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PAST AND PRESENT
OF
ALAMEDA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICACiO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
1131898
FKAXK K. MOTT
BIOGRAPHICAL
FRANK K. MOTT.
Among the prominent and representative men of Alameda county
none stands higher nor possesses a wider circle of friends than Frank
K. Mott, the mayor of Oakland. A self-made man who, by his
natural leadership, initiative and unswerving principles of honor,
has risen from humble station through the several positions of mes-
senger boy, clerk, merchant, real-estate dealer, member of city coun-
cil and several times mayor of Oakland. In every capacity he has
measured up to the highest standards of efficiency and more than
satisfied the expectations of his friends and party.
Frank K. Mott was born in San Francisco, January 21, 1866. His
parents, Peter D. and Fannie K. Mott were from New York state
and settled in San Francisco at an early day. Leaving school at the
age of twelve years and working as a messenger boy for the Western
Union and American District Telegraph Company, his education was
of necessity very limited. However in a year's time he had advanced
to the position of clerk and collector for the company, and he
remained there for four years, at the end of which time he entered
the employ of George S. Brown, a hardware merchant of Oakland.
When he was twenty- two years of age Mr. Mott entered into
partnership with A. E. Howard and together they succeeded to a
part of the business. This firm continued for eleven years when
Mott bought his partner out and became sole proprietor. In Janu-
ary, 1907, he sold his mercantile business and founded the well known
firm of Frank K. Mott Company, real-estate brokers, whose extensive
dealings and manifold improvements have helped so materiallv
toward a greater Oakland.
In the meantime, in 1897, he was appointed to the city council and
chairman of the committee on finance by Mayor Pardee, afterward
governor of California. In this capacity he served for two years,
the last year of which time he was president of the council. In 1899
he was elected on the republican ticket to the council again. Another
honor was bestowed upon him in 1905 when he was elected mayor of
6 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
Oakland on the republican ticket, having also received endorsement
of the democratic party and the Municipal League. He was elected
again in 1907 to succeed himself, being a candidate of all parties.
Since then two elections have been held, in 1909 and 191 1, and he
has been reelected both times.
Mr. Mott is a member of the Nile and Athenian Clubs, and
is active in Masonic, Elk, Knights of Pythias, Moose and Native
Sons orders. He has also served on the republican state central com-
mittee. He is organizer, president and stockholder of the Frank
K. Mott Company and several allied corporations. He is director
in the Security Bank & Trust Company and was president of the
League of California Municipalities.
Mr. Mott was married in 191 1 to Mrs. Gertrude Bennett.
HON. CHARLES FREDERICK HORNER.
On the roster of county officials of Alameda county appears the
name of Hon. Charles Frederick Horner, who, following a period
of efficient and capable service as a member of the board of super-
visors, was in 191 1 elected county assessor. He is a native son, born
in Irvington, Alameda county, November, 1858, his father, the late
W. Y. Horner having been one of the well known figures in the
pioneer days of California. He came to the Pacific coast around the
Horn in 1849 and became prominently identified with the develop-
ment of San Francisco in early times, laying out the first addition to
the city, which was known as Horner's Addition, and controlling
about two hundred and thirteen thousand acres of land in tlie state.
Charles F. Horner acquired his early education in the public
schools and later attended Washington college. Early in his career
he became interested in the business of refining sugar and lias made
a comprehensive study of every branch and department of this
industry. He was for many years manager of one of the largest
sugar plantations in the Hawaiian islands located at Lahaina, Mani.
Starting in with a very modest position at this plantation, he exhibited
such business acumen and earned such a reputation for integrity and
responsibility that he soon won the confidence of the capitalists who
had invested in the enterprise and was steadily promoted, being
finally given full supervision of the property. He took an active part
in public affairs while a resident of the Hawaiian islands and in 1887
HISTORY OF ALA:\IEDA COUNTY 7
and 1888 served as a member of the legislature under the reform
movement.
Mr. Horner was elected a member of the board of supervisors
of Alameda county in 1900 and served in this capacity for eleven
years, his continued reelection to office being the best proof of his
acceptability to the people. His tireless efforts and conscientious
work in behalf of progress and general improvement, particularly in
regard to the betterment of the roads and public highways, soon
gained for him an enviable reputation for well directed activitv in
office.
Improvements along these lines had his particular attention as a
member of the board, and it is largely owing to his influence that
Alameda county enjoys its excellent system of roads. In addition to
this Mr. Horner was a strong advocate for better bridges and suc-
ceeded, among other things, in obtaining for the county the modern
steel bridge in Niles canyon. As presiding member of the board he
always showed a constant courtesy and impartiality to petitioners, to
his fellow board members and to the public at large. In August,
iQii, after the conviction of Henry P. Dalton, county assessor, the
board of supervisors appointed Mr. Horner to fill the vacancy, and
he has since served in this office, discharging his duties in his usual
prompt and systematic manner.
Mr. Horner is well known in fraternal circles, being a Knight
Templar Mason, a member of the Order of Elks, the Odd Fellows,
the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of Pythias, the Native Sons
of the Golden West and the Druids. He holds membership also in
the Nile Club of Oakland. He is a progressive and public-spirited
citizen, a business man of unusual insight and ability and a conscien-
tious and capable official, and he holds the confidence and good-will
of all who are in any way associated with him.
PERRY A. HAVILAND.
One of the most valued and representative citizens of Oakland
is Perry A. Haviland, well known in official circles in Alameda
county from his many years of continuous service in the department
of engineering with which he is still connected as county survevor.
He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, September 8, 186^, and there
ac(]uired a public-school education, later entering the Iowa State
University where he took a thorougli engineering course. After
8 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTV
finishing his studies at the university he was tendered a position with
the Union Pacific Railway Company in the engineering department
and after several years' satisfactory service with them came to Cali-
fornia. He established a private engineering office in San Luis
Obispo and for two years did work of various kinds in line with his
profession, serving as consulting engineer, draftsman, and in similar
capacities. Following this he came to Oakland, where he took up his
residence. At about this time he accepted a position in the citv
engineer's office, where he remained for several years.
Mr. Haviland has been connected with the department of
engineering in various capacities in Alameda county for the past
eighteen years. As county surveyor he has conducted the work of
his office in a businesslike and systematic manner, and the public is
to be congratulated in securing the services of a man of his broad
experience, integrity and unquestioned ability in the engineering
department of the county. He is uniformly courteous and prompt
in his business transactions and in his dealing with his associates and
office staff. The best proof of his popularity is the fact that he has,
for two elections, received the indorsement of both the republican and
democratic parties and at the last election was nominated by the
republican, democratic and union labor parties. Mr. Haviland has
recently had supervision of some very important public work. The
county boulevard, which was planned by him, is widely known as one
of the finest works of its kind in the state.
Mr. Haviland's marriage to Miss Anna Knight of San Francisco,
who comes from a prominent English family, took place in that
city in 1891;. There are two children in the family, Marian, a
daughter of eighteen and a son Carlton, aged fourteen.
Mr. Haviland has had to make his own way in the world and
is what is generally called a self-made man. During his long resi-
dence in Oakland he has become well liked in both his social and
business intercourse and has many firm friends throughout the county.
ALAMEDA COl NTY ABSTRACT COMPANY.
The Alameda County Abstract Company, one of tiie leading busi-
ness concerns of its kind in this part of California, was established
in 1878. Wright anci Lvnch being the founders and owners. After
a few years the concern was purchased by William drier, who con-
ducted it until icioi.whcn lohn McCarthy became tlic owner. Since
HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY 9
that time he has been associated with W. H. Waste in the conduct of
this enterprise, Mr. McCarthy being its president and Mr. Waste
vice president. Under its present management the business has had
a remarkable growth and is now the leading abstract company in
Alameda county. When Mr. McCarthy assumed control in 1901
about fifty orders a month were received by the house. The monthly
average today is five hundred and fifty orders and the entire business
has expanded proportionately. The Alameda County Abstract Com-
pany purchased the plant of the Oakland Title & Abstract Company
two years ago and is the only company in the county that has a com-
plete title plant which enables it to do thorough and reliable work.
The concern is well managed along progressive and modern lines and
is a valuable contribution to the business resources of the city and
county.
John McCarthy, president of the Alameda County Abstract Com-
pany, came to Berkeley in 1873, later removing to Oakland, where he
now resides, honored and respected by all who know him. He has
been in the abstract business for eighteen years and understands it in
principle and detail, his experience and knowledge being salient ele-
ments in his success. He has always taken an active interest in com-
munitv afifairs, being in heartv sympathy with all movements to
advance the permanent interests of the city. He has won a wide
circle of friends, who hold him in the highest estimation for the many
sterling traits of character which he has evidenced in many ways,
throughout his long career as a citizen of Alameda county.
JAMES B. BARBER.
The worth and fidelity of James B. Barber in positions of public
trust is evidenced by the fact that since 1888 he has been continuously
in public office and since 1894 has served by reelection as tax collector
of Alameda county. He was born in Marysville, this state, Novem-
ber 9, 1850, and is a son of Arthur S. and Elmira (Burton) Barber,
who came to Alameda, Alameda county, in 1853. In that city James
B. Barber was reared and educated, attending public school until he
was fifteen years of age at which time he laid aside his books and
began his business career, working as a clerk in his fathers grocery
store and continuing there until he was twenty years of age. Being
ambitious for a broader field of activity he learned telegraphy and
was afterward for three years and a half in the employ of the Southern
10 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Pacific Railroad as operator, proving conscientious, prompt and able
in the discharge of his duties. He resigned this position in order to
go into business for himself, turning his attention to dealing in wood
and coal in Alameda and building up a large and profitable enter-
prise along this line, a liberal patronage being accorded him in recog-
nition of his upright and honorable business methods and his earnest
desire to please his patrons.
Mr. Barber sold out his business interests at the end of three years
and came to Oakland, accepting the appointment of deputy county
tax collector, a position which he filled so ably and efficiently that in
1888 he was elected tax collector of Alameda county. He served
two years and at the end of his term was elected city treasurer of
Alameda, an office which he held until 1894. I" th^ latter year he
was again elected county tax collector, and he has served continuously
since that time, his excellent record proving his business ability, fore-
sight and discrimination.
In Alameda on the 25th of December, 1878, Mr. Barber married
Miss Anna M. Cook, and both are well known in the city where they
make their home as people of genuine personal worth and many fine
qualities of mind and character. Mr. Barber is prominent in fra-
ternal circles, being past master of Oak Grove Lodge, No. 215, F. and
A. M., past president of Halcyon Parlor, Native Sons of Alameda
and past chancellor of Alameda Lodge, No. 49, K. P. He belongs
.also to the Order of the Eastern Star and is a member of the Unitarian
club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and
he has always been stanch in his support of its principles and policies,
upholding them both as a private citizen and as a public official. In
the city where he has resided since the beginning of his public career,
he is well known and deservedly popular, commanding the respect,
esteem and confidence of all with whom he is in any way associated.
HON. JOSEPH R. KNOWLAND.
Hon. Joseph R. Knowland is the present representative of his
district to the sixty-third United States congress, having been elected
to that office by virtue of his previous excellent work in various fields
of public service. He is, moreover, numbered among the distin-
guished citizens of California because of the prominence he has
attained in promoting the permanent interests of the state along all
lines and by reason of the extent and importance of his business con-
KXdWl.AXI
HISTORY OF AI,AMKDA COUNTY 13
nections. He is identified with industrial, commercial and financial
enterprises, the successful conduct of which indicates his keen sagacity
and unfaltering enterprise.
Mr. Knowland was born in Alameda, August 5, 1873, and is a
representative of a well known pioneer family of this state. His
father, Joseph Knowland, settled in California in the early days and
was one of the most prominent and successful business men of Ala-
meda county, being one of the leading lumbermen of the Pacific
coast.
Following the completion of a public-school education Joseph R.
Knowland attended Hopkins Academy and the University of the
Pacific, after which he became associated with his father in the
lumber industry and in the latter's various shipping interests. He
began at the bottom and rose steadily, learning the business in prin-
ciple and detail and becoming soon a valuable assistant to his father.
Later, however, he turned his attention to public affairs and here
found his chosen field of work, for he early manifested ability as a
politician and an intelligent interest in matters of community develop-
ment. He was only twenty-five years of age when he was elected to
the assembly from the forty-seventh district by a majority of fifteen
hundred votes and he served with credit and ability both at the
regular session of 1899 and the extra session of 1900, during which he
was chairman of the committee on commerce and navigation. So
acceptable was his work to the people of his district that in 1900 he
was reelected by a majority of two thousand and during his term of
service was appointed chairman of a special committee to investigate
the police department of San Francisco. As a result of disclosures
made in the course of this investigation Mr. Knowland introduced
legislation, now on the statute books, prohibiting Chinese slave girl
traffic in San Francisco.
In 1902 Mr. Knowland was elected to the state senate from the
fourteenth district by a majority of twenty-eight hundred votes and
he served in an eflicient and capable manner as chairman of the com-
mittee on banking. During his entire legislative career he was identi-
fied with all movements calculated to improve public morals and
elevate the standard of citizenship and his courage and integrity as
well as his ability led to his nomination in 1904 to fill out the unex-
pired term in the fifty-eighth congress of Hon. Victor H. Metcalf,
who had been appointed secretary of commerce and labor. His elec-
tion to the fifty-ninth congress followed by a plurality of seventeen
thousand, three hundred and eighty-four votes and he was later
reelected to the sixtieth congress and again to the sixtv-third, being
14 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
now a member of the house. His continued return to office speaks
eloquently of his services for the state and is a tribute to his integrity,
intelligence and public spirit. As a member of the committee on
interstate and foreign commerce Mr. Knowland has taken an active
interest in legislation connected with the Panama canal and he led
the fight on the floor of the house for free tolls for American ships
on the coastwise trade. He has at all times favored movements which
would allow the United States to get the fullest possible benefit from
the canal, voting in favor of a provision in the Panama canal bill pre-
venting railroads owning or controlling steamships from operating
through the canal, where they compete with railroad lines in traffic.
Never being content without exact and comprehensive knowledge of
the subject on which he is working, Mr. Knowland made four trips
to the canal during its construction, has studied methods and condi-
tions there and can speak with authority on everything connected
with its building and use. Among other important legislation with
which he has been connected was the bill to suppress the white slave
traffic and it was he who recently introduced bills to enlarge the pro-
vision of the present act relating to this. In the natural course of
advancement he is now a candidate for the senate. He is of the con-
scientious type of public men, ever holding to his ideals and principles
without swerving. He is not only a patriotic x\merican but an ultra
loval Californian, with an intimate knowledge of the state's needs.
Mr. Knowland has had extensive and important business affilia-
tions, being president and a director of the Gardiner Mill Company;
a director in the Kennedy Mine & Milling Company; a member of
the Gas Consumers Association of the United States; and a director
in the Alameda National Bank and the Union Savings Bank of Oak-
land. He is thoroughly alive to the interests of the city and com-
iiuinity and can always be counted upon to further any plan for their
material development.
Mr. Knowland married Miss Ella Fife and of the children born
to them two are still living. Mrs. Knowland passed away in July,
iqo<S, and her death was sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends
in Oakland, to whom her culture and refinement as well as her many
excellent qualities of character had greatly endeared her.
Mr. Knowland is well known in various fraternal organizations,
being a life member of the Masonic body; past master of Oak Grove
Lodge, No. 215. F. & A. M.; Alameda chapter, Oakland com-
mandery, Oakland consistory and Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
He also belongs to the Klks and the Woodmen and for eight years
served as grand officer of the Native Sons of the Golden West, of
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 15
which he is now past grand president. Early in his career Mr.
Knowland became interested in the preservation of the landmarks,
relics and other mementos of the early history of California and
ardently participated in movements for the restoration of the old
missions and other structures of the pioneer period. He delivered
illustrated lectures in over twenty states on this subject and con-
tributed greatly toward raising public sentiment to the necessity of
preserving the landmarks of the first European occupation on these
shores. He is now president of the California Landmarks League.
His interests are varied and all along lines of progress and improve-
ment. He is a broad-minded man who places a correct valuation
upon life, its opportunities and its privileges, and in the course of a
useful and honorable career has wrought along lines of the greatest
good to the greatest number, his activities in various fields proving
of great benefit to the community at large. He stands today among
the most honored and eminent residents of Alameda countv.
JUDGE E. M. GIBSON.
The life of Judge E. J\L Gibson of Oakland has been so varied
in its activities, so high in its purposes and so far-reaching in its
effects, that it is difficult to state which of its phases has been most
directly beneficial, for at different periods he has proved himself a
patriot, jurist, statesman, philosopher and philanthropist, and at all
times an honorable and worthy man and a loyal citizen. During
a period of connection with the legal profession in Oakland dating
from 1874, he has risen to a place of honor and distinction in this
field, but it does not by any means limit the scope of his interests
which extend to every phase of municipal development or public
growth.
Judge Gibson is a native of Indiana, and was born on a farm in
Hamilton county on the 13th of June, 1842. He is a representative
of one of the oldest southern families, the members of which have
been prominent in North Carolina for many generations. He is
descended from Quaker lineage. From North Carolina his paternal
granii father, Thomas Gibson, was a volunteer soldier in the con-
tinental army of the Revolutionary war, rendering distinguished
service as a cavalryman. After receiving an honorable discharge he
made his home in that state until his death. He wedded a Miss
Crothers and their son, George (iibson, father of the subject of this
16 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
review, was born in North Carolina and went to Indiana as one
of the early pioneers of the latter state. George Gibson married
Mary Winslow, daughter of Eleazer Winslow, a descendant of an
old Massachusetts family of Winslows, one of whom was at one time
governor of that state. The Winslows were Quakers for generations
and left their native Massachusetts to become residents of the south.
Judge Gibson's great-grandfather Winslow, was a sea captain of
Nantucket, Massachusetts, sailing the high seas in his own ship for
many years. When he retired because of approaching old age he'
purchased a large tract of land in North Carolina where he estab-
lished his home, and the family became prominent among the wealthy
and aristocratic people of that locality. The Winslow family were
intimately related with the Stantons, also Quakers of North Caro-
lina, Elizabeth Stanton being the maternal grandmother of our sub-
ject and Edwin M. Stanton, who was secretary of war under Lincoln,
was a member of the same family.
Judge Gibson acquired his early education in the crude log school-
house, so representative of that early day, in his native county, which
was supplemented by a course at a Quaker seminary. Upon the out-
break of the Civil war, being a patriotic lad, he enlisted in Company
A, Nineteenth Indiana (Volunteer) Infantry, under Colonel Sol
Meredith, and went with his company into camp in Indianapolis.
From there it was sent to Washington, D. C, and later to Arlington
Heights, Virginia, where Judge Gibson served under General George
B. McClellan. He saw a great deal of active service, participating
in many of the most important engagements of the war, including the
battles of Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He
was with General Pope's army on its retreat from the Rapidan to
Washington when it was under fire much of the time for twenty-one
consecutive days. During that retreat Pope's army fought the battles
of Gainesville, Second Bull Run and Chantilly.
After the battle of Antietam General Burnside was placed in com-
mand of the army of the Potomac and fought the battle of Fredericks-
burg. For excellent conduct in that battle young (iibson was pro-
moted from the ranks to the position of sergeant. His service at
Gettysburg was as a member of the famous Iron Brigade, the Hrst
infantry on the field of that great battle. Late in the afternoon in a
desperate charge made by the enemy he was badly wounded, taken
prisoner and was left four days and nights on the field before being
taken to a hospital. \Mien he had recovered sufficiently to be moved
he was taken to Phil uielphia, whence in December he was sent to
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 17
Indianapolis and was honorably discharged from the service, June
25, 1864.
With this creditable military record Judge Gibson returned home
and took up the study of law, a profession which had always attracted
him. For a time he read in the offices of Hamlin and Wickersham
in Indianapolis and in the autumn of 1865 entered the law depart-
ment of Columbian University, now George Washington University,
\\'ashington, D. C, from which he was graduated in 1868. He was
appointed a clerk in the department of the interior and was later
transferred to the third auditor's office in the United States treasury
department.
He was in Washington when President Lincoln was assasinated
and Andrew Johnson became president, heard his impeachment trial,
and knew personally General Benjamin Butler who had much to do
in bringing the impeachment proceedings; was in Washington during
the trial of Mrs. Suratt, who was tried and executed for conspiracy
resulting in the shooting of President Lincoln and he was also present
at Ford's Theatre the night of the assasination and saw the martyred
president carried from the building. Among his friends were many
of the illustrious men of that time, and his personal acquaintance
embraced such men as James A. Garfield, Senator Oliver P. Morton,
Thaddeus Stevens, Charles Sumner, Schuyler Colfax, General Wil-
liam T. Sherman, General John A. Logan and many other noted men
of that period.
In 1870 he came west to California and in this state made his
first location at San Jose and after a short stay removed to San
Francisco. Remaining for a time in that city he came, in 1874, to
Oakland where he made his home. Here he took up the active prac-
tice of law and soon became widely and prominently known as a
resourceful, strong and able practitioner, whose knowledge of legal
principles was comprehensive and exact, and whose application of
points of law was generally correct and logical. Turning his atten-
tion to politics he soon won a position high in the councils of the
republican party, to which he gave the aid of a powerful, convincing
and eloquent speaker and a versatile and able politician. As a plat-
form speaker he travelled to various parts of the state in political
campaigns and did a great deal to insure the election of his party's
candidates. In recognition of his legal and political ability he was
in 1S7S appointed district attorney to Hll the vacancy caused by
the resignation of Henry Vrooman, and one year later was elected
and later reelected to the office which he filled with credit and dis-
tinction for four years. After being defeated for the office of railroad
18 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
commissioner and for that of mayor of Oakland, he was elected judge
of the superior court of Alameda county and served for six years,
accomplishing much effective work. Upon the expiration of his term
he again took up the practice of law in Oakland, where he is today
recognized as one of the leading members of the legal fraternity. He
is well versed in every branch of his profession and has won distinc-
tion in all, although he does his best and most effective work in the
court, especially in jury cases, where his commanding eloquence, his
striking presence and attractive personality hold the attention of his
listeners. He has been connected with a great deal of important
litigation and has won many hotly contested cases, his powers con-
tinually expanding and developing with the added calls made upon
them. Not wholly has his time been devoted to his professional and
political labors for the financial interests have for some years held
claim to his valued services. He is president of the Bank of Com-
merce.
In Washington, D. C, in 1869, Judge Gibson married Miss Irene
E. Brashears, a native of that city, of French and German ancestry.
They have three children: Augusta; Clara, the wife of Ben F.
Woolner, city attorney and junior partner of Judge Gibson; and
Grace. For a number of years the family occupied a beautiful
country home beyond Piedmont but they now reside in the city.
Mrs. Gibson for many years has been an active factor in the social
life of this vicinity being a member of the Ebell Society, one of the
oldest and most influential woman's organizations of Alameda county.
She is also a member of the Oakland Club ; the Women's Relief Corps
of California and Nevada, being past president of this department;
and the Daughters of the American Revolution, having served as
regent of the Oakland chapter, besides being a member of several
other societies. She has evinced a marked interest in all matters
tending to social uplift and improvement and possesses a wide circle
of friends.
Judge Gibson holds membership in the Sons of the American
Revolution, and, being public-spirited, patriotic and loyal himself, is
justly proud of his ancestors who fought for the cause of freedom.
He is a most ardent admirer of Abraham Lincoln, classing him above
all other men of any age and has developed in himself much of Lin-
coln's broad sympathy and wide understanding. He is so familiar
with the history of the great emancipator that he has made his life
and character the subject of many interesting lectures. An inde-
fatigable worker, a hard student, a deep thinker. Judge Gibson has
throughout his life systematically developeii his powers, talents and
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 19
abilities and in so doing has won success — a success important in its
material and tangible manifestations and important also by reason
of the standards, ideals and principles upon which it is based. His
charities have been most liberal yet unostentatious and with it all his
honesty of purpose and absence of misleading pretense have been
characteristic virtues.
