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 39
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GILBERT T. AUSTIN.
Through his connection with the State Hos- pital as head supervisor Gilbert T. Austin is intimately associated with an institution that has for years proven of distinct usefulness in reliev- ing sickness and suffering, patients coming here for treatment from all over the state. His as- sociation with the institution dates from the year 1891, at which time he took a position as as-
sistant attendant, advancing from this step by step until he now holds the position of super- visor over the entire hospital, a position for which he is well fitted by nature, among other valuable traits that of splendid executive ability probably taking first rank.
A native son of the state, Gilbert T. Austin was born on a ranch in the vicinity of Stockton, May 8, 1857, the son of Joshua and Susan ( Bagley) Austin, who had located in the state in early
pioneer days. The public schools in and around Stockton furnished his educational training, al- though he has never ceased to be a student, for his early training has merely served as the foun- dation on which a superstructure has been reared by observation and well-selected reading. His school days over, he gave his entire time and energy thereafter to his father in the main- tenance of the home ranch, the two working harmoniously together until the son was twenty- nine years of age. It was then, in 1886, that he took a trip to Los Angeles, which was then at- tracting the attention of those interested in land speculation from all parts of the country, and the stories which he tells of happenings during the famous land boom of the years 1886 and '87 are interesting in that they are authentic. It was no uncommon sight to see a piece of land change hands two or three times during a single day, the price of which advanced steadily until it was many, many times the actual value of the prop- erty.
Altogether Mr. Austin remained in Southern California about two years, returning to Stock- ton in 1891, and the same year, as previously stated, became associated with the State Hos- pital. Close attention to the humbler duties which fell to him in his first position paved the way for promotion and he was duly advanced from time to time until he now holds the im- portant position of head supervisor. In this capacity he has full charge of all attendants in the institution and has full supervision of the food and clothing of the patients. He is a man of fine executive ability and his long experience in a position for which he is so well fitted has made him a valuable adjunct in this well-known institution.
Mr. Austin's marriage occurred in Stockton February 11, 1903, uniting him with Miss Ida Bowdoin, the daughter of the late L. M. Bow- doin, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere. None of the distractions of social or fraternal organizations have had a part in Mr. Austin's life, but on the other hand all of his time and
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strength have been concentrated upon the duties and responsibilities of his position in the hospital. The family home is in a pleasant part of Stock- ton, at No. 22 North Pilgrim street.
HARRY C. CRAFTS.
In the death of the above mentioned gentleman, San Joaquin county lost one of her best citi- zens, and the family a most kind and indulgent father and husband. The United States is in- debted to Germany for many of her sturdy pio- neers, and to this class of citizens Harry C. Crafts belonged. He was born December 23, 1833, the son of Christopher and Sophia Crafts, they also being natives of the Fatherland. When Harry C. Crafts was a lad of sixteen years he bade farewell to home and friends and set sail for the New World, to which his attention had been drawn on account of the wide-spread news con- cerning the finding of gold in California. Hither he came to share in the good fortune which awaited the young and ambitious delver after the hidden treasure. After a long and tedious passage around the Horn he finally landed in San Fran- cisco, from there coming direct to Stockton, and here outfitted for the mines in Tuolumne county. For two years he was successful far beyond his expectations, and with the means which he had accumulated in the meantime he opened a grocery store at Groveland, Tuolumne county, this also proving a profitable undertaking.
It was about this time, 1858, that Mr. Crafts disposed of his business and returned to New York, where he was married to Miss Gesena Koby, who like himself was a native of Germany. Their wedding journey consisted of a trip to California, which was to be their future home, the trip being made by way of Panama. Grove- land, Tuolumne county, was their destination,
and here they settled upon a ranch which Mr. Crafts had previously purchased. This was their home until 1869, when they came to Stockton, and after disposing of his ranch property the proceeds were invested in city property at the corner of Stanislaus and Park streets upon which Mr. Crafts erected a store building. This he oc- cupied and conducted as a grocery store for a number of years, when, in 1895, he sold out his business and thereafter lived retired until his death, December 3, 1907. Besides the property just mentioned Mr. Crafts was the owner of ranch property in the vicinity of Lodi, San Joaquin county. Fraternally he was a member of the Druids and the Red Men, and with his wife he was an influential member of and worker in the Lutheran Church of Stockton. By right of his early residence in the state he was eligible to membership in the Pioneer Society, and he took advantage of this privilege by associating himself with the branch of the society in Stockton. Of the children born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crafts, two are living. Mrs. Sophia Simon and Mrs. Hans Knutson.
