San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 556
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 9/25/2009
CHRIST ALBRIGHT
Like many others of his native land, to Christ Albright, one of Lodi's prosperous citizens, America beckoned as the land of opportunity, as his immigration here at the age of eighteen testifies. Born in the state of Baden, Germany, three miles from the French border, on December 3, 1859, his parents were farmers and when not busy with the farm work our subject attended school until he was eighteen years of age when he sailed for America. He first settled at Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, and hired out as a farm hand; then he went to the pine woods of Minnesota and Michigan and worked in the lumber camps, also in the iron and copper mines; in 1880 he went to Yankton, Dakota Territory, but finding that city not to his liking, he returned to Michigan. In 1885 he removed to Dakota Territory, and located in McIntosh County, where he took up government land and there he farmed successfully for twenty-two years. His farm consisted of 1400 acres and was one of the best in the county; 400 acres were devoted to the raising of wheat, flax, oats and barley, the balance being devoted to cattle-raising. He was among the first in the state to raise Aberdeen-Angus cattle, exceptionally fine beef cattle that command the highest prices, and was very successful and prosperous. For a number of years he resided in Ashley, the county seat of McIntosh County and became a prominent figure in Republican politics, serving as justice of the peace in 1887; then for six years he was county supervisor; in 1894 he was elected county auditor and served for ten years in that capacity; then he was elected state senator for one term.
Deciding to give up political life, Mr. Albright refused to run again for office and in 1909 sold his farm and removed to California, settling in Lodi with the intention of retiring from active life. When the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Lodi was organized on May 10, 1916, he was prevailed upon by his friends to become its president. The bank was organized with a capital of $25,000 in the commercial department and $5000 capital in the savings department and the bank has shown a hearty growth and is doing a fine business. A report of the condition of the bank on April 28, 1921 shows a paid-up capital of $96,000 with a surplus of $26,200; during the past three years the bank has paid eight per cent dividends. The officers and directors of the institution are as follows: Christ Albright, president; Lot Lachenmaier, vice-president; Edgar B. Doering, cashier; directors, Peter Joens, H.C. Lang, Henry Nelson, and John Mettler, Jr.
The marriage of Mr. Albright united him with Miss Barbara Baurer, a native of Germany, born in the same district as her husband. They are the parents of one son, Samuel, who is in the garage business in Lodi; he served four years in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Albright was a member of the Ellendale, Dickey County, N.D., lodge of Masons, but is now a member of the Masons lodge in Lodi. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran Church and he has served as treasurer of this body. Mr. Albright has an assured place in the affairs of the community, through his efficiency and dependability and as the leading spirit in a growing banking institution, is an important factor in the progress and prosperity of the central portion of California.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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