San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1624
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/6/2009
ABRAHAM BECHTHOLD
Viticulture forms the principal occupation of Abraham Bechthold, and the wide-awake manner in which he takes advantage of all methods and ideas tending to enhance the value of his property has had much to do with his obtaining the competence which he now enjoys. He was born near Parkston, S.D., on June 26, 1879, a son of Henry and Lottie (Baumbach) Bechthold, both natives of South Russia, who came to America and settled in South Dakota where he had three quarter-sections of land—a homestead, pre-emption and timber claim. The father passed away at the age of fifty-seven and the mother at forty-five years of age.
Abraham is one of a family of nine children and his opportunity for an education was very limited, the time when he should have been in school being occupied in helping with the farm work at home. But these duties served to make him familiar with the routine of an agriculturist, and when ready to embark on life's journey alone, he decided to follow that pursuit.
On February 20, 1904, in Tripp, S.D., Mr. Bechthold was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Wormsbecher, also a native of South Dakota, and a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Buchholtz) Wormsbecher. Her father was born in Russia and upon his arrival in the United States settled in South Dakota, where he was married. His wife came to South Dakota with her parents when a girl. They were farmers at Tripp until they retired. His daughter Matilda was reared on the farm at Tripp. After his marriage, Mr. Bechthold farmed in South Dakota until the fall of 1907, when he removed to California and settled on the ranch which he purchased and now occupies. It is located about two and one-half miles southeast of Lodi. He first bought ten acres in vineyard, planted to the varieties of Tokay, Zinfandel and Cornichon. Later he added sixteen acres located on Kettleman Lane, then ten acres on Cherokee Lane near the Union Oil Station, making a total of thirty-six acres. On each of his places Mr. Bechthold has installed pumping plants. Two years ago Mr. Bechthold erected a fine stucco residence and farm buildings on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Bechthold are the parents of eight children: Lillie, attending Lodi High, the only one born in South Dakota; Nettie, Alexander, Julius, who died in 1917, over four years old; Arthur, Ruth, Walter and Edward. In 1913, with his family Mr. Bechthold made a trip back to South Dakota, visiting their childhood home and friends. In 1921 he and his wife again made a trip to their native state, also Minnesota and Canada. In politics Mr. Bechthold is a Republican.
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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