CHARLES A. BEECHER.
A native son of the state and the son of one of the carly pioncer settlers of San Joaquin coun- ty. Charles A. Beecher was born on the parental homestead not far from Stockton on the Copper- opolis road, March 19. 1870. This has been his life-time home, and since the death of his father he has had entire charge of the property. His first knowledge of books was gained in the dis- trict school adjacent to his home, and later he attended a grammar school in Stockten. At the close of this term he took up a course in the California College at Oakland, where he applic 1 himself diligently and graduateil with honor-
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His school days over, Charles A. Beecher be- came an employe in the Farmers Union and Mill- ing Company of Stockton, of which his father was the moving spirit. After serving efficiently for five years Mr. Beecher resigned his position in Stockton and assumed the responsibilities of the home farm, which he has since managed with much credit.
Charles A. Beecher was married in 1891 to Miss Nellie V. Brougher, a native of Indiana, but a resident of Oakland. Three children, all daughters, have been born of their marriage, Louise, Euphemie, and Helen. Fraternally Mr. Beecher is a Republican on National issues, but in local affairs he casts his ballot for the man who in his opinion is best fitted for the office in question, irrespective of party.
JAMES GALBRAITH.
On the honored list of citizens of Stockton who have passed on to their reward is the name of James Galbraith, at the time of his death a land-holder in this section of the country and prominent in the upbuilding and development of his community's interests. A native of Penn- sylvania, he was born in Chester county in 1818, and at the time of his death in Stockton, Febru- ary 10, 1902, had attained the venerable age of eighty-four years. His earliest years were as- sociated with his birthplace in Chester county, where he was educated and in turn became in- structor in the schools in which he himself had once been a pupil. While filling this position he had determined to enlarge his sphere of useful- ness by preparing himself to follow the legal profession, and going to Columbus, Ohio, he gave his entire attention to the study of Black- stone until he had mastered its intricacies and was admitted to the bar. Opening an office in Co-
lumbus, he carried on a very satisfactory prac- tice there for several years, and then removed to Iowa, and in Centerville continued to practice the law. There a lucrative practice was readily established, his thorough knowledge of the law and ability to cope successfully with the varied difficulties which were brought to him for settle- ment making his services in constant demand. To such an extent did his fellow-citizens esteem him that on two occasions they made him their representative in the legislature of Iowa, and also for eight years he served on the bench as judge in that state.
Notwithstanding all the honors which had come to him and the success which had been his in the practice of law, Mr. Galbraith was not proof against the alluring promises of sudden wealth to be found in the new eldorado of the west. By way of the Panama route he came to California in 1851 and in the mines of Moke- lumne Hill, Calaveras county, he worked for two years in the hope of realizing the dream which had brought him hither. It is not definitely stated that his hopes were fully realized, but it is known that at the end of two years he gave up mining and returned east as far as Columbus, Ohio. Few indeed are those who having once fallen under the charm of life in California are content to remain elsewhere for any extended time. This proved to be the case with Mr. Galbraith, and in 1865 he again came to the state, this time by the overland journey, with mule teams. Coming direct to San Joaquin county, he engaged in ranching in the vicinity of Linden for one year, and later secured an outfit and hauled copper from the mines at Copperopolis to Stockton. His next business venture was in Solano county, where after purchasing land he tilled the soil until 1889. His knowledge of the law and his many-sided experiences made him a valuable accession to the public life of the community, and his election as justice of the peace was followed by a whole-hearted service fully in keeping with his ability. In the year last mentioned, 1889, Mr. Galbraith came to Stockton and on the ranch which he then purchased the closing years of his
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life were spent. Besides the home property, which was formerly known as the E. N. Sperry ranch, he also purchased one hundred acres on Rough and Ready Island. Although at the time of his death, February 10, 1902, he was in his eighty-fourth year, he still took a keen interest in the affairs of life and was able to superin- tend the management of his large ranching en- terprise.
