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 28
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
Mr. Gardiner is a native of the middle west, and was born in Dallas county, Iowa, January 25, 1872, the son of J. O. and Emily (Tovey) Gardiner, farmers in that county. The early boy- hood days of the son were passed on the parental homestead, but as he had no natural inclination toward agricultural life very little of time or effort was spent in the performance of home du-
ties. Instead, his thoughit was concentratedl in preparing his mind and hand for the great hud- ness world, and having learned telegraphy, bu- tween the ages of ten and twelve he filled a pxit- tion as operator on the Rock Island Route in Iowa. It was during this time, too, that he rec ognized his exceptional ability as a penman, a recognition which may be taken as the turning point in his career, taking him from the comer cial world and placing him in the no less in port- ant educational field. Thus far his school advan- tages were only such as had been offered in the public schools in the vicinity of his birthplace in Iowa, but in order to perfect himself in the art of penmanship he took a special course in the Highland Park Normal College, of Des Moines, Iowa. Following this he took a general course in the Lincoln Normal University of Nebraska. from which he graduated in 1804, with the de- gree of master of accounts.
Coming to California in the year 18)5. Mr. Gardiner's initiation in the educational world be- gan with his associations in Oakland and San Francisco, where he was interested in the Healdl- Dixon College for two years. Selling his in terest in the institution in 1890, he then cante to Stockton and accepted a position as teacher in the commercial department of the Stockton Business College, filling this with great credit to himself for eight years, when he purchased the entire control of the college. Two years later, in 1000, he sold his interest to Mr. Heald and since then has been resident manager of the institution. He possesses in large measure those qualities which combine to make the successful teacher of the young mind, and as one of the rising young men in this part of California stands high in c luca- tional circles in the state.
In Stockton, on Christmas Day of 188. Mr Gardiner was united in marriage with Mise Joe sephine Mylotte, the daughter of Juille Mvinte of San Francisco. One child. Ione, has licen born of their marriage. Fraternally Mr. Gard- iner is affiliated with the Odd Fellows. the Massos and the Woodmen of the Worl 1. Mr. Garlimeri gift as an expert penman has given Him a repu-
242
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tation exceeded by none on the Pacific coast, and in fact stands in the foremost ranks in that pro- fession in the whole country. He has a person- ality that is pleasing and winning, and has always been popular with his pupils, a bond which has been a large factor in his success as a teacher.
JOSHUA PORTER AUSTIN.
Associated for years with the pioneer activities of San Joaquin county, Joshua Porter Austin made farm pursuits his principal occupation after coming to California, although to some extent he also was interested in carpentering, of which he had a thorough knowledge. A number of the early structures erected in Stockton were built under his personal supervision and bore testi- mony to his efficient workmanship, but he was more particularly interested in raising grain and stock and enjoyed a reputation as a thorough- going agriculturist. His first tract comprised one hundred and sixty acres secured from the government and later he acquired another quar- ter-section by purchase, thus becoming the owner of a large acreage suited for the grazing of stock and the raising of grain. Early enterprises for the local welfare received the impetus of his as- sistance, and he was especially interested in se- curing good schools, realizing that no region can reach its highest development without the aid of educational advantages. To his district he donated the land for Mount Carmel school. A building stood on the lot known as the Eight- Mile house, and for a time a store had been con- ducted there by Henry Wright. In connection with the store there was a ball-room where neigh- borhood parties were held. The building was utilized by the district for school purposes and Mr. Austin further assisted by making the doors, sash, desks and seats. Later the building was
torn down and the lumber utilized in the con- struction of the present schoolhouse.
The year of 1849, fateful in the history of Cal- ifornia, brought Mr. Austin with other Argo- nauts to the shores of California by way of Cape Horn as a passenger on a ship from New York. Born in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1822, he had attended the schools of that day and place and had gained a rudimentary knowledge of the- three R's. During boyhood he mastered the de- tails of the steel square. By the time he arrived at maturity he was proficient in carpentering and cabinet-making, which furnished him a means of livelihood in his native county.
