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 25
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As a member of a train commanded by Cap- tain Schoe and consisting of a large equipment of wagons drawn by oxen, Mr. Brack crossed the plains during 1849, and encountered many thrilling adventures while following the trail laid out by Gen. John C. Fremont. Upon ar- riving at Placerville he tried his luck at mining. A brief experience convinced him that he could achieve greater results at other employment, and accordingly he began to work for Sargent & Brown, prominent stockmen of that day. During 1850 he bought a small tract in the vicinity of Woodbridge, San Joaquin county, and immedi- ately embarked in ranching for himself. The following year he went to the tule lands of the county, where he began to raise cattle and sheep, also raised various general farm products.
With the Sargent brothers as partners Mr. Brack purchased a tract of fifteen hundred acres, the subsequent sale of which brought a fair profit. Next he bought ten thousand acres, for which he paid $200 to close the deal, and went into debt for the balance of the $50,000 consti- tuting the purchase price. With shrewd fore- sight and the utmost confidence in the future of this region, he believed himself justified in
burdening himself with such a debt, and events proved his sagacity. A portion of the land had a frontage on the waterway, which enabled him to begin extensive operations on an independ- ent basis, and he raised large quantities of bar- ley and wheat. Selling one-half of the immense tract, at the end of two years from the time of purchase he still owned one-half of the property and was entirely free from debt.
The business grew to such proportions that Mr. Brack purchased a vessel and shipped his own products to San Francisco and other mark- ets. In addition, to secure facilities for freight by land, he built a railroad from Lodi to Spring Valley, Calaveras county, this being now a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad. By land and by water his products reached the markets of the state and brought fair returns for his labor and his investment. t. His name became known as that of a prosperous and sagacious rancher, and when in 1906 he retired from the active management of the ranch and removed to Lodi, it was recognized that his relinquish- ment of active ranching meant a distinct loss to the agricultural interests of the region. Throughout active life he made ranching his principal occupation, but he had other interests. At one time he was the principal owner of the San Joaquin winery and for a time he also owned and operated a brewery in San Joaquin county, but peculiar visions produced by the products of the latter plant caused him to dispose of it.
The marriage of Mr. Brack in 1854 united him with Miss Lena Meyer, who was born in Germany, came to California in 1852, and died in San Joaquin county in 1906 at the age of seventy-six years. Of their union the following named children were born : Mary, who died some time after her marriage; Henry, who lives on the old home ranch ; John; Loretta K., who mar- ried John Keller and lives in Pennsylvania; Jacob, Jr., who is living at the old homestead ; Lena, a resident of San Francisco; and Anna, who remains with her father.
Seldom it is that even men of great energy and wise judgment meet with the success that
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has crowned the life efforts of Mr. Brack. The explanation of his success is that the man and the opportunity met. When he arrived in Cali- fornia he had only ten cents in his possession, but he had intelligence, willing hands, a clear mind and a wise judgment, and these brought him an abundance of prosperity. With one exception he is the largest taxpayer in his county, and this fact without further comment is a striking testimony as to his sagacity and keenness of foresight. Eighty- four years represent the span of his life and he is still well preserved in mind and body, able to enjoy the companionship of family and friends, appreciative of every courtesy rendered him, and fond of narrating to the younger generations stories connected with the Forty-niners or with the early history of our fair commonwealth.
JUDGE CHARLES M. CREANER.
Over a quarter of a century has passed since the death of Judge Creaner, which occurred in Stockton December 6, 1882, but he is still af- fectionately remembered by old pioneers, and those of a later generation remember him also on account of his prominence upon the bench and bar. A native of the east, he was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., on Christmas day of 1820, and during childhood attended the schools of his native city. For some reason not stated he ran away from home during his boyhood, going to Florida, and joining the army there, took part in a number of skirmishes. From there he went to Texas and joined the Texas Rangers. Dur- ing his service in the Mexican war he was wounded in the knee by a ball, and it was tlie verdict of the physicians that his leg would have to be amputated. He refused to allow the oper- ation, however, and finally the wound healed, al- though the ball was not removed. After the an-
nexation of Texas as a part of the Unen Joler Creaner again entered the till with me ot de ten regiments raised there, and arvel wul, die tinction under General Taylor and General Sunt with whose army he entered Mexeu City whes that stronghold was conquere !. \an Amar- ciation of his distinguished ervios withat ww and gallantry as a soldier, his native stare, I'nin sylvania, presented him with a wwwnt In the meantime he had pursued his las cadas de. gently and had been admitted to the Sar in Vie toria, Tex. The discovery of gold in Calilirs-a however, was too alluring to pao los atomties unheeded, and early in the year (kg) le mu among the number that thronged ro wie gold fields. His attempts as a miner did fe peor satisfactory, so he wisely decibel to gre p mining altogether and devote his sten t, establishing a legal practice.
