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 40
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than any other man in Stockton, so great was his faith in his integrity.
Mr. Hubbard was married in 1867 to Maria S. Debnam, and immediately after their marriage they took up their abode in the residence at No. 849 North Eldorado street, which has been the home of the family ever since. Two children, both daughters, were born of their marriage, Maria, the wife of Adelbert Cronise, of Roches- ter, N. Y .; and Eliza Fitch, the wife of W. W. Middlecoff, of Los Angeles. Mr. Hubbard was a man who never sought office of any character, his greatest pleasure consisting in the compan- ionship of his wife and daughters. At his death, which occurred in 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years, they mourned the loss of a kind and lov- ing husband and father, and the city a stanchi and public-spirited citizen.
JACOB SIMON.
Natives of the Fatherland who have contribut- ed to the citizenship of Stockton and been im- portant factors in its upbuilding are not a few, and among the number mention belongs to Jacob Simon. Born in Bosenbach, Germany, in 1852, he was reared and educated there up to the age of fifteen years, when, the opportunity offering, he immigrated to the United States. Without loss of time he left New York with Panama as his destination, and after crossing the Isthmus took passage on the Pacific side for San Fran- cisco. Here he spent ten days in looking about, but finally came to Stockton, and it was not long before he found employment. His first position was in the Pacific Tannery, where he remained for five years, after which for the same length of time he engaged in the liquor business. Giv- ing this up, he established himself in the grocery business at the corner of Main and Grant streets,
where for four years he conducted a successful business, but he relinquished this business also at the end of that time and at the corner of Channel and San Joaquin streets, opened what in those days was known as the Old Columbia house. For over twenty-two years his hostelry was a well-known landmark for the weary travel- er, who not only received the comforts of a home during his sojourn there, but also enjoyed to the fullest extent the good cheer of the pro- prietor, whose sociability and equable spirits were proverbial. This old landmark has now given place to the Western School of Commerce.
After disposing of his hotel Mr. Simon engag- ed in ranching on his property on Roberts Is- land, following this for two years, when he took the city agency for the Eldorado Brewery Company and continued in this position for five years. Upon relinquishing his position with the company he retired from active business affairs, and in May, 1908, he left for an European trip. of which he was well deserving. He made a thorough tour of Germany during the four months he was abroad. renewing his associations with familiar places, but at the end of this time was content to return to his adopted home on this side of the Atlantic. Since then his time has been occupied in the management of his various business affairs in and around Stockton.
Mr. Simon's marriage united him with Miss Emma F. Grassberger, who was born in Brook- lyn, N. Y., her parents having been residents of the east for many years. In 1859 they came to Stockton, where the name of J. A. Grass- berger became well known for the part he took in the city's welfare. During the carly days he was proprietor of one of the principal hotels in the town, and later became identified with com- mercial affairs and was also prominent in politi- cal matters. Five children were born vi the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Simon, named in the order of their birth as follows: Emma, Elsic. Ruby, Frone and Eda, all of whom are at home with the exception of Elsie, who is the wife of Robert E. Pope. a deputy clerk in the county recorder's office of Stockton.
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Politically Mr. Simon is a Republican, but notwithstanding this he received the appointment of police and fire commissioner at the hands of the mayor who is of the opposite political faith. He held this important office for six years, this being the longest period of time that this office was ever held by one man. Fraternally and socially Mr. Simon is a welcome member of the various lodges and societies where his name is enrolled. He is a member of Stockton Lodge No. 218, B. P. O. E., Druids, Foresters of Amer- ica, and for thirty-five years he has been a mem- ber of the Turn Verein, of which, for twenty- seven years, he has served efficiently as treas- urer.
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JOHN DYSART DAMERON, M. D.
The medical profession in San Joaquin county has an able representative in Dr. Dameron, who is a gentleman of talent and culture, well edu- cated, and who has had a large professional ex- perience, one which has been of untold value to him since his assumption of the duties of su- perintendent of the County Hospital, located in the village of French Camp.