While living in Delaware county Mr. Austin married Miss Susan Bagley, who was born at Big Hollow, Greene county, N. Y., in 1825, and they began housekeeping in a house which Mr. Austin owned. Some years later he left his fam- ily there and came to California, where he worked at his trade in Sacramento at $16 per day. Next he came to Stockton and outfitted for the mines at Sonora, where he met with a small degree of success. Meanwhile he became interested in the hotel business and opened the Irving house, where many times he entertained not only men of prominence and high standing, but also bands of desperadoes intent upon deeds of evil. Having decided that he wished to locate permanently in California, Mr. Austin returned east for his fam- ily, and they came with him via the isthmus. At that time there were two children, namely : Mary, who married John Wright, of French Camp; and Clifford, who still lives in San Joaquin county.
After his return to the west Mr. Austin re- sided temporarily at Santa Cruz, where with a Mr. Shell he built the first sawmill in the town and furnished plank for the paving of Clay street in San Francisco: With another pioneer he erect- ed a building at French Camp that he utilized for hotel purposes. Much of his time, however, was given to his ranch, and far and near he was known as the proprietor of the Pancake ranch, so called because its owner gave his guests pan- cakes for their breakfast and also enjoyed them
28
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daily for his own breakfast. Politically he voted the Democratic ticket. In religion he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a liberal supporter of the denomination. Fond of hunting and fishing, he devoted many leisure hours to these sports, and delighted to bring to his home the fruits of his skill with rod and gun. A long and happy married life was brought to an end when Mrs. Austin passed away in 1896, at the age of seventy-one years. Less than ten years later, in April of 1905, he followed her to the grave, at the age of eighty-three. In addition to their children born in New York they were the parents of six born in San Joaquin county, namely: Porter, who died at the age of forty- one years, leaving a wife and son; Burgess, a rancher ; Gilbert, supervisor of the state asylum; Henry, who resides at No. 119 South Pilgrim street, Stockton; Hattie, who married, but was removed from her home by death at the age of twenty-eight years; and Edward, who holds a position as manager of the Wiley B. Allen Co., of Sacramento.
WILLIAM KUHL.
In the era when Stockton was an insignificant hamlet, of importance only as a station from which supplies were hauled to the various mines in the surrounding country, William Kuhl became a pioneer of the village, buying property on the corner of Market and California streets, where the postoffice now stands. For a number of years he made his home in a house that occupied that lot, but in 1858 he traded the property for two hundred and forty-two acres of land near Stockton. Removing to the country, he took possession of the place and began to bring the land under cultivation. Suitable buildings were erected, other improvements were made, and un- der his industrious supervision the value of the
homestead was greatly increased. Here lit wade his home until December 16, 18%, alien death terminated his activities.
A native of Gernguy, born in 1817, Mle Kind was brought to the United States by his parents in childhood and settled with thera in the storm- ity of Beardstown. Ill., where he grew to main hood upon a farmi anl receivel a fair olivadico in country schools. During i85t he joined a party of emigrants bound for the Pacific tout. There were six men in the company, and they provided themselves with an equipment if we ons, oxen and provisions. The journey was ap eventful. Indians did not moles them, nor del sickness add to the privations of the trip Wild game was plentiful an 1 supplied them with troh meat to be cooked over their campfire. During the spring of 1852 Mr. Kulil arrived in Siodle- ton and soon bought property here, while a previously stated he exchange for umm proved farm land. He was one of the organizers ami a member of the German Methodist Eplergod Church of Stockton, and was a stanch Repaiddicas in politics, though he never sought offer It was also greatly interested in public scholl and supported all public movement ..
Prior to coming west William Kuhl hast was ried Anna Marie Glasses, who was of German descent and grew to womanheel illinois, rom- ing to California after marriage and remmmmmme here until her death. December 28. IS The parents are survived by two children, the dough ter being Mrs. J. H. Farwell, of San I'tsnetas
The only son of the family. Charles F. was born December 14. 1857, in a house that wow pied the present site of the Sunktan portelsor During boyhood he aided in the developing of the home farm and attendel the chentry schoe In 1879 lie went to Los Angeles ampl thice soirs later moved to Portland1. Ore , retarding on Lam Angeles in 1886, and making his love in this city for twelve years. On huis return to Stuction in 1898 he opened his present place of bonnes and in addition to managing the same. The Kur charge of the old home farm, which Fe bank, bo. rents to tenants. By his marriage to Muw Lena
244
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Cordes, of Los Angeles, he has one daughter and two sons, namely : Mrs. Marie E. Curtis, a resi- dent of Montreal, Canada ; Bert. C., now in Seat- tle, Wash .; and Carl F., a student in the Stock- ton high school. Fraternally Mr. Kuhl holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and his wife is identified with the Pythian Sisters.
