San Joaquin County
Biographies
THOMAS E. FISHER.
The descendant on both the paternal and maternal sides of pioneers of the Golden State, Thomas E. Fisher, the assistant chief of the Stockton Fire Department, has spent his whole life in the vicinity of his birthplace. He was born at Stockton on February 17, 1879, the son of J. H. and Mary J. (Towell) Fisher. Mrs. Fisher, who is still living, was also born in San Joaquin County, her father, Thomas Towell, being a pioneer settler of this district. J. H. Fisher, who was a native Missourian, was an early settler of Stockton. He was the first building contractor there and also engaged in house moving, being prominent in local affairs until his death, which occurred in 1903.
Thomas E. Fisher was educated at St. Mary's College at Stockton and then engaged with his father in contracting and house moving, and after the latter's death he took over the business and continued it until his appointment as assistant fire chief. He was also one of the owners of the Traveler's Garage, but disposed of his interests in this concern in October, 1919. Mr. Fisher joined the Stockton Fire Department September 16, 1903, as a call man, and on June 1, 1912, he was appointed assistant chief of the department, taking the place of Martin D. Murphy, the present chief. Growing up with the service, having been a member of the department for nearly twenty years, Mr. Fisher is one of its most loyal and efficient members and is filling his responsible position to the satisfaction of the whole community.
Mr. Fisher's marriage united him with Miss Minnie Earhart, also a native of San Joaquin County and the daughter of pioneer residents. Mr. Fisher is the owner of a good residence in Stockton, where they make their home. He takes an active part in the local fraternal life and is a member of the Eagles, Moose, Native Sons of the Golden West, Young Men's Institute and the Knights of Columbus.
History of San Joaquin County, California – Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 1923
p 1268
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.
ALFRED W. ARCHER.
The inventive genius of the Sterling Iron Works of Stockton, Alfred W. Archer is its chief engineer, and his determination to succeed in his chosen profession has brought him the merited reward. A native of the Golden State, he was born on Sherman Island, San Joaquin County, on September 16, 1877. His schooling consisted of a few years' attendance in the Salem School of Lodi; then he took up the study of mechanical engineering at home, and was fortunate to secure employment with the Holt Manufacturing Company in their machine shop, where the opportunities were of the best to make advancement along inventive and mechanical lines, his service covering a period of three years. Following his profession, he then traveled extensively throughout the world; was employed, for a time, by the Fresno Agricultural Works, of Fresno, Cal. and the Samson Iron Works of Stockton; then he worked for the British South Africa Charter Company in Rhodesia, South Africa; then he spent two years in various countries of Europe. At the end of this time, he returned to California and became the master mechanic for the largest lumber company on the coast, the Weed Lumber Company, located at Weed, Siskiyou County, Cal. About fourteen years ago he became associated with the Sterling Iron Works of Stockton and has designed all the patents and products of this company, among them being the famous Sterling turbine pump, which has since become extensively used not only in California but throughout the entire West. It took the skill and ability of a genius to design and put on the market this intricate piece of machinery and to Mr. Archer belongs the credit. William F. Barnicol is the efficient manager of this company. Twelve different styles of pumps are manufactured, all of which are thoroughly tested before leaving the plant, which is equipped with a testing laboratory, under the direct supervision of Mr. Archer. This company has installed many pumping plants on ranches throughout the valley and commercial plants as well and there are hundreds of them in use.
The marriage of Mr. Archer united him with Miss Alice L. Stevens, a native of Red Bluff, Cal. and they are the parents of two children, Elwood and Bettie Ann, both natives of Stockton, Cal. Fraternally Mr. Archer is a member of Stockton Lodge of Elks. He has never relaxed his diligence in the study of his chosen profession, always keeping abreast of the times on things mechanical, and by his industry and untiring energy he is acknowledged, by his business associates and residents throughout the state, to be among the best-informed and most practical engineers of Northern California.
History of San Joaquin County, California – Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 1923
p 1268
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.
GRAT E. CANNON.
An accountant of exceptional ability, Grat E. Cannon has done meritorious work in the county auditor's office and is now in the accounting department of the Samson Tractor Company. He was born on the Pixley ranch near Lodi, Cal. on August 5, 1885. His father, George V. Cannon, was a native of Tennessee, who came direct to Lodi, Cal., and was foreman of the Pixley ranch; later he was in charge of the narrow gauge railroad which was built from Lodi to Valley Springs. He passed away when Grat was a boy of fifteen years, and from that time on, our subject was obliged to earn his own living. As a matter of interest, it may be mentioned that Uncle Joe Cannon of Illinois is his great uncle. Removing to Stockton he worked as an accountant for a number of companies, among them being the Matteson-Williamson Company, the Stockton Lumber Co., the Milk Producers Company, John Brenner Furniture Company, and W. P. Fuller Co. Some thirteen years ago he entered the county recorder's office as a deputy, remaining in that position five years; following which he became a deputy in the county auditor's office; and on February 9, 1920, entered the employ of the Samson Tractor Co. Mr. Cannon is a member of the San Joaquin County Accountants Association, and is a Republican.
Mr. Cannon's especial hobby is commercial illustrating and designing. He possesses a marked gift along these lines, and during his spare time devotes himself to this work; he engrosses all the county school diplomas, the memorials for the American Legion, the honor roll of the Anteros Club members, working with pen and ink and water colors. Fraternally he is a member of Charity Lodge, I. O. O. F., the Elks and the Moose. His marriage united him with Miss Pearl McCuen, a native of Stockton; her father, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, was an employee of the Sperry Flour Company for some time and later was engaged as a painting contractor in Stockton.
History of San Joaquin County, California – Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 1923
p 1268
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.