A widowed mother of a large and highly respected family, Mrs. Emielie Meyers, of Lodi, left the rigors of North Dakota to bring up her family in the delightful climate of California. Mrs. Meyers is the widow of Frederick Meyers, who passed away at their North Dakota farm home, September 27, 1904.

Frederick Meyers was born at Mensguth, Prussia, January 20, 1859. While yet a very young boy he was brought by his folks to Russia, as a result of a colonization project of German people in the Czar's dominions. He grew up in Russia in the colony of German people, and was schooled in the German language and brought up to farm work, his forebears having followed agricultural pursuits for several generations. Desiring to better his condition in the land of freedom, he emigrated to Dakota Territory, settling near what is now Madison, S.D., where on September 20, 1888, he married Miss Emielie Poelke, born at Wolinige, Russia, a daughter of Carl and Amalie Poelke, who were born and married in Germany and after their marriage went to join the German colony at Wolinige, Russia. The Poelke ancestors, in addition to being thrifty farmers, had for generations been craftsmen and carpenters and joiners; they manufactured spinning wheels and were adept in woodwork and building. Of seven children born to Mrs. Meyers' parents, only one brother and one sister besides herself are now living, namely: Mrs. Amalia Matz, of Fessenden, N.D., and Rudolph Poelke, a carpenter and builder in Los Angeles. Mrs. Meyers is the youngest of the family.

About one and a half years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Meyers moved to Wells County, N.D. There the young couple worked hard, prospered, and became the owners of a large wheat farm and the parents of ten children: Elliott E., who receives biographical mention elsewhere in this work; Albina L., the wife of Ed Whittleton, a farmer at Tracy; Emma, Mrs. G.D. Smith, of Lodi; Oscar, who died at Lodi in 1921, at twenty-five years of age; Rudolph, residing at home in Lodi; and Lydia E., Hildah, Minnie M. and Henry A. (twins), and Mertha E., all residing at home with their mother. Mrs. Meyers still owns the large wheat-farm of 640 acres in Wells County, N.D.

In 1906, with her family, Mrs. Meyers moved out to Lodi, Cal., and has since nobly worked to keep her family together and to bring up her children in a Christian manner, according to the best of American ideals. In this she has succeeded in the highest degree. Mrs. Meyers has built a commodious and up-to-date residence at 524 East Locust Street in the city of Lodi. Her home is a center of hospitality and of true domestic happiness. In religion, Mrs. Meyers is a Baptist; in politics, a Republican.

A foremost rancher of the Delta district, Leland Meyer is a pioneer and a son of a pioneer of this section of the state. His residence and home ranch consists of 509 acres on Roberts Island, and not only have his diligent efforts rewarded him in material circumstances but he has also acquired a position of esteem and public worth among his fellow citizens and business associates. He was born September 8, 1866, on the Meyer homestead, seven and a half miles south of Stockton. The father, Andrew Meyer, came to California as a pioneer of 1849, and was among the first to establish the fact that California offers great opportunities to the agriculturist. He was a native of Canton Aargau, Switzerland, born on October 27, 1823. His father also bore the name of Andrew Meyer, and was of Swiss parentage and ancestry. He brought his family to America in 1829, the family locating in Seneca County, Ohio, where Andrew Meyer, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood and made his home until he came to California.

Attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific Coast, Mr. Meyer left his Ohio home and came to California, making the journey across the plains in 1849 with mule teams. He engaged in mining and freighting, which he followed until 1852, when he returned East via Panama. In the fall of 1852 he again crossed the plains to California with ox teams, bringing both horses and cattle. He made his way direct to San Joaquin County and settled on a farm near the present site of Lathrop and was among the first settlers in this locality. Here he began the development of his 600-acre farm, transforming the land into richly cultivated fields, while he also raised good grades of stock. He was one of the pioneers in the agricultural development of this part of the state, and his efforts resulted in producing a fine and highly improved farm.

On February 26, 1861, Mr. Meyer was married to Miss Cynthia Cooley, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, a daughter of Orange and Mary (Pettis) Cooley, the former a native of New York and the latter of Massachusetts. Orange Cooley was a pioneer of Seneca County, Ohio, settling there prior to his marriage and taking an active part in the early development. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meyer: Leland, the subject of this review; Arthur, and Andrew C. Andrew Meyer passed away August 24, 1898, at his home where for many years he was an honored and respected citizen. His widow survived him until May 25, 1921, then over eighty years and six months of age.

Leland Meyer attended the Lathrop grammar school until he was fifteen years old and from that time on worked on his father's farm and stock ranch. In 1892 he purchased seventy acres on the upper division of Roberts Island, one and a half miles from the Brandt bridge and the same year the reclamation district No. 544 was founded. The work of building levees was started at once and for twenty consecutive years, Mr. Meyer was superintendent and trustee of the district. He was superintendent four years and trustee sixteen years and was chairman a part of the time. By the capable management of his business affairs he has added to his holdings from time to time until he now has 509 acres of productive land. Mr. Meyer irrigates his land in the fall of the year by flooding, plants wheat and barley in November and December, and by the latter part of May harvest begins and continues until the middle of August. He has experimented until he has found that Early Bart wheat produces the heaviest crop.

The marriage of Mr. Meyer occurred on May 11, 1892, at Sacramento, and united him with Miss Abbie E. Snapp, a native of Banta, Cal. Her father, Rufus Snapp, was born in Tennessee, coming to California in an early day when he was a young man, locating first at Woodbridge and there he married Miss Nancy Cain, whose parents, George and Martha Abigail Cain, brought their family across the plains when Nancy was a girl; she lived to be a very aged woman, passing away in this county at the age of ninety-eight. The father is also deceased. Abbie E. was the eldest of their five children, four of whom are living. She was reared and educated in Sacramento and has been of much assistance and encouragement to her husband in gaining his ambition. The fortunate union of Mr. and Mrs. Meyer has been blessed with six children: Herbert L. served with the Eleventh Aero Squadron, A.E.F., going overseas with the first 100,000 troops in 1917, serving until May, 1919, when he returned and received his honorable discharge. He is married, has one son, and resides in Stockton; Robert A. served with the Quartermaster's Department in the A.E.F., is a rancher assisting his father and is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West at Stockton; Joseph L.; La Verne; Wilma and Irene are students in the Stockton high school. In politics Mr. Meyer is a Republican and for seven years served as a school trustee of the Garden district. Mrs. Meyer has also served as a school trustee of her district. In matters of citizenship Mr. Meyer is progressive and takes a helpful part in promoting the progress of the county which has been his home all his life and where he is numbered among the honored citizens.

A history of an institution is but a biography of those who made it. Any story of the Stockton City Laundry is a story of the enterprise and business sagacity of Herman C. Meyer, one of the city's leading men, and his associate, Mrs. Anna Sellman. Herman C. Meyer was born on his father's ranch, seven miles east of Stockton, October 20, 1863, the son of Henry and Anna R. (Behrman) Meyer. His father, Henry Meyer, was one of California's pioneers, coming West in 1849. He engaged for awhile in mining and then the family located on a farm in the fertile San Joaquin County where seven sons and one daughter were born. Young Herman attended the Delphi district school and at seventeen years of age started out to earn his own living. His first employment was in a San Francisco grocery store. After three years in the metropolis, he returned to Stockton and entered the employ of Mr. Lafayette Sellman, who then owned and managed the Stockton City Steam Laundry.

After Mr. Sellman's death, Mr. Meyer was made manager. In 1903 the laundry was incorporated and he was elected vice-president and general manager of the institution, a position he has ever since held. Always the aim and purpose of the management of the Stockton City Laundry has been service. Many years of conscientious thought and close study and the expenditure of much money for the latest and most efficient machinery has developed the institution to its present high rank among the laundries of the West.

Associated with Mr. Meyer in the conduct of the business has always been Mrs. Anna Sellman and her daughter, Grace Sellman Coates, who is secretary-treasurer of the company. In answer to the demands of inevitable expansion, they have made extensive improvements. The entire plant is in three units, on lots each 50x150 feet, and about sixty-five hands are employed regularly.

Machinery that performs marvelous work has been installed and the big plant has won the admiration of men who specialize in the laundry business. Experts from many cities have informed Mr. Meyer that his establishment represents the last word in laundry equipment. One of the outstanding features of the laundry process is the equipment for softening the water, thereby eliminating the use of caustic sodas, etc. This is an invaluable protection to all materials laundered. This softened water combined with pure soap greatly prolongs the life of the fabric. A girls' rest room is in process of installation, with lockers for each girl and hot and cold water, and an attractive lunch room. Tea and coffee will be served by the company. These provisions are greatly appreciated by the employees who, it is needless to say, are among the most expert to be found anywhere. Through Mrs. Sellman's humanitarianism each employee is presented with a life insurance policy at the end of six months' service.

