San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 580
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/17/2009
HON. JOSEPH H. BUDD
Associated for almost forty-five years with the activities of San Joaquin County and the improvement and development of the city of Stockton, Joseph H. Budd became one of the most prominent and progressive citizens of that section. He was an eye-witness to the remarkable growth and prosperity of the city and county, for this had been his home from the year 1858 until his death, February 21, 1902.
A native of the East, Joseph H. Budd was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., January 13, 1822, the son of James and Ellen Budd, also natives of the Empire State and descendants of families who had flourished for many generations in that commonwealth. Joseph H. Budd's boyhood days, like those of other farmers' sons of his acquaintance, were spent working on his father's farm and attending school during the short term it was in session. However, as he had no special inclination toward following farming as a life-work, but on the other hand had a leaning toward professional life and became interested in the study of law when he was little more than a boy. With the idea of preparing himself for the profession of the law, he supplemented his early school training by a course in Williams College, graduating from that institution in 1843, at the age of twenty-one years. With this foundation as a basis, he gave his attention thereafter to the study of law, taking his legal training in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he was duly admitted to the bar. In 1847 he located in Wisconsin, and during the ten years he was identified with the state attained high rank in legal circles. Locating in Janesville, he opened an office for the practice of his profession, at first carrying on his practice alone, but later being associated with Lorenzo Sawyer, ex-judge of the United States circuit court, and also with John R. Bennett, of the district court of Wisconsin, both deceased. After a record of his successful practice in Wisconsin, Mr. Budd came to California in 1858, locating first in Woodbridge; but after remaining there a year, he came to Stockton, and in this city, he made his home until his death. Soon after establishing his practice here he became associated with W.L. Dudley in the practice of law under the name of Dudley & Budd; and as both were men of brilliant legal attainments and keen discrimination, they built up a large practice and had as clients some of the most influential business men of the city. Politically, Mr. Budd was a stanch Democrat, a fact which, coupled with his unique fitness for the position, led to his appointment as successor to Judge Baldwin; and later he was twice elected to the office of superior judge of Son Joaquin County. He also served two terms as city attorney of Stockton. At the time of his death he had served on the bench fifteen years, during which time he had gained the reputation of of being one of the best jurists in the state; and it is a well-known fact that his decisions were seldom reversed. Many of the most prominent legal cases handled in the county were brought to him for settlement, among them being the well-known Moquelemos grant litigation.
While a resident of Janesville, Wis., Joseph H. Budd was united in marriage, June 4, 1849, to Lucinda M. Ash, who like himself was a native of New York State. Two children were born to them, James H. Budd, the late ex-Governor of California, and John E. Budd, a resident of Stockton many years, but now deceased. His wife brought with them from the East much of culture and refinement, and those early days they were leaders in the social life of Stockton. Personally, Mr. Budd was beloved by all with whom he came in contact. With his wife, he was a member of the Baptist Church. His life was a success; and while succeeding in a financial way, he never neglected his duties as a citizen, and much of the city's advancement can be traced to his foresight and substantial encouragement.
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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