The first marriage of Mr. Galbraith occurred in 1849 and united him with Miss Cynthia Wil- cox, a native of Ohio, and born to them were the following children: Duncan; Elizabeth, the wife of William Donnell, of Solano county ; Lou- ella, who became the wife of Baillio Hicklin, of Stockton; Mary, the wife of B. De Dammi, of Solano county; Thomas M., also of this city; and Darius, deceased. Some time after the death of his first wife Mr. Galbraith was married in Centerville, Iowa, in 1863, to Anna C. Moore, she being a native of Pennsylvania. Four chil- dren were born of this marriage, namely: Ben- jamin Franklin, of Stockton; Belle, the wife of Alexander Dunn, of San Francisco; William, also a resident of that city; and Angenette, the wife of Charles Heinamann, of San Francisco.
JOHN A. BRANDT.
For nearly thirty-five years John A. Brandt was associated with the development of Cali- fornia, whither he came from New Haven, Conn., in the fall of 1861, and from that time up to within a short while of his death worked at his trade of carriage-maker and contributed to the general development of the country. Of German birth and ancestry, he was born in Nassau De- cember 17, 1817, and during his boyhood was sent to the schools of his native place, acquiring a fair education in the German language, and at
the age of fifteen he was confirmed. Upon reach- ing the age of thirty years he went to Paris, France, where he followed his trade of carriage- maker.
However, the prospects for future success were not very alluring either in France or his native .
land, so Mr. Brandt decided to seek a home across the ocean and accordingly he crossed to the United States, settling in New Haven, Conn., where he became foreman in the carriage works of J. Cook. While there he familiarized himself with the customs and language of the country to a considerable extent, for he was young and eager to learn. It was while in the employ of Mr. Cook that he was seized with the gold fever. and the fact that two brothers-in-law were al- ready located in California made him all the more determined to carry out his plan to come to the west. Embarking on the ship Webster at the port of New York he came by way of Panama and landed at San Francisco, whence he made his way at once to Stockton. Here he saw a good outlook to establish a carriage shop, and on the spot where the jail now stands he in- augurated one of the first carriage manufac- tories in San Joaquin county, following his trade in this location for many years. A few years before his death, however, he gave up active work altogether, and in the enjoyment of the competency accumulated during many years of continued labor, he rounded out a long and use- ful life, his death occurring December 9. 1894.
While a resident of the east Mr. Brandt was married to Miss Anna Schrag, who like himself was a native of Germany. Mrs. Brandt passe ! away in 1882, having become the mother of seven children, of whom two are now living in Cali- fornia; Rose, the wife of C. H. W. Brandt : and Carrie, the wife of .\. . \. Taylor. A native of Canada, Mr. Taylor came to California in 1879, and the following year was married to Miss Brandt : they have three children, Archie H., O. A. Percy and Herbert. Mr. Brandt passed away after a long and honorable association with the interests of his home city, where he was known and loved by everybody, for he was a
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man of gentle, unassuming nature. When the volunteer fire department was established he was the first to offer his services, and after it was made a paid department he was still associated with the department. Fraternally he was a mem- ber of the Druids and socially he belonged to the Turn-verein.
B. HOWARD BROWN.
Among those who set sail from Boston during the early '50s with the gold fields of California as the goal of their ambition, was the late B. Howard Brown, who for over fifty years had made his home in Stockton. His death, Febru- ary 20, 1904, added one more to the long list of departed pioneers, whose life and works have meant so much to the commonwealth of Califor- nia, as well as to the immediate locality in which they settled. As were many of the best of the state's early settlers, Mr. Brown was of New England birth and parentage. A son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Howard) Brown, he was born in Salem, Mass., April 15, 1822. He was edu- cated in the schools of his home town, and as he approached manhood he prepared himself for self-support by mastering the tailor's trade. It was while following his trade in Salem that news of the finding of gold in California fired his ambition to the extent that he relinquished a well-established business to try his luck in the mines.
