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 32
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farms, whose products penetrated the most dis- tant markets of the world. To the sturdy pio- neer and his capable wife belong much of the credit for the transformation of the west front a desert into a region of wealth and culture, where happy, comfortable homes now contain the descendants of the early settlers, whose toil and privations will continue to bear abundant fruit for generations yet to come.
SAMSON IRON WORKS.
The manufacturing industry of Stockton re- ceived a decided stimulus in the organization of the Samson Iron Works, a name which is rep- resentative of the strength and durability of the wide range of the company's output. The busi- ness was started January 1. 1898, by John M. Kroyer, for the manufacture of gas engine -. after many months of experimenting to bring the machine as near to perfection as possible. That he was successful in turning out an en gine that met with popular approval may be judged from the following figures: During the first year the plant was in operation twenty men were required to supply the demand. the second year thirty men, and at the end of three and a half years the original number of men empleved was doubled. In July. 1902. the works were in corporated under the laws of the state of Cali- fornia, with John M. Kroyer, president, and F. B. Hubbard, secretary. Immediately after in corporating it was decided to erect a new fac- tory to accommodate the increasing business of the company and accordingly property was pur- chased on Aurora street. Here was erectel a two-story machine shop 61x100, with a store room, testing room and shipping room in con- nection.
The popularity of and demand for the prowl-
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ucts of the Samson Iron Works made another enlargement of the plant necessary in December, 1906, at which time the machine shop was ex- tended the entire length of the block, thus mak- ing it 303 feet long, and the capacity was doubled by adding new and improved machinery. In the fall of 1907 a fire-proof foundry 100x125 was erected for the manufacture of castings, and was equipped with the latest modern machinery, which has since turned out castings of exceptional qual- ity. At this time also a brass foundry was added, and the plant is now turning out the highest grade of brass castings, which include not only the castings used in the company's out- put, but also those for outside firms and in- dividuals. In the spring of 1908 the company erected a plant for the manufacture of crucible steel, an industry which has proven very suc- cessful from the fact that it is the only one of the kind in the state, thus bringing a large amount of steel casting to Stockton from all parts of the Pacific coast.
When it is considered that Samson Iron Works has been in operation little more than a decade the rapid growth of the plant and the universal demand for the company's products are nothing short of marvelous. The Samson gas engine which ten years ago was not known outside of Stockton and the immediate vicinity is now in daily use all over the Pacific coast. The marine engine which the company manu- factures is of the latest and most approved pat- tern and is rapidly becoming a leader among users, this being especially true in the San Fran- cisco bay, where demonstrations prove the mer- its of the Samson marine engine second to none.
A further departure of the works is the in- stallation of irrigation plants, contracts for which are taken and furnished complete, irrespective of size or complications. Many large engines from one hundred to two hundred horse power have been supplied by the company, and it. is safe to say that they turn out the largest number of engines of any manufacturers on the coast. In addition to the main works in Stockton the com- pany maintain offices at the corner of Market
and First streets, San Francisco, No. 208 North Los Angeles street, Los Angeles, and No. 920 J street, Fresno.
EDWARD JEROME MATTESON.
A native son of California and born in Stock- ton May 15,1859, Edward Jerome Matteson has spent his entire life in this city and has been an interested and intelligent spectator of its rise from a mere village to its present place of im- portance among the western cities. On both sides of the family he comes of eastern stock, his parents, Don Carlos and Catherine (Salisbury) Matteson, both being natives of New York state. There the father learned the trade of blacksmith, and upon coming to Stockton in 1852, he estab- lished his shop at the corner of Main and Cali- fornia streets. When his son had reached an age when it was necessary for him to choose a calling he entered his father's shop and under him learned the blacksmith's trade, and after mastering it, the two were associated together in business for a number of years, the son finally being made foreman of the shop.
From time to time, as his means permitted, Don Carlos Matteson invested in property, one of these tracts being on what is known as Rough and Ready Island and consisting of sixty-five acres of land. At the time of his death this property was left to his two sons, who now lease the land. A specialty is made of raising grain and vegetables, to which the soil seems best suited. In 1906 E. J. Matteson entered the employ of the Western Pacific Railroad Company. At first his duties were of a monotonous char- acter rather than those requiring the skilled mechanic, but this was soon changed, for his ability soon became known and his position was changed accordingly, until he became foreman of the yards, the position he now occupies.
