Roswell Chapman Sargent

Roswell Chapman Sargent (March 28, 1821 – June 15, 1903), also known as R. C. Sargent, was an American politician who was a member of the California State Assembly, representing San Joaquin County, California from 1871 to 1882. He owned large ranch holdings in San Joaquin County and was considered the wealthiest landowner in the county at the time of his death.

Early life and education Sargent was born on March 28, 1821, in Thornton, New Hampshire. He was one of six children of Dr. Jacob P. Sargent and Martha H. Webster. He spent his early years at home and received his education in New Hampshire. After the death of his mother in 1838, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts.

The Sargent Brothers acquired and developed sizable holdings in San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and Monterey counties. Roswell and Jacob managed the San Joaquin Valley, as well as additional properties around Stockton and Lodi, California.

Sargent married Isabel Smith in 1858. She was originally from England but had been a resident of California since her youth. They had seven children together. He won the State Assembly seat for San Joaquin again in 1875, and subsequently won re-election in 1877, and 1880, serving as assemblyman for San Joaquin County for a total of four terms.

Civic and fraternal organizations Sargent was a member of several civic and fraternal organizations, including the Jefferson Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Woodbridge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was also a member of the Woodbridge Grange, and the Agricultural Fair Association. At the time of his death, he was considered the wealthiest man in San Joaquin County, owning extensive ranches in the northern part of the state and having thousands of head of cattle.