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 6
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Mr. Simpson is fond of outdoor sports and many leisure hours are spent with rod and gun. He is generous to a fault, a kind and indulgent husband and father and his happiest hours are spent with his family. Generous and kind- hearted, he is willing at all times to give assis- tance to those less fortunate than himself.
HENRY ESHBACH.
In the van of the great army of Argonauts who sought the golden wealth of California there came across the plains two brothers, Frank and Joseph Robert, pioneers of 1848 on the Pacific coast and intimate friends of the illustrious Captain Weber. For a time they tried their luck in the mines, but indifferent success caused them
to turn their attention to industrial pur uit Starting the first dairy in Stockton, they net with steady success, and for years continued to conduct a prosperous business. Upon finally re- tiring they removed to San Francisco and there died when advanced in years. During the early growth of their business they became mpres 1 with the possibilities of the state and accordingly sent money for traveling expenses Inther to Henry and Magdalena (Robert) Eshbach, a brother-in law and sister.
Thus it happened that the Eshbach family in 1857 boarded a vessel at New Orleans bound for the Isthmus of Panama and from there proceell ed to San Francisco, whence they came to Stock - ton. Henry Eshbach was a native of Switzerland and in early life had immigrated to the United States, settling at New Orleans, La., where he followed the trade of a carpenter. There he met and married Magdalena Robert, who was born in Alsace-Lorraine and in childhood had come to the U'nited States. It was not the privilege of Henry Eshbach to attend schel regularly in boyhood. hence his education was no: what he wished. However, he was a natural mechanic and also a proficient carpenter, and after coming to Stockton he followed carpenter- ing until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty years. His wife met with an accidental death in 1878; both were buried in the Rural cemetery near Stockton. They were the parents of two children, Henry and Frank, the latter a native of Stockton and now engaged in business here.
In the city of New Orleans, La., Henry Esh- bach was born AAugust 25. 1850, and there lie spent his first seven years, when he took passage on a ship in 1857 and came via the Isthmus to California. He attended the public schools in Stockton and in the same class with him wa Caroline Deitsch, a pioneer's daughter, whom he married in 1875, and by whom he has two daughters, Amy and Carrie. Upon leaving stool he worked at the printer's trade, beginning at the lowest round of the business and working hb way up by steady promotions. For nine year
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he was foreman of the job department of the Independent and he also had a job office of his own, starting the Record, which then was known as the Commercial Record. Eventually he sold out to a partner and after an association of eighteen years with the printing business he turned his attention to the retail liquor business, which he has conducted since 1883. Fraternally he is connected with Charter Oak Lodge, K. of P .; Ancient Order of United Druids; Charity Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., which he joined Febru- ary 28, 1872; Stockton Turn Verein and Ein- tracht Verein. His father was a member of San Joaquin Company No. 3, and he also has been connected with the volunteer fire department, be- ing chief engineer for four years and also presi- dent of the board of delegates. At this writing he is connected with the Exempt Firemen. Politically a Democrat, he was a member of the city council from 1881 to 1884 and for two years served on the fire committee. His wife and daughters are identified with the Daughters of the Revolution and the young ladies belong to San Joaquin Parlor, Native Daughters of the Golden West, and also to Lebanon Rebekah Lodge No. 41.
JOHN WILSON.
During the early years of California's history as a state, when mining was attracting more at- tention than agriculture or other substantial call- ings and men were eager to attain riches by a single bound, John Wilson became a pioneer set- tler in Stockton, where, after a short experience in the mines, he engaged in teaming with con- siderable success. This was especially true before the advent of the railroads, when he had a large trade in hauling copper from the mines at Cop- peropolis, besides doing general teaming through- out the county. The coming of the railroads
worked a hardship on him, as it did with many others who up to this time had secured a good income in the teaming business. To offset this difficulty he established a dairy business and con- tinued the same with equally good results for twelve years. With the proceeds of the sale of this business he erected a number of houses on property which he had purchased from time to time, and from then until his death his time was given to looking after his tenants and keeping his property in good condition.