HIRAM FISHER.
The life which this narrative depicts began in Pennsylvania in 1815, and came to a close in Stockton June 23, 1891. Between these dates is written a life filled with useful accomplish- ments from a commercial standpoint, as well as one filled with useful deeds in behalf of his fel- low-citizens. At the age of eleven years Mr. Fisher left his home in Pennsylvania, and going to Galion, Ohio, there learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that state for a num- ber of years, and then went to St. Louis, Mo., and assisted in building the state capitol there. Later he engaged in the lumber and milling bus- iness in that city, and though he was on the high road to success in this dual occupation, still the attractions of the far west led him to close out his interests and the spring of 1853 found him cross- ing the plains to California. Six months later, in September of that year, he reached his desti- nation, and came directly to Stockton and en- gaged at his trade of carpenter.
In his trade Mr. Fisher saw many opportuni- ties to make purchase of property to good ad- vantage, one of these purchases consisting of twenty-seven acres of land in the north-east sec- tion of the town, which he laid out into town lots and called it Fisher's addition. What was then, 1856, a comparative wilderness, is now one of the thickly settled portions of the city, and in this locality he also founded the Lincoln school.
Mr. Fisher's marriage occurred in St. Louis, Mo., July 19, 1840, uniting him with Elizabeth Virginia Maddox, a native of Virginia. Of the children born of their marriage those living are : Mary C., the widow of John Wilson, and a res- ident of Stockton; Mrs. W. H. Beighle, of Pa- cific Grove; Hiram, a resident of Paradise, Ariz .; Mrs. Sarah Cordelia Aldrich, of Stockton; Mrs. Elvira Ditman, also of this city; and Alonzo, who makes his home in Bakersfield, Kern county. At his death June 23, 1891, Stockton lost one of her best citizens, one whose personal interests were secondary to those of a public nature. For many years he was the efficient justice of the peace of O'Neil township, and he was also great- ly interested in the cause of prohibition, as he was also in every cause which tended toward the sanctity of the home and the uplifting of the standard in business life in his community. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church he took a deep interest in its various depart- , ments of philanthropy and missions, in fact it may be truthfully said of him that his greatest happiness consisted in doing for others.
ELIJAH WHITING ATTWOOD.
The life which this narrative depicts began after the close of the Revolutionary war, and his birth occurred in a building made famous from the fact that, at the age of eighteen years, the young Revolutionary patriot, Nathan Hale, had taught school in it. At that time, 1773, it was located at Goodspeed's landing, but after the building was abandoned in 1779 it passed into the hands of Elijah A. Attwood, the grandfather of Elijah W., and was then removed to East Haddam, Conn., and here it was that the birth of the latter occurred November 26, 1815. This old homestead remained in the possession of the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family up to the year 1899, when it was secured by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the Revolution and is now being carefully preserved as a relic by that society.
Up to the age of thirty years, or until 1845, Elijah W. Attwood followed the sea, engaging principally in the coasting trade between the New England and the southern states, although he also made a number of longer voyages which took him to Africa and other foreign ports. At the time Fort Sumter was being built he was cap- tain of a ship which carried large quantities of stone to be used in its construction.