WILLIAM J. BACCUS.
William J. Baccus, serving in a creditable and able manner as
commissioner of streets of Oakland, has demonstrated his ability
during a period of nearly ten years in the public service, rising rapidly
to his present place in official circles. He was born in San Fran-
cisco, November 17, 1869, and is a son of Benjamin Baccus, one of
the pioneers in California, who came overland by team to the coast in
1 85 1. The father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and was
afterward engaged in the plumbing business in San Francisco.
William J. Baccus came to Oakland when he was ten years of
age and acquired his education in the public schools of this city.
Following the completion of his studies he engaged in the teaming
business with W. H. Parrish and later learned the bricklaying trade,
which he followed for several years. Recognizing, however, the
greater opportunities which were to be found in the contracting busi-
ness, he turned his attention to this line of work and soon met with
excellent success in it, for he had a thorough knowledge of general
construction work, acquired through practical experience, and the
insight, integrity and ability necessary for success in any field. Bv
virtue of these qualifications and his thoroughness and promptness in
filling his many large contracts he has now become one of the fore-
most men engaged in this line of work in Oakland, many of the most
important structures in the city being built by him. His most recent
contract was for the reconstruction of the Syndicate building and he
was also identified with the reconstruction of the Kahn Brothers
building.
Mr. Baccus began his public career in 1903, wlien he accepted
the nomination on the republican ticket for member of the city coun-
cil, receiving the indorsement of the union labor forces, with whom
he is closely affiliated. He was elected by a large majoritv and after-
ward served four terms by reelection, during four years of which he
was chairman of the street committee. He has alwavs been a hard
20 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
and consistent worker for better streets in Oakland and has accom-
plished a great deal of valuable work along this line, as it has been
largely through his efforts and influence that the number of paved
streets has been so greatly increased. So acceptable was Mr. Baccus'
record on the city council that when the primary law went into effect
he was nominated by direct primary vote for the office of commis-
sioner of streets under the new charter and was elected by a large
majority. He has continued his intelligent and constructive work
in this office and is regarded today as one of the most able men in the
service of the municipal government.
In San Jose, California, in 1896, Mr. Baccus was united in mar-
riage to Miss Catherine Muir, daughter of an early pioneer in this
state. They have become the parents of three children: Volma,
William J.. Jr., and Robert. Mr. Baccus is a member of the Native
Sons of the Golden West; Council No. 7, I. O. R. M.; the Loyal Or-
der of Moose, and other fraternal orders and clubs. In all essential
respects he is a self-made man, the foundation of his success being
plain, honest hard work. Most of his opportunities he has himself
created, and he has utilized them in an intelligent and capable way,
being ranked today among the men of worth and substance in the citv
where he makes his home.
JUDGE JOHN ELLSWORTH.
Judge John Ellsworth, who in January, 1913, declined to be a
candidate for reelection to the position of judge of the superior court
of Alameda county, which he had filled with credit and distinction
for twenty-four years, has had a long and varied career in public
service, his worth and fidelity in positions of trust and responsibilitv
being indicated by the wide-spread confidence and esteem in which
he is held today. For forty-six years he has resided in Alameda
county and may be termed the dean of the legal fraternity of the
countv. He is now engaged in the general practice of law in
Oakland.
Mr. Ellsworth was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, on the
7th of January, 1842, a descendant of one of the old and prominent
families of New England, who settled in Connecticut in 1646. He
is a son of Abner Moseley and Lucy W. Ellsworth. His early labor
was that of the farm boy and the public schools of his native com-
munitv afforded him his first educational opportunities. He was
rrnr;!-: .khix kllsworti
HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY 23
afterward a student in Phillips Academy, but he responded to his
country's call for troops in the great Civil war, enlisting in the
Twenty-fifth Connecticut Regiment, and proceeded to the south. He
served nine months under General Banks in Louisiana and was
present at the surrender of Fort Hudson, which had been besieged for
six weeks. After his honorable discharge from the army he returned
to Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, and there pursued
such studies as would prove advantageous to his subsequent study of
law, as he had decided to devote himself to that profession. He was
graduated in 1864, but although he had fitted himself for Yale
University financial conditions prevented his going there, so after
spending one year in Williams College at Williamstown, Massa-
chusetts, where ne took senior work, he began to study law, enter-
ing the law office of Hubbard & McFarland in Hartford, Connecti-
cut. He read there for tw'o years, winning his admission to the bar
in October, 1 867. In the same year he came west to California, estab-
lishing his residence in Alameda county, his home being at Alameda
and his office in San Francisco, where he engaged in a general legal
practice until 1876, when he moved his office to Alameda. The same
year he became city attorney of that community. This position he
resigned in 1886, after ten years of able and effective service, in order
to accept a seat in the state assembly, to which he had been elected.
After two years of progressive work in that capacity he was elected
in 1888 and in January, 1889, took his seat as judge of the superior
court of Alameda county and by reelection he served four terms,
holding the office in all twenty-four years and accomplishing during
that period a great deal of constructive, beneficial and far-reaching
work and leaving the impress of his personality and ability upon the
judicial history of this section of California. His last term expired
on the 5th of January, 1913, and he declined to be a candidate for
reelection, turning his attention to the general practice of law in Oak-
land. He is known in this city as a strong and able practitioner, well
versed in underlying legal principles, able in his appeals before the
court and concise in his presentation of a case.
On the 17th of April, 1892, Judge Ellsworth was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ada L. Hobler, of Alameda, and both were well known
in social circles of this city until April 15, 1906, when the wife died.
Fraternally Judge Ellsworth is identified with the Odd Fellows, the
Masonic order and the Grand Army of the Republic, and he is a
member of the Athenian Club. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party, which he has served capably and well through-
out his entire connection with public life, upholding always its prin-
24 ]]1S•|■()R^• Oi- AI.AMI'IDA COfXTV
ciplcs and policies, in which he lirnily believes. Throughout a period
of residence in Alameda dating from 1867 he has securely entrenched
himself in the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, his public
career having been varied in service and faultless in honor, and his
professional and personal life beyond reproach. It has been said of
him that "He has established a record that few public men can
equal, not only for continued public service, but for the able and faith-
ful manner in which he has performed the duties entrusted to him."
GEORGE E. GROSS.
Oakland numbers among its most progressive and successful native
sons George E. Gross, who since 1901 has been connected with the
treasury department of the city government and is now serving in
a capable manner as auditor and assessor. He was born in this city,
March 14, 1872, and acquired his education in the public schools.
Following the completion of his studies he went into business with
his father, who was engaged in the marble and granite industry in
Oakland.
On the ist of May, igoi, Mr. Gross entered public life as dejuity
in the city treasurer's ofHce and during his three years of service in
that capacity exhibited an unusual aptitude for the work and mas-
tered the details of the management of the office. His ability led to
his appointment in 1904 as chief deputy treasurer and it was while
he still held that office that he accepted the republican nomination
for city auditor and assessor, receiving the indorsement of the demo-
crats and the Municipal League. He was elected by an overwhelm-
ing majority and assumed his duties at the time of the charter elec-
tion. About two years ago the office was raised from being one in
which the county auditor's figures were accepted as the basis of the
city assessment rolls to a department in which the entire work of the
city was handled carefully and justly. The change was made by
charter amendment but the work of bringing the office up to the
new standard has been undertaken carefully and slowlv, new men
being employed from time to time as necessitv required. These are
now employed on a permanent basis instead of being appointed by a
blanket ordinance from time to time for successive periods. The
handling of the auditing and assessing by the city instead of accepting
the county figures raised the assessed valuation for the city as a whole
over ten million dollars above what it would have been under the
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 25
county figures and resulted in a more equal distribution of the burden
of taxation in the city. An ordinance was introduced and passed to
print under suspension of the rules of the last council, placing the
auditor's office on a permanent basis. The ordinance provides for
the following: The fixing of the salaries of the first and second
deputy auditors at one hundred and fifty dollars; the appointment by
the auditor of one additional deputy at a salary of one hundred and
twenty-five dollars; the fixing of the salary of the deputy assessor in
charge of personal property at one hundred and seventy-fi^ve dollars,
and the appointment of three additional deputy assessors. Mr. Gross
proved his popularity in the direct primary election of 191 1, when he
was nominated by the people direct and elected by an overwhelming
majority with practically no opposition. He is assisted by Deputy
Auditors A. V. B. Davus and H. C. Hencken. W. H. Dwyer is also
afYected by the new ordinance, having been appointed permanently
with the title of deputy assessor in charge of personal property.
Mr. Gross married Miss Ethel Gage, of Oakland, and his home
and social life has been particularly pleasant, for during a life's resi-
dence in Oakland he has made a wide circle of friends. He is con-
nected fraternally with the Woodmen of the World and belongs to the
Native Sons of the Golden West. In all the relations of life he has
held stcadilv to high standards and his sterling worth makes him
well known in his native city both as a public official and a private
citizen.
p:dwin meese.
No more able and conscientious public official can be found in
Alameda county than Edw^n Meese, city treasurer of Oakland, who
in the course of twelve years' connection with the municipal govern-
ment has fully demonstrated his intelligence, executive ability and
initiative spirit. He was born in San Francisco, March 28, iSs". and
is a son of Hermann Meese, one of the pioneers in California, who
came to the coast in 1850. In the early days the father engaged in
carpentering and later went into business as a contractor and builder.
He also enjoyed the distinction of having been one of the first men to
engage in the sugar business in the west, having been one of the pro-
moters of the Bay Sugar Refinery and was prominentlv identified
with business interests of Oakland for thirty years.
Edwin Meese acquired Iiis early education in the public schools
of San Francisco and later attended the GoUcge of Fort Wavne,
2(j HISTORY OF ALA.MKDA COUNTY
Indiana, and Heald's Business College, of which institution he is a
graduate. Following the completion of his studies he accepted a
position as assistant secretary of the Bay Sugar Refinery and when he
resigned went into the mercantile business in Sacramento, building
up a large and profitable enterprise. In 1879 Mr. Meese came to
Oakland and almost immediately began to take an active interest in
civic afifairs. In 1898 he accepted the nomination on the republican
ticket for the ofiicc of city councilman and served in this position by
reelection for a number of years. He stood always for progress and
improvement along municipal lines and has always been a strong
advocate of the consolidation of the city and county governments.
During his membership on the city council he was identified with
the street committee and in this capacity accomplished a great deal
of constructive work looking toward the improvement of the public
streets and highways. While Mr. Meese was still a member of the
council a vacancy was created by the resignation of the city treasurer,
and he was appointed to fill the position. His appointment was not
one of political preferment but came to him because of his unques-
tioned integrity and proven ability. He has held the office since that
time and his record has been one of conscientious, intelligent and able
service. In the election of 1907 his nomination for the position of
city treasurer was indorsed by all parties and he had no opponent,
this being a gratifying tribute to his popularity and efficiency.
In politics Mr. Meese is a stanch republican and has been a con-
stant worker for the principles and candidates of that party. He is
a member of the Nile Club of Oakland and well known in social
circles of the community which has for the past thirty-five years num-
bered him among its most public-spirited and progressive citizens.
ARCHIBALD G. TAFT.
Archibald G. 'I'aft, occupying a position of distinctive precedence
in financial circles of Oakland as president of the Harbor Bank and
in business afifairs as founder, secretary and manager of the Oakland
Box Factory, was born in Elko, Nevada, March 26, 1877, and is a
son of George W. and Millicent 'I'aft. In the acquirement of an
education he attended public school until he was sixteen vears of
age and then entered the I'niversity of California, from which he was
graduated in due course of time. Immediately afterward he came
to Oakland and here engaged in various occupations until 1898, when
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 27
he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, establishing there a box factory
which he disposed of after conducting it for one year and a half.
Returning to Oakland at the end of that time, he founded a similar
enterprise in this city, organizing the Oakland Box Factory, of which
he has since been secretary and manager. His ability and resource-
fulness have been prominent elements in the growth of this institu-
tion, and his work in its upbuilding has been rewarded by a success
which places him in the front ranks of substantial and representative
business men of the city.
This prominence has resulted in the extending of his interests into
other fields for in January, 1910, he became connected with the
Harbor Bank of Oakland as vice president and in January, 1912, was
elected president, a position which he now holds. During the four
years of his association with this institution he has proved himself a
reliable, forceful and discriminating financier and has conducted the
affairs of the bank in a conscientious and able way, continuing the
policies upon which it was founded but inaugurating the necessary
changes. He is also a past president of the Merchants Exchange of
Oakland, and his signal ability is widely recognized in financial and
business circles.
In Oakland, on July 4, 1905, Mr. Taft was united in marriage to
Miss Katharine Alexander, and they have become the parents of a
son, Harold, seven years of age. Mr. Taft is a member of the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks and is a thirty-second degree Mason,
belonging to the shrine. He has been since 1900 treasurer of the
local lodge of the Woodmen of the World and is a stanch republican
in his political beliefs. During the period of his residence here he
has taken an active interest in community affairs, and his labors have
been an element in the substantial growth and progress of the city,
while his efforts in business circles have brought him substantial
returns.
PHILIP M. WALSH.
Philip M. Walsh, a prominent and successful attorncv of Oak-
land, was born in California, May i, 1870, and is a son of .Maurice D.
ami Mary Walsh, natives of Ireland. The father served in the Civil
war as a corporal in the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry,
forming a part of the Irish Brigade. One year after the close of
hostilities he and his wife came to California. In their familv were
28
TTTSTORV OF Al.AMEDA COUNTY
three sons and one daut^HKcr. the subject of this review being the first
in tlie order of birth.
Philip M. Walsh acHiuired his education in the Oakland public
schools and afterward turned his attention to journalism, becoming a
reporter on the Oakland Times. In 1890 he was made court reporter
and in this way became interested in the legal profession, which he
determined to follow. Accordingly he read law during his spare
time and in 1895 was admitted to the bar of California. After four
years he was made deputy district attorney of Alameda county and
in 1900 was appointed chief deputy, serving under John J. Allen.
He was elected to the state legislature in 1902 and served as a mem-
ber of that body for two years, his vote and influence being always on
the side of riglit, reform and progress. Mr. Walsh is now engaged
in the general practice of law in Oakland, where he is numbered
among the foremost representatives of the bar, his knowledge and
ability bringing him a large and growing practice which he is very
successful in conducting.
In 1894 ^Ii"- ^^ <ilsh married Miss Annette Lefevre, a daughter of
Dr. A. Lefevre, a leading dentist of California. Mr. Walsh is con-
nected fraternally with the Order of Elks and the Native Sons of
the Golden \\'est. In all official, professional and social relations he
has adhered steadily to high ideals and has the confidence and regard
of the entire communitv.
ASA \^ MENDENHALL.
Asa V. Mendenhall, who since 1898 has been in the active and
successful practice of law in Oakland, was born in Danville, Contra
Costa county, California, August i, 1866, a son of William M. and
Mary (Allen) Mendenhall, pioneers in this state. He acquired his
education in the public schools of Santa Clara county and in Liver-
more College at Livermore. At the age of eighteen he drove stage
in Amador and Alameda counties and continued at that occupation
for three years, after which he embarked in the mercantile business
in San Francisco. He also acted as traveling salesman for A. Shill-
ing & Company and carried on his legal studies at the same timc
under the direction of his brother-in-law, G. W. Langan, of Oakland.
He was admitted to the bar in 1898 and began practice as a member
of the firm of Goodcell & Mendenhall, which partnership was dis-
solved in 1903. He was then alone in practice in Oakland until
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 29
March. 1906, when he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law,
Mr. Langan, under the firm name of Langaii & Mendenhall. They
have built up a large and lucrative practice, specializing in corpora-
tion law and in mining and land cases. Mr. Mendenhall has become
an expert in this branch of his profession and his opinions are con-
sidered authority on all matters pertaining thereto. The firm has
had charge of some very important cases and represents fourteen
large mining companies and eight manufacturing companies, includ-
ing the Electric Amalgamation Company, the original Amador
Mines Company, the Omega Gold Mining Company and the Es-
meralda Land Company of Nevada. Mr. Mendenhall has also large
interests in mining companies in this part of California and is known
as a progressive and farsighted business man.
In June, 1903, he married Miss Florence E. Hatch, a native of
Oakland, and they have two children: Edwin, aged six; and Sally,
aged three. Mr. Mendenhall is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and prominent in its afifairs. He is not active in politics, preferring
to concentrate his attention upon his profession, of which he is today
a leading and successful representative.
STANLEY T- S^^TH.
The California bar numbers among its representatives no more
able, prominent and successful lawyer than Stanley J. Smith, now
practicing in Oakland as a member of the firm of Bell, Bell & Smith.
He was born in Downieville, Sierra county, California, December
30, 1879, and is a son of Stanley A. and Anna C. (Neilson) Smith.
In the acquirement of an education he attended public school in his
native community until he was fifteen years of age and then came
to Oakland, where he entered the high school, graduating in 1898.
He was afterward a student in the University of California and
received his degree from that institution in 1903. Having determined
to make the practice of law his life work, he attended Hastings Col-
lege of the Law in San Francisco, graduating in 1905 and being
immediately afterward admitted to the bar by the supreme court.
He began the practice of his profession in San Francisco and
there remained until lanuar\, 1906, when he moved to Oakland,
becoming a partner with Harmon Bell in the (irm of Bell, Bell &
Smith, a connection which he still maintains. His farsighted and
discriminating work has been an important factor in making this
30 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
one of the strongest and most reliable firms of its kind in the city,
connected through a representative and extensive patronage with a
great deal of important litigation. Mr. Smith himself is a forceful
and able lawyer possessed of a comprehensive knowledge of under-
lying professional principles, and, being energetic and able in his
presentation of his cases, he has developed a large and growing
clientage and his ability makes him very successful in its conduct.
In Oakland, in June, 1907, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to
Miss Genevieve Costa and they have two children: Margaret, aged
four; and Stanley Campbell, aged two months. Mr. Smith is a
stanch republican in politics and is an active member of the Athenian
Club. His career has been marked by continuous advancement in
a difficult profession, one in which success can come only as a result
of superior merit and ability.
MELVIN C. CHAPMAN.
Among the strong and reliable legal firms in Oakland is num-
bered that of Chapman & Trefethen, and its senior member, Melvin
C. Chapman, has long been accounted one of the most progressive
and able representatives of the California bar. Along with profes-
sional success he has also won prominence in politics and his inter-
ests have extended to many other fields touching closely the general
advancement of the community.
He was born in Westfield, Illinois, September 5, 1850, and is a
son of Charles de Grasse and Cynthia (Palmer) Chapman, botii
representatives of well known American families. One of his pater-
nal ancestors, Robert Chapman, came from England in 1637 and
was among the first settlers at Saybrook, Connecticut, the homestead
upon which he lived being still in possession of the family. Others
of Mr. Chapman's forebears served under Oliver Cromwell and sev-
eral were conspicuous in the Revolutionary war, the War of 18 12 and
in the Civil war. Members of this family have been prominent in
commercial, professional and political life, winning success as mer-
chants, ministers and lawyers.
Melvin C. Chapman acquired his early education in the public
schools of Chicago, which he attende"d from 1856 until 1S67. He was
graduated from Onarga Seminary in Illinois in 1870 and three years
later came to California. He established himself in the real-estate
business in San I^ancisco, whence he moved his residence to Oakland
MELVIX C. CHAPMAN
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY :«
in 1876. Six years later he disposed of all his business interests in
San Francisco and began the study of law. After he was admitted
to the bar he formed a partnership with Roscoe Havens under the
firm name of Chapman & Havens, an association which was dissolved
after eight months, Mr. Chapman continuing alone. In June, 1910,
he formed a partnership with E. E. Trefethen and they are still
associated under the name of Chapman & Trefethen. In the office
of this firm is transacted some of the most important legal business
heard in the courts of California, for the partners control a large and
representative clientage, both being strong, forceful and able prac-
titioners. Mr. Chapman has won for himself an enviable place at
the bar of the state and his success is the direct result of his ability
and energy. He is president of the Oakland Bar Association and is
held in high respect and honor by the members of the legal fraternity.
In Oakland, on the 21st of December, 1887, Mr. Chapman was
united in marriage to Miss Lillian M. Childs, and they became the
parents of one son, Melvin C, Jr. Mrs. Chapman has passed away.
Mr. Chapman gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and takes an active interest in public affairs. In 1887 he served
for one term as a member of the state legislature and he has been
mayor of Oakland, giving to the city a constructive and progressive
administration. He is president of the Tribune Publishing Company
and belongs to the Athenian Club. He is an enterprising and pro-
gressive citizen, who takes a commendable interest in public affairs,
and along professional lines he has met with that success which is the
natural result of merit and ability.
OAKLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Oakland may well point with pride to its fire department which
under the able direction of its chief, N. A. Ball, is today one of the
best managed, most perfectly equipped and most adequate public
service enterprises in California. In addition to this the fire-fighting
force is composed of men of more than ordinary ability and intelli-
gence, and the entire department maintains a standard of efficiency
not equaled in this part of the state.
There has been a remarkable growth in the department during
the last ten vears, for in 1903 there were only si.x engine companies
and two truck companies, whereas today there are seventeen engine
and five truck companies and a permanent working force of two
;{4 HISTORY OF AI.AMEDA COL'XTY
hundred and ninety men headed by Chief Ball, who is aided by two
assistant chiefs and two battalion chiefs. The fire department has
also three chemical and hose companies and two chemical companies
provided with eight pieces of automobile apparatus and fourteen
steamers. A salt-water, high-pressure fire protection system has
recently been placed in operation, being designed as an au.xiliary to
the other fire-fighting facilities in a restricted area in which the
number of fire streams required is greater than is demanded in the
surrounding sections of the city. The pumping plant of the system
supplies these additional streams and the design provides that as the
restricted area increases the salt-water mains may be extended. Hose
streams are taken directly from hydrants on the high-pressure mains,
so that no steamers are required. Dependence for a supply for
fighting ordinary fires is placed on the existing fresh-water system of
mains, and the salt water pumping plant stands idle except when
called on in emergencies. Damage to the contents of a building by
salt water thus is avoided in all except large fires. The pumping
plant is in a park on the shore of Lake Merritt, a body of salt water
connected with San Francisco bay, and is at a distance of about one
and one-quarter miles from the center of the area in which the mains
of the salt-water system have been laid. Including the force main
leading to the edge of that area, twelve tiiousand feet of mains are in
service, protection thus being provided to sixty blocks of business
propertv. An additional five thousand three hundred and forty feet
of mains, including fire-boat connection on the water front, has been
installed and the scheme for the system contemplates that mains
eventually will cover an area of one and one-half square miles.
The mechanical ei]uipment of the pumping plant embraces two
two hundred and fifty horsepower gas engines, each connected to a
four-stage turbine pump. The two units are capable of delivering
ten fire streams of two Inimlred gallons per minute each, against
pressure of two hundred pounds per square inch. The specifications
require that within two minutes of the time an alarm is given, five of
the streams should be delivered and the additional five within two
minutes of the call on tiie station. These requirements have been
reduced by actual service so tliat one pump is placed in operation in
thirty seconds and the second within two minutes. Recent tests
siinwL-d that two piniips dclivereil twenty-four hundred gallons per
minute througii two hundred and fifty feet of hose in the center of
the business area with eighty pounds nozzle pressure. The pressure
on the mains at the pumps is two hundred pounds per stjuare inch.
The plans contemplate an additional engine and pump, which will be
1131898
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 35
used as a spare unit, or to increase the capacity of the phmt fifty per
cent during a conflagration. In the design of the pumping plant and
the arrangement of the distribution mains, the suggestions of the
engineers of the Board of Underwriters of the Pacific were followed.