A native of Vermont, Mr. Wilson was born in the vicinity of Danville, March 18, 1830, the son of parents who had been life-time residents of New England. As a result of the glowing tales which were spread broadcast over the country at the time of the finding of gold in California in the latter '40s and early '50s, prospects which prior to that time seemed to satisfy the average young man, paled perceptibly, and among the number who experienced this change in outlook was John Wilson. In 1852, when a young man of twenty-two years, he set sail from the port of New York bound for Panama, en route for Cali- fornia, taking passage on the first steamer that ever came by the Nicaragua route. In common with all pioneers Mr. Wilson experienced the usual ups and downs, but his adverse experiences were temporary and of short duration, for his in- domitable spirit would not brook defeat. Step by step he added to his income by the wise in- vestment of his earnings, until in his later years he was enabled to live practically retired, and at his death left his family well provided for.
The marriage of John Wilson occurred April 7, 1863, and united him with Mary C. Fisher, a native of Missouri, and of the children born of their marriage only one son is now living, Orrin Christopher Parker Wilson, a resident of Stock- ton. Since the death of her husband, which oc- curred March 27, 1899, Mrs. Wilson has contin- ued to make her home in the old family residence, at No. 1205 East Channel street, Stockton, which for many years had been the center of a congen- ial and happy home life. With his wife Mr. Wilson was a member and active worker in the
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Central Methodist Church of Stockton, and he was also a stanch believer in and worker for the cause of prohibition, for he confidently believed the traffic in liquor to be the darkest blot on the name of this fair country.
HENRY BOSTWICK BISHOP.
For a period of over fifty years Henry B. Bishop was identified with the interests of Cali- fornia, whither he came in 1849, when in the prime of manhood. Naturally he was ambitious to achieve the success which all coveted who made their way with such difficulty to this eldo- rado of the west, and as soon as he reached the state he lost no time in making his way to the mines. Not unlike the majority who came with the idea of making their fortune in the mines he soon turned aside from this pursuit and tried various means of making a livelihood before set- tling down permanently. The last twenty-five years of his life were spent in Stockton, where he was known as a very successful rancher, his fine prune and apricot orchards having no equal in this part of the state.
The Bishop family had for years been identi- fied with the east, and Henry B. Bishop was born in Glens Falls, N. Y., May 11, 1824, the son of Samuel and Maria (Reed) Bishop. They were farmers in the vicinity of Glens Falls, and on the parental homestead their son Henry grew to a sturdy manhood, apparently contented with the outlook in the east for a business career. The discovery of gold in California about this time, however, put a new phase on the future, and in August of 1849 he was among the argo- nauts who disembarked at the port of San Fran- cisco. From there he went at once to the mines at Jackson, Amador county, from there to Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras county, by which 22
time his enthusiasm for making his torture- as a miner began to wane. Subsequently he was employed in driving the stage and for a dire carried passengers from Sacrament > t, Jack. . son. Later he engaged in the livery business at Drytown and at Sutter Creek, Amador com- ty, following this until 1870, which year marke l a change of location as well as a change vi business. From Amador county he came to San Joaquin county and in the vicinity of Linden and Farmington operated large ranches 1109 which he raised and dealt in stock, as well as raising grain and the various fruits, grapes, etc After maintaining these ranches for about five years he finally disposed of them and in 1878 he settled near Stockton. Ilere he also set mit trees and vines and established an extensive fruit ranch, and by those in a position to know it was conceded that the prunes and apricots grown in his orchards were not exceedel in quality by any others grown in the counts
In Sacramento, March 4. 1858, Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Caroline Elizabeth Gil'ı- land, a native of New York state, and two of the six children born to them are living. George Lewis, now of Oakland, and Emma B. the wife of James S. Dunham, they to being residents i Oakland. It was in this latter city that the carth life of Mr. Bishop came to a chise Febru ary 10, 1902, when in his sevents eighth year His life had been a busy and successful dir. but it was not spent in the pursuit of prend gain only ; on the other hand he was kendt alive to the interests of his home comnier wherever that changed to be. and while a res dent of Amador county served as supervisar. and in Sutter Creek was second lieutenant of the Home Guards during the war. After cum- ing to Stockton he affiliated with the Pioneer Society of this city, while fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Indd ing membership in Linden Lodge. Politiesty he was a Republican, and in the cause of line puro as to whatever he lent his name d- Infocrew. he gave honest, unselfish servire. Mrs. Bishop comes from an old pioneer family who have been
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identified with the state since 1850, in which year she and her parents crossed the plains and began life under conditions far different from those to which they were accustomed in the east. Mr. Gilliland left his wife and four children in Salt Lake and he came direct to California, returning for them the following year. Mrs. Bishop and Mrs. Emma J. Taylor are the only survivors of the family who crossed the plains, but one sister, Mrs. Martha Louise Freeman, born in California, is a resident of Oakland. Mrs. Bishop now makes her home in Oakland, at No. 180 Eighth street.