Dr. Dameron is the descendant of southern antecedents, and was himself born in one of the bordering southern states, his birth occurring in Chariton county, Mo., in 1867, the son of George Green and Susan T. (Dysart) Dameron, natives respectively of North Carolina and Ken- tucky. His preliminary school training was re- ceived in the public schools in his native county and to prepare for the professional life which he had decided to follow he matriculated in the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, Mo., which united with the St. Louis Medical Col- lege in 1904 and is now known as the Washing- ton University of Medicine. He graduated in March of 1894, carrying with him the highest
honors in surgery of his class, and opened ant office for the practice of his profession in Stock- ton in October the following year.
He conducted a very creditable and constantly increasing practice for the following six years,. twice being elected county health officer, a posi- tion to which he had been elected by the honor- able board of supervisors. So creditable was the. record of his services in this position that great- er honors were bestowed upon him, and in June- of 1901 he resigned his position as county health officer to accept the position as superintendent of the San Joaquin County Hospital, this honor also coming from the board of supervisors.
Dr. Dameron was united in marriage, June II, 1901, with Miss Mary Ella Wheeler, a native: Californian and the daughter of Thomas and Visa Thompson Wheeler. Since their marriage the doctor and his wife have made their home in' the hospital, where they have very comfortable quarters. Dr. Dameron grasps every opportunity to keep abreast of the times in his profession, and is thus enabled to successfully cope with the- diseases brought to him for treatment in the public institution of which he is the head.
JOHN C. GRAVES.
After many years of activity as a rancher in the outskirts of Stockton, Mr. Graves is now living retired in this city, having a commodious and pleasant home at No. 922 North Edison street, where with his wife he is enjoying the fruits of former years. Mr. Graves is a descen- dant of Southern ancestors, and was born in War- ren county, Mo., February 5, 1842, the son of H. B. and Lurine Howell Graves. When he was a child of about seven years the family home was transferred to Grant county, Wis., where he at -- tended school and grew to manhood years.
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While still a resident of Wisconsin, in 1863, Mr. Graves was married to Sarah C. Shanley, who was born and reared in that state, and the following year they started for their future home in the west. They began the long journey from Wisconsin on May 2, their party consisting of one hundred and forty persons, and it was not until September 19 that they reached their des- tination on the Pacific coast. They followed the old telegraph road all the way, a line which was also followed by the engineers who were survey- ing for the first railroad across the continent. Among the party were also two other old set- tlers now living in Stockton, David Reynolds and Nathan Heralson. It was not an uncommon sight to see Indian camps along the way, but luckily the travelers were not molested by their dusky foe. On their arrival in California Mr. Graves and his wife camped on the sand plains about ten miles southeast of Stockton for a time, and in the meantime Mr. Graves worked out as opportunity offered until he could find a suitable piece of land on which to locate. In 1865, '66 and '67 he freighted from Stockton to the south- ern mines, hauling supplies with twenty horses and a team of mules in the lead, hauling five wagons and returning by way of Copperopolis with loads of copper ore. He has a picture show- ing his outfit, that was taken at Tower Hill, Salt Spring valley. In 1868 he devoted his time to ranching, at that time settling on eight hundred acres of fine ranch land which he had purchased close to the city. This was in the possession of the family for thirty-eight years. He sold the property in forty-acre tracts and at this writing (1909) there are fourteen houses on them. Since 1888 the family have made their home in the city of Stockton, whither they moved in order to give their children the benefit of the public schools.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Graves five are now living, as follows: Fannie, the wife of Frank Graves, of Stockton ; Lillian and Lulu, twins, the former the wife of George Fox, of San Francisco, and the latter the wife of W. J. Buchanan, in the vicinity of Stockton; Virdie,
also a resident of this city and the wife of Rob- ert Reid; and Henry Thomas, who is married and lives on a ranch near Ripon and where he al- so conducts a store. All of the children were educated in the schools of Stockton, and have now assumed the responsibilities of home hie. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are enjoying the freedom from care which they sustained for so many years in the management of the ranch, enjoying es- pecially the short trips to neighboring cities, and to San Francisco. Every movement that has been brought to Mr. Graves' notice for the up- building of the town or county has met with his hearty co-operation. He is a stockholder in the Citizens Gas Well Company, having been iden- tified with it since its organization.