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Mr. Matteson was married in Stockton in 1881 to Miss Eliza Bissell, she too being a native of California, and one child, Mabel Edna, has been born to them. Fraternally Mr. Matteson is a member of Charity Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., Protection Camp No. 109, W. O. W., and so- cially he holds membership in Stockton Parlor No. 7, N. S. G. W. Mr. Matteson's taste for mechanics is an inherited trait, and one which brought his father much renown as an inventor. Since his association with the Western Pacific Railroad Mr. Matteson has given his employers the benefit of his expert knowledge of mechanics, and it goes without saying that he is a valuable adjunct to their business. Like his father also, he is investing his means in property as the op- portunity offers, and aside from various hold- ings scattered throughout the county he owns one-half interest in the ranch on Rough and Ready Island, a ranch of seventy-five acres on West's Lane, and also property in Stockton, on east Market street, which is very valuable. As a business man and citizen Mr. Matteson stands well in his community, all admiring him for his honesty and uprightness.
ELI E. THRIFT.
The success achieved by Eli E. Thrift has been the result entirely of his own efforts, for he came to California with nothing but courage, energy and ability as the foundation for the competency he hoped to win. Not only has he gained the object of his quest in a material sense, but what is better still he has won the love and admira- tion of his fellow-citizens during his residence of forty-three years in Stockton, and has had much to do with upbuilding measures in his home city during this time.
A native of the south, Mr. Thrift was born in
North Carolina November 4, 1831, the descend- ant of a long line of southern antecedents. He had reach young manhood in his native state and in all probability would have been content to remain there indefinitely had not the news of the finding of gold in California drawn his at- tention to this western country. Hither he came in 1854, going first to Los Angeles, and from there to the mines, where it is safe to conclude he met with considerable success, judging from the fact that he followed it continuously for ten years. At the end of this time, about 1866, he came to Stockton and associated himself with mercantile interests by establishing himself in the grocery business. He was associated in this enterprise with J. W. Hart, a partnership which proved amicable and mutually profitable for the long term of twenty years, when Mr. Thrift with- drew and established himself in the laundry busi- ness, following the latter business continuously for twenty-one years. He sold out the business March 1, 1909, and is now living retired.
It would be an injustice to Mr. Thrift to make no mention of his interest in public affairs, for in spite of the many engrossing cares inci- dent to his business enterprises during past years he found time not only to take a mental interest in the affairs of his city, but was an ardent worker in the ranks of the city fathers. Twice he was elected by his constituents to represent them in the city council, and during President Cleveland's administration he served as post- master for three years. He has also served as a director of the State asylum for the insane at Stockton, under Governor Haight's administra- tion. All of these offices mentioned came to him at the hands of his Democratic friends, for he himself is an ardent believer in Democratic prin- ciples and never loses an opportunity to advance the cause of his chosen party. In all matters that have for their object the advancement of San Joaquin county and California he has always given his hearty co-operation, and in Stockton. where he is best known, he is regarded as one of the city's most dependable citizens. Frater- nally he is a member of Stockton Lodge No. IT.
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I. O. O. F. From time to time he has invested his means in real estate and now owns consider- able valuable property throughout the city. He erected the building occupied by him in the laun- dry business for nineteen years and also owns one-half interest in the Hart & Thrift building, where they were engaged in the grocery busi- ness.
By his marriage, which occurred in Mariposa ·county September 13, 1866, and united him with Mary R. Givens, Mr. Thrift has three children, one son and two daughters, Catherine M., wife of L. C. Thom, of Stockton ; Samuel L., a resi- dent of Sacramento; and Lydia J., wife of A. W. King, of San Joaquin county. The family have a comfortable home at No. 420 East Chan- nel street, which he built about 1869. In 1900 he made a prospecting trip into Alaska and spent three months in that country.
HUGH WARD.