GEORGE A. CONRAD.
The genealogy of the Conrad family is traced to Germany, but representatives have been asso- ciated with American history for many gener- ations. John Conrad, who was born in New Jer- sey in 1802, died at the age of eighty-four years, after having devoted all of his active life to the carpenter's trade. During early manhood he had married Eliza Pearson, who was born in New Jersey, of English descent, in 1804, and died in 1876; she was the daughter of Col. Robert Pear- son, an officer in the Revolutionary war, who lived to be eighty-six years of age. The Conrad fami- ly for a long period lived at Dover, Morris coun- ty, N. J., where George A. was born January 17, 1828, and where he received advantages that were unusually good for that day. At an early age he gained a thorough knowledge of carpentering under his father's careful training and later be- came foreman in a shop.
Leaving New Jersey in 1851 with a party of friends, George A. Conrad sailed on the Ohio from New York to the Isthmus of Panama, which he crossed on muleback, and then proceeded on northward as a passenger on the Constitution,
under Captain Stewart. Immediately after his. arrival he went to the mines at Mokelumne Hill, where he labored for four years with only ordi- nary success. His work was always in his own interests; only three days in California has he worked for wages. While he had no remark- able success as a miner, he saw enough of the climate and country to be impressed with its advantages, and he relinquished all thought of returning to the east to reside. Turning his at- tention to a means of livelihood, he built a toll- bridge on the south fork of the Mokelumne river and operated the same for two years. Mining and teaming were almost the only occupations of those days, and all freight went from Stockton to the mines.
A very important enterprise which Mr. Conrad superintended was the building of a suspension flume in Tuolumne county, thirty-three hundred. feet long and eighty feet high, one of the larg- est contracts undertaken in the state up to that time. The firm of Holt & Conrad filled the con- tract, the senior member being G. W. Holt, whose widow now makes her home in Oakland. The work required the constant labors of thirty men for a period of four months and cost $80,000, the whole being superintended by Mr. Conrad, whose intelligence, keen judgment and previous carpentering experience qualified him for such a responsible undertaking. At the time of the great flood, 1861-62, some ditch property was sold at auction and he bid it in, remaining at Jenny Lind, Calaveras county, for fifteen years to superintend its management. Later two large dredges were operated there and large quantities of gold taken out.
Removing to Bellota, San Joaquin county, in 1877 and purchasing a large tract of bare, unim- proved land, Mr. Conrad embarked in agricul- tural pursuits and in time became an extensive rancher, owning twelve hundred and eighty acres in the home place and at various times having other holdings in the locality. When he settled on the land no attempt had been made at im- provement. A heavy burden fell upon him in developing the property until it took rank among
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the best-improved properties in the region. Al- falfa was his principal crop, and he made a speci- alty of feeding stock cattle for the market. While he raised a few horses each year, they were principally for his own use and not for sale. For two winters he kept the one hundred and seventy- five horses forming the equipment of the circus owned by Sells Brothers. At one time he lost his barn and stock by fire, managing to save his residence from destruction, but suffering a loss of $8,000 before the fire could be stopped.
Churches, charities, the Y. M. C. A., and the local schools have always received generous sup- port from Mr. Conrad and his contributions to the same would reach an aggregate surprising to many, but indicative of his interest in all pro- gressive and philanthropic work. October I, 1907, he retired from ranching and settled in Stockton, where he owns a home at No. 1107 North San Joaquin street. He is still interested in the George E. Crane Company and serves as a director of the First National Bank of Stock- ton, in the organization of which he took an interested part. Though not opposed to fraterni- ties, he has not identified himself with then, nor has he ever been active in political affairs, his preference being to devote himself strictly to private affairs or to such progressive movements as pertain to the general welfare of the county. Many an interesting hour can be passed with him as he narrates happenings of the early days, for he possesses an excellent memory and has at hand a fund of interesting reminiscences, includ- ing stories of meetings with Indians, the majori- ty of whom were friendly to the newcomers and molested them in no way whatever.
