San Joaquin County Archives - California Genealogy

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.

Biography of Eugene D. Graham of Stockton

Eugene D. Graham, born January 22, 1866, near Stockton, California, serves as county clerk of San Joaquin County. His parents, Robert L. and Caroline (Stokes) Graham, were Kentucky natives with Revolutionary War ancestors. In 1852, they journeyed to California with ox teams and settled in San Joaquin County, where Robert engaged in farming and stock-raising. Eugene, raised on the family farm, received his education locally and worked in Lodi before returning to agriculture. In 1895, he became deputy county clerk, and in 1902, he was elected county clerk. Married to Frances E. Mann in 1888, they have three sons: Robert E., Lloyd L., and Myrl E. Eugene is a member of the I.O.O.F. and W.O.W., and a Republican.

Biography of Howard M. Fanning of Stockton

Howard M. Fanning, born June 3, 1826, in Troy, New York, was a significant figure among pioneer Californians. He moved to Stockton in 1850 and lived at 345 East Channel Street. Fanning, a self-made man, excelled in merchandising, farming, stock-raising, and civic affairs. He initially worked in the drug and car-building industries before migrating to California. In Stockton, he engaged in contracting, farming, and real estate. He served as a supervisor and city council member, was active in the Republican Party, and participated in Masonic and pioneer societies. He married Louise Butts in 1848, and they had six children.

Biography of John T. Davis

John T. Davis (b. November 1830), a successful capitalist based in San Francisco, is known for his extensive investments in farming across California. Originally from Illinois, Davis relocated to Texas in 1852 before settling in California in 1854. He initially farmed in Tulare and Stockton, later acquiring significant tracts of land in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Glenn Counties. By 1872, he leased his properties and focused on overseeing his investments. Married to Mary Marion in 1857, they have one daughter, Josephine Eltinge. A dedicated Democrat, Davis has been a notable figure in California’s development from its early days.

Biography of W. H. Osborn of Atwater

1925 History of Merced County - title page

As a dealer in real estate and an active member of the Merced County Republican Central Committee and as justice of the peace of Township No. 8, W. H. Osborn of Atwater has been closely identified with all forward movements for the upbuilding of Merced County and of this section of the San Joaquin Valley. A native son, he was born in San Francisco, on February 12, 1856, the eldest of six children (four living) of Henry Augustus Osborn, a pioneer of 1850 in California. He was born in Oxford, Connecticut, on February 13, 1829, grew up there until he … Read more