All nationalities have contributed to the citi- zenship of San Joaquin county, and among those who hailed from Ireland was the late Hugh Ward, who at the time of his death, May 13. 1909, was living practically retired from the ac- tive management of his ranch near Stockton Born in County Westmeath, Ireland, June 28, 1828, he was reared and educated in his native surroundings until 1839, when he came to the United States, and for a time was located in New York City. While there he learned the stone-cutter's trade, and with this as his only avenue for mak- ing a livelihood he set out to make his wav in his adopted home. Going up the Hudson river as far as Grassy Point, Rockland county, he there secured employment in a brick yard, but after following this for a time gave it up and went to
Massachusetts. In that state he was employed in one of the many factories which abound there, but after a short time he gave up his position and entered the employ of one of the large sugar houses of the east.
From the foregoing it might appear as if Mr. Ward would not locate permanently ; in making these changes, however, he was gaining valuable experience, seeing the country, and what was equally important, was laying by for future use whatever he had left after paying his necessary expenses. Having made a thorough canvass of the east he determined to come to the west, and in 1852 he took passage at New York bound for Panama. After crossing the Isthmus he em- barked on the old boat Panama on the Pacific side, and in due time reached his destination, San Francisco. As he had done in the east he accepted any honest employment that came his way, and for two years he drove a team in that city, giving it up at the end of that time to try his luck in the mines of Columbia, Tuolumne county. The fact that he continued to follow mining for three years would indicate that he was fairly successful in the venture, but how- ever that may be, he finally gave it up, and com- ing to Stockton purchased a ranch in partnership with Patrick Donnelly. This partnership was dissolved two years later when Mr. Ward sold out his interest, after which he came to Stock- ton and entered the employ of David Porter. This association existed for twelve years to the pleasure of both, but at the end of this time Mr. Ward purchased sixty acres of the ranch which he owned at the time of his death, five miles from the corporate limits of Stockton. At the time of purchase this was raw land, but he brought it up to a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Ward's marriage occurred in 1862 and united him with Miss Ann Boyle, who was a native of County Cork, Ireland. She immigrated to the United States in 1859, landing in New York City, where she spent about one year and then came to California. Four of the five chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward are living, as follows: John H., who is the active manager
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of the home ranch : Lizzie A., Sister Redempta, in the Immaculate Heart College at Hollywood ; Mary A., the wife of George Harmes, of Stock- ton; and Nellie, who is still at home with her mother. The eldest son, William J., died at the age of twenty-five years. All of the children' were born, reared and educated in their native county.
ARMAND ROLLAND.
Yet another of the old pioneers of California and a resident of Stockton who can recall "the days of old, the days of gold, the days of '49," is Armand Rolland, whose experiences form an interesting chapter, well worthy a place in this volume. He was born in Berthier, Quebec, Can- ada, November 22, 1826, the son of George and Genevieve (Deligny) Rolland, the father a na- tive of Bordeaux, France, and the mother a native of Canada. During young manhood the father immigrated to the New World and set- tled in Quebec, Canada, where he became a notable figure in the public life of his commu- nity, being a judge and court commissioner for . many years. He lived to reach the ripe age of eighty-seven years, and passed away in Canada in 1857.
Armand Rolland received his early education in a private school in Berthier, Canada, where the French language was used entirely, and at the age of sixteen years he was qualified to take charge of a school as teacher in the vicinity of his home. In 1843, when he was seventeen years old, he left home and friends and set out to make his own way in the world. Going to New York City he secured a position with the firm of Lord & Taylor, a large wholesale and retail mercantile establishment, with whom he remained for two years, or until going to Chi- cago in 1845. The trip to that inland metropo-
lis was made by way of Erie canal to Buffalo, where he took a steamer which brought him to his destination. For six months he held a posi- tion with a mercantile firm in Chicago, but as the business was closed out at the end of that time it left him without employment. Return- ing to New York, he secured a position with the well-known merchant prince of former days. A. T. Stewart, remaining there for three years or until the offer of a better salary induced him to go to New Orleans in 1848. There he was made manager of the silk department in the large dry- goods house of Michael Kernan, located on Chartres street. It was there that the news of the finding of gold reached him, and like many another ambitious young man he gave up ap- parently good prospects for the uncertainties and hardships which all pioneers are called upon to endure. With four companions, two dry-goods men and two druggists, he set sail on the brig Thomas P. Hart on the 18th of May, 1849, by way of Cape Horn for the gold fields of Cali- fornia. On the way they stopped twelve days in Rio Janeiro, also spent a short time on the island of Juan Fernandez, off the coast of Chili. and finally dropped anchor in the harbor of San Francisco at seven o'clock in the morning. De- cember 10. 1849, the trip having cost him $250. Mr. Rolland and his companions had supplied themselves with provisions enough to last them two years in the mines, but they decided to dis- pose of them upon landing in San Francisco.
It was in the carly part of the year 1850 that Mr. Rolland came to Stockton, his steamer fare costing him $io for the three days passage. Here they engaged for transportation to .Angels Camp, where it was understood good mining was to be found, but after working there ten days they found that the inducements had been far more alluring than results warranted, as dur- ing that time they took out only $2.10. Two of the partners became discouraged and left the mines, taking passage to New Orleans, while Mr. Rolland and one companion went to Murphys, which at that time was attracting the attention of miners generally as a rich field. One
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week of rather discouraging results sufficed for Mr. Rolland's companion and thereafter for six months he continued mining alone. Convinced at the end of this time that more satisfactory returns could be enjoyed in some other line of endeavor Mr. Rolland wisely decided to give up mining and in doing so he at the same time bought out a butcher business. Meat at that time sold for seventy-five cents a pound, and onions for which he paid sixty-five cents a pound he sold as high as $1.50 per pound. In October, 1850, he was compelled to sell out his business, as the miners had deserted the mine at Mur- phys and gone to various parts of the country in search of richer fields. At this time Mr. Rolland went to Sacramento and bought the hotel then known as Cafe de Paris, located on I and J streets. He conducted this successfully until 1852, during which time he had as patrons such well-known men of the time as Captain Dent and Captain Sutter, as well as many others of pioneer fame. It was while Mr. Rolland was conducting the hotel in Sacramento that an ice famine occurred in town, and to accommodate his customers he sent to San Francisco for forty pounds of ice to be shipped by steamer, a luxury for which he paid at the rate of $I per pound. A destructive fire finally destroyed the hotel, and thereafter Mr. Rolland came to Stockton and opened a dry-goods and clothing store, which he conducted for a number of years, or until he sold out the business in May, 1862. There- after he started on an European trip, in the course of his travels visiting Italy, France, Bel- gium and Africa. While in Italy he climbed Mount Vesuvius, and also had an audience with Pope Pius IX at Rome. Upon his return to Stockton in the latter part of September, 1863, Mr. Rolland bought out the dry-goods estab- lishment of A. Skogh, a business which he con- ducted successfully until he sold out the enter- prise in 1870. An alluring offer induced him to plan to go to San Francisco, where he was of- fered a position as European buyer in a large wholesale establishment; however, on the way to the depot, he met H. Bloss, who induced
him to remain in Stockton and purchase a res -- taurant. Following the advice of his friend, Mr. Rolland made the purchase of the restaurant ad- jacent to the depot, and for twenty-two years he served refreshments to the traveling public.
Mr. Rolland was married in Stockton to Miss. Mary Godsill, the daughter of Richard Godsill, the latter a native of County Waterford, Ire- land. One daughter has blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rolland, Laure, who is now the wife of Augustus Francis Flanagan, a resi- dent of San Francisco. The organization of the San Joaquin County Society of Pioneers was largely due to the efforts of Mr. Rolland, and he has held all the chairs in the order. He is also a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. Though he is now well advanced in years Mr. Rolland is still enjoying good health, and with his wife now makes his home. at No. 228 South Eldorado street, Stockton.
OSCAR B. GROVES. /
During the last half century three generations of the Groves family have been represented in California, the grandfather, Philip Groves, hav- ing planted the name here during the days of the gold excitement. The son of the latter and the father of Oscar B., William H. Groves, came to the state in 1852, and is now making his home in Stockton, retired from the active cares of business life. Both were important factors in the commercial upbuilding of the little settlement of Stockton, which even during the life of the grandfather had grown to be a city of consider- able importance.