While this busy institution has been Mr. Meyer's hobby and his life's work, yet he has found time to engage in extensive operations in other fields. He is a director in the City Bank of Stockton, and also in the Home Builders' Investment and Securities Company, and a member of the firm of Charles E. Pike, furniture dealers.

Herman Meyer is a fraternal man—big hearted and brotherly. He holds active membership in all Masonic bodies, including the Shrine, and is an Odd Fellow of high standing. He is a member of the Stockton Parlor, N.S.G.W., of Stockton Lodge, No. 218, B.P.O.E.; he belongs to the Stockton Golf and Country Club, the Yosemite Club, and the Rotary Club. He was married in 1913 to Jessie Ora Farmer Belding. They have two children: Miss Benora F. Belding, aged sixteen, and Miss Anna Cort Meyer, aged eight, in whose companionship he finds the greatest delight.

Born in Calaveras County, Cal., Frank A. Meyer first saw the light on October 21, 1887, the son of John and Mary (Fisher) Meyer, the former now deceased, having been a native of Switzerland, the latter still living, being a native of California. John Meyer came out to California in 1856, and having settled in Calaveras County he followed mining and agriculture. Twelve children were born to this worthy pioneer couple, and ten of this number are now living. Frank A. Meyer attended the local schools in Calaveras County, and in time he took a normal course in the Western School of Commerce in Stockton. On his return to Calaveras County, he taught school for a year and a half; and then he took a business course in a Stockton business college; after that he entered the employ of the Stockton Savings and Loan Bank as bookkeeper, where he remained for four and one-half years. He then entered the Commercial & Savings Bank of Stockton as teller, and after a while was made assistant cashier, and finally cashier.

In 1921 he resigned his position in the bank, and on October 5 he was appointed secretary of Lodge No. 218 of the Elks, his selection being the natural expression of esteem and confidence on the part of a legion of friends. He is also a member of Morning Star Lodge, F. & A.M.; Charity Lodge No. 6, I.O.O.F.; and the Pohono Tribe of Red Men.

The marriage of Mr. Meyer united him with Miss Oleta Dennis, a native of Calaveras County, and they have one daughter, Jane Alice. Mr. Meyer commands the respect of his fellowmen by his sterling worth and is an honored California son.

A native of Germany, where he was born on April 6, 1867, spending a part of his boyhood there, John A. Merz, long one of the most loyal and optimistic citizens of his adopted land, has the distinction of being the first man in Stockton to commercialize automobile painting, with the result that he enjoyed the most profitable patronage of any expert hereabouts in his line. His father, Baltis Merz, who had married Miss Rosie Ammon, brought his family from Germany in 1879 and arrived at Stockton on May 15, 1880; and it was fortunate for our subject that he had already participated in good educational advantages, for the circumstances of the family were such, after they reached here and Mr. Merz died, that John had to go to work for a living, although only thirteen years of age. From 1880 to 1886, he served at the carriage-painter's trade in the service of M.P. Henderson, while from 1886 to 1890 he was one of the best painters at the William P. Miller Carriage Factory.

In 1890, however, Mr. Merz decided to strike out for himself, and so he built a small shop at 732 East Lafayette Street, commencing with one helper to establish a thoroughly dependable carriage and wagon-painting service. Eight years went by, however, before he painted an automobile for the first time, and this was the well-known machine of C.A. Towne, one of the first owners in Stockton of a motor-car. From that first, luckily successful, experience grew an important business, to carry on which he employed regularly at least seven hands. He also rebuilt and enlarged his shop and his satisfied customers came from all over San Joaquin County, and even occasionally from beyond the county's limits. Taking plenty of time and never allowing even the customer to hurry him beyond what is advisable for the patron's interests, Mr. Merz found it easy enough to produce work of the highest quality, so that it was never difficult to live up to a guarantee. He disposed of his business in February, 1921, and is now living retired.

At Stockton Mr. Merz was married to Miss Magdalena Adams, a native daughter and a member of a well-known Stockton pioneer family. By a former marriage with Miss Lulu Ellen Heeney, daughter of a pioneer, he is the father of one daughter, Lulu Ellen, now the wife of Harry Saner of Stockton. Mr. Merz is popular as a fraternity man, belonging to San Joaquin Lodge No. 19, F. & A.M., Truth Lodge No. 55, I.O.O.F., also to the Encampment, and he has made all chairs of the Red Men, and also all the chairs of the Woodmen of the World. For twelve years he was a member of Company A, N.G.C. He was one of the original stockholders of the Union Safe Deposit Bank, and since 1917 has been a member of the board of directors.

A resident of California for more than half a century, Wilbur P. Merrill was born at Shirland, Winnebago County, Ill., March 10, 1846. His father, Marshfield True Merrill, was a native of Bangor, Maine, and emigrating to Illinois in the early days; he was one of the early settlers of Winnebago County, improving a farm from the raw prairie. He married Miss Della C. Goff, born in Hume, Alleghany County, N.Y., who had come with her parents to Shirland, Ill. The father died in Illinois before the war. Mrs. Merrill was married again in 1871 in Chicago to Wm. H. Dean and they came to California that year. Mr. Dean had been a pioneer of California and was a job printer and one of the early reporters in the state. He was reporter on the Alta Californian and started Mark Twain out as a reporter by having him report a dance. Mr. Dean died in Stockton and Mrs. Dean is now making her home on Fair Oaks Avenue. She was born on September 1, 1820, and lately celebrated her 102nd birthday. She is still able to cook and do her own housework. She is a charter member of Roosevelt Circle, Ladies of the G.A.R. By her first marriage she had three children, Wilbur P. being the only one living. Of her second marriage there was one child, William H. Dean of Sacramento.

Wilbur P. Merrill was reared on the Illinois farm and educated in the public schools. In 1864 he enlisted in Company F, 142nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, campaigning in Tennessee until the close of the Civil War, being mustered out in 1865 after one year's service. He returned to Chicago, Ill., and learned the machinists' trade in the Illinois Central Railroad shops and then became an engineer running out of Chicago until 1872, when he came to Sacramento and as engineer ran between Sacramento and Truckee, on the Central Pacific. In 1877 he purchased a ranch near Florin and he built the first residence in that newly laid out town. Later he quit farming and made a trip to Mexico where he built a smelting works for a mining company—on his return in 1901 he located in Stockton, where for eight years he was engaged in the second hand furniture business.

Mr. Merrill's first marriage took place in Chicago when he was united with Miss Rebecca Huycke, a native of northern Illinois. She died in Stockton, leaving him two children, Mrs. Janet Estella Horr and Mrs. Minnie Adella Brown. His second marriage occurred in Stockton when he was united with Mrs. Olive (McMurry) Howard, born in Buena Vista, Cal. Mr. Merrill for many years was a member of Warren Post G.A.R. of Sacramento; he is now senior vice commander of Rawlins Post No. 23, G.A.R. Mr. Merrill is a liberal and kindhearted man of a pleasing personality that makes him more friends wherever he goes. It is indeed gratifying to see the solicitude and tender care he showers on his aged mother, looking after her comfort in her old age in every way. Mr. Merrill is a strong Republican dating from the time of Lincoln, of whom he is a great admirer.

A native son of California who fittingly represents the agricultural interests of San Joaquin County, Willis N. Merrill was born in Woodfords, Alpine County, May 5, 1869, a son of Willis Perry Merrill, a native of Westport, N.Y. The mother passed away when Willis N. was a young lad and his father subsequently married Miss Mary O'Neil.

During the gold excitement in California, Willis P. Merrill came West and settled at Dogtown where he engaged in mining for a number of years; then he owned a train of pack mules which carried provisions across the mountains from California to Nevada. He finally settled in Alpine County where he opened a general merchandise store at Woodfords, which he conducted until his death at the age of sixty-three years, survived by his widow, who conducts the store left her by her husband. Willis N. is the eldest in a family of four children. Edith died in New York state in 1918; Frank died in infancy; Ruby is Mrs. George Hays and resides at Stockton. Two children were born to the second marriage: Grant and Bernice.

Willis N. Merrill attended the district school at Woodfords and later went to Placerville where he was graduated from the high school, after which he assisted his father in the store. His marriage united him with Miss Jessie Wilkerson, a native of Colusa, Cal., a daughter of R.T. and Charlotte Wilkerson, natives of Missouri and Indiana, respectively; the father coming to California from Missouri in boyhood. After his marriage Mr. Merrill removed to Reno, Nev., where he and Mr. Wilkerson purchased 400 acres of land, which he successfully farmed for nine years. He then sold out and came back to California and settled on a quarter section of land in the Henderson district of San Joaquin County, southwest of Lodi, on the Stockton-Woodbridge Road, where he engaged in general farming. A year ago forty acres was sold, which leaves 120 acres of land. He has a fine stand of alfalfa on twenty-five acres and has thirteen acres in young vineyard, his ranch being irrigated from the Stockton-Mokelumne River irrigation ditch. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are the parents of eight children: Roy makes his home with his parents; Verla is in training to be a nurse in San Francisco; Rita and Shirley are in high school in Lodi; Mildred; Winifred; Harold and Harriet. In politics Mr. Merrill votes with the Republican party and fraternally is affiliated with the I.O.O.F. Lodge at Lodi and he has served for three years on the board of school trustees of Henderson district.

Among the younger generation of ranchers in San Joaquin County is Joseph F. Merrill, a native son, who is a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist and vineyardist residing about three miles southeast of Lodi on Harney Lane. He was born at Lodi, California, on January 11, 1895, a son of Eugene and Anna Virginia (Whitaker) Merrill, the former a native of New York and the latter of California. The father came to California in an early day and was a building contractor and farmer and built many homes in Lodi and vicinity. The mother is the daughter of F.M. and M.J. Whitaker, natives of Kentucky and Arkansas, respectively. Grandmother Whitaker came to California with her parents in 1861, and they purchased a home in San Joaquin County. In 1865 Grandmother Whitaker purchased property and in order to obtain a clear title had to pay for it twice. Grandfather Whitaker came to California in 1854 and was a blacksmith by occupation, but followed farming later in life. He passed away in 1876 at the age of forty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Merrill had four children: Mamie Adaline, Mrs. C.C. Wright of Chowchilla; Nellie, Mrs. Howard Gillespie; Henry F. of Lodi and Joseph F. The mother inherited fifty acres of the old Whitaker homestead and from time to time portions have been sold off until she now owns twenty acres, which her son Joseph F. leases and on which he resides.

Joseph F. Merrill received his education in the Live Oak and Alpine district schools of San Joaquin County and became well versed in agricultural pursuits in his youth. On September 1, 1917, he entered the U.S. Army and was sent to Camp Lewis in the 363rd Infantry, where he trained for one year; then was transferred to Camp Fremont and while there was taken ill and was placed in a casual camp of convalescent soldiers, where he remained for six months and was then discharged November 30, 1918.

At Stockton on October 7, 1919, Mr. Merrill was married to Miss Florence Margaret Bucknell, also a native of California, a daughter of Frank and Georgia Bucknell, both natives of the Golden State whose families were early pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are the parents of three children: Margaret Virginia, Joseph Eugene, and Helen Elaine. Mr. Merrill owns ten acres on Harney Lane near where he resides, two acres of which is in peaches and almonds and five acres in young vines, and it is Mr. Merrill's intention to build a modern house on this place. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the American Legion of Lodi.

Among the vineyardists who is devoting his energies to this branch of agriculture is Henry F. Merrill, who resides on a ten-acre vineyard southeast of Lodi. He was born in Campo Seco, Calaveras County, Cal., on May 13, 1887, and is a typical Western man, possessing the energy, determination, and enterprise which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of the Pacific coast country. He is the son of Douglass and Anna Virginia (Whitaker) Merrill, natives of New York and California, respectively. The father came to California in an early day and was a building contractor in Lodi and the mother came to California with her parents in 1861 and also settled in San Joaquin County. They had four children: Mamie Adaline, Mrs. C.C. Wright; Nellie, Mrs. Howard Gillespie; Henry F., and Joseph F.

Henry F. Merrill attended grammar school at Campo Seco, Lodi, Lockeford and Live Oak, and in November of 1909 was married at Stockton to Miss Emma Vollbrecht, a daughter of William and Anna Vollbrecht, her father a native of Germany who came to America with his parents when three years old. Mrs. Vollbrecht is one of twelve children. Her father is deceased, but her mother still lives in Iowa. Mr. Merrill is a lather by trade and was engaged throughout San Joaquin County until November, 1920, when he came to the Lodi section and purchased his vineyard on which he has since resided. The ranch is irrigated by a four-inch pump which supplies ample water. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are the parents of three children: Emily, Bernice and Lowell, and in politics he is a Democrat.

The subject of this sketch was born June 23, 1853, on the Platte River while her parents, Harrison and Oney (Stubblefield) Kerrick, were en route to California via the Sonora route. Harrison Kerrick was born in Kentucky and from there removed to Missouri. In 1851 he came to California and mined in Tuolumne County near Chinese Camp, returning in Missouri in 1852, and in 1853 brought his family to California; the paternal grandfather and grandmother of our subject were also members of the party. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kerrick: James, Mary Ann, now Mrs. Walrod, who resides in Stockton; and our subject. Mrs. Kerrick passed away at the birth of her youngest child, the subject of this sketch. Harrison Kerrick resided near Jamestown, Cal., and engaged in ranching and teaming from Sonora to Stockton; later he removed to San Joaquin County and farmed a quarter section of land near Stockton. He passed away at the age of seventy years. After the death of her mother, our subject was reared in the home of her grandparents. She received her education in the Collegeville district school, with a two years' course at the Catholic school in Stockton.

On March 20, 1876, Miss Kerrick was married to Charles Alexander Mercer, born at Greenville, Tenn. Charles Alexander Mercer came to California in 1874 and owned a ranch of a quarter section near Collegeville, where he took his bride and there they resided for twelve years; they then removed to Tulare County, settling near Hanford, where they remained but a short time, then came back to San Joaquin County, where Mr. Mercer died in 1911. Five children were born to them: Frank H. is married and has three children—Frank, Jr., Dorothy, and John; Etta, Mrs. Bourland resides in Woodland and they are the parents of three children—Clarence, Alice and Percy; Mrs. Effie Walker resides in Sonora and has three children—Luella, Ruth, and Leslie; Mrs. Lulu Cowell resides in Oakland and has one son—Stanley Kerrick Cowell; Merle Leslie is a seafaring man. Mr. Mercer was a Democrat in politics; he was nineteen years old when he enlisted on January 27, 1863, in Company A, 4th Regiment, Tennessee Infantry, being honorably discharged August 2, 1865. He was a member of the G.A.R., and his wife is a member of the Relief Corps and the auxiliary to the Pioneers of California.

An enterprising man of business affairs is William H. Menzel, who was born in Minnesota, having first seen the light in Lac qui Parle County, on September 16, 1887, the son of August A. and Louise Menzel. His father, a native of Wisconsin, was a farmer, and he is still living in Lodi, but his mother, esteemed and beloved by all who were privileged to know her, died in San Joaquin County in 1908.

In 1906 Mr. Menzel settled in this county at Lodi. William had attended the school of their district in Minnesota; and when eighteen years old he started to work for himself. He found employment for a short time in the steam laundry, and after that he clerked in various stores in Lodi, and in 1915 he returned to the laundry business, as a driver. He worked in this capacity for five years, and then he purchased F.R. Polenske's business, making the deal for this important establishment in August, 1920. There was another partner, a Mr. Stevens; and since his death his widow has managed her husband's affairs, being the partner now with Mr. Menzel, and contributing much toward the success of the undertaking.

At Hamburg, Minn., on May 12, 1913, Mr. Menzel was married to Miss Helena Buckentin, the daughter of Fred and Louise Buckentin, pioneer farmer folks of high standing in Minnesota, in which state she was born. Three children have blessed their union: Ewald A.F., Mildred Louise, and Ellen Emma. Mr. Menzel may well be proud of what he has accomplished for Lodi in his laundry service. Having begun very modestly he has today three auto-delivery wagons covering a territory of about twenty square miles in the Lodi vicinity; and he employs from twenty to twenty-two persons the year around. He has installed strictly modern equipment throughout since he purchased the business, including presses and tumblers, and has left no stone unturned to make his laundry most sanitary and it is widely known on account of the care taken of all the fine fabrics committed to its charge.

