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


JOHN C. HOXIE. Although not a native Californian the earliest recollections of John C. 
Hoxie are associated with the scenes of his adopted state, in which all but the first ten years of his 
life have been spent. The family is of English ancestry and for many generations residents of 
Massachusetts where the first emigrant is supposed to have settled. The paternal grandfather 
died in Massachusetts, leaving a family, among whom was a son called Clark Hoxie. He was 
born in Sandwich, Barnstable county, and in young manhood became a contractor and build- 
er. In 1852, following the westward trend of civilization, he came to California by way of the 
Isthmus of Panama and located in Tuttletown, Tuolumne county, erecting the first quartz mill 
ever built in that vicinity. He also engaged in mining for some time. In 1856 he located on 
the Indian Reservation where he was employed to teach carpenter work, but before 1858 he lo- 
cated in Millerton, and conducted a blacksmith and wagon shop. He became an influential man 
in that community and took a prominent part in local affairs, serving as a member of the first 
board of supervisors and also acted as justice of the peace. Returning to Massachusetts in 
1866 by way of the Isthmus, he died in Sandwich which had been the home of the family for 
so many years. His wife, formerly Susan Fessenden, was born in Sandwich, a daughter of 
Capt. Sewall Fessenden, who was a sea captain and hotel man there. During the Revolutionary 
war he gave valiant service as captain of the state militia. 

Born March 15, 1848, in Sandwich, Mass., John C. Hoxie was but ten years old when he 
came to California. The journey was made by way of the Isthmus of Panama, on the Golden 
Age to San Francisco, by boat to Stockton, thence by stage to Millerton. There were no 
schools in that locality at that time and Mr. Hoxie received all his instructions from his moth- 
er, a woman of many accomplishments and rare intellect. The first "school in Millerton was a 
private affair and was opened and conducted in 1859 by Mrs. Hoxie, at the same time in which 
she served as postmistress. With the courage and self-reliance characteristic of the pioneer lad 
of the early days, he engaged in the stock business at the age of fifteen years and has continued 
successfully in that work up to the present time. In time he located on a ranch which he pur- 
chased at Millerton, engaging in sheep and cattle raising and farming there for many years, 
and in time becoming the owner of several thousand acres. In 1874 he removed to Fresno and 
bought a block and built the residence now occupied by F. H. Short, and later bought one 
block from his original purchase and built a residence at the corner of L and Stanislaus streets. 
He engaged as a grain merchant for many years, and also became interested in mining properties 
about twenty years ago. In conjunction with W. H. McKenzie and T. G. Hart, he purchased 
the Mud Springs mine and operated and developed the same, which is conceded to be one of 
the finest mining properties in this part of the country. He has since acted as superintendent 
of the property and by his skill and management has done much to further the best interests of 
the company. He is also largely interested in mines in Fresno, Madera, Inyo and Mono coun- 
ties, and is numbered among the men who have met with success in this line of work. 

In Fort Miller, December 18, 1873, Mr. Hoxie married Mary J. McKenzie, who was born in 
that location. For more complete details concerning her family refer to the sketch of William 
H. McKenzie, which appears elsewhere in this volume. In his political convictions Mr. Hoxie 
is a Democrat.