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WALTER W. TURNER

In this age and generation, when so many motorists have lost confidence in garage service, and when this disappointment leads back, in so many cases, to experience with shops, the operators of which are willing to turn out almost any service, if only they can start the traveler off on his journey and get him away from their premises, it is refreshing to stop at the Turner & Lease Garage, at 122 North School Street, Lodi, whose proprietors, Walter W. Turner and Russell Lease, are known far and wide as experts of such high standards and conscientiousness that when they once finish repairs upon an automobile, the owner may well believe he has received dependable work. W.W. Turner was born on the Turner ranch, near New Hope, now Thornton, in San Joaquin County, on April 26, 1876, the son of S. Odillon and Sarah Jane (Tock) Turner, the former a native of Louisiana and the latter of Maine; and in him, therefore, are blended the best strains of Northern and Southern blood. Frank Turner, the grandfather, brought his family to California by way of Cape Horn, traveling in a sailing vessel in the late 50's and he followed farming near Lodi. Our subject's father became a large grain farmer in early days in the Delta district. The Turner ranch is now the Spenker ranch. Several children were born to this worthy couple. Walter W., Jr., lives at Lodi; Delbert resides at Lodi; Lola has become Mrs. Schmidt of Berkeley; and Anna is Mrs. Bechthold of Woodbridge.

Walter attended the district school at Woodbridge, as well as Woodbridge College, and he learned the trade of mechanic with R.A. Jackson, while using a steam engine and working in the Delta district, reclaiming land. Then he farmed grain for three years on Staten Island, and for two years he was superintendent of the B.A. Towne vineyard. For the past twenty years, however, he has been engaged in the garage business, conducting an automobile repair shop; and having come to enjoy the reputation of being one of the very best auto repair mechanics in all San Joaquin County, he has never wanted for patronage, and in fact has been offered work in such increasing proportion as to make it a problem, at times, how to handle it and yet to turn it out in the shape in which it ought always to be done. On September 1, 1921, he took over the Tourist Garage at 122 North School Street, Lodi, an event for the locality, having as a partner Russell Lease, and they changed the name to Turner & Lease Garage, and ever since he has tried to outdistance himself and eclipse his earlier reputation for first-class work. Mr. Turner was an expert bicycle rider, and took part in the bicycle relay race from San Francisco to New York, inaugurated by the Stearns Bicycle Company and the Cleveland Company. Mr. Turner rode for fifteen miles through the Lodi district as the representative of the Stearns Company, and the race was won by this company.

At Stockton, October 22, 1902, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Myrtle Bandy, a native of Napa, and they have two children, twins, Burton B. and Bernice, eighteen years old. He belongs to Lodge No. 218, of the Stockton Elks, and to Lodge No. 848 of the Lodi Eagles, and Lodi Parlor, N.S.G.W., and he enjoys an enviable popularity in their circles.

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HUGH J. TYE

A distinguished representative of the California Bar is Hugh J. Tye, the senior member of the well-known law firm of Messrs. Tye & Edwards, having offices in the Savings & Loan Bank Building at Stockton. He was born in that city on August 26, 1880, the son of Hugh Tye, who was also born in Stockton, while his father, Hugh Tye, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Connecticut and came out to California and Stockton in 1852. Hugh attended St. Mary's College at Stockton, having first gone to the Washington and the Yorks private schools, and at the age of fourteen he was a messenger boy in the Stockton postoffice, under Postmaster Eli Thrift. He later entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and after that was a member of the Stockton police force. While doing police duty he studied law under Judge Webster; in 1911 he was admitted to the bar in California.

Mr. Tye was elected police judge of Stockton in 1914, and served for four years; but he was then defeated in his candidacy for the office of district attorney. He thereupon formed a partnership with Lawrence Edwards, under the firm name of Tye & Edwards, and together they have built up a large and lucrative practice. This law firm is now located in the Commercial and Savings Bank Building.

On May 8, 1903, at Stockton, Mr. Tye was married to Miss Elizabeth T. Freeman, a native of Stockton whose family came from New York to San Joaquin County in early days; and they have three children; Lucile, attending the Dominican College at San Rafael; Gordon, attending St. Mary's College at Stockton; and the youngest is Hugh J., representing the fourth generation with the given name of Hugh. Mr. Tye has been active in the fraternal order of the Eagles, being past president of the Stockton Lodge, and he belongs to Stockton Parlor No. 7, N.S.G.W., the Yosemite Club, and the Stockton Golf and Country Club.

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HARVEY F. UPTON

A highly progressive and very successful young rancher, making a specialty of vineyarding, is Harvey F. Upton, who was born in Stockton on October 22, 1886, a son of Walter and Florence (Hitchcock) Upton. When two years old, he lost his father. His mother afterwards married Francis R. Hamsher, whose life-story is elsewhere sketched in this volume.

Harvey F. Upton was sent to the schools in Stockton and Aberdeen, and when he was fourteen years of age began to make his own way. He learned the machinist's trade, both iron work and auto repairing, and worked at various times in the Sampson Iron Works, Sterling Iron Works, and Stockton Iron Works, becoming thereby an expert mechanic. His service with the Sampson Iron Works extended through eight years, and he also worked in several of the leading garages in Stockton. In the harvesting season he ran a Holt harvester for his stepfather for many years.

In January, 1921, Mr. Upton began to improve the forty-five acres of land that had fallen to his wife, a part of the old Northrop estate. In 1913 he was married to Miss Mildred Northrop, a daughter of George L. and Elizabeth (Van Valkenberg) Northrop, both of whom were born in San Joaquin County. He has twelve acres in vineyard, one-half in Zinfandel and one-half in Tokay grapes. He has sunk a well, and has a good five-inch pump.

Mr. Upton endeavors to follow only the latest, most scientific and practical methods, and to use only the most up-to-date apparatus.

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CHARLES LEVER VAN BUSKIRK

A long life of service to his community and to his fellowmen was that of Charles Lever Van Buskirk, who throughout his successful and busy career showed a signal integrity of purpose, and who probably did more than any other one man toward the building up of the business district of Lodi, the buildings he erected now standing as monuments to his progressiveness and faith in the future of this city. Born in Nova Scotia, September 29, 1845, Mr. Buskirk came to Wisconsin when a youth and started to work as a logger in the Wisconsin woods when he was only fourteen years old. He continued in this work for many years, meeting with rapid advancement, and became known as one of the leading lumbermen of Wisconsin.

The lumber business brought Mr. Van Buskirk to California in 1893, when he and his brother, George W. Van Buskirk, bought extensive timber lands in Calaveras and Amador counties. Soon afterwards Charles L. bought out his brother's interests, and later he sold three-fourths of his holdings to the Brown Bros. Lumber Company of Rhinelander, Wis., and recently the remainder to Charles F. Ruggles, a Michigan lumberman, still retaining a certificate of investment in the holdings.

When Mr. Van Buskirk came to Lodi, in 1893, he had the foresight to recognize the possibility of its growth and future business prospects. Backing his judgment, he bought a number of corner lots in the city, five of which are now in the main business center. He designed and built the Lodi opera house, since remodeled and now occupied by M. Newfield & Sons, the Van Buskirk Building, the Davis Building, the Telephone Building, the Sentinel Building and the School Street Garage. He took an active part in obtaining the first public library that Lodi had and afterwards put forth his efforts to secure the Carnegie Library. All matters pertaining to schools, charitable organizations, the paving of streets, building of churches, and other institutions of public benefit were not only encouraged but received his assistance. He made a strong fight against vice and intemperance and with others had the satisfaction of seeing Lodi rid of saloons.

While a resident of Wisconsin, Mr. Van Buskirk was married to Miss Angie B. Crocker, a native of that state, who was a loyal helpmate to her husband in all his undertakings, for four years she was county president of the Woman's Christain Temperance Union, and is an active member of the Lodi Woman's Club. Both she and her husband were devoted members of the Lodi Congregational Church, Mr. Van Buskirk being one of its trustees for many years and a leader in all its good works. Two sons were born to them: Charles Raymond, a vineyardist, and Erle Lever, manufacturer of the Vans pump, both married and residing in Lodi. Throughout his entire life Mr. Van Buskirk was interested in every movement that was progressive, aiding every community in which he resided. At his passing, October 7, 1920, Lodi lost one of its most enterprising and progressive citizens, one who was deeply interested in the civic, social and moral uplift of the community.

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CLAUDE WHITNEY VAN GELDER

The nursery interests of San Joaquin County are well represented by Claude Whitney Van Gelder, whose home and business is located near Acampo, Cal., and who has been a resident of California since he was two years old. His has been a successful career, and one which indicates the opportunities that are open to young men of determination, laudable ambition and diligence. A native of Morley, Mich., he was born November 14, 1877, a son of Morris and Eva Yeckley (Whitney) Van Gelder. The father was a descendant of the Dutch and English pioneer settlers of New York state; and the mother was a daughter of Columbus Whitney of Seneca Castle, N.Y., who was also an early settler in that state. Morris Van Gelder grew up on his father's farm in Michigan. His naural bent was toward agriculture and horticulture, and when he grew to manhood he acquired his own farm in Michigan and engaged in farming pursuits until 1879, when he sold out and came to California, settling first at Sacramento. He established himself in the nursery business in Sacramento, in 1883, and when he moved to San Joaquin County he bought property near Acampo, in 1887, and there he continued his nursery business, being a pioneer in that industry. He became a prominent figure in the development and improvement of his locality, devoting his energies untiringly to his business, with the result that he wrought a wonderful transformation in his property, which became productive and valuable. Both parents are now deceased.

Claude Whitney Van Gelder began his education in the district school near his home, and then entered the San Joaquin Valley College at Woodbridge, from which institution he was duly graduated. As soon as he was old enough to handle the plow, he took his place in the fields and assisted in their cultivation from the time of early spring planting until after crops were harvested in the late autumn. He grew up in the nursery business, so that he was enabled to follow in his father's footsteps in a thorough and systematic manner.

On October 25, 1902, at Oakland, occurred the marriage of Mr. Van Gelder and Miss Charlotte Maud Jones, daughter of Augustus St. Clair and Bertha (Hadlich) Jones, natives of Australia and California, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gelder are the parents of three children: Homer Whitney, Edith Constance, and Dorothy Elizabeth. Mr. Van Gelder is, in his political views and adherence, a stanch Republican, and has always been active in support of the party. His fraternal relations are with the Lions Club, the Mokelumne Club of Lodi, and just recently, with the Woodbridge Lodge of Masons. His labors and influence have been effective in promoting the educational, social and material advancement of his community, and he has taken a good citizen's part in the improvements that mean steady advancement.

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CLAUDE R. VAN KEUREN

For many years Claude R. Van Keuren has been recognized throughout Central California territory as one of the widely experienced engineers of the West. He was born in McKean County, Pa., on October 7, 1886, the son of Herbert G. and Mary (Harrington) Van Keuren, his father a native of New York state, whose ancestors had settled there in 1628; his mother, a native of Ireland, came to America at the age of four years. Herbert G. Van Keuren was a student of medicine in the Academy in Buffalo, N.Y., but after fitting himself for that profession, he decided, about 1871, to enter the oil industry at Bradford fields in Northern Pennsylvania and has followed that line every since. His first experience was as an oil worker at Bradford fields; then he was transferred to Weldwood fields, then to McDonald, where he has become superintendent of the Willet & Paul Oil Company with outstanding success. A brother of our subject, Thomas H. Van Keuren, is at present general superintendent of the Ohio Oil Company of the state of Kentucky, located at Bowling Green, where he resides with his family.

