Description
The Pratt Family Papers spans the years 1825-1950. It contains historical correspondence and diaries related to the early
settlement of the San Joaquin Valley.
Background
Jean Noack Pratt (1916-2008), lived in Dixon, California. Her collection chronicles the lives of her ancestors, who were pioneers
of California's San Joaquin Valley. Pratt wrote three genealogical books, Finally California, The Noack-Haussler Story and A Van Fossen Family Genealogy.
Pratt's great-grandparents, Ernest Wagener (1811-1893) and Henrietta Eichoff (1824-1869) were emigrants from Germany. They
were among the early settlers of San Joaquin Valley, ultimately settling on the Stanislaus River near Mariposa, California.
The family ran the Zinc House stage coach stop which was located near Stockton on the French Camp Road. Their daughter, Louisa
Christina Wagener (1853-1931), wrote a diary, which is the only known first-hand account of life at a stage coach stop in
the San Joaquin Valley.
Alfred Noack (1848-1922) married Louisa Christina Wagener. Noack worked in the threshing business.
Walter Noack (1880-1949) was the son of Alfred and Louisa. He was an inventor and machinist, working for many farm equipment
companies such as Braden Manufacturing Company, the Sage-Noack Gas Traction Company, Best Tractor Company, and Caterpillar
Tractor Company.
Extent
3.2 linear feet; 66 Gelatin dry plates glass negatives, 6 Albumen prints, and 5 negatives
Restrictions
Copyright is protected by the copyright law, chapter 17, of the U.S. Code. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf
of the Department of Special Collections, General Library, University of California, Davis as the owner of the physical items
and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
Availability
Collection is open for research.