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 5
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He was an ardent Republican and took an ac- tive part in politics, never being afraid to speak for the cause in which he believed. His out- spoken sentiments during the stirring times of the Civil war won for him once an invitation to come across the river and get hanged, which in-
Jamest Buddy
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vitation he declined. On returning to Stockton he became a member of the Home Guard, con- tinuing in it until the close of the war.
Three children were born, all of whom are at present living : George S., a physician of this city ; Mary A., the wife of William II. Priest, of French Camp, Cal .; and Layton M., also a resident of this city.
Mr. Harkness had no inclination toward pub- lic life, nor any taste for fraternal affiliations, his greatest happiness being found in the associ- ation of his family, of whom he was very fond. This affection was reciprocated on the part of the family, for he was ever an indulgent husband and father, and many friends and associates loved and respected him for his generosity and kindness of heart.
HON. JAMES HERBERT BUDD.
The ideal life is measured not by years but by intensity, and truly "that life is long which answers life's great end." Gauged by years alone, the career of ex-Governor Budd was all too brief ; but estimated by the amount he ac- complished for the welfare of his fellowmen, the upbuilding of his commonwealth and the at- tainment of needed reforms, his life was long as it was also brilliant and eventful. In the annals of California his name is entitled to perpetuation and in the hearts of friends the laurels of memory are blooming with unfading verdure. Every station that he held was distinguished by his loy- al service. A spirit of firmness, sustained by the highest patriotic ardor and directed by the loftiest wisdom, enabled him to maintain the rights of his fellow-citizens against the strongest extraneous pressure. Of him it may be said that he promoted the prosperity and exalted the reputation of the state. In life he was widely beloved and in death, universally mourned. The
virtues and services that endeared him to lav fellowmen brought to his grave a tribute of affectionate gratitude not alone from his own state, but from friends and admirers through 1 every part of the country.
The life which this narrative depicts began at Janesville, Wis., May 18, 1851, and chand at his residence, No. 1239 East Chamel street Stockton, Cal .. July 30, 1908, after a vam strug gle of several years against a fatal diverse With his parents he resided in California after 1859 and in Stockton after 1860, the father, Hon Joseph H. Budd, becoming one of the surge k- ful attorneys of this city and eventually winning distinction as one of the most learned juriits of the state. It was the desire of the father that the son enter the legal profession, for he redog nized the talents that would ultimately bring success in the law. With this object in view, the best educational advantages were provided. U'p on completing the studies of the Stockton schools. the youth was sent to the Brayton College School at Oakland in 18(x), after which he entered the first class in the University of Call- fornia, from which institution he was graduate f in 1873. Inimmediately afterward he studied law in his father's office at Stockton ant in 1574 at Sacramento he was admitted to practice Ix fore the supreme court of California Return ing to Stockton, he engaged in practice with his father for a time and also was with følge J. G. Swinnerton for a brief periodl, nican while appearing in most of the important lidi- gation of San Joaquin and adjacent counties During 1873-74 he had served as deputy dar- trict attorney under A. W. Rovalen and later he received the unanimous nomination mi the Democratic convention for assemblyman inem his district, but declined the honor.
It had been said that "opportunity knocks once at every door." When it came to the doar of the popular young lawyer of Stocken others less keen than himself would not have recognized the presence. A nanimation in 185 for congress at the hands of the Democratic congressional convention seemed but the Orivite
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failure and defeat, for the district was over- whelmingly Republican and his Republican op- ponent was Hon. Horace F. Page, who for years had represented this district in congress with dis- tinction and efficiency. Only the remarkable ability and personal magnetism of the Demo- cratic candidate could have won in the face of such odds. His defeat was everywhere predicted, but with intense enthusiasm he persevered in his campaign and in every locality he won stanch friends. It was he who originated what became known as the buckboard canvass, so called from his habit of riding over the country in a buck- board. People flocked to meet him and to hear him speak. His influence was felt as much in his chance meeting with people on the street as in his addresses from the platform. The end of the campaign brought him and his party vic- tory to the overwhelming surprise of those who believed the Democrats could never win in this district.