The education of Claude R. Van Keuren was obtained in the public schools of McDonald, Pa., where he continued until he was sixteen years of age; leaving school to enter the employ of an oil company as a roustabout; he spent about six years in the West Virginia fields, as well as the fields in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and in 1908 decided to come West. Arriving in California, Mr. Van Keuren made his way to the Coalinga field in Fresno County and found work with the California Ltd. doing odd jobs, which occupied him for one year, when he returned East and worked for the South Pennsylvania Oil Company in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1910 he returned to the Golden State, thoroughly satisfied to settle down and make this state his permanent home, and in 1911 removed to Tulare County and was employed by the Standard Oil Company as an oiler in the pump station on the main line north to the Richmond refineries. Gradually working up, he became an engineer at Kimberlin, Kern County, and early in 1914 was advanced to the position of chief engineer, where he spent four years to the entire satisfaction both of himself and his employers. In May, 1918, he was placed in charge of the Tracy plant as chief engineer and he successfully carried this responsibility, both for the interests of the company and for his own advancement.

The marriage of Mr. Van Keuren united him with Miss Nellie Oliver, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Oliver, residents of McDonald, Pa., and Mr. and Mrs. Van Keuren made an extended trip to their old homes in Pennsylvania by automobile. Leaving Tracy July 17, 1922, they visited in Pennsylvania, and incidentally visited the oil fields in Wyoming, Montana, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, Indiana and other states. Arriving in Tracy September 18, 1922, Mr. Van Keuren was assigned to the Vernalis station on the pipe line pumping plant of the Standard Oil Company's main pump-line from Bakersfield to Point Richmond, where he resumed his position as chief engineer, entering upon his new station September 26, 1922. Mr. Van Keuren is identified with the Safety Engineers Society of California and is a member of the Scottish Rite of the Masonic order in Bakersfield, and of the Grand Fraternity of Philadelphia, Pa.

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MRS. LAURA B. VAN LOON

A leader in social, religious and civic circles, Mrs. Laura B. Van Loon has taken a prominent part in the life of the community since taking up her residence at Ripon in 1906. She was born at Ceres, Stanislaus County, the daughter of Mark and Mary (Horn) Williams; the father, who was of Welsh descent, was born at Fayetteville, Ark., his parents being among the early settlers of that region, while Mrs. Williams was born at Springfield, Mo., of English and Welsh ancestry.

Mrs. Van Loon was reared and educated at Ceres and when twenty-four years old was married to Francis E. McKee, who was then in the general merchandise business at Lathrop, Cal. After a time he sold his store to Reynolds Bros., Sydney W. Reynols being one of the firm, and went to Le Grand, Merced County, where with Benjamin Eastman as a partner he built up a good merchandise business. In 1902 he sold this business and removed to Pacific Grove, where he resided for some time, and in 1906 came to Ripon, where with Sydney W. Reynolds, buying out the store of E.C. Dickinson, who at that time was conducting the business under the firm name of Yaple & Company. It was the pioneer establishment in its line in Ripon and through the well directed energy of Mr. McKee and his partner, a splendid business was built up. Mr. McKee's successful career was cut short, however, as his death occured on September 22, 1916, following an operation for appendicitis, leaving his widow and one daughter, Neva Arline, now the wife of H.J. Simmons of Pacific Grove and they are the parents of a son, James Francis Simmons. Mr. McKee's half interest in the business was equally divided between wife and daughter, and the former still retains an active interest in the management of the business.

Her second marriage occurred on February 12, 1919, and united her with L.L. Van Loon, the popular agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad at Manteca, who formerly occupied this position at Ripon. Mr. Van Loon was born and reared at La Crosse, Wis., becoming a telegraph operator at the age of nineteen. He has continued in this line ever since, holding responsible positions on the Salt Lake and Southern Pacific Railroads. Mrs. Van Loon is active in the membership of the Congregational Church at Ripon, and was prominent in the erection of the beautiful new edifice. She is serving as deaconess and was formerly superintendent of the Sunday school, from 1916 to 1920. She usually serves on the election board, and has been president and vice-president of the local W.C.T.U. Though now a progressive Republican, she heretofore voted as a prohibitionist and is proud to have worked for the successful adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment.

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EDWIN S. VAN PELT

A pioneer citizen of Stockton with many interesting memories of its earlier years, Edwin S. Van Pelt for thirty years conducted the thriving business of the River Express Company of Stockton, and his activities were closely linked with the days of Stockton's development from a small town to a prosperous, modern city. A native son, proud of his birth in the Golden State, Mr. Van Pelt was born at Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, on July 2, 1858, his parents being John W. and Sarah Jane (Kilton) Van Pelt, both of good old Eastern stock, the father a native of Long Island, N.Y., and the mother of Grafton, N.H. The former who was of Holland Dutch descent, descended from the early Knickerbocker families of New York, came to California in the early days of the mining excitement, and passed away when Edwin S. was a small child; the mother was married again to E.B. Cogswell, and they removed to a ranch at Bellota, San Joaquin County, where Mr. Cogswell died; after which the mother resided with her only child, Edwin S., until her death.

Mr. Van Pelt spent his boyhood days on this ranch, attending the neighborhood school, completing his education with a course at the Stockton Business College, and going back to the home ranch for a time. In 1886 he bought out the business of the River Express Company in Stockton, at that time only a small affair, one wagon being used to deliver freight in Stockton. Austin H. Kilton was his partner in those early days, but he later sold his interest to Mr. Van Pelt, who incorporated the business as the River Express Company, Inc. Mr. Van Pelt soon began the expansion of this pioneer business, handling freight on the steamers running from San Francisco to Stockton, up the Sacramento River to Sacramento, also to Napa and Vallejo. For some time he conducted an express line across the Bay to Berkeley and Alameda, taking freight at a very low rate, and in the early days did nearly all the express business between San Francisco and Stockton, and was the means of making the Wells Fargo Express Company reduce their rates, but even then the River Express Company held the business. This company was the pioneer in shipping furniture from Stockton to San Francisco without unloading, their wagons filled with household goods being driven onto the boat at Stockton and hauled to their destination in San Francisco. In Stockton five wagons were used in hauling and draying in connection with the express business, besides the equipment kept in the other cities. For this purpose they had offices in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Napa, Vallejo, Sacramento, Benicia and Antioch. They first began shipping parcels but the business grew rapidly and became so popular they enlarged it so they handled everything and made deliveries in all the cities. The people appreciated Mr. Van Pelt's service so his company had most of the express business at the points named. In this connection the Wells Fargo Company's contention was that the River Express Company could not pay losses but Mr. Van Pelt's company always paid the claims and when the steamer J.D. Peters was sunk in a collision in San Francisco Bay, November 2, 1898, although the California Navigation Company, owner of the steamer, was exempt by law, Mr. Van Pelt decided he wanted to pay the loss from the standpoint of equity and fairness and paid all the claims of his company, forty-five in number, amounting to about $2,600. For thirty years Mr. Van Pelt conducted the affairs of this company, building up a large, lucrative and successful business, and in April, 1916, he disposed of it, having accumulated a competency in the years of his activity in its affairs. For many years he was a stockholder in the Union Safe Deposit Bank and the Morris Plan Bank.

On the organization of the Security Building and Loan Association October 25, 1912, Mr. Van Pelt accepted the presidency, being well qualified for the position, and under his guidance it had a very rapid growth, conducted as it was along broad and liberal lines. However, wishing to retire from business, he resigned the presidency January 4, 1922.

Mr. Van Pelt is recognized as one of the best posted men in building loan matters in the state. He served as a director on the board of one of the other local building loan associations of Stockton for eighteen years and represented them several times as a delegate to the conventions of the California Building Loan League, a state organization. At the league's annual meeting held in Los Angeles in May, 1910, Mr. Van Pelt was elected president of the state organization. At that meeting he was honored by the league when Stockton was selected as the 1911 meeting place. While president of the state organization he succeeded in reorganizing it and was instrumental in creating more interest in league affairs by the associations throughout the state. In 1916 he was selected as the state league's representative to the annual convention of the United States League of Building Loan Associations held in the city of St. Louis, Mo., and attended the convention. Mr. Van Pelt has always taken an active interest in building loan association matters and always attends the annual meetings of the state organization. By reason of the fact that he is a past president, he has a voice on the floor in all annual meetings of the state league.

In 1911 Mr. Van Pelt built the Van apartments on North American Street, a modern two-story apartment house, up-to-date in every particular and always filled. He also purchased the residence next to his apartment house and remodeled it into four modern apartments and this fine properties are bringing him a splendid income. He has also recently purchased a twenty-acre orchard near Oakdale which is in charge of his son, Percy E. Van Pelt.

Mr. Van Pelt's first marriage occurred in Stockton uniting him with Miss Minnie May Davenport, born at Linden, whose parents were pioneers of that section. She passed away leaving two children: Percy E., who served nineteen months in the U.S. Navy during the World War is now in charge of the Oakdale orchard, and Arthur C., of Colfax. His second marriage at San Jose united him with Mrs. Eunice (Stilson) Taylor, who was born at Corvallis, Ore., a daughter of Frelinghuysen Stilson, born in Delaware County, N.Y., an early settler of Corvallis. A college man, he was a prominent educator in Oregon and was superintendent of schools of Benton County and one of the founders of the Oregon Agricultural College at Corvallis, where he spent his last days. Mrs. Van Pelt's mother was Jessie Marian Thompson, a native of Yamhill County, Ore., a daughter of Arthur Henry Thompson, a native of New York, who crossed the plains in 1847 over the old Oregon Trail. He settled at Astoria when there were only three families in that place and served as justice of the peace. He soon made his way to California, lured by the gold mines and was killed on Sutter Creek by the Indians. Mrs. Stilson also died in Oregon. Mrs. Van Pelt, the eldest of their five children, received her education in the public schools and at St. Helen's Hall, Portland. In Yakima, Wash., she was married to James G. Taylor, who was a prominent railroad man and became master mechanic of the Western Pacific Railroad at Stockton, a position he held until his death. Two children resulted from this union: Mrs. Grace Roles and Roy James.

Mr. Van Pelt is very prominent in fraternal life and is past grand of Stockton Lodge No. 11, I.O.O.F., and for ten years served as treasurer of Charter Oak Lodge, K. of P., and is also past chancellor. He has seen many changes in this locality and well recalls in the early days of Stockton when he drove his team along Main Street in the winter time and the mud would be splashed all over the sidewalks, a decidedly different picture than Stockton of today, with its miles of well-kept streets and beautiful homes.

