San Joaquin County Archives - California Genealogy

Biography of Louis E. Niestrath of Stockton

Louis E. Niestrath, a prominent figure in San Joaquin County’s agriculture, passed away on March 31, 1899. Born on November 29, 1859, in St. Louis, Missouri, to German immigrants, he moved to Illinois before settling in California. Niestrath excelled as the superintendent of the Williams estate, overseeing thousands of acres and enhancing its agricultural productivity. Though a committed Democrat, he never pursued political office, instead advocating for community improvements. He was also active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Stockton, reflecting his engagement in both civic and social matters.

Biography of William C. Neumiller of Stockton

William C. Neumiller, born on March 8, 1868, in Stockton, California, was the county treasurer and tax collector of San Joaquin County. He comes from a German immigrant family that settled in California in the mid-19th century. After working as a clerk in a hardware store, he entered the hardware business and later served on the city council for six years. Elected as treasurer in 1902, he was affiliated with the Republican party and multiple civic organizations. He married Lillie P. Logan and had two children by 1902: Leonora and Irving.

Biography of Thomas Alvin Nelson of Stockton

Thomas Alvin Nelson, born in 1862 in Pennsylvania, became the postmaster of Stockton, California. Raised on a farm, he taught in San Joaquin County schools before starting a mercantile business in Lathrop. His popularity led to election to the California state legislature in 1894. Appointed postmaster in 1898, he served under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. Nelson married Mary A. Howell in 1888, and they had two daughters: Velma and Veda. An active Republican and community member, he held various party roles and was involved in several fraternal organizations.

Biography of Donald McLeod of Stockton

Donald McLeod, a pioneer of San Joaquin County since 1863, greatly contributed to California’s agricultural development, residing on Roberts Island near the San Joaquin River. Born on Christmas Day 1841 in Nova Scotia, he engaged in seafaring before settling in California. He cultivated his 41-acre farm and actively participated in local governance as a school district trustee. Married to Sarah Burnett in 1876, they were well-regarded in their community.

Biography of James Marsh of Stockton

The history of the Marsh family in California dates back to 1835 when Dr. John Marsh, one of the first American pioneers in the region, settled in Contra Costa County. A leading physician and surgeon, Dr. Marsh was influential in the early development of California, also engaging in cattle ranching and writing about the state’s potential. His nephew, James Marsh, born on October 26, 1827, in Peabody, Massachusetts, arrived in California in 1851. Initially managing his uncle’s ranch, James later engaged in various businesses and settled in San Joaquin County in 1858. He was married to Mary A. Ranney and had an adopted daughter, Orpha A. James Marsh, a Republican and active community member, contributed significantly to the local development until his death in 1898.

Biography of John Manuel of Stockton

John Manuel, born on October 11, 1840, in England, passed away on November 19, 1898, in Stockton, California. Emigrating to America in his youth, Manuel initially worked as a gold miner in Calaveras County before establishing a successful lumber business in Murphys. He also engaged in extensive ranching in Calaveras and San Joaquin counties, with his estate, known as the Manuel Estate, encompassing a highly productive 1,500-acre ranch on Roberts Island. Manuel moved to Stockton in 1895, where he lived until his death. He was a respected businessman and a member of the Masonry and Odd Fellowship orders. He married twice, first to Mary Williams, with whom he had twelve children, and later to Mary Malspina.

Biography of Arthur L. Levinsky of Stockton

Arthur L. Levinsky, born July 9, 1856, in Jackson, Amador County, California, became a leading lawyer in San Joaquin County through remarkable self-achievement. Despite early financial struggles and personal challenges, he pursued a legal career, gaining admission to the bar on August 3, 1885. He initially partnered with Louttit, Woods, and Levinsky, and later with S. D. Woods. Levinsky represented prominent corporate and financial interests, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, and the Stockton Savings Bank. A dedicated Republican, he served as Stockton’s first city attorney under the new charter. Levinsky was active in various fraternal and social organizations, including the Masons and the Union League.

Biography of Dr. Samuel E. Latta of Stockton

Dr. Samuel E. Latta, a prominent physician in Stockton, California, was in active practice for over twenty years, with the latter decade spent in Stockton. Born on May 11, 1862, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, he was the son of Dr. William S. Latta and Sarah A. Latta. Educated at Lincoln High School and the State University, he graduated from Rush Medical College in 1884. After practicing in Lincoln, he moved to San Joaquin County, initially working in Woodbridge before becoming the superintendent of the San Joaquin County Hospital for four years. He later became a respected private practitioner and served as a surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad. Dr. Latta was involved in the San Joaquin Medical Society, California State Medical Society, and the Masonic order. A Republican, he married Anna E. Hyde in 1882, and they had five children.

Biography of General Thomas E. Ketcham of Stockton

General Thomas E. Ketcham, born July 3, 1821, in New York City, was a prominent figure in San Joaquin County for over fifty years. A veteran of the Mexican War, he later served throughout the Civil War. Ketcham arrived in California in 1848, shortly after the discovery of gold, and transitioned from a military career to become a successful landowner and rancher in San Joaquin County. He married Esther Sedgwick in 1852, with whom he had three children. Ketcham was active in local organizations, including the G.A.R. and the Grange, and held various community leadership roles.

Biography of Orrin S. Henderson of Stockton

Orrin S. Henderson, born on June 2, 1863, in San Andreas, Calaveras County, California, was a prominent figure in Stockton’s business, political, and social spheres. The son of Milton P. and Hannah L. Henderson, he joined his father’s carriage manufacturing business in Stockton after graduating from high school in 1881. A committed Republican, Henderson served two terms on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and was elected Railroad Commissioner of California’s Third District in 1902. He held numerous leadership roles in fraternal organizations and married Lavern Viets in 1885, with whom he had two sons.