While representing his constituents in congress Mr. Budd was very active and influential, serv- ing on the committees on education and invalid pensions, also securing a large appropriation for dredging Stockton channel, and introducing and carrying through, after the most untiring labor, a measure in the interests of the settlers on the Moquelemos grant. To his efforts was due the passage of an amendment to the Indian appropriation bill, making the Indians amenable to state and territorial laws. After the friends of the Chinese bill considered it hopelessly lost he fought for and secured a special date for its presentation. Chinese matters, inter-state com- merce law, fortification measures and appropria- tion bills were his chief interests while in the house of congress. Upon his return to Stockton from Washington at the expiration of his term he was given an ovation surpassing anything of the kind ever witnessed in the city. The con- gressional convention renominated him without a dissenting vote, but he declined a second term. Again and again he was unanimously renomi- nated with urgent appeals to accept, but each time he was firm in his refusal. While he de-
clined the honor for himself, he was eager to aid his party and in 1888, by acting as chair- man of the city and county central committees, he carried the county for the Democrats.
When twenty-three years of age Mr. Budd served on the staff of Governor Irwin. As a cadet in the University of California he became connected with the National Guard and at gradu- ation held the rank of first lieutenant. Later he received successive promotions to the ranks of major of brigade staff, lieutenant-colonel on the governor's staff, major of the line and when governor was intitled brigadier-general. During 1889 he became a member of the board of police and fire commissioners of Stockton. For six years he was a trustee of the Stockton city li- brary, which through his efforts was made a depository for public books and documents cov- ering an issue of ten years.
The Democratic convention assembled at San Francisco in 1894 nominated Mr. Budd for governor, his Republican opponent being the late Morris M. Estee, who afterward was appointed United States circuit judge in the Hawaiian islands. On the return of the Democratic can- didate to his home city the people united in tendering him a spontaneous expression of their warm friendship. A display of bunting indi- cated the festive spirit of the people. The roar of artillery and glare of fireworks combined to produce a demonstration seldom equalled in the city's history. However, the strength of the candidate in other parts of the state was un- suspected by himself or the rival candidate. His popularity was shown in the fact that he was the only man on the Democratic ticket elected and he ran over thirty-three thousand votes ahead of his ticket. Spencer G. Millard, the Republican nominee for lieutenant-governor, was elected, but died ten months after his in- auguration and was succeeded, under appoint- ment, by William T. Jeter, who had been the governor's running mate for the office of lieu- tenant-governor.
Concerning the gubernatorial service of Mr. Budd the "New San Franciscan," under date of
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August 29, 1908, furnishes this tribute: "No matter what his political enemies may say, Gov- ernor Budd was the soul of honor. Like all men who rise to high office in state, he was com- pelled to do opportunist politics. But there is no official act of his career which is sicklied over with the pale cast of suspicion or doubt. From beginning to end his official career will bear the most minute inspection. His record in the gub- ernatorial office will remain as a possession for- ever. He may not have been the greatest chief executive that ever ruled California, but he cer- tainly was a governor who never allowed a blot to smear his escutcheon, a governor who took care that his record should give a good account of his stewardship.
"The campaign of 1894 will long be remem- bered in California. It was almost unbelievable that Budd should defeat Estee and should be able to overcome a twenty-thousand Republican ma- jority. But this is precisely what happened. The year 1894 was a year of political sur- prises. Budd was elected governor and Sutro was elected mayor of San Francisco. There seemed to be a political upheaval. No candidate ever worked as Budd worked during that cam- paign. From north to south his voice was heard expounding the principles of the Democratic party. One night he would be in some mountain hamlet in the north. The next night he would be somewhere in the south. He seemed to have the capacity for perpetual motion. But above all things, there was the determination to win, the determination to overcome obstacles. And Budd overcame obstacles; and Budd won against all odds."
During the executive service of Governor Budd the taxes were reduced and the people freed from what had been heavy burdens in that re- spect. Many reforms were brought about in the interests of economy and good government. His term was one of the most successful of any of the governors. Upon retiring from the office he practiced law in San Francisco and it is said that the returns of his large and important
practice enabled him to accumulate a fortune in a comparatively short period.
The failure of his health caused Governor Budd to retire from professional labors and dur ing 1907 he traveled extensively in Europe, hop- ing to be benefited by the change, but only temporary relief was secured. In the spring of 1908 he returned from abroad and, feeling re- stored in part to former health, he announced his intention of residing in Stockton and main- taining his principal offices in that city, with a branch office in San Francisco. The illness of his brother, John E. Budd caused him to phan an automobile trip to Lake Tahoe and the brothers spent several weeks at mountain lıvaltlı resorts, but meanwhile the ex-Governor con- tracted a cold that brought on a recurrence of rheumatic and kidney troubles. Treatment un- der a specialist in a San Francisco hospital proved of no avail and he was brought to his Stockton residence, where the end came. Sur- viving him are his widow, Mrs. Inez .A. ( Merrill) Budd; his mother, Lucinda M. (Ash) Budd ; and a brother, John E. Budd. Mrs. James HI. Budd was born near Hartford, Coun., August 2, 1851, and in 1856 was brought to California by her parents, Marcus H. and Celinda A (Clough) Merrill, natives respectively of Con- necticut and Massachusetts. In 1852 Mr. Mer rill had come to the Pacific coast for the first time and after a residence here of a few years he returned for his family, having decided to cast in his lot permanently with the undevelope l west. His wife died April 19, 1909, and he is still living in Stockton. One of his daughters. Clara A., the wife of Reginald Webster, revives in San Francisco.
The marriage of Mr. Budd and Miss Merrill was solemnized in Stockton October 20. 1873. and was the consummation of a romance be- gun when they attended the same school in Stockton. Their teacher was Professor Randall. now of San Jose, and the building still stan Is on the present site of the Lafayette school In every respect Mrs. Budd was fittel tir be the wife of a man of genius and brilliant nund.
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Her talents are of a high order and have been developed by study and culture. Through the generosity of her husband in 1902 an independ- ent income was placed in her hands and at his death she received the bulk of the estate. Ample ineans enable her to prosecute her studies and continue her literary work without interruption. Astronomy has been one of her favorite pur- suits. The study of the Bible also has been conducted from the standpoint of a classical scholar and earnest Christian believer. In her studies and writings she had the deepest sym- pathy of Governor Budd, whose own brilliant mental faculties enabled him to be of practical assistance ofttimes in her work. Since his de- mise she has planned a memorial monument in his honor. With the aid of an artist she de- signed a broken dome typical of his life termi- nated all too soon, and the monument was erected in the Rural cemetery at Stockton in 1909.
One of the most brilliant men ever in Cali- fornia was lost to the state in the death of Mr. Budd. Nature had liberally endowed him and to this endowment he had added by indus- trious application. It has been said of him, as of James G. Blaine, that he could make sight- drafts on his memory for anything he had ever learned and for nearly anything he had ever read, and the drafts would be honored. Supplementing a brilliant mind were great generosity of dispo- sition, earnest philanthropy, a sincere love of children, an unfailing courtesy toward the aged, and the utmost consideration for others. A helpless convict needlessly tormented or a Sal- vation army preacher annoyed by petty insults from the unthinking rabble-these were as much the object of his helpful sympathy as were people of influence temporarily distressed. Wherever the need might arise, there was the helpful hand, there was the kindly act.
This biographical sketch would fail of its pur- port were no mention made of ex-Governor Budd as a friend. Many remember him less as the influential governor or the brilliant con- gressman than as "Jim" Budd, the devoted
friend. His capacity for winning and retaining friends was one of his most remarkable charac- teristics. His genial disposition won to him even those of different political opinions, and he never permitted differences of opinion to interfere with his friendships. For his friends he would suf- fer any hardship and endure any annoyance ;. for them he would grant any favor possible, and, no matter what the strain of business might be, he was ever ready to give a hearty clasp of the hand to one of his friends. It was said of him that he would travel a thousand miles to do a friend a favor, and none of his friends were dearer to him than the comrades of his early days in Stockton, the men who then admired and remember now with affection the generous, witty, genial "Jim" Budd, a friend unchanged toward them by manifold successes and by all the triumphs of a brilliant career.
