Solano County Biographies

JAMES F. TOBIN

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

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

 
was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, on August 15, 1830.  When nineteen years 
of age he left the green shores of his native country, arriving in America in 
1849 and settled in New York, from which place he emigrated to California, 
landing in San Francisco on July 9, 1855.  He remained here only a few months 
and proceeded to Vallejo, where he at once embarked in the occupation of a 
butcher, a business he still continues.  In connection with this trade, Mr. 
Tobin has been largely interested in farming and stock-raising enterprises, 
while at this writing he is classed among the largest land holders in the county 
he owning no less than three thousand acres of land.  Mr. Tobin is a man of much 
sterling worth; is esteemed by his fellow-citizens, while his energy has brought 
him to the position which he now holds among his compeers.  He married in San 
Francisco, October 12, 1860, Miss Catharine Lynch, by whom he has a family of 
five children living: William J., born Sept. 1, 1861; Lizzie, born June 13, 
1863; Marie E., born Dec. 18, 1868; Lilly A., born Jan. 1, 1872; and Cecilia, 
born Dec. 6, 1878.   Two children have died, Martin E. and James F.
 
History of Solano County � San Francisco, Cal. - Wood, Alley  & Co., East 
Oakland, pub 1879, pp 394

            JAMES F. TOBIN, deceased, was for many years one of the prominent 
business men of Vallejo and a large contractor with the United States Government 
in the supply of the navy and navy yard in the line of fresh meats.  He was born 
in Kilkenny, Ireland, August 15, 1830, and served an apprenticeship in the 
grocery business in his native town, and in that country an apprenticeship to 
any business becomes thorough before he leaves it.  At the age of nineteen years 
he came to America, settling in New York, where he spent about five years, on 
Staten Island, in the grocery business.  In 1855 he came to California, 
remaining in San Francisco a short time, and then came to Vallejo, where he 
remained permanently and where his family still continue.  He at once engaged in 
the butcher business, which he soon enlarged, so that for many years he had 
heavy contracts to supply the man-of-war vessels, and the foreign shipping that 
came to Vallejo for wheat.  This business he continued until his death.  He was 
also interested in farming and stock-raising, being at the time of his death one 
of the largest land owners in the county, possessing not less than 3,000 acres 
in this county alone.  His stock ranch is still conducted by Mrs. Tobin, who 
supplies from it all the beef used in filling these and many other contracts, 
and also the shop, which has been purchased by Mr. James McCudden.  The family 
live in their lovely home on Virginia street in Vallejo.  Mr. Tobin was all 
through his life an active and devoted business man, continually extending his 
operations.  He had no time to devote to politics except as required by his duty 
as a citizen, but always supported the Republican party.  He died in Vallejo, 
July 24, 1889, of Bright�s disease, after one year�s illness.
            He was married in San Francisco, in 1860, to Miss Catherine Lynch, a 
native of County Cavan, Ireland, and five of their children are living, namely:  
William J., born September 1, 1861, and now in the grocery and provision trade 
in Vallejo; Lizzie, who received her education at the Convent of Notre Dame at 
San Jos�; Marie E., who is a graduate of St. Vincent�s Convent at Vallejo; Lilly 
A., also a graduate of the same and now attending a course at San Rafael; and 
Cecilia, now attending the Convent of St. Vincent at Vallejo.  Two children have 
died,�Martha E. and James P.
 
Source:  Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis 
Publishing Co. , 1891