San Joaquin County
Biographies
JAMES LAWRENCE HUTSON
JAMES L. HUTSON was born July
8, 1826, in Baltimore County, Maryland, his parents being Alexander and Anna
(Odell) Hutson. Alexander Hutson was a wagon-maker by trade. He moved to
Carroll County, Maryland, where he purchased 110 acres of land. In 1841 the family
moved to Iowa, where they lived until his death, which occurred in 1876. In the
family were ten children, six of whom are still living, five boys and one girl.
James remained at home till fifteen years of age. Before coming to California
he taught school most of the time. In the spring of 1849 he crossed the plains
with ox teams and landed in Los Angeles, California. He followed mining for a
time, then, thinking it was a rather uncertain occupation, he gave it up, came
to Stockton and hired out to drive ox teams at $150 a month. He afterward went
to cutting and putting up hay, which was a profitable business. In the fall he
went into the fishing business, at which he averaged $25 per day. Later he came
to Stockton, bought ox teams and took up a ranch on the north side of the
Calaveras river, where he built a house and was ordered off by a man who
claimed the land. Mr. Hutson remained on the land, but in the fall, becoming
discouraged, he gave his title to his partner, who afterward sold it for $5,000.
In the fall of 1853 he located on his present place, containing 160 acres. He
has now 400 acres, all well improved and cultivated land. It is devoted to
general farming, and is located in Elkhorn Township, twelve miles from
Stockton.
Mr. Hutson is a member of the Masonic
fraternity of Woodbridge, No. 131, and of the Woodbridge Grange, No. 84.
Politically he is a Democrat. He is one of the earliest farmers of this county,
of a genial disposition, social and clever, always ready to do his neighbors a
favor or kindness, and highly respected by all.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County,
California, Pages 589-590. Lewis Pub.
Co. Chicago, Illinois 1890.
© 2009 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Golden Nugget Library's San Joaquin County
Biographies
Golden Nugget Library's San Joaquin County
Genealogy Databases