Not only is Oscar B. Groves a native son of the state, but he is as well a native of his home city, Stockton, his birth occurring here September 17, 1866. After completing his course in the
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:grammar school he entered the high school. As soon as his school days were over he began to be self supporting, his first position being with the firm of Weller & Langridge, shoe merchants .of Stockton. He remained with these employers .about three years, when he resigned to accept a position with John Garwood, also a shoe dealer of this city, with whom he continued for about fifteen years. Still later he was associated for three years with the firm of Hudson & King, also shoe merchants of Stockton.
It was in 1903 that Mr. Groves located in Modesto and established a shoe store on his own account, but after conducting it for three years sold out and returned to Stockton, where he has since conducted a flourishing shoe business at No. 415 Main street, being associated in the busi- ness with W. J. Perryman, under the firm name of Perryman & Groves.
Mr. Groves' marriage united him with Miss Emma Work, a daughter of Mrs. Henrietta Work of this city. Fraternally Mr. Groves is a member of Stockton Lodge No. 218, B. P. O. E., and of Stockton Lodge No. II, I. O. O. F., while socially he belongs to Stockton Parlor No. 7, N. S. G. W.
RICHARD S. BATES.
To an unusual degree the reverses and hard- ships common to those who in an earlier period attempted to develop the resources of California fell to the lot of Mr. Bates, yet, in spite of these untoward circumstances and conditions he toiled on uncomplainingly. Ill-health finally laid its un- welcome hand upon him and for several years be- fore his death he was an invalid. Of eastern birth and parentage, he was born near Essex, Middlesex county, Conn., in 1819, passing his boyhood and youth in the vicinity of his
birthplace, and on attaining manliood years he filled a position as clerk in one of the mercantile establishments in Essex. The breaking out of the gold fever all over the country during the lat- ter '40s found a victim in Mr. Bates, who had accumulated a sufficient sum to defray his ex- penses to the coast, with a little surplus to carry him for a short while after reaching his destina- tion. Later, in order to replenishi his depleted purse, he distributed papers for a time.
Mr. Bates' advent in Stockton occurred in 1852, and shortly afterward he engaged in the buying and selling of grain, continuing this for a consid- erable time, but he was finally compelled to give it up as it proved a losing undertaking. Still later he purchased a ranch and engaged in the stock business, but lack of experience made the undertaking a failure financially. Thereafter he went to Nevada in 1861 for the purpose of pros- pecting for silver mines and purchasing timber, remaining there for five years in carrying out the project. Returning to Stockton at the expiration of that time he thereafter filled a position in the State Asylum until failing health made it neces- sary for him to resign, and a few years later, August 19, 1897, he passed away, at the age of seventy-eight.
Mr. Bates was married in 1862 to Miss Mar- garet Journeay, who had come to the state five years previously by way of the isthmus from her birthplace, Staten Island, N. Y. Two children were born to bless their home life, Elizabeth Sterling Sperry, born in Nevada, the wife of Fred Gregory, and Wakely J. Bates, born in Stock- ton, which has ever since been his home. Polit- ically Mr. Bates was a Republican and took a live interest in party affairs, although he never sought or desired public office. With his family he was a member of the Episcopal Church and through- out his life exemplified his belief in the Golden Rule. His kindly, sympathetic nature made him a friend with all, old and young, high and low, and his death was a sad loss to the many whom he had helped either substantially or by words of comfort and cheer. Since his death his wife and daughter have conducted a floral business in
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Stockton, this being the outgrowth of the private hothouse which they maintained for pleasure on the home property on Park street. Their success is undoubtedly due to their extreme fondness for flowers. During their residence in Virginia City, Nev., Mrs. Bates gathered about her a fine col- lection of flowers and plants which attracted sight- seers from all parts of Nevada. Upon leaving the state she disposed of her collection to a prom- inent mining man for $150. Mrs. Bates' long res- idence in the state makes her an interesting con- versationalist upon topics of by-gone days, and all who know her love her for her noble, unself- ish life.
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