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 26
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A recital of one year's crops from this tract is sufficient to prove its fertility. On the return of Mr. Rosenbaum from Europe early in the year of 1907, he found a great portion of the ranch still under water from the unprecedented floods of the preceding winter. It seemed as if the prospects for a crop were meager. However, the pumps relieved a large part of the tract and this he rented to the Cooper brothers. They put in three hundred acres of barley and three hun- dred and fifty acres of beans. The barley tract yielded fully eleven thousand sacks, one small tract of eighteen acres giving sixty sacks to the acre. So heavy was the yield that the combined harvester could not pick it up and it was esti- mated that fully twelve hundred bags of the grain were left on the ground, thus making a rich stubble field for sheep. The portion of the land that was put into beans also showed remarkable results. The beans were planted in long and reg- ular rows. The pinks yielded almost thirty-five sacks to the acre, and the whites almost thirty. All records were broken between seed time and harvest, between the time there was twelve feet of water on the land and the time when a crop worth almost $20,000 was taken off from it. The renter asserted that "On a calm day one could almost hear things grow out here," and truly there are few tracts in this productive state of such wonderful fertility as this.
The marriage of Mr. Rosenbaum took place in Stockton and united him with Miss Amelia
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hart. Four children were born of their union. The three daughters are married and occupy homes of their own. The only son, a promising young man of thirty years, died during May of 1905, leaving a void in the hearts of the parents that will never be filled. The family have been identified with the upbuilding of Stockton and have been active factors in movements for the betterment of the social and moral condition of the people.
CLEMENT V. DARRAH.
An association of more than twenty years with the business interests of Stockton has brought Mr. Darrah before the people as a business man of integrity, energy and high principles of honor. The industry to which he gives his attention, that of contract teaming, varies in importance ac- cording to the season of the year and the amount of building in the community, hence its responsi- bilities are greater than those of a business with fewer "ups and downs." His specialty is the sup- plying of builders with sand, gravel and other building material, and during the busy season he uses twenty teams and the same number of men. One of his largest contracts was for fur- nishing the contractors of the Stockton hotel with sand and broken rock; this latter he gets from Folsom. Frequently he has supplied railroads with materials and in addition he has had con- tracts at Lodi, being recognized throughout the county as one of the reliable men in his line of business.
A native of Ohio, born in Belmont county, August 20, 1865, Clement V. Darrah is a son of Robert and Mary A. (McFadden) Darrah, the former born in Ohio, and the latter a native of Wheeling, W. Va., of Scotch ancestry ; he is now a resident of Pacific Grove. While Ohio was yet an unbroken wilderness through which In-
dians and wild animals roamed unmolested; the Darrah family became established upan r's from- tier and out of a dense forest the father deare! a farm, from the cultivation of which he amen! a livelihood for his family. The children were given as good educations as tire day and locality afforded, Clement being sent to school in Wheel- ing, W. Va., and to a private college taught bo Prof. J. M. Frazier. Upon leaving college be devoted himself industriously to farm work.
Starting out for himself in 1887, Mr. Darrah came to California and settled in Steckten, where since he has made his home. For five years het was employed by Whittier, Fuller & Co_ Skal ers in oil, and eventually he became the beatni an independent business, and for twelve years built up a large retail business as the reml: of his perseverance, this being known as the Stockton Oil Company. While this employeil le became interested in the teaming bonnes amt eventually he turned his attention exclusively to contract teaming. One of the pubhe-spuiten min of the county, he is always to be found in the ranks of those anning to promote local enter- prises, and stands high in the esteem mi all with whom he has business dealings er waal re' tions.
