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 7
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CAPT. JOHN McMULLIN.
Possessed of a temperament that fitted him for daring deeds and the endurance of frontier hardships, Captain McMullin came to the regions of the southwest at a period when ample oppor- tunity was afforded him for the exercise of his natural instincts and the gratification of his desire for adventure. The record of his life reads like a romance such as was often livel out in the careers of the hardy pioneers of the early half of the nineteenth century, but it was not his good fortune to be spared to witness the marvelous prosperity of the west and the remark- able development of its vast resources. Death
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ended his labors ere success had crowned his efforts, yet he had been able to lay the founda- tion of a prosperity that later brought ample re- turns to his family and, in addition, he had been an integral factor in laying the foundations of our commonwealth broad, deep and strong, capable of sustaining the superstructure of twen- tieth-century civilization.
Born in Baltimore June 27, 1824, John Mc- Mullin was taken to Florida at the age of four years and afterward attended the schools of Tal- lahassee. When fifteen years of age a desire for adventure led him to run away from home for the purpose of joining Col. Jack Hays. After arriving at San Antonio, Texas, he traveled westward alone through the country of hostile Indians and in due time safely arrived at the camp of Colonel Hays, whom he told that he was not afraid of any hardships endured by soldiers. Many a time in later days his courage was brought to a test and in every instance he proved himself undaunted by any hardship, undismayed by any peril, and through all that wild region he became known as a brave Indian fighter. Though always in the thickest of the fights, he escaped without injury, and seemed to lead a charmed life, for none was more eager than he to throw himself into the most dangerous place and sustain the weakest division. His bravery elicited the highest approval of his superiors and led to his promotion to the rank of captain, in which ca- pacity he took part in the Texas and Mexican wars. As a member of a party of one hundred and eighty soldiers he made a raid from Texas into Mexico. During the war he was taken prisoner by the Mexicans and for two years was confined to prison, but eventually was ex- changed, though in the meantime he had made several unsuccessful attempts to escape rather than suffer the indignities heaped upon the prisoners.
As early as 1848 Captain McMullin had de- cided to establish himself in California and al- ready had started via the Mexican overland route when he received the news of the discovery of gold. With G. W. Trahern he bought a herd
of cattle and drove them to the southern mines, where they were sold at a fair profit. Thence he proceeded to San Joaquin county, where he acquired large tracts of land, including a horse ranch on the Calaveras. It was his theory that horses would thrive better on mountain land and his success with fine stock proved his ideas to be correct. On his property, known as the Casa Blanco ranch, he erected a residence which had been shipped in sections from Boston. The tract comprised six hundred and forty acres purchased from Innes Brothers, who in turn had acquired the estate from the government.
Throughout his life Captain McMullin was loyally devoted to the progress and prosperity of Stockton and his death, which occurred in 1868, was a serious loss to the highest citizen- ship of the entire county. Through his large holdings and his commanding personality he had ever been a prominent figure in the history of the county and had been instrumental in pro- moting movements for the general welfare. One of his hobbies was a fondness for fine stock. As an organizer and the president of the first county fair association, he had been in a posi- tion to arouse an interest in stock among the ranchers of the valley and had introduced many breeds of exceptional merit through his own ef- forts. In spite of maintaining a constant interest in politics he never aspired to office and invari- ably declined appeals to fill positions of that na- ture, yet in other ways he was ever alert to aid in the upbuilding of the community. The first theatre building in Stockton was owned by him and many other early enterprises were fostered by his progressive spirit. During the Civil war the governor of Texas offered him a position as chief of cavalry, but he had a family of little children and felt that his first duty was to them, therefore he declined the honor. Land in Texas which he secured in an early day is still owned by his heirs, as is also San Joaquin valley land and Stockton real estate.