For almost his entire lifetime, Frederick G. Menking has been a resident of San Joaquin County, for he was about three months old when his parents brought him to California. He was born at Hoboken, N.J., May 23, 1868, and in August of the same year his parents removed to Stockton, Cal., coming via the Isthmus of Panama on the S.S. “Golden State” to Aspinwall, then across the Isthmus on mule back, and there they took passage to San Francisco on the S.S. “Arrow.” The father purchased property from Captain Weber on Pilgrim Street and Miner Slough, Stockton, where he erected a house; here he engaged in the lumber and freighting business. He married Miss Katherine Tons, a native of Germany and a sister of John Tons, and she passed away in 1917, while the father died in San Francisco in 1921.

Frederick G. Menking received a fairly good education in the public schools of Stockton and when a very small boy learned to handle horses successfully. Thereby an intense love for this four-footed animal was created and throughout his lifetime he has been known as an authority on horses. In the fall of 1882 he became a driver for the Moore & Smith yards, and during all the years he followed teaming he has worked for but three firms. Of recent years he was employed by the city of Stockton. Two years ago he retired to take up farming on account of poor health, and purchased fourteen acres of the L.U. Shippee homestead near French Camp. By hard work and a determination to succeed, he has made of his ranch a fine and productive fruit and alfalfa farm; here he devotes much of his time to raising fine horses, for which he is particularly well fitted.

The marriage of Mr. Menking united him with Miss Sadie Ray, a daughter of David Ray, prominent building contractor of Stockton; and they are the parents of two children: Ada and Edna. In fraternal circles he is a member of the I.O.O.F. and the W.O.W.

For twenty-two years Robert T. Melton was actively and prominently identified with farming interests of San Joaquin County, during which period he made substantial contribution to the agricultural development of this part of the state. He was born on a farm in Monona County, Iowa, November 20, 1862, a son of Jesse C. and Sarah (Nutt) Melton, the former a native of Alabama, while the latter was born in Indiana. In 1875 the family started for California and they were nine days in reaching Stockton, Cal. On arriving in the Golden State they settled in Stanislaus County, where for many years the father followed the occupation of farming. Elias Nutt, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this review, had crossed the plains to California with ox teams in the early '50s acquiring a large acreage near Ripon, on the Stanislaus River. He also brought with him to California a horse, which was still living at the time the Melton family arrived here.

Robert T. Melton remained upon the home ranch in Stanislaus County until he was twenty years of age and then came to San Joaquin County, afterward renting a part of the G.W. Trahern ranch, five miles west of Ripon. He raised grain on an extensive scale, having from 1,000 to 2,000 acres planted to wheat, and later he purchased 1,000 acres of the land, which he subsequently sold. In 1904 he rented the ranch and moved into Stockton, where he has since resided, devoting his attention to the buying and selling of real estate, in which he has been very successful. He has negotiated many important realty transfers and when the San Joaquin Irrigation District was being formed he took an active part in promoting the sale of the bonds and contributed in large measure to the success of the enterprise. He is a director of the City Bank of Stockton and is also a director in the Pacific National Fire Insurance Company of Sacramento, and helped to organize the Bank of Ripon, serving as a director for many years.

Mr. Melton married Miss Mary Silvis, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of two children: Oscar T., sealer of weights and measures for San Joaquin County; and Elsie Eva, a graduate of the University of California, class of 1922, now engaged in teaching in Merced County. Mr. Melton has always taken a deep interest in civic affairs, especially in the promotion of educational standards, and served as school trustee of the Ripon district. He joined the Ripon Lodge of Odd Fellows in 1884 and is a member of Stockton Lodge, No. 218, B.P.O. Elks.

The name of Capt. George H. Melone is a familiar one to nearly every citizen of Stockton which is not only his birthplace but has been his residence during his entire life, and he is honored and esteemed for the worthy part that he has taken in the various activities of the county. He was born in Stockton, Cal., October 28, 1869, the eldest of four living sons born to George W. and Eliza C. (Davis) Melone, both natives of Missouri. George W. Melone left his native state and crossed the plains to California in 1851 and located in Stockton where he established a general merchandise store, which he conducted for many years and at the same time was a successful auctioneer. For about two years he was the owner and proprietor of the Plaza store on Montgomery Street, San Francisco, in the days when the waters of San Francisco Bay came up to his back door, before the filling in of lower Market Street. He married Miss Eliza C. Davis, a daughter of J.M. Davis, a well-known pioneer who crossed the plains in an early day. Seven sons and two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Melone: Russell S. died at the age of forty-two; Joseph died in infancy; George H., of this sketch; Alice H. died at twenty-three; Gilbert S., of the firm of Melone & Perry of Stockton; Walter died when fourteen years old; Mabel died when twelve years old; Otis is a motorman on Stockton Electric Railway; Edward D., with the Sperry Flour Company in Stockton. George W. Melone was a Democrat in politics and fraternally was a member of Charity Lodge, I.O.O.F., and Centennial Lodge, K.P.

George H. Melone received a good education in the public schools of Stockton and his spare time was spent with his father helping in the store and was thus occupied until he was twenty-four years old, when he took a position as watchman on the passenger steamer Mary Garrett. He then became captain of the Victory, a vessel in the reclamation service. The reclamation of the Delta lands was begun in 1898 by John Hurd. Mr. Melone was the superintendent of the dredger pumps of the River Land and Reclamation Company and as such occupied a prominent place in the reclaiming of these lands. After eleven years of reclamation work he entered the employ of the California Navigation & Improvement Company as captain of the J.R. McDonald. At that time this company owned and operated two passenger steamers, three tow-boats and nine barges. Captain Melone then became pilot on the passenger steamer J.D. Peters and in December, 1920, became captain of the T.C. Walker.

The marriage of Captain Melone united him with Miss Lottie Muller, born in Stockton, a daughter of Daniel Muller, a hotel keeper of early days in Stockton. Mrs. Melone's maternal grandfather was Adam Schimmelpfennig, a native of Germany who came around the Horn to California and settled in Stockton in an early day. He was an accomplished musician, and was a member of Stockton's first bands. He bought a block of land from Captain Weber extending from Main Street to Weber Avenue and from Ophir to Sierra Nevada, the deed being signed by Capt. Weber himself. At time of purchase this land was in the country, but it is now a fine residence section of Stockton. Captain and Mrs. Melone are the parents of one daughter, Alice L. Fraternally Captain Melone is a member of the Stockton Elks.

There are few men who can more justly claim the proud American title of self-made man than Edward Mellmann, who at the early age of fourteen years started out for himself in life, with no special advantages to fit him for its cares and responsibilities. He was industrious and resolute, however, and these qualities enabled him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to affluence. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, on June 27, 1858, the only child of Edward and Lena (Aubert) Mellmann. The father was an expert blacksmith and passed away when only thirty-seven years old, the mother preceding him by a few years; so that the son was early left an orphan.

Edward Mellmann attended public school in Hamburg, and when only fourteen years old started out to make his own way. He was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade, which apprenticeship covered a period of five years; then he entered the Altinaw horseshoeing school, where he remained for six months. At the end of this time he enlisted in the German army, serving three years. Then he spent another six months in a horseshoeing school; and after finishing school he was employed by the German government, shoeing horses in the army, which he followed for two years. For the next five years he worked in various machine shops and on farms; and then went to Copenhagen, where he worked at his trade for two years. Returning to his native city of Hamburg, he was married in August, 1888, and remained there working at his trade until 1898, when he and his wife came to the United States, and directly to Lodi, Cal. Mr. Mellmann purchased a five-acre tract of land on South School Street and erected a blacksmith shop. There he followed his trade until 1920, when he tore down the shop and built his residence. He has set the place to vineyard and installed two two-and-a-half-inch pumps with two motors, one of five horsepower and the other four horsepower. Mrs. Mellmann is the owner of 133 acres on Prince Rupert Isle, Canada, which came to her from her brother's estate. Mr. and Mrs. Mellmann are the parents of six children. Edward, Jr., was killed near his home by a Southern Pacific train when only sixteen years old. Caroline, now Mrs. Collins, has been married twice, and resides in Oakland; she has four children; one by her first husband, namely, Miss Bernice Aubert, now fourteen years of age, a pupil in the Lodi High School, who lives with her maternal grandparents at Lodi; and three by her second union, namely, Belle Collins, Philip Collins, and Rita Collins. Esther is Mrs. Judibaugh, of Ventura. Lena is Mrs. Schmidt, of Berkeley, and has one son, Edward. Dora is Mrs. Richmond, of Oakland. Fred Mellmann, the only living son, resides at home with his parents.

