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 31
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
The marriage of Sylvester Hubbard united him with Miss Anne Belle Ray, who was born in Oil City, Pa., and at the age of twelve years came to California in company with her father, William Ray. Afterward she remained in the central part of the state (mainly in Stockton) until her death, which occurred August 1I, 1897. William Ray was a California settler of 1867 and for some time successfully engaged in the sheep business. For years he was actively identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and in religion he adhered to the faith of the Presbyterian Church, being a prominent worker in the local congregation of that denomination.
The only son of Sylvester Hubbard was Will- iam Walter, whose name introduces this sketch, and whose birth occurred in the city of Stockton, July 7, 1878. The excellent schools of his native city afforded him good advantages and of these he availed himself with commendable industry. On leaving school to take up life's business ac- tivities, he secured employment on the Santa Fe Railroad, where he was baggageman and also had charge of the United States mail. Of recent
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years he has been engaged in the sale of real estate in Stockton. An excellent judge of valu- ations, he has an accurate knowledge of proper- ties in this region and is well qualified to take charge of important transfers. In fraternal re- lations he holds membership with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 55, in his home city. During 1890 he was united in marriage with Miss Susie Geffroy, of Lodi, daughter of a prominent citizen, who for three years served as sheriff of Monterey county. The only child of the union is a daughter, Wilma Nadine Hubbard.
PHILIP GROVES.
The life history of this old pioneer in Cali- fornia dates back to the "days of old, the days of gold, the days of '49" and extends to May 17, 1876, the date of his death. He was born of English parents in Tiverton, R. I., May 15, 1805. On the paternal side he came of a long line of sea- captains, and his father was the owner of vessels engaged in the West India trade. Philip Groves, however, had no inclination for the sea, but in- stead learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a number of years and later he went into the grocery business. When the gold excite- ment broke out in 1848-49, he like many others, ambitious to make a fortune, left home and fam- ily to go to the new eldorado. With a number of other argonauts he bought a brig named the Juno, in which they made the voyage by way of Cape Horn, reaching San Francisco in January, 1849. His experience in the mines was not a suc- cess, so he gave up mining altogether and came to Stockton, with the intention of settling here permanently. He then sent for his wife and two daughters, the only other child then living, Will- iam H., being a student in East Greenwich (R. I.), College at this time.
Mr. Groves owned a block bounded by Lafay- ette, California, Washington and Super street where he erected a residence, also works for the manufacture of iron, and much of the jingduo! of his plant found its way into many of the buildings in San Francisco, Stockton and Some. He also invented a pick (tempering bis Jon steel ) which was used in the mines of Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne countic to his manufacturing interests he alay ownól shares in the Pananta Steamship line by means of which he carried on quite an in lustry in shop- ping coal, iron and furniture from the cam
During the early days, when lawiconsu pe. vailed to such an extent that the aichi of the citizens was jeopardized, Mr. Groves joened The Vigilance Committee, composed of the letter che ment of citizens for the purpose ei re cine peace and order. He was also a member of tic are department and took a deep interest in palikaat matters. At one time his name was shagunited as a candidate for the legislature, but he dodinej the honor in order to devote his crare ancorano to his business interests. Fratermally he was son Odd Fellow, and in his church as corinn N was a member of the Methodist forumaustin Is his private life he was sociable and liberal, arel like many of the old piorcers entertain i in true "old California style." Mami the jobsa mien of the state were accushared to catles around his board and enjoy themselves as tak "old Californians" knew how to.
Two of the children born to Mir, and Mre Groves died before the ronoval ci the binds to California, and a son arol two fischio-e ans survive. A sketch of William H Grwo ww be found on another page of this villimos. De of the daughters, Annic, became the wife si cil O. M. Brown, of Richnent Va. ant Jaw yum- ner of Judge Hall, he also being K julge Cube Brown's name is alsy linkel snb 10+ Median and Civil wars and with the ofbegre die of thes state. He gained fase to be Tider Rights and was sent against the -Apachey uniler Grpend Carleton at the same time General Cores was sent against the Mortimes He helped lo Joume
32
262
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the first constitution of California, and was a large land and cattle owner in Fresno county. Mr. Groves' daughter, Abbie, became the wife of Dr. James S. Skinner, of Columbus, Ohio. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Groves was Susan Deane McFarlan, of colonial stock and a descend- ant of Miles Standish and William Bradford, Bradford being a family name.
