Santa Clara County
Biographies
JOSEPH H. SCULL
The family represented by this pioneer of 1849 is of Quaker extraction and its progenitors for several generations were actively identified with the Society of Friends. Hewes Scull, Sr., who was born and reared in England, became a merchant in Philadelphia, Pa., and in that city Hewes Scull, Jr., was born and educated. At an early age he acquired a thorough knowledge of the mercantile business and this occupation he followed during the greater part of his active career, carrying on a store at the Post in Arkansas and also operating a cotton gin. During early manhood he married Athenaise Bogy, who was born in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., of French parentage, and died in Arkansas three years before the death of her husband. They were the parents of three daughters, all of whom died in Arkansas; also of five sons, named as follows: Hewes, Benjamin, William, Henry and Joseph H. The last-named alone survives, the other sons having died in Arkansas. He was born of the Post in Arkansas June 24, 1819 and gained his rudimentary education at that place, but later was a pupil in the schools of Pine Bluff. At fourteen years of age he went to Cuba and entered San Fernando College in Havana. In that institution the instruction was wholly in Spanish and French. English was not used by professors or students. Hence Mr. Scull enjoyed exceptional advantages for gaining a thorough knowledge of Spanish and French. Possessing linguistic ability, he enjoyed familiarizing himself with these languages, and easily won and held a high rank in the college.
After two years in Cuba Mr. Scull went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was a student in the high school for two years, meanwhile completing his English education. From that city he returned to Cuba, where he remained for nine years and held a clerical position with a commission house. When news came of the discovery of gold in California he closed out his interests in Cuba and started for the Pacific coast. Crossing Mexico in 1849, he arrived in San Francisco on the ship California, a hastily equipped and unsafe vessel then making its second trip. After landing he hastened to the Yuba mines, where he tried his luck as a gold-seeker. Three months later he went to Sacramento, but after three weeks went back to San Francisco, where he entered the employ of the alcalde, John W. Geary, in the capacity of recorder and interpreter.
During February of 1850 Mr. Scull came to San Jose, with which he has since been identified as a citizen. Since 1852 he has continued to make his home in a cottage on Market street. Although he has never married, his life has not been a lonely existence, for he has been almost constantly engaged in translating and interpreting important documents and laws. Shortly after settling in San Jose he was elected state translator of California by the legislature then in session at a salary of $8,000 per year. One year later he resigned the position, but continued to act as interpreter in the courts until recent years. To some extent he also engaged in conveyancing. It is said by those in a position to know that he has done more official translating and interpreting than any one in the state. His specialty has been the translating of Spanish documents into English, in which line he is without a peer, as evidenced by the fact that the supreme court always sustained his translations. By those who appreciate the importance of a correct knowledge of early Spanish history in California the value of his services in this capacity will be readily understood. In religion he is identified with St. Joseph's Catholic Church in San Jose. The Santa Clara County Association of Pioneers numbers him among its leading and honored members. At the time of the organization of the Republican party in California in 1856, he became an enthusiastic supporter of the new movement, casting his vote for Gen. John C. Fremont for president, and took a lively interest in the political affairs of early days. Though less active of recent years, his interest has not waned, but enterprises for the benefit of his county and state, and matters affecting the prosperity of the nation, receive thoughtful attention from him and his constant sympathy and support when once he is convinced of their value.
Transcribed
5-30-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource:
History of the State of California &
Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A.
M., Pages 1192-1195. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Marilyn R.
Pankey.