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CLARENCE VAN TIL

Among the more recent acquisitions to the contracting and building industry of the Ripon section of San Joaqun County, is Clarence Van Til, who located in this section of the county in 1919, where he purchased a ranch and other valuable real estate. He was born in Gronigen, Holland, June 18, 1891, a son of Ite Van Til, a native of the same place and a farmer all his lifetime. The family, consisting of father, mother, seven girls and two boys, left their native land in 1903 and arrived at Grand Rapids, Mich., April 15, the same year. In the fall of 1903 the father and two sons located on a farm near Ellsworth, Mich., where the family resided for a number of years. Clarence was denied the privilege of attending school but a short time, but the knowledge gained by experience, has proved of inestimable value to him in subsequent years. At eighteen years of age he left home and became an apprentice to learn the carpenter's trade at Holland, Mich., where he worked for one year; then he worked for a contractor for fifteen months, receiving for his work one dollar per day, but out of this saved enough money to return to his home on a visit. In 1911 he went to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he worked at his trade for two years. With the money that he was able to save from his two years work, he removed to Denver, Colo., but one year later returned to Grand Rapids, where he did his first contract work, erecting five residences for J. Van Polen, who later became his father-in-law. Our subject's mother passed away at the family home at Ellsworth, Mich., during February, 1905.

On April 5, 1917, at Denver, Colo., Mr. Van Til was married to Miss Sena Van Polen, born September 7, 1890, in Feerwerd, province of Gronigen, Holland, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Jongsma) Van Polen, both natives of Friesland, Holland. Jacob Van Polen was a successful merchant in Grand Rapids for twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Van Til are the parents of one daughter, Gertrude Nellie born at Ripon, July 16, 1920. Mr. Van Til continued his contract work in Colorado until his removal to California in 1919, working in Denver, Seibert and Cope, Colo., where he erected many residences and some business blocks. In Cope, Colo., he erected the bank building and a $10,000 residence for the president of the bank; he also improved a small ranch in the vicinity of Seibert, Colo. He then sold his property in Colorado and removed to California, locating at Ripon and during his three years residence in this section has been active in building. Some of the buildings which he has erected are the Calla district school building, costing $14,000; the Riverbank school costing $24,000; the New Hope and Thornton school buildings. In 1922, Mr. Van Til was awarded the contract for the San Joaquin County Fair Grounds Association, the construction work amounting to $64,000. Mr. Van Til's partner in his contracting work is L. Ubels, who has been doing contracting and building work in San Joaquin County for the past four years. Mr. Van Til has erected a fine residence in Ripon, where he resides with his wife and daughter, and the family are active members of the Christian Reform Church.

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EDWARD VAN VRANKEN

Equipped with a fine legal training, and fortified with the virile experience of an artillery officer three years on our borders and overseas in the World War, Edward Van Vranken, district attorney of San Joaquin County, needs little introduction to Northern Californians. He was born on July 11, 1876, in Marysville, Yuba County, Cal., the son of Eber and Maggie (Schmidtler) Van Vranken, the former having been born in the state of New York, while the mother was born in Luxembourg, and grew up in Wisconsin, where she came with her parents as a child. Mr. and Mrs. Van Vranken were married in California. The father was a gold miner at first, coming to California in 1852, but later he became a successful farmer and stockman.

Edward attended the Brothers' School in Oakland and later the public grammar schools, graduating from the Washington Grammar school near Clements, San Joaquin County in June, 1894, having come to San Joaquin County with his parents when he was ten. In 1895 he left San Joaquin Business College after a year's tuition and entered Hon. Frank H. Smith's law office in Stockton as a student. He was admitted to the bar January 15, 1906, and a year later he entered active practice, for twelve months with O.B. Parkinson, and then alone until 1909, when he entered a partnership with John E. Budd, which terminated in January, 1911, when he was appointed deputy district attorney of San Joaquin County.

On March 22, 1909, Mr. Van Vranken was appointed prosecuting attorney of the city of Stockton, completing the term of M.J. Henry, who resigned. As a young man our subject had served as a deputy in the county clerk's office and in 1908 and again in 1910 he was named secretary of the Republican County Central Committee. Nearly three years of strenuous life were devoted to war service, from June 18, 1916, to May 13, 1919. As captain of Battery C, 1st California Field Artillery, he served during the Mexican trouble, being stationed at Nogales, Ariz., on the border, in summer and fall. On July 3, 1917, his battery was ordered to the Presidio, San Francisco, for World War service and was merged into the 143d Field Artillery, U.S.A. In the summer of 1917 he was commissioned major of the second battalion was being trained at Arcadia, near Los Angeles, he was camp commander, also having a detachment of infantry under him. In October, 1917, he went to Camp Kearney. In July, 1918, with a detachment of field artillery officers he proceeded to Camp Mills, N.Y., and embarked on a transport August 5, reaching France, via Liverpool, Southampton and Havre on August 16. He remained some weeks in Meucon, near Vannes, France, in the Officers' Training School, then at De Souge, near Bordeaux, where he rejoined his outfit. In November, 1918, he was transferred to the 323d Field Artillery, 32d Division, and with the Army of Occupation proceeded to Coblenz on the Rhine. He was in command of the second battalion, and later of the first battalion. He was on duty in Germany until May, 1919, reaching New York on May 13. He obtained honorable discharge at the Presidio at San Francisco, June 21, 1919.

On July 8, 1919, Mr. Van Vranken was named district attorney by the board of supervisors to fill the unexpired term of Charles Light, who had died in office. One of the cases which he tried as district attorney, which attracted much attention, was that of nineteen men indicted by the Grand Jury for criminal utterances against the Government. Four of these were tried, Mr. Van Vranken personally handling the first case, C.F. Bentley, who was convicted. The other three were tried by the deputy district attorney J. Le Roy Johnson and were also convicted.

Mr. Van Vranken is past president of Stockton parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, Past Noble Grand of Truth Lodge, I.O.O.F., and a member of the Elks, Moose, American Legion and the Anteros Club. His marriage united him with Miss Colette Laumeister, who was born in Stockton and comes of a family of pioneers.

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LAWRENCE L. VENTRE

Among the enterprising business men of the younger generation may be found Lawrence L. Ventre, who is the secretary of the Monarch Foundry Company, as well as a director and stockholder. A native of Stockton, Cal., he was born on November 23, 1892, a son of Augustine and Caroline (Deveggio) Ventre, the former native of Italy and the latter of Angels Camp, Calaveras County, Cal. His father was an early settler in Stockton, locating here some forty years ago; he bought land east of town and engaged in truck farming for many years, this property now being within the city limits, and he still makes his home on a portion of this property. There are seven living children in the family.

Lawrence L. Ventre received his education in the Fair Oaks grammar school, the Stockton high school and Heald's Business College, where he took a commercial course. After finishing school, his first position was as a bookkeeper for the Cyclone Iron Works and during 1912 entered the employ of the Monarch Foundry Company, as stenographer and typist; four years later he became the secretary of the company and through good management and economy has become a stockholder and director of the company.

Mr. Ventre's marriage united him with Miss Katherine Fregulia, born in Jackson, Amador County, Cal., a descendant of a pioneer family, and they have one daughter, Lois Mae. Fraternally, Mr. Ventre is a member of the Stockton Elks, No. 218; past commander of the Maccabees; Stockton Lodge of Odd Fellows. He is a charter member of the Progressive Business Men's Club, now known as the Exchange Club, and was the seventh man to join the organization. His ideas are of a progressive nature and when called upon to support any measure for the betterment and advancement of his native city and county, he never fails to respond.

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HARVEY E. VICKROY

Widely known as one of the most experienced and progressive of building contractors in San Joaquin County, Harvey E. Vickroy, of 1122 North Commerce Street, Stockton, never wants for advance commissions to keep him and his force of expert workmen busy. He was born on a farm in Warren County, Iowa, on November 20, 1875, and reared and educated at Chariton, in the Hawkeye State. He learned his trade of a carpenter under Benjamin Frazer, and at that occupation worked in Omaha, Neb., for a year and a half. Arriving at Oakland, on October 1, 1906, he built a number of fine homes there, and also two apartment houses for A.V. Faight, now of Stockton, and on August 4, 1909, removed to the latter city, where he has since followed his line of work. He first worked for Dockendorff, the contractor, and as foreman had charge of the construction of the Congregational Church on Park Street, and also of the second addition to the Moline Plow Building.

In 1910 Mr. Vickroy entered business on his own account, and soon was called upon to put up a four-flat apartment house in San Jose. He next erected both the Arlington Hotel and the Coffee Club building in Stockton, and then he formed a partnership with A.J. McPhee, under the firm name of McPhee & Vickroy, and as partners they built the Griffith Block, the Carlton Block, and the McCoy Block, at the corner of Market and Stanislaus streets. They also constructed a block at East and Main Streets, the Salvation Army Building on South San Joaquin Street, and still other apartment houses. Then Messrs. Vickroy & McPhee dissolved partnership, and our subject operated alone. He erected the Stockwell three-story brick block, and a number of houses for himself, which he built to sell. In 1920 he formed with E.L. Morrison another partnership, under the firm name of Morrison & Vickroy, and they erected the four-story brick block known as the White Hotel, a two-story brick block in El Dorado Street, at the junction with California, while one of their best specimens of work in construction was the new Odd Fellows Building, completed in the fall of 1921. This is located on South Hunter Street, and is one of the best buildings in the city. The firm have also built residences in Tuxedo Park and the Sperry Addition, and a four-flat building near the Sampson Iron Works. Mr. Vickroy has also operated in the Delta district. He built the Waukeen Hotel at Manteca, the best building in that city, and in the same progressive town erected several houses and a business block for Ed Powers. On August 1, 1922, the firm became Vickroy and De Atley, composed of our subject and O.C. De Atley, the latter being an expert builder of concrete buildings. This firm has at present under construction the building of J.C. Renny on Sutter and Miner streets which will be occupied as the new Buick Garage. They are also building the large three-story brick at South California and Lafayette streets for the Italian-American Realty Company and several other structures, business and residences. They employ from fifteen to forty men.

At Leon, Iowa, in 1905, Mr. Vickroy and Miss Caroline L. Smith, a native of Iowa, were married; and nine children add to their comfortable home.

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LEWIS VILLIBORGHI

A naturally gifted Italian dairy-rancher who has made a success of his enterprises in California and is now one of San Joaquin County's most progressive citizens, is Lewis Villiborghi, who was born in Novara, Piedmont, Italy, on July 10, 1872, the son of Sylvester and Mary (Parcivalia) Villiborghi. His father was a stone-mason and farmer, and also worked in log camps in Piedmont; and as the veteran of two wars—in 1848 and in 1858—he was among the most interesting characters in the community where he lived. Mr. and Mrs. Villiborghi had thirteen children, and Lewis was the fifth born in the family.

Lewis Villiborghi attended school long enough to learn to read, write and calculate; although, as early as his seventh year, he made his own way in the world, working for some years for wages in the Alps in the summer, and attending school in the winter. His father died in Italy at the age of sixty-nine; and his mother, who was well thought of by all who knew her, passed away at the age of forty years.

In 1894 our subject came to San Francisco and from there inland to Sonoma, where he stayed for four years, chopping wood and doing general farm work there and at Forestville and Greenville. Then he came to Stockton and took a job with a threshing crew in the summer-time and the following winter worked on the river-boat plying between Stockton and San Francisco. He then went to Jackson, Amador County, and leased a ranch of 100 acres between Jackson and Ione, devoting twenty acres to a vegetable garden which he cultivated and operated for two and one-half years. He next went to Alpine County and worked for a season, helping to construct the Alpine Dam; and on his return to San Francisco he worked for two years as a cook in a restaurant.