Leaving his wife and family in Salem, Mr. Brown set sail from the harbor of Boston in 1850 and by way of Cape Horn made the long and tedious voyage to the gold fields. On the way he endured many privations and much suffering, but these were soon forgotten in the excitement which prevailed everywhere. As did the ma- jority of those who came to the state at this time he went immediately to the mines, and it
is safe to say that he was successful in his ef- forts and had no desire to return to the east, for in a few months he sent for his family to join him. After their arrival, however, he gave up mining and settled down to mercantile life in Stockton, making a specialty of handling pro- duce and grain, a business which he continued with more than average success throughout the remainder of his life.
In Salem, Mass., February 2, 1846, a marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas An- derson which united the lives and fortunes of B. Howard Brown and Sarah Frances Felton, the latter a daughter of James and Sallie Felton, of Boston, Mass. Of the children born of this marriage we make the following mention: Ma- tilda A., who was born in Salem, Mass., June 3, 1847, was married in Stockton, Cal., August 25, 1869, to George R. Martin; she is a resident of Sacramento; Thomas Howard, also born in Sa- lem, November 21, 1848, chose as his wife Carrie Williams, to whom he was married March 6, 1878, and is now a resident of Stockton; Frances E. was born in Stockton February 27, 1855; and Alice Maria was born in March, 1857, also in this city, and was here married, August 20, 1877, to John P. Kafitz. Mr. Brown lived to a worthy old age, and at the time of his death, February 20, 1904, his loss was mourned by many friends and acquaintances who were endeared to him by long associations. He passed away at the family homestead, No. 1131 North Hunter street, which is still the home of his widow.
SCHMITZ & DOBNER.
One of the reasons for the development of Stockton as a commercial center is to be found in the presence of enterprising young men, trained to a knowledge of some specialty, capa-
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ble of handling growing business interests and interested in the welfare of the city. The firm of Schmitz & Dobner was formed by two young men, neither a native of America, yet both in- tensely devoted to the progress of their adopted city and both well versed in the specialty they have chosen. Before coming to Stockton they had gained a thorough working knowledge of the trades of florist and landscape gardener, and thus were qualified to embark in business inde- pendently. Establishing their business in 1906, their first move was to purchase two acres of rich land, on which stood a neat house and a build- ing for the storage of tools. Since then they have labored with energy and artistic taste to improve the grounds, which, on account of the fertility of the soil, adequately fills the needs of the owners. Every plant native to the locality is to be found here, as well as many tropical plants and flowers. Many of their most beau- tiful flowers are grown from the seed. The greenhouse is arranged on the latest plans and contains all modern improvements, giving evi- dence of the practical ability and skilled training of the partners.
Walter Schmitz was born in Thuringen, Ger- many, September II, 1878, and received splen- did advantages in a private school and gymna- sium. Upon leaving school he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a florist and served until the expiration of his time, meanwhile acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business. Upon starting out as a journeyman he traveled through various parts of Germany and into France, work- ing at the trade as opportunity offered, and meanwhile gaining a practical experience of great value to his subsequent efforts. During 1900 he came to the United States and secured employment at his trade in the east, whence in 1903 he came to the western coast, and has since established himself as a permanent resi- dent of California.
Frank Dobner was born in the city of Tachau, Bohemia (near the border of Germany), Sep- tember 8, 1859, and received his education in German schools and a gymnasium. Following
his attendance at school was his apprenticeship to the trade of a florist and he served his time in his native country, afterward working as a journeyman in Germany, France and Switzer- land. The practical training thus acquired was of inestimable advantage to him in later effort- of his own. During 1889 he came to the United States and after landing in New York City pro- ceeded direct to Philadelphia, where he was em- ployed at his trade for three years. From there he returned to New York City and later worked in a number of the most famous gardens and parks there. The year 1895 found him in Cali- fornia, where his previous splendid training gave him advantages in securing ready employment. During 1906 he came to Stockton and formed a partnership with his friend, Mr. Schmitz. Al- ready the firm has met with a fair degree of success. The artistic ability of the proprietors, their thorough manner of doing business, their constant endeavor to fill the requirements of patrons, and their unfailing courtesy, have brought them a growing patronage as well as a high reputation in the line of their specialty.
LAFAYETTE SELLMAN.
The career which this history narrates began in Canandaigua. Ontario county, N. Y .. Novem- ber 23. 1826. and closed in Stockton, Cal., March 25, 1889. Between these dates are recorded the events of an industrious and useful life, whose later efforts are perpetuated in a prosperous en- terprise known as the Stockton City Laundry. one of the most up-to-date and reliable enter- prises of the kind in the city. The funker. Lafayette Sellman, was reared on a farm in the cast, until reaching young manhood, when, in 1849, he set out for the goll fields of California. coming via Panama. His first and only cape-
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rience as a miner was in the mines at Brown's Flats, where he became convinced of the uncer- tainties attending such a life and wisely deter- mined to give it up and engage in something from which he could hope for more stable re- turns.
Following his mining venture Mr. Sellman went to Sonora county and for a time engaged in the cattle and dairy business there, but it was not until he came to Stockton that he was satis- fied that he had found the place offering the most inducements, both in the way of business prospects and as a suitable place to make his future home. While he was satisfied that he had found the right place for a location, still he had a desire to see Oregon, and thither he went soon afterward, but the fact that he re- mained only twenty-four hours before returning to Stockton is ample evidence that he had no desire to change his opinion. It was after his return from Oregon, about 1871, that he estab- lished the nucleus of the laundry business which with the passing of years has grown to its present large proportions. Since his death the business has been continued by his wife and chil- dren, Mrs. Sellman being president, Henry L. vice-president, Grace, secretary and treasurer, and Herman C. Meyer, manager. As president of the company Mrs. Sellman has endeavored to fol- low out the wise policy of her husband in the management of the business, and that she has been successful is seen in the continually in- creasing patronage.
Mr. Sellman was first married in New York, this marriage uniting him with Margaret Coon, by whom seven children were born, all now de- ceased. The mother of these children died in 1875, and on December 18, 1878, in San Fran- cisco, Mr. Sellman married Anna Shafer, a native daughter of San Joaquin county and the daugh- ter of Adam Shafer. Five children were born of this marriage as follows: Henry Lafayette, interested in the laundry business as vice-presi- clent of the company ; Grace, secretary and treas- urer ; Maude ; Mrs. Elsie Pike, and Ivy Frances. Throughout his residence in Stockton, almost
twenty years, Mr. Sellman was one of the city's most earnest and devoted citizens, and for two terms served efficiently as a member of the city council. He was also a well-known mem- ber of the Independent Order of Red Men, holding membership in Iroquois Tribe, in which body he passed through all the chairs, and he was also a member of the Pioneers Society of the county. Mrs. Sellman is a member of Leb- anon Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, Stockton Hive No. 2, Lady Maccabees, and she is also a member of Kawwaunita Council No. 12, Degree of Pocahontas.
HENRY FITCH HUBBARD.
Among the early pioneers of the Golden State who left the east to brave the unknown dangers in an effort to found a commonwealth, mention belongs to Henry F. Hubbard. He was born in Charlestown, Sullivan county, N. H., in 1820, and in the schools of his birthplace he was edu- cated. He had reached the age of thirty years when, in 1850, he and several of his friends de- cided to try their fortunes in the new eldorado on the Pacific coast. For several months after reaching California Mr. Hubbard tried his for- tune in the mines, but at the end of this time gave up his pursuit for sudden wealth, and com- ing to Stockton embarked in the furniture bus- iness with Mr. Lucinger. This partnership lasted for four years, when the business was sold and Mr. Hubbard returned to the east. He came back to California the same year, however, and with the means which he had accumulated he started a money-loaning enterprise which he fol- lowed from that time until his death. He was a man who was well respected, and it was often said of him that his word was as good as his bond. One banker of the city said he would ac- cept a check from Mr. Hubbard for more money
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