The marriage of Mr. Darrah in (2)2 mmmind him with Miss Bessie Words, who was fors and educated in Calfornia. Two - Wiew their union, Earl W. ant Clement Guart, leth of whom are students in the local selmade. Mes. Darrah is a granddaughter of Samvol atil Elca- beth (Leffler) Woods, who were married in 1822; he was born October 14. 1708, And Me. September 14. 1804. Their em. Andrew, bom August 17, 1823, crossed the plains in [Ray sinh a team of oxen and was so plowel with the country that he determined to rentaln permacce) by. Returning to the east he merriol Jane R Leffler in 1852, and their wedding jovenes .es a trip across the plains, being acompan- f bn his father's family. Hugh M. Woods, wo unde ( familiarly known as Mitch), carme at the same time as did his brother Samuel and both smiled near Woodbridge, where they now live. Andrew
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Woods died in Tulare county December 5, 1883 ; his wife, who was born November 28, 1828, died at Stockton June 29, 1903, a little more than fifty years after she had come to the west a young bride. Mrs. Darrah was given good advantages in her girlhood and has spent her life thus far in California, to whose welfare she is loyally de- voted. With Mr. Darrah she shares in the regard of acquaintances and the esteem of personal friends. In fraternal relations he is identified with the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics, the Independent Order of Foresters and Charity Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., to all of which he has been helpful in promoting their philanthropies and extending their spheres of use- fulness.
NICOLAS VIZELICH.
Tracing the life-history of this honored pio- neer of 1849, we find that he was a Dalmatian by birth, and was born at Ragusa, on the shores of the Adriatic sea, February 18, 1832. After an eventful career that took him into many lands and made him the master of nine languages, he passed from earth at Stockton September 17, 1906, and was laid to rest amid scenes long fa- miliar to him, after the solemn rites of the Cath- olic Church had been performed. At one time he owned large property interests at Stockton, including Iron Tract park or Vizelich park. The home now owned and occupied by his widow stands on land purchased by him about 1873 and originally comprising one-fourth of a city block. Only one other house had been built to the east, and the place at first furnished the family with a country home, but since then the city has extended its limits and the old homestead has greatly increased in value.
Until thirteen years of age Nicholas Vizelich remained in his native country and attended
school, but at that time, on account of a differ- ence with his teacher, he left and started out to: make his own way in the world. The sea, near whose shores his childhood had been passed, had always attracted him by its mystery and its call to far-distant lands. He resolved to become a sailor and without delay shipped as a cabin-boy on an ocean vessel. From a humble beginning he worked his way up to a position of responsi- bility on board ship. Visiting many lands, he gained a wide knowledge of the world, its peo- ple and their customs, and being quick to learn, he mastered many languages in use throughout the civilized world.
Upon landing in California in February, 1849, Mr. Vizelich gave up the life of a sailor and worked in the mines on the Fraser river, later working in the southern mines. He met with some good fortune in the Comstock mines, but he determined to relinquish mining for other activities. Returning to San Francisco, he opened a restaurant at the corner of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets, it being the first coffee- house in that vicinity. Afterward he sold and opened another restaurant, and continued in this way for some time, buying, building up a trade, and then selling. Meanwhile he witnessed the early development of San Francisco and acted as a member of Howard Engine Company No. 3, of the volunteer fire department. The failure of the banking house of Page & Bacon brought him the loss of almost his entire savings and caused him to seek a home elsewhere. Previous to this he had visited Stockton and had been pleased with the location, besides believing that the climate would prove beneficial to the health of a sister; accordingly in 1862 he came here, purchased a location on the corner of Hunter and Washington streets, and opened a restaurant, conducting the same for many years. As he succeeded, he purchased and improved property, and thus became the owner of business sites of increasing value. For a time he owned and con- ducted a finely-equipped restaurant on Main street opposite the courthouse. He retired from business in 1881.
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The marriage of Mr. Vizelich was solemnized in Stockton in 1866 and united him with Pene- lope Harding, who was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, December 31, 1841, and came to California in 1857 with her three broth- ers and mother, settling at Stockton. Her parents were natives of London, England, and members of the Church of England, in which faith she was reared. Since coming to California she has been connected with the Episcopal Church. Ten children were born of her marriage to Mr. Vize- lich, all natives of Stockton. The eldest son, Stephen N., who was connected with the Wells- Fargo Co., died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving a wife and two children, Bernice I. and Lloyd C. Three other members of the family are also deceased, namely : Lucy M., who died in infancy, and a twin brother, William F., who died at the age of ten years and ten months, and Elizabeth S., familiarly known as "Bessie." who married Frederick G. Bartlett and had one son, Frederick V .; she died February 28, 1909. Three daughters and three sons are still living. Amelia M. A. became the wife of William Bruce of Oakland, and they have two daughters, Pene- lope Jean and Annie E. Katherine E., the second daughter in the Vizelich family, married Fred- erick B. Morrill, of Berkeley, Cal., and they have a daughter, Nicolena M. The third surviving daughter, Penelope A., remains with her mother in their pleasant home. The three surviving sons in the Vizelich family are as follows : Nico- las J., an employe of the Southern Pacific Rail- road at Stockton; Henry George, also employed with the Southern Pacific; and Stanley E., who is chief clerk of the Sante Fe Railroad at Albu- querque.