In national politics, Mr. Mellmann is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member and Past President of the Herman Sons Lodge, and has been a delegate to the state convention; and is also a member of the Foresters of America.

One of the leading and influential citizens of Lodi, who has demonstrated his ability and resourcefulness in other cities, is George L. Meissner, president of the Valley Lumber Co., rated among the leading lumber companies of the San Joaquin Valley. A native of Wisconsin, he was born at Madison on July 15, 1867, and remained there until he was four years of age, when his parents removed to Iowa, where he was reared. His education began in the public schools of Iowa and was supplemented with a course at the Iowa State College at Ames; he then went to Lincoln, Nebr., and for the following twenty years was identified with the banking interests of that state; he owned the controlling interest in a bank at Liberty, Neb., for six years; then removed to Crete, Neb. and purchased the First National Bank and became its president, and was closely identified with the social, educational and commercial affairs of the state during his residence there. Under the strain of his varied interests his health was impaired and in the fall of 1910 he came to California to recuperate and finally settled in Lodi. He purchased the Smith & Bryant Lumber Company, one of the pioneer lumber companies of this district, incorporated it under the name of the “Valley Lumber Company of Lodi” and became the president. Mr. Meissner is president of the City Improvement Company; is a charter member of the Rotary Club; is past president of the Lodi Business Men's Association, similar in organization and purpose to the Chamber of Commerce; and for six years he was a member of the grammar school board of Lodi and is still actively interested in educational matters.

Mr. Meissner's marriage united him with Miss Minerva De Pue, a native of Ohio, and they are the parents of two daughters, Ruth, a graduate of Stanford University; and Alice. Mrs. Meissner passed away in March of 1921. She was president of the Woman's Club of Lodi and an active member of the Congregational Church and of the Eastern Star. Mr. Meissner is affiliated fraternally with the Lodi Odd Fellows No. 259; the Blue Lodge of Masons in Lodi; the Royal Arch and Knights Templar of Stockton, and Ben Ali Temple of Sacramento. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Lodi. Mr. Meissner is a natural leader and his influence and support count in all affairs that have for their ultimate goal the upbuilding of the community with which he is vitally and honorably associated.

For the past thirty-seven years William Mecklenberg has continuously resided in San Joaquin County and since early manhood has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of San Joaquin County, having been one of the most extensive grain farmers of the West Side. He was born at Des Moines, Iowa, on February 2, 1883, and when two years old was brought by his mother to this state and entered the home of George Thoming, near Vernalis, and in this splendid environment he grew to young manhood. He received a good education in the schools of the district and when he was fourteen years old began to make his way in the world. He worked for five years on the Thoming ranch, or until he was nineteen years old, then began to farm on shares, receiving in the neighborhood of 11,000 sacks of grain for his share. In 1905 he purchased 160 acres of land and gradually added to it until he owned a half-section, and with another quarter-section leased he thus farmed 480 acres to wheat and barley. In connection with his grain raising, he had also dealt in buying and selling mules and horses.

On account of failing health he sold everything in 1919, and upon his removal to Tracy, he underwent three serious operations, but by excellent care is slowly regaining his former health. He now owns twenty acres of excellent irrigated alfalfa land on the Lincoln Highway, three miles east of Tracy, on which is a fine residence and other farm buildings. Mr. Mecklenberg is the father of two children, Ivan and Dorothy, and his mother makes her home with him. He owns a residence on East Tenth street and other desirable town lots in Tracy. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He is a representative resident of San Joaquin County, where he has made his home from his boyhood days.

A highly progressive physician and surgeon, who has won for himself a high place among the medical fraternity, not only in San Joaquin County, but in Northern California as well, is Dr. Warren T. McNeil, who was born near Tracy on March 9, 1883. His father, John Alexander McNeil, is a native of Nova Scotia, and his mother, in maidenhood Miss Ellen Lynn, was born at Santa Clara. Warren McNeil attended the grammar school at Tracy, and then went for a year to the San Jose high school, and finally was graduated from the Santa Clara high school, with the class of 1900. He then entered Stanford University in the fall of 1903, and four years later was graduated with the A.B. degree, after which he commenced his studies at the Cooper Medical College, in the fall of 1908, and four years later he received his M.D. degree from that leading institution. He served for a year as interne at the Lane Hospital at San Francisco, and for another year was interne at Mount Zion Hospital, in San Francisco.

In May, 1914, he entered the employ of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company as ship doctor on their trans-Pacific liner Nile, on the twelfth trip across the Pacific; but on arriving in Hong Kong he became ship surgeon on a British transport plying between China and England. He was discharged in England with credit by the British Admiralty in April, 1915, returning home via New York, thereby completing a trip around the world, adding greatly to his practical experience.

In September, 1915, he arrived in Stockton, and with Dr. S.F. Priestley as a partner he practiced medicine until September, 1916, when he entered upon practice for himself. He opened offices in the Commercial and Savings Bank Building, and from the beginning did well. He was commissioned first lieutenant in the medical corps in April, 1918, and began his active service in August, 1918, and was in training camps Kearny, Shelby and Upton; he served for seven months overseas, sailing in November, 1918, with Evacuation Hospital No. 33, on the steamer Sierra. He returned to the United States on the steamship George Washington in July, 1919, in charge of fifty nurses, who had served in the war; and he was discharged at the Presidio, at San Francisco, on August 17, 1919. On returning to Stockton he resumed the practice of medicine, and he is now a member of the medical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital at Stockton, and also of the State and County Medical societies. He belongs to the Anteros Club of Stockton, and is president of the Stanford Alumni Association of the same city. He is a member of Delta Lodge No. 471, F. & A.M.; Stockton Chapter No. 28, R.A.M., Stockton Council No. 10, R. & S.M., and Golden Poppy Chapter No. 355, O.E.S. He is also a member of the Karl Ross Post, American Legion, No. 16, and of Luneta Post No. 52, Veterans of Foreign Wars; is active in the Y.M.C.A. at Stockton, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Tracy.

Possessed of a temperament that fitted him for daring deeds and the endurance of frontier hardships, Captain John McMullin came to the regions of the Southwest at a period when ample opportunity was afforded him for the exercise of his natural instincts and the gratification of his desire for adventure. The record of his life reads like a romance, such as was often lived out in the careers of the hardy pioneers of the early part of the nineteenth century, but it was not his good fortune to be spared to witness the marvelous prosperity of the West and the remarkable development of its vast resources. Death ended his labors ere success had crowned his efforts, yet he had been able to lay the foundations of a prosperity that later brought ample returns to his family and, in addition, he had been an integral factor in laying the foundations of our commonwealth broad, deep and strong, capable of sustaining the superstructure of twentieth century civilization.

Born in Baltimore, Md., June 27, 1824, John McMullin was taken to Florida at the age of four years and afterward attended the schools of Tallahassee. When fifteen years of age the desire for adventure led him to run away from home for the purpose of joining Col. Jack Hays. After arriving at San Antonio, Texas, he traveled westward alone through the country of hostile Indians and in due time arrived safely at the camp of Colonel Hays, whom he told that he was not afraid of any hardships endured by soldiers. Many times in later days his courage was brought to a test and in every instance he proved himself undaunted by any hardship, undismayed by any peril, and through all that wil dregion he became known as a brave Indian fighter. Though always in the thickest of the fights, he escaped without injury and seemed to lead a charmed life, for none was more eager than he h throw himself into the most dangerous places and sustain the weakest division. His bravery elicited the highest approval of his superiors and led to his promotion to the rank of captain, in which capacity he took part in the Texas and Mexican wars. As a member of a party of 180 soldiers he made a raid from Texas into Mexico. During the war he was taken prisoner by the Mexicans and for two years he was confined in the City of Mexico, in the castle of Perote, which is still standing. Eventually he was exchanged, though in the meantime he had made several unsuccessful efforts to escape rather than suffer the indignities heaped upon the prisoners.

