San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1581
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 2/8/2010
MRS. MELINDA C. HILD
A native daughter with great admiration for the land of gold and sunshine is Mrs. Melinda C. Hild, who was born at Sonora, May 23, 1856, a daughter of Mark and Susan Hughes, natives of Ireland. Her father learned the blacksmith trade in Scotland. While still in his latter teens he came to Baltimore, Md., and there met and married Miss Susan Hughes, who had come with an aunt when a girl to the metropolis on the Chesapeake Bay, and there she grew to womanhood, receiving an excellent education. In 1850 Mark Hughes came around Cape Horn on a sailer, and after a six months trip he landed in San Francisco. He found his way to the Southern mines, locating at Sonora. In 1852 his wife and their first born joined him, having made the journey via Panama. Mr. Hughes established himself in the blacksmith business in Sonora and continued until Cleveland was elected president, when he was appointed master mechanic at Mare Island, but his health was not robust so could not accept and was then appointed postmaster at Sonora, a position he filled ably until the close of his term, when he lived retired until his death. His wife had preceded him many years before, having passed on in 1875.
This worthy pioneer couple were blessed with five children, Melinda being the third oldest and the only one now living. Her education was completed at Mrs. Cooper's Academy, Sonora, and there she grew to womanhood. She had an aunt residing in Virginia City and while visiting her she met Mr. Charles Hild, the acquaintance resulting in their marriage in 1875. Mr. Hild was born in Alsace-Lorraine of the prominent family of Von Hild, but his father dropped the title. Charles came to New York City, when a boy of ten years and there received his education in the public schools. In 1872 he came to California and was a successful traveling salesman for barbers' supplies, traveling over different portions of the state until his death in San Francisco in December 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Hild had five children. Susan is Mrs. Pardee of Merced; Josephine is Mrs. Scally; William is an electrician; Maud is Mrs. Kennedy, of Stockton; Pearl is dead. In 1897 Mrs. Hild purchased the residence in Stockton, where she has since resided, surrounded by her children and numerous friends. She is not only a native daughter but is now one of the pioneers of the state. She is a member of St. Gertrude's Church and politically, like her pioneer father, she is a Democrat.
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
Copyright © 1996-2011; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.