He was married in the Bay City, on July 3, 1904, to Miss Rosa Steiner, a native of Canton Schwyz, Switzerland, and the daughter of John and Anna Maria (Steiner) Steiner. The former, a farmer, died when she was five years old, and her mother passed away the year before. This worthy couple had fifteen children, and could not afford higher educational advantages for them than those of the grammar school. When Miss Steiner was twenty-four years old, she came to the United States, and at Lancaster, Pa., worked as a nurse for nine months. This added to her experience and enabled her to come to San Francisco, where she rendered excellent service in the hospital until she was married.

After their marriage Mr. Villiborghi went to Ione, Cal., and worked for wages as a farm hand for one and one-half years; and he then bought a ten-acre ranch in Jackson Valley, where he raised vegetables and also had a dairy. He sold out, and then rented a ranch on shares, and there for about five and one-half years conducted a good-sized dairy. He then moved, with his stock, some sixty-three head, to Galt, and operated the Harvey ranch for two years. Coming next to his present location, he took 240 acres of the McCaulay ranch, about five miles to the northwest of Woodbridge, where he has from twenty-five to thirty cows milking all the time. On this ranch are twenty-five acres of alfalfa, and forty acres of grapes—one-half Tokay and one-half Zinfandel; while the balance of the ranch is devoted to pasture.

Mr. and Mrs. Villiborghi have a family of four attractive children: Rosa attending Galt Union high school, class of 1923, and Marie, Virginia and Sylvester; and they take great delight in the pleasures of their domestic circle. Mr. Villiborghi is a Republican.

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FRED H. VILLINGER

One of the best and most representative agriculturists in San Joaquin County, is Fred H. Villinger, residing on his ranch of 165 acres west of Lodi on the Perrott Road, which has been his home and the center of his operations since 1915. He was born in Santa Ana, Orange County, Cal., May 11, 1884, a son of Leon and Mary (McCoy) Villinger, the father born in San Joaquin County, the mother in Iowa. Grandfather Villinger was a native of Germany and his wife, who was Miss Mary Perchia, was a native of France. They came to California in 1850 and settled in San Joaquin County. The father, Leon Villinger, was married to Miss Mary McCoy in 1876; and they were the parents of six children, three of whom are living: Charles L., of Lodi; Fred H., our subject; and Mrs. Edith Ray, of Clements. The father was reared on his father's farm near Lodi, and for several years after his marriage farmed about two miles south of Lodi, after which he moved to Southern California and engaged in stockraising. In 1892 he returned to his native county and began grape culture with most gratifying success. He is residing at the present time in Lodi.

Fred H. Villinger began his early education in the Santa Ana and Covina district schools; then, when his parents returned to San Joaquin County, he attended the Salem grammar school in Lodi. He is to be considered among the self-made men of the county, for he was but seventeen years old when he started to make his own way. His first position was with the J.A. Anderson Fruit Company, and he was also with the Earl Fruit Company, of Lodi; then he concluded to take up agriculture on his own account, and during the subsequent years has prospered in all branches of this industry. After improving and disposing of two different ranches, he located on his present ranch of 165 acres, six miles west of Lodi, formerly known as the Keller ranch. Sixty acres of this ranch is in bearing vineyard, and Mr. Villinger has set out a young vineyard of forty acres. There is also a twenty-four acre orchard, and the balance is in alfalfa. Mr. Villinger has further improved the ranch with a modern residence and other farm buildings; the ranch is irrigated from the Stockton-Mokelumne ditch.

On June 7, 1911, in Stockton, Mr. Villinger was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Keller, born on the ranch where they now make their home. She is the daughter of John and Doretta (Brack) Keller, pioneers of the county. Mrs. Villinger received her education in the Turner district school and Lodi high school, and finished at Mills College, Oakland. Mr. Villinger is affiliated with Stockton Lodge, No. 218, B.P.O.E., and is also a member of Lodi Aerie No. 848, Fraternal Order of Eagles.

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LEON VILLINGER, SR.

The interest which attaches to the life story of California pioneers is a visible expression of the gratitude which all men feel toward the forerunners of civilization in the Far West, numbered among whom was Leon Villinger, Sr., who experienced all the hardships of those primitive days in his struggle for success. A native of Germany, with his wife and two daughters he started in 1850 on a sailing vessel for the far-off port of San Francisco, coming around the Horn. Both of his daughters died on the voyage and his eldest son Asa was born, the trip consuming eight months and filled with perilous happenings. At one time the ship was nearly lost, with all on board, as it sprang a leak off the west coast of South America and all hands had to bail for their lives until they could put in at the port of Valparaiso, Chili, where they remained six weeks while repairs were being made.

Mr. Villinger, who was a jeweler and watchmaker, engaged in this line of work in San Francisco for two years, and in 1853 he came to Stockton where he opened a jewelry shop, conducting it for two years, when he took up 320 acres of Government land three miles south of Lodi. It was a hand to hand fight in subduing the wilderness in those days and Mr. Villinger worked early and late clearing the land of brush and timber twenty acres at a time, then planting it in wheat. The Indian Reservation was near his home and there were all kinds of wild animals and game in plenty in the vicinity. He cut the wood on his place and hauled it to Stockton, where he sold it for five to eight dollars a cord. This was also the market for his wheat, which brought about eighty cents per cental. There were no roads in those early days and it took three days to get to Stockton through that wild country, the mud being so deep in the winter that it was necessary to drag their loads all the sixteen miles on sleds, with six mules hitched to them. Mrs. Villinger, who was Mary Peshy before her marriage, a native of France, passed away in Lodi in 1915 at the age of ninety-five; a fine type of pioneer woman, she came of long-lived ancestry, her father reaching the age of 104, while her mother lived to be ninety-six. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Villinger the following are living: Asa lives in Lodi; Lucian and John are ranchers in the Lodi district; Leon lives at Lodi, and Mrs. Kate Goodwin makes her home at Fullerton, Cal.

Leon Villinger, Jr., was born on the old ranch near Lodi, November 5, 1854. The country was very sparsely settled then and the chances for schooling were meager, so as there was work for every one in the family, Leon started at the early age age of eight to plow the virgin soil with a two-mule team. When he was eighteen he developed a ranch of 160 acres near the river northeast of Lodi, farming it to grain for seven years. He then located in Santa Ana, Orange County, Cal., where he purchased a thirty-seven acre orange grove, making this his home for seventeen years. When he returned to Lodi he first bought a place of twenty acres on Cherokee Lane, which he improved, planting some of it to grapes, and at the end of six years he disposed of it at a good profit. He then bought the property at 222 East Oak Street, Lodi, and erected the residence which has since been his home. Meanwhile he has been interested in the development of other properties, purchasing land next to the old cemetery, of which he was custodian for some time, later selling this land to Mrs. Frances Barton. He also bought forty acres on the river north of Lodi which he brought to a high state of improvement, planting a vineyard and installing a fine irrigation system with cement piping and two pumping plants, and after three years he sold this property to his son Charles L. Villinger.

Mr. Villinger's marriage united him with Miss Mary E. McCoy, who was born at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and three children were born to them: Charles L., Fred H. and Mrs. Edith E. Ray. Always a leader in community enterprise, Mr. Villinger was elected as a member of the first board of trustees when Lodi was incorporated in 1906, serving six years and giving faithful service, the board holding 101 meetings the first year, when so many matters were coming up for adjustment. He is also prominent in the Lodi Lodge of Odd Fellows, having passed through all the chairs.

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WALTER VINCENT

For the past twenty-four years, Walter Vincent has rendered valuable service in the employ of the Stockton Iron Works as a blacksmith; he has also been interested in agricultural pursuits and is the owner of a fine sixty-acre ranch near Collegeville. He was born in Stockton, January 14, 1862, a son of George and Annie (Ferrier) Vincent, natives of Vermont and Scotland, respectively. George Vincent came tot California in the early '50s, via Panama, and after his arrival engaged in mining at Coloma and also clerked in a grocery store there; he also mined in Nevada in the early days. Both George Vincent and his wife were well known to the citizens of Stockton in pioneer days, for they conducted a millinery store and in connection with it they were agents for sewing machines. George Vincent was an inventor of considerable ability. Among his inventions was a sewing machine run by water power; a hemmer, which has been adopted by sewing machine companies; he invented a flexible truck; also a valve used on screen doors. He worked on his inventions for twenty years and he and his wife carried on their store successfully; he was the possessor of a fine tenor voice and sang in different churches in the city. George Vincent and his wife were the parents of seven children; four grew up and three are now living: George Jr., grew to manhood and died in 1920; Walter; Clarence residing in Oakland; and Horace, bookkeeper in the Stockton Savings & Loan Bank. The mother passed away in 1871 and was survived by her husband until 1894.

Walter Vincent attended the Franklin school and the Lone Tree district school and at the youthful age of twelve began to work in a ranch near Escalon, being engaged in ranching for a number of years. When seventeen he returned to Stockton where he learned the blacksmiths trade with the Matteson-Williamson Company; then completed his trade with the Bigelow Construction Company in San Francisco continuing there for over two years. Upon returning to San Joaquin Valley he entered the employ of Walter Matteson in a machine shop at Oakdale; he then worked for the Houser Harvester Company as a blacksmith, at the time his father was bookkeeper for the company. He then worked for the Shippee Company and for twelve years was employed at the Globe Iron Works. In 1899 he entered the employ of the Stockton Iron Works as blacksmith and he is still employed in that position for this company.

The marriage of Mr. Vincent united him with Miss Emily Ladd, born in Stockton, a daughter of that honored pioneer, Ira W. Ladd, the ceremony taking place at the Ladd homestead on September 4, 1894. Ira W. Ladd was born in Vermont in 1837 and came to California with his brother George S., via Panama in 1852; he was a miner and at the same time was a successful stockraiser. When he located in Stockton in 1856 he engaged in freighting to the Southern mines. He became a very prominent land owner, owning 360 acres in San Joaquin County, 800 acres in Solano County. He married Miss Emily J. Sutherland in 1858, a daughter of Jacob Sutherland, well known as a pioneer, who had crossed the plains with his family in 1852. Ira. W. Ladd and his good wife were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living; Lillian Isabel; Frederick G., of Coalinga; and Emily J., Mrs. Vincent. Ira W. Ladd was a trustee of the Weber school district and fraternally was a charter member of the Stockton Lodge, No. 11, I.O.O.F., the San Joaquin County Society of Pioneers and politically was a Republican. He passed away in 1915, aged seventy-seven. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vincent; Walter Ladd, formerly with the Bank of Italy in Stockton, now with that institution in San Francisco; Helen is the wife of Clarence Richards and they reside in Stockton; and Robert is with the Stockton Paint Company. Mr. Vincent is a member of Truth Lodge, No. 55, I.O.O.F., and also of the Encampment in which he is past chief patriarch.

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JOSEPH P. VINET

The farming and stockraising industries in San Joaquin County contribute a very large percentage of the prosperity and wealth of the county, for much of the land is in the possession of men of marked enterprise and progressive methods. Of these men mention is made of Joseph P. Vinet, who located on his present ranch in 1897, and its appearance is indicative of his life of usefulness and agricultural activity. He is a native son of California, born on his father's ranch in San Joaquin County, on October 17, 1862.