During a visit in Washington, D. C., Captain McMullin met Miss Eliza Fleming Morgan, who like himself came from sturdy stock fitted to
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endure hardships and privations in frontier reg- ions. She was a native of Kentucky and a daugh- ter of a general famous in the annals of that state, descended from Gen. Simon Morgan, an officer in the Revolutionary war and a cousin of Gen. Daniel Morgan. In 1857 Miss Morgan be- came the bride of Captain McMullin and their wedding trip took them to San Francisco, where they established their first home, but as soon as everything was in readiness on their San Joa- quin ranch they came hither and began house- keeping. All of their nine children were born in California, with the exception of Eliza M., who is a native of Kentucky. The eldest, Anna M., became the wife of Jack Hays of Visalia and they have two sons, Jack and Harry T. Eliza M. married E. B. Perrin, of Williams, Ariz., and they have one son, Lilo McMullin Perrin. Morgan died at the age of twenty-two years. Rebecca K. is the wife of Francis J. Heney, of San Francisco. Beauregard died in young manhood. Elizabeth M. married Judge C. L. Weller, the youngest son of Governor Wel- ler ; they and their daughter, Anna Hays Wel- ler, reside in San Francisco. John, who died at the age of thirty-six years, was one of the leading men in the public life of Fresno, this state, where he was president of the Fresno National Bank, president of the Fresno Irrigation Com- pany, president of the Fresno Ice Company, and identified with other leading local industries and business activities. By his marriage to Miss Bet- ty Hays he had three children, John, Jr., Eliza Morgan and Harmon Hays, by whom he is sur- vived. Susan H. married Edward Fant, of Flem- ing county, Ky., but died soon after marriage. The youngest member of the family circle, Henri- etta, died in infancy.
After the death of her husband Mrs. McMul- lin made her home in Kentucky for ten years, but at this writing she resides in' San Fran- cisco. Changes of residence, however, have left undimmed her loyalty to San Joaquin county, for which she cherishes a deep affection as the home of her happy married years, the birthplace of all of her children but one, and the center of
many warm friendships formed during those busy years. Proud of the military record of her ancestry, she taught her children to display a patriotic spirit in every act and in her own hic has shown the possession of the loyalty of her ancestors. On the organization of the Sons of the Confederacy at Lexington, Ky., she be came a charter member. At that time there was no ladies' auxiliary, but later she identified her- self with the Daughters of the Confederacy, and during 1906 became a member of the Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter of San Francisco, with which she is now identified, and she is also a member of the National Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution.
Mrs. McMullin has made all the improvement> on the property left by her husband and has ac- quired several parcels of land in the various counties in the valley which have become very valuable by the improvements she has made upon them. She has been a liberal contributor to all public movements for the betterment of the con ty and state.
JOHN WALTER DOCKENDORFI.
The possibilities of achievement on the part of industrious application and intelligent energy final expression in the life of John W. Dockendorff. who is recognized as one of the most competent architects and builders in Stockton. While he is yet on the sunny side of life he has alreally gained a gratifying degree of success, evidence of which is seen in the many substantial struc- tures which are the work of his brain and hand. Of New England parentage on the paternal side. he was born in Newcastle, Lawrence county. Pa., September 6, 1873, the son of Robert and Eliza- beth (Reed) Dockendorff, the former a native of Maine, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a contractor and builder by trade, and
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thus it happened that the son entered his office to learn his trade as soon as he had completed the studies prescribed in the common schools of Newcastle. At the age of eighteen, when he had obtained a fairly good insight into the trade, he went to St. Louis, Mo., to add still further to his proficiency by learning the mason's trade.
Mr. Dockendorff's independent career as a con- tractor and builder began in 1896, when he was only twenty-three years old, at that time opening his office in St. Louis prepared to execute orders for contracting and general building. Believing that a better, outlook awaited him further west he went to Kansas, and after looking around for a suitable location, settled in Garnett, a thriving and growing town, where he found ample op- portunity to exercise his ability as a first-class architect and builder. His reputation as an hon- est, straightforward workman in all departments of his calling brought demands upon his services throughout the surrounding country, and many structures scattered over eastern Kansas and Oklahoma attest his ability and popularity in his special calling. Coming still further west in Feb- ruary, 1905, he located in Stockton at that time and has made this city his home ever since. While to some extent he has followed his profession since coming to the west, the greater part of his attention has been given to developing and get- ting on the market a patent which holds a prom- ising outlook to the owner. His land dredger, for such his patent is called, is now being operat- ed with great success on the Richard R. Smith ranch near Stockton, making irrigating ditches. The dredge runs along the land much in the same manner as a traction engine, and can be ad- justed to dig either large or small ditches, as the necessity may demand. The fact that this ma- chine can be operated by one man makes it especi- ally attractive to prospective buyers, as in dredges of the average type from six to eight men are required to operate them. Judging from the re- ception which his invention has received thus far a great future undoubtedly awaits it in this state, or in fact wherever irrigation is feasible. Since
locating in Stockton the following buildings have been constructed under Mr. Dockendorff's im- mediate supervision and direction, the T. F. Kneutzen block, Moline Plow Company annex, Flint-Bigelow block, E. B. Stowe building, besides a large brick apartment house on California ave- nue, and a number of fine private residences.
