Santa
Clara County
Biographies
STEPHEN THOMAS NICHOLSON
To Mr. Nicholson belongs the distinction of
being at the head of the California Fruit Delicacy Company, recently
incorporated at San Jose, Cal., for the purpose of packing and canning choice
fruits and vegetables for the market. The foundation of the present business
was laid by Mr. Nicholson in 1900, when he started a canning business in a
small way, putting upon the market principally tomatoes, string beans, peas and
asparagus. As the business increased fruits were added and in March, 1904, the
present company was incorporated with a paid-up capital. Mr. Nicholson is the
president and general manager; W. H. Christmas, vice-president; T. H. Derby,
bookkeeper and salesman; J. J. Berry, director; and M. V. Green, secretary, all
parties interested being directors and stockholders. The capacity of the plant,
known as the Orchard Cannery, has been increased to two hundred and fifty cases
per day, and several choice brands are put upon the market, chief among them
the “Loma Vista.” The product of the plant is marketed throughout the eastern
part of the United States, as well as the central and northern portions.
In tracing the ancestry of Mr.
Nicholson we find his father, William Nicholson, to have been born in England
and in 1850 to have immigrated to the United States, locating at Syracuse, N.Y.
In his native land he had married Miss Johanna Nugent, who was born in the
north of Ireland. About 1860 they left New York for California, coming by way
of the Isthmus of Panama and located in San Jose. Here Mr. Nicholson followed
his trade of carpenter, contractor and builder, which he had also followed at
Syracuse. He died in 1870, at the home of his son, S. T., near San Jose, and
two years later his widow died. Their family consisted of three children, two
sons and one daughter, but one son died in early life.
Being the youngest child of the
family, S. T. Nicholson first saw the light of day March 28, 1860, in Syracuse,
N. Y. His education was received mainly in San Jose, whither his parents came
when he was a small child, hence he has known no other than his California
home. His fine place contains twenty-four acres and is located on Senter road, two miles south of San Jose, being but a half
mile from the city limits. Here he raises all kinds of fruits and vegetables, making
a specialty of rhubarb, cherries and tomatoes. In San Jose Mr. Nicholson was
united in marriage with Miss Molly Meginness, born in
Monterey, Santa Clara (sic) county. Three children bless this union, Lester,
Edna and Ethel. Fraternally Mr. Nicholson is allied with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen. He has been one of the most active men in his locality and
during his ten years of service as road overseer, has accomplished a great deal
of good. His eleven years of service as a member of the school board of
Franklin District shows his deep interest in educational matters, and he is in
every way a representative citizen of his section.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: History of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast
Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Page 1293. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Cecelia M. Setty.