Though giving his support to the Democratic party in national elections, Mr. Vizelich was in- dependent in local affairs and supported the men whom he deemed best qualified for office. His tastes did not lead him to the fraternities and he never identified himself with any secret organi- zations. His experience in the volunteer fire de- partment of San Francisco made valuable his association with Eureka Fire Company No. 2,
at Stockton, and he further was connected with the exempt firemen. For years he was a Inem- ber of the San Joaquin Society of Piereem High in the confidence of the people he always stood and often they solicited him to adopt pom tions of trust and honor, but he hal no Sie for public life and invariably declined such mop gestions. However, he was willing toraul trimside in their candidacy for offices and cheerfully power of his time and influence toward all overeno for the general progress of his home city.
WALLACE RUTHVEN LEADBETTER.
Even the most casual observers and readers of California history are impresse 1 with the fact that the east has given to the Pacific cuont mamy men of culture and broad mental attainment. Among them few have excelled the late Waller R. Leadbetter, whose versatility of mind and force of personality impressed every member of his circle of acquaintances and every locality wi his residence. The traits which malle han a lead- er among men came to him as an endluwment from a long line of gifted ancestors whome ars ciations with New England date back through many generations. He was born ActuM 1. 1838, in Leeds. Androscoggin county, Mc., which at that time was the home of his parents. Herare and Eliza D. (Shaw ) Leadbetter, nativeni Kes nebec county, same state. After completing Dan studies in the local home schools he arfonds Maine Seminary ( Wesleyan) a: Kents HI. 468 also Monmouth Academy. beh mn Kenselwe county. Much of the wherewithal which evaldel him to attend these institutions of learning buul been carned by himself as a teacher In ile b mon schools, he having begun to trash when gely eighteen years old. In 18ho he will employed we a teacher in one of the schools vi Auguro, Ve,
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but soon afterward was honored by being made superintendent of schools in Leeds.
Resigning his position in 1863, Mr. Leadbet- ter came to California via the Panama route, and after landing at San Francisco he made his way at once to San Joaquin county. He taught in the public schools of the county for four years, and at the end of this time returned to his native state. His fellow-citizens made much of this oppor- tunity to secure him as their representative in the state legislature, and his election followed im- mediately afterward. He served his constituents faithfully, looking after their interests with as much care and precision as if they were his own personal affairs, but at the close of his term of one year he was ready and willing to return to the Golden state. April of 1868 found him again in San Joaquin county, and the fall of the follow- ing year he was elected county superintendent of schools, and succeeded himself until October, 1874, when he declined further continuance in of- fice in order to give his time to the development of a ranch which he had purchased, and which was located near Collegeville, San Joaquin coun- ty. In 1883 he removed to Stockton, with the in- tention of retiring from the active cares of life, but his abilities were not long allowed to lie dor- mant, for in 1885 he was again brought into pub- lic service through his election to the position of superintendent of schools of this city. Previous- ly, while a resident of Collegeville, he served one term in the legislature, where he gave efficient service on the committee of education, and public buildings and grounds.
In Maine, in 1867, Mr. Leadbetter was united in marriage with Miss Irene E. Nichols, a native of Monmouth, Kennebec county, Me. In all that the term implies she was a helpmate to her hus- band, her mental equipment making her an ex- ceptionally congenial companion. Like himself, she received her higher training in Kents Hill seminary. Four children were born of their mar- riage, as follows: the eldest, Jessie E., died in 1870; Horace M. passed away at the age of twen- ty, while a student in Leland Stanford Univer- sity ; Anita W. became the wife of O. A. Sayles
and resides in this county ; and the youngest child, Flora W., is a teacher in the Weber school. Fra- ternally Mr. Leadbetter belonged to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and to the An- cient Order of United Workmen, in both of which organizations he rendered good and faith- ful service, and his death August 28, 1903, was the cause of general mourning in the various in- stitutions and organizations in the upbuilding of which the best years of his life were spent.