While a resident of St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Dock- endorff was united in marriage, July 8, 1898, to Miss Ida Hanson, a native of that city, and four children were born to them, Mildred, Bertha, Gertrude and John, the last mentioned deceased ..
ANTHONY J. McPHEE.
Evidence of skill in the building business, ex- emplified by the construction of some of the most attractive residences in Stockton, have given Mr. McPhee a high place among the people of the city, who recognize in him the possession of both artistic taste and constructive ability. The trade of carpenter, which he learned in all of its de- tails in the east, has been his principal occupa- tion in life, but of late years he has added the contracting business, and has filled contracts for the erection of some of the most elegant and substantial homes in Stockton.
The birthplace of Mr. McPhee is far removed from the scenes of his present activities. On the bleak shores of the peninsula of Nova Scotia, in the little hamlet of Sidney, he was born May 15, 1862, being a son of John and Sarah (Mc- Gillvray) McPhee, also natives of that province. With keen intelligence the lad early decided that his native place offered few opportunities for other than the most meagre livelihood and at the age of fourteen he came to the States, after which he made his own way in the world. For a short time he worked in the Hodges iron foundry at Chelsea, Mass. Next he secured employment
R. B. Thompson
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the Bradwell & Anderson furniture factory at Boston, where he remained for six years.
An excellent opportunity to learn the trade of a carpenter was seized by Mr. McPliee, who thus was brought under the tutelage of a Mr. Rowe from Maine, at that time one of the experienced and successful contractors of Boston. In that way the trade was thoroughly mastered. Hear- ing of the need of skilled carpenters in California, he came west in 1887 and settled in Los Angeles, where he engaged in contracting as a member of the firm of McNeill & McPhee. At the ex- piration of eighteen months in Los Angeles he came to Stockton in 1889 and here he has built up an excellent business in contracting. Resi- dences have been his specialty, and the homes of Dr. Fisher Clark and W. C. Ramsey on Flora and Monroe streets, as well as many others in the city, bear testimony as to his skill and effi- ciency.
The marriage of Mr. McPhee was solemnized in Los Angeles November 14, 1888, and united him with Miss Rose Howley, a native of Madi- son, Wis. Of the children born to them, the eldest, Vincent, has recently been taken into partnership with his father, while Harvey and Carlton are also associated with the business. The youngest son, Leland, attends the public school. Mrs. McPhee presides over, her home with excellent taste, looks well after the needs of her family, and is a devoted mother and a loving wife. Mr. McPhee is a home-loving man and, when his day's duties are over, finds his greatest pleasure by his own fireside; however, he is of a social nature and no one enjoys more than he the visits of old friends and companions. At various times he has allowed himself needed relaxation from business. During the summer of 1908 he returned to Boston and passed two months with his father, also renewing the as- sociations of old days. At the time of the dis- covery of gold in Nome, Alaska, in 1897. he went to the northern mines, both for the pur- pose of seeing the country and of working in the mines. Finding that no opportunity was offered in the mines, he worked at his trade after his ar-
rival in Alaska on the steamer Zralandia, the voyage being made in thirty days. Far tlircc weeks he and liis companions were holated by ice-fields. To illustrate the prevailing priom of that day and place, it may be stated that he and his partner received $560 for building a cabin, 14×14 feet in dimensions, the entire work da which consumed only two days. Living wal very high, meals costing $3 each. Returning to Stockton he worked at his trade in the winter and the next summer again sailed to Alaska, un the steamer South Portland, which made the voy age in forty-eight days. This time he remained six months, until the approach of wintry store warned him of the necessity of returning to the south. Much of interest marked his trip to the northern mines and other journeys have been equally interesting, but as a place of permanent abode lie has never found a rival to California, which he believes offers all the advantage, notre sary for contentment and happiness.
