Grange, and he was also lecturer and overseer of the same
any enterprise promulgated for good os whether for the benefit of city, county in Life to which his name and inthemer Itave ina lien given heartily, for his outlook 1 broad anil lua heart and hand liberal. During his Les bir af over eighty-seven years the general bas rom len exempt from the disappointments and porumy which come to all, but he has so bisol Int be can look back upon his hfe with the comode ness that he has taken advantageof ro du and is well deserving of the re: which he now enjoys. Surrounded by every comfort the tears could wish, he makes his hier at No 1161 North San Joaquin street, anh both of Fu club dren make their homes near by.
JACOB BRACK. SE
Many of the tales of pioneer days in Chas fornia read like an extract from some vuleme ul romance, so different are they from the prices affairs of the twentieth-century work dudas world. It is difficult to realize that link men than one-half century ago conditions were thewe of the primeval wilderness and civilizatmm hal not yet begun its uplifting intlines ppm the unknown regions of the west Great report ties awaited those who had the forchight so de cern them and the courage to How a potbear Moi success. Such were the qualificomo of de honored pioneer. Jacob Brack, whom fume ii worthy of perpetuation in the anraly of San Jes quin county as that of a pimeer ihre fans its future was itself an ingenve in schers- fond reason has he to be thank i'll that he resulved'ex come to California when he hearil of Ite covery of gold : the mines il rit graf lo bin of their riches, but the sol rewarded ho cali tivation with bountiful crops The Bands rounded
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his faith by swift increase in value, and by vessel and by railroad his products were carried to the markets of the world.
This honored pioneer of 1849 was born in Switzerland February 20, 1825, being a son of Jacob and Mary (Kestler) Brack, both natives of that country. After having obtained a com- mon school education he was sent to a gym- nasium, where he remained a student until eight- een 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, whence he proceeded up the Mississippi to Burlington, Iowa, and from there went to Galena, Ill., for the purpose of securing employ- ment 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 immedi- ately determined to go to the far west.
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