The pumping station, which is also a park building, is a one-
story reinforced concrete structure, sixty-four by eighty feet in plan
and seventeen feet high to the eaves line, which is treated architectur-
ally to harmonize with its surroundings. The exterior walls were
given a plaster finish. The roof is of the low, Spanish type, with a
covering of red tile on steel trusses. The ground around the build-
ing was graded to bring the latter naturally into the landscape, the
eft'ect secured being particularly satisfactory. The interior of the
building also is finished in keeping with the exterior treatment. The
building is divided into five rooms, one, forty-six by forty-six and
five-tenths feet in plan, that contains the mechanical equipment, an
engineer's room, a storeroom, and two public toilet rooms, with a
sixteen foot porch on both sides. The pump of each main unit draws
water from a separate screen chamber in a section well under the
floor of the room. This well is built to provide for the installation
of a third unit and is connected with the adjacent lake by means of a
four by four foot concrete conduit extending twenty feet ofT shore into
ten feet of water. The suction pipe of each pump is provided with a
double flap foot valve designed to hold a pressure of two hundred
and fifty pounds to the square inch. The discharge of both pumps
has an eight-inch connection to a fourteen-inch force main laid on the
floor at the end of the room and over the suction well. Each of these
connections is provided with a check valve, which prevents the return
of water to the pump in case the latter goes out of commission su«i-
denlv- Beyond this check valve is a gate valve provided to permit
the pump to be cut off when desired, without interfering with the
operation of the other unit. The valves by means of which the mains
are divided into sections arc in brick manholes having cast-iron tops
and covers. They are of extra weight and are designed for the high-
pressure salt water service, under a working head of two hundred
and twenty-five pounds to the square inch. They have cast iron
bodies, w'ith bell connections, except for special lengths. Their
dcjuble gates are independently adjustable and are arranged so the
central pressure is removed entirely and the disks freed from their
seats before being raised. All working parts of the valves, including
the entire gate disk and all contact surfaces, are of bronze of a special
composition selected to resist wear and corrosion by salt or brackish
water, the wedging surface on the spreader being of harder bronze
Sfi HISTORY OF ALA^FEDA COUNTY
than those on the disks. The upper end of the spreader nuts and the
inner surface of the top of the valve case are finished to a close tit
when the valve is fully open, so that only slight leakage occurs when
the stuffing box is repacked without shutting down the valves.
A flush hydrant is placed at every street intersection in the area
protected by the high-pressure mains. The hydrants are each in a
concrete manhole built at one side of the main and below the surface
of the street, a location being selected in each case as near the center
of the street intersection as possible. This type of hydrant was
chosen because any possibility of damage to a hydrant by a wagon or
other vehicle striking it was eliminated. These hydrants also avoid
the difficulty occasionally experienced with the usual type of post
hydrant, placed behind the curb at the corners of a street intersec-
tion, being rendered unsafe for use during a fire in an adjoining
building. The hydrant manholes each have a cast iron cover, so
that any part of the hydrant may be repaired or replaced without
disturbing the surface of the street. The cover also is of such design
that two men can lift it with ease. The fact that no frost occurs in
Oakland, of course, should be borne in mind, since this condition per-
mitted the employment of a hydrant of this type. Each hydrant has
a manifold of eight-inch pipe which is connected inside of the man-
hole to tile main. A valve on this connection is provided with a
hand wheel in the manhole, placed where it can be reached and
operated readily. The quarter-turn on which the manifold is
mounted is carried by a cast iron chair anchored to the bottom of
the manhole. The blank flanges on the ends of the manifold also are
both fastened to brackets embedded in the sides of the manhole. Five
three-inch hose connections are attached to the manifold by means
of flanges. Each connection is provided with a gate valve so it may
be operated independently. The manifold not only permits a quite
satisfactory arrangement of these connections, but also reduces the
loss of friction in the hydrants to a minimum. On each hydrant is
a four-inch connection, by means of which standpipes for buildings
can be supplied through a pipe laid underground and provided at
the hydrants with gate valves. These standpipes have hose connec-
tions at the sidewalk which are left open for use with fire engines
and Ircsh water. The connection with the high-pressure system is
made at the base of the standpipe, so the one above it can be left open
witiiout interference. Since tiie hydrants are ordinarily only two
hundred and eighty feet apart on the mains, it was considered better
to make the standpipe connections at them, where they are readily
found, rather than along the main between the hvdrant.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 37
The total cost of the high-pressure fire protection system, embrac-
ing the pumping plant and the twelve thousand feet of mains that
were laid under the first contract, was ninety-five thousand dollars.
This amount included approximately four thousand five hundred
dollars for the replacement of pavements in the streets in which the
main had to be laid. The cost of the pumping station building also
was somewhat higher than would ordinarily be incurred under most
conditions, amounting to a total of twenty-three thousand dollars.
The contract for the entire mechanical equipment amounted to
twenty-eight thousand dollars and included all of the apparatus in
the station.
The Oakland Fire Department is under the supervision of Chief
N. A. Ball, one of the most able firemen in Alameda county, who,
with the exception of four years, has in the thirty-three years since
1880 been continuously a member of the department. He is a native
of San Francisco and in 1862, when he was three years of age, moved
with his family to Oakland, where he was reared and educated. Fol-
lowing the completion of his studies he engaged in the grocery
business for a number of years and while still retaining this connec-
tion joined the Oakland Fire Department in 1880 as call man.
Advancement came rapidly. In 1889 he was made assistant chief
and on the 29th of March, 1898, was appointed chief. He still holds
this responsible and important position, and his success is unques-
tioned, being evidenced in the excellent condition of the fire depart-
ment and in its growth and improvement along all lines.
JOSEPH W. BINGAMAN.
One of the most prominent and enterprising young attorneys of
Oakland is Joseph W. Bingaman, practicing as a member of the
firm of Reed, Black, Nusbaumer & Bingaman. He was born in
Salinas, California, on the ist of March, 1881, and is a son of W. H.
and Isabella Bingaman. His early education was acquired in the
public schools of his native community and in 1898 he went to
Berkeley, where he entered the high school, graduating in 1900.
He afterward became a student in the University of California, re-
ceiving his bachelor's degree from that institution in 1904, after
which he took up the study of law, graduating from the legal depart-
ment of the State University in 1908 with the degree of Doctor of
Law (J. D.). In the same year he began the practice of his pro-
38 mSTOin- ol" Al.AAIKDA COUXTY
fcssioii as a clerk with the hrni of Reed, Bhick & Reed, but he proved
such a strong and able practitioner that in 1912 he was admitted to
tile firm, the name being then Reed, Black, Reed & Bingaman. since
which time Clarence Reed has retired and Emil Nusbaumer become
a member, the rtrm name now being Reed, Black, Nusbaumer &
Bingaman. This is one of the most important law firms in Oakland,
connected through its extensive practice with a great deal of notable
litigation, and its junior member has proven himself fully up to the
high standards which have always distinguished its other repre-
sentatives. Mr. Bingaman specializes in probate and real-estate law
and trial work and for the past five years has also been acting as
attornev for George Gray, public administrator.
Mr. Bingaman together with his copartners is also associated with
Charles F. Lee of Fruitvale and Walter A. Clark of San Francisco
in the ownership and subdivision of a tract of land containing about
eight thousand acres in Fresno county. The land is adapted espe-
cially to the growth of alfalfa and is one of the largest irrigati(Ki
projects in Fresno county.
In Oakland on the 8th of September, 1909, Mr. Bingaman was
united in marriage to Miss Genevieve Kimball, and they have be-
come the parents of two children: Jean, aged three and one-iialf
years; and Geraldine, one vear and six months. Fraternallv Mr.
Bingaman is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, the Masonic order and the Phi Delta Phi, and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He belongs to the Methodist
church and has done active and helpful work as a member of the
Oakland Commercial Club. He is still a young man, but his ability
has carried him forward into important professional relations and
his many friends do not hesitate to predict for him continued and
rapid progress in his chosen field.
GEORGE E. SLEEPER.
George E. Sleeper, a representative of a well known pioneer
family of California, prominently connected with business interests
of Oakland as manager of the Oakland Clearing House Association,
was born in this state in 1874. His father, Charles Sleeper, a native
of Maine, came to California in 1861 and for a time mined at Co-
lumbia, Tuolumne county. He is now manager of the San Francisco
Clearing House. George E. Sleeper's grandfather, \\\ O. Sleeper.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY :»
was one of the earliest settlers in this state, having arrived here in
1 85 1. He was one of the first bankers in California, conducting a
bank at Columbia.
George E. Sleeper acquired his education in the public schools
of San Francisco and later engaged in the electrical business in Oak-
land. During the last eighteen years he has been connected with the
clearing house business in San Francisco and Oakland and a great
deal of his present success is due to his wide experience and detailed
knowledge. When the Oakland Clearing House Association was
organized in 1906 Mr. Sleeper was chosen its manager, and this
position he has filled with credit and ability since that time. He
occupies an enviable position in business circles of the city as a man
whose sagacity is far-reaching and whose integrity is beyond question.
GEORGE J. McDONOUGH.
Actively connected with a profession which has important bear-
ing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or com-
munity and one which has long been considered as conserving the
public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining
individual rights, George J. McDonough has won success as a law-
yer, practicing before the bar of Oakland.
He is one of California's native sons, his birth having occurred
in Eureka on the 8th of February, 1879, his parents being John and
Margaret McDonough. In the public schools he pursued his edu-
cation until sixteen years of age, after which he matriculated at St.
Mary's College in Oakland, graduating therefrom in 1902. His
legal training was acquired at Hastings College of Law, which he
attended for a year and eight months, and then, with wide general
information and careful preparation, he was admited to the bar of
the supreme court. He did not at once, however, embark upon his
professional career as a lawyer but accepted a position as instructor
at the Sacred Heart College of San Francisco, which he capablv and
efficiently filled until April, 19116, when he resigned. Since that
year he has been engaged in active practice in Oakland, making a
specialty of criminal law, and his success in a professional wav
affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a
strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the
court and he has won for himself most favorable criticism for the
40 HISTORY OF ALAAIKDA COUNTY
careful and systematic methods which he follows in the conduct of
his cases.
Mr. McDonough was married in San Francisco on the 14th of
June, 1908, to Miss Syd Frances Reidy. and they are well known
and popular in the social circles of Oakland. Mr. McDonough
belongs to the Catholic church and his political views are in accord
with the principles of the republican party. He is yet numbered
among the younger generation of practitioners in this city but, pos-
sessing the qualities of an able lawyer, he has already established a
good practice in the line of his specialty, his increasing reputation
bringing him more and more into connection with litigation of an
important and distinctively representative character.
HON. FREDERICK S. STRATTON.
Hon. Frederick S. Stratton, member of the Oakland bar, has de-
voted much of his life to public service and over his record there
falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. He stands as a high
tvpe of American manhood, citizenship and chivalry and he has been
termed "one of the most eminent and popular attorneys in Califor-
nia." The state is proud to number him among her native sons. His
entire life having been passed on the Pacific coast, he is thoroughly
familiar and in sympathy with every phase of life that means prog-
ress, development and upbuilding in this section. He was born in
Oakland in 1859, when this city, now of large and attractive propor-
tions, was of comparatively little importance. He has been an inter-
ested witness of its development and along various lines has contrib-
uted to its progress. After attending the old Swett grammar school
and the Oakland high school he entered the University of California
and was graduated therefrom in the class of i88r, winning high hon-
ors. He may well be saitl to be a self-educated as well as self-made
man, as it was his own effort that made it possible for him to secure
the university course. While pursuing his studies he set type in a
newspaper office, earning from eighteen to twenty-hve dollars per
month, and thus met his expenses.
It was in early manhood that Mr. Stratton decided upon the prac-
tice of law as a life work and, entering upon preparation for the prtv
fession, he soon acquired a knowledge that enabled him to pass an
examination that admitted him to the bar. He entered upon active
practice in partnership with W. W. Morrow, later judge of the
X. 1'i;i;i)i;kiik •<. stkai'iox
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COL-XTY 43
United States circuit court of appeals in San Francisco. Some time,
afterward Mr. Stratton became senior partner in the firm of Strat-
ton, Kauffman & Torchiana. Since that time his progress has been
continuous, and he has long since reached an enviable position as a
leader of the California bar. His knowledge of law is compre-
hensive and exact. He is familiar with principle and precedent,
and the analytical trend of his mind enables him to readilv apply his
knowledge to points in litigation.
It is not alone in the field of his chosen profession, however, that
Frederick S. Stratton is known and honored. Immediately follow-
ing the earthquake and the fire of 1906 Mr. Stratton was appointed
a member of the Red Cross committee of San Francisco and of the
Oakland relief committee and in that capacity assisted largely in
the distribution of fourteen million dollars sent for the relief of the
sufferers. It was at a period when sound judgment had to direct
sympathy and when business management was necessary to meet the
exigencies of the case, and in none of these qualities was he found
lacking.
At various times public honors have been conferred upon him.
In 1897 Alameda county elected him to the state senate and during
his connection therewith he carefully studied every situation that
bore upon the welfare of the commonwealth, introducing many
miportant measures and advocating others which found their way to
the statute books and have had to do with shaping the later existence
and policy of the state. From the time of his election to the senate
until the present Frederick S. Stratton has been a recognized leader
in public affairs in California and the Oakland Enquirer said in this
connection : "His record is one of distinguished public service, based
upon progressive ideas and marked by unflinching integrity and
unswerving fidelity to duty and to the public interests." One of the
measures which he put through while a member of the general assem-
bly w as that which increased the State University tax from one cent
to two, thus providing a substantially increased revenue with which
to help build up the university to its present gigantic proportions.
He also wrote and put through the bill which exempted Leland Stan-
ford, Jr., University from taxation and wrote and fathered the bill
whicli established primary elections in the state. He afterward
drafted every amendment to this law passed by the legislature up
to 1909 and also all the constitutional amendments necessary to meet
the new order in the election laws through their evolution to the
direct primary measure. He is the author of the first primary law
ever introduced into the California assembly and which, after many
44 HTSTORV OF AI.AMEDA COUNTY
amciulnicnts, Hnally developed into the present law as it is found
upon the statute books of the state today. In 19(10 he was called to
the position of collector of the port of San Francisco and his duties
in that connection were mostly of a judicial character, for upon him
devolved the task of making decision upon practically all questions
officially submitted to him according to the law of the land.
.Mr. Stratton might have had many other political honors, had he
desired. l\vice would President Roosevelt have made him assist-
ant secretary of the United States treasury had he not declined to
serve, owing to the fact that he did not wish to leave his home and
establish his residence in Washington. Many of his friends and
admirers urged him to become a candidate for the United States
senate, but, as that would have meant removal to Washington had he
been elected, he again declined. He prefers California as a place of
residence and does not care to accept office that will take him from
his native state.
Mr. Stratton has ever been a stalwart republican, with progressive
views. He has studied the vital questions with thoroughness, and
his position is based upon the keenest interest in the welfare and
progress of the country and the adoption of those principles which he
deems of vital force in advancing the national goixl. One other
feature of his public service worthy of mention is the fact that he
was the author and twice introduced the legislative measure for the
exemption of church property from taxation, a measure that was
finally passed. His knowledge of law has been of the utmost value
to him in his public career and as lawyer and legislator his record
is one which reflects honor and credit upon the state that has honored
him. Since his retirement from the office of collector of the port of
San Francisco, in which he served under the administrations of
Presidents McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft, he has continued in pri-
vate practice, with a clientage which in extent and importance indi-
cates his standing among the foremost members of the California bar
A. G. DEARDORFF. M. D.
The ability with which Dr. A. G. DeardorfT has handled intricate
and important cases at once indicates his marked ability and his high
standing in the profession. He practices at Berkeley, and through-
out his connection with the profession his progress has been con-
tinuous. He was born near Oakland, Oregon, in i8i;4. and is n
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 45
representative of a pioneer family of the northwest, his parents being
W. H. B. and Georgiana (Harl) Deardorfif. In 1849 the father
came to California from the vicinity of Burlington, Iowa, and in
the fall of 1 85 1 went to Portland, Oregon. The following winter
he returned to Iowa, where he remained for about a year, and in the
spring of 1853 h^ married and organized a company of relatives and
friends, numbering more than one hundred people, whom he piloted
across the plains to the Pacific coast, being particularly well qualified
to act as their leader because he had been over the ground before.
Mr. Deardorff and most of the party located in Oregon, but a few
continued on their way to California. In the Beaver state he engaged
in ranching and after years of earnest and well directed labor he
retired and established his home in the town of Oakland, Oregon,
where he remained until his death, which occurred November 25,
1902. His widow survived him for about nine years and passed
away in Portland, Oregon, in May, 191 1.
Dr. Deardorfif pursued his education in the schools of Wilbur,
Oregon, with an academic course in Willamette University. He
then taught school in Oregon for several years and also engaged in
farming for a time. He lived most economically, saving his earn-
ings until he had a sum sufficient to enable him to pursue a course in
medicine. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons
at Keokuk, Iowa, in the fall of 1878, and was graduated with the
class of 1882. At once he returned to Oregon and engaged in the
practice of medicine in the town of Jefiferson. There he continued
until the fall of 1885, when he established his home temporarily in
Salem, but in 1886 removed to Fresno. In that city he enjoyed a
liberal and extensive practice, remaining there for nearly ten years.
In 1895 he opened an office in San Francisco, where he practiced
for eleven years, or until the fire of 1906. In August of that year he
came to Berkeley, where he was soon well established as a successful
physician. He has since resided here and has always been very active
with the exception of the year 1913, when, owing to ill health, he
was not able to practice. In 1909, in connection with G. C. Bohannon,
he organized the Bohannon Cancer Institute, a sanitarium for the
scientific treatment of cancer. The institution was thoroughlv
e(]uipped along the most scientific lines and the work accomplished
has been of most splendid and commendable character. While in
Fresno Dr. Deardorfif was for some time United States examiner for
pensions. He is never a man to rest content with his success of past
years, nor is he content to continue the practice of his profession
according to the old methods. On the contrary, he is at all times
4(i IIISI'OR^' ol- .\I.A.\ll-;i)A C< iL'XTY
busy in experimental work, and study and in his research work has
been remarkably successful. His progress is of a character that will
be of decided help to humanity through the prevention of disease.
He is successfully administering vaccines and serum treatments for
the cure of chronic and acute rheumatism, pneumonia, bronchitis,
typhoid, diphtheria and numerous other prevalent and dreaded
diseases.
He and his wife are members of the Congregational church at
Berkeley, in which Dr. Deardorff is serving as a trustee. Mrs. Dear-
dorfif is also active in the church and in the social circles of the Bay
cities. Dr. Deardorff belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which
he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He assisted in organiz-
ing and firmly establishing the republican party in Fresno county
and while there was closely associated with the late Joseph Baker
in political affairs. On all political, economic and sociological as
well as professional questions he keeps abreast with the best thinking
men of tiie age and is well fitted for leadership upon many essential
questions.
GEORGE F. WITTER.
George F. Witter, prominently identified with professional in-
terests of Oakland as an able and successful lawyer, was born in
Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, on the 8th of November, 1863, a son of
George F. and Frances Witter. He attended the public and high
schools in his native city until 1880, when he entered the North-
western Business College, remaining a pupil in that institution for
one year thereafter. In 1881 he entered the University of \\'isconsin
and after two years laid aside his books, turning his attention to
teaching and becoming principal of the high school at Humbird,
Wisconsin. He did earnest, straightforward and efficient work in
that capacity until 1885, when he again became a student in the State
University, remaining until he received his degree in 1887. He
afterward resumed his teaching, going to Merrill, Wisconsin, where
as principal of the city schools he reorganized the entire public-
school system of the city, placing it upon a more thorough ami busi-
nesslike basis. His able and forceful work won him reelection to
the position of principal hut this he resigned in the fall of 1887 in
order to accept the ofiicc (.1 principal of the high school at Marsh-
field, Wisconsin, where he remained until the fall of 1888.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 47
In that year he determined to study law and accordingly entered
the law department of the University of Wisconsin, graduating in
1889 and winning admission to the bar in the same year. He opened
his first office in Wallace, Idaho, where he built up a lucrative
patronage which he continued to conduct until 1892, going in that
year to California and locating at Paso Robles, where he engaged
in general practice until 1900. From Paso Robles he moved to San
Francisco, becoming prominent and well known in legal circles of
that city, where he remained until 1906, when he moved to Oakland,
and he has since been in practice here, making steady progress in
his profession and controlling today a representative and extensive
clientage.
In Humbird, Wisconsin, on January 22, 1891, Mr. Witter was
united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Carter and they have become
the parents of five children: Jean C, who is twenty-one years of
age; Esta, who is attending the high school; Edwin, aged fourteen;
Phelps, aged ten; and Wendell, who is two years of age.
Mr. Witter is a member of the Congregational church and fra-
ternallv is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. He is a
republican in his political beliefs, and although he is not active as
an office seeker he takes an intelligent interest in the growth of the
community and does everything in his power to promote and ad-
vance it. His salient qualities of character commend him to the
confidence and good-will of his fellow citizens, and his circle of
friends is constantly increasing.
J. A. HILL, .M. D. C, V. S.
Among the veterinary surgeons of Oakland, California, there is
none wlio enjoys a higher reputation for efficiency than Dr. J. A.
Hill, a native of Yolo county, this state. When a young man he
followed the sea, spending many years on the trans-Pacific liners and
traveling extensively, touching on his journevs all of the important
Pacific ports. In 1903 he took a course at the Chicago Veterinary
College, graduating in 1906. Shortly afterward he opened an office
in Alameda, beginning the practice of his profession. In the fall
of 191 1 he moved to East Oakland, where he built a most completely
equipped veterinary hospital for the care of sick and maimed animals.
The building is forty by one hundred and twenty-five feet, modern
in every respect and sanitary to the minutest detail. Good ventila-
48 HISTORY OF AI.A.MEDA COUXTY
tion is provided and pure water is always at hand. An idea as to
the up-to-date improvements prevailing is given in the fact that even
a roof garden is provided for the dogs. There are spacious box
stalls for sick and convalescent animals and, last but not least, there
is the expert knowledge, wide experience and care of Dr. Hill. He
is fortunate in having the services of a humane and kindly attendant
whose object it is to furnish the animals the greatest possible comfort.
The Doctor has an interesting military record to his credit, having
served in the Spanish-American war with Company A, of the United
States Regular Engineers' Corps, on the Philippine islands, his
services extending over thirteen months. He was detailed on many
surveying parties, often assigned to special duty, and assisted in
raising small sunken vessels. He also was engaged in clearing the
rivers and streams as far south as Jolo. He keeps in touch with his
comrades of that memorable conflict through his membership in the
United Spanish War Veterans and is also a member of several fra-
ternal organizations. He is veterinarian for the First Battalion
Field Artillery, National Guard of California, which includes Bat-
tery B of Oakland. A of Los Angeles and C of Stockton. During
the summer of 1912 he was the veterinarian in charge of the horses
in the war maneuvers which were held in Monterey county. As is
but natural Dr. Hill is a great lover of animals and is especially
fond of fine horses, of which he owns four, some of them broken to
driving and some saddle horses. He is enthusiastic over the advan-
tages of Oakland, its climate and its living conditions and is ever
ready to extol the beauties of his home city. He says that in all his
travels he has never found a place which pleases him as well as his
California home, and his enthusiastic spirit finds vent in the support
of many worthy enterprises undertaken in the interests of the public
along materia! or intellectual lines.
REV. LAWRENCE SERDA.
One of the greatest individual forces in the spread of Catholic
doctrines in Oakland and in the promotion of Catholic educational
interests in this part of Alameda county is Rev. Lawrence Serda,
pastor of the Sacred Heart church, founder and upbuilder of the
school in connection with it. a scholar, educator and a worthy and
upright Christian gentleman. He was born in Spain and in that
country ac(]uired his general education, afterward spending three
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 49
>cars in the study of theology. At the end of that time he went to
Ireland, where he continued his studies and where he was ordained
to the Catholic priesthood.
In August, 1870, Father Serda crossed the Atlantic to America
and, making his way to California, went directly to St. Francis
church, in San Francisco, owing to the fact that Father Andrew
Garriga, the assistant at that church, had been a classmate of his in
the theological college in Spain. After a brief stay he was appointed
assistant to Father King at St. Mary's church in Oakland, where he
remained for about two years, at the end of which time he was re-
quested to go to San Jose as assistant to Father Gallagher, pastor
of St. Patrick's church. Father Serda was chosen for tills charge
for tlie reason that the mining camp Alamaden was attended from
St. Patrick's church and it ree]uired a man who spoke both Spanish
and English. He continued at San Jose for two and a half years
and during that period attended the noted California bandit Basques
at the time of the latter's execution, staying with him during his last
days and administering to him the last sacraments. At the close of
his work there Father Serda was returned to St. Mary's church in
Oakland to again become assistant to Father King, wnth whom he
remained for one year. He established his present parish (Sacred
Heart) in Oakland, December 17, 1876. This church is one of the
oldest in the county and has been served by Father Serda continu-
ously since its foundation. Before the erection of the church build-
ing services were held in the home of A. M. Montgomery, and the
first church was soon afterward erected, a small wooden building
seventy by fifty feet in dimensions, fronting on Fortieth street.
Father Serda, always interested in the cause of education and a
most earnest believer in its value and efficacy, established in 1880 a
small school in connection with his church and brought three sisters
from the convent to teach his classes. No funds being available to
pay them, Father Serda built a small room and installed a piano
in it, where the sisters gave lessons in music in order to defray the
expenses of the school. This was the only remuneration they re-
ceived for their services. Later another school was erected for the
boys of the parish and this was taught by the Christian Brothers
until 1899, when the church and all the surrounding buildings were
destroyed by fire. Following the fire the people of his parish, and
several other Catholics in Oakland as well, were as liberal as they
possibly could be and readily furnished funds to start the new build-
ings. They were gradually rebuilt and in 1902 a large school and
home was erected. The sisters at this time received permission to
50 HISTORY OF .\I..\M!-:DA COUNTY
teach the boys, and the school has been uninterruptedly prosperous
since that time. In 1910 a fine grammar and commercial grade
school was erected and the institution has now primary, grammar
and commercial departments. Eight teachers are employed and the
attendance averages from three hundred and fifty to three hundred
and seventy-five pupils. This is a fine modern and well equipped
institution of learning and has been built up against almost over-
whelming obstacles by Father Serda, who has labored unsparingly
to make it what it is today. Adjoining it is the pastor's home and a
fine modern stone church, which was dedicated December 15, iqoi.
Great credit is due Father Serda for the important work he has
accomplished along religious and educational lines — work the value
of which it is impossible to estimate and which he has done unosten-
tatiously and with no desire for personal aggrandizement. He has,
indeed, been an apostle among the Catholic people of Oakland, and
he has their love in large measure, as he has the confidence, esteem
and respect of people of all denominations.
S. H. BUTEAU, M. D.
Dr. S. H. Buteau, a leading surgeon of the Bay cities and promi-
nently known by reason of his important achievements in medical
circles of the state, was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, January
4, 1864. At the age of seven he was brought to California by his
parents and acquired his education in the public and high schools
of Oakland. His first work was teaching, and in this he spent eight
years. Deciding to enter the field of medicine he matriculated at the
Cooper Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1889. He
soon took up the practice of his profession, but not being content with
the field of study which he had covered he has since spent much
time abroad in post-graduate work, visiting Vienna, Edinburgh and
the many centers noted for expert physicians and surgeons.
Dr. Buteau has always kept in close touch with the most advanced
medical thought and his prominence and distinction as an able sur-
geon is reflected in his extensive practice and important professional
connections. He is a trustee of the Merritt estate and w-as one of the
builders of the Samuel Merritt Hospital, which has an endowment
of one million dollars and is one of the leading hospitals in the west.
Dr. Buteau specializes in surgery and has attained an enviable repu-
tation in this field, not only because he has performed a number of
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 5:^
difficult operations most successfully but also by virtue of the fact that
through his own investigation and research he has been able to give
to the surgical world a most important operation. He is a member
of the state board of medical examiners and is in close touch with
the work of the various medical associations. In 1904 he served the
Oakland board of health. His memberships include the American
Association of Surgeons and the American Association of Gynecolo-
gists and Obstetricians. He was a popular lecturer in the Cooper
Medical College, in which he was once a student, and has contributed
many valuable articles to the foremost medical journals.
Dr. Buteau wedded Miss Alice Buswell, a native of Oakland, and
they have two daughters, Alice and Helen. The Doctor is well
known in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the lodge,
chapter and commandery. His personal characteristics have gained
for him the warm regard and friendship of many, while in profes-
sional circles he has gained that eminence which comes only in recog-
nition of merit and ability.
ANDREW E. JOHNSTONE.
There is no more efficient, able and farsighted man in public
service in Oakland than Andrew E. Johnstone, chief deputy county
clerk of Alameda county. He was b(jrn in New Brunswick. Canada,
on the 8th of September, 1876, and is a son of Robert and Martha
Johnstone, who came to Oakland in 1883. In this city their son
attended puJDlic school, graduating from the high school in 1894 and
afterward entering the University of California, from which he
received a degree in pharmacy after two years. He began his busi-
ness career as pharmacist with Leber & Jackson Brothers, druggists,
in Oakland, and he continued to hold this position until 1903. when
he resigned in order to become manager of the Oakland Crematory.
After one year he became deputy in the registration department of
the county clerk's office, where three years of able and practical
work brought him advancement to the position of chief deputv. He
is still serving and has proved capable and farsighted in the discharge
of his duties, being today one of the most popular men on the roster
of county officials.
Fraternally Mr. Johnstone is identified with the Masonic order,
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the \\^)rld
and the Loyal Order of Moose, and he is past president of Live Oak
54 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
Chapter, National Union. He has been a resident of Oakland since
his childhood and has become well known to his fellow citizens,
who hold him in high esteem for his many sterling qualities of mind
and character and his genuine personal worth.
UNITED HOME BUILDERS.
One of the busiest places in Oakland today is the offices of the
United Home Builders which, established in 1913, has already be-
come one of the important factors in the development of the city.
This stable corporation is practically the pioneer of the home build-
ing investment idea in the city, and its method of operation furnishes
a thorough demonstration of the value of a publicly-financed com-
pany under the direction of practical men and backed by assets
greater than its market value for its shares. The United Home
Builders have introduced into Oakland a system of doing business
which has proved immensely successful and profitable in Los An-
geles. Home-building companies are fixed necessities in the develop-
ment of the west and are here to stay. They are founded upon
scientific principles and although originally experimental, are today
as established in principle as banks, insurance companies or any
other form of investment in whicii the public's money may par-
ticipate.
The United Home Builders combine the best features of the
most successful companies. The concern was organized after years
of close study of the home building investment idea and gives to the
people of Oakland all that is good in the companies that have prcn-en
successful elsewhere, as well as added features which make this the
best investment of its kind ever ofifered. The profits of the United
Home Builders will be derived from the following sources: First,
bv purchasing tracts of home building property, by subdividing this
propcrtv, improving it, building homes on it and taking a profit
three ways in the process. Second, by building homes on the prop-
crtv owned by others. Third, by buying properties at wholesale and
selling them at retail. Fourth, by operating in country lands along
the same principles. l''itth, by the conduct of a general real-estate
and insurance business, including every branch, which they can do
on a larger and more profitable scale than a company with less capital
and prestige. These sources of profit are not problematical either
in thcorv or practice. The United Home Builders are actuallv
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNT Y 55
conducting a successful business along these lines, as is evidenced
from the fact that their list of shareholders includes people from
various cities and states, including Burlingame, San Jose, Point Rich-
mond, Mendocino, San Mateo, Cedarville, Campo Seco, Berkeley,
San Leandro, Stockton, Fruitvale, Broderick, Riverdale, Angels'
Camp, Oakland, San Francisco, Richmond, Piedmont, Sacramento,
Del Monte, Visalia, Amedee, Areata, Spreckels, Oilfields and Santa
Cruz, California; Verdi, Tonopah, Lovelock and Reno, Nevada;
Topeka, Kansas; Portland, Oregon; Osceola and Council Blufifs,
Iowa; Chicago, Freeport, Brownstown, Beecher City, Dietrich,
Greenville, Morrisonville, Mount Olive, Staunton and Effingham,
Illinois; Crawford, New Jersey; Crown King and Phoenix, Ari-
zona; and Honolulu.
The founders of United Home Builders include men of years of
experience in building and real estate in the Bay cities. They spent
much time studying the most successful companies of other cities
before they applied the plan here. The president of the concern is
Frederick G. Becker, member of the Real Estate Association of Oak-
land, actively engaged in real-estate and building operations in this
city for several years past. He was formerly connected with the firm
of Becker & Eliel, vice president of the Northern Dredging Com-
pany in Canada and connected also with Becker, Mayer & Company,
manufacturers, in Chicago. A. F. Eliel, vice president of United
Home Builders, has had thirty years' experience in the general con-
tracting business in several countries. While in South Africa he was
consulting construction engineer of one of the largest mines in the
world, and for seven years he has been engaged in the building busi-
ness in Oakland. He was formerly connected with the firm of
Becker & Eliel. The other officers in this concern are: T. A.
Mitchell, second vice president, formerly branch manager for the
Ford Automobile Company in Iowa; B. G. Ensign, treasurer, for-
merly president of the State Bank of Neola, Iowa, and of the Bank
of Persia, that state; W. A. Powell, secretary, a member of the well
known law firm of Schwartz & Powell, of Oakland; G. H. Hunger-
ford, assistant secretary; and R. Kittrelle, director. With such men
of wide experience and recognized ability United Home Builders
cannot fail to reap the fullest advantage of the tremendous oppor-
tunities now being oflfered in this city.
Interviewed regarding this enterprise, its purpose and its success,
President Frederick G. Becker said : "A proposition of this kind
financed by the general public is the best for the county at large.
Any time a clean proposition is put to the public and the people
5(5 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
interested, it is a boost to the community. It helps all and is a new-
factor in progress. With a large number of stockholders, every one
is a silent salesman and a booster. It can be handled on an extensive
scale, so why not divide the profits with the general public instead
of borrowing money from the banks. Oakland and Alameda county
is an ideal location for a project of this kind. The people have been
setting the stage for years and the curtain is now ready to rise on the
first act of progress. Oakland is strictly a home town and Alameda
county the hub of all the surrounding counties of the state. The
United Home Builders are almost pioneers in the field. This section
has a million people to draw from. The success of this enterprise
is assured with the fine management. Many eastern people have been
interested and are now locating here; also many from the southern
part of the state are realizing the fine climate of Oakland. The
people are demanding a better class of homes and more artistic, also
calling for larger lots, where they can cultivate flowers, etc. The
company is improving and beautifying its tract. The demand for
plastered exterior houses tends to beautify the hills around the bay
and the color of the homes against the green hills makes it similar
to the Italian villas in Italy. Oakland has the making of the finest
residential citv in the Union."
LESTER G. BURPEE.
More than a quarter of a century ago Lester G. Burpee entered
the First National Bank of Oakland in the capacity of bookkeeper
and has remained with the institution to the present time, winning
successive promotions until elected vice president in iqo6. which
position he now holds. His birth occurred in Jacksonville, Oregon,
on the 4th of September, i860, his parents being Joseph S. and Irene
J. Burpee. In 1873 the father came to Oakland, California, and
embarked in business as a building contractor, being thus success-
fully engaged until the time of his retirement in 1906. In former
years he was an active member of the Municipal League.
Lester G. Burpee attended the graded and high schools of Oak-
land until 1879 and tlien became private secretarv to E. C. Sessions,
wlio was at that time president of the Oakland Bank of Savings.
In 1 88 1 he left that position and went to Solano countv, wliere he
purchased a fruit ranch, operating the same until he disposed of it in
1883. In that \ear he returned to Oakland and here secured a posi-
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 57
tion as clerk in the office of tlie deputv citv marshal, while at the
end of a year he became deputy in the office of the city treasurer,
discharging the duties of the latter position for six months. Subse-
quently he was employed as bookkeeper in several mercantile houses
until 1886. in which year he entered the First National Bank as
bookkeeper, afterward serving as exchange clerk, receiving teller
and cashier in that institution. In 1906 he was elected vice president
and in that position has since remained an important factor in the
control and management of the bank, being also a director. He
likewise acts as vice president and director of the First Trust &
Savings Bank, which is affiliated with the First National Bank. His
rise in financial circles is further attested by the fact that he is now
serving as vice president of the Oakland Clearing House, while
formerly he was a director of the People's Water Company and the
New Oakland Hotel.
In January, 1882, at Oakland, Mr. Burpee was joined in wed-
lock to Miss Mary Isabelle Adams, by whom he has four children,
as follows: Earl Lester, who is employed as a salesman by R. A.
Leet Company of Oakland; Joseph S., Jr., the cashier of the West
Oakland Bank; Donald, who is a public-school student; and Mrs.
Roy B. Baker, of Oakland.
Mr. Burpee gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and in religious faith is a Methodist. He acts as treasurer of the
Young Men's Christian Association and Young Women's Christian
Association and is a w^orthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, be-
longing to Oakland Lodge and Chapter and having attained the
fourteenth degree of the Scottish Rite. He likewise belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World,
the Nile Club, the Commercial Club, the Home Club of Oakland,
the San Francisco Fly Casting Club and the Oakland Scottish
Bowling Club. Mr. Burpee looks at life from a broad standpoint,
recognizes its obligations and its opportunities and in the enjoyment
of the latter never neglects the former.
EDWARD J. TYRRELL.
Edward J. Tyrrell, state senator, is a native of Oakland. He was
born May 19, 1880, and in the public schools of his native city
ac(]uircd an education. On the ist ni .April, 191^^, he was appointed
secretary to Mayor Frank K. Mott and served in that capacity until
58 1 11 STORY (.)l- ALAMEDA COUXTV
January i, 191 1, when he resigned to attend the session of the legis-
lature, having been elected state senator in November, 19 10.
Mr. Tyrrell is a lawyer by profession, having been admitted to
the bar on the i i;th of October, 1909, since which time he has engaged
in active practice. On the ist of August, 1913, he was appointed
attorney for tlie California State Commission in Lunacy.
Mr. Tyrrell is a married man and is identified with several fra-
ternal and social organizations. He has membership with the Elks,
the Moose, the Knights of Columbus and also in the Commercial
Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
E. R. ANTHONY.
Among the well known residents of Alameda, California, is E. R.
Anthony, who holds the important position of assistant superin-
tendent of the Southern Pacific Railway Company. Mr. Anthony
was born in Sacramento, California, in i860, and has been a resident
of Alameda, Alameda county, ever since 1875. After completing
his education, he entered as a youth the services of the Southern
Pacific Railwav Companv and graduallv rose to importance. For
seventeen years Mr. Anthony was a paymaster of the company and
for ten years has been assistant superintendent. He is successful
largely on account of his rare executive ability, and he also has the
knack of handling a great amount of detail work without overlook-
ing the more important phases of work under his direction. Mr.
Anthony stands in the most cordial relations with the men who work
under him, who esteem him as a man of character and one who is
just in all of his dealings. He corrects by censure where such a
course is needed but he is just as ready to commend anv of his em-
ployes for their enterprise and faithfulness, and stands high in the
estimation of his superior officers.
Mr. Anthony was married on the 20th of June, 1883, to Miss
Helen V. Hitchcock, a native of Illinois and to them have been born
three children. Gerald is a resident of Alameda; E. R., Jr., is with
the American Radiator Company at San Francisco; and the daugh-
ter, Helen, is at home.
Mr. Anthony is socially popular in Alameda, where he has manv
friends. He is well known in commercial circles and has done much
toward popularizing his company among business men of the place
and section. Fraternally he is a Mason, exemplifving in his life the
HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY 59
beneficent principles of that order, and politically he is a republican,
having been active in the interest of his party for many years. For
twenty years he has been the president of the Alameda Republican
Club. Mr. Anthony is a business man of probity, energy and good
judgment, and the high position which he has attained in railroad
circles has come to him in response to hard work, and close applica-
tion. He interests himself in all public measures that will make for
the improvement of local conditions and is in every way a public-
spirited man and valuable citizen.
REV. PATRICK J. QUINN.
Rev. Patrick J. Quinn, pastor of St. Andrew's church in Oak-
land, was born in Templemore, Ireland, on the 17th of November,
1868, and is a son of Richard and Helen (Bannon) Quinn. In the
acquirement of an education he attended the schools of his native
country until he was fifteen years of age and then entered St. Patrick's
College at Thurles, from which institution he was graduated in 1894.
In the same year he crossed the Atlantic to America and went to
Washington, D. C, where he entered the Catholic University, study-
ing for the priesthood and graduating in 1895.
After his ordination he came to California as assistant pastor of
St. Patrick's church at San Jose, whence after one year he was trans-
ferred to San Francisco as assistant pastor of St. Patrick's church of
that city. He held that responsible position for two years, after
which he was made assistant pastor of St. Brenden's church in San
Francisco, where he remained for four years, receiving at the end
of that time his appointment as pastor of St. Alphonsus' church at
Suisun, California. There he did capable and farsighted work in
the cause of the Catholic religion until 1907, when he became pastor
of St. Andrew's church in Oakland, a position which he still holds
and in which he has done excellent work during the eight vears of
his connection with the church. The church building, which was
dedicated September 19, 1909, by Archbishop Riordan, of San Fran-
cisco, is constructed after a peculiarly attractive style, being the onlv
real reproduction of old California mission architecture in the citv.
It is a cement structure built at a cost of sixty thousand dollars, and
it serves one of the largest and most important parishes in Oakland.
Father Quinn belongs to Pioneer Council, No. i, Y. M. I., and
is chaplain of Oakland Council, No. 787, K. C. He is undoubtedlv
60 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
doing a great work in this city among the Catholic people, and he
has their love in large measure, while he enjoys the respect and
confidence of people of all denominations. He is a man of scholarly
attainments, most earnest and consecrated in his work, and is ever
watchful over the interests of his people, his activities being an im-
portant element in the spread of Catholic doctrines in this part of
California.
WILLIAM REED.
Xo one can carry investigation far into the pioneer history of
California without learning of the honorable and useful career of
William Reed, whose identification with this state dates back to
the days of the early mining boom, and who from that time until his
death remained one of the greatest single forces in the development
of the Bay country.
Mr. Reed came of a well known family, the American progenitor
having been Andrew Reed, a retired colonel of the English armv,
who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1693, and there mar-
ried Jean Murray, of Scotch-Irish descent. With his wife and eight
sons and one daughter Colonel Andrew Reed came to America, set-
tling in Boothbay, Maine, in 1743. With others he founded the first
church in that town and a nephew of Mrs. Reed, Rev. John Murray,
was its first pastor. Colonel Reed died July 22, 1762, and his wife
February 8, 1780. Two sons passed away before the Revolutionary
war and of the six remaining five took an active part in that struggle,
as did also several of Colonel Reed's grandsons. The eldest son,
Andrew (from whom the Reed family of Oakland is descended),
was a lieutenant colonel and his son Robert, a boy of nineteen, was
a fifer. Paul, the sixth son, was commander of a privateer which
captured several valuable prizes. David was a captain, Joseph, first
lieutenant and William a private. A grandson, Andrew, Jr., was
second lieutenant and Robert, before mentioned, was afterward cap-
tain of a re\enue cutter in connection with the custom house at Wis-
casset, Maine. liis son William followed the sea for many years
and was in command of a vessel captured by the British in the war
of 1 81 2. He was afterward paroled and allowed to continue his
voyage. One dark night a vessel under his command ran afoul of
the man-of-war Constitution in Boston harbor, breaking a spar of
Old Ironsides. Captain ^^'illiam Reed established his home in
HISTORY OF ALA:\IEDA COUNTY 65
Vassalboro, Maine, in 1831;, and in the meantime had married Han-
nah P. Hutchings. Among the children born to this union was a
son, William, of this review, whose birth occurred October 11, 181 1,
on Cape Newagen Island, now known as Westport, Lincoln county,
Maine. The Reed family is well represented in Oakland and the
vicinity by the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of
the pioneer, William Reed, who with their wives and children now
number forty living descendants, among whom may be mentioned
Charles G. Reed, formerly national bank examiner, and George W.
and Clarence M. Reed, senior and junior members of the former law
firm of Reed, Black & Reed.
Early in his life William Reed became familiar with the sea,
accompanying his father on his voyages, and when he grew to
maturity he turned his attention to a seafaring life, becoming com-
mander of a vessel at the age of twenty years. He conveyed the first
cargo of cotton ever sent direct from a southern port to Europe,
making the trip from Galveston, Texas, to Havre de Grace in 1846.
This marked an epoch in the development of shipping relations
between the United States and Europe, for previous to this time all
cotton had been sent to New York or Boston and reshipped. On the
return voyage Captain Reed brought back a cargo of wines procured
at Bordeaux. During the thirty years or more of his seafaring life
he entered every port of any importance from Maine to Florida,
as well as Mobile and New Orleans, besides making several voyages
to Europe and various ports of the West Indies. In 1850, on his
ship Rob Roy, he made the trip around Cape Horn, arriving in
San Francisco on August 9th of that year, bringing with him as part
of the cargo the stern-wheel steamer Kennebec, which was put to-
gether at North Beach and later, with William Reed as captain,
plied between Sacramento and Marysville. In 1851 Captain Reed
returned to Maine and there engaged in farming until 1854, ^vhen
he came again to California, mining at Angels' Camp for two years
thereafter! At the end of that time he sent for his family and on
November 4, 1856, they settled in Oakland, the captain having pur-
chased a tract of thirteen acres on Market street and turned his
attention to raising fruit From the later sale of this property, all
of which is now a part of the city, he realized a comfortable fortune
and upon this was able to spend his declining years in retirement
from business cares, his horn being at the corner of Sixteenth and
Market streets.
On the 30th of December, 1839, Captain Reed was united in
marriage to Miss Hannah Carletm Hall, who was born at Vassal-
66 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
boro, Maine, August i6, 1818, a daughter of John Goffe and Mercy
(Taylor) Hall. Six children were born to the marriage of Captain
and Mrs. Reed: Elizabeth M., who was born in 1840 and who is
now the widow of D. P. Barstow; Emily P., who was born in 1842
and who has passed away; Charles Gofife, born in 1844; George W.,
born in 1852; Nellie Carleton, who was born in 1854 and who is
now the wife of Thomas C. Mayon, and Annie Lincoln, who was
born in 1857 and who has passed away. Captain Reed and his wife
are both deceased, the former passing away April 19, 1905, when
in his ninety-fourth year, and the latter December 31, 1906.
Captain Reed was intensely interested in public afifairs and was a
member of the Union League, organized during the Civil war. He
was at one time a member of the board of education in Oakland, and
the public-school system found in him a loyal and able supporter.
In public as well as in private life his honor never was questioned,
and his word was always as good as his bond. His sterling character
and upright dealings with his fellowmen won for him the love and
friendship of all who knew him, and his death was deeply and sin
cerely mourned in the city where he had made his home for so
many years.