FORNIA S. CURTIS.
To the honor of being a native of the beautiful state of California Mr. Curtis adds the distinc- tion of being the son of one of the state's sturdy pioneers, Bradner Curtis, who survived only thir- ty years after locating here, yet lived to see many marvelous strides in civilization and to enjoy many of its benefits. Soon after his marriage he brought his wife to California by way of the Horn, the voyage taking eight months, some de- lay being due to the fact that the ship lost her course. They finally reached their destination. San Francisco, from there going to the mines in Tuolumne county, and still later settled en a ranch in that vicinity. on the Calaveras river.
Fornia S. Curtis was born on the parental homestead in San Joaquin county May 26, 1850. the youngest of the four children born to hts parents. Educated in the schools of his native county, at the age of twenty years much of the care and responsibility of the home ranch fell to him. and thereafter. following his father's
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death, he was the sole manager, until about 1892, when he rented the ranch to a tenant and has since made his home in Stockton, at No. 1229 North Center street.
Mr. Curtis was married in Stockton February .8, 1893, to Miss Trinnie M. Helmer, a native of San Francisco and the daughter of William and Trinnie Helmer. Three children have been born to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cur- tis, as follows: Benton F., born December 15, 1894; Vernon W., June 1, 1896; and Helmer B., .September 5, 1898, all of the children being pu- pils in the schools of Stockton. In his political sentiments Mr. Curtis is a Democrat, but not- withstanding this he never lets party lines pre- vent him from voting for the best candidate for the office in question. He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church and has ever ad- hered to its teachings, being a communicant of St. John's Episcopal Church at Stockton, and one of its stanchest supporters. Personally he is a man of much worth, integrity and earnestness of purpose, and throughout San Joaquin county, where his entire life has been spent, he is es- teemed as one of her noblest citizens.
JOSEPH BREIDENBACH.
From the time of his arrival in. Stockton in 1860 until his death Mr. Breidenbach was asso- ciated with business enterprises in the city and with projects for the material growth of the place. Of German birth and ancestry, he was born in Koenigstein by Frankfurt-on-the-Main, August 26, 1832, and during boyhood he was a pupil in the schools of his native town, after which he served an apprenticeship to the trade of upholsterer. During the year 1854 he immi- grated to the United States and settled in Brook- lyn, N. Y., where he became the proprietor of a
first-class cigar and billiard parlor. The success attending his efforts enabled him to return to the Fatherland for a visit in 1857, but he had no desire to remain permanently in that country, and accordingly went back to Brooklyn in 1858. Among his many friends in that city he was known as Dr. Eisenbart. On leaving Brooklyn he came to California and settled in Stockton.
The year after his settlement in Stockton Mr. Breidenbach sent east for his intended wife, Miss Marie W. Muench, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. Following the ocean route she came to California and their wedding took place in San Francisco on the day of landing, Septem- ber 30, 1861. The bride and groom proceeded to Stockton, where the latter's friends had pre- pared an enthusiastic charivari in their honor. This celebration occurred at the old Stockton bakery, then a prominent hotel, occupying the present site of the Grand Central hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Breidenbach became the parents of three children, Joseph, Louis and Anna M. The last- named, now Mrs. Kalck, resides at No. 17 West Oak street, Stockton, and is a member of Joaquin Parlor, Native Daughters of the Golden West. The sons are identified with Stockton Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. All were born in Stockton and always have made this city their home.
The Philadelphia house, on Bridge street, be- tween Eldorado and Hunter streets, erected by Mr. Breidenbach in 1871, remained under his personal supervision until 1884, when he retired from its management in order to take his family to Europe. Accompanied by wife and children, he went abroad and remained for seven months in the old country. While at Brooklyn, N. Y., on his way to Europe, he called with his family on an old friend from whom he had not heard in many years. The friend's daughter refused ad- mission, stating that her father was under the care of a physician and could not entertain vis- itors. At last, in response to the importunities of the visitor, an interview was granted. The old friend did not recognize him and Mr. Breiden- bach continued to talk to him for perhaps one-
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half hour when finally the invalid inquired who he was. "Dr. Eisenbart," was the answer. "Joseph, is it you?" was the eager inquiry of the sick man. An immediate cure was realized, for in less than one hour the old friend was showing his visitor the sights of New York.
