San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1368
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 11/15/2009
MANUEL R. DIAS
Among the successful farmers and dairymen of San Joaquin County, Manuel R. Dias may well be counted as one of the most progressive and substantial of citizens. From an humble beginning he has become one of San Joaquin County's foremost dairymen, being a partner in two big dairy farms. He is also one of the four partners in the large store at 34 South Center Street, Stockton, known as the Portuguese-American Grocery Company, which is composed of M. Silva, Manuel R. Dias, Frank Vas and John Mendosa. Mr. Dias lives with his wife and family upon Woods Dairy No. 3, about nine miles west of Stockton, of which he is the manager. He is also a part owner in the Silva, Vas & Company dairy ranch, another extensive dairy farm on Lower Roberts Island. M. Silva & Company is a partnership composed of Manuel Silva, Manuel R. Dias and John Ignacio. M. Silva & Company lease and operate the large dairy farm composed of 720 acres, known as Woods Dairy No. 3. Thereon are kept 330 milch cows and 100 heifers and 12 registered Holstein bulls. The Silva, Vas & Company dairy farm is also located on Lower Roberts Island and occupies the premises known as Woods Dairy No. 1, and comprises 380 acres. The Silva, Vas & Company is composed of Manual Silva, Manuel R. Dias, Frank Vas, Joe Nunes, and Joe Costa.
Mr. Dias was born on the Isle of Pico, Azores, October 11, 1878, a son of M.R. and Anna de San Jose Dias, both of whom were born in Pico. The father of our subject was a well-to-do merchant and farmer in his native land. Manuel R. Dias left his home for America and arrived in San Francisco, California, March 20, 1906; he went direct to the Delta and began to work as a farm laborer on the Black tract, where he remained for five years; early in 1911 he went into partnership with M. Silva in a small dairy on Lower Roberts Isle and from the beginning their business prospered and they do an extensive dairy business.
Before leaving his native land, Mr. Dias was married to Miss Mary Candeios Freitas, and they are the parents of three children: Mary, Angeline and Manuel. Mr. Dias is past secretary of the I.D.E.S. and has been instrumental in helping many of his countrymen upon their arrival in America. His life has been one of strictest integrity and his own efforts and untiring labor have been amply rewarded and he is esteemed by his business associates.
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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