D. G. DONAHUE.
D. G. Donahue, secretary, treasurer and attorney of the Pulcher
Concrete Block & Paving Company, has been a resident of California
since March, 191 1, and of Oakland since December of that vear. .A
lawyer by profession, he has now turned his attention to commercial
pursuits in his active connection with the Fulchcr Companv. He
was born in Hancock, Michigan, February 6, 1879, a son of |. C.
and Minnie (Jennings) Donahue. He attended the public schools
until he reached the age of eighteen years, after which he became
baggage man for the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic Railroad, con-
tinuing in that position for three years. He afterward attended the
Michigan College of Mines, studying mining engineering for two
years, and later he entered the University of Michigan, from which
he was graduated in 1906 with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and
Bachelor of Laws. Having thus prepared for a professional career,
he opened offices in Hancock, Michigan, and South Range, Michi-
gan, practicing in both places. He was city attorney in the latter
place until 1910, when he removed to Chicago, where he followed
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 67
his profession until March, 191 1. At that date he became a resident
of Del Norte county, California, practicing in Crescent City until
the following October. In December of the same year he came to
Oakland, where he opened a law office and was in active practice
until April 24, 1913, when he became secretary, treasurer and attor-
ney of the Fulcher Concrete Block & Paving Company, which
positions he now holds. As legal advisor and practical business man
he is contributing to the success of this growing enterprise.
Mr. Donahue was married in Hudson, Wisconsin, to Mrs. Dolly
(Lynch) O'Dell on the 15th of June, 1909. They have gained many
friends during their residence in this state. Mr. Donahue gives his
political allegiance to the progressive party, and his fraternal con-
nections are with the Elks and with the Masons. He has attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the
Mystic Shrine. He is most loval to the craft and exemplifies in his
life its beneficent teachings.
WALTER D. COLE.
Walter D. Cole, a representative of the legal profession in Oak-
land, has here practiced as a member of the firm of Peck, Bunker
& Cole since March, 191 1. His birth occurred in San Bernardino
county, California, on the 15th of April, 1880, his parents being
James A. and Mary E. Cole. The father came to California in
1850, settling in San Bernardino county, where he engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising and became a large landowner. His demise
occurred in the year 1885.
Walter D. Cole completed the high-school course in 1900 and
subsequently entered the law department of the University of Michi-
gan, from which institution he was graduated in 1905. Locating for
practice in Tonopah, Nevada, he there followed his profession until
1909 or until appointed by the supreme court as a member of the
code commission for the revising of the state laws. His duties in that
connection demanded his attention until March, 191 1, when he came
to Oakland and joined the law firm of Peck & Bunker, which has
since been known as Peck, Bunker & Cole. This firm are the per-
sona! attorneys and are handling the corporation interests of F. M.
Smith in the bay region and throughout California. Mr. Cole has
always realized that success depends largely upon a thorough prep-
aration of his cases and has never feared that laborious work of the
68 HISTORY OF yXLAMEDA COUNTY
office which must precede the presentation of his case in the court-
room. His reasoning is strong, his deductions logical and his points
follow in a natural sequence that cannot fail to impress court and
jury with the correctness of his opinion. He never fails to command
the attention of those in the courtroom and seldom fails to win the
verdict desired.
In Oakland, on the jth of October, 1907, Mr. Cole was united
in marriage to Miss Winifred Burdge, by whom he has two children,
John A. and Walter D., Jr., who were born in 1909 and 191 1, re-
spectively.- In politics Mr. Cole is a democrat, believing firmly in
the principles of that party. He has many genial and admirable
qualities which have gained him a host of friends and it is charac-
teristic of him that he holds friendship inviolable.
JOSEPH KNOWLAND.
Prominently connected with various business and corporate in-
terests of San Francisco and Alameda, Joseph Knowland became
known as one of the real builders and promoters of the Bay country of
California and through the extent and importance of his commercial
and financial relations influenced in an important way general ad-
vancement and progress. From pioneer times until his death.
November 13, 1913, he remained prominent in business circles and
in Alameda, where he had resided since 1872, was also a leader in
the advancement of those interests looking toward civic development
and community growth. He was born in New York, Octcibcr 8,
1833, and was reared in Southampton, Long Island, a representative
of a family long established on American soil.
Joseph Knowland acquired his education in the public schools
of Southampton, and when a young man moved to California, at-
tracted by the reports of the gold discoveries in this state. He secured
passage on the George Law to Aspinwall, arriving in San Francisco
on the 14th of February, 1857. Shortly afterward he went to the
mines and worked in the neighborhood of Yankee Jim's, in Placer
county, until illness compelled him to return to San Francisco. Fol-
lowing his recovery he secured an engagement with the shipping
house of Moore & Folger, then agents for a line of clipper ships
running between San Francisco and New York city. Mr. Knowland
retained this connection for some years and also had other engage-
ments of a like character. In the vear 1862 he first became connected
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 69
with the lumber business, in which he became a prominent figure
in the course of time. He first secured a position with Benjamin
Dore and afterward was connected with the house of Blythe &
Wetherbee. In 1867 he formed a partnership with Jason Springer,
and they established an independent business under the name of
Springer & Knowland, this enterprise existing for about three years.
During this period Mr. Knowland was ill for some time and out of
business for about a year. Afterward he associated himself with
Charles F. Doe under the title of Knowland & Doe, and this firm
controlled a large and important lumber business for a number of
years. After the company was dissolved Mr. Knowland made a trip
east and upon his return in 1882 assisted in the organization of the
Gardiner Mill Company, with which he was connected until his
death, being for many years previous president and managing owner.
The Gardiner Mill Company controls a very important enterprise.
The mill, which is located at Gardiner City, Oregon, was burned in
October, 1888, but this impeded operations for only a time. The
company today owns extensive lumber lands and has interests in a
coasting fleet besides being heavily interested in the KerckhofT-Cuz-
ner Mill & Lumber Company of Los Angeles. In its operations a
large amount of money is used, and it makes for the development of
this section as only such an extensive enterprise can.
As president of the Gardiner Mill Company Mr. Knowland
occupied a prominent place in industrial circles, but his interests
were not by any means confined to this one connection, as his business
ability soon carried him forward into important relations with a
number of other equally important enterprises. He was the principal
owner of the well known whaler, the Amethyst, which was wrecked
some time ago, the crew being rescued by a government relief vessel.
He was at one time interested with the Hoopers and Talbots in the
San Pedro Lumber Company and acted as director of that concern
and also had large interests in the Southern Lumber Company of
San Diego, having acted as president and a member of the board of
directors. With Governor Lowe, Egbert Judson and other prom-
inent men he was at one time extensively interested in mines in Tomb-
stone, Arizona. In Alameda he was one of the largest stockholders
and a member of the board of directors of the Alameda Bank and a
trustee of the Gas Consumers Association, with which he was
identified for seventeen years. He was also vice president of the
Kennedy Mining & Milling Company of Jackson, Amador county,
one of the largest mining industries on the coast, employing about
three hundred men at the plant.
70 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
On the 13th of May, 1863, Mr. Knowland was united in marriage
to Miss Hannah B. Russell, a native of Bingham, Maine, and they
became the parents of the following children: Joseph R. ; Mollis
P., deceased; Sadie E., who married Professor George E. Coe and
who died August 24, 1905; and Lucy B.
Mr. Knowland was well known in fraternal circles, having been
made a Mason in Golden Gate Lodge in San Francisco in 1864,
although he later transferred his membership to Oak. Grove Lodge,
No. 215, F. & A. M. He was a member of Alameda Chapter,
No. 70, R. A. M.; Oakland Commandery, No. 11, K. T. ; Oakland
Consistory; and Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. A short time
before his death he was raised to the first section of the thirty-third
degree. For a long time he was associated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to San Francisco Lodge, No. 3.
In citizenship he was progressive and public-spirited and took a
most helpful interest in matters looking toward municipal advance-
ment. He was a constant contributor to the Old People's Home, of
which he was one of the trustees, and made various gifts of a similar
character, always following the Bible maxim of not allowing his
left hand to know what his right hand did. A man of broad and
unostentatious charity, of progressive views and stanch honesty of
purpose, he rose to a high place among the representative citizens of
California, and his name adds to the list of those whose labors have
been so far-reaching and beneficial in effect that they have influenced
many phases of community development.
CENTRAL NATIONAL BANK.
Among the solid, conservative and most thoroughly reliable
moneyed institutions in Alameda county is numbered the Central
National Bank of Oakland, which with its savings affiliation, the Cen-
tral Savings Bank, has long been a prominent factor in the financial
development of this section of the state. The Central Savings Bank
is the older institution, having been organized in 1892 as the Home
Savings Bank. This title was subsequently changed to the Central
Bank and under this name it continued as both a savings and com-
mercial bank until August 12, 1909. On that date the commercial
business of the Central Bank was turned over to a new institution
known as the Central National Bank of Oakland, \\ ith a paid up capi-
tal and surplus of one million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUiXTY 71
dollars, which has since been increased to one million five hundred
thousand dollars. The Central Bank afterward continued as a strictly
savings institution and in April, 19 1 1 , its title was changed to the Cen-
tral Savings Bank of Oakland, its capital having previously been
increased from three hundred thousand dollars to five hundred thou-
sand dollars, with a surplus and undivided profits of three hundred
and twenty-two thousand five hundred dollars. The combined re-
sources of the two banks are approximately sixteen million two hun-
dred and sixty-eight thousand dollars. The Central National Bank
has assets in the neighborhood of nine million dollars, and the Cen-
tral Savings Bank takes rank with the largest institutions of its kind
in the city, its assets being approximately seven million two hundred
and fifty thousand dollars. The two banks are housed in a five-story
brick and stone building at the northeast corner of Fourteenth street
and Broadway, a property which the Central Savings Bank pur-
chased in 1892 and which it has occupied continuously since that
time. The building has a floor area of about one hundred by one hun-
dred feet and this affords ample room for the conduct of the banking
business as well as for a spacious lobby. The directors have recently
installed new coin and book vaults of the latest design, the former
being practically impregnable. The safe deposit vaults are located
on the Fourteenth street side of the building and entrance to them
may be had both from Fourteenth street and from the lobby of the
bank. These are the property of the Central Savings Bank and have
the largest and finest safe deposit equipment to be found in Oakland.
The officers of the Central National Bank are as follows: J. F.
Carlston, president; H. N. Morris, R. M. Fitzgerald and H. A.
Mosher, vice presidents; and A. J. Mount, cashier. Both banks are
under the control of the same board of directors, which is composed
of the following members: J. F. Carlston, president; H. N. Morris,
vice president; R. M. Fitzgerald, vice president and attorney at law
in Oakland; John P. Maxwell of the Maxwell Hardware Company;
J. W. Phillips, president of the Grayson-Owen Company, wholesale
butchers; T. A. Crellin, of the Morgan Oyster Company and the
Ruby Hill V'ineyard Company; W. G. Manuel, capitalist; (jeorge
L>. Kraft, capitalist; J. K. Mofiitt, vice president and cashier of the
First National Bank of San Francisco; A. S. Blake, president of
Blake Brothers, Incorporated, and W. T. Veitch, contractor and capi-
talist. All of these men have proved their capabilities in representa-
tive lines of endeavor and are recognized as farsighted, keen and
discriminating business men. lliey have made the policy of the Cen-
tral National Bank and of the Central Savings Bank of Oakland
72 HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY
one of progressiveness tempered by a safe conservatism and under
their efficient management the banks have had a steady and rapid
growth, both being known today as being among the leading financial
institutions in Alameda county.
CAPTAIN CHARLES NELSON.
The death of Captain Charles Nelson occurred June 5, 1909, and
he was buried June 8th, from his beautiful home in Oakland, inter-
ment being made in Mountain View cemetery. The many flowers
sent as tributes of love and respect by individuals and societies served
as a slight indication of the place he held in the estimation of the
people of the Bay country. His demise brought to a close a long,
honorable, useful and successful life the influence of which was
felt as a factor in the pioneer development of the state, as an
element in the industrial, social, economic and civic upbuilding of
San Francisco and as an influence upon the standards and ideals upon
which rest the permanent growth and greatness of the Bay cities.
He was numbered among the representative citizens of California
and among the men who played an important part in the history of
the state. His name was well known in financial circles as president
of the Merchants National Bank of San Francisco and in industrial
circles as president of the Charles Nelson Company, controlling
large lumber and shipping interests and conducting one of the most
stable enterprises of its kind on the Pacific coast.
Mr. Nelson was born in Denmark. September 15, 1830, and was
a descendant of an old Danish family, whose members for many
generations had lived and died in that country. When he was only
thirteen years of age he left his family and went to sea, securing
a humble position on a vessel and receiving for a month's laborious
work seventy-five cents. From this position he rose to that of
mate on the ship, for it was found that he had mastered practically
every detail connected with the operation of the vessel and could
even take the place of cook when necessity arose. On one of his
voyages he went to New York in 1847 and two years later sailed from
that city for his old home in Denmark, having promised his mother
when he left that country that he would return in five years. This
was the last time he saw his parents, for his father died in 1850
and his mother in 1863. In the former year Captain Nelson came to
California, arriving in tiic harbor of San Francisco in July, 18^0.
CAPTAIX CHARLES NKLSdX
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 75
He had been attracted by the news of gold discoveries in the state
and accordingly turned his attention to mining. However, meeting
with only fair success, he determined to engage in work to which he
was better adapted and with which he was more familiar and accord-
ingly secured an interest in a whaling boat at Sacramento. With
the assistance of a comrade he rowed this from Sacramento to Marys-
ville, a distance of ninety miles, carrying freight and passengers, and
he made the trip frequently, often buying vegetables and garden
produce, which were sold in the city. At this time also Captain
Nelson took up a government claim, paying two dollars and fifty
cents per acre for two hundred and fifty acres of land. During the
winter months, when his shipping operations ceased, he engaged men
to chop wood and this he sold to the steamers which were engaged in
the river trade. In this way he accumulated a small sum of monev,
and he placed it in the Adams & Company Bank, intending to use it
to defray the expense of rebuilding his vessel. However, before he
did this the bank, together with other financial institutions in San
Francisco, closed its doors and he never received one cent of his
hard earned money. He did not, however, allow this to discourage
him, but continued his shipping operations, becoming interested in
1862, in connection with a partner, John Kantfield, in a barkentine,
this being the first vessel of its kind built on the Pacific coast. Cap-
tain Nelson still later became interested in a larger vessel in San
Francisco and his holdings along this line increased rapidiv and
became very extensive with the passing years.
Mr. Nelson's identification with the lumber business in San
Francisco dates from 1867, when he purchased an interest in the
Kimphill Lumber Company, which controlled large sections of tim-
ber land in Humboldt county, California. Mr. Nelson had a great
deal to do with the rapid extension of the scope of this business, for
he aided in improving the facilities for the manufacture of lumber
and was instrumental in securing the purchase of a line of tow-
boats, on which were shipped large quantities of lumber from the
mills t(j all points along the coast, as far south as San Pedro and
north to Portland and Seattle. As his financial resources increased
Mr. Nelson invested in vessels of his own and developed a large
lumber shipping business on the coast which he owned himself and
which he organized and incorporated in 1901 as the Charles Nelson
Company, of which he remained president and active manager until
his death. This company controls a fleet of steamers, among which
is a new one of steel built by Moran Brothers of Seattle. During the
period of Mr. Nelson's connection with this concern the officers were
76 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
as follows: Charles Nelson, president; James Tyson, vice president
and treasurer; and P. Thompson, secretary. The company enjoys
an excellent business reputation and controls a large share of the
business in their line in San Francisco and the surrounding country.
Their trade has grown so that their territory includes China, South
America, Australia and intermediate points. Mr. Nelson remained
active in the conduct of his immense shipping interests until a short
time before his death, which occurred in 1909, when he was seventy-
nine years of age. His unremitting work, his ability, industry and
untiring ability constituted some of the greatest and most signal
forces in the upbuilding and growth of the business controlled by
the Charles Nelson Company. He was endowed by nature with
retentive, keen and incisive qualities of mind and in whatever com-
plex situation he found himself he possessed the faculty of grasp-
ing its details and the no less important ability of executing w'hat
he had planned. Under his hands his business grew along con-
structive and modern lines, becoming a great, well managed and
important institution, a worthy monument to his energy and acumen
and a factor in the industrial expansion of a great state.
Captain Nelson was twice married. He wedded in San Fran-
cisco on the 13th of October, 1856, Miss Metha Clausen, a native of
Denmark, and six children were born to their union, all of whom
died in infancy with the exception of one daughter, Margaret, who
is the widow of Eugene Bresse of San Francisco. Mrs. Nelson
passed awav in 1896. She was well known in charitable work in San
Francisco and was especially prominent in the alYairs of the Old
Peoples Home, with which she had been identified for a number of
years. At first this was restricted to those of Danish origin, but it
finally opened its doors to old people of all nationalities. It is now
in charge of Mrs. Bresse, who was appointed president upon the
death of her mother. Captain Nelson's second marriage occurred
at San Francisco, in 1901, when he wedded Miss Helen Stind, also
a native of Denmark. They took a trip around the world, seeing
much of interest in the many lands visited. They lived on Seminary
avenue in Oakland in one of the fine residence properties of the city,
the ten acres of well kept grounds beautified by flowers and trees
affording an appropriate setting for the pleasing architecture of the
house, and there Captain Nelson spent the later years of liis life,
going daily to his office in San Francisco.
He was a stanch republican and was identified with the Masonic
fraternity. He was also a member of the Dania, a Danish society of
Oakland. For four years he served in a creditable and able manner
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 77
as president of the Chamber of Commerce and was throughout his
life interested in the growth, development and expansion of San
• Francisco. The cause of education found in him a loyal and earnest
supporter, and for a number of years he was a trustee of Mills Col-
lege, the widely known girls' school located near his home. He was
a personal friend of Mrs. Mills, the founder. He was himself a
scholar and a wide reader, familiar with the best literature, well
informed upon questions and issues of the day, a fluent and easy
speaker. Those who were fortunate enough to come within the
close circle of his friendship found him a large-hearted, broad-
minded and liberal man, whose devotion to duty was unswerving
and whose honesty of purpose unquestioned through over fifty years
of prominent activity in California. His name swells the list of
San Francisco's pioneer business men who have built for all time and
in whose footsteps their successors must follow closely or else be left
behind in a race the honors of which are success, prominence and
widespread esteem.
ARTHUR HASTINGS BREED.
Among the men whose initiative, enterprise and ability have been
active facto'rs in promoting the remarkable growth and prosperity
of the city of Oakland is numbered Arthur Hastings Breed, of the
firm of Breed & Bancroft, well known real-estate operators of the
city. Mr. Breed has other important business afl^liations, and his
interests have extended also to politics, in which field his prominence
is attested by his position in the state senate, representing the fifteenth
senatorial district. He was born in San Francisco, California, No-
vember 27, 1865, and is a son of Daniel C. Breed, who came to
California by way of the isthmus of Panama in the '50s and was
afterward for many years a well known wholesale grocery dealer in
San Francisco.
Arthur Hastings Breed acquired his education in the public
schools of his native city and after his graduation was for five years
connected with the wholesale book and stationery firm of Samuel
Carson & Company. He afterward turned his attention to the real-
estate business and with this has been connected continuously since
that time. He is president of the real-estate firm of Breed & Ban-
croft, a corporation, one of the leading companies of its kind in the
state, and through his work as its head has proven himself a man of
78 HISTORY OF ALA^fEDA COUNTY
administrative ability and executive power of a high order. In
addition to this Mr. Breed is president of the Magnesite Dock &
Land Company, president of the Pardee Park Company, president
of the Roseville Heights Land Company, a director in several other
land corporations and also in the Oakland Bank of Savings and the
Bankers Trust Company — connections which prove the extent,
variety and character of his business interests.
Politically Mr. Breed is a stanch republican and is without doubt
one of the leading representatives of this party in Alameda county.
From 1899 until 1907 he served as auditor and assessor of the city
of Oakland and in 191 2 was elected to the state senate for a term
expiring in 1916. Mr. Breed represents the fifteenth senatorial dis-
trict of California, embracing East Berkeley, the town of Piedmont
and a considerable portion of Oakland. He has already made a
creditable record as a member of the state legislature and it is a
certainty that a great deal of important legislation will bear the
stamp of his interest and activity.
On the 9th of May, 1893, in Oakland, Mr. Breed was united in
marriage to Miss Caroline Hall, and they have become the parents
of four children, three sons and one daughter. Two are students in
the high school and the other two are in the grammar scho.ols of
Oakland.
Mr. Breed is connected fraternally with the ALisons, the Elks
and the Native Sons of the Golden West, holds membership in the
Bohemian Club of San Francisco and the Nile and Athenian Clubs
of Oakland and is a devout adherent of the First Congregational
church. Broad-minded and liberal in his views, he has wrought
along the lines of the greatest good to the greatest number and his
city and state have profited by his efforts in various fields of endeavor.
His unbending integrity of character, his fearlessness in the discharge
of dutv and his appreciation of the responsibilities which rest upon
him make him a citizen wliose worth is widely acknowledged.
1RAL\ L MOON, D. O.
Among the women who have entered the medical profession and
proven that their ability is equal to that of brother practitioners is
Dr. Irma L Moon of Oakland, who has her offices in the Union Sav-
ings Bank building and who, by the consensus of public opinion, is
accounted one of the most skilled and learned representatives of the
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 79
medical fraternity. Dr. Moon is a native of Colusa county, Cali-
fornia, and in her girlhood days went to San Jose, where she attended
high school. Having decided to take up the practice of medicine as
her life work, she entered the Pacific College of Osteopathy in Los
Angeles. The faculty of this college includes many regular medical
practitioners, as well as osteopathic practitioners. Its students, there-
fore, have an unusual opportunity to gain an unprejudiced knowl-
edge of the differet systems of treating diseases. The school ranks
today among the foremost in America, and it was from this institu-
tion that Dr. Moon was graduated. Immediately afterward she
established an office in Oakland, and since 1905 she has continuously
enjoyed a growing practice in the city — a practice that is now very
extensive.
Dr. Moon belongs to the American, Bay and State Medical Asso-
ciations, which were organized to further the interests of osteopathy
through uniting the members of that branch of practice more closely.
Tliey have also thus been enabled to keep their practice upon a high
ethical standard. Since taking up professional duties, Dr. Moon has
been an active member of those organizations. She is also well
known in social circles of Oakland and is a member of the Home
Club and of the Eastern Star.
WILLIAM H. L. HYNES.
William H. L. Hynes, as district attorney of Alameda county,
has discharged his duties with a sense of conscientious obligation,
combined with ability that has made his record a notable one. He is
an able and learned lawyer, whose progress has been continuous and
gratifying, since his admission to the bar. He was born in San
Francisco, June 12, 1874, and is a son of Patrick and Alicia M.
Hynes, who in 1877 removed to Oakland, so that the son became a
pupil in the public schools. He passed through consecutive grades
until he graduated from the high school, with the class of 1893,
after which he attended the LTniversity of California and was grad-
uated in 1897. He next became a student in the Hastings College
of the Law, in which he completed his course with the class of 1898,
and in January, 1S99, he entered the office of the district attorney in
Oakland, in tlie capacity of deputy. He was gradually advanced in
that connection, until i9(V' when he became first assistant, and on
the 2nd of December, 191 2, he was elected district attorney, which
80 HISTORY OF ALA:\rEDA COUNTY
position he is now capably filling. He has prosecuted all the im-
portant civic cases during the past six years and has made a splendid
record, standing stanch and firm in support of the legal interests of
the district. His cases are prepared with thoroughness and care and
the strength which he manifests in their prosecution is evidenced
in the favorable verdicts which he has won. Aside from his active
duties as prosecuting attorney, he is now professor of medical juris-
prudence in the Oakland College of Medicine.
