San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 939
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 1/8/2010
JAMES STEVEN GERARD
In a record of those who have been prominently identified with the development and progress of modern California, it is fitting that definite consideration be granted to James Steven Gerard, for he has been a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of San Joaquin County, and has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. He was born at Dutch Flat, Cal., on July 11, 1856, and was the only son of that sturdy pioneer, John H. Gerard, who married Miss Caroline C. Sterling. Both parents were natives of England. They are represented on another page in this history.
James Steven Gerard received his education at the school located at the four corners south of Woodbridge, known as the Burton Towne corners, and in 1878 was married to Miss Annie C. Penny, a native of Massachusetts, a stepdaughter of the late Capt. Thomas Chapman, who was captain of the Pacific mail steamer “San Blas” for twenty years. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gerard removed to San Francisco, where he was employed by freight and transportation companies out of Stockton to San Francisco. They are the parents of six children: Caroline, Mrs. Shirkie, died in San Francisco; Leon died in San Francisco; John, deceased; Lillian, Mrs. Schleef; Raymond; and James Steven, Jr. The last three reside on their ranches near Lodi.
Mr. Gerard was agent for the Union Transportation Company, working under James Gillis; then he was clerk under Division Superintendent W.W. Prugh of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company; then spent some time working for the California Transportation Company in bay and river steamer work, and later was agent for this company at Oakland for three years. During the great San Francisco fire of 1906, Mr. Gerard lost his entire belongings, house and personal effects. Mrs. Gerard passed away a number of years ago and our subject now makes his home at Woodbridge, dividing his time among his sons and daughter on the old Gerard home place. Mr. Gerard has many warm personal friends who have been attracted to him by his many sterling traits.
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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