Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-08-15


solved upon, notwithstanding that /
in 1859, a Pacific Railroad Con-
vention was held in San Francisco |
which asked the Legislature of California |
to appropriate S15,0Oe,O0O to aid the con-
struction of the road across the State, if
the Federal Government would b1ild from
the Missouri river to the summit of the
Sierras. But there were political discour-
agements which then prevented any def
mite results.
The five men named were accustomed to
assemble in the establishment of Messrs
Harrington & Hopkins in this city, and
discuss the project OF building a great
transcontinental railroad, and from that
beginning the plans Of the vast under
taking were evolved.
1t IS entirely With. bounds to say that
the business cautisa, cool Judgment and
fIr-seeing of the FIVE were confirmed
by the nervous energy and restless
determination Of Mr. Croker to put
the project into actual operation, Out of
this fact grew the order which placed
him, in the furtherance of tie plans, at
the head Of the construction department,
where he reg aimed exercising that won
derful ability in organizing forces, and il
handling ns.a and materials, for which he
was distinguished, until the last spike was
driven, and one of the greatest achieve
ments of the nineteenth century was COM
pleted; aDvork, indeed, which had more
potential Significance for the west half of
the American continent, and the making
of the Pacific coast what il is to-day, than
any other of which record is made in the
history of the nation.
1t would be neither profitable nor
pleasant to recall in detail the misrepre-
sensations that were made concerning the
plans of these men; the obstacles which
were placed in their pathway; the scorn
and contempt with which their prescience
was received, and the ebloquy that was
visited upon them, as supposed Missionaries
and wholly selfish men nor yet to more
than refer TO the violent and conscience
less opposition with which their efforts
were met, and their labors relentlessly re-
tarded- When men, in the calm OF future
history losing sight of all the petty
jealousies, prejudices and envy and little
ness of the present, shall come to judge
labors by results, and effort by achieve
ment, the historic record of the building
of the Central Pacific Railroad viii accord
these railway builders patriotic purpose
and accomplishment second to that only
which enlisted the patriots of the nation
TO arm against rebellion. And this Will
be the record of time despite the fact that
these men secured to themselves great
wealth as the legitimate reward of their
energy and foresight
There is no passage in the life of Mr.
Croker that will justify so much OF elabo-
ration as that comprised by the six years
during which he remained at the front of
railway building, conquering heights sup
posed to be impossible, and tnnnelling
mountains declared to be impossible of
penetration. But obviously these and
many other details SO strikingly illustrative
of his mastery organizing capacity and
indomitable will cannot be reviewed.
On the 10th day of May, 1869, he and
his untiring associates saw the great work
completed; the grand aim of their lives
had been achieved, and what was once but
a soothing and by-word had become a
browning triumph, winning the applause
of the civilized world. Dir. Croker be-
came a Vice-President of the Central Pa
cifc Railroad Company, and served in
this capacity to his death.
1t is impossible under the exigencies
Of our space, to mere than refer to the sec
ond great undertaking of Mr.. Crocker's
life, in connection with his associates, in
the building of the Southern Pacific Rail-
road, of which he was the President; nor
yet OF the elaboration of;the great Pacific
railway system Of the coast, with all its
veins and arteries, developing and ur-
building the country; nor of the
private industries and constructions to
which he has devoted his capital and en-
ergy in various portions of the State, all
tending not more to enhance his private
fortune than to develop the immeasura-
bic resources Of the Golden State and the
Pacific coast and TO contribute to the pros
perity and happiness of the, people.
In 1873, his devotion to business having
impaired his health, his physicians or
dered him to foreign travel, which
engaged his time for two years. Be-
fore leaving home fer this purpose he
insisted upon parting with his railroad
interests, in the labors of the management
of which he could not personally share,
but on his return, renewed in strength. his
former copartners demanded his return to
duty, and he resumed the joint interest,
and retained it until his decease.
When in his youth Dir. Croker worked
in a lumber mill in ST. Joseph county,
Indiana, for John j. Deming, he formed
the acquaintance of that gentleman's
daughter, Mary A. Deming, and she
became his wife in the year 1852.
To these six chil3ren were born, and
four survive. They are Colonel Charles
+. Croker, William H. Croker, George
Croker, and Mrs. Harriet z. Alexander.
Mr.. Creoker erected mansion and re-
sided in Sacramento with his family until
1875, when his business compelled him to
take up his residence in Sen Francisco,
though the Sacramento home has never
been relinqCished.
Charles Croker was genial and happy
in disposition. strong IN his friendships. but
exact in business requirements. His was
his fei'ow-men to him. His was
a somewhat rugged manner in doing and
exacting duty. He demanded his and
gave 81 men Their due; strict justice in
deed vas the one great essential with him.