California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

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


JASPER NEWTON MUSICK. There is probably no man residing in Fresno that has taken a more active 
part in the upbuilding of the city and county than has the gentleman whose name introduces this 
review. Born near Jefferson City, Mo., Jasper N. Musick is a son of Abraham and Nancy (Davis) 
Musick. The father, a native of Wayne county, Va., of Scotch-Irish descent, removed to Kentucky 
when a boy and after reaching his majority migrated to Missouri, locating near what is now Jefferson 
City. At that early day St. Louis was only a small trading post. There on the western frontier he 
purchased land and improved a farm, at the time of his death owning four hundred acres of fine land, 
all under cultivation. In politics he was a Democrat and in religious belief a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church South. He died at the ripe old age of ninety-three years. His wife, who was born in 
Kentucky, of English descent, died at the age of eighty-five years. By her union with Mr. Musick she 
became the mother of fifteen children, twelve of whom reached maturity and three of whom are still 
living. One son, Jeremiah, came to California after the close of the Civil war and here engaged in an 
extensive stock business. Later he purchased land in Fresno and laid out an addition. He died in 
January, 1904. Another son, Thomas, died on a farm owned by his brother, J. N. 

Jasper N. Musick was the sixth child in the parental family. His early life was spent on his father's 
farm, although he was allowed to attend a few terms of school held in a log schoolhouse. At the age 
of seventeen he started out in life for himself and in company with an older brother, Chesley, he 
crossed the plains to California, the party arriving here in the fall of 1850. As far as Salt Lake the trip 
was made with ox teams, but at the latter place they decided more rapid progress could be made 
with horses, so traded their oxen and continued the journey. On their arrival in Hangtown they were 
surprised to see the very oxen they had traded standing in the streets, having arrived several days 
previous and in much better condition than the horses, thus showing that the "race does not always 
go to the swiftest." As did nearly all the emigrants, Mr. Musick entered the mines, and for six years 
followed mining in Amador county, meeting with reasonable success. In 1856 he settled in "what was 
then Mariposa county, but shortly afterward came to Fresno county. He had not been here long ere 
the Indians were on the war-path, making it necessary for every able bodied settler to shoulder a 
musket and go to the front. In this emergency Mr. Musick was not found wanting, being a member of 
a small company which was present at the battle above the Tule river, where the redmen were 
defeated and the outbreak quelled. Soon after this he settled at Millerton and engaged in teaming 
between that place and Stockton and the mines. For hauling provisions from Stockton to the mines 
he was paid five cents per pound, it requiring ten days to make the round trip. In 1858 he assisted in 
moving the soldiers from Fort Miller, later in the same year locating on Dry creek, where, in 
partnership with John G. Simpson, he engaged in the stock business. They also conducted a meat 
market in Millerton and each spring they drove a band of cattle to Sonora and other places in the 
mining regions, where they sold their stock for good prices. This partnership was continued with 
success until 1865, when they dissolved and Mr. Musick entered into the sheep business, establishing 
his ranch at what is now the town of Letcher. There he entered and purchased land until his ranch 
now embraces some eight hundred acres, all under cultivation and highly improved. Besides carrying 
on an extensive stock business, making a specialty of the Short-horn breed, he also raises a large 
amount of hay and has a fine orchard of oranges and other deciduous fruits, it having been proven 
that this section of county is especially adapted to the growing of fine oranges. 

Up to 1892, the year of his removal to Fresno, Mr. Musick carried on a very prosperous business, but 
in that year he left the ranch and has since been living in the city. Since locating here he has erected 
seven residences and in addition owns several building lots. He also owns forty acres adjoining the 
city near the Pollasky depot, which is now devoted to the growing of alfalfa. At Millerton he owns 
eighty acres of land on which is located a very fine sulphur spring which is noted for its medicinal 
qualities. There he has built a summer home where the family reside during the hot months. Located 
on the proposed electric line that will probably soon be constructed between Fresno and the 
Yosemite valley, it is quite likely the springs will become a popular resort. 

Mr. Musick has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Rebecca Richards, the ceremony 
being performed on Dry creek. She was a native of Millerton, a daughter of James Richards, who was 
a pioneer settler of that town. Mrs. Musick became the mother of five children, three of whom 
reached maturity, as follows : Mary Effie, now the wife of William Henderson of Fresno; Nancy Ann, 
wife of J. P. Fincher of Westpark : and Laura Isabelle, wife of Benjamin Sims of Fresno. The mother of 
these children died on the Dry creek ranch. 

For his second wife, Mr. Musick married Nancy Jane Messersmith, the wedding occurring at 
Lemoore, December 27, 1878. She was born in Cole county, Mo., a daughter of Rial Messersmith, a 
native of Virginia. Mr. Messersmith became a farmer in Cole county, Mo., and after the Civil war 
came to California, locating at Lemoore, where he engaged in farming. He was living with his 
daughter, Mrs. Musick, at the time of his death, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Edna Duncan, was a native of Kentucky, and died in Missouri. She became the 
mother of nine children. 

In politics Mr. Musick has always been an active Democrat and in the early days was a prominent 
leader of his organization, serving as county supervisor for two terms, being chairman of the board a 
portion of the time. It was during his incumbency that the county seat was moved from Millerton to 
Fresno and Mr. Musick was one of the champions of the change, he contending that the county seat 
should be located on a railroad. He was also in office at the time of the erection of the court house 
and took an active part in the necessary arrangements and plans. While living on Dry creek, in 
company with neighbors, he formed a company which built the academy that soon afterward 
became one of the best schools in that section of the state. Later the building and grounds were 
deeded to the school district of which Mr. Musick was trustee for many years. It will thus be seen 
that while he has succeeded in life, he has been prominently identified with many of the most 
important events that have transpired since he took up his residence in this county. 

In fraternal relations he is a member of the Odd Fellows and in religious matters is an influential 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. A resident of the state for over half a century, he 
has been an eye-witness to the many remarkable changes that have taken place since he crossed the 
plains. During these years he has had many ups and downs, but as a result of industry and far-
sightedness he has accumulated a handsome property, the direct result of his individual efforts. Mr. 
Musick is a living example of what may be accomplished if one will but persevere and make the best 
of the opportunities that are presented. Starting out in life at an early age without money or 
influences he has steadily worked his way upward until today he is one of the most substantial 
citizens of Fresno county. In early life his advantages were few, but while still a young man he 
determined to succeed, and with this decision constantly in mind he has labored and saved until now 
he can enjoy the comforts and luxuries of life, feeling that his life has not been wasted and that while 
he has succeeded he has not failed to at all times perform his duties as a citizen. The life histories of 
such men as Mr. Musick contain much that is well worthy of emulation. Both he and his most 
estimable wife are popular and have hosts of friends wherever they are known.