San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 927-928
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 1/12/2010
JOSEPH GIANELLI
Prominent in the business life of Stockton for half a century, and an active participant in the upbuilding of the city, Joseph Gianelli is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished by a poor lad coming to a foreign country and achieving success through his own unaided efforts. A native of Italy, he was born near Genoa, March 23, 1853, the son of a farmer, and was reared in his native place, early in life fitting himself for a business career, buying and selling stock for an uncle, a merchant. The newer world beckoned him, however, and in 1873 he made the long trip across the ocean, landing in New York and coming direct across the continent to California, and with characteristic energy he immediately secured employment in a country store ten miles from Stockton, the neighborhood being sparsely settled in comparison with its thickly populated country district of today.
On May 5, 1875, Mr. Gianelli entered the employ of Basilio Laogier, who kept a small grocery store at the corner of Hunter and Market streets. November 14, 1876, he embarked in the grocery business for himself in partnership with his brother, the late Ben Gianelli, and they conducted a grocery store at the corner of California and Fremont streets. This partnership was later dissolved, and in 1879 Joseph Gianelli established his store at Hunter and Market streets and here the business has been continuously conducted since that date. The volume of business was small in those early days, as was his store, but he gave it his undivided attention, and soon a steady growth began, his stock being enlarged from time to time until now this store carries everything for the home and ranch. Groceries, light hardware, household goods, agricultural and farming implements are among the merchandise carried, and the establishment is headquarters for Delta ranch owners, sheep raisers and cattlemen and others of this rich section, where opportunity welcomes new homemakers and investors.
Mr. Gianelli's success was attributed largely to his capacity for detail and familiarity with every feature of the grocery business. It was said of him that he could walk through his big store where scores of clerks were employed and at a glance tell just what was necessary at the moment; he gave his directions in a quiet, friendly manner and every part of the business responded to his knowing and steady management. An active man, he was often at the store before his clerks arrived and he could be found in his office long after business hours, studying the various angles of his big business.
Mr. Gianelli's marriage united him with Miss Louisa Sanguinetti, and they were blessed with a family of seven children: Joseph, Jr.; Basilio R.; Amerigo E., the well-known realtor of Stockton; Reuben; Rudolph; Mrs. Edna Dooley and Mrs. Rachela Schofield. Two of the sons were associated in business with their father, Joseph being vice-president of the corporation, and Basilio R., president of the Stockton Merchants' Association, is the secretary and treasurer, the store being under his active management. Mr. Gianelli was a member of Stockton Lodge No. 218, B.P.O. Elks; for years he was a prominent figure in the Italian Benevolent Society and other Italian organizations. In earlier years Mr. Gianelli owned several ranches, but his inclinations were for business and he sold them to give all his time to his store. He was a self-made man and his prosperity was acquired solely through his own efforts. He died February 20, 1923, at his home at San Joaquin and Flora streets, mourned by a wide circle of friends and by his numerous relatives.
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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