HENRY S. AUSTIN.
An intense devotion to the development of California was manifest in the life and deeds of Henry S. Austin. Through the forty years of his identification with the commercial history of the state, he was a factor in its material prog- ress and a contributor to its permanent prosper- ity. While his memories of his old eastern home were pleasant, he had no desire to return thither for permanent location. The atmosphere of the west, its personnel of progressive pioneers and its prospects for future prosperity, won him from the calm of the settled east, and afterward he never swerved in allegiance to his new home.
During boyhood Mr. Austin was a resident of Baltimore, Md., where he was born in 1826 and where he received a common-school education. January of 1849 found him a passenger on the clipper-ship Greyhound, which rounded Cape Horn and arrived in San Francisco after a voy- age of one hundred and nineteen days. With one exception this was the fastest record made by any ship of 1849 in rounding the Horn. On his arrival in San Francisco Mr. Austin estab- lished the firm of Dall, Austin & Co., as a branch of the Baltimore shipping firm of the same name. For a considerable period he continued in busi- ness at San Francisco and meanwhile built up a splendid reputation for executive ability and re- sourcefulness. Closely identified with many re-
sponsible undertakings of pioneer days, he con- tributed his quota to local progress and main- tained a pride in civic advancement.
As manager of the iron and hardware house established in Stockton in 1852 by T. H. Selby & Co., Mr. Austin came to this city in 1862, and seven years later, with his brother, William B. Austin, he acquired the ownership of the busi- ness by purchase, the firm name thereupon being changed to Austin Bros. Acceptance of a part- nership in the firm of Austin & Phelps caused him to return to San Francisco in 1875 and there he resided until his death, which occurred May 30, 1890. At various times he held various property interests in both Stockton and San Francisco and identified himself with the real estate development of each, being a man of great public spirit and enthusiastic energy. The Cal- ifornia Society of Pioneers numbered him among its influential workers. On the organization of the Church of the Advent he became a charter member and thereafter contributed liberally to its maintenance.
At the time of his removal to Stockton and for some years afterward Mr. Austin was a bachelor, but in 1866 he established domestic ties through his marriage to Miss Kate Freese, whose parents came to California in 1852 by way of Panama and settled in Stockton. The only sur- viving child of Mr. Austin is Miss Mary How- ard Austin, who resides with her mother at No. 307 East Poplar street, and enjoys a large ac- quaintance among Stockton's most cultured so- cial circles.
SAMUEL BOLLIGER.
With the close of the Mexican war many of the participants who had come to the scene of action from the east came to the Pacific coast, either on a tour of exploration or with the object
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of finding a desirable permanent location. Among those who came here at that time with the latter object in view was Samuel Bolliger, whose resi- dence in the state dated from the year 1848 until his death in 1883. A native of Switzerland, he was born in Kettinger, Canton Aargau, in 1820, and was reared to manhood years in the neigh- borhood of his birthplace. In 1845, at the age of twenty-five years, he first set foot on Ameri- can soil, and for several months remained in the east, visiting the larger cities and places of in- terest. The breaking out of the Mexican war was followed by his enlistment in the United States service, and at the close of hostilities he completed his journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific by coming to California. This was in 1848, early in the mining history of the state, and he may be classed among the first who mined for the yellow metal in Tuolumne county.
With the proceeds of his mining efforts of sev- eral years Mr. Bolliger came to San Joaquin county in 1854 and purchased a ranch on the Copperopolis road ten miles from Stockton which he improved and cultivated for twenty years. In the meantime, in 1861, he had made a visit to his old home in Switzerland, and upon his return to the United States he was married in New York City, whence he returned with his bride to the ranch just mentioned. When he disposed of this property in 1874 it was his in- tention to make another visit to his boyhood home, but instead, after remaining in Stockton for a short time, he purchased a ranch eight miles from this ctiy, also on the Copperopolis road, upon which he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1883, at the age of sixty- three years.
