California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


JOSEPH AKERS. A man of marked ability and enterprise, possessing great mechanical in- 
genuity and skill, Joseph Akers occupies a substantial position in the industrial and business 
circles of Tulare county, being the leading blacksmith of Dinuba, and one of the foremost 
dealers in agricultural implements. The owner of a snug little ranch in this vicinity, he is act- 
ively identified with the advancement of the agricultural prosperity of this place, and as a 
stockholder in the Bank of Dinuba is intimately associated with its financial interests. A native 
of Wayne county, Pa., he was born December 26, 1855, a son of John and Mary (Nevins) 
Akers, life-long residents of the Keystone state. His father settled as a blacksmith in Newfound- 
land, Wayne county, Pa., where he became a citizen of prominence and influence, for two 
terms serving as supervisor of the township. To him and his wife eleven children were born, 
eight of whom are living, namely : Warren, of Wayne county. Pa. ; T. J., living near Visalia, 
Cal.; C. W., of Wayne county, Pa.; Richard, residing near Visalia; Mrs. Eliza Bird, of Wayne 
county, Pa.; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary A. Heberling, of Visalia ; and Eber, 
of Scranton, Pa. 

Educated in the district school and brought up on the home farm, Joseph Akers early de- 
veloped a talent for mechanical pursuits, and while yet a boy learned the blacksmith's trade. 
Settling in Potter county, Pa., in 1879, he worked first at his trade, afterwards being there em- 
ployed in tilling the soil. Coming to California with his family in 1888, Mr. Akers worked for 
a short time in Visalia, and then opened a smithy in Monson, which, on account of the extensive 
teaming of lumber and grain, was a very desirable location for -him, and he found it profitable 
from a financial point of view. Coming to Dinuba in 1898, he bought out White & Son, 
pioneer blacksmiths, and has since been here prosperously employed at his trade. His shop is 
finely located on a corner tract of land containing ten lots, and adjoining this property he has 
erected a fine residence. Mr. Akers also owns forty acres of land lying one-half mile east of 
Dinuba, and on this he has made improvements of much value, having a productive vineyard of 
fifteen acres, and a five-acre orchard, the remainder of his ranch being devoted to the rais- 
ing of alfalfa. In 1901 Mr. Akers embarked in the agricultural implement business, and has 
built up a large and remunerative trade, handling Studebaker wagons and buggies, the old 
Hickory wagons, Emerson plows, and such other implements as are demanded by the modern, 
up-to-date agriculturist and horticulturist. 

In Wayne county, Pa., Mr. Akers married Mahala Kelley, a native of that county, and they 
are the parents of seven children, namely : Walter (engaged in farming and teaming in Dinuba), 
George (a wagon maker in Dinuba), Mrs. Grace Whittington of Dinuba, Dick, Fern, Ruby and 
Clayton. Fraternally Mr. Akers was made an Odd Fellow in Wayne county. Pa., and is now 
a member and the treasurer of Dinuba Lodge. I. O. O. F. ; and belongs to the Beavers also. 
Politically he is a stanch Republican. Mrs. Akers belongs to the Rebekahs, and is a member of 
the Christian Church.