Having earned a well-merited rest from com- mercial cares, in 1891 Mr. Breidenbach retired from business, and thereafter he enjoyed the fruits of former industry. His death occurred September 5, 1907, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife died October 30, 1908. In their last days both received the loving and so- licitous care of their children. Shortly after coming to Stockton he had joined the San Joaquin Fire Company and many times he helped to dig the old hand-engine out of the mud. His certificate of Exempt Fireman is dated Septem- ber 13, 1870. Proud of his service as a fireman, it was his last request that he be interred in his fireman's uniform, and the request was carried out at his interment. When his body was laid to rest in Rural cemetery, the solemn burial service, as prepared by the late A. B. Bennett for the use of the fire department, was read by the vice- president of the company, and many of his old comrades gathered around the bier to pay him their last tribute of affectionate respect.
BRADNER CURTIS.
It is ever interesting to recount the life events of the pioneer, who endured the privations of this new country and passed through the hard- ships and dangers incident to a sea voyage in a sailing vessel following the gold discovery in California. Bradner Curtis was born in the vicinity of Rochester, N. Y., June 9, 1825, and in young manhood he learned the hardware busi- ness ; as he was reared in a farming community
he developed quite an industry not only in re- pairing, but also in manufacturing agricultural implements, a business which he followed up to the time he left for the west.
During his school days Bradner Curtis forined the acquaintance of Miss Kezia Benton, who after attending the schools of Rochester con- tinued her education in Canajoharie Academy. on the Mohawk river, and still later was a pupil in Cortland Academy, both in New York state. She was a daugliter of Hiram and Cynthia (Hodge) Benton, on her mother's side being a descendant of Jolin Eliot, who came as a col- onist in the famous Mayflower. The acquaint- ance of the young people formed during school days ripened into a deeper affection that result- ed in their marriage September 23, 1849. Int December, 1849, they sailed from New York harbor bound for California, on a vessel which had formerly done service as a packet, but had been reconstructed for use as a sailing craft. Eight months were consumed in the voyage, al- though they were at no time out of sight of land. and while passing Valparaiso they could licar the natives calling to them. Some of the delay was due to the fact that at Cape Horn they were compelled to lay over for one month, owing to heavy storms prevailing at the time They reached San Francisco in July, and after re- maining there two days, having been met in the meantime by Mrs. Curtis' two brothers, Hvland and Byron Benton, the latter conducted them to Mormon Gulch, near Tuttletown, Tud'une county, where the brothers conducted a supply camp. Mr. Curtis also became interested in min- ing there, but finally hired a man to work for him at that while he took charge of the trading camp. Mr. Curtis was the first one in Tuohrune to mine with ground sluices. He remained in that vicinity for about three years, during which time he lost considerable money in a pour in- vestment. Thereafter he purchased a ranch lin the Calaveras river, and here hie roundel ent his remaining years, passing away in 18St, when in his fifty-sixth year. Mrs. Curtis still owns a part of this property, although she makes her boøre in
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Stockton, at No. 1245 North Center street. Mr. Curtis was a prominent Odd Fellow for many years, and owned a family vault in the Odd Fel- lows Cemetery at Sonora, Tuolumne county, where in life he had made his first start and built his last home. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, as follows: Mrs. Belle K. Jackson, making her home with her mother in Stockton; Frank B. and Forest D., both deceased and buried beside their father in the Odd Fel- lows Cemetery at Sonora; and Fornia S., of whom a sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume.
THEODORE DWIGHT FELT.
Theodore Dwight Felt, of Stockton, is the son of Dr. T. Dwight Felt, a pioneer physician of Humboldt county. The subject of this sketch was born in Hydesville, in that county, in 1855 and was educated in the common schools of his native town and in the Catholic college near that place. At the early age of seventeen he left school and entered the service of a firm engaged in the lumber business and during many years, with comparatively few intervals, pursued that industry, varying it from time to time in assist- ing his father in his practice, mainly by nursing patients. In this way Mr. Felt acquired consid- erable knowledge of the practice of medicine, but only exercised it under the direction of his father.
Of an independent spirit, he made his own way in the world from the time he left school and soon after attaining his majority was mar- ried to Mrs. Nancy Jane Stockton, of Rohner- ville, in his native county. Of this marriage there are eight children, namely: Dwight, of Humboldt county; Emma E., the wife of Guy A. Buell, of San Francisco; Levant, engaged in mercantile pursuits in Stockton ; Kate Glenn, a
student of the University of California ; Earl G., a resident of St. John, Wash .; Leonard and Ruth, students of the Stockton high school; and Joy, a grammar school pupil. Of the eight, five live in their parents' home and make a happy family circle.
Mr. Felt has been for many years an Odd Fel- low and was also a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, but during recent years his attention has been so much engrossed by his practice of Christian Science healing that he has had no time to devote to those fraternal organi- zations.
What seemed to the ordinary observer a mere chance, directed Mr. Felt's attention to Christian Science, but by those devoted to that system of teaching, it is recognized as providential. When a very young child he had suffered a prolonged confinement with typhoid fever which left him with a seriously affected liver. His father and another able physician, after a careful examina- tion of his case, pronounced his liver abnormal and beyond the help of medical science. This verdict was pronounced upon him after he had a family and gave him no hope of earthly help. A little later his wife had a lady guest who was pronounced a victim of consumption and whom the physicians gave no hope of recovery or even many months to live. Mrs. Felt, who had learned something about Christian Science, ad- vised her guest to seek the aid of a practitioner who lived in the neighborhood. The advice was adopted and the effect appeared to be magical, for the lady was speedily restored to perfect health. The healing was so remarkable that Mrs. and Mr. Felt, the latter of whom might have been called an agnostic or skeptic, began to in- vestigate what once he scoffed at. The study became absorbing at once and from the first Mr. Felt began to improve in health. The so-called incurable ailment soon vanished, and though much more than a decade has passed, he has not suffered from any affection of the liver, even for a single day.
After undergoing instruction from a compe- tent and accredited teacher of Christian Science.
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Mr. and Mrs. Felt began the practice of Chris- tian Science healing and had remarkable success. During six years they practiced in Humboldt county and about ten years ago they were in- duced to come to Stockton, where they were chosen readers of the branch church in this city and served until a new by-law made them in- eligible until after an interval, when both were re-elected and served the legal limit. Mr. Felt is frequently referred to as "Doctor" Felt, but he makes no pretension to medical skill or knowl- edge. He, like all Christian Science practition- ers, relies exclusively on the Divine Mind as the source of all life and health.
EDWARD E. EARL.
A native of the Emerald Isle, Edward E. Earl was born in County Carlow, March 16, 1834, the son of Edward and Mary Earl, who were also natives of Ireland, where their entire lives were passed. During his early manhood Mr. Earl became convinced that larger opportunity awaited him on this side of the Atlantic, and as soon as the way was made possible to carry out his plan he came to the United States in 1854, landing at the port of New York. For business reasons he went to Louisville, Ky., soon after disembarking. The disturbance between the north and south which had been brewing for a number of years finally broke out in the famous year of 1861, and as he was in the south at the time he naturally espoused the southern cause when he decided to take a part in quelling the disturbances. As a member of the First Ken- tucky Regiment he fought valiantly throughout his term of enlistment, or during the entire course of the war, participating in many important bat- tles, but in all of these experiences escaped in- jury of any kind.
Shortly after the close of the war Mr. Earl came to California with his wife, being attracted to the west on account of the wonderful tales of the discovery and mining of gold, although it > not related that he himself took any immediate interest in mining. He first located at Locke- ford, but later went to Salt Lake City, where for five years he was in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Coming to Stockton at the end of that time, in 1871, he entered the employ of the Stockton Gas and Electric Company and was a trusted employe of the company from that tune until his death, which occurred June 2, 1905.
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