As early as 1848 Captain McMullin had decided to establish himself in California and had already started via the Mexican overland route when he recevied news of the discovery of gold. When he started for California Captain McMullin came through Vera Cruz, and while there met a banker and the two became well acquainted. This banker said that he had a brother somewhere in California and gave Captain McMullin a letter to hand him if he should run across him in the new country. A comrade on his journey from Mexico was G.W. Trahern, who had served with the Captain in the Mexican war. On their arrival in the mines they concluded to go into the cattle business, buying them in Southern California and driving them to the mines. Meantime an incident occurred which was remarkable. Going into a business house in one of the early mining towns to see the proprietor, on learning his name he found him to be the brother of his Vera Cruz friend and the Captain said, “I have a letter for you.” After reading the letter the gentleman said, “Do you know what this letter contains?” The Captain replied that he di dnot have the least idea. The gentleman then said, “This letter contains unlimited credit for yourself,” but the Captain said he could not accept it for he was a stranger to him as well as his brother. The gentleman, who was a wealthy business man, said that the offer was always open, nevertheless, but Captain McMullin remained firm and did not use the credit volunteered him. He and Mr. Trahern then proceeded to Los Angeles and purchased a band of cattle which they drove to the Southern Mines, crossing the San Joaquin River at Casa Blanca. Selling the cattle in the mines they netted splendid returns. At the crossing of the San Joaquin River they became acquainted with the Imus Brothers who had settled there. Finding this was a favorite crossing for the herds of cattle driven to the mines, Captain McMullin concluded it could be a good location for his headquarters, so he purchased the place from the young claimants and this became the nucleus of his large holdings. The Imus boys had sent to Boston for the material for their house and it came in parts around the Horn on a sailer. This house they had painted white, from which it had taken its name, Casa Blanca. The tract comprises 640 acres, to which he added by purchase from time to time until he had a ranch of about 30,000 acres lying in San Joaquin County between the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. Here he engaged in raising stock, finding the mountain range very suitable for breeding horses, for they thrived better here than in the valley and he raised some fine specimens of horseflesh, of which he was a great admirer.

Throughout his life Captain McMullin was loyally devoted to the progress of Stockton and his death, which occurred in 1868, was a serious loss to the highest citizenship of the entire county. Through his large holdings and his commanding personality he had ever been a prominent figure in the history of the county and had been instrumental in promoting movements for the general welfare. One of his hobbies was a fondness for fine stock. As an organizer and president of the first county fair association, he had been in a position to arouse an interest in stock among the ranchers of the valley and had introduced many breeds of exceptional merit through his own efforts. In spite of maintaining a constant interest in politics he never aspired to office and invariably declined appeals to fill positions of that nature, yet in other ways he was ever alert to aid in the upbuilding of the community. The first theatre building in Stockton was owned by him and many other early enterprices were fostered by his progressive spirit. During the Civil War the governor of Texas offered him a post as chief of cavalry, but although he desired to go he had a family of little children and felt that his first duty was to them, so declined the honor. Land in Texas which he secured in an early day is still owned by his heirs, as is also the Stanislaus and San Joaquin county lands and the Stockton real estate.

During a visit in Washington, D.C., Captain McMullin met Miss Eliza Fleming Morgan, who like himself came from a sturdy stock fitted to endure the privations in frontier regions. She was a native of Kentucky, a daughter of an officer famous in the annals of that state, and he was the son of Col. Simon Morgan, an officer in the Revolutionary War. Her father, Gen. Daniel Morgan, was born in Virginia and with his father was a pioneer of Kentucky, where he became a large landowner and a man of wealth and distinction. Influential in politics, he served in the Kentucky Senate for twenty-five years, where he helped to make the constitution of that state, and he also served as a member of Congress. He married Miss Anna Clarkson, a native of Virginia, descended from some of the most prominent old Virginia families, including the Picketts, Marshalls, Keiths and Scotts.

The youngest child of the family, Eliza Fleming Morgan, was educated at Bishop McIlvain's finishing school in Cincinnati. About the time she completed her education, John J. Crittenden, a warm friend of the family, was U.S. senator from Kentucky and he persuaded General Morgan to let his daughter accompany his family to Washington to spend the winter. It was there she met Captain McMullin, the acquaintance resulting in their marriage at her home in Kentucky June 18, 1857. Their wedding trip took them to White Chapel Springs, Va., and soon after their return they came to San Francisco, reaching there in the fall of that year. Captain McMullin purchased a home in the city, but as soon as Mrs. McMullin discovered that so much of her husband's time had to be spent on the ranch she expressed a desire to make their home there, so he had Casa Blanca fitted up for their reception. Mrs. McMullin had always been a lover of the great outdoors and particularly of horseback riding, and the years of outdoor life she enjoyed here have undoubtedly contributed to her continued good health and wonderful constitution.

All of their nine children were born in California, with the exception of Eliza M., who is a native of Kentucky. Anna married John C. Hays, Jr., of Oakland, son of Col. John Coffee Hays of the Mexican war and better known as “Jack” Hays, the celebrated Texas ranger. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hays, Jr., have two sons, John Coffee, Jr., and Harry T.; Eliza M. married E.B. Perrin of Williams, Ariz., and they have a son—Lilo McMullin Perrin; Rebecca was the wife of Francis J. Heney of San Francisco; Beauregard is unmarried; Elizabeth M. married Judge C.L. Weller, and their daughter Anna is the wife of Commander Earl B. Shipp, who is stationed at Washington. John, a graduate of Princeton, was one of the leading men of Fresno, Cal., where he was president of the Fresno National Bank, as well as of the Fresno Irrigation Company and the Fresno Ice Company, and identified with other business activities. By his marriage to Miss Betty Hays, daughter of Col. John Coffee Hays, he had three children, John, Jr., Eliza Morgan and Harmon Hays, by whom he is survived; Susan H., who first married Thos. S. Williams, later became Mrs. Edward Fant; Morgan and Henrietta.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. McMullin made her home in Kentucky for ten years, then returned to California. Changes of residence, however, left undimmed her loyalty to San Joaquin County, for which she cherishes a deep affection as the home of her happy married years, the birthplace of all of her children but one, and the center of many warm friendships formed during those busy years. Proud of the military records of her ancestry, she taught her children to display a patriotic spirit in every act and in her own life has shown the possession of the loyalty of her ancestors. On the organization of the Sons of the Confederacy at Lexington, Ky., she became a charter member. At that time there was no ladies' auxiliary, but later she identified herself with the Daughters of the Confederacy and in 1906 she became a member of the Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter of San Francisco. She is also a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. In her religious life she is affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church of San Francisco but her broad-mindedness and charitable disposition leads her to liberally assist various churches, regardless of denomination. Possessed of much native business ability, she has been deeply interested in improving the vast acres left by Captain McMullin and thus has greatly enhanced their value. She has also acquired other tracts of land in the various counties of the Valley which have become very valuable by the improvements she has made upon them. A cultured woman, she has left her impress on the civic and social life of the county in her stand for righteousness in public and social life and for the high moral uplift of the community. Like her gallant husband she has been a liberal contributor to all public movements for the betterment of county and state.

A citizen of outstanding influence and activity, George R. McLeod is one of the best known grain experts in the state of California, his experience extending over a period of twenty years, until recently serving in the capacity of buyer and superintendent in charge of the agricultural department of the Sperry Flour Company of Stockton. Experiments conducted under his supervision as manager of this department of that company have probably done more in developing the grades of wheat in the state than the efforts of any other man.

Mr. McLeod was born in the Montezuma Hills, Solano County, Cal., on a ranch, and at the age of twelve years was driving a team and following a plow on his father's ranch. For twelve years he engaged in farming at home; then became wool buyer for the Koshland Company of San Francisco. At the age of twenty-eight he entered the grain buying field and became associated with the exporting and importing firm of Erlanger & Gallinger, traveling throughout California, Oregon, and a number of trips were made to Australia in the interests of the company. In the fall of 1906, he located in Oakdale, Stanislaus County, and for four years was associated with the Oakdale Milling Company; thence to Stockton with the Frank A. Guernsey Company, and the Dickinson Grain Company, and in 1912 he assumed charge of the new feed plant, the latest unit of the Sperry Flour Company in Stockton, this plant being the largest feed plant west of the Mississippi River. For the past six years he has had charge of the big Sperry Flour ranch near Farmington, and the ranch in the South San Joaquin irrigation district. On these ranches experiments which have resulted in many crop improvements have been carried on. During the years of 1914-15 he was put in charge of the campaign to increase the corn acreage in the state, promoted by the Sperry Flour Company. Not only has Mr. McLeod's ability been shown in his many experiments in soils, cultivation, feeding and cropping, but in the management of big campaigns, he has been most successful. This campaign was to increase the supply of corn, so that California could meet the demand without importing from the East. Most gratifying results were obtained, so that now enough corn is raised in the state to supply the demand and from one to two million of dollars saved yearly and kept at home, which formerly went east top buy the product. In 1918 he was the active manager of a state-wide “grow more wheat” campaign, conducted by the Sperry Flour Company. Thirty-five varieties of wheat were experimented with and from them two varieties were found superior to any grown in the state; they were of an earlier variety, of a better quality and produced more bushels to the acre. These wheat experiments were carried on from year to year until the early maturing wheat now in general use resulted, and today there are about 176,000 acres grown in California. This campaign attracted the attention of all wheat growing districts of the United States and many letters came to the company requesting information, not only from individuals but from universities and colleges.

Early in March of 1922 the announcement was received by the Stockton Chamber of Commerce from Maj. L.T. Grant, director of the twelfth district United States Veterans bureau, to the effect that Mr. McLeod had been appointed managing superintendent of the United States Veterans agricultural training school now being established on Lindley farm, Rough and Ready Island. The appointment by Major Grant was made upon the recommendation of a committee representing the Stockton Chamber of Commerce appointed, at his request, for that purpose. In the selection of Mr. McLeod the committee feels that one of the most practical men with wide experience in San Joaquin County farming problems and a man of real executive an initiative ability has been secured. The duties of Mr. McLeod as superintending manager will be to actively superintend all activities on the 1,170 acre farm and to see that the trainees at the big school are given practical and worth while experience. Mr. McLeod assumed charge March 7, 1923. There are now sixty-eight students who came here who were found adapted to agricultural life and are now located on their own farms.

A native of West Virginia, Judge Samuel S. McLain was born at Parkersburg, on October 21, 1866, the youngest son of Milton and Mary (Stukey) McLain. His father, Milton McLain, was born in Ohio of Scotch parents, and removed to West Virginia where he became a very prominent citizen and engaged in farming and stockraising extensively; in partnership with his eldest son, Frank H. McLain, he was well known throughout the Eastern States as a stockman, doing an extensive business in cattle shipping during the '80s and '90s.

On March 4, 1885, Mr. McLain left his home and settled in Springfield, Mo., where he spent two and a half years, then came to California, going first to Pomona, but soon removed to Chico, Butte County. Securing a position as chief clerk in the Burns Hotel, he remained there for ten years, filling the position with efficiency, and during his residence in that city won many friends by his congenial and pleasant manner. He was also an active member of the California National Guards in 1889 and '90. He then went into the mines of northern California and spent three years in practical mining; then for several years he was connected with various hotels throughout northern and central California.

On January 15, 1900, he settled in Tracy, then a village of scarcely 300 inhabitants, and he has been an eyewitness to the wonderful growth and prosperity of this thriving city. On 1902 he was married to Miss Ella Hart, a daughter of the late George Hart, prominently known for his fourteen consecutive years of service as sheriff of Sonora, Tuolumnne County, Cal. During the World War, Mrs. McLain took a prominent part in the Red Cross and war relief work in Tracy and the West Side of San Joaquin County. Mr. McLain had control of the issuance of all licenses respecting firearms, powder, etc., and also was active on the liberty loan committee. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party and fraternally is a member of the Elks No. 218, Odd Fellows and Encampment of Tracy, and has served three times as delegate to the grand lodge of the Knights of Pythias. During the past eight years, Judge McLain has administered justice for his community, having been elected to the office of justice of the peace in November, 1914, and was re-elected without opposition in November, 1918. On account of his thoroughness he has never had a decision reversed after an appeal to a higher court. Judge and Mrs. McLain own their residence in Tracy as well as other valuable real estate. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he takes an active interest in all matters that come to the attention of the organization.

A decidedly representative man in the Acampo district, one who has faith in the future of this region, and of whose life work the district is proud, is Josiah McKindley, a native of Dent County, Mo., where he was born on August 1, 1852, the son of Alexander and Sarah (Shealor) McKindley. His father came to California in 1853, crossing the great plains in a prairie schooner drawn by an ox-team; he was a farmer and provided a comfortable farm-home for his family of five children. He died here in 1861; but his devoted wife lived to see her seventy-fifth year. When Mr. McKindley reached El Dorado County, he went at once into the mines, where he was moderately successful. Then he moved to the vicinity of Volcano, in Amador County, and after being there a short time, removed to the vicinity of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, where he took up government land. He was contested by an old Spanish-grant holder, however, and lost out on his title; and this dissipated the fruits of years. In 1863, Mrs. McKindley was married a second time to a Mr. Stickland, of Volcano, who was both an hydraulic and a placer miner.

Josiah McKindley attended the district school near Healdsburg, and when yet a lad, started out for himself. He worked at all kinds of hard labor to get ahead; he lumbered, logged in the forest, and worked in the mines in Amador County, mining at Sutter near Volcano. When he was twenty years old, he took up teaming by contract, and not only provisions and lumber but did a general freighting from Volcano and other points to the mines. Later, he removed to Elk Grove, Cal., and followed grain-farming; he leased land, and for fourteen years planted it to grain, and at times cultivated as many as 4,000 acres at once. Then he sold out his stock and his implements, and in 1900 bought 196 acres just southeast of Acampo station—a grain-farm in a very run-down condition when he purchased it—and he immediately started to improve it in every way. He built a fine house and barn and all the necessary outbuildings for a successful ranch, and began setting the land out as both a vineyard and an orchard. From time to time he sold off portions as he developed them, in small lots, until he had reduced the property to about 116 acres, the finest portion of the ranch, on which he had his residence. Of this land, he had forty acres in peaches, four in apricots, six in cherries, twelve in prunes, and thirty in a vineyard, while the remainder was either devoted to yards or was vacant.

In the summer of 1922 Mr. McKindley sold off 106 acres of his farm. This leaves him 10.51 acres upon which he built a beautiful country residence in 1922-1923, where he and his family are comfortably and happily domiciled.

The marriage of Josiah McKindley and Miss Emma A. Mattice took place at Volcano on March 30, 1875, the bride being a native of Illinois, who was brought to California about 1856, when she was a little child, by her parents, Simon and Agnes (Stockton) Mattice—the former a miner at Volcano; and they had seven children. Mr. and Mrs. McKindley have nine children. Flora, Mrs. J.W. Pritchard, of Acampo; Daisy is Mrs. Agnew, of Fresno; Elizabeth is Mrs. E. Adams of Acampo; Sarah, or Sadie, is Mrs. S. Smithson, of Acampo; Ernest Mahlan lives at Lodi; William A., a government agent, is also there; Hazel passed away in her fourteenth year; Rosabelle is Mrs. Holt, of Acampo; and Edith, who resides with Mr. and Mrs. McKindley, is now Mrs. Story.

Mr. McKindley was president and manager of the Acampo Fruit Growers Association; and since it was reorganized, he has been a director and a vice-president. The new organization is known as the Acampo Growers Association.

Among the well-known fruit culturists of San Joaquin County is Ernest M. McKindley, whose career in that industry has been markedly successful. He was born at Sutter Creek, Cal., January 7, 1884, a son of Josiah McKindley and his wife, Emma A. (Mattice) McKindley, natives of Missouri and Illinois, respectively. Josiah McKindley was a babe in arms when his parents crossed the plains to California in 1853. The story of his life may be found in this history.

Ernest M. McKindley went to school at the Lee district school of Sacramento County, and his earliest recollections are those of helping with the farm work on his father's farm. In 1901 his father settled on his present place, and Ernest has assisted in cultivating, planting and caring for the orchards and vineyards since his youth. In 1919 he purchased a thirty-acre ranch on the Terminous road, fifteen acres of which he set to vineyard, and further improved it, and in January of 1922 sold it at a fair profit. For the past six years he has had charge of the 300-acre stock ranch owned by his father on the Mokelumne River, but makes his home on Poplar Street in Lodi.

On Christmas Day, 1909, Mr. McKindley was married to Miss May Tenney, a native daughter of California, born in Monterey County, but educated in the schools of Acampo. She is the daughter of John and Mary Tenney and the oldest of a family of four children, the others being Jose, Edith and Lester. John Tenney was the proprietor of a hotel in Acampo, and was in that business at the time of his death in 1913. Mrs. Tenney resides at the present time in Healdsburg. Mr. and Mrs. McKindley are the parents of seven children: Mahlon, Irma, Edna, Ruth, Ray, Cecil and John. In politics Mr. McKindley is a Democrat, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Lodi Parlor, N.S.G.W.

Over a quarter of a century has passed since John Duncan McKellar came to California and he has watched its development through all these years, noting with interest the changes that have been wrought as its natural resources have been developed. His labors have largely been put forth along agricultural lines until about three years ago when he retired to his home in Stockton, 1126 South California Street. He is a Canadian by birth, having been born at St. Thomas, Ontario, October 20, 1853, the son of John and Mary (Thompson) Duncan, natives of Glasgow, Scotland, who immigrated to Ontario, Canada, and were farmers near St. Thomas. The mother died when John D. was a little child. The father afterwards removed to Saginaw, Mich., where he followed farming until he died. Of this union two children were born, Mary who resides in Detroit and John D., our subject. He came to Michigan in 1861, remaining a short time, then went back to Ontario where he attended school. In 1871 he came to Saginaw, Mich., and was employed at lumbering, getting out logs and driving them down the Titbowasse, Old Gray, Salt and Tobasco rivers. Young, agile and strong, he could ride the logs with ease and swim like a duck and became an expert in the art of snubbing the rafts of logs. He was employed in this line for a period of eight years; then he followed sawmilling near Mason, Mich., and during the threshing season he was in that line of work. Desiring to see the West, in 1881 he came out to Wood River, Idaho, where for three years he engaged in sawmilling.

In 1884 he arrived in Stockton and worked on Roberts Island for A.S. Blossom and Ira Saunders, and while there passed through the trying times of the floods when the levees gave way and flooded the entire island; he recalls the time when Chinamen used wheelbarrows to repair the breaks in the levees. By hard work and economy Mr. McKellar saved some money and finally began to farm for himself and at different times farmed from 400 to 1,700 acres of grain. He farmed the Woods brothers' land, the John Wilkinson ranch, land on the middle division of Roberts Island; also the Keagle place, now the Westgate property, farming the latter place of 960 acres for eight years. One year he used five Holt harvesters and harvested 60,000 sacks of grain. One season his crop of 1,644 sacks of grain sold for forty-four cents a central, and he lost a year's hard work. During later years he raised large quantities of pink, Lady Washington and Cranberry varieties of beans, which proved of great profit. He owned a farm on the island where he resided until wishing to retire. He sold his place and located in Stockton in October, 1918, purchasing his present comfortable home on South California Street.

Mrs. McKellar was in maidenhood Sarah Cook and was born in Jasper County, Mo.; her marriage ceremony occuring in Stockton, October 17, 1899. She was the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Abbott) Cook, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. They were farmers in Jasper County, Mo., where they spent the remainder of their lives. This worthy couple had six children, three of whom are living. Mrs. McKellar, who is the third oldest, came to San Joaquin County in 1880. A woman of a pleasing personality and much business acumen, she has been a real helpmate to her husband. By a former marriage Mrs. McKellar has a daughter, Mrs. Sallie Holman of Oakland. Mr. McKellar is a strong Republican and he is greatly esteemed and respected for the part he has taken in the development of this section.

A pioneer vineyardist and horticulturist who resides on his highly improved home place three miles east of Stockton, is Robert F. Nagel. For the past thirty years Mr. Nagel has been located on his present ranch and has overcome all the obstacles that beset the path of the early settler in any community, and his fine vineyard and orchard home is a demonstration of his industry. He was born in East Prussia, Germany, December 16, 1860, a son of Charles Nagel, born in the same province, and the mother, Augusta (Prengel) Nagel, was born in a neighboring province. Charles Nagel was a farmer in his native province in Germany and lost his life while commanding field artillery in the battle of Getzburg, leaving a large estate to his surviving family. Subsequently Mrs. Nagel married Frederick Rhodes, who proved to be a good father to the orphan boys. Mrs. Nagel died in 1872 and Mr. Rhodes died in 1876.

Robert F. Nagel completed the grammar and gymnasium courses in Germany, then entered the Agricultural College at Spitzengen near Koenigsburg, where he spent two years. In 1880 he was appointed superintendent of the Gerken estate in Germany, where he had full charge of the sheep, cattle and dairy business carried on, on this extensive estate; however, after two years he gave up the position to seek a home in a new world. In 1882 he left his native country for America, and arriving in New York he boarded the S.S. Rujia, a coastwise vessel, for Weatherford, Texas, arriving in September, 1882. For the first few months he had a job of plowing for cotton and corn planters, which paid him eight dollars per month. He remained in Texas until 1885, when he started for California, arriving in Stockton September 2, 1885.

On August 20, 1884, at Weatherford, Texas, Mr. Nagel was married to Augusta Goodsight, also a native of Germany, who came to Texas when a young girl; her mother, Anna Goodsight, came four years later and now makes her home with Mr. Nagel and she is ninety-two years of age. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nagel: Truda died at the age of five years; Louise died at the age of six months; Amalia, a graduate of Elmwood school, presides over her father's home; Anna L. is the widow of Capt. William D. Hatch, who lost his life in the service of his country in 1918 while in France with the A.E.F. They have one son, William. Subsequently Mrs. Hatch married Lieut.-Commander E.M. Patch, and they have one son, Ernest Arthur, and at present are stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiian Islands; Margaret, Mrs. Andrew J. Smith, has one son, Robert. Mr. Smith is the cashier of the First National Bank at Vallejo, Cal. Mrs. Nagel passed away at the family home in 1914.

On arriving at Stockton, Mr. Nagel stopped with his friend, Mr. Stetsinger, proprietor of the San Joaquin Hotel, and soon after his arrival found a job with Ott & Daniels, manufacturers of chicory, where he worked for one year; then he entered the employ of L.U. Shippee, the owner of a large ranch near French Camp, and he soon became assistant foreman, remaining in that position until 1890; he then became foreman for Charles Haas on his ranch three miles east of Stockton, consisting of 240 acres, then a grain field. In 1890 Mr. Nagel planted his first vineyard of five acres and later he purchased six and one-quarter acres more, which he has developed to orchard and vineyard, among the model places in the county. The discouragements, accompanying the planting of the first vineyard, were met with true heroism as he was forced to plant four different times. On one occasion when he set out 3,000 well-rooted vines he found within a few days that the squirrels and rabbits had destroyed them all excepting fifteen vines; however, he continued to plant vines until he succeeded in getting a fine stand. He also has a fine orchard of almonds. In the winter of 1922-23, Mr. Nagel, with his daughter Amalia, made a trip to the Hawaiian Islands on a visit to his son-in-law, and daughter, Commander and Mrs. E.M. Patch, at Pearl Harbor, taking in many side trips, among them a trip to Hilo. Mr. Nagel received his U.S. citizenship papers and cast his first ballot for the Republican party in Stockton in 1886. For fifteen years he served as trustee of the Elmwood school and in many other ways has been a progressive citizen.

An enterprising, successful sheepman, who has been abundantly rewarded for his years of hard work and sacrifices, is Raymond Narbaitz, who was born in the Basses-Pyrenees, at Bigorre, on November 20, 1878, the son of Pierre and Mary Narbaitz, the former an agriculturist known in his country for miles around. The worthy couple had three children, among whom our subject was the eldest, the others being Jean and Grace.

Raymond attended the grammar school at Bigorre, France, but only for the first time when he was eight years of age and then for just a brief period of two short years, for when he was eleven years of age, he commenced to help run the farm. He remained with his father until 1900, when he came out to the United States. He came directly to San Francisco, but he did not remain there long, for he soon found work as a sheepherder, and for a short time was engaged in that employment in Fresno County, continuing there for five years and then he moved to Stockton.

He then commenced to buy, feed and sell sheep, and through sparing no efforts to supply just what his patrons asked for, he built up a reputation that was an asset in itself, and came to be favorably known as one of the best sheepmen of the county. He still engages in running sheep on rented land in Fresno, Merced and San Joaquin counties. He usually keeps from 3000 to 7000 head and has in the main been successful and has become a very prosperous man; at times he has met with reverses, however, and in 1918, 1000 head died in one day from poison. Mr. Narbaitz is a stanch Republican.

While in San Francisco, in May 1905, Mr. Narbaitz was married to Mary Ospital, who first saw light in the same mountain district in which he was born, and who braved the dangers and inconveniences of a trip alone, from France to California, to join him and make him a home. Five children were granted to Mr. and Mrs. Narbaitz, and four are now living. Pierre is the eldest of the quartette; then come John and Pete and Raymond. Lucille died in 1918. Mr. Narbaitz bought a fine residence at 111 North Central Avenue in 1918, which has more than doubled in value since he first acquired it; and there he and his family have since made their home. With Joe Oyarbide, Mr. Narbaitz owns the Royal Hotel on Hunter and Sonora streets as well as other valuable property.