James Pattee Sargent

James Pattee Sargent (February 11, 1823 – March 22, 1900), also known as J. P. Sargent, was an American politician who was a member of the California State Assembly, representing Santa Clara County, California from 1871 to 1873. He owned Rancho Juristac in Santa Clara County and was one of the wealthiest landowners in the county. Sargent Station, situated between Watsonville and Gilroy on the Southern Pacific Railroad, was named after him. They crossed the Great Plains, while another brother, Bradley V., came around the Cape Horn. By 1895, the area was a popular gathering place for hunters and social groups. The Sargent Brothers acquired and developed sizable holdings in San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and Monterey counties.

Sargent married Agnes Bowie San Juan, Monterey County, on October 31, 1864. She was originally from Montreal, Canada. They had five children together.

Sargent was a member of the Society of California Pioneers and the Knights Templar. He served as a director of the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Society for ten years and was elected its president for one term in 1877. The area, including Sargent Station, Sargent Hills and Sargent Creek, still bears his name.