The marriage of Mr. Conrad took place Oc- tober 7, 1868, and united him with Miss Mary Bachelder, who was born in Winnebago, Ill., in 1843, and May 4, 1864, left the old home for California, crossing the plains with horses and arriving after an uneventful journey of six months. The journey was made with her parents, John W. and Mary (Carpenter) Bachelder, the former of whom was born in Maine in 1813, and the latter in Massachusetts in 1820. The first
trip made by Mr. Bachelder to Calforma tind place in 1856, but he soon returned cant. Again he came in 1860 and in 1864 brought hi fammile hither for the purpose of establishing a permanent home. The Bachelder family came from Cape Cod and the father of John W. served ar a licu- tenant in the Mexican war, remaining at the front until his death at Pueblo. On the material side Mrs. Conrad is descended from Major Na- thaniel Carpenter, who first held a commi on under George the Third, but, being in sympathy with the patriots, gave up his connection with the British army and became a soldier of the colonies. At the close of the struggle he was in command of troops at West Point. Thereafter he remained a resident of the country whose free- dom he had helped to secure and here he died! at the age of eighty years. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad is Annie C., wife of A. W. Wilson, living on the home ranch. She was cdu- cated at Mills College, Oakland, and has one son, Allen Wilson.
FRANK DYCKMAN COBB.
The identification of Mr Cobb with California (lates from the year 1878, at which time he locat ed in San Jose and two years later became ass ciated with the firm of O. A. Hale & Co., land- ling a full line of dry goods. The unpretentious business then started has grown stea lily with the passing years and the firm now have five stores. scattered throughout the coast, there being one in each of the following cities: San Francisco. Oakland. Sacramento. San Jose and Stockton In 1883 Mr. Cobb became manager of the Sarra- mento branch, but since 1885 he has been in charge of the Stockton house.
Frank D. Cobb was born in Kalamazoo, Mich. a son of Samuel P. and Prudence (Dyckman Cobb, the former a native of Springfick1. Vt.
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born September 10, 1811. When eighteen years old he entered the employ of Francis Kidder, who built and carried on the first cotton factory in that section. Mr. Cobb's first wife was the daughter of his employer, and after her death he was married, in 1840, in Schoolcraft, Mich., whither he had moved in the meantime. Two children were born of this marriage, Libbie, who died in childhood, and Mattie, the widow of George Hannah, formerly a capitalist of San Diego, Cal. Mr. Cobb's third marriage occur- red June 27, 1848, uniting him with Prudence Dyckman, of Schoolcraft, Mich. Mr. Cobb died in Kalamazoo, Mich., November 26, 1852, the victim of typhoid fever. He was a son of Moses Cobb, M. D., a native of New England, who died in his sixty-sixth year, in October, 1849.
Mrs. Prudence Cobb was born in Clay, Onon- daga county, N. Y., October 9, 1828. Some time after the death of Mr. Cobb she became the wife of Marshall Hale, of San Jose, Cal .; she passed away in January, 1907. She was the daughter of Evert B. Dyckman, born in Greenbush, N. Y., September 25, 1799, a son of William and Maria (Smith) Dyckman. Subsequent years found him a resident of Michigan, and in that state his death occurred October 14, 1880, after a long and useful life.
Frank D. Cobb was educated in the public schools and in Hillsdale College. At the age of nineteen years he entered the bank of his grand- father, E. B. Dyckman, and of his uncle, Moses R. Cobb, in Schoolcraft, Mich. Nine months later he became a partner of his step-father, Marshall Hale, in a general store, under the style of Hale & Cobb. About 1872 he bought out the interest of Mr. Hale and formed a partner- ship with W. B. Cobb. Still later he was asso- ciated with his brother-in-law, O. H. Barnhart, under the style of Barnhart & Cobb, carrying on a lumber-yard, store and a farm of two hundred acres adjoining the town. In 1878 he sold out his interest in Michigan and came to San Jose, Cal., whither his step-father and his mother and their six children had preceded him in 1875. In 1879 he became a partner with Mr. Hale under
the name of O. A. Hale & Co., the business since then having been incorporated under the name of Hale Brothers, Incorporated. Since 1885 Mr. Cobb has been manager of the Stockton branch, there being four other similar stores scattered throughout the coast country.
In Schoolcraft, Mich., Mr. Cobb was married to Miss Hattie Myers, a native of Kalamazoo, and a daughter of Henry B. and Helen (Randall) Myers. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb have two children, Boyd S. and Carrie P., the latter born in Sacra- mento September 19, 1883. The son, Boyd S., was born in Schoolcraft, Mich., December 8, 1871, was educated in the schools of California and was a student in the University of the Pacific for two years. Fraternally Mr. Cobb is a member of San Joaquin Lodge No. 19, F. & A. M., Stock- ton Commandery No. 8, K. T., Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and Stockton Lodge No. 218, B. P. O. E. Mr. Cobb is a great lover of horses and has a number of fine specimens.
JOHN M. PERRY.
Scarcely an enterprise has been formulated for the benefit of Stockton since the opening of the twentieth century which has lacked the enthusi- astic co-operation of John M. Perry, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and a firm believ- er in the future progress of the valley of San Joaquin. Although one of the younger genera- tion of business men of the county, already he has made a decided imprint for good in the cir- cles of those progressive citizens having for their earnest object the permanent welfare of Stock- ton and the surrounding country. In this age, when tendencies in the largest cities are toward intensive labor and narrowing restrictions, it is a gratification to the student of history to observe that only the centers of our densest population
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JOHN Mº MULLIN
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are affected in this way. In the smaller cities, such as Stockton and many others of the west, the citizens are a unit in their endeavors to pro- mote the broadest culture among the people, and thus representatives of the younger generation reap the benefit of this desire for progress.
In the city of Stockton where he now makes his home, John M. Perry was born December 14, 1872, being a son of George and Susannalı Per- ry, natives respectively of New York and Phila- delphia. On the completion of his education in the city schools, he gained his first business ex- perience in the capacity of shipping clerk and bookkeeper in the branch office at Stockton of the Chicago firm of L. P. Miller & Co. Later this firm was succeeded by the Monarch Book Company, with which Mr. Perry continued until 1894, and then entered the employ of the Union Transportation Company, operating steamers be- tween Stockton and San Francisco. From the positions of bookkeeper and cashier he was pro- moted to be secretary of the company and con- tinued in that office until February, 1902, when he severed his connection with the concern. Meanwhile he had leased and purchased ranches of about fourteen hundred acres, suited for po- tatoes, beans, grain and other products. Shortly after severing his connection with the transpor- tation firm he formed a partnership with G. S. Melone under the firm title of Melone & Perry, and since then he has engaged in buying and sell- ing grain, beans, etc., conducting a general ware- house business. The firm is popular with the farmers of the locality, for prices are always as high as the market justifies, and fair treatment is accorded to everyone. Through honorable business methods the proprietors have established an enviable reputation.
The marriage of Mr. Perry took place May 19, 1906, and united him with Miss Jennie E. Ho- gan, of Stockton. Of recent years he has be- come extensively interested in farm lands. In- cluded in his property is a valuable vineyard at Woodbridge. A considerable tract of land he has put under cultivation to asparagus. Well informed as to products suited to our soil and
climate, he maintains a deep interest in the cul- tivation of such products and by experience has gained a wide fund of agricultural knowledge. An earnest worker in the Chamber of Commerce, he served as a director for a time and since 1907 has held the office of president. In February, 1908, Mr. Perry was appointed forenian of the grand jury by Superior Court Judge W. B. Nutter, serving a term of one year. Ile served with honor and distinction, and at the discharge of that legal body, was highly complimented by the judge and members of the bar. In Masonry he is identified with San Joaquin Lodge No. 19. F. & A. M .; Stockton Chapter No. 28. R. A. M .; Stockton Commandery No. 8, K. T .; and Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco. He is past grand of Stockton Lodge No. 11, 1. O. O. F., and is past president of Stockton Par- lor No. 7, N. S. G. W., in the work of which he is still interested. Politically lie gives his bal- lot to the Republican party in national elections. Though still quite young, already ne has achieved a gratifying degree of success and has attained a position among the influential business men of his native city.
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