L. M. BOWDOIN.
As might be inferred from the name, the family from which the late L. M. Bowdoin descended was of New England origin, and it was one of these early ancestors who in 1798 founded the famous Congregational institution of learning, Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Me. He was born in the state which had been the home of his ancestors for many generations, his birth occurring in Wat- erborough, July 30, 1828. His parents, Elliott and Sallie K. (Taylor) Bowdoin, were also na- tives of this New England state. For some years after their marriage the family home was in Waterborough, where their son was born, but while he was still a small boy they moved to Saco, Me., settling on a farm in that locality. The primitive schools of the times furnished very meagre advantages indeed, but the eagerness with which as a boy he grasped them and turned
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
them to the best account possible is indicative of the thoroughness with which he entered into everything with which he had to do in later life.
While L. M. Bowdoin was working on the home farm with his father, the discovery of gold was made in California and the result was that in 1850 he was among the immigrants who landed in San Francisco, he having made the journey hither by way of the Isthmus of Panama. As soon as possible he made his way to the mines in Placer county, but it was not recorded that his success as a miner was in proportion to his expectations. After a few years of this life, he returned to his native state and going to Portland, Me., he con- ducted a wholesale fancy goods store there for a number of years, making a specialty of handling fine imported laces. Afterward he again came to the west, making the journey this time by way of Nicaragua. Some years later a second visit to his old home in the east was made, but as be- fore, he again became homesick for the west, and hither he came to remain in 1875. By trade lie was a carpenter and builder, and during the earlier years of his career in the state he follow- ed his trade in San Francisco. While there he experienced many thrilling events in the history of the metropolis. In order to assist in bringing about better conditions he joined the vigilance committee, the need for which was created by the unruly element which had flocked to the city and was making life and property of the law- abiding citizens unsafe.
From 1882 until his death February 25, 1905. Mr. Bowdoin made his home in Stockton, at No. 22 North Pilgrim street. In the interim he led a busy but happy life, for being a fluent and gifted writer he was never so contented as when pre- paring material for the two papers with which he was associated, The Record and the Sacramento Bee. One subject in which he was greatly inter- ested was the Panama canal. During his various trips to and from the coast he had been over both the Panama and the Nicaragua routes and in his judgment the latter passage from the At- lantic to the Pacific was the most practicable one. A very able article on this subject at one time ap-
peared in the columns of the Record over his signature. At one time he won a prize of Saj on a writing contest by the American Secular Union of Philadelphia, the subject being an de say on how to educate the children in schale and how to assist the teachers in the work. For about a year he was also editor of a campaign paper in Nevada City, Cal.
Mr. Bowdoin's marriage occurred March 27. 1861, and united him with Miss Eliza Water- house, who like himself was a native of Maine Three children were born of that union, ar fut- lows: Charles F., of San Francisco; Lcona, the wife of Chester H. Clieves, of Stockton ; and Ha F., the wife of Gilbert T. Austin, also of Stock- ton. After a short illness Mr. Bowdoin parc 1 away at his home, February 25, 1905, when in his seventy-seventh year. To the last he let a busy, useful life, always working, always think. ing and always holding out a helping hand to those in need about him, his words of encourage ment and advice giving hope to many a door aged heart. For nearly hali a century he was a Mason and at the time of his death was a member of Morning Star Lodge of Stockton, anl under the auspices of this lodge his body was ten lerly laid to rest.
ANDREW W. SIMPSON
Among the men who have huilledl for all time and who have lived their lives so that 19 the evening of their days they can look bock on a work well done without regret anl with the knowledge that they have held the respect and esteem of those with whom they have haut business or social relations is Andrew W. Sorp- son, one of the olilest residents an ! businma men of the city of Stockton. He has been a resident of the city since his arrival from Maine in Nin- .vember, 1851, and for the last fifty-five years he
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had been connected with the firm of Simpson & Gray, the oldest firm in the state that has exist- ed since its organization under its original per- sonnel of Simpson & Gray.
