San Joaquin County
Biographies
LAOGIER BASILIO
L. BASILIO.--Among the
well-known pioneers of California now residing in Stockton is the gentleman
with whose name this sketch commences. He was born at Nice, Sardinia (now a
part of France), March 6, 1820. His name has become known as Basilio through
incorrect interpretation (by English speaking people) of its transposition, and
the surname should be Laogier, his Christian name being Basilio. However, as
the latter is generally understood as his surname it will be used as such for
the purpose of this sketch. His father, Charles Laogier, was a wholesale and retail
merchant and hotel-keeper. His mother’s maiden name was Josephine Moisin.
Mr. Basilio, the subject of this sketch,
was engaged three years in the French government arsenals in Africa, and
remained at that place in Africa three years longer on his own account in
business, as a locksmith and gunsmith. He then returned to France, and after a
month in the city of Marseilles, started on a tour of travel. He sailed to Rio
Janeiro, and subsequently went to Valparaiso. After one month there he
continued his travels to California on the ship La Princesa Belgoiosa, arriving
at San Francisco January 22, 1850. He remained in the city one month, then went
to Mokelumne Hill and mined seven months. He then returned to San Francisco, reaching
there the day after the fire. After spending six months in the city he went
back to the mines, and was there engaged for the seven months following. He
then came to Stockton and opened a locksmith’s establishment. This engaged his
attention until 1858, when he embarked in the pack-train business, hauling
goods to Murphy’s, Virginia City, etc. In 1864 his mules cost him for feed
alone $300 a month, and the business became unprofitable. For three nights he
worried and studied over his future course, and then determined to change his
location. He crossed over to Sacramento, thence to Red Bluff, Colusa, Tehama
and Yreka. He then took an Indian trail to Klamath lake; but after camping
there two days the Indians drove him away, bothering him for food, etc. Then he
journeyed via the lava beds, Warm Springs and Fort Dalles, to Dalles. From that
point the sent his pack-train overland to Umatilla, while he himself took a
steamer for the same point. He carried a cargo from Umatilla to Bannock City,
and subsequently made two more similar trips. He then proceeded to Placerville,
to Centerville and to Organs, and on the 25th of November arrived at Walla Walla during the
progress of a heavy snow storm. There he sold his pack-train to some Canadians,
in December. He then took a steamer for San Francisco, arriving there about
January 10, 1865. He then had his gold dust coined at the mint and returned to
Stockton. He embarked in business here, and was for years a broker, a dealer in
real estate, and a grocer. He is now to a great extent retired from active
business pursuits.
Mr. Basilio was married in Stockton, March
27, 1869, to Miss Dionicia Ponce, or, to use the full surname, Ponce de Leon,
she being a direct descendant of the great Spaniard, whose name will ever live
in history for his great and remarkable achievements. She was born in
Chihuahua, Mexico, and is a daughter of Nemesio Ponce de Leon, an extensive
merchant and trader during his lifetime. He acquired the black fever, and died
in 1847. His widow survived him until 1881, her death occurring in this city.
Mrs. Basilio is a lady of rare accomplishments and education, and is quite a
linquist, having a superb control of several languages. Mr. Basilio is a member
of the San Joaquin Society of California Pioneers. He is a liberal-minded man,
and has the mature judgment of one who has traveled much and been much thrown
in contact with the world.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County,
California, Pages 289-290. Lewis Pub.
Co. Chicago, Illinois 1890.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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