San
Joaquin County
Biographies
JOHN CLEMENS GERLACH
For many years prominent in the
affairs of San Joaquin County, since reaching manhood’s estate John Clemens
Gerlach has been an extensive rancher, and in his line of industry has made a great
success. The community in which he
resides has also in other ways felt the impress of his influence and energy,
and his public-spirited enterprise and excellent citizenship are to be
accounted among the valuable civic assets of the county. He is a native of New York City, born on
November 20, 1853, a son of Conrad W. and Mary (Krouse)
Gerlach, the former born at Frankfort-on-Main,
Germany, the latter also a native of that country. Conrad W. Gerlach immigrated to America in
1849, landing in New York, where he made his home for a number of years,
following the machinist’s trade. In 1865
he came to California and was employed for a short time as a machinist in San
Francisco, but in the fall of 1867 came to San Joaquin County and settled on
Lone Tree Creek, and engaged in farming pursuits. He made the trip to California via Panama,
and through his years of residence in San Joaquin County was known as an
active, energetic and honorable farmer.
His political support was given to the Republican Party, and in
religious faith he was a Lutheran. Of
the children of this worthy pioneer couple, three are yet living: Daniel H. resides in San Joaquin County; John
C. is the subject of this sketch; and Eliza is the wife of Theodore Henkey, also a San Joaquin County farmer. The father passed away on July 22, 1903, and
the mother is also deceased.
John C. Gerlach spent the first
twelve years of his life in New York City, and then came with his parents to
the Pacific coast, arriving in San Francisco in 1865, and since the fall of
1867 has resided in San Joaquin County.
He was reared to manhood on his father’s farm and in the practical
school of experience learned many valuable lessons. In his youth he became familiar with all the
duties of the farm, and in 1891 he settled upon the farm which is now his home,
located on the Lincoln Highway, twelve miles south of Stockton. It is located near the Mossdale
school house, the land being donated by Mr. Gerlach to the district for the
erection of the school building. It is a
valuable tract of land, comprising 504 acres, upon which is a beautiful country
house and good outbuildings, modernly equipped.
On October 22, 1890, Mr. Gerlach was
united in marriage with Miss Augusta F. Zeppernick, a
native of Germany, and a daughter of Peter and Mary Zeppernick,
also natives of that country, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach were blessed with five
children: Edward C. is married and has
one child and is the manager of the Gerlach ranch; Elsie, Ruby, Ella and
Selma. Mrs. Gerlach passed away in May,
1916. In politics Mr. Gerlach is a
Republican and he has always been a champion of the movements and measures
which have for their object the welfare of the county. For many years he served as a trustee of the Mossdale school district and was also a trustee of the
Reclamation District No. 17 of San Joaquin County. He is classed among the enterprising,
progressive and influential citizens of San Joaquin County, and in his locality
he is well known, commanding confidence and respect by reason of his
reliability in business, his loyalty in citizenship and his trustworthiness in
private life.
Transcribed by Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham, George
H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Page
512. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic
Record Co., 1923.
© 2011 Gerald Iaquinta.
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