San Joaquin County Biographies


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



 
JAMES J. HOOPER.
 
        For nearly thirty years connected with the transportation field of 
Stockton, James J. Hooper has seen this thriving city grow from a population of 
14,000 to its present size, contributing his full share to the activity that has 
made this progress possible. Mr. Hooper is a native son of California, born at 
Sierra City, Sierra County, March 9, 1870, the son of Edward and Elizabeth 
(Jenkins) Hooper, natives of England and both now deceased. Edward Hooper came 
from his native land to California via the Isthmus of Panama in the early '60s, 
and for a number of years mined in Sierra County.
        In 1875, when James J. was five years old, the family returned to 
England, settling at St. Austell, Cornwall, and here he was reared and educated, 
in that beautiful corner of Old England. At the age of sixteen he started to 
work in. the electric light plant at St. Austell, serving four years as an 
apprentice and thoroughly learning the business. In the fall of 1890 he returned 
to the United States and for a time worked in the mines of Amador County. Coming 
to San Joaquin he secured employment on a fruit ranch on Rough and Ready Island, 
owned by Matteson and Williamson, and in July, 1892, he entered the employ of 
the Stockton Electric Company, the transportation system just then being changed 
from horse-drawn cars to electricity. He has been with the company ever since, 
and has seen the evolution from a few small horse cars to a modern 
transportation system that has had a great part in the development of Stockton 
and the outlying suburban district. Mr. Hooper started in as a helper in the 
electrical shop, later becoming its superintendent, and in 1904 he became the 
superintendent of the transportation department. In 1915, when the Central 
California Traction Line and the Stockton Electric Railroad were consolidated he 
became superintendent of the new concern, a position he is especially well 
qualified, both by training and experience, to fill.
        In 1890, Mr. Hooper was married to Miss Mary G. Perry, a native of 
England, and they have three children: Edna H.; Edward J. married Lorina Tucker 
and they have a son, Vernon; Winifred is the wife of Joseph Clark and they have 
two daughters, Elizabeth and Virginia. The family are Presbyterians in their 
religious faith. In fraternal circles Mr. Hooper is a member of the Odd Fellows, 
having joined Truth Lodge in 1893. He has been a member of the Rotary Club since 
1915.
 
History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p   1295       
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.