J.W. and W. Tobin, SS Tennessee, April 14, 1850
Mrs. A.J. Tobin, SS Panama, September 22, 1850
Wm. Tobin, Barque Canton, July 28, 1851
J.M. Tobin, SS Columbus, May 21, 1853
J. Tobin, SS Golden Gate, October 16, 1854
Not confirmed, but believe the Tobins to be a part of the deYoung/Tobin/Thieriot/McEvoy/Martin clan that in 1865 started the San Francisco Chronicle, which they owned until August 1999, when The Hearst Corporation (owners of the San Francisco Examiner) purchased The Chronicle. As of January 2003, Joseph O. Tobin II is part-owner in Slim's, the Great American Music Hall, and other music entities.
Daily Alta California, September 12, 1853:
Miscellaneous
WHOLESALE
FANCY, VARIETY, EMBROIDERY, LACE, HOSIERY, GLOVE, RIBBON, TOY AND TRIMMING STORE,
JONES & TOBIN
Would respectfully call the attention of buyers, and merchants generally,
to their assortment of fancy and variety goods, which will at all times
to found to be the most varied in this city, and will be constantly
adding to by succession of arrivals from the Atlantic States, of the
newest and most desirable goods in our line.WHOLESALE
FANCY, VARIETY, EMBROIDERY, LACE, HOSIERY, GLOVE, RIBBON, TOY AND TRIMMING STORE,
JONES & TOBIN
We would therefore solicit the attention of city and country merchants, who have heretofore found great trouble in completing their orders in small wares, notions, fancy and variety goods, to examine our stock, which will be found what it purports to be -- the most varied and extensive in this city, and every article appertaining to the trade will be found therein, and sold at the lowest market rates. The following comprise a portion of our stock, viz:
Stationery, Looking glasses,A young Irish immigrant, Richard Tobin, was among the men who established The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society in 1859. After just 10 years in San Francisco, Tobin's career was made: Elected the society's attorney, he -- or his firm, Tobin & Tobin -- served the organization for 130 years, as it became The Hibernia Bank and was eventually acquired by the old Security Pacific National Bank. When Tobin died in 1887, the San Francisco Bar Association noted that "the very extensive business of that vast institution" had prevented him from building a wider practice, but he "had no superior at the bar" in his chosen field. "His professional conduct was courteous and honorable. He possessed the esteem and respect of his professional brethren," the Bar said. "He rarely and reluctantly spoke ill of any man."
Playing Cards, Dolls, Toys,
Violins, Harps, Marbles
Accordeons, Suspenders
Porte monies, German silver spoons,
Fishing lines, Silver spoons,
Fishing tackle, Metallic spoons,
Combs, Spectacles,
Brushes, Pocket cutlery,
Perfumery, Table cutlery,
And a large assortment of zephyr patterns, sewing and floss silk, ladies' silk buttons, silk and worsted braids, fancy hat and plain ribbons, etc., with a great variety of articles too numerous to mention.
JONES & TOBIN, Importers,
57 Sacramento Street, one door above Front.
Born in Waterford, Ireland, Richard Tobin came to San Francisco via Valparaiso, Chile, on June 4, 1849, arriving by ship with his father and brother. Soon, Tobin was studying law with Judge Barry, and on October 15, 1852, he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of California.
In 2002, Tobin & Tobin, the firm he founded, will celebrate its sesquicentennial.
Among Richard's first partners were his oldest son, Robert, who joined him in 1875, and later his other sons: Alfred, Clement and Joseph Sadoc Tobin. The latter was named after the Most Rev. Joseph Sadoc Alemany, the first Archbishop of San Francisco, whom his father had served as legal adviser.
In 1901, the younger Tobin was a candidate for mayor of San Francisco. Although he lost, Joseph remained in public service, serving on the Committee of Fifty after the 1906 earthquake and on the Board of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. Joseph also led Tobin & Tobin until his death in 1919, when Cyril R. Tobin, Richard's grandson and Robert's son, took over.
Cyril was the firm's dominant force until his death in 1977. During all those years, The Hibernia Bank remained the firm's principal client. In fact, for a time, the firm's offices were on the second floor of the Bank's headquarters at One Jones Street. A brass plaque at the front door read, "Tobin & Tobin--Attorneys--Up Stairs." That plaque has a place of honor in the reception area of Tobin & Tobin today, and a replica is on the building at 500 Sansome that is its present home.
In 1984, the California Historical Society placed the firm on its register of historic California businesses "in recognition of more than a century of service and contribution to California's economic growth and vitality."
Excerpted from A History of the Tobin Family by Jacqueline A. Tasch
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