Sebastian Hodapp, deceased, who, becoming a pioneer settler of Sacramento county, lived for many years on Brannan island, arrived in this state in 1852, having made the long journey across the plains and through the mountain passes in order to reach the Golden state and enjoy the privileges here afforded to those men who had the courage and fortitude to meet and overcome the difficulties and hardships of frontier life.

A native of Baden, Germany, Mr. Hodapp was born January 20, 1825, and his parents were also natives of Baden. He was reared in that country, acquiring a fair education in his native tongue to prepare him for the duties of life, but otherwise he had no advantages to assist him, as he started out in life on his own account, being dependent entirely on his own efforts. He was a young man of twenty-three years when he emigrated to the new world to enjoy its greater privileges and better business opportunities. He remained for a few years in Indiana and then came to California in 1852, traveling after the primitive manner of the time and spending some time in the gold fields. In 1854, however, he came to Sacramento county and settled on the Sacramento river below Isleton, where his widow still resides and where he made his home until his death.

Mr. Hodapp was married, February 27, 1860, to Miss Thekla Myer, who was born in Baden, Germany, September 23, 1834, and is a daughter of Nicholas and Marian (Rummel) Myer, who were also natives of Baden, whence they came to America in 1858, settling in Indiana, their last days being passed in Jefferson county, that state. Mrs. Hodapp had crossed the Atlantic in 1857, and had located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was married. To Mr. and Mrs. Hodapp were born four children, three of whom are living: Mary A., the wife of Joseph Dosrosier, living on Branna island; Frank A., who makes him home at Martinez, California; and Joseph L., who, residing on Brannan island, is engaged in agricultural pursuits and is the local representative for Wolf & Sons, of San Francisco, well-known produce commission merchants, operating in California.

Mr. Hodapp, after becoming an American citizen, gave his political support to the Republican party, but never desired or sought office. He belonged to the Catholic church and was interested in all that tended to advance the welfare of his county or promote its interests along material, intellectual or moral lines. Through the years of his manhood he developed a character that commanded respect and admiration, for he displayed those sterling traits that in every land and clime awaken confident and trust.

Mrs. Hodapp, still surviving her husband, resides on the ranch on Brannan island, which property, comprising one hundred and forty-eight acres, she now owns. She also owns another ranch of three hundred and twenty acres in Solano county, California. Her son, Joseph L. Hodapp, is now and has been for a number of years a member of the board of trustees of the Brannan school district, and during the entire time has served as clerk of the board. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine