Santa Clara County
Biographies
JOSEPH SCHUPP
JOSEPH SCHUPP. The characteristics which have brought
about the success of Joseph Schupp in his life
work are an inheritance from his German forefathers, a steadiness of purpose,
an earnest and persevering nature, progressive yet conservative methods
contributing no little to a citizenship which has made the interests of his
adopted country lie parallel with those of his own. Mr. Schupp is now retired from the active cares which have
engrossed his attention for so many years and is enjoying a relaxation in his
beautiful home in San Jose, Santa Clara county, where
he has been an esteemed and honored citizen since 1888.
Born March 7, 1831, Mr. Schupp
is a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, a son of Christian Schupp. He was reared and educated in his native locality,
attending the common schools until attaining a foundation which admitted him to
colleges in both Switzerland and France. He not only received a fine business
education but also became quite proficient in law. On leaving his studies he
accepted the position of clerk in the postoffice in
Baden, where he remained until 1851 when he came to America, eager to test his
ability in the broader opportunities of the western world. He first located in
Buffalo, N. Y., and having exhausted his funds was obliged to accept any
occupation which would prove in any measure remunerative. He therefore secured
work in a marble manufactory at sixty-two and a half cents per day, a half of
which he was compelled to take out of the company’s store; but with the
perseverance and energy characteristic of his nativity he continued in this
occupation for a year, as nothing better presented itself in that time. During
this year he became familiar with the English language and customs, and having
saved as much of his salary as was possible, accepted a clerkship for
F. T. Barney, in a hardware store. His evident ability soon won for
him the commendation of his employer and about a year later secured for him the
position of weighing clerk for a grain firm in Toledo, Ohio. Subsequently he
located in Stillwater, Minn., in 1858 establishing a small general store with
the capital which he had accumulated. Perseverance, industry and energy,
combined with progressive business methods and strict integrity, soon brought
him a large custom, and in the following twenty-five years he remained in that
occupation. He then disposed of his retail trade and engaged solely in a
wholesale business for the next five years, continuing to meet with the success
which had characterized his entire career. With sufficient means to justify his
retirement from active duties, he then sought a relaxation from business cares,
and, his health being somewhat impaired he decided to locate in a milder
climate. He had previously spent several winters in Florida, New Mexico, New
Orleans, and California as well as having taken trips through Italy, France and
Germany, and traveled in every state of the Union and Canada, and when he
decided to change his location he had a broad knowledge of places to base his
decision upon. Coming to California in 1888 he thoroughly acquainted himself
with the state, after which he chose San Jose as an ideal place
of residence. Here he purchased twenty-nine and one-half acres in the Berryessa
district which he devoted to the culture of prunes, cherries and peaches, in
his leisure time giving his attention to the management of this place.
Purchasing a low lot, he had it filled with the best of soil, and after putting
up his beautiful residence laid the grounds out in an artistic manner, and in
every possible way has beautified the property. Shortly after he located here,
fifteen years ago, he set out a date palm which to-day is one of the handsomest
and largest in the state, being seventeen feet in circumference around the body
while the largest leaves measure forty feet. The other trees and shrubbery are
all in accord, and altogether his property is classed among the most attractive
of the city of San Jose. In addition to his home place Mr. Schupp has invested largely in real estate, owning three
fine cottages on Second street, as well as other
property. He has taken a deep and intelligent interest in the growth and
upbuilding of the city and has given much attention to the care of his own
property.
The wife who shares the prosperity of Mr. Schupp was formerly Magdalena Fuller, a native of
Switzerland. Of their union were born five children, three of whom are living,
namely: Joseph A., who is a bookkeeper for R. Hickmott,
of San Francisco; Thomas O. A., in charge of the fruit ranch; and
Frank E., formerly in the United States Transport service. The last named
also served four years on the Transport Hancock between San Francisco and
Manila. Lewis and Cora died in infancy. In his political convictions Mr. Schupp is a stanch Republican and
has always been active in his efforts to advance the principles he endorses.
While a resident of Stillwater, Minn., he took quite an active part in local
affairs, serving as supervisor, and for four years was a member of the city
council.
Transcribed by Marie Hassard 03 July 2016.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages
1250-1251. The Chapman Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Marie Hassard.