At Norwich, Conn., Mr. Attwood was mar- ried July 15, 1845, to Miss Azubah Beckwith, whose birth occurred in Lyme, Conn., November 27, 1819, she too being a representative of old New England stock. Some years after their marriage and the birth of two of their children, Mr. Attwood set out alone for the far west, reaching California June 29, 1849, having made the voyage by way of Cape Horn on the ship Mentor. Two years later he returned to Con- necticut by way of Panama, and in September of 1851, with his wife, daughter and son, came to California to establish his future home. At French Camp, San Joaquin county, he engaged in the hotel business under the name of The La- Barron Company, having as partners in the un- dertaking, E. H. Allen, W. S. Belden, T. A. Wilson and a Mr. LaBarron. A large business was carried on for those days, especially in the winter season, when the roads out of Stockton became impassable. Mr. Attwood found another valuable source of income by carrying freight by boat to French Camp on the slough and thence by teams to the mountains and mines, he being one of the first white men to make the trip up the stream. This business finally assumed large pro- portions, and associated with his son Oscar he made a business of freighting and carrying pas- sengers between Stockton and French Camp in a sailboat known as the Lively Sally. Besides the interests already mentioned Mr. Attwood en- gaged in mining for a time in Calaveras county, and returning to San Joaquin county in 1857 he
purchased a ranch of one hundred an l seventoon acres, on the Durham ferry road. This was the homestead of the family up to the death of the wife and mother, which occurred August 5. 1856, after which the property was sold and Mr Att wood went to Lathrop to make his hothe near his youngest son. A few months before his death, however, he came to Stockton, to be with lix chu dren during his declining days, all the children residing in Stockton at that time. He juste ! away in this city February 1, sous. leaving a void in the hearts of his children, who krew hum as a loving, indulgent father, and in the common ity in which he had spent the greater part of lee life his death was lamented as a public be When he came to California in the famous year of '49 he was a man in the prime of life, anl with a large experience, which, coupled with mature judgment, exemplary habits and untiring energy. easily accounts for the success which followed his efforts, and for the large circle of friends and acquaintances which he instinctively gathere 1 about him. No one was more worthy of ich bership in the Pioneer Society than he, and lic was a welcome member of the society in San Joaquin county.
Named in the order of their birth the children born to Elijah W. and Azubah (Beckwith ) Ait wood are as follows: AAnnette Viola. loom in New London, Conn .. May 22, 1846, and war mar- ried May 19. 1863, to Dennis Vishier, Min of the pioneer Sabastian Visher: Oscar Fuller, alin a native of Connecticut, born January 26, 1848 art
was married May 10, 1877. to Mary F. Keys. daughter of the pioneer Thomas J. Keys; Walbro Allen, born in French Camp, Cal. June 8. 1852. and died July 18, 1857: Henry Beckwith, slan born in French Camp, June 21, 1854. det April 25. 1858; Leroy Smith, who was hom February 6. 1858, and was married April 24. 1870. thì Atime Nellie Alida Gray, of Calaveras conty ; and Jolin Perry, who was born March 11, 1860, and Jons 27, 1881, was married to Miss Carla Johnson Leroy S. Atwood is secretary of the Perwer St ciety of San Joaquin county, and is pireprimane il the Atwood Printing Company. of Stockom Nis
31
246
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
son Archie W. being associated with him in the business. Although the father always adhered to the original spelling of the family name, his children shortened the spelling by dropping one of the T's.
ROSWELL CHAPMAN SARGENT.
To give a detailed account of the events that made up the life of Roswell C. Sargent would be to depict the progress of California during the period that has elapsed since the American occupancy, a recital which would make inter- esting reading for the present generation, but limited space forbids more than brief mention of the most important facts. From colonial times New England had been the home of his progenitors and he himself was a product of that section of the country, his birth occurring in Thornton, Grafton county, N. H., March 28, 1821, he being one of the six children (five sons and one daughter) born to his parents, Jacob and Martha H. (Webster) Sargent. The name of Jacob Sargent was well known throughout Grafton county, where he was not only a large land-owner, but wielded a large influence in business affairs in his community as a financier and speculator.
Up to the age of seventeen years Roswell C. Sargent was reared and educated in the midst of a happy home influence, but the death of his mother in 1838 proved a turning point in his career, and from that time forward he rapidly became acquainted with the more serious side of life. Going to Boston, Mass., he worked on a farm in that vicinity for two years, and after- ward was for three years engaged in the dairy business. In his next business venture he was associated with his brother, J. P., the two en- gaging in the ice business for a number of years, but on selling out in the fall of 1847 they went as far west as Chicago. There Roswell C. at-
tempted to fill an ice-house and had partly suc- ceeded before the ice went out, when he pur- chased a quarter interest in the plant and began selling ice at the rate of twenty-five cents a hun- dred-weight. As the supply diminished the price increased accordingly, until he finally received as high as $1 per hundred-weight. On the whole he had succeeded far beyond his expectations, and was finally enabled to purchase the remain- ing three-quarter interest in the business, as well as the building. At this time he again became associated in business with his brother, J. P., but the partnership was destined to be of short duration, for events were transpiring elsewhere which were to have an influence on their lives and plans.
The finding of gold in California had aroused the ambition of Dr. J. L. and J. P. Sargent to try their fortune in the new west and they wished their brother, Roswell C. to accompany them. Disposing of the ice plant to his former partner, Mr. Sherman, plans for the overland journey were immediately begun, and having se- cured their oxen, they set out for the eldorado of the west May 1, 1849. Leaving Illinois, they crossed the Missouri river at Independence, Mo., thence went to Fort Kearney, and at this point Roswell C. Sargent assumed the responsibility of driving their nine yoke of cattle the remain- der of the way. Having been careful in the selection of their cattle (for which they paid from $40 to $100 a yoke) and supplying them- selves with ample provisions and other necessi- ties they fared better than many of their fellow- travelers. Among their supplies was a five-gal- lon keg of alcohol and also one of brandy. To the commander of a passing train they disposed of half of the alcohol for $300, and later sold the remainder to the same purchaser, as well as an ox to be used for food, for which they re- ceived $100. By the time they reached the top of the mountain Captain Rogers again came to them and negotiated for a part of their brandy. Having followed the route that led by way of Sublett's cut-off, the brothers finally reached Ringgold, Eldorado county, October 13, 1849,
217
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and there built the first house constructed in the town. With this as their headquarters Roswell C. Sargent set out for Sacramento, and there also he erected a building in which he estab- lished a trading post. Between these points he made nine round trips in hauling freight, for which he received $1 per pound, and he also took cattle, boots and other supplies to the mines and there sold them to good advantage. This seem- ing good fortune was not without its dark side, however, for many and severe were the hard- ships which he endured, to say nothing of sick- ness.
As there were no fences or other restrictions to confine his cattle they had become scattered and in the spring of 1850 Mr. Sargent set out to search for them, taking with him $1,000 in gold dust. Although he had hoped to recover the entire herd of two hundred, after spending the money with which he started he had succeeded in finding only seven and then abandoned the search. This piece of ill-luck, added to the fact that business generally was dull in the spring of 1850, the brothers decided to go to Georgetown, but Roswell and one of the brothers soon after- ward returned for some cattle. The other broth- ers remained at Georgetown, and after purchas- ing a scythe for $75 entered upon a hay-making venture that proved a veritable gold mine. They cut and staked about eighty tons, which they sold to the passing emigrants for "a bit" a pound. In the fall of that year the brothers came to San Joaquin county, locating at Woodbridge, and in the following year they built a brush fence around their property, the first fence of the kind in the county. It extended from where Lodi now stands to the river and was four or five miles in length. Thus protected from the encroachments of wan- dering cattle they sowed their land to grain the first season, and the following year planted one hundred and sixty acres of the land to barley, having in the meantime also carried on a stock business.
The high water of the years 1851 and 1852 led to new difficulties and interfered with travel to such an extent that boats finally became a
necessity. The brothers built a boat aol our veyed their goods to Stockton, thende to Cular veras, where they received excellent prices for all commodities. To combat the In thewater problem which had confronted them and lero a menace to their progress for so many soins, in 1862 the brothers undertook the pln pi pro- tecting their land by the levee system, anl in so doing were the first to use a dreger in Caliber- nia. In building the levee arross their lamul they encountered two large sloughs whit Ley had to dam, each dam being one kindred ard twenty feet long and fifty feet wide at the top. while at the bottom they were from one har dred and fifty feet to two hun Ired iwr. The task was tremendous when it is remembered that nearly all of the work was done lefire any machinery had been brought into the state The dredger which they used was one of their own manufacture and was the first one word in im state. In 1864. after the dry scasin, there a large demand on the Sargent brothers fw beef cattle, butchers coming to them to get pijp plies for their markets from the northern co- tremity of the Sacramento valles, Belitig die home ranch of sixteen thousand acres in San Joaquin county the brothers ale ou nod burge landed interests in Santa Clara and Monteres counties. Besides the brothers who for so froins years had been associated in a common interest in California (Dr. Jacob L., Roswell C. James P., Bradley V., and Andrew J ) there was dom one sister in the parental family. Martha HL. who became the wife of Col. S. M. Pricon on! for many years made her home on Neers. Iowa.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.