Mrs. Leadbetter's parents, Martin M. and Flora A. (Leadbetter) Nichols, were born in Maine, but from the year 1878 were residents of Stockton, Cal. Throughout his life Mr. Nichols was deeply interested in the activities of the Re- publican party, and while in Maine was a "wheel- horse" of his party. His death occurred in Stockton September 9, 1904. Mrs. Nichols passed away January 5, 1909, at the age of eighty-eight years. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, as follows: Irene E., Mrs. W. R. Leadbetter; Miss Nettie S. Nichols ; and Nellie W., who in 1877 became the wife of Charles M. Keniston.
RICHARD WILLIAM RUSSELL.
Were a complete history compiled of the cities of Stockton and San Andreas, considerable men- tion necessarily would be made of "Dick" Rus- sell, the well-known Forty-niner, who for more than half a century had business interests in one or both of these towns and meanwhile gained a wide knowledge of the country and the people. Born in New York city July 19, 1829, he was forced to earn his own way in the world from childhood and at the age of twelve went to sea, enduring countless privations and untold hardships as he slowly worked his way up from the most humble position on shipboard. Early
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1849 he shipped as third mate from New York on the Elizabeth Ellen, under Captain Truman, and sailed south to Cape Horn, thence along the western coast of America until anchor was cast at San Francisco September 23, 1849, the young man having meanwhile been promoted to the rank of first mate. After disembarking he proceeded via Stockton to the mines on the Tuolumne river at Hawkin's bar, where he met with a little success at placer mining.
Making Stockton his headquarters, Mr. Rus- sell began to carry freight to French Camp. Later he bought twenty-one mules and packed freight to the mines of Calaveras county, re- ceiving $1 per pound for carrying freight from Stockton to Murphy's. As drivers he em- ployed Mexicans and having them around him constantly he soon learned to speak the Spanish language. The freight charges were paid to him in silver, which he sold at a premium to the gamblers of Stockton. During 1851 he went to San Andreas, near where he mined. Soon he opened a butcher shop and also became proprie- tor of a livery stable. At one time he owned almost every lot in San Andreas and knew by name almost every settler in the entire region. When a volunteer fire department was organ- ized he was chosen chief and did effective work in quenching the fires that proved so destruc- tive in early days. One day while keeping camp he prospected for himself and during the afternoon found a place where he took out twenty-one ounces of fine gold.
When the railroad reached Milton Mr. Rus- sell secured the mail contract, also handled ex- press, and had lines extending to Angel's, Murphy's, San Andreas, Mokelumne Hill, So- nora and Sheep Ranch, all of which places he reached by stage from Milton. In 1881 he sold out his equipment and came to Stockton. For ten years afterward he carried on a livery, orig- inally established by A. Wolf and later conducted by Haines & Snyder. Some time after he had sold this livery he opened another, which he con- ducted until 1901, and finally retired after hav- ing been in business for about fifty years. Since
1901 he has resided at No. 1021 Nopb Sms Joaquin street, where years ago he was sie tomed to graze his mules. Politically hip Hop- ports Republican principles. During preer times he was a member of the Home Quanly nf Calaveras county under Captain Harcly, and for two years he was a member of the folke and fire commission. Without exception he woher ed to all measures having for their nijen ile upbuilding of this region and the levelpme of its resources. Fraternally le @ wpcrowd with Morning Star Lodge No CS, F & A. M. Stockton Chapter, R. A. M. ; anl Stockton Cim mandery. No. 8, K. T. ; while für years his wife was active in the local chapter of the Power Star, and also has been prominent in the Wo- men's Relief Corps.
The marriage of Richard W. Ruwell asit Ha! tie E. Johnson was solemnized on Cheriemas fly of 1860. Mrs. Russell was born in Rhode Island and came to California with her micher en ing the Isthmus of Panama Jarimary 1. 1567. 00 the second train that made the trips. Her father. William B. Johnson, came to Calliuma W 1832 and engaged in mining in Calavenu ponty where in 1857 he was jomedl bs los wife aml two children. He opened the first bel louse in Santa Cruz, but gave his attention pouvonsle to farming and mining, and diel in Sahoan in 1890, at the age of seventy-tw. Hu mi's win bore the maiden name of Mars E. Parter was born in Rhode Island and diml in i&8 at the age of eighty-two years. Their Offer danes ter. Elvira, is the widow of Willam Mmfler, Santa Cruz. The younger daughter. Mire Des sell, of Stockton, has an interesting fand wf reminiscences concerning pioneer almon, shim theirs was the only white family on the Sao Amr toine ridge, when the isolation wax more me plete than the present generation could miller stand, and when the only excitement vil & ride on horseback to the market or the mime Flug gies were not common for veart after ale bail come to the west and all the riding ww dome on the back of horses or mules, or be dionmrinch Of her marriage there were there collect ant
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of whom were born and educated in Calaveras county. The eldest, Annie M., is the wife of Joseph A. Adams, of Stockton. The only son, William P., a rancher, resides on Cherokee avenue, Stockton. The youngest child, Grace M., married Harry A. Schmolz, and resides in San Francisco.
WILLIAM THOMAS SHEPARD.
For more than twenty years Mr. Shepard has been identified with the business interests of Stockton and during this period he has risen to a position of influence among the people of the city, who recognize in him the qualities that go to the growth of a town and to the develop- ment of its material resources. While he is of Canadian birth, the family of which he is an honored representative traces its lineage to New England and became established in America dur- ing the colonial era. The various generations since then have been loyal to the localities in which their lots have been cast. Industry and frugality were ancestral traits and became the inheritance of descendants, who thus attained positions where frugality no longer was neces- sary and where industry brought ample means for leisure and for the comforts of life.
A skilled mechanic who for many years suc- cessfully followed the trade of a pattern-maker in his native Massachusetts, William Thomas Shep- ard, Sr., eventually removed to Canada, estab- lished himself in business, and ere yet he had attained satisfactory success he died in 1868. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Samantha Chapman, survived him many years, dying in 1900. Their second son, to whom was given his father's name, was born near Montreal in Can- ada, February 23, 1853, and as a boy was sent to the public schools of his home neighborhood, later having the advantages of a course of study
in Waterloo academy, where he availed himself of the excellent opportunities offered for acquir- ing a fair education.
Upon leaving the academy William Thomas Shepard went to Richmond, Canada, where he remained several years. On his return to Mon- treal he secured a position as painter in the car- works. As a painter he early acquired great proficiency and indeed was said to be an artist in his line. When he resigned his position in Canada he came to California in 1886 and set- tled in San Francisco, where he established him- self in the paint business on the corner of Sixth and Mission streets, soon beginning to take con- tracts for painting, in which work he gave em- ployment to a number of men. At the expiration of two years he sold out the San Francisco busi- ness and moved to Stockton, where he now has a pleasant home at No. 1303 East Washington street. For eighteen years after coming to this city he was a contractor for the Stockton Ma- chine & Agricultural works. At this writing he is a partner in the Todman Paint Company, an old-established business, owners of a large store fully stocked with paints and wall paper. An extensive business is done in taking and filling contracts for painting, also in selling materials for such work.
Ever since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Shepard has voted the Democratic ticket in state and national elections, but he is liberal in his views and no trace of partisanship can be discerned in his opinions. During 1904 he was elected a member of the city council, re- ceiving the support of the Democrats, also of many Republicans among whom he was popu- lar and highly esteemed. During his service the length of tenure of office was doubled and when he was re-elected in 1906 it was for a term of four years. As the representative of the third ward, he attends to the interests of that section of the city and in addition supports movements for the general welfare. In fraternal relations he is connected with Protection Camp No. 163, A. O. U. W., and Stockton Camp, No. 218, B. P. O. E. Domestic ties were established by Mr.
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