REES BOEN THOMPSON
The life of this early pioneer began in Tazewell county, Va., February to. 1830. ani c' el Ing Oakland. Cal., July 3. 1008. Between Jtese dates was enacted a life of usefulness, comptel unselfishly toward the betterment of hit adopted home in the west. Leaving his southern home in the year 1850 he came to California across the plains, going direct to Hangtown, non Facer- ville, where he engaged in miming After bu bul remained there a year he returnel te the cart for his parents, with whom he had movel from Virginia to Missouri. With his parents Mr Thompson again took up his westwar | march wi 1852, crossing the plains this time as he lens dine two years previously. Coming dirrer th San Joaquin county, he settled eighteen mile frem
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Stockton at a place which has since become known as New Hope, where he purchased a large ranch and engaged in the cattle business until the year 1880.
Mr. Thompson's interest in and qualifications for public life led to his election as representa- tive to the legislature from San Joaquin county in 1880, at which time he was the only member of the Democratic party in the house. He was elected by a large majority, his great popularity with both parties taking many votes from his opponent on the Republican ticket.
After his election to the legislature Mr. Thomp- son disposed of a part of his ranch property and the following year, 1881, removed into the city of Oakland, which was his home thereafter un- til his death, July 3, 1908. While living in New Hope he was united in marriage, July 4, 1865, with . Miss Josephine Hardesty, a native of Indi- ana, who still survives and now makes her home in Oakland at the family home place, No. 275 Fairmount avenue. Personally Mr. Thomp- son was a man of much worth, integrity and earnestness of purpose, and it can truly be said of him that he was representative of the best in American citizenship, living up to a high standard in public and private life and making his influence felt throughout the community for its betterment and moral uplift.
THE STOCKTON BUSINESS COLLEGE.
This well-known institution was founded in 1874 by Prof. E. C. Atkinson, one of the oldest and most experienced educators of the Pacific coast, and now the owner and principal of the Sacramento Business College. It was conducted for four or five years under Professor Atkin- son's management, and subsequently was sold "to Fischer R. Clarke, who likewise sold his in-
terests a few years later. As successors to Dr. Clarke, Messrs. Trask and Ramsey greatly en- larged the efficiency of the institution by remov- ing the college to its present location at the corner of Channel and California streets. W. C. Ramsey later purchased the interest of Mr. Trask (now Judge D. K. Trask of Los Angeles) and continued the active management of the college for nearly twenty years. At the end of this time, however, June I, 1904, Mr. Ramsey disposed of the institution to Messrs. Dixon and Gardiner, under whose management it flourished for about two years or until August 1, 1906, when it was purchased by the Heald Colleges, whose home office is in San Francisco. Under the system of colleges known under this name, a great power has been exerted in the educational field throughout the west, this being especially true since the addition of a course in engineer- ing.
For thirty-five years, or ever since it was founded, the Stockton Business College has been a success, and the high standard of its cur- riculum has always been recognized. Many thousands of boys and girls have been trained to usefulness under the system here followed, and thousands of country boys who might otherwise have drudged out their lives in ob- scurity haye here been trained to fill useful posi- tions on an equal footing with those of larger opportunity. The college has also to its credit many teachers who are at present employed in the high schools and other educational institu- tions throughout the Pacific coast. It is a fact well known that more professional penmen are graduated from this institution than from any other college of the Pacific coast, which is ex- plained when it is said that the manager of the college, Fred O. Gardiner, is conceded to be the finest penmen in the west.
