Lands represented by these surveys were true swamp lands in 1861. They were not consistently protected by levees until first decade of 20th century, when they became productive potato lands known as Rindge Tract after millionaire owner, Frederick Rindge (1857-1905), also owner of Rancho Malibu in southern California. Surveys were carried out for W. Harper and P.L. Shoaff, both of whom probably ran cattle on these lands (1861-1865) when they were not under water. P.L. Shoaff was resident in Stockton, Calif. for more than a decade (1854-1869), during which time he was active in politics as a Democrat. Shoaff briefly owned the "San Joaquin Republican" (1855) and used it to aid his campaign for City Clerk, an office he held from 1856 through 1859. In 1867 Shoaff purchased the "Stockton Gazette," operating this paper until it ceased publication (1869).
From the description of Surveyor's Office surveys, 1861. (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 35164162