Andrew W. Simpson was born July 15, 1831, in Brunswick, Cumberland county, Me., into the home of Thomas and Eliza ( Whitehouse) Simp- son, both natives of that state. He is descended from a seafaring and shipbuilding class of men, as his father and three of his brothers were ship- builders in Maine and two brothers were cap- tains of vessels.
At an early age Andrew W. learned from his father the names of the various parts of a ship and their uses. Being among the younger mem- bers of the family he was given such duties to perform about the home place as his strength would permit. He attended school in his native town and was preparing for college when the call to the eldorado of the west was too strong to be resisted, for his brothers Lewis, Asa M. and Isaiah had come to California in 1849 and had made such favorable reports on the oppor- tunities here that they induced their younger brother to come. After he had arranged for his transportation Andrew W. had to borrow $150 to defray his expenses, and he landed in San Francisco with only ten cents in his pockets. The passage was made on the steamer Daniel Webster, it being the first voyage of that vessel, and it brought the first lake steamer used to con- vey the emigrants across Lake Nicaragua.
Upon leaving the home roof Andrew W., as did the other children, carried with him into his life work the precepts of honor and integrity as well as habits of industry that had been instilled in him by his parents. With this as his only as- set he began the battle for success in the busy marts of the new state. He came direct to Stockton, where he at once secured work in the lumber business with his brother, who had start- ed in that branch of activity here. He gained a very thorough knowledge of the lumber industry during the next few years and in 1853, in part- nership with George Gray, bought out his brother Asa M. and a Mr. Jackson and from that
time to the present the business has been car- ried on by these two men. In the buying of stock Mr. Gray left that to the good judgment of Mr. Simpson, and that this has made the success. of the firm no one disputes. For the past fifty- five years the office has been in the same loca- tion, though at first it fronted on Commerce street, but in 1861 it was turned to front on Weber avenue. The corner stone marks the record of the high water of 1906, and shows that it was higher at this time than during the memorable flood of '61-'62. The main yard has been continued at the same location, being bound- ed by Commerce, Main and Madison streets and Weber avenue, and they have three other yards in the city to further protect their interests. They have had but two small fires during this time and in this have been most fortunate, for the city has. had several disastrous conflagrations. In the early days they did a large wholesale business, but in later years have confined themselves to the local trade. By the conservative methods of the firm they have been able to accumulate valuable property interests in the city and county. In all the years that the firm have been doing business in the county Mr. Simpson has been the recog- nized head of the company and to his unerring judgment is due in a great measure the present standing of the firm.
Though devoted to the business for so many years, it must not be inferred that Mr. Simpson has neglected the duties of a citizen, for he has- been interested in the growth of the city and has participated in the movements for the welfare of the people. He is a stockholder in, and from its. organization has been on the directorate of the Stockton Savings and Loan Society Bank. He was a member of Weber Fire Engine Company and in the political movements of the city has been an active worker in the ranks of the Repub- lican party, voting for every Republican presi- dent since John C. Fremont. In 1888 he was a delegate to the National convention in Chicago. In local matters he has given his influence to the end that the best men qualified for office should be recognized. In all the years of his residence-
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Stockton his integrity has never been ques- tioned and it is a well-known fact to all who know him that his word is as good as his bond.
Mr. Simpson formed domestic ties by his mar- riage in 1863, while on a visit to Maine, with Miss Augusta D. Pennell, who is a native of Brunswick, having been born there in 1842. Their wedding journey was via Panama to Cal- ifornia. Arriving in Stockton Mr. Simpson erected the house in the spring of '64 that is still the family residence, being located at tlie corner of Eldorado and Oak streets. Here five of their six children were born, two dying in in- fancy and one daughter, Jessica Pennell, at the age of twenty-four years. Those living are Es- telle A., the wife of Minot Tirrell and Bertha G. The only son, Andrew W., Jr., is a resident of Stockton and in the employ of Simpson & Gray as manager. The children received their edu- cation in the schools of Stockton, Benicia and San Francisco and are well qualified to fill posi- tions of responsibility in the business and social world.
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