Under its present management the Stockton Business College is bringing into San Joaquin county a class of young men and women who are taking front rank in the commercial world. Every bank in Stockton has from one to a half dozen of its graduates among the employes, a
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fact which speaks eloquently for the reputation in which the college is held. The latest addi- tion to this growing institution is an engineer- ing department, which is affiliated with the Heald School of Engineering in San Francisco. This department fits young men for intelligent use of their hands as well as their heads.
JOHN COX WHITE.
John Cox White was born in Ohio September 2, 1822, and received such advantages as the day and locality afforded. When twenty-four years of age he accompanied his parents to Illi- nois, settling at Knoxville. At the time of the discovery of gold in California he determined to seek a livelihood on the western coast and in 1849 he crossed the plains with a party of Argo- nauts. After an uneventful, but tedious jour- ney of five months he landed at his destination and settled in San Joaquin county, where he en- gaged in freighting to the mines for a short time. Next he formed a partnership with Will- iam Dunlap in the stock business, the two con- tinuing together until the death of the latter in 1854, after which on his own account Mr. White engaged in agriculture and stock-raising until his death. Through the exercise of judgment. energy and foresight he became the owner of large herds of cattle and large tracts of land on the lower Sacramento road, and his reputation was that of a capable stockman, energetic farmer, excellent business man, and kind neigh- bor. Everywhere it was said of him that his word was as good as his bond.
For many years a director in the San Joaquin Valley Bank of Stockton, John C. White main- tained a warm interest in the welfare and pros- perity of this institution. A successful busi- ness man, he was noted for his able management
of affairs. Though often solicited to hold office he always refused, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs. In him the needy had a practical counselor, and he proved a friend to the widow and the orphan ; in deed, no one in distress was ever refused succor by him, and he gave with a generosity typical of the man. From 1867 until his death, which oc curred May 19, 1891, he remained a resident of Stockton, and was one of the original members of the San Joaquin Society of California Pro- neers. October 2, 1853, he was united in mar- riage with Miss America E. Smith. They be- came the parents of ten children, namely : J. Frank, now deceased; Jennie W., wife of W. R. Fisher, residing at No. 5 West Oak street. Stockton: Charles B .: Lewis B., of San Fran- cisco; Arthur C .; Mrs. Kate W. McPherson, of Sonora; Mrs. Lizzette W. Maxey, of Lathrop; Morgan Mc. M. ; Harry D. ; and Mrs. Anna W. Farnsworth. of Stockton.
JONATHAN HALL DODGE.
The qualities which have contributed to suc- cess in new countries have always been char acteristics of the family represented by the late Jonathan Hall Dodge, a pioneer of 1850 in Cal ifornia.
The genealogy shows the undoubted antiquity and gentle blood of his English ancestry, several patents granting arins or confirming prece ling grants being preserved in the family to this day. As early as 1629 his first American ancestor came to the New World and settled at Beverly. Mass., where he took an active part in the carly struggles of the colonies and assisted in the founding and maintenance of one of the great institutions of learning. Harvard College. Oth ers of the race bore an active part in the Rev- olutionary war.
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Born in Lamoille county, Vt., July 21, 1819, Jonathan Hall Dodge made the most of educa- tional advantages in his boyhood and later gained a broad information which gave him the power of initiative in the new conditions of the west. In early life he started to make his own way in the world and following the tide of emigration to the west he came to McHenry county, Ill., where he was living at the time of the discovery of gold in California. Eager to avail himself of this opportunity to make a fortune in the great unknown west, Mr. Dodge settled up his affairs in Illinois and, on Christmas day, 1849, started for California. He went to St. Louis and there took a steamboat for New Orleans, arriving Jan- uary 17, 1850.
The government steamer commanded by Capt. David Porter, on which he took passage Febru- ary 12, 1850, conveyed Mr. Dodge to the Isth- mus. There he hired natives to carry his lug- gage across to Panama, where he embarked on the sailing vessel Greyhound, which anchored at San Francisco forty-seven days later. After his arrival he went to Sacramento by steamboat and from there journeyed with wagon and oxen to the south fork of the American river, six miles from where gold was first discovered at Coloma. Meeting with little success in the mines, he soon decided to take up lands in the San Joaquin valley, and on the 3rd of December, 1850, settled in San Joaquin county.
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