Mr. Hynes was married in Alameda, California, to Miss Pauline
Merle on the 5th of February, 1902, and they have one child, Adrien
M., who is eight years of age. In religious faith, Mr. Hynes is a
Catholic, and his political belief is that of the republican party.
He is prominently identified with various fraternal and social organ-
izations, being a member of Piedmont Parlor of the Native Sons
of the Golden West and member of the grand parlor; a past exalted
ruler of the Elks lodge; a member of the Moose; of the University
of California Club; the Unitarian Club of Alameda; and the Alumni
Council of the Newman Club of the University of California.
His social t]ualities and personal worth have won him wide
popularity, while his professional ability ranks him with the repre-
sentative citizens of Oakland.
GEORGE WATKINS HOLLISTER.
One of the most prominent, able and successful members of the
Alameda county bar is George Watkins Hollister, who since 1895
has been in the general practice of his profession in San Francisco.
He was born near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, October 15, 1866. and
is a son of Levi J. and Lydia (Dodge) Hollister, the former a native
of Ithaca, New York, born in 1820, and the latter of Wisconsin.
The father w'ent to the latter state in 1840 and twenty years later
moved to Kansas, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. From
Kansas he wxnt in 1880 to Oregon, turning his attention to farming
and merchandising and continuing in both lines of occupation until
his death, which occurred in 1904.
George W. Hollister began his education in Wisconsin, later
moving to Kansas, where he continued his studies, graduating from
the high school in Ellsworth in 1881. After laying aside his books
he turned his attention to farming and followed this occupation for
about eight years, abandoning it eventuallv in order to take up the
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 81
study of law, a profession which had always attracted him and which
he had determined to make his life work. In 1889 he began reading
with the firm of Bonham & Holmes of Salem, Oregon, and in 1894
was admitted to the bar, coming in the following year to California
and settling in San Francisco, where he has since engaged in the
practice of his profession. Well merited success has attended his
labors during the years, and he has built up a large and representa-
tive patronage, connecting him with much important litigation. He
is known as a strong and able practitioner, possessed of a compre-
hensive and exact knowledge of the underlying principles of his
profession and logical in his application of them, and his success
places him todav among the leading members of the legal fraternity
in this section of the state.
On the 25th of December, 1887, Mr. Hollister was united in
marriage t(j Miss Maude Doty, a daughter of George and Hattie
Doty, of Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Hollister have three children:
Edward, twenty-three years of age; Roland, twenty; and Gladys,
sixteen.
In the life history of Mr. Hollister there is a creditable military
chapter. On the 27th of April, 1898, he enlisted in the First Cali-
fornia Volunteer Regiment and until September 21, 1899, served
as regimental band master, receiving his honorable discharge when
his regiment was mustered out of the United States service. He
served with distinction in the Philippines, participating in several
important engagements of the Spanish-American war, and since its
close has been a member of the California National Guard. He is
an accomplished musician and an enthusiastic hunter, giving a great
deal of Iiis leisure time to the latter recreation. In military and social
circles of Alameda county he is well known and popular and along
professional lines has gained that distinction which results only
from superior merit and ability.
HENRY F. STEEN.
As Pacific coast manager for the National Biscuit Companv, the
position of Henry F. Steen in commercial circles is one of import-
ance, for in this connection he controls extensive commercial inter-
ests. He was born in Ireland, March 28, 1874, a son of John and
Jane Stccn. After attending public schools of Chicago to the age of
fifteen years, he then entered the Lewis Institute of that city, from
82 HISTORY OF AI..\Mi:i)A COUNTY
which he was graduated at the age of eighteen. He made his initial
step in the business world in connection with the National Biscuit
Company of Chicago, in the capacity of clerk, and his faithfulness
and industry won him recognition that brought about promotion.
He was made cashier and afterward salesman and in December,
1905, was appointed to the position of manager of one of the Chicago
branches of the corporation, there remaining until February, 191 1,
when he was transferred to Los Angeles as superintendent of south-
ern California agencies. After six months spent in that city he came
to Oakland and organized the Pacific coast department, having charge
of fifteen branch houses on the coast with Oakland as headquarters.
They have erected a fine three-story brick building at Fortieth street
and San Pablo avenue for their purpose and are constructing similar
buildings all over the coast, where they have branch houses. Mr.
Steen is the controlling spirit in the development of the business on
the coast and has instituted plans and methods which are proving
directly beneficial as factors in the growth and prosperity of the
business.
On the 7th of May, 1896, in Chicago, Mr. Steen was married to
Miss Eugenie V. Brain, and they have two children: Myrtle, seven-
teen years of age, who is attending high school, and Alfred, eleven
years of age, a pupil in the Emerson public school. The parents hold
membership in the Baptist church, and Mr. Steen belongs to the
order of the Royal Arcanum. His political indorsement is given to
the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have
no attraction for him, although he keeps well informed on the ques-
tions of the day and is a public-spirited citizen. His time, however,
is fully occupied with the responsibilities and interests of a growing
business, in control of which he has become recognized as one of the
representative men of his city.
E. N. TAPSCOTT.
E. N. Tapscott, engaged in the real-estate business in Oakland,
is known as the biggest individual owner of subdivided propertv in
Alameda and Contra Costa counties. He is a native of Howards-
ville, Virginia, and a son of ^^^ L. and Sallie E. Tapscott. In the
acquirement of an education he attended successively the public
schools, the Miller Manual School of Albemarle at Miller School,
Albemarle count\, \Miginia, and Gans Academv at Red Bluff,
E. N. TAPSCOTT
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 85
Tehama county, California. Subsequently he removed to Prince-
ton, Colusa county, this state, and there conducted a mercantile estab-
lishment for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold
out and returned to Red Bluff, where he was successfully engaged
in the same business for fifteen years.
Mr. Tapscott then came to Oakland and embarked in the real-
estate business with E. J. Henderson under the firm style of Hender-
son & Tapscott. The partnership was dissolved in January, 191 2, and
since that time Mr. Tapscott has conducted his interests independ-
ently. In 1906 the firm of Henderson & Tapscott put on the market
the Kinsella tract No. i, in Elmhurst, then a rolling country. Next
they subdivided Kinsella tract No. 2. The rolling fields turned into
homes and stores, property values went up and many a person who
had paid a few hundred for a lot realized to the extent of thousands
on the deal. The two tracts, comprising one hundred and fifteen
acres, are now all utilized as city lots. They then purchased one
hundred and six acres on the county line and put the property on the
market as the Henderson & Tapscott tract No. i. Homes sprang up
like mushrooms in the night. The Toler Heights tract, embracing
two hundred acres and located on the beautiful scenic boulevard over-
looking a magnificent pancjrama of city and suburb, lake and bay,
in the annexed district, is another of the many subdivisions which
has proven its great popularity by increasing sales and demand from
the first day it was placed on the market. The lots in this tract are
all fifty feet front with a generous depth. The property contains all
improvements, including water mains, sewers and street work. The
following is an excerpt from a local publication: "Tapscott usually
gets what he wants. He wanted a railroad for the benefit of his
clients in the Toler Heights. He built one extending from the tract
to the East Fourteenth street line of the Oakland Traction Company.
He paid twenty thousand dollars for that railroad and presented it
to the railroad company. Recently the contract was let for forty
thousand dollars worth of sewer work in the tract."
Mr. Tapscott has on the market for himself Boulevard Gardens
tract No. i and Reserve Boulevard tract, comprising one hundred
and sixty acres in citv lots. He purchased the land from a man who
had made a failure of it and turned it into a successful proposition.
Then came North Berkeley Terrace, which rests on a continuation
of the lower range of foothills that shelter Claremont and Piedmont.
The lots in this one hundred and sixty acre tract have proved and
are proving most attractive to home buyers. Mr. Tapscott lias
recently organized tiie East Bay Land Company, of which lie is
8(i HISTORY Ol' ALA.MI-:i)A COfXTV
president and in which he owns one hundred and seventy acres. As
above stated, he owns and controls more subdivided property than
any other individual in either Alameda or Contra Costa counties.
In Contra Costa county alone he owns rive thousand lots in the imme-
diate vicinity of Richmond and the Pullman car shops, all of them
having a frontage on San Pablo avenue. In fact all the western
frontage of San Pablo avenue extending for a distance of three miles
from Berkeley county line to Stege Junction, and extending back to
the foothills, is owned by him. This propertv is superbly beautiful
and is so situated that realty experts declare it cannot but increase
in value to a remarkable extent. His latest acquisition is called
Richmond Junction. He has two hundred acres of fine land with
control of five iiundred more acres. The propertv lies along San
Pablo avenue, beginning at the junction of Cutting boulevard and
extending past Macdonald avenue. The propertv occupies a most
favorable position. It overlooks Richmond, Stege and the Golden
Gate and is considered one of the most valuable pieces of realty in the
vicinity of Richmond. Contract has been let for the grading, macad-
amizing and street work, and on April ist two thousand five hundred
lots were placed on the market, over one million dollars worth of
property being sold in the first few months. Following the sale of
these two thousand five hundred lots, the rest of the acreage will be
subdivided and placed on the market. The Key Route goes through
Richmond Junction and the Santa Fe has a station there. It is the
converging point of three main arteries of travel. The Pullman
shops are located just in front of the property, and it is one of the
most picturesque spots in this section of the state and yet has the
advantage of a commercial center.
.A-n issue of the Home Industry Edition contains the following:
"In all his dealings Mr. Tapscott has earned the highest praise and
commendation for his fair methods of dealing with the working
classes, and the prices and terms arranged for at time of sale have
always been so fair and reasonable that even the most modest wage
earner could meet them without any embarrassment whatever. In
addition to the fair-dealing methods of Mr. Tapscott he also enjoys
the reputation of being one of the best posted men on realty values
in the state, a fact borne out by the volume of business done. 'i"he
headquarters of the Tapscott interests are at 215 to 220 First National
Bank building and suitable branch offices are maintained on ilic
difTerent properties in charge of able and courteous salesmen."
In San Francisco, Mr. Tapscott wedded Miss Lena A. Mcndle-
son. He is independent in politics and is a popular member of the
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 87
Athenian Club. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed through all the chairs.
In matters of citizenship he manifests a progressive and public-
spirited interest, yet he devotes the greater part of his attention to
his business, which is constantly growing in volume and importance.
ABE P. LEACH.
Abe P. Leach, who since September 13, 1909, has creditably filled
the position of attorney for the public administrator in Oakland,
was born in Vallejo, California, July 27, 1873, a son of Frank A.
and Mary L. (Powell) Leach. He acquired his early education in
the Oakland grammar and high schools and afterward studied law
in the University of California, receiving the degree of LL. B. in
May, 1895. H^£ was admitted to practice before the supreme court
of the state May 21st of that year and began the practice of his pro-
fession in Oakland, where he has since continued. In 1898 he was
appointed prosecuting attorney of the city, serving with credit and
ability until 1907. Two years later he was appointed attorney for
the public administrator, and he has held this responsible position
from 1909 until the present time. He possesses an exact and compre-
hensive knowledge of the law and a personality which makes his
efforts doubly effective before the court.
On the 6th of February, 1901, Mr. Leach was united in mar-
riage to Miss Freda Curdts and they have become the parents of a
son, Abe P., Jr., aged ten. Mr. Leach gives his political allegiance
to the republican party, is a member of the Masonic fraternity and
belongs to the Nile Club. He is well known in professional, official
and social circles and holds the esteem and confidence of all who are
connected with him.
CHARLES F. MAU.
Charles F. Mau, a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war and since
1873 one of the leading architects of Oakland, where his superior
ability has gained him wide prominence in his profession, was born
in Germany in 1848. He learned his profession in the schools and
colleges of his native country and after completing his education
88 HISTORY Ol' AT.AAIKDA COL'XTV
entered the German army in r868. He served in the Franco-Prus-
sian war, taking part in the battle of Sedan and the siege of Paris.
In 1 87 1 he emigrated to America and settled first in Nevada,
where he engaged in mining and where he still owns valuable min-
ing interests. Mr. Mau afterward engaged in architectural work in
Chicago, Illinois, and in 1873 came to Oakland, opening an office
at the corner of Eighth street and Broadway. He designed and
erected many office buildings in the early days and a number of
these are still standing and in use. In 1875 he built Germania Hall
and followed this by the Old People's Home in Fruitvale. He was
the architect of the Abrahamson, Clifif and Reliance buildings, built
the Acme Athletic Club and the Masonic Temple in Alameda, as
well as many of the historic old residences of the early days. His
later structures include the Pabst Cafe building, the Ghirardelli
home and many other modern residences. He is a member of the
American Institute of Architects and in the course of forty years'
connection with the architectural interests in Oakland has risen
steadily in his profession until he is today one of its leading repre-
sentatives in this part of the state.
ISIr. Mau married Miss Louisa Schumer, and they became the
parents of four children, t\\(i of whom, Alfred and Gladvs, have
passed away, and two of whom, Louis and Carl, survive. Mr. Mau
is a member of the Royal Arch Masons and prominent in the alTairs
of that organization. He has lived in Oakland since 1873 and has
borne an active part in the work of city development since that time,
many of its most important business and residence structures being
the product of his professional skill. He has earned for himself
an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, being known for
his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the de-
served confidence of his fellow citizens.
WILLIAM DP:LAC0UR.
William Dclacour is well known in Oakland, where he has been
successfully engaged in business since .April. n)o6, manufacturing
a general line of art glass. His birth occurred in "^'oughal, in the
south of Ireland, on the i4tii of November, 1S83, his parents being
Timothy and Katharine Delacour. He atteiuicil the public schools
until fourteen years of age, when he began service as an apprentice
with a stained-glass firm, with whom he remaineil until he had
HISTORY OF ALA:\IEDA COUNTY 89
attained his majority. When twenty-one years of age he made his
way to San Francisco, California, and was there engaged as stained-
glass designer with the Sierra Glass Company until April, 1906.
At that time he came to Oakland and embarked in business on his
own account in association with Mr. Trobock, the firm of Trobock
& Delacour continuing until 1909, when our subject purchased his
partner's interest and has since conducted the enterprise alone. He
manufactures a general line of art glass and has built up a business
of extensive and profitable proportions.
In Oakland Mr. Delacour was united in marriage to Miss Marie
C. Perkins, by whom he has one child, Norbert. He is a member
of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Attracted by the opportunities
of the new -world and especially those of the "golden west," he here
started upon his business career and has already won an enviable
reputation as one of the prosperous, enterprising and respected citi-
zens of Oakland.
JAMES W. McMANNIS.
James W. McMannis. treasurer of the Sibbett Manufacturing
Company, one of the important progressive industries of Oakland,
was born in Washington county, Kentucky, November 30, 1857, and
is a son of James and Angeline McMannis. He attended public
school to the age of sixteen years and then turned his attention to
farming, which he followed until 1878, when he engaged w'ith the
Queen & Crescent Railway Company, having charge of the main-
tenance of way department, until 1892. He next became connected
with the Southern Pacific Railway Company in the same capacity
and was stationed at Sacramento, Lodi and later at Oakland. He
continued in that position until 1904, when he resigned and organized
the Sibbett Manufacturing Company, for the purpose of manufac-
turing a general line of working garments. He was elected treas-
urer of the company and his since guided its financial destiny. They
employ forty people, and the enterprise has been very successful since
its inception, the business steadily growing until the annual sales
now reach a large figure.
On the 17th of May, 1883, Mr. McMannis was married in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, to Miss Ella N. Williams, and thcv have become the
parents of four children; James W., twenty-eight years of age, who
is n(nv a locomotive engineer on the Southern Pacific Railroad; Ray-
W HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
mond, twenty-six years of age, a marine engineer on the steamship
Paraso; Monica, a nurse at the receiving hospital; and Verano, nine-
teen years of age, a graduate of the high school and now a student
of Heald's Business College. The religious faith of the family is
that of the Catholic church, and the political belief of Mr. McMan-
nis is that of the democratic party. Since starting out in life on his
own account he has worked his way steadily upward by persistent
effort, close application and unfaltering energy, and whatever suc-
cess he has achieved is the direct reward of his labors.
E. N. WALTER.
Among the vounger men prominent in the financial life of Oak-
land is E. N. Walter, vice president of the First National Bank.
Born in Virginia City, Nevada, January 24, 1870, he is a man of the
west and typical of the western spirit that, never daunted, success-
fully overcomes all obstacles or adverse conditions. His father was
William A. Walter, a California pioneer, who came to this state in
1852, locating in Oakland in the early '70s. He took an active part
in public affairs, serving for two terms on the city council and for
one term as president thereof. For many years and up to the time
of his death he was connected with tiie Wells-Fargo Express Com-
pany in Oakland in an important position.
E. N. Walter, after attending public scliool in Oakland, entered
the employ of the Wells-Fargo Express Company, but in 1887
changed positions, beginning his banking career with the First
National Bank of Oakland. He has ever since been connected with
this important institution, having watched its phenomenal growth
and grown with its progress. He worked his way through various
departments and, his ability being recognized, was called upon to
fill more and more responsible positions until on Januarv i, 191 2, he
was elected vice president of the institution. He has ever since given
his whole energv toward the building up of the bank and to him
must be attributed a large measure of the enormous business which
is now passing through its hands. Thoroughly well informed upon
the financial situation, he manages the affairs under his direction ablv
and has become recognized as an authority on banking, his reputa-
tion far exceeding the confines of his city.
in 1912 Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Lewis.
Mr. N\'altcr has always been an ardent lo\er of sports and lias taken
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 91
an active part in athletics, finding therein an even bahince to his
strenuous and confining duties. He was one of the founders and
commodore of t"he California Yacht Club and in 1904, when the
Oakland Baseball Club was put on a business basis, he was made
secretary and was president thereof from 1906 until 19 13. He was
the first secretary and the second president of the organization. It
was through his efforts that the club, which won the championship
of the Pacific Coast League in 191 2, was placed on a secure financial
basis. The Oakland Club of 1913 was practically the same as the
igi2 team. Mr. Walter is also well known in fraternal circles, being
a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and a promi-
nent Mason, having been treasurer of the local lodge for fifteen
years and having attained the Royal Arch degree. He is deeply
interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the city, and his sup-
port can ever be enlisted in any worthy cause.
HENRY D. CUSHING.
Henry D. Cushing, a well known and prosperous merchant of
Oakland, has since 1909 served as president of the firm of H. D.
Cushing & Company, conducting a general retail grocery establish-
ment. His birth occurred in Shasta county, California, on the i8th
of September, 1865, his parents being John and Annette Cushing.
In the acquirement of an education he attended the public schools
of Oakland until eighteen years of age and then became a clerk in
his father's grocery store, subsequently securing an interest in the
business, which was conducted under the name of John Cushing &
Son. In 1897 he took full control of the business, changing the style
of the concern to H. D. Cushing. He has been at the head of this
retail grocery establishment throughout the intervening sixteen years
and has enjoyed an extensive trade, carrying a large and well selected
line of staple and fancv groceries and doing everything possible to
please his patrons. He was one of the organizers of the Alameda
County Retail Merchants' Association and acts as treasurer thereof.
Mr. Cushing was likewise one of the organizers of the Merchants'
Exchange and for thirteen vears served as a director and also in the
capacity of treasurer.
In Oakland, on the nth of July, 1900, Mr. Cushing was united
in marriage to Miss Edna A. Cook, by whom he has three children.
92 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Phillip H., Charles and Barbara, who are eleven, eight and five years
of age, respectively.
Mr. Gushing gives his political allegiance to the' republican party
and is a Unitarian in religious faith, while fraternally he is identified
with the Native Sons, belonging to Oakland Parlor, No. 50. He is
likewise a member of the Nile and Commercial Clubs and was one
of the organizers and a director of the Chamber of Commerce. His
fellow townsmen recognize his merit and ability and his business
colleagues and contemporaries entertain the warmest admiration for
his many good qualities.
ABRAHAM JONAS.
This history presents the record of no other citizen more thor-
oughly imbued with the spirit of public progress than Abraham
Jonas. He has ever been a man of fair judgment, broadminded and
sagacious, and in working for the public welfare he has looked
beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportu-
nities of the future. Oakland numbers him among its representative,
useful and worthy citizens, to whose initiative spirit the city owes the
establishment of one of its best known men's clothing and furnishing
stores, the development of which has resulted directly from his reso-
lute energv and unremitting industry, whereby the establishment
has advanced from an humble beginning to its present large propor-
tions. For almost thirty-five years he remained active in its man-
agement and only recently retired from its presidency and from
active mercantile life, having won rest and leisure, which he now
enjoys and which enables him to direct his energies into fields of pub-
lic activity relative to the further growth and development of Oak-
land. He finds broad scope for his labors in his present position as
president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Jonas was born in Germany in 1855 and supplemented his
public-school education by a commercial course, after which he
sailed for America in T<S7q, with Oakland as his destination. He
accepted a minor position in a clothing house, but his energy and
ambition — his dominant qualities — brought him to the front and
after two years' residence here he founded what is now the Hub
Clothing Company, beginning business in a little store on Broadway,
between Sixth and Seventh streets. The enterprise was established
in a modest way. but during the thirty-six years of its existence its
ABRAHAit .TOXAS
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 95
growth has been of a steady and healthful character. The business
was in due time incorporated and at different periods when he felt
that his trade would warrant Mr. Jonas removed to larger quarters,
ultimately occupying one of the finest and most modern business
structures of the city at 1103 Broadway. As his sons Milton and
Irving reached an age whereby they were qualified to take up onerous
business duties and responsibilities they were admitted to partnership
and the business was incorporated with Mr. Jonas as president, his
elder son, Irving, as secretary and manager, and the younger son as
vice president and assistant manager. These positions they still hold,
although they have entire charge of the business, their father having
recently retired from active participation therein. The store was
established on sound, conservative business principles, to which close
adherence has been maintained throughout the intervening years,
and the result of this policy is seen today in the company's prosperity.
Mr. Jonas is one of the leading figures in the affairs of the Oak-
land Chamber of Commerce, in which he has served for several
years as a member of the board of directors and as chairman of its
finance committee. In the latter position he gave demonstration of
his ability by placing the affairs of the chamber on a firm financial
and business basis. His fellow members, recognizing his valuable
services, elected him president, which position he now occupies. At
the time of his induction into office a local paper spoke of him as
follows:
"To the work which President Jonas takes up he brings special
qualifications. He has served successfully as president of the Mer-
chants' Exchange, has held high station upon all occasions of cere-
mony and big commercial endeavor in the city's latter years. He
has been a student of the city's conditions and her needs. He is pos-
sessed of masterful executive ability, is self-reliant, courageous and
alert. The plans which he speaks of for the Oakland forward move-
ment will be carried out by him to the letter.
"Moreover, the Chamber of Commerce is an institution of estab-
lished reputation. It is nation-wide in its acquaintanceship and
influence. It has priority of claim to favor by reason of accomplish-
ment already wrought. It stands today in the forefront of all matters
related to Oakland's vital interests; has in hand vast schemes for local
advancement and deep-laid plans for yet further achievement.
"The Oakland Chamber of Commerce is non-political and
entirely free from danger of being made use of to further the low
ambition of individual exploiters. It is free and untrammeled in its
commercial and industrial policv and beyond the reach of selfish
06 TIISTCIRV OF ALAMRDA COL'XTY
combinations. It stands for the city's dignity, and wealth, and indus-
try, and power.
"President Jonas takes the hehn of the Chamber oi Commerce
at a moment fraught with portentous consequence to tlie welfare of
Oakland. The immediate opening of the Panama canal, the con-
struction of the Oakland harbor upon the Rces plans, the extension
of the transportation facilities and centralization of terminals, the
conquest of trade at home and abroad — the establishment of Oakland
as the port of the Pacific — all these are possibilities and coming events
of the highest importance. Upon the proper placing of this citv in
the rapidly approaching new situatiiMi depends its destiny for all
time. If it is placed forward where it belongs it will outrun all
other cities of the coast within ten years from the passage of the first
commercial ship through the isthmus.""