Judge Creaner opened a law office in Sus bri_ and it was not long before his ability received d'un recognition. He was elected to the line brew lature under Governor Peter Berunt :. and the same legislature appointed Iune dieser iedes an office in which he succeeded limiet email. le- served in all thirteen years During the bees which he presided over the Frith jellest die trict of the state the circuit was hardmal wyde business requiring the rarest ant pony of the best judicial qualifications. These le pemeveil in large measure and he was this emailud aux discharge the legal duties, undler in ever preme sense of obligation to preserve righe and do los tice, to enforce law, sulserve abil permite puds- lic good. He was equal to the copiley and neither flagged nor falterel, hid apri we inde- pendence and impartiality taking mu eleogle ud parties or persons or self, critipt ou he was up right and incorruptible judge. wilval Ine de reproach.
When Judge Creaner fire curse .o Sudden he found con litions very primifre le, she site which he selected for ha Komt hing island entirely surrounded by almida and i'm- der to reach the business porelon if bonn it ses necessary to go by boat He Ommedley box-
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tuted measures for the improvement of these crude conditions, assisted in the organization of the first schools, and also St. John's Episcopal Church, which has always occupied its present site. He was one of the most public-spirited men in the community, and assisted not alone in the development and advancement of the city and county materially, but was an important factor in framing the laws of the state. After the close of his long term of office as district judge he retired to private life and became in- terested in agricultural pursuits, still making his home on the island which had attracted him when he first came to Stockton.
In his marriage Judge Creaner was greatly blessed, for in his wife he found a helpmate in- deed, one who did not shrink before the trials and hardships of pioneer life. Before her mar- riage Mrs. Creaner was Miss Rosa D. Beau- mont, who was born in 'Mississippi in 1831, and in 1851 she went to Texas by way of the Isthmus to join her future husband and was there mar- ried. The following year the young people made their way to California and settled in Stockton, as previously related. Nine children were born of the marriage of Judge and Mrs. Creaner, all of whom were born in the old Stockton home- stead with the exception of Charles, who was born in Texas while Mrs. Creaner was on a visit there. Three of the children died in childhood, and those who reached years of maturity are as follows: Louise, David (now in Alaska), Anna, Mary and Mattie. Charles met with a sad death in an explosion in 1879, and Mary and Mattie died in later years. During the early days when Judge Creaner was filling the office of district judge his duties were so scattered it made it necessary for him to be away from home con- siderable. He used every precaution for the pro- tection of his wife and children, however, and when his term expired he settled down to the (miet life of the agriculturist at his island home. Though passed to that bourne whence no traveler returns, the influence of Judge Creaner's life will ever remain an inspiration to those who were privileged to know him. A generosity of
heart and high-mindedness of motive in all acts, public or private, displayed a personality that was broad and deep and one that circumstances or ulterior influences could not alter one iota.
1
F. H. ARNSBURGER.
In any agricultural community there is no in- dustry of greater importance to the prosperity of the farmers than the establishment and contin- uance of a well-managed creamery. Such insti- tutions are emphatically a product of modern times and require for their management men of modern education, practical training and wide experience. These qualifications form a part of the endowment of Mr. Arnsburger, whose efficiency as proprietor of the San Joaquin cream- ery at Stockton has been of distinct aid to the dairymen of the region and at the same time has been a source of profit to himself and his asso- ciates. Under his supervision modern machinery has been introduced in the plant, every facility has been provided for manufacturing butter of the finest quality, and modern conveniences con- tribute to the quantity of the output which dur- ing 1907 aggregated one million pounds of but- ter for the year.
Mr. Arnsburger comes from the great dairy state of Wisconsin, where he was born on a farm in 1866, being the son of a Pennsylvanian who in an early day became a pioneer of Wisconsin, took up raw land, developed a farm and engaged ex- tensively in the dairy business. After having completed the studies of country and high schools of his neighborhood, F. H. Arnsburger learned the trade of a butter-maker with a large firm at Palmyra, Wis., and there he also became an expert in the manufacture of cheese. Upon starting out to make his own way in the world he easily secured employment in the line of
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which he had acquired expert knowledge. As an employe of the Elgin Creamery Company, he rose to a position of great responsibility and was required to visit and superintend the creameries owned by that firm throughout the state of Illi- nois. On resigning that position he came to California and has since resided at Stockton, where in 1906 he erected a splendid modern res- idence at No. 147 West Oak street. During 1897 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Etta Ladd, formerly of Wisconsin, a daughter of Hon. Calvin Ladd, a soldier in the Civil war and later a member of the Wisconsin state senate.
On coming to Stockton during 1897, F. H. Arnsburger was employed to superintend the making of butter in the Stockton Creamery. He found conditions at a low ebb as a result of un- systematic management, resulting in unprofit- able returns to the owners. Under his super- vision the machinery was overhauled and new devices were introduced and soon the plant was found inadequate to the supply, hence a new company was organized under the name of the San Joaquin Creamery, who built a large and up-to-date plant at Nos. 5, 7, 9 East Miner ave- nue, the plant being opened for business in March, 1900; Mr. Arnsburger first superintend- ed the manufacturing, later took the manage- ment, and three years later bought out all in- terests in the plant.
Owing to the constantly increasing business, it was found necessary to make extensive im- provements, enlarging the plant and adding more machinery, making the plant the most modern and extensive in the interior of the state, having a daily capacity of over ten thousand pounds of butter. The butter is put out under the name of the Crown brand, which has a wide reputation for quality, being handled in nearly all the large markets of the state.
In 1904 Mr. Arnsburger found that a differ- ent system of gathering cream must be intro- duced for the further success of the business. He therefore installed eight cream receiving sta- tions, all being centrally located, thus affording a nearby market for the producers and at the
same time saving the prolucere thumonb of dollars yearly incident to individual dopping anl long hauling. No esential features in modo handling of cream for the producers have beco overlooked.
Mr. AArnsburger has publi heil several looks on dairying, which have been of greit androme to the dairymen in the community in feeling. breeding, producing and the care of one and creanı. This, together with hus Fberat way of dealing with his patrons, has earned far lim the large patronage which he now enjoys
The attention of the proprietor 1; given chmely to the management of his budness and while naturally progressive, he takes very blele in terest in politics aside from national elechos Ile is identified with several fraternal socinio
HON. JOSEPH HI. BUDD
The advancement of San Joaquin ommity and the upbuilding of the city of Stockton bol a pro- gressive promoter in Joseph H. Bodl, whose name is synonymous with many of the fluence and movements tending towar 1 ilewlpreet along many avenues. In viewing the growth od Stockton he might truthfully have sad- "Auf of which I saw and part of which I was." Die Mos had been his home from the year 1858 0086 26s death, February 28, 1002, almost fortyfive yours
A native of the east, Joseph IL Bndd was Juin in Dutchess county. N. Y., January 13. 1822 the son of James and Ellen Bild, they to bring mas tives of the Empire state and desodori families who had flourished for romy songs tions in that commonwealth Joseph Hf Wodd's boyhood days coincided with those of oder fures- ers' sons of his acquaintance, working on his father's farm and attending schwel ilerine le short termis it was in session. Himveveri an Se
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had no special inclination toward following farm- ing as a life work, but on the other hand recog- nized an inborn leaning toward professional life, he became interested in the study of law when he was little more than a boy. With the idea of preparing himself for the profession of law he supplemented his early school training by a course in Williams College, Massachusetts, grad- uating from that institution in 1843, at the age of twenty-one years. With this substantial foun- dation as a basis he gave his attention thereafter exclusively to the study of the law, taking his legal training in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was duly admitted to the bar. Wisely foresee- ing that better prospects awaited him in the less congested states toward the west he located in Wisconsin in 1847 and during the ten years he was identified with the state attained high rank in legal circles. Locating in Janesville, he opened an office for the practice of his profes- sion, at first carrying on his practice alone, but later being associated with Lorenzo Sawyer, ex- judge of the United States Circuit Court, and also with John R. Bennett, of the district court of Wisconsin, both of whom are now deceased. With the record of his successful practice in Wis- consin Mr. Budd came to California in 1858, lo- cating first in Woodbridge, but after remaining there a year, came to Stockton and made this city his home until his death. Soon after estab- lishing his practice here he became associated with W. L. Dudley in the practice of law under the name of Dudley & Budd, and as both were men of brilliant legal attainments and keen dis- crimination, they built up a large practice and had as clients some of the most influential busi- ness men of the city. Politically Mr. Budd was a stanch Democrat, a fact which, coupled with his unique fitness for the position, led to his ap- pointment as successor to Judge Baldwin, and later he was twice elected to the office of Super- ior Judge of San Joaquin county. He also served two terms as city attorney of Stockton. At the time of his death he had served on the bench fifteen years, during which time he had gained the reputation of being one of the best
jurists in the state, and it is a well-known fact that his decisions were seldom reversed. Many of the most prominent legal cases handled in the county were brought to him for settlement, among them being the well-known Mokelumne- grant litigation.
While a resident of Janessville, Wis., Mr. Budd was united in marriage, June 4, 1849, to Lucinda M. Ash, who like himself was a native of New York state. Two children were born to them, James H. Budd, the late ex-governor of California, and John E. Budd, a resident of Stockton. Personally Mr. Budd was beloved by all with whom he came in contact, and with his wife was a member of the Baptist Church. His life was a success, and while succeeding in a financial way, he never neglected his duties as a citizen, and much of the city's advancement can be traced to his foresight and substantial encour- agement.
WILLIAM H. CLARY.
With the early development of important in- dustries in California the name of Mr. Clary is indissolubly associated and any resume of his life, however brief, would suffice to show that the progress of the state was enhanced by the citizen- ship of this pioneer of 1850. By birth a Ken- tuckian, born at Bowling Green, March 4, 1822, he had no recollection of a father's affectionate care, for that parent was lost (supposed to have been killed by savage Indians) during the infancy of the son. His widowed mother removed with him to Missouri several years after the father's death and settled in Pulaski county, where he grew to manhood amid frontier surroundings. His early schooling was obtained in an academy. Thus he came to possess a fine command of lan- guage, which he used with such skill that he was called the "Boy Orator". His studies took him
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into the realms of medicine and the law. With persistent and intelligent industry he carried on systematic courses in these professions and ac- quired a knowledge of each so thoroughly and ex- tensive that he could have secured a license to practice, had he so desired. When less than twenty years of age he was elected clerk of Pu- laski county and filled the position with recog- nized energy and fidelity.
Having determined to join the Argonauts bound for California, Mr. Clary relinquished his associations in Missouri and outfitted for the trip across the plains with prairie schooner and oxen, The journey was comparatively uneventful and came to an end during. August of 1850, when he arrived at Hangtown. For a time he mined there and at Diamond Springs, Eldorado county, but in 1851 it was his good fortune to settle at San Andreas, Calaveras county. The location offered opportunities for which he was fully equal. Hav- ing investigated mining conditions, he conceived the idea of constructing a water ditch of such immense proportions that more experienced men were staggered by the plan. However, he per- sisted with his ambitious purposes and by dint of indomitable energy he was able to carry for- ward the work of constructing the first mining ditch in the state. It was forty-five miles long, extending from the San Antonio river to San Andreas. The improvement stimulated mining interests at all points within its vicinity and proved a source of large revenue to its projector, to whom it brought fame as well as fortune. In addition he developed the Quail Hill and Na- poleon copper mines at Copperopolis, Calaveras county, the first copper from which was mined in 1861 and shipped to Baltimore, Md. These were the first copper mines worked in the state and their successful operation greatly enhanced the fame of California as a mining country.