As has been stated previously Mr. Bolliger was married in 1861, in New York City, follow- ing his return from a visit to his home in Switz- erland. Before her marriage Mrs. Bolliger was Miss Sophia Hubsch, a native of Bavaria, Ger- many, born in 1839. Nine children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bolliger. but of the number only six are living, namely : John M., an engineer in Stockton, who is married and the
father of two children ; Sophia, the wie wi A. K. Mapes, of Stockton, and the mothbes vi flow children; Nanette, at home with ler nelles ; Elizabeth, the wife of D. E. Young, of Finung ton ; Lydia B., also at himne ; and E ther \_ @no became the wife of Charles Culair, wi fam ington. Samuel, Wilhelmina and Rubiilga ded at the ages of five, four and twenty-fliese yours respectively. A quarter of a century laux pound since the death of Mr. Bolliger, but amine off settlers in San Joaquin county he te rmemberof as one who unselfishly labored to bringe af !! better conditions in the pilmeer district in which he settled many years ago.
THOMAS JOSEPHUS STEPHENS
One of the esteemed and bielpiel frorens wu Stockton is Thomas J. Stephens, who is prigion tor of one of the largest nurseries in this sicede, regarded as one of the city's leading indlarries A native of Indiana. he was born in Maram county September 27. 1854, a som ni Chirivages S. and Melissa ( Walker) Stephens, and ww a lad of six years when the family home wou arios ferred to California, so that almost hor coilbe ffe has been passed on the Pacific coco. He ascend ed the common and high school of Sandens, graduating from the latter at the end of a sheep year course in 1874. The death of his mouthes at this time made further «chiwilling imponible, as his services were needed in the him bank
It was in 1875 that Mr Stepheny wood - a ranch of his own an I began feltreolmi lim ing. owning a fine property in the vomity of Waterloo, San Joaquin county, He daposes of his property in 1802 and. removing Vi Stochtm. engaged in raising and shigehg inte Hle ome- tinued in this business for ahont im yours elem he was enabled to purchase from the Clones +-
264
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tate one of the oldest established nurseries in the state, it having been founded in 1854. In its management Mr. Stephens has brought to bear the experience and training of many years along similar lines of agriculture, and it is needless to say he is making a success of his undertaking. It is sufficient recommendation to say that it is conceded to be one of Stockton's most important industries.
In 1876 Mr. Stephens formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Jessie Moreing, who is a native of Wisconsin, but at the time of her marriage had been a resident of California two years. Five children have been born of the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, named in order of their birth as follows: Nellie, who is the wife of W. E. Dawson of Stockton and the mother of one child, Dorothy; Theodore and Roy, both of whom are boat builders in Stockton ; and Myrtle and Leah, who are at home with their parents, the family having a pleasant home at No. 521 North Stockton street, Stockton.
GEORGE E. WILHOIT.
The vice-president of the Wilhoit Abstract & Title Company is a native-born son of Stock- ton and has spent almost his entire life in this city, where he has risen to a rank among the leading young business men, enthusiastic in pro- moting movements for local development, inter- ested in all plans for the city's permanent wel- fare, and a ready supporter of progressive projects aimed to promote the good of the cit- izens. The eldest son of R. E. and Delia (Dwel- ly) Wilhoit, he was born March 17, 1863, and received his rudimentary education in the gram- mar school, afterward attended the high school and still later took a course in the Stockton Busi-
ness College. In 1881, on account of impaired health, he sought a change of climate and ac- cordingly went to the Hawaiian Islands, where he was benefited by the salubrious ocean air. Meanwhile he secured employment in the bank- ing house of Bishop & Co., at Honolulu. After an absence of two years he returned to Stockton restored to health and ready for active business enterprises.
The firm of R. E. Wilhoit & Sons was estab- lished May 1, 1886, and continued under that title until the incorporation of the business under the title of the Wilhoit Abstract & Title Com- pany, with a capital stock of $100,000, and the following directors: R. E. Wilhoit, George E. Wilhoit, E. L. Wilhoit, Edward D. Taylor and C. W. Comstock. The abstract and real-estate business of R. E. Wilhoit was founded in the year 1868, and eighteen years afterward his sons, George E. and Eugene L., were admitted as partners, after which the name became R. E. Wilhoit & Sons. The business increased to such an extent that it became advisable to incorporate and this was done, with the addition to the com- pany of Edward D. Taylor and Charles W. Com- stock, both experienced searchers of records.
