San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 381
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/13/2009
JACOB BRACK
A name worthy of perpetuation in the annals of San Joaquin County as that of a pioneer whose faith in its future was itself an incentive to others, is that of Jacob Brack. Good reason had he to be thankful that he resolved to come to California when he heard of the discovery of gold; the mines did not yield to him of their riches, but the soil rewarded his cultivation with bountiful crops, the lands rewarded his faith by swift increase in value, and by vessel and railroad his products were carried to the markets of the world. This honored pioneer of 1849 was born in Switzerland, February 20, 1825, being a son of Jacob and Mary (Kestler) Brack, both natives of that country. After having obtained a common school education he was sent to a gymnasium, where he remained a student until eighteen years of age. About this time he decided to seek a livelihood in the New World, and in 1844 he sailed to the United States, landing at New Orleans, where he proceeded up the Mississippi river to Burlington, Iowa, and from there went to Galena, Ill., for the purpose of securing employment in the lead mines. The work kept him steadily engaged, but offered no opportunity for advancement, and when in 1848 he heard of the discovery of gold in California he immediately determined to go to the Far West.
As a member of a train commanded by Captain Schoe and consisting of a large equipment of wagons drawn by oxen, Mr. Brack crossed the plains during 1849, and encountered many thrilling adventures while following the trail laid out by Capt. John C. Fremont. Upon arriving at Placerville he tried his luck at mining. A brief experience convinced him that he could achieve greater results at other employment, and accordingly he began to work for Sargent Bros., prominent stockmen of that day. In 1850 he bought a small tract in the vicinity of Woodbridge, San Joaquin County, and immediately embarked in ranching for himself. The following year he went to the tule lands of the county, where he began to raise cattle and sheep, also raised various general farm products. With the Sargent brothers as partners Mr. Brack purchased a tract of 1,500 acres of land, the subsequent sale of which brought a fair profit. Next he bought 10,000 acres, for which he paid $200 to close the deal, and went into debt for the balance of the $50,000 constituting the purchase price. With shrewd foresight and the utmost confidence in the future of this region, he believed himself justified in burdening himself with such a debt, and events proved his sagacity. A portion of the land had a frontage on the waterway, which enabled him to begin extensive operations on an independent basis, and he raised large quantities of barley and wheat. Selling one-half of the immense tract, at the end of two years from the time of purchase he still owned one-half of the property and was entirely free from debt.
The business grew to such proportions that Mr. Brack purchased a vessel and shipped his own products to San Francisco and other markets. In addition, to secure facilities for freight by land, he was one of those who built a railroad from Lodi to Spring Valley, Calaveras County, this being now a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad. By land and by water his products reached the markets of the state and brought fair returns for his labor and his investment. His name became known as that of a prosperous and sagacious rancher, and when in 1906 he retired from the active management of the ranch and removed to Lodi, it was a distinct loss to the agricultural interests of the region. Throughout active life he made ranching his principal occupation, but he had other interests.
The marriage of Mr. Brack in 1854 united him with Miss Lena Meyer, who was born in Germany, came to California in 1852, and died in San Joaquin County in 1905 at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of eight children: Mrs. Mary Diers, died in San Francisco; Henry; John, both of Stockton; Mrs. Doretta Keller, of Lodi; Mrs. J.H. Schleef, of San Francisco; Jacob, of San Francisco; Miss Anna Brack, of Lodi and Caroline, died 1887. There are (1922) nine living grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Brack passed away on March 4, 1912. He was a man of sterling qualities, a good and generous parent, and an upright citizen.
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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