His father, Peter Vinet, was born in Charante, France, in October, 1820, received his education in the schools of his locality and early learned the baker's trade. In 1839 he emigrated from Bordeaux, France, to Vera Cruz, Mexico, and there followed his calling, and there found his wife, whom he married in 1845, and who was in maidenhood, Miss Refugio Aguirre, born in Mexico in 1830, a daughter of Joseph Aguirre, a Spaniard. Upon the discovery of gold in California in 1849, Peter Vinet came to this state and for a few years was engaged in mining in Tuolumne County, after which he went to Sonora and opened a bakery and sold bread as high as $1.00 a loaf; later he was in the mercantile business at San Jose for a number of years. In 1859 he located in Dent Township, San Joaquin County, and bought 160 acres of land, which he increased to 1,760 acres as he prospered in raising grain, that being his chief industry, although he raised some stock. He was one of the original stockholders of the Shell Ditch, which eventually became the South San Joaquin Irrigation Company, and he was one of the members of the old Agricultural Society. He was of a benevolent disposition and supported all progressive movements for the betterment of general conditions in the county and state. He gave liberally to all religious denominations, regardless of creed, and was a firm believer in education and the maintenance of schools. Mr. and Mrs. Vinet were survived by three children: Joseph P., of San Joaquin County, Anita, who married William Lamasney and lives in Stockton; and Marie, who became the wife of Alfred G. Baker and died at San Francisco. One son, Leopold Vinet, died at the age of sixteen, in 1869. Mrs. Peter Vinet passed away in September, 1894, followed to the grave by her husband on December 27, of that same year. Both were mourned by a wide circle of devoted friends besides their immediate family. It is to such public-spirited men and women that California owes much for laying a firm foundation for its future prosperity.

Joseph P. Vinet received a good schooling in the local schools and finished with a business course and also attended the University of Santa Clara in 1880-'81, after which he returned to the home ranch and entered into a partnership with his father in the stock and grain business. The original brand established by his father is still used and is recognized by all stockmen as the PV brand. Mr. Vinet owns 533 acres of fine wheat land and eighty acres of grazing land and he raises large quantities of wheat and barley each year.

The marriage of Joseph P. Vinet occurred on October 24, 1887, and united him with Miss Louise Pache, who was born in Stockton, October 8, 1861. She is a representative of an old pioneer family, her father, Jules P. Pache, a native of Paris, France, came to America in 1851, around the Horn, arriving in California in the gold mining days and spent some time searching for the precious metal, locating at French Bar, Mariposa County, after which he engaged in the forwarding and commission business in Stockton. Some time later he was associated with Louis Chicard in the same business, then was a bookkeeper for I.S. Bostwick, and still later was with the Farmers Union. For twenty years he was a bookkeeper for the Stockton Savings and Loan Association. He was one of the dependable men of his day and could always be counted on to do his share to promote any worthy cause. For many years he was the representative of the French Consul for the mountain and valley counties. He married, in 1860, Miss Marie Elizabeth Chicard, born in Independence, Mo., on November 12, 1843, who came with her family to California across the plains, arriving November 1, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Pache had six children: Louise, Mrs. J.P. Vinet; Dr. George F. Pache of Angels Camp; Edmund B., of San Francisco; Philip F., a merchant at Angels Camp; Dr. Francis C., of San Diego; and Mrs. Julie Umberger, of Angels Camp. Mr. Pache came of a prominent family from southern France, one branch being Royalist and the other Republican in its leaning. One member of the family was tutor to the children of Louis XV, another a Count at the Court of Charles XII. During the Revolution a member was on the committee of safety and prefect of Paris, later retiring to his home in southern France where he wrote a treatise on metaphysics.

Mrs. Vinet received a good education at Notre Dame College at San Jose and has become the mother of four children: Elois R., is the wife of W.C. Lucas, has three daughters and two sons and lives in Ione; Lucille A., married Dr. L.E. Tretheway and died December 31, 1920, survived by one son and one daughter; Antoinette K., became the wife of S.D. Miller and has two boys and two girls and they reside at Manteca; Josephine E., resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Vinet belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Columbus, and formerly was a member of the Republican county central committee and still takes an active part in local politics. He is a firm believer in the good roads movements and in irrigation activities, and he wields an influence for good in a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The Vinet family belong to St. Patrick's Parish at Atlanta, of which Peter Vinet was one of the pioneer supporters and organizers.

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GABRIEL J. VISCHI, M.D.

A worthy representative of the medical profession in California, Dr. Gabriel J. Vischi, the rising young physician and surgeon, of 38 South Sutter Street, Stockton, is also a cultured linguist, speaking English, Spanish and Italian fluently. He was born in San Francisco on June 19, 1892, the son of Joseph and Valentine (Valente) Vischi, the former a native of Italy, and the latter a Californian. His father came out to the Golden State in 1876, a jeweler by trade, and he opened the first Italian jewelry store in San Francisco, in which city Mrs. Vischi was born. He and his estimable wife make their home with Dr. Vischi. Her father was Joseph Valente, and he was an early settler in the Bay City. He was a mining engineer, operated in Indian Gulch, in Calaveras County, and came to be identified with the pioneer doings in a section of California made immortal by both Mark Twain and Bret Harte.

Gabriel Vischi attended the grammar schools of San Francisco and then was graduated from the Polytechnic high school of that city, after which he entered the University of California, which conferred upon him, in 1912, the Ph. C. degree. Four years later he was graduated, after a thorough course in medicine, from the San Francisco College of Physicians and Surgeons, when he received the M.D. degree; and then, for a year, he was an interne at the San Francisco County Hospital. When the United States shared the responsibilities of the World War, he entered the service, in October, 1917, as Orthopedic Surgeon, and was commissioned first lieutenant of the Medical Corps. He was stationed at the base hospital at Camp Lewis, and later at Camp Kearney, and then he was detached and sent to the hospital at Fort McKinley, five miles from Manila, in the Philippine Islands, where he remained from July to September, 1918. He was then ordered to Siberia with Field Hospital No. 4 Company, and the Ambulance Company No. 4, and in far-off Siberia he saw active service from September, 1918, to June 4, 1919, advancing rapidly and becoming one of the leading surgeons. Had not the armistice been signed when it was, he would have been duly commissioned a major. Arriving back in San Francisco on July 17, 1919, he was honorably discharged on August 4.

Dr. Vischi then located at Stockton, greatly enriched through his experience as a physician and surgeon of responsibility in the Army; and he has ever since been active in the practice of his profession, enjoying the entire confidence, as well as the highest esteem, of a wide circle of friends. He is a member of American Medical Association as well as the state and county medical societies. He belongs to the Karl Ross Post of the American Legion, and to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association; and he is also a member of the Stockton Red Men, the Eagles, the Druids, and the Yeoman. Miss Ethel Vischi, his older sister, is an artist of exceptional natural talent and enjoys the distinction of having studied at the Johns Hopkins Art Institute and the Best Art School. She excels in china painting, illustrating, photographic work, modeling, and in both oil and water-color painting. Miss Ada Vischi, his younger sister, also makes her home with Dr. Vischi and is secretary for George F. McNoble, attorney-at-law.

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OTTO M. VOGELSANG

A worthy citizen of Stockton, who has a record of continuous service with one firm of thirty-eight years, is Otto M. Vogelsang, the owner and proprietor of the James T. Mills Hardware Company, 30 East Main Street. He was born in Petersburg, Calaveras County, Cal., on December 12, 1864. He received his education in the country schools and his first job was herding sheep for three months for Fred Beal. In 1882 he went to Stockton and was employed with James T. Mills, and there he learned the tinsmith and plumbers' trade; later he became the foreman of all outside work. Upon the death of Mr. Mills in 1900 he assumed the management of the business. Mr. Mills' daughter, Miss M. Alice Mills, succeeded to the business and when she passed away in 1920 she willed the entire stock and fixtures of the hardware store, free of debt, and $3,000 in cash to Mr. Vogelsang, a fitting tribute for his faithful and efficient years of service to her father and herself. Miss Mills was graduated from the Stockton high school in 1871, this being the first graduating class from that institution.

James T. Mills was a native of Hartford, Conn. When he was a young boy he ran away from home and went to sea; he sailed around the Horn to California in 1849 and in 1850 settled in Stockton and opened a plumbing and hardware store, the first of its kind in Stockton. He was a fine mechanic and worked on many of the first buildings to be erected in Stockton; among them the Catholic Church, the First Presbyterian Church, the First Methodist Church, and the first court house erected in Stockton. He was active in civic affairs, serving on the city council, the city board of education; was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and Exempt Firemen's Association; he was a charter member of Charity Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was an active member of the Congregational Church, and a strong temperance advocate, and was beloved by all who knew him.

The marriage of Mr. Vogelsang united him with Miss Nancy Gertrude Wyatt, a native of Stockton, Cal., whose parents were pioneers of that section. They are the parents of two sons. Harold A. is secretary to the chief of police of Stockton. During the World War he was sent to France and became machine-gun and bayonet instructor and during his service of eighteen months drilled 40,000 men; he was one of five who went from San Joaquin County to serve as instructors during the war. Ralph Leslie, formerly treasurer of the Yosemite Theater, is now a stage carpenter. He served the last two months of the war in the motor truck division at Tacoma, Wash. While the greater portion of his time is consumed by his business, Mr. Vogelsang can be counted upon to support all public-spirited movements for the good of the community.

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CHARLES W. VOLLBRECHT

A valuable ranch of twenty-five acres on East Pine Street, about a mile east of Lodi is the property of Charles W. Vollbrecht, who is engaged in the culture of grapes. He was born at Riceville, Iowa, on March 26, 1890, a son of William and Anna Vollbrecht. William Vollbrecht was born in Germany and came to America with his parents when he was three years old. Charles W., our subject, is one of a family of twelve children; Martha, deceased; Herman; Amanda; Jennie; Emma is Mrs. Merrill; Minnie; Charles, our subject; Lillian; Clara; Cora; Jack and Robert. William Vollbrecht and his wife now live retired in Riceville, Iowa.

Charles W. received a grammar school education at Riceville, Iowa, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. When he was twenty-two years old he rented 440 acres (the home place) and later bought his father's stock and farm equipment, where he farmed for seven years.

The marriage of Mr. Vollbrecht occurred at Riceville on November 6, 1912, and united him with Miss Dorothy Peters, a native of Tama, Iowa, a daughter of John and Matilda (Lohrmann) Peters, a farmer of that state. There were five children in her family; Ella, Dorothy, Mrs. Vollbrecht, Elmer, Hazel and Irene. In 1918, Mr. Vollbrecht came to California and purchased seventeen and a half acres northwest of Victor, a full-bearing vineyard, and in 1919 sold this property and purchased the twenty-five acre ranch on East Pine Street, where he resides. He also owned another ranch near Lodi, but recently sold it for $2,600 per acre and now devotes his entire time to the cultivation and development of his home place. Mr. and Mrs. Vollbrecht are the parents of one son Earl. He and his family are members of the Lodi Lutheran Church and in politics he is a Republican. He enjoys the confidence of the business community and he has secured a good home and gained a comfortable competence.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/15/2010

HERMAN VOLLBRECHT

San Joaquin County is largely indebted to the intensive farmer for its remarkable progress and development; and to this class belongs Herman Vollbrecht, whose excellent vineyard of twenty acres is among the best-improved and most successfully managed ranches in the county. He was born in Iowa, near Riceville, Mitchell County, on September 30, 1881, a son of William and Anna Vollbrecht. William Vollbrecht was born in Germany and was brought to America by his parents when he was three years old. Herman Vollbrecht is one of a family of twelve children: Martha, deceased; Herman, of this sketch; Amanda; Jennie; Emma, now Mrs. Merrill; Minnie; Charles, residing at Lodi; and Lillian, Clara, Cora, Jack and Robert, of Stockton. His father and mother still reside in Iowa.

Herman Vollbrecht received his education in the Iowa grammar schools. When he was twenty-one, he left the parental roof, but remained in Iowa, farming until 1907, when he came to California and settled at Lodi, where he purchased ten acres in the vicinity of Victor; later he added ten acres to it, so that he now has twenty acres in a fine vineyard. He has a fine ranch house on this property, and it is equipped with a good irrigation plant, with a four-inch pump driven by a ten-horsepower motor, which is sufficient for the cultivation and irrigation of his entire twenty acres. He also owns an interest in 106 acres just north of the Mokelumne River in partnership with C.W. Hoag, of Christian Colony, and J.J. Schmiedt, of Victor. At the present time, this property is undeveloped; but it will be improved, and probably set to vines.

The marriage of Mr. Vollbrecht occurred on November 14, 1906, at Elma, Iowa, and united him with Miss Laura Miller, a native of Iowa, born in the vicinity of Elma, and a daughter of Henry and Bertha Miller. Henry Miller passed away on March 8, 1920, at Lodi; the mother still lives at Lodi. Mrs. Vollbrecht is the oldest of four children, the others being Dorothy, Roy and Bertha. Mr. Vollbrecht is a Republican; and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Ref: Page 1056-1059

Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/3/2010

FRED D. NAYLOR

Although for many years identified with the flour milling industry and well known all over the United States through his inventions in this line, Fred D. Naylor has made an outstanding success in the automobile business as agent for the Ford car and Fordson tractor for Stockton and vicinity. Mr. Naylor was born at Woodstock, Canada, July 6, 1869, the son of James Naylor, who married Nancy Maria Outwater, and moved with his family to Columbus, Neb., in 1874, where he became a pioneer, owning a farm near that city and at the same time plying his trade of blacksmith in the town. He died there in 1904, after having done his part to help build up his section. Mrs. Naylor died in 1921, leaving four daughters and two sons, of whom Fred D. is the only one in the West. He attended the local schools in his district and learned the trade of blacksmith with his father, but he did not follow it; instead he engaged in the grocery business at the age of nineteen. Later he learned the trade of miller in the Elevator-Roller Mills at Columbus, Nebr., and having mastered the business thoroughly he was advanced to the position of head miller, and was with this concern for ten years. While there he invented and patented a flour bleacher, called the Natural Refiner, and with this he traveled all over the United States, installing the same in flour mills.

In 1909 Mr. Naylor came to Stockton and for a year and a half was with the Crown Mills, and in 1911 he entered the employ of J.L. Whitmore as a salesman for the Chalmers car. About this time Mr. Whitmore took the agency for the Ford car, and later he turned it over to Mr. Naylor without a cent of expense, as he could not see any future for it. Mr. Naylor had the good judgment to grasp the opportunity and thus virtually had a gold mine presented to him. In 1912, the first year he had the agency, Mr. Naylor sold sixty-nine cars, and in 1920 his contract with the Ford Motor Company called for 600 Ford cars and 150 Fordson tractors. In early days he was limited to eight square miles of territory, which included Stockton, but in 1920 the limit was removed from his territory. In 1922 he took the agency for the Lincoln car, Mr. Ford having succeeded to the ownership of the manufactory. At 317 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, Mr. Naylor erected one of the largest and finest buildings in the West for a garage and sales room, the plant being 100x300 feet in size and modern in every appointment, making an ideal business place for his expanding custom.

Mr. Naylor's marriage united him with Miss Nellie E. Brown, a native of Hastings, Nebr., and they have two daughters: Esther, who graduated from the University of California in 1920, and is now the wife of Irwin Barbour, married on December 22, 1921; they reside at Glenn Cove, N.Y.; and Helen, who attended Miss Head's School in Berkeley and the Bishop's School at La Jolla, Cal. Mr. Naylor belongs to Stockton Lodge, No. 218, B.P.O.E., and to the Knights of the Maccabees; he is an enthusiastic member of the Stockton Golf and Country Club, and holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants' Association and the State Automobile Association. After several years of hard work in building up a successful business, in 1922 Mr. Naylor decided to take a needed rest and accompanied by his wife and daughter, Helen, left Stockton on June 15, took an extended Mediterranean cruise and visited many interesting points in Europe, returning to Stockton on September 21, 1922.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/3/2010

JOHN NAZRO

A wide-awake young business man, John Nazro is the efficient secretary and designer of the Engineering & Foundry Company of Stockton and has done much for the city's industrial and business development, his labors proving of direct benefit in advancing the prosperity of the state. He was born in Chicago, Ill., October 26, 1890, but as his father was a mining engineer in Colorado, his parents removed to Denver and our subject became a messenger boy and later stock boy with the Denver Dry Goods Company. He attended the Denver high school and there took mechanical drawing and shop work in connection with his other studies. In 1908 the family removed to California and located at San Jose, where John entered the San Jose high school, from which he was graduated; then attended Stanford University for two years, taking the mechanical engineering course. In company with his father, he went to Tuolumne County and followed mining engineering during 1910 and 1911; he was engineer in the construction of the concrete dam for the West Side Lumber Company. On November 1, 1911, he returned to Stockton and became draftsman for the Aurora Engine Company; then he was with the Stockton Iron Works in the same capacity. Removing to Los Angeles he became salesman for the Campbell Real Estate Company, selling orange land in San Bernardino County. Returning to Stockton he was employed as draftsman by the Holt Manufacturing Company and in 1915 entered the employ of the Engineering & Foundry Company, and assisted in designing a motor for the Harris Manufacturing Company. Later he traveled as a salesman for the same company. He then became designer and engineer for the Gieger Iron Works; then was solicited to return to the Engineering & Foundry Company as secretary and designer, which position he now holds to the entire satisfaction of his company.

The marriage of Mr. Nazro occurred at Stockton and united him with Miss Lois Stamper, a native of Stockton whose parents were pioneers, and they are the parents of two children: Nancy Louise and John Jr. Fraternally Mr. Nazro is a member of the Stockton Elks, No. 218. He enjoys the confidence of the business community, and the high regard of his associates in social life.

Ref: Page 555-556

Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/4/2010

CHARLES E. NEEDHAM

When Charles E. Needham passed away, San Joaquin County lost an influential and progressive citizen, one who had resided in the county since 1867, when he removed from his native state of Vermont, December 1, 1829, a son of Charles and Minerva (Porter) Needham. The ancestry of Charles E. Needham is traced in a direct line from Anthony Needham, an Englishman, and his wife, Anna Potter Needham, who were charged as Quakers on June 25, 1658, and were duly persecuted. They were the progenitors of the Needham family in America, which has been traced in a direct line through succeeding generations to the present time by H.C. Needham, a well-known attorney of New York City. The Needhams were men of military habits and, despite his Quaker faith, Anthony, Sr., was corporal of the Salem Old Troop in 1665, and in 1675 he served during King Philip's War as a lieutenant under Captain Nicholas Manning of Salem. He had a son Anthony, and it is said that he was the first white settler within the present town of Wales, Hampden County, Mass., where he settled in 1726. The next in line was Jeremiah Needham, born in 1741 at South Brimfield, Mass., where he was town clerk in 1765. He was also a sergeant in Capt. Daniel Winchester's company, Col. Ruggle's Woodbridge's regiment, serving from August 17, 1777, until November 29 of that same year, with the Northern Army; he was also a private in Capt. John Carpenter's company of guards from June 24 to August 4, 1779, and was stationed at Springfield, Mass. Jeremiah had a son of the same name who moved to Vermont in 1805. The next in line was Charles Needham, the father of our subject, born in 1800, who moved to DeKalb, Ill., in 1854, where he engaged in raising Morgan horses from the famous Black Hawk stock; in 1855, with his son, he opened up Gibson's Addition of 320 acres to DeKalb, and he also played a prominent part in the early development of agriculture in that state.

Charles E. Needham married Miss Olive L. Drake, born in Crown Point, N.Y., but they both grew up on Lake Champlain and he crossed the ice in winter to do his courting. In 1862, leaving his wife and three children in the East, he crossed the plains to California and engaged in ranching in Santa Clara County, but being a strong abolitionist, he determined to go East to lend his aid in freeing the slaves. He did return to Illinois intending to join the Northern forces but his three children were of tender years and he was persuaded that his first duty was to his wife and family. With his wife and family, he set out with an emigrant train for the Golden State, as soon as he could, and it was en route that their fourth child, James Carson, was born at Carson City, Nev. They reached their destination at Mayfield, Santa Clara County, in the latter part of 1864, and Mr. Needham resumed his ranching operations. He was a strong Whig and Republican and was a personal friend of Gen. John C. Fremont. It is said that he wept bitterly when he heard of the defeat of Fremont for the presidency in 1856, and he never shaved his beard thereafter. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Needham: James Carson Needham, a prominent citizen of Modesto, an ex-congressman and at present judge of the Superior Court of Stanislaus County; Harry B., employed in the U.S. Customs office in San Francisco; Cyrus H., a rancher at Patterson; Myrta L. is the wife of W.G. McKean and resides in Berkeley; Lillian V. is the wife of William E. Holman, a rancher near Farmington, San Joaquin County; Luella G. became the wife of James T. Holman and also lives near Farmington. Mr. Needham was public-spirited in citizenship, was trustworthy in business, faithful in friendship, and in his home was most devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family. Many were his good qualities and few his faults. He loved truth and justice and represented a high type of our American manhood.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/4/2010

MARCELLO NEGRETE

The well-known harnessmaker and automobile top manufacturer, an expert in his line, Marcello Negrete, is a native of Mexico, having been born in Mexico City, January 16, 1865, and there received all the schooling he ever had. While still young in years, he was apprenticed to learn the harnessmaker's trade and worked at it until he was twenty-three years old, when he went to Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, and there continued to work at his trade. In 1895 he removed to Stockton, and was first employed by C. Rodder, the harness man; later with C.G. Schneider in the same work. Nineteen years ago he established his own business at 129 South Hunter street, where he remained for ten years and then located at his present place, 112 South Hunter street, where he makes automobile tops and specializes in fine hand-tooled Mexican saddles, an art he acquired while residing in Mexico. He makes the steel tools with which he executes the designs of flowers and fruits and these saddles bring a high price. Mr. Negrete engraved a large piece of leather for the Chamber of Commerce for exhibition at Buffalo, N.Y.; this piece was also recently shown at the San Joaquin County fair held in Stockton in 1921, and attracted a great deal of attention, it being a very fine piece of work. He has also engraved a suitcase, which is considered by the salesmen who handle it, as the finest piece of engraving on the market. Mr. Negrete is known throughout the state as the most expert workman in his line.

The marriage of Mr. Negrete united him with Miss Adella Lizarraga, a native of Sinaloa, and seven children blessed their union: Vincent Negrete is a graduate of the Stockton high school and is with the Joe Gianelli Company; Antoinetta is a graduate of the high school and the Brothers School and is now one of the Dominican Sisters in the San Francisco convent; Ralph is a graduate of the high school and the Brothers School and employed by the Sampson Iron Works; Irma is a graduate of the high school and the Brothers School and is a clerk with the Merchants' Association Rating Bureau of Stockton; August is clerk in the Stockton Branch of the Bank of Italy; Aurora is employed by the Joe Gianelli Company; and Salvador is a student in Santa Rosa College. Mrs. Negrete passed away February 2, 1919.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/4/2010

GIOVANNI NELLI

A prominent member of the Italian-American residents of Stockton, Giovanni Nelli is the senior member of the men's furnishing store of Nelli & Mazza. He was born near Florence, Italy, on December 27, 1880, where he attended the public schools, and afterwards took a commercial course. Upon reaching eighteen years of age he entered the Italian army, where he served for twenty-two months; at one time being stationed at Napoli and Salerno, where he served as a clerk in the commissary department; he then went to South America as a commercial traveler throughout Brazil and other South American countries and in 1903 arrived in the United States and located in Seattle, remaining there only six months when he located in Stockton. He entered the employ of Alfred Santini as a clerk and upon receiving word that his mother was very ill in Italy, he left and went back to his old home, where he spent eight months, after which he returned to Stockton and assumed his old position. During 1910 he formed a partnership with D. Mazza and purchased the haberdashery of R. Marguetti, located at 226 South Center Street, where a fine business has been built up; the store has been enlarged, new fixtures installed, and a complete and up-to-date line of goods is carried.

The marriage of Mr. Nelli united him with Miss Adella Peirano, a native of Sonora, Tuolumne County, Cal. Mr. Nelli has made a number of valuable real estate purchases, including an apartment house on Poplar and San Joaquin streets, his new residence at 20 East Ash Street, and another fine residence on South Sutter Street. He is a prominent member of the Italian colony of Stockton and has been the secretary and treasurer of the Stockton Italian Club since its organization. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Concordia Club, of which he has been secretary for ten years, and the Italian branch of the Foresters of America, serving as secretary for ten years. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Italy. In the spring of 1921 he and his wife took a trip covering five months, to his old home in Italy, visiting the principal cities of his native country.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/4/2010

CARL HENNING NELSON

A successful and prominent building contractor of Stockton, whose operations have extended over a period of thirteen years, Carl Henning Nelson is a native of Sweden, born near Stockholm on May 12, 1879, and there he was reared and educated, learning the carpenter trade. At the age of nineteen years he came to the United States and locating at Republic, the copper district of Michigan, engaged in construction work and bridge building for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. During 1901 he removed to Alaska, where he followed mining for two years, after which he returned to the states and located at Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was occupied in construction work on a number of large buildings, including theaters, office buildings and hotels, covering a period of seven years; he also worked on the union depot of the Oregon Short Line Railroad and along the Union Pacific Railroad doing construction work. He then spent one year traveling throughout England, Norway and Sweden, visiting his old home city. Returning to California, he met and married Miss Esther P. Nelson, a resident of Los Angeles, but a native of Sweden, who came to California at the age of seventeen years, and they are the parents of two children, Vivian, and Carl H., Jr.

In the spring of 1909 Mr. Nelson located in Stockton and formed a partnership with G.A. Sleeth, under the firm name of Sleeth and Nelson, building contractors. For ten years this partnership was continued with great success, fifty houses being erected the first year in business. Among the business blocks and residences erected are the following: a store building for Walter J. Hammond on South California Street, a store, residence and hotel at the corner of Center and Washington streets, five buildings for L. Mollenhauer at the corner of Sonora and Stanislaus streets, a flat building for A. De Paoli at American and Park streets, a fine residence for E. Elwing on North Street and for P.A. Bryant on the Sonora Road, a store, residence and flats for Hans Axel on Sonora and East streets. They also built some fine homes, warehouses and barns in the Delta district, a residence for M. Borden on Victoria Island, a residence for Martin Lund on Union Island, besides residences in Woodbridge, Lodi and Los Banos. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Elks, and president of the Swedish Fraternal order of Stockton.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 6/4/2010

GEORGE NELSON

A man of wide and valuable experience, and exceptional ability, natural and developed, in his important line of work, George Nelson, at present foreman for Messrs. Daniels & Green, Stockton, has been prominent for some years on account of his active and responsible connection with construction work, having much to do with the development of both the city and San Joaquin County. He was born on a farm in Sweden, on October 8, 1883, the son of Jons Nilsson, a farmer, and his good wife, Johanna, worthy folk in moderately independent circumstances, and he was the youngest of five children that grew up. His parents were devoted to their family, and from his sixth to his fourteenth year, he was sent to the excellent Swedish schools,—so famous for “sloyd” and other progressive features,—while at the proper age he was confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran Church. After confirmation, toward his middle-teens, he left home and struck out into the world to make his own living; and for a while he followed various kinds of work, in time learning the trade of a carpenter, and learning it thoroughly, as is customary in his native land.

In 1903, spurred on by the many stories of greater opportunity in the New World, he crossed the ocean sailing from Malmo, Sweden, on July 10, on the “Oscar II.” of the Scandinavian-American Line, landing at Ellis Island after a pleasant ocean voyage of two weeks. He did not tarry long in the metropolis, but pushed on toward the West, to South Dakota and Rapid City, at which place his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. N.F. Nelson, were holding down a homestead. He remained there a week, then found work as a cage tender in the Clover Leaf gold mine at Robaix, S.D., where his brother, Carl J. Nelson, now a building contractor at French Camp, was employed. For a year and a half he worked in their gold mine, sticking to his post as long as the mine was operated.

Thrown again upon his resources, and coming fortunately under the spell of the still more wonderful stories about California, Mr. Nelson in 1905 continued his migration, accompanied by his said brother Carl J., this time to the Pacific Coast, and arrived at Sacramento in the month of March of that year. As he did not find the right kind of work in the Capital City, he went to Camino, in El Dorado County, where he put in a hard year working for the El Dorado Lumber Company, building dry-kilns and other structures. He then secured a job with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as bridge and house-builder; but after two years of continuous work in that company's service, where he added to his reputation for both skill and dependability, in 1907 he went to work for the Western Pacific Railroad Company, and continued there for a year and a half as carpenter and builder. He helped to build the roundhouse and other much-needed structures, and was sent to Stockton, where he assisted in putting up the Western Pacific roundhouse. From the first he liked Stockton and resolved some day to settle here.

During 1909, Mr. Nelson returned to Sweden for a visit to his parents, who are, happily, still living and prosperous there, leaving here on August 6, and arriving at Malmö, the same month. Sweden looked good to him again, despite the attractions of California, an he remained at his old home for some months. Then, like almost everyone else who has once partaken of the pleasures of residence and life in the Golden State, he came back to California, leaving Sweden on January 3, 1910. He first made his way to England, and there took passage on the great steamer “Lusitania,” now immortal through her tragic fate in the recent World War; and in time he arrived safely at Stockton again, greatly benefited, and with an enlarged experience, on account of his wide tour. For a while, he re-engaged with the Western Pacific Railroad. It was not long, however, before an offer from Edgar Woodruff drew him from railroad work to the new “Record Building,” the future home of the Stockton Daily Record, and he continued with that leading contractor for a year. He then worked for Tom Lewis, the contractor and builder, for another year, and in 1913 entered upon a four months' service with James Mulcahy, a Stockton contractor and builder who was just then erecting St. Gertrude's Church in Stockton; and he next went to work for Messrs. Daniels & Green, a firm widely known beyond the confines of San Joaquin County. That was in the latter part of 1915, and he has remained with them ever since. Mr. Nelson has steadily advanced in the development of their extensive operations, having been appointed in 1917 foreman of construction, a post he has filled with signal ability ever since. He has thus come to have charge of many of the most important buildings erected in Stockton in recent years, including the brick block at the southwest corner of Main and Aurora streets, known as the City Development Building, an addition to the Harris Manufacturing Company's plant, the basement and vaults of the Commercial Savings Bank Building, the office of the Kroyer plant on Cherokee Lane, and the Levy Bros.' Department Store Building on Main and Hunter streets,—an edifice of five stories, with a basement, erected at a cost of $250,000, which will ever stand as a monument both to the contractors, Messrs. Daniels & Green, and their superintendent, George Nelson, attesting remarkable excellence of workmanship, especially when it is remembered that the old building was torn down and the new one built in the short space of six months, a record in the building line in Stockton. Mr. Nelson also had charge of the remodeling by his firm of the Smith & Lang store building at the corner of Main and San Joaquin streets, and the Raggio building and the structure to be occupied by the Ernest Wilson Company on North Sutter Street, in Stockton.

On April 27, 1912, Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Caroline Johnson, a native of Sweden but at that time living at Oakland, an accomplished woman who has made him just the right kind of a helpmate; and their fortunate union has been blessed with the birth of three children: Elsie Mona, Clara Elizabeth, and George Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson own their comfortable residence at 420 East Arcade Street, Stockton. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and also of the Swedish social and fraternal lodge, the Vasa Orderen, of Stockton; and those well acquainted with him will agree that there can be no more popular and welcome member in either of these organizations.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/21/2010

HAROLD A. WALKER

Not everyone filling a position of responsibility enjoys the confidence accorded Harold A. Walker, foreman for the Pacific Gas & Electric Company at Stockton, who is in charge of the sub-station and the operation of high-tension lines, and has the good-will of both employer and employee. He was born at San Jose on April 26, 1886, the son of Pitt M. Walker, a native of Alameda County, Cal., and the grandson of Jared Tuttle Walker, a native of Michigan, who crossed the great plains in 1850, and was one of the pioneer miners in the Mother Lode district, trying his luck throughout San Joaquin County on his way to the Southern mines. In 1860 he located near Irvington, in Alameda County, and soon made a reputation as a raiser of fine horses. He owned the Nutwood Stock Farm at Irvington, and also engaged in a warehouse business there. He was one of the Vigilance Committee of Alameda County which warred upon the cattle and horse thieves infesting that district, and he also belonged to the Old Mission Peak Lodge of Masons, of Irvington, one of the first lodges of Masons to be formed in the state.

Harold A. Walker first attended school in the country districts of Calaveras Valley, and then he continued his studies at the well-equipped San Jose high school. He took up by himself the study of electrical engineering, and entered the employ of the Standard Electrical Company of San Francisco. Later this company was merged with the Bay Counties Electric Company under the name of the California Gas & Electric Company. He at first commenced work with the traveling maintenance crew, with headquarters at San Jose, and he was then advanced to the operating end, and connected with the sub-station and steam plants. For the next eight years he was load despatcher in the Oakland office in charge of operations in the power plants, sub-station and transmission service, a position corresponding, in a general way, to that of train despatcher on the steam railroad. In 1917 he was called to Stockton to take charge of new business, estimating line extensions, etc., and later, as a mark of the confidence of the company in his ability and fidelity, he was advanced to his present position. He has made good, and proven the correctness of his judgment in seeking this field as his life vocation. Naturally, he is a member of the National Electric Light Association of America.