The record books of the new corporation were commenced by R. E. Wilhoit in 1868 and con- tain a full, correct and complete abstract of every matter relating to the titles of real property in the city of Stockton and county of San Joaquin. Connected with these books are special maps and plats showing the shape and size of every tract of land in the county, all of which enable said corporation to prepare on short notice reliable ab- stracts and certificates of title.
Since 1886 George E. Wilhoit has been con- nected with the company and during this long period he has become closely associated with its responsible activities, being himself an expert in the perfecting of titles. Fraternally he is asso- ciated with the Pioneer Society, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Native Sons of the Golden West and Charity Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F. October 2, 1890, he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Lee Woods, by whom
265
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he has one son, John Newton. Mrs. Wilhoit is a daughter of the late John N. Woods, whose fam- ily history appears on another page of this vol- ume.
WILLIAM EDWARD RUFFNER.
A noticeable characteristic of the native-born sons of California is their devotion to their com- monwealth. Few there are who seek homes in other parts of the world, the great majority of them remaining in the midst of scenes familiar to them through long association. This was no less true of Mr. Ruffner than of other Califor- nians who have spent their entire lives within the limits of the state. Petaluma, Sonoma coun- ty, was Mr. Ruffner's birthplace, and October 26, 1857, the date of his birth. He was one in a family of children born into the home of his parents, Neal and Diana (Holland) Ruffner, who were natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio, and who crossed the plains in 1852.
During the infancy of William E. Ruffner the parents removed to Amador county, where in the vicinity of Jackson the father purchased a ranch and established his family, and there Will- iam spent his earliest school days. Subsequent- ly he attended the schools of Lodi and a business college in Stockton. At first he took consider- able interest in assisting with the work of the ranch but as his interests began to wane he cast about for a field of activity more in keeping with his tastes. The year 1874 witnessed his removal to Stockton, where in partnership with a Mr. Woolner he established a grocery business, under the firm name of Ruffner & Woolner. Previous to this, however, he had learned the business while serving as a clerk in the grocery establish- ment of Hammond & Yardley, also of this city. The partnership formed between Mr. Ruffner and Mr. Woolner was maintained with success
for a number of years, Mr. Woolner then dis- posing of his interest to O. D. Carson, when the name was changed to Carson & Ruffier, and1 clin- tinued as such until the death of Mr. Ruftner May 31, 1904. His demise was deeply deplore , for it cut off in his prime one of Stockton' ac- tive business men and one who was interested in and accomplished much for the welfare of the city in which he made his home.
In San Francisco, November 29, 1900, MIr. Ruffner was married to Miss Etta M. Keating, she too being a native of the Golden state. Be- sides his widow Mr. Ruffner left to mourn his loss a son who bears his name, William E. Fra- ternally Mr. Ruffner was a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Wool- men of the World, socially was identified with the Native Sons, and in his political affiliations was a stanch believer in Republican principles. Personally he was a man of many fine qualities, which attracted about him a large circle of frien l. Nowhere, however, were his qualities more thor- oughly appreciated than in the home circle, where he was known as a loving father and de- voted husband. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Ruffner has carried on the affairs starte by him, but has been disposing of interests irdm time to time, selling her interests in the grocery business to Charles Moreing.
JOHN LIESY.
For more than fifty years Mr. Liesy was asso- ciated with the development of California, whither he came from New Orleans during the year 1850 and from that time until his death aidel in the agricultural development of his locality, amisteil in building schools and churches, and cumtrib- uted to every project for the upbuilding of the
266
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
country. Of German birth and ancestry, he was born in Bavaria August 19, 1823, and during boyhood was sent to the schools of his native place, where he acquired a fair education in the German language. Upon reaching the age of sixteen years he began to learn the trade of a tailor and at the completion of his apprenticeship he traveled in various parts of Germany, carry- ing his knapsack on his back and working at his trade as opportunity offered.
The prospects for future success in his native land not being of the best, Mr. Liesy decided to seek a home in the New World and accordingly he crossed to the United States, settling in New Orleans. From there, in February of 1850, he started for California via the Panama route and thence came on a sailing vessel to San Fran- cisco. In that city he worked at his trade for a short time. Later he came to Stockton and outfitted for the mines, going to Woods creek in Tuolumne county, where he worked for a short time with encouraging success. In this way he accumulated enough money to bring his wife to California and accordingly he returned to New Orleans via Panama, leaving in the fall of 1851, and returning in February, 1852, via steamer to Havana, thence to the Isthmus of Panama. The absence of a wharf obliged the passengers to land from rope ladders into little boats, which, coupled with the roughness of the water, proved a hardship for the women of the party. Mrs. Liesy and four other women walked across the isthmus rather than endure the annoyance of rid- ing muleback. The party camped out for three weeks at Panama while waiting for a vessel to San Francisco, and meantime they bought sup- plies from the natives, including meat, which was sold by the yard.
When finally a ship northward bound took the party on board, they were delayed by heavy storms, and during the last two days of the voy- age suffered from lack of provisions. Thirty days after boarding the ship, anchor was cast at San Francisco in April. From there the party, consisting of Mr. Liesy, a brother and cousin, with their wives (making six in all) proceeded
to Stockton and outfitted for the mines. Less success attended Mr. Liesy in this mining venture than in his first. Expenses were high. Flour cost $1 per pound and other supplies were pro- portionately high. The winter of 1852-53 was unusually severe and for thirty days the sun did not shine, thus giving newcomers an impression of the climate which later experiences did not justify. The next headquarters of the Liesy family was at Columbia, Tuolumne county, where they remained until 1859. Thence they came to Stockton and then removed to what is now At- lanta, then known as the Sink house district, where Mr. Liesy bought for $800 a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, also bought a school warrant for $300.
From time to time other purchases of land were made until finally Mr. Liesy owned twelve hundred and eighty acres in San Joaquin coun- . ty, all of which he improved by his own arduous efforts, seconded by the assistance of his sons. One tract of six hundred acres he bought at sheriff's sale for $20 per acre and this he later sold. In addition he bought land in Tulare coun- ty. All of his affairs received his personal over- sight, which contributed to his success. Another factor in his prosperity was his wife, a woman of excellent judgment, an efficient housekeeper and a capable cook, yet possessing the economy necessary to the promoting of their success. As her girls grew up, she trained them to assist her and each in turn became a capable house- keeper. During 1891 the family retired from farming and moved to Stockton, establishing their home at No. 348 East Sonora street, where Mr. Liesy died July 5, 1907, at the age of about eighty-four years. The comfortable residence has since been the home of the widow, who has with her a married daughter and the latter's husband.
The marriage of John Liesy in 1848 united him with Margaret Peters, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 6, 1829, and at the age of ten years accompanied her parents to Amer- ica. Prior to emigration she had received the rudiments of a common school education, but afterward she had few opportunities to attend
267
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
school. Nine children were born of her mar- riage. The eldest, Annie Louisa, married Peter Young and lives in Stockton. The next two died in infancy and William P. and John C. are also deceased. Emma, who married Walter Graves, died, leaving two sons, Durward and Charles. Madeline married J. D. Kerrick and they make their home with Mrs. Liesy. George H., who operates the Liesy ranch, married a' daughter of John Hitchcock and has three children. Ed- ward P., who is a teacher in Stockton, is mar- ried and has one child. The sons and daughters received good educations in San Joaquin county and all are honored members of the community.
During the pioneer period of our county's history Mr. Liesy served as a director of the Van Allen school, which he had assisted gener- ously in building, and he also aided in the build- ing of a Union church. The making and improv- ing of roads received his practical aid, for he was a firm believer in the value of good roads in the upbuilding of any community. During his latter days he was a member of the Old Men's Club. Considering the hardships of pio- neer days, the scarcity of markets, the absence of improved machinery, and the undeveloped condition of the land, he secured a degree of success that testified to his skill in agriculture; and, better than his financial success, was his high standing as a man and a citizen, and the confidence reposed in him by all with whom he had been brought in business contact, the uni- versal testimony being that he was as honorable in principle as he was efficient in agriculture. After a residence of thirty years in California he and his wife returned to New Orleans at the time of the cotton exposition and spent six weeks on a pleasure trip. Many changes had taken place during the thirty years. The trip back required only five days, while in coming here they had spent weary weeks of travel under the most fatiguing conditions. Railroads had taken the place of travel by water and had brought the west into close connection with the east. Cities had developed from villages, and the raw waste had been transformed into valuable
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.