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


ALFRED G. STONESIFER. A man of great energy and enterprise, able and far-sighted. Alfred G. 
Stonesifer, of Newman, has contributed his full share toward the promotion and advancement 
of the agricultural and industrial "prosperity of Stanislaus county. As a sheep breeder and raiser 
he carried on an extensive and lucrative business for many years, well earning his title of "King 
of the sheep industry." A native of Adams county. Pa., he was born December 31, 1831 a son of 
Solomon and Susan (Swope) Stonesifer, being the youngest child in a family consisting of five 
boys and five girls. Neither of his parents are living, both having died in Littlestown, Pa., not far 
from the places of their birth. 

On leaving school, Alfred G. Stonesifer began life for himself as a clerk in a store in Hanover, 
Pa., where he remained four years. Following the march of civilization westward, he went to 
Alton, Ill., in 1854, and was there similarly occupied for a short time. Going to Pike county, Mo., 
in 1855, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Louisiana for nine years. March 1, 1864, Mr. 
Stonesifer started with his family for California, crossing the plains with mule-teams. On 
September 1 of that year he arrived in Napa City, having only $2.50 in his pockets. The ensuing 
year he worked at any honorable employment, and saved some money. Coming to Stanislaus 
county in the fall of 1865 Mr. Stonesifer located in the San Joaquin valley, amid the foothills, on 
the west side of the creek. Taking up one hundred and sixty acres of land, he stocked the range 
with sheep of a common grade, and did so well in the venture that he decided to try something 
better. Purchasing, accordingly, for $4,000, one hundred and sixty head of French Merinos, he 
has met with noteworthy success in his operations, and is now owner of seven thousand acres 
of good land, and also has in his home ranch, near Newman, two hundred and thirty-seven 
acres of valuable land, which he devotes largely to alfalfa. Having by good management, 
judgment and investment accumulated a goodly property, he is now living somewhat retired 
from active business, enjoying a well-earned leisure. 

In Missouri, Mr. Stonesifer married Sophia Weed, a native of Illinois, and of their union five 
children have been born, namely: C. A., deceased; Mary B., deceased; Catherine E., wife of Dr. 
W. H. Mays, of Honolulu ; Augusta, wife of A. H. Mays, of California ; and Lois, wife of Charles E. 
Evans, of San Francisco. Politically Mr. Stonesifer is a steadfast Democrat. For a number of years 
he served as justice of the peace, but while filling that office never brought a case to trial, 
settling all difficulties without bringing them into court. He married eighteen couples in his 
official capacity, but lie never made a charge for a marriage or for a lawsuit.