San Joaquin County
Biographies
FORD & WATSON
JAMES FORD & J. A. WATSON
FORD & WATSON.--The
United States Stables, Stockton, owned by the above-named firm, is one of the
leading livery establishments of the city. In the early days of Stockton the
business was started, under the name of the Warsaw Stables, by Newton Nye, a
well-known figure that day. The establishment was afterward carried on by
Thomas Nye and Peter Jahant, which firm became later on Jahant & Beswick.
Dr. Northrup afterward became Jahant’s partner, buying out Beswick, and
eventually Jahant became sole proprietor. On the 14th of April,
1874, James and Patrick Ford bought the stables, and three years later James
Ford bought his brother out. He was alone for some time, but finally sold a
half interest to William Brennan, who was a member of the firm four years.
During the next three years Mr. Ford carried on the business alone, but on the
1st of October, 1888, he sold an interest to J. A. Watson, making
the present firm. They run thirteen head of good livery stock, and an
assortment of a dozen first-class vehicles, of all kinds necessary to a livery
stable of the better class.
James Ford, of Ford & Watson, is a
native of Ireland, born in the county of West Meath, on the 22d of November,
1848. He spent his boyhood days there, and in 1866 came to America. He was in
New York city until February, 1868, and then started for California via Panama.
On the Atlantic side he was a passenger on the steamer Folletet, and he landed
at San Francisco from the steamer Oregonian, on the 10th of March.
He came directly to Stockton, and was soon employed at farm work. After two
years he rented land in O’Neil Township, six miles from Stockton, where he
farmed for himself. The first year he had good success, but not so the second
season, which was very dry. He then went to work for others again, after which
he worked awhile at Doak’s stable, then back at ranching again until the spring
of 1874. He then engaged in the livery business, the price paid for stock,
etc., being $1,450, and $45 per month rent for barn. Seven years later he
bought the establishment. The history of the business is given above.
He was married in San Francisco to Miss
Ellen Byrnes. They have two children, viz: Maggie and Nellie. He is treasurer
of the Y. M. I., and a member of the A. O. H.
He is an Exempt Fireman, and was
identified with the old volunteer department from October, 1873, until it
disbanded to make way for the paid system. He was a member of Protection Hook
and Ladder Company, No. 1, all that time, and was for one year First Assistant
Engineer of the department.
Mr. Ford takes an active interest in
public affairs, is a Republican politically, and prominent in the party
councils.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County, California,
Pages 621-622. Lewis Pub. Co. Chicago,
Illinois 1890.
© 2009 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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