At Oakland, Cal., in the year 1912, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Edna J. Lange of Napa, and their home has been blessed with two children: Dorothy and Madeline.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/21/2010

FRED F. WALL

A thoroughly progressive vineyardist who has something to show for his wide-awake enterprise and untiring industry, is Fred F. Wall who lives one mile and a half due east of Acampo. He was born in Hutchinson County, S.D., on May 29, 1878, the son of Fred and Magdalina Wall, the former a native of Russia, who died in that country. Directly after his death, Mrs. Wall left Russia for America; and coming out to South Dakota, she settled in Hutchinson County, where she married Henry Becthold, an industrious and thrifty farmer who did what he could to help develop that part of the country. He took up three-fourths of a section of government land, and such were the pioneer conditions, and the demands imposed by them, that our subject received little chance for an education.

When Fred was a young man, his stepfather died, and he then went to Wells County, and worked by the month on ranches. After that he rented farm land until 1905. when he came out to California and bought the old Smart place, a vineyard of forty acres, which he soon sold again. Then he purchased a thirty-acre ranch, which he improved for four years and then sold. Then he leased a ranch for a year, and after that bought the forty acres upon which he now lives. Thirty acres are in vineyard, and seven acres in alfalfa. He has twenty-five acres of wine-grapes, and five acres of Tokays. He himself built all the structures improving the place, including a fine dwelling-house and necessary farm-buildings; and he developed water by sinking a good well, so that with a five-inch pump and a motor of fifteen-horse power, and a complete system of concrete pipes, he can command adequate irrigation.

At Fessenden, Wells County, N.D., Mr. Wall was married, on April 4, 1900, to Miss Elizabeth Schmidt, a native of Russia and the daughter of Phillip Schmidt, a farmer, and his good wife, Katherine. Six children blessed this union: Isaac, Ida, Edna, Clara, Lillian and Laura. A second time, Mr. Wall married, on January 26, 1916, at Lodi, choosing for his wife Miss Ella Weishauer, a native of Kansas and the daughter of Herman Weishauer; and one son has been born to them, Edwin Fred. Mr. Wall is a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Lodi, of which he was formerly a director. He is interested in town property in Lodi.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/21/2010

B.C. WALLACE

It is interesting to chronicle the story of the successful man, one who, by his own ability, energy and industry has accomplished his ambition, and by his generosity, integrity and honesty of purpose has acquired the esteem of his fellowmen and become highly respected and influential. Such a career is that depicted in the biography of B.C. Wallace, the head of the oldest funeral director establishment in Stockton, a prominent and progressive citizen who has long been identified with San Joaquin County's affairs and people. He was born near Lockeford, twelve miles northeast of Stockton, on May 24, 1876, and comes of the Civil War inflow of settlers in California. His parents are M. Turner and Martha (Harrington) Wallace, the former born in Randolph County, Mo., May 27, 1842, and Van Buren County, Iowa, July 26, 1844, respectively. They were married in Davis County, Iowa, September 24, 1863, the ceremony being performed in Bloomfield by Rev. Peak, a Baptist clergyman. The year after the marriage the young couple decided to come to California. On April 6, 1864, they left their old home in Iowa in an ox team train, making the overland journey without any serious mishap, except having their cattle stampeded by the Indians, but were fortunate in their recovery. They crossed the Nevada line into California September 2, 1864, remaining in Honey Lake Valley, Lassen County, until May, 1865, when they crossed the Placerville grade and arrived at Chinese Camp June 1 and in Stockton June 5. Here they remained until September, 1866, when they removed to Sonoma County and followed farming. On July 4, 1874, they moved to Harmony Grove, San Joaquin County, and on November 14, ten years later, they went to Lodi, residing there for seventeen years. M.T. Wallace was a well-known and reliable man, serving six years as justice of the peace in Lodi.

In 1901 M.T. Wallace with his wife removed to Dinuba and soon afterwards was elected justice of the peace and has been re-elected every four years, the last time in 1922, without opposition and is now entering his seventeenth year in that office in Dinuba. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace in 1913 celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary and expect to celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary in 1923. They are devout Methodists and Mr. Wallace is a local minister of no mean ability and has preached throughout this section of California. This worthy pioneer couple were blessed with eleven children, five of whom are living, our subject being the oldest son; the others are Mrs. Laura Pope, Mrs. B.F. Patterson, Earl E. Wallace and Miss Pearl Wallace.

B.C. Wallace attended the schools of Harmony Grove and Lodi up to the age of thirteen years, when he started out to make his own livelihood. His ambition from a youth was to become a funeral director and he began the study under Andrew Ruttaige, the Lodi funeral director, and making rapid progress he was soon his able assistant, continuing with him for a period of five years. He then formed a partnership with F.O. Hale under the firm name of Hale & Wallace, in Lodi for a year at the close of which Mr. Wallace sold out and dissolved partnership. In 1900 he went to San Jose where as embalmer he worked for the W.B. Ward Undertaking Company for one year when he returned to Stockton and in 1901 he began business in Stockton as Rogers & Wallace, but in 1906 Mr. Wallace purchased Mr. Rogers' interest and since then has built up one of the largest and most complete funeral director establishments and he is now the oldest in his line of business in Stockton.

Mr. Wallace is a licensed embalmer, having taken a course with the Hennessey School of Embalming in San Francisco, from which he was graduated in 1899. He believes in being abreast of the times and in 1912 he was the pioneer in securing the first automobile equipment for conducting funerals in Stockton. Seeing the need of a larger and more modern cemetery for the rapidly growing city he was one of the organizers of Park View Cemetery, located about seven miles southeast of Stockton. Mr. Wallace has taken a most active part in its development and is secretary of the corporation. Individually he built and owns the crematory and also a community mausoleum with 312 crypts, both located in Park View Cemetery. The funeral chapel is located at the corner of Stanislaus and Channel streets in their own building, formerly the residence of John N. Woods, which was purchased by Mr. Wallace in 1910.

Mr. Wallace's marriage united him with Miss Elsie Wheeler, a native of Stockton, descendant of an old pioneer family, the daughter of Lewis and Amanda Wheeler; the former is still living and the mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace's marriage has been blessed with two bright children, La Verne and B.C., Jr. As an official of San Joaquin County, Mr. Wallace served two terms as county coroner from January, 1907, to January, 1915. During the World War he was active in Liberty Loan and allied war work, being captain of one of the drive teams, doing herculean work in aiding in the raising of funds. He is very prominent and popular in fraternal circles. He is past master of San Joaquin Lodge No. 19, F. & A.M.; is a member of Stockton Chapter, R.A.M.; Stockton Commandery No. 8, K.T., and as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason is a member of San Francisco Consistory No. 1, as well as a member of Aahmes Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Oakland. He is a past patron of Home Chapter No. 50, O.E.S., and past grand of Charity Lodge No. 6, I.O.O.F., Stockton. Besides he is affiliated with Charter Oak Castle, K. of P., Stockton Parlor No. 7, N.S.G.W., Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Foresters, Red Men, Junior Order of American Mechanics, Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose, the Anteros and Rotary Clubs, all of Stockton. He is past president of the California Funeral Directors' Association, a member of the National Funeral Directors and National Select Morticians' Association. He is a prominent member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, has been a member of the official board and he has been chief usher and plate collector for sixteen years. He is assistant superintendent of the Sunday school, a position he has held for ten years and takes an active part in the benevolences of the church. Mrs. Wallace is also active in the Methodist Church and its societies; she is also a member of the N.D.G.W. and Homo Chapter No. 50, O.E.S. Mr. Wallace has a host of friends who appreciate him for his true worth. Optimistic for the great future of the county he is enthusiastic in his support of movements that have for their aim the development of this wonderfully rich section.

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Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/21/2010

GERALD BEATTY WALLACE

A man unusually posted in all that pertains to his chosen profession is Gerald Beatty Wallace, whose natural endowments together with a pleasing personality make him very acceptable to the community which he has selected for his permanent home. His practice as an attorney and activities in the political field are well known and he has been a prominent factor in the progress of the beautiful city of Stockton. He was born in Eureka, Eureka County, Nev., on January 28, 1891, a son of the late Hon. Robert M. Beatty, at one time attorney general of Nevada, who was a native of Ohio. His mother's maiden name was Mary E. Arnhart, and she was born in Missouri. After the death of his father, his mother married Hon. C.C. Wallace of Nevada, a prominent politician of that state, who died when his stepson was ten years old. When he was one year old, his mother, who is now residing in Stockton with him, removed to Nevada City, Cal., where he was educated in the grammar and high schools, graduating from high school in 1909. Four years later, in 1913 he was graduated from the University of California with the degree of Bachelor of Letters, majoring in jurisprudence and political science; then three years of post graduate work earned him the degree of Master of Arts from the department of political science and Juris Doctor from the school of jurisprudence. During his years in college, he was active in the affairs of the University and the University Y.M.C.A.; he was the winner of the first prize for delivering the best oration on the liquor problem; a member of the university rifle team; assistant in the department of political science; assistant to the dean of the summer session; and also author of a master's thesis on the teaching of American government and of law notes on evidence, equity and public law, published in the California Law Review.

He began the practice of his profession with the law firm of Lilienthal, McKinstry & Raymond in San Francisco; in 1918 he located in Stockton and was associated with Arthur L. Levinsky; later with Thomas S. Louttit; then he engaged in independent practice of the law for two years. In May, 1921, he was appointed United States Court Commissioner for the Northern District of California. He is now a member of the law firm of Foltz, Rendon & Wallace, which has its main offices in the Wilhoit Building in Stockton and branch offices in Lodi, Manteca, Ripon and Tracy. Since coming to Stockton, Judge Wallace has been unusually active in civic and commercial affairs of the city and county. He has served as a lecturer in commercial law for the Extension Division of the University of California; as well as instructor in political science and public speaking for the Extension Division; legal advisor for the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau; secretary and attorney for the Better Business Bureau of the Stockton Advertising Club, instructor in commercial law and public speaking in the Stockton evening high school; special lecturer of the Blackstone Institute of Chicago; associate lecturer for the American City Bureau; secretary for the Stockton district council, California Alumni Association; founder and lecturer for the Stockton Law School and assistant secretary of the Stockton Golf and Country Club. He was one of the organizers and the first secretary of the Stockton Lions Club, and also deputy district governor for California and Nevada for the International Association of Lions Clubs. He has also lectured on political science in the Stockton College of Commerce. During the late war, he was one of the four minute men; member of the Legal Advisory Boards in San Francisco, Alameda and San Joaquin counties, and manager of the Stockton branch of the military bureau of the University of California, being in charge of recruiting there for all branches of the army and navy under the jurisdiction of the U.S. war department. In recent state and national elections, he has been a speaker and manager for several candidates. In his political views, he is a Republican. He is an enthusiastic member of the legal profession and is affiliated with the San Joaquin County, California, and American Bar Associations. Fraternally he is a member of Delta Lodge No. 471, F. & A.M., and Homo Chapter No. 50, O.E.S. He is a member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of Stockton. A director of the First National Bank of Ripon, Judge Wallace has always taken a constructive interest in matters pertaining to the advancement and progress of the community, is rated as one of its most dependable citizens and is held in the highest esteem.

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