Associated with J. B. Haggin, vice-president of Wells-Fargo Co., and United States Senator Hearst of national fame, Mr. Clary bought the Sheep Ranch mine, of which he remained super- intendent for twenty years and which in time became the greatest producer in the entire state.
In 1864, with Andrew J. Moubler an! where Mr. Clary organized and incorporated the fit Stock Exchange in San Francisco, this co bude ing a body that has been a power in the fimumul history of the west from that time to the procent Fraternally he had been connected for years -os Masonic bodies, and was a member in Gallooma Commandery No. 1, K. T. Besiles many Either interests he was a stockholder in the Wsuper Leather Company, also had the houver vi ambony in the incorporation of the company urinamed to lay the cable from San Franorgo to Javu
The marriage of Mr. Clary took place le 1670 and united him with Miss Mary J Komoly, a native of Kentucky and a daughter [ Jobm But- dle Kennedy, a pioneer of San Joaquin currye Six children were born of the unjen, namely William H., Jr., who is engaged m onhong : D Witt, an attorney-at-law ; Maybelle, wife or C S. Barrette, president of the Southern Trou Company of South Carolina; Ethel and Merril who at present are with their mother at the family residence, No. 137 West Vine street, Suchom: and George, a mining man of Calaveras ounty After a long, useful and honorel hic, fillel' with successful activities and crowned by th repedt of associates, Mr. Clary passed front end one vember 27, 1904.
D. S. ROSENBAUM
The opportunities afforded by the west na young men of energy and determination art ev emplified in the business success mi David s Rosenbaum, one of the lea ling courez of Stel ton, whose prosperity is the result of wie ovest ments and industrious application since he ome to this city more than forty five years Apps Burg in Bavaria in 1843, he receivela ir cili-nio in his native tongue, and at the age Mi fur'em years started out in the world to nuke bù que
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livelihood. Coming to the United States he spent several years in New York, whence he pro- ceeded via Panama to California in 1862. While he had an excellent position in the east his health was poor and he made the change with the hope of regaining his strength. Not only was this hope fulfilled but also he had the satisfaction of accumulating a large property through his inde- fatigable energy.
The heavy expense incident to transportation to the United States and later to California had placed a large indebtedness upon the shoulders of the young man, and as his earnings were small prior to the age of twenty years, it was difficult to defray his debts. When he came to the west- ern coast he was still in debt to the amount of $200, mainly for his passage money. For a time he was variously employed with others and meanwhile the debt grew smaller until the last was wiped out. While clerking for B. Franken- heimer, with whom he remained until 1870, he gained a thorough knowledge of the clothing business. During 1870 he embarked in business upon his own account and with his complete ac- quaintance concerning the business he at once established a credit. As the trade increased he enlarged the business. His first store, erected by himself, was 26x80 feet in dimensions and two stories in height. Later he purchased a building on Main and Sutter streets, 50x100, at a cost of $40,000. At this location he has since conducted an extensive clothing business. As the population increased he kept in touch with the growing demands of the people and was prepared to meet their demand for high-grade clothing.
The management of the large clothing business does not represent the limit of Mr. Rosenbaum's activities. With others, in 1888 he was instru- mental in organizing the Farmers & Merchants Bank, of which he was chosen vice-president, the other officers being P. B. Fraser president, and James M. Abeel cashier. The institution con- ducts a general banking business, enjoys a repu- tation as one of the substantial concerns of its kind in the county, and is well capitalized. In- vestments in land have given Mr. Rosenbaum
the title to various properties in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. Prominent among his es- tates is a tract of twelve hundred acres in the irrigation district, all of which is leased and de- voted to the raising of beans and barley. This land is exceptionally rich black peat, level, easily worked and remarkably fertile. The tract is well situated for shipping purposes, being three miles from the Western Pacific road and three miles from Terminous on the river. However, poor shipping facilities (which it is hoped will soon be remedied and made first-class) have caused the grain hitherto to be hauled to Lodi, twelve miles distant.
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