Mr. Jonas was for many years a director of the Merchants" Ex-
change and in 190:; was elected its president, about which time the
tunnel road was built. He took an active part in that movement,
which connected Contra Costa and Alameda counties and which is
tlie largest wagon road tunnel in the world. Mr. Jonas makes these
connections with the different organizations mentioned the avenues
by which he accomplishes important work of civic service, for he is
at all times interested in the growth and welfare of Oakland and is
untiring in his efforts to promote the city's advancement. For a
number of years he has been a str(jng advocate of the consolidation
of the city and county governments, has been chairman of the com-
mission and iias done everything in his power to bring this about as
a means toward securing a "Greater Oakland." He iias made a
careful study of European and American conditions in city building
and business development and believes in the concentration of power.
So earnestlv and steadfastly has he worked for such a consummation
that he is often called "The Father of Consolidation."" He hopes to
live to see the consummation of tlie plan, which from the recent
changes in the law may soon be realized.
Anian of wide cliaritv, Mr. Jonas has of late years devoted much
time to piiilanthropic work and during the San I'rancisco Hre of i(;ii^
he was vice president of the executive committee whicii had charge
of tlie relief work and ga\e much of time ami monev to tlie cause. He
is keenly alert to all measures for the relief of the worthy poor and
in charities takes an active part. For years he has been a director in
the Non-Sectarian Associated Charities. He is treasurer and a direc-
tor of the Associated Cliarities and was appointed bv Mayor Mott
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 1)7
one of the five commissioners of the municipal wood vard, the pur-
pose of which is the relief of the unemployed.
Mr. Jonas has extensive and important fraternal relations, being
a member of the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Knights of Pythias. He is past grand president of the Indepen-
dent Order of B'Nai B'rith, for the last fifteen years has been a
supreme representative of the order and is the president of the syna-
gogue of the First Hebrew congregation. For the last thirty-two
years he has been a member of the board of directors and also treas-
urer for years of Oakland. He was the incumbent at the time when
the old synagogue was built in 1886, and he is now promoting the
construction of a new synagogue of which the city of Oakland may
well be proud and which will soon be dedicated.
Another important work in which Mr. Jonas has been engaged
has been to some degree the assistance rendered Rabbi Friedlander in
revising the Jewish prayer book, which as revised was afterward
approved by the conference of American rabbis. This revised prayer
book is now in use in the congregation and fills a long felt want in
the interpreting of the modern spirit of religion.
In 1881, in Oakland, he was united in marriage with Miss Katie
Hartman of this city, and they are the parents of four children:
Gertrude, wife of Otto Hirschman of New York; Corinne, wife of
Morris Goldtree of San Francisco; and Irving and Milton, pre-
viously mentioned.
His business career has been actuated by laudable ambition and
characterized by unfaltering industry, combined with a close adher-
ence to a high standard of business ethics. It would be difficult to
point out any one characteristic as his most pronounced trait, for his
is a most evenly balanced character, in which business capacity and
power are matched by the recognition of life's purposes and the
obligation of man to his fellowmen. The importance of the work he
has accomplished along commercial, civic and moral lines in Oak-
land cannot be overestimated.
JOSEPH EUGENE BAKER.
Joseph Eugene Baker was widclv known on the Pacific coast as
editorial writer for the Oakland Tribune, remaining in that connec-
tion for sixteen years. He was horn near Conycrs, not far from
Atlanta, Georgia, January 10, 1H47, and in Iiis boyhood accompanied
98 HISTORY OF ALA:\IEDA COUNTY
his parents to Texas. He supplemented study in private schools by
a course in a local academy, which he attended to the age of sixteen
years. Soon afterward he joined the Confederate service as a soldier
in the Army of the Tennessee, in which his uncle. Brigadier General
Alpheus Baker, commanded a brigade. He followed the fortunes
of war with his command and during the progress of hostilities it
was said that although a boy in his teens he took an active part in
compelling the proper and humane treatment of Union prisoners.
After the close of the war he visited Mexico, then in the throes
of the republican revolution against the misguided and unfortunate
Emperor Maximilian. Being equipped with letters from both im-
perial and revolutionary authorities granting him free transit, he
traversed the country at will and witnessed the fluctuations of the
tide of war which ended in the tragic death of Maximilian at Quera-
taro and the birth of the republic of Mexico under the presidency of
Juarez. Subsequently he visited Brazil and ascended the Amazon
river to the highest point which had then been reached by a white
man, his purpose being to study the agricultural possibilities oi that
region. With the same purpose in view he went to Rio de Janeiro
and explored the interior of southern Brazil. In 1868 he entered
the employ of a St. Louis tobacco house, which he represented as
traveling salesman in the central part of Texas until 1870. He after-
ward drove a herd of cattle from Texas to the Laramie plains of
Wyoming and while enroutc camped upon the present site of Okla-
homa City. From the Laramie plains he drove a herd of cattle to
Salt Lake City, where he remained until .^L^rch, 1873. Subsequently
he went to Pioche, Nevada, where he engaged in mining and after-
ward turned his attention to newspaper work. In 1877 he removed
to Tybo, Nevada, where he became a smelter in a mining camp,
while afterward he was connected with a weekly newspaper until
the spring of 1879.
While with the Meadow Lake Mining Company he had with
him a crowd of fellow workers who afterward became verv distin-
guished, including Judge Beatty, George Story Curtis, grandson of
Justice Story of the United States supreme court, and Henrv T.
Creswell, one of tiie best known members of the San Francisco bar.
His association with tiiese ilistinguished men greativ influenced iiis
future life and turned his thoughts into a literary ciiannel, bringing
him at last to a position as one of the best and most versatile and
accomplished writers of California. From Pioche Mr. Baker went
to Belmont and thence to Tybo, Nevada, and after working in a
smelter there became interested in a small newspaper. During that
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 99
period he read thoughtfully the works of Addison, Carlyle, Ma-
caulay and other standard essayists and also spent many hours with
Hume's History of England. In fact, his reading was broad and of
a most excellent character. Possessing a wonderfully retentive mem-
ory, he gathered a store of material from which he could draw at
will in future years, finding on almost every occasion something that
applied to the subject matter in hand. In writing of this period of
his career the Oakland Tribune said, following his death: "When
the mining company operating the smelter at Tybo closed down Mr.
Baker moved to Bodie, Mono county, which at that time was one
of the richest quartz mining camps in this state, and he lived there
and thereabouts for some time. During a winter spent in a mountain
cabin near the shore of the lake Mr. Baker witnessed the slide of
an avalanche of snow down the flank of the Sierran peak and with
a deafening roar tearing a great gap through the forest of gigantic
pines fringing the shores of the lake, grinding them into kindling
wood on its way and moving with such tremendous velocity that
when it struck the frozen surface of the lake the floe swept swiftly
over the ice and ascended far up the flank of the mountain at whose
base his own cabin was located, ripping out in its course the big
pines by the roots and incorporating them in the wreckage it created.
The scene was so extraordinary and impressive that Mr. Baker wrote
an account of it for the newspaper, which revealed his great descrip-
tive powers. It has been described as the most graphic description
of an avalanche ever published, not in any sense equaled in vividity
by any of the numerous productions of distinguished writers who
have described in their works the great snow avalanches which have
periodically swept down the flanks of the European Alps, carrying
death and disaster into the valleys at their feet."
At a later date Mr. Baker was employed for a time as a writer
on one of the Reno, Nevada, newspapers. He afterward removed to
Bodie. California, and for a short time was connected with the Bodie
Daily News and afterward had charge of the Bodie Standard until
1 88 1. In that year he removed to Lundy, California, where he began
the publication of a weekly paper. While thus engaged he was
offered and accepted a position in a surveying party, which work
took him across the mountains to the town of Sonora and it was dur-
ing his residence there that he met the lady who afterward became
his wife and the mother of his three children, a son and two daugh-
ters. He was editor of the Sonora Union Democrat until 1885, in
which year he spent a few months on the local stafT of the Chronicle
and later on the local staff of the Examiner, where he remained until
100 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
1887, when he became city editor of the Alta California, which posi-
tion he held until 1891. He then became managing editor of the
Oakland Times, with whicii he was connected until the summer of
1892, when he took editorial charge of the Fresno Expositor. After
a year spent in Fresno, California, he returned to San Francisco and
engaged on the special stalif of the Chronicle until 1893. He then
became managing editor of the Oakland Times, but resigned in 1895
to become general overseer of the state prison at Folsom. He retained
that office until June, 1900, when he tendered his resignation. He
was for sixteen years editorial writer on the Oakland Tribune, which
position he held at the time of his demise.
In every place where Mr. Baker resided he made many friends
and his friendships comprised invariably the brightest men in eacii
community, by whom he was held in the highest respect for his
native abilitv, sterling integrity, great mentality and strength of
character. He always took an active interest in politics and as a
stanch democrat ranked among the leaders of the party in this state
and in Nevada. "But," said one of his closest friends and greatest
admirers in speaking of Air. Baker's career, "he was not a hide-
bound democrat. He was a democrat with sound discrimination,
which was exemplified by the support he gave Judge Beatty during
his two candidacies for a position on the bench in Nevada and when
he \\as a candidate for the chief justiceship of the supreme court of
this state, to which he was elected and which position he has since
held with abilitv, honor and distinction. But while he was an ardent
democrat, Mr. Baker was not an office seeker. When Governor
Budd was elected he appointed Mr. Baker to a position at the Fol-
som state prison, which he accepted and held during Governor Budd's
term. It was the only public office he ever held and that came to
him unsolicited and unsought."
Following the death of Mr. Baker, which occurred at his home
in Oakland on the 19th of March, 1914. P^H^^'''* "^ th'S and adjoining
states commented upon his career and from these the following
excerpts have been made: "Baker was ever loyal to the craft. He
believed the newspaper was the greatest power on earth and the
paper he attached himself to was dominant authority in the locality
where it was published and if it was not he generally aided in making
it such. Baker was brusque but kind. His friendship rang true.
He ranks with Frank M. Pixley, Arthur McKewen and John P.
Irisli as a leader among editorial writers of this generation. He was
direct, powerful and caustic in his style and he was a general in
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 101
command of the English language." Another said: "In the death
of Joseph Baker of the Oakland Tribune California newspaperdom
loses one of its strongest and most trenchant writers. Baker was no
ordinary man. His erudition covered a wide field. His memory
was a veritable storehouse of facts, on which he was able to draw
for any subject at any time." The Woodland Democrat writes:
"He was one of the ablest editorial writers in the state and was such
a careful student of public questions that his ambitions were regarded
with the greatest respect by his contemporaries. Although editor of
a republican paper he was a democrat of the old school and through-
out his whole life he was an ardent supporter of democratic prin-
ciples, having a record tor loyalty, devotion and integrity that is
stainless and unblemished. His journalistic career was brilliant,
full of years and honest achievements, and his private virtues were
worthy of emulation." The personal note is touched in the words of
a writer in the Contra Costan, published at Richmond, California:
"In the death of Editor Joe Baker this writer feels that he has lost
a good friend, but there are thousands of others who feel the same
way, for he had friends everywhere by the countless hundreds. We
seldom ever went to Oakland that we did not drop into the Tribune
office and chat a few moments with Colonel Joe, and they were
always bright moments, for he was a good man and a man of noble
instincts and fine traits of character. It was a pleasure and a privi-
lege to know him and to be counted among his friends. He was a
broad and liberal-minded man, \\ith a big brain, a big heart and lots
of soul." Still another said: "Baker was as big of heart and mind
as the great west which developed him. That he worked in the mines
in commonplace positions even into his young manhood might seem
strange in one so extraordinarly gifted intellectually, but while thus
employed he was burning the candle into the morning hours, putting
away for future use a treasure store of information that finally
brought him distinction and honor in the profession he so splendidly
ad(jrned. His paragraphs were as fresh and clean as the fine man-
hood he typified, while his more profound observations were as logi-
cally powerful as they were entertaining and instructive."
A well merited tribute to his memory was paid by the Oakland
Observer in the following: "An American man of the old school is
dead. The customary phrase is 'a gentleman of the old school' — and
few ever held in ampler measure the finer qualities of the gentleman
than Joseph E. Baker — but, as the tribute to Iiis memory from all
his associates is not perfunctory, I tiiink it is beter to speak of him
in the more enviable and descriptive words, 'an American man of the
102 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUXTY
old' school.' Baker was an American of the period when men were
needed. He was embrued in the Civil war. He was a pioneer and
adventurer into far places. He had the Ulyssean spirit that has made
this nation. He sought the sources of the Amazon. He was in
Mexico during the days of Maximilian. He trekked to the west in
the times that we know now only through the record of Remington.
He lived the life of the frontier American. In journalism he was
vigorous, sometimes intemperate, but always true to his convictions,
right or wrong though they might have been. But his adversaries
always respected his manly qualities, as he always respected the
manly qualities of his adversaries. In his enmities he was severe and
uncompromising; in his friendships sincere and unreserved. He
belonged to the type that made his country — the basic type of initia-
tive, courage and vigor. He is a type that cannot be replaced; it
remains only as an inspiration to the coming generation. We mourn
to see another gap in the ranks of the Old Guard of real Americans,
but our sorrow is subordinated to the pride we possess in what these
men have done. Baker would not have us sentimentalize over him.
He deserves the plain, untearful tribute of respect that the soldier
accords to the comrade who falls in the van of the charge."
EMIL LEHNHARDT.
A man whose force of character, business insight and genius for
organization made him one of the leaders in the business develop-
ment of Oakland was Emil Lehnhardt, well and prominently known
as the founder and upbuilder of one of the largest candy, confection-
erv and ice cream manufacturing establishments in the bay cities.
During practically the entire period of his active life he gave his
energy and attention to this enterprise, with the result that it devel-
oped from small beginnings to its present large proportions.
Mr. Lehnhardt was born in New York city and is of German
ancestry, his father having been a native of Mainz on the Rhine and
his mother of Westphalia, Germany. In that country his grand-
father started the first lithograph establishment and for a number
of years served as lithographer to the crown, some of the official
maps of his making having been in the possession of the subject of
this review. His son, the father of our subject, came to America in
the early \(;os and was one of the founders of the German Turners
Societv in New York citv.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 105
Emil Lehnhardt came to California in 1868 and after complet-
ing a course in the public schools of San Francisco learned the
trade of watchmaking. He afterward became connected with a large
wholesale jewelry house, acting as traveling representative of that
concern for five years, during which he journeyed along the coast as
far south as Mexico and as far east as the Rocky mountains. When
he severed his connection therewith he turned his attention to the
candy and confectionery manufacturing business, opening a small
plant on Fourteenth street, near the city hall in Oakland. Being a
conscientious, energetic and capable worker, he met with immediate
success in the conduct of his business and the enterprise grew so rapidly
that in 1895 he was obliged to seek larger quarters. He established
his second plant at 1309-13 Broadway and year by year enlarged this
as the business expanded. The concern now gives employment to one
hundred and forty people, this working force having gradually
developed from the time when Mr. Lehnhardt employed only four
men and did himself as much work as five. The factory and parlors
are as complete as those of the leading confectionery firms in the east
and the equipment is modern in every detail. Mr. Lehnhardt con-
tinued in active business until his death, which occurred January 26,
iQi I, after which his wife assumed charge. LInder her able manage-
ment the concern has continued its phenomenal growth, for she has
proven a woman of executive ability and keen business insight and
has held the concern to its enviable position among the leading enter-
prises of its kind on the coast. She and her husband had planned a
new factory and after his death she carried out the plans, completing
the fine modern factory at Twenty-fourth and Grove streets.
On the 5th of July, 1883, Mr. Lehnhardt was united in marriage
to Miss Hattie Marcus, a native of New York city, who came to
California with her parents when she was still an infant. Her father
engaged in general merchandising in San Francisco in the early '70s
and continued there until his death, building up a large and important
enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Lehnhardt became the parents of two
children: Edna Anita, who married E. J. Cowing, of Oakland, by
whom she has two children ; and Emil, attending school.
Mr. Lehnhardt was a member of the Athenian and Nile Clubs
of Oakland and was very active in the Masonic fraternity, holding
membership in the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine. He
gave his political allegiance to the republican party but, although he
was interested in public afifairs as a progressive and public-spirited
citizen, he was not active as an office seeker, constantly refusing all
political honors and emoluments. For a number of years he was a
106 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
director in the Unitarian church of Oakhmd and was known as a man
of broad but unostentatious charity, giving largely of his time and
means to the help of the needy and afflicted but adhering closely to the
Bible maxim of "never letting his right hand know what his left hand
did." He was a man whose merit and ability carried him forward
into important relations with many phases of community life' and
during the course of a long and active career his integrity remained
unquestioned and his popularity unbounded. His death was sincerely
mourned bv a wide circle of friends.
WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER WOOD.
William Christopher Wood, who since January i, 1914, has been
state commissioner of secondary schools, was connected with
educational interests of Alameda as city superintendent of schools
for a period of five years. He is a native son of California, born in
Elmira, Solano county, December 10. 1880. His father, Emerson
Wood, was born in East Smithfield, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and after
graduating from Abingdon College, Illinois, turned his attention to
teaching, following this occupation in Illinois and Kansas. He was
a soldier in the Civil war, marching with General Sherman from
Atlanta, Georgia, to Raleigh, North Carolina, and upon the organi-
zation of the Grand Army of the Republic identified himself with
the afifairs of the association, becoming commander of J. W. Geary
Post. He came to California in 1875 and in Solano county engaged
in farming until his death, which occurred in May, 1898. The
paternal branch of this family is one of the oldest in America, being
descended from Sir William Wood, who visited the northern Atlan-
tic coast in 1632, wrote an account of his observations and called it
"The New England Prospect." The great-grandfather of the sub-
ject of this review was born at Westminster, Massachusetts, in 1761.
At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the Continental army and served
in the defense of Boston in 1780. He died in 1825, at East Smith-
field, Pennsylvania. His son, Joel \\'ood, the grandfather of the
subject of this review, was born in Massachusetts in 18 10 and when
he was two years of age was brought to East Smithfield, where he
grew to manhood. He became a minister and a farmer, following
both occupations in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Kansas and dying
in Thurman, in the latter state, in 1907. Emerson Wood married
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 107
iMiss Martha Turner, a daughter of Jackson and Mary Turner, of
Missouri.
In the acquirement of an education William C. Wood attended
public school in Solano county and was afterward a student in the
Leland Stanford University and the University of California. He
immediately identified himself with educational interests, becoming
principal of the Fairfield schools and in 1906 principal of the Lin-
coln school of Alameda. Having proved himself an able educator,
he was called upon on the ist of January, 1909, to fill out an unex-
pired term as superintendent of schools of this city and in recogni-
tion of his efifective and far-reaching work was elected to the posi-
tion in May, 191 1, for a term of four years. In January, 1914, he
resigned his position to assume his duties as state commissioner of
secondary schools. He has proved efficient, conscientious and capa-
ble in the discharge of his duties and has already left the impress
of his work and personality upon the educational history of the state.
In 1905 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Kerr, a
daughter of Andrew and Eudora Kerr of Fairfield, California. Mr.
and Mrs. Wood have one child, Willsie, who is seven years of age.
Mr. Wood is an enthusiastic fisherman and, in fact, is devoted to
all kinds of outdoor sports, being particularly interested in moun-
tain climbing, to which he gives a great deal of his leisure time. He
has tramped for pleasure over the Sierra Nevadas and the Canadian
Rockies and can relate many interesting incidents of his travels.
Fraternally he is past exalted ruler of Alameda Lodge, No. 101 q,
B. P. O. E., and he is identified with Oak Grove Lodge, F. & A. M.,
and the National Union of Alameda. He is in addition vice presi-
dent of the Unitarian Club of this city. In his official capacity he
did much to promote the cause of public education in this commu-
nity, managing the school's of the citv in a systematic and businesslike
way and reaping the reward of his well directed labors in the
increased efficiency of the pupils and teachers alike.
GEORGE KIRCHNER.
George Kirchner, a partner in the firm of Kirchncr & Mante,
representatives in Oakland of the Seattle Brewing & Malting Com-
pany of Seattle, Washington, was born at Vertheim, Germanv, Jan-
uary 22, 1868, a son of Fritz Kirchner. He was a public school
pupil to the age of fourteen years and then came to the United States
108 HISTORY Ol- ALA.MKDA COL'XTY
in 1882, settling in San Francisco, where he served an apprenticeship
with Lang Brothers, bcjttlers, with whom he remained for two years.
He was afterward employed in various bottling establishments until
1888, when he entered the employ of the Bufifalo Bottling Company
at Oakland, with which he continued as bottler for five years. He
then entered the bottling business on his own account, and soon after-
ward entered into a partnership with F. Mante under the firm style
of Kirchner & Mante. They represent the Seattle Brewing & Malt-
ing Company of Seattle, the largest brewery on the Pacific coast,
in a business which has been constantly growing and which has won
them a substantial measure of success.
In Oakland in 1893 ^^^- Kirchner was married to Miss Dora
Lueddeke, and they have four children, Helen, Minna Dora, Fritz
and George. Mr. Kirchner belongs to the Merchants' Exchange
and the Chamber of Commerce, and also holds membership in the
Eintracht, the Sons of Herman, the Eagles, the Oakland Turnverein
and the Loyal Order of Moose. He has never had occasion to regret
his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the
business opportunities A\hich he sought and in their improvement
has made steadv advancement.
NORALA.N FISK PEART.
Since 1906 Norman Fisk Peart has been successfully engaged in
business at Oakland as president of the firm of Peart, Incorporated,
who handle automobile tires and also conduct a repair shop. As
their business has grown they have established branches in San Fran-
cisco and Berkeley. His birth occurred in San Francisco, Califor-
nia, on the 19th of September, 1878, his parents being Benjamin and
Sophia Peart, who in iSSS established their home at ^^'oodland, Yolo
county, this state.
Norman F. Peart obtained his education in the graded and high
schools of Woodland and following his graduation, in 1897, spent
one year as a student in the University of California. Subsequentlv
he returned to San Francisco, where for four years lie was emploved
as clerk with the Overland Freight & Transportation Company. He
next acted as salesroom foreman for the Mobile Carriage Company i
until 1906, when he resigned his position and came to Oakland, here
opening an automobile tire and repairing establishment. Mr. Peart
manifests excellent executive ability and sound judgment in his
HISTORY OF ALA^iIEDA COUXTY 109
capacity as president of the firm of Peart, Incorporated, wliich has
enjoyed continuous growth and prosperity, so that branches have
been opened in San Francisco and Berkeley.
In San Francisco, on the 15th of March, 1906, Mr. Peart was
united in marriage to Miss Kate Ralston, by whom he has two
children, Madeline and Ruth. He is a republican in politics and
belongs to the Nile and Rotary Clubs.
DAN ANDKER.
Dan Andker has been engaged in business as an undertaker of
Oakland since 1909, in which year he organized the firm of Andker
& Company, of which he is the president. His birth occurred in
Odense, Denmark, on the 19th of April, 1865, his parents being
Anders and Mortensen Andker. He attended the public schools
until a youth of fourteen and afterward worked with his father, a
gardener, until twenty years of age. Subsequently he spent three
and a half years as a soldier in the army and on the expiration of that
period emigrated to the United States, settling in San Francisco,
California, where he worked in a tailor shop for three years. At the
end of that time he came to Oakland and here was employed as a
tailor by Joseph Poeheim for six years. Subsequently he spent two
years in the service of Lancaster & Rehor, tailors, and was then
engaged as a tailor with John J. Andersen until 1909. In that year
he embarked in the undertaking business, organizing the firm of
Andker & Company, of which he has since served as president. Suc-
cess has come to him in this connection, for his is a well appointed
and up-to-date establishment and the service rendered is of the
very best.
Mr. Andker has been married twice. On the 21st day of Decem-
ber, 1889, in San Francisco, he wedded Miss Clara Andker, whose
demise occurred in August, 1906. On the 28th of December. 1909,
in Sacramento, California, he was again married, his second union
being with Mrs. Ella Biggi. His children are three in number,
namely: Exe, twenty-one years of age; Carla, who is fourteen years
old and a public-school student; and Norman Dan, who is two years
of age. The last named was born of his second marriage.
In his political views Mr. Andker is a republican, while his
religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He is a member of
all the Danish societies and likewise belongs to the Masonic order.
110 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
the Fraternal Brotherhood, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and the Improved
Order of Red Men. Coming to the new world in early manhood,
he here found tlie opportunities which he sought and in their wise
utilization has won a place among the substantial and representative
citizens of his communitv.
FRANK R. CRAWFORD.
Frank R. Crawford is the superintendent of the Oakland Crema-
tion Association, which was incorporated on the 28th of June, 1901.
His birth occurred in Sonoma county, California, on the 4th of Jan-
uary, i860, his parents being T. B. and Sarah Crawford. The father,
who was born in Scotland on the 21st of May, 1830, acquired his edu-
cation in that country and in 1849 emigrated to the United States,
settling in Tuolumne county, California, where he was engaged in
mining until 1863. In that year he removed to Calaveras county
and was there identified with copper mining as superintendent of a
mine until 1869, when he went to Stockton, San Joaquin county,
and embarked in the steamboat business, his craft plying between
Stockton and San Francisco. In 1900 he put aside active business
cares and the remainder of his life was spent in honorable retire-
ment. In 1884 he had taken up his abode in Oakland, here continu-
ing to reside until called to his final rest in 1912. The period of his
residence in Oakland covered twenty-eight years and he was widely
recognized as one of its prosperous, representative and respected
citizens.
Frank R. Crawford attended the public schools of Sonoma, Cali-
fornia, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to
Stockton, this state, where he continued his education in the public
schools until 1884. In that year he came to Oakland and after-
ward worked as a machinist in the service of the San Francisco Tool
Company of San Francisco until 1888, while subsequently he was
engaged as engineer for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company until
1902. He then returned to Oakland and took charge of the construc-
tion of the Oakland Crematorium, continuing as superintendent of
the same. The officers for 19 12- 13 are as follows: George W. Reed,
president; Dr. F. R. Jordan, vice president; Horace E. Smith, secre-
tary; First National Bank, treasurer; George W. Reed, Dr. F. R.
Jordan, the late M. T. Emmert, F. F. Mood, the late A. E. H.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 111
Cramer, George R. Crane and Dr. E. T. Hosford, directors. The
crematorium is fully equipped with the best and latest improved
appliances for incineration, which work is performed by competent
men of long experience. The columbarium is one of the finest in
the world for the reception of ashes. The magnificent fireproof
building is modern in every respect and contains thousands of niches
for the benefit of those who desire permanent resting places for the
ashes of their dead. The oflice of the Oakland Cremation Asso-
ciation is in the Crematorium building at Howe and Mather streets.
The Pacific contains a well written article setting forth the wisdom
of cremating the dead and states that "in 1890 there were three hun-
dred and seventy-two cremations in the United States. In 1900 the
number was two thousand three hundred and eighty-nine. In 1908
it was three thousand four hundred and sixty-two. Nearly one-third
of the number for 1908 was in San Francisco, the figures being one
thousand one hundred and four. The number in New York that
year was seven hundred and twenty-three. The number of crema-
tories in operation in the United States at that time was twenty-five.
The crematory in Oakland, operated by the Oakland Cremation
Association, first used in June, 1902, had three hundred and twelve
incinerations in 1903, nine hundred and thirtv-one in 191 1 and over
one thousand in 1912."
On the i6th of February, 1901, Mr. Crawford was joined in
wedlock to Miss May Kennedy, the ceremony taking place in Oak-
land. He is a republican in politics, and his religious views accord
with those of the Christian Science church. He belongs to the Ma-
rine Engineers and is identified fraternally with the Royal Arch
Masons. His genuine worth and his devotion to all that is right, just
and elevating, make him a man whom to know is to respect and
honor.
JOHN HEAFEY.
John Heafey is the junior member of the firm of Chambers &
Heafey, contractors of Oakland, who are engaged in general cement
construction, sewer work and water works. He came to Oakland
in 1901 and has resided here continuously throughout the intervening
twelve years. His birth occurred in County Waterford, Ireland, on
the 3rd of June, 1S81, his parents being John and Margaret Heafev.
Mc attended the public scliools until a vouth of sixteen and subse-
112 HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY
quentlv worked for his father until he had attained the age of nine-
teen years. At that time he emigrated to the United States, making
his way direct to Oakland, California. Here he secured employ-
ment as a carpenter with his brother William, engaged in the con-
tracting business, remaining in his service until 1907, when he
became a partner of his brother. In January, 191 1, he sold out to
his brother and formed a partnership with Mr. Chambers under
the name of Chambers & Heafey, which firm has built up an exten-
sive and profitable business in general cement construction, sewer
work and water works. The junior partner is a young man who has
been well trained in his chosen field of labor and merits the success
which he now enjoys.
On the 7th of February, 191 1, in Sebastopol, California, Mr.
Heafey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary McSorley. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and has fraternal
relations with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to
Berkeley Lodge. In religious faith he is a Catholic. Both he and
his wife have a large circle of friends and acquaintances and arc held
in the highest regard by all who know them.
CHARLES G. REED.
Charles G. Reed, who from 1907 to 1909 served with credit and
ability as national bank examiner for the northern district of Cali-
fornia, is a member of a family which has been well represented in
Oakland and vicinity; first by the father. Captain William Reed, and
his wife Hannah; and also by their children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren to the number of forty.
Mr. Reed, of this review, has spent practically his entire life in
California, for he came to this state with the family when he was
onlv twelve years of age. He was born in Vassalboro, Maine, De-
cember 24, 1844. and in November, 1856, was brought to Oakland.
He attended the old Carpentier school, beginning in the winter of
1856-7, and circulated a petition for the building of the second
schoolhouse, the Lafayette primary, at Twelfth and Grove streets.
He afterward entered the Oakland College school, taking a business
course. Following the completion of his studies he obtained a posi-
tion in a wholesale clothing house in San Francisco, with which he
was connected for four years. At the end of that time he came to
Oakland and conducted a hardware store at the northwest corner of
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 115
Twelfth and Broadway. When he disposed of this enterprise he
entered the office of the county clerk as deputy under J. V. B. Good-
rich and after four years in this service was elected to the office of
county clerk in 1875. He won reelection in 1877 and served two
terms, after which he was made deputy under C. E. Palmer, county
treasurer. At the end of four years in this office he entered the Union
National Bank and was soon advanced to the position of paying
teller. He was later made exchange teller and held this position
until October, 1907, when he received the appointment as national
bank examiner for the northern district of California. He held this
position until 1909 and discharged its important duties in a pains-
taking, conscientious and efficient manner.
In Oakland on the 8th of January, 1868, Mr. Reed married Miss
Flora A. Moore, a daughter of Gorham H. and Mary A. (Jenkins)
Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of four children:
Olive, the wife of S. W. Cushman of Oakland; Elmer, who is
engaged in the United States marshal's office in Nome, Alaska;
Aimee, the wife of Harwood D. Swales of the Firemens Fund Insur-
ance Company; and Eva, who became the wife of H. D. Danforth
and died June 28, 1904, at the age of twenty-nine years. There are
seven grandchildren, four boys and three girls. All the children
and grandchildren have exceptional musical ability and hnd music
the source of much enjoyment.
Mr. Reed is connected fraternally with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, in which he is past grand, and he has also filled all
of the chairs in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, representing
his lodge in the grand lodge at various sessions and serving also as
grand trustee. He is at present grand receiver. He is also affiliated
with the Fraternal Brotherhood and is a member of the First Baptist
ciiurch, in which he officiated as trustee for a number of years. He
has always taken a keen interest in movements looking toward the
benefit of general conditions and has been found ready to lend his
aid for the promotion of all progressive public projects. He was a
member of the old Oakland Guard, serving as private in 1862 and
being later promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He was also a
member of the Oakland light cavalry. From 1893 until 1897 he
served on the board of education of Oakland, acting as chairman of
the finance committee and the high school committee. Being a
great lover of liis native state he founded the State of Maine Asso-
ciation of California and was its first secretary and later its president.
He can truthfully say that he has never taken a drink of liqui)r, a
record that few who have lived in California as long as he has can
116 IIIS'KJRV OF ALAAlliUA C(JUXTY
equal. He signed a pledge during the great Maine campaign in
1 8^5 and has never broken it. During the long period of his resi-
dence in this city he has attained a wide reputation as a broad-minded,
liberal and public-spirited citizen, and by his strict integrity of char-
acter, business ability and excellent qualities of mind has won the
confidence and esteem of all who know him.
REV. JOSEPH GALLI.
Rev. Joseph Galli, pastor of St. Joseph's Portuguese church in
Oakland, has been at the head of this congregation since iqog and
his labors have been an effective force in the lives of those who
have come under his teachings. His birth occurred in Varese, Italy,
on the 1 8th of April, 1877, his parents being John and Antonia Galli.
He attended the gymnasium until fifteen years of age and then went
to Braga, Portugal, where he continued his education in the high
school for three years. He next studied theology for five years and
subsequently taught in an orphanage in Braga, Portugal, until
twenty-three years of age, when he went to Lisbon, Portugal, as
ordain and teacher in a school of trades. At the age of twenty-four
he came to Oakland, California, as assistant pastor of St. Joseph's
Portuguese church and in 1909 became pastor thereof. With con-
secrated zeal he has labored to advance moral interests, and his teach-
ings have borne fruit in many lives. He is a member of the Y. M. I.
and the Knights of Columbus, and also belongs to the Salesian Fath-
ers of Venerable Don Bosco.
HOWARD A. BIGELOW.
Howard A. Bigelow, who began the practice of law at Oakland
in the spring of 1910, has in the intervening period of three years
built up an extensive and enviable clientage and established his
reputation as an attorncv of pronounced abilitv. He was born at
Sailor Springs, lllinnis, on the 14th of April, 1S7:;, and after acquir-
ing his more specificallv litcrarv education prepared for the practice
of his chosen profession in the law department of Washington I'ni-
versity at St. Louis, Missouri, 1 roni which he was graduated in
1900. Opening an office at Decatur, Illinois, he there practiced law
HISTORY OF AL.UtEDA COUXTY 117
for seven years with gratifying and growing success. In the spring
of 1910 he came to Oakland, California. His offices are at 1020
Broadway, and in the comparatively short period of time which
has since elapsed he has built up a large and lucrative practice here.
He has won a reputation as a criminal lawyer of unusual ability and
is well versed in that branch of the profession.
In 1897 Mr. Bigelow was united in marriage to Miss Clara
Chamberlain, a native of Illinois, by whom he has two children,
Beulah and Helen. The family home is a handsome residence on
Fourth avenue, which Mr. Bigelow purchased. He is widely rec-
ognized as one of Oakland's most enterprising and public-spirited
citizens and is a public speaker of note, having stumped the state of
Indiana in the interests of William Howard Taft prior to his elec-
tion to the presidency. Mr. Bigelow is the attorney for the Progres-
sive Development Syndicate of Oakland and his aid and cooperation
are given to every movement and measure instituted to further the
growth of the city. Fraternally he is identified with the Loyal
Order of Moose.
CARL J. FOARD.
Carl J. Foard, prominently connected with business interests of
San Francisco as founder and president of the firm of Foard &
Barstow, ship chandlers, is one of Alameda's native sons, born on the
26th of November, 1878. His father, Lorens Foard, was born in
Denmark and in the early '60s came to California, settling in Ala-
meda county, where he remained active and prominent in local pub-
lic affairs until his death, which occurred in 1905. His wife was in
her maidenhood Miss Julia Bertelsen, a daughter of Otto and Julia
Bertelsen of Germany.
In the acquirement of an education Carl J. Foard attended public
school in Alameda, and he began his business career in 1893, ^'^'hen
he went into business for his father, engaging in ship chandlery,
building up a large and profitable patronage and proving himself a
reliable, resourceful and able business man. In 1906 he organized
the firm of Foard & Barstow and became its president, a position
which he has filled with credit and efficiency since tliat time. It
has called for his excellent organizing and executive ability, and tlie
credit for the rapid expansion and continued growth of the concern
is in large measure due to him. He has become known as a keen
118 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
and discriminating man, whose sagacity is far-reaching and whose
integrity beyond all question, and his success is only the natural result
of earnest, persistent and well directed labor.
Mr. Foard married Mrs. Anita Humphrey, a daughter of Gott-
leib and Juana Zeh, the former a native of Frankfort, Germany, and
the latter of Mexico. Mr. Foard is identified fraternally with the
Elks, the Masonic order and the Native Sons of the Golden West.
He is a member also of the Master Mariners' Association, and is
well known in social, fraternal and business circles, his name stand-
ing for enterprise, progress and integrity along all lines.
WILLIAM N. VAN DE MARK.
William N. Van De Mark has been a resident of California for
a period covering four decades and has ably served as deputy county
assessor of Alameda county for the past twenty years. He makes his
home in Oakland and here established and still conducts the Dramatic
Institute and School of Oratory. His birth occurred in Albany
county, New York, on the 23d of October, 1843, '""'^ parents being
John E. and Julia A. Van De Mark, nee Vanzandt. The V^an-
zandts and Stanfords lived on adjoining farms. Hon. Leland
Stanford was a warm friend of the mother of Mr. Van De Mark.
In 1S44 the family home was established in Rochester, New
York, w here our subject attended the graded and high schools until
the age of fifteen years, while subsequently he spent a vear as a
student in St. Lawrence University of Canton, New York. In 1S62
he enlisted in the Union army and served as chaplain during the
remainder of the period of hostilities between the north and the
south, being honorably discharged by reason of resignation in 186^.
During the latter part of his army service he acted as general super-
intendent of colored education for the Department of the Gulf. His
service in this position was highly satisfactory.
Mr. Van De Mark was then elected to the pastorate of the Uni-
versalist society in Churchville, New York, for one vear and was
next transferred to Lockport, New York, where he preached for
three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, there following his calling until 1873, when he came
to California and for two years served as minister of the Universalist
church in San Francisco. He then resigned his pastorate and became
a teacher of elocution in Oakland and San Francisco, opening the
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 119
Dramatic Institute and School of Oratory, which he has successfully
conducted to the present time. He has graduated a large number of
pupils, among whom are some of the most prominent men in San
Francisco and Oakland. In addition to his work in this connection
Mr. Van De Mark has also done public service, acting as assistant
weigher in the United States customs house from 1891 to 1894.
Since the latter year he has held the position of deputy county assessor
of Alameda county, proving an able and highly satisfactory incum-
bent. During the past three years he has had full charge of war
veterans' exemptions for Alameda county. He has traveled largely,
having been twice in Europe and completed the round of the States,
the West Indies and Mexico.
Mr. Van De Mark has been twice married and by his first wife
has one son, Clarence R., who is forty-two years of age and is engaged
in the men's furnishing business in Denver, Colorado. For his second
wife he chose Miss Mary A. McDonald, whom he wedded in Oak-
land on the 2d of March, 1884. They have two children: Lester
W., who is twenty-eight years old and is a manager in the employ of
the Taylor & Spottswood Company of San Francisco; and Lucy M.,
a soloist in the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The latter has a
pure contralto voice and is studying for grand opera.
Politically Mr. Van De Mark has always been a stanch repub-
lican, supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls.
He is a member of the Christian Science church and still main-
tains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his
membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Mr. Van De Mark
has recently passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score vears
and ten but is still an active factor in the world's work and has long
been numbered among the most highly esteemed and best known
citizens of Oakland.
MAURICE M. ROACH.
Maurice M. Roach, a wortliv native son and successful business
man of Oakland, is half owner in the undertaking establishment
formerly conducted under the name of J. H. McCarthy & Company,
but since changed to Roach & Kenney. He was born on the 12th of
August, 1869, a son of Michael and Hannah Roach. The father
came to Oakland in t868 and was here engaged in the tannery busi-
ness until Ills death in 1869.
120 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA QJUXTV
Maurice M. Roach attended the Christian Brothers College
until sixteen years of age and subsequently secured a position as clerk
in a retail grocery store, being thus employed until 1894. He then
became requisition clerk in the United States construction and repair
department on Mare Island, holding that position until May, 1Q05,
when he resigned and returned to Oakland. Here he spent two
years in the government supply business and then became deputy
county assessor, discharging the duties of that position for a year and
a half. On the e.xpiration of that period he purchased a half interest
in the undertaking establishment of J. H. McCarthy & Company,
now known as Roach & Kenney, and has remained in that business
to the present time, success attending his venture. In March, 19 14,
they removed to their present location at 3479 Piedmont avenue,
where they have one of the finest equipped parlors in the state.
In March, 1896, in San Francisco, Mr. Roach was united in
marriage to Miss Alice M. Giggus, by whom he has four children,
as follows: Maurice, sixteen years of age, who is a student in St.
Anthony's school; Elizabeth, who is fourteen years old and attends
Lourdes Academy; Leo, who is nine years of age and attends St.
Anthony's school; arid Charles, five years old.
In his political views Mr. Roach is independent, supporting men
and measures rather than party. His fraternal relations are with the
Knights of Columbus, the Maccabees and the Foresters of America.
Well known in the city of his nativity, he has won the uniform trust
and good will of all by reason of his pleasant and attractive per-
sonalitv, and all his life he has been straightforward and honorable.
FRANK A. BRIGGS.
Frank A, Briggs is an active representative of business interests
in Alameda county as manager of the Oakland branch of Sherman-
Clay & Company of San Francisco, who are the leading piano mer-
chants on the Pacific coast. His birth occurred in Booneville, Mis-
souri, on the 1 8th of August, 1877, his parents being Dr. C. H. and
Mrs. Mattie A. Briggs. He became a public-school student in
Nevada, Missouri, at the age of twelve and a year later entered a
private school at Fayette, Missouri, there continuing his studies until
fourteen years of age. During the following four years he attended
Central College and subsequently engaged in the profession of teacli-
ing in Kansas City, Missouri, for four years. He next pursued a
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 121
two years' post-graduate course in Vanderbilt University at Nash-
ville. Tennessee, and then returned to Kansas City, where he taught
school until September, 1904. At that time he entered the service
of the Jenkins Music Company as salesman and later became depart-
ment manager, holding the latter position until February, 1912, when
he resigned to become manager of the Oakland branch of Sherman-
Clay & Company of San Francisco. In that position of responsibility
he has remained to the present time, ably directing the interests of
the firm in Oakland, for he is a young man of excellent executive
ability and sound judgment.
In May, 1903, at Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Briggs was united
in marriage to Miss Bessie Barlow, by whom he has one child,
Richard, who is nine years of age and a public-school student. He is
a republican in politics and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce,
the Oakland Commercial Club and the Nile Club. Fraternally he
is identified with the Masons, being past commander of Oriental
Commandery of the Knights Templar in Kansas City. He has by
his winning personality formed a large acquaintance in Oakland and
his successful business career as well as his general reputation for
sterling integrity and ability have made him respected wherever he
is known.
JOHN J. Mcdonald.
John J. McDonald, a practicing attorney of Oakland, has here
followed his profession successfully for about two decades and has
likewise been a prominent factor in political circles. He is num-
bered among the worthy native sons of Alameda county, his birth
having occurred near Haywards. His father, Thomas McDonald,
was one of the early settlers of this county, coming here in 18 1^4.
In the acquirement of an education John J. McDonald attended
the public schools of Alameda county and also pursued a course of
study in St. Mary's College, where he was graduated in 1891. In
preparation for the practice of law he entered Hastings Law School
and following h.is graduation was admitted to the bar in 1894. Dur-
ing the nineteen years which have since elapsed he has built up an
extensive and enviable clientage in Oakland and has maintained a
reputation as one of the able and successful representatives of the
profession here, ^^'hatever else may be said of the legal fraternity,
it cannot be denied that members of the bar haye been more promi-
122 IIISTURY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
nent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community.
This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require
no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to
practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie
outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general
interests of society. Mr. McDonald has been a very prominent fac-
tor in public affairs and for the past fifteen years has taken an active
part in democratic politics in California. He served as chairman
of the democratic county committee for ten years and was a member
of the board of freeholders which formed the last city charter of
Oakland, being the only democrat elected on the board.
In April, 1904, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss
Alice Flvnn, a native of San Francisco, by whom he has two sons,
John }., jr., and Robert L. He is a member of the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus and also belongs
to the Athenian Club of Oakland. In professional, political and
social circles of Alameda county he is well and favorably known,
having spent his entire life within its borders.
JOHN WATERMAN PHILLIPS.
As president of the Grayson-Owen Company and in many other
important connections John Waterman Phillips is prominently iden-
tified with the business life of Oakland, where for many years he has
been considered one of its most enterprising citizens and a man who
in a large way has contributed toward establishing the present pros-
perous conditions. A descendant of old New England families, Mr.
Phillips has inherited many laudable traits of character peculiar to
that race which he has turned to good account. His birth occurred
in Middletown. Connecticut, in 1832 and he is a son of Elijah and
Clarissa (Hough) Phillips, both natives of that state. The original
seat of the Phillips home was in England, whence an ancestor emi-
grated to American shores during the Colonial period. The mother
was a daughter of Asa Hough, who distinguished himself in the Revo
lutionary war, serving with the rank of captain.
In the public schools of Lewis county. New York, John Waterman
Phillips acquired his early education and later attended LowvilK
Academy, his parents having removed from Connecticut to New York
state in 1837, when he was but five years of age. For two winters
Mr. Phillips taught school but in 1854 came to California over
JOHN \V. I'll I M
HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY 125
the Isthmus route. Arriving in San Francisco, he proceeded to Mari-
posa county, where for one winter he followed placer mining. In
the spring he removed yet farther north to Trinity county, locating
near Weaverville, where he established several meat markets. He
also engaged extensively in buying cattle, driving them to his place
of business, where he slaughtered them and prepared them for sale.
For the greater part of the time he conducted three markets and also
supplied a number of local butchers in that section. The year 1858
found him in Oregon purchasing cattle which he drove to the Cali-
fornia markets. In i860 Mr. Phillips returned to New York for
his bride and shortly after again set out for California, continuing
in his former line, conducting meat markets in Trinity county and
in Red BlufT, Tehama county. He carried on an extensive business of
this kind for about ten years.
The year 1870 witnessed his arrival in Oakland, where shortly
after he established a wholesale packing house from which he sup-
plied the city butchers as well as the surrounding country. His firm
was known as Grayson, Owen & Company and so continued until
1901, when Messrs. Grayson and Owen sold their interests. The
continually growing business made it advisable to incorporate and
for that reason the Grayson-Owen Company came into being, its
capital stock amounting to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Mr. Phillips was elected president and has ever since continued in
that important position. Mr. Phillips has also other interests, being
director of the Union Gas Engine Company, a director of the Pacific
Surety Ccmipany and at present president of the Mountain View
Cemetery Association. He has also been a director of the Central
Bank ever since its inception. In early days Mr. Phillips invested in
Fruitvale property, and the first business block ever built in that
section was due to his initiative. He is an aggressive and progressive
man, shrewd, able and one who readily understands a situation and
who, moreover, can make such situation serve his purpose. The
Gravson-Owen Company own twenty thousand acres of the finest
land in San Luis Obispo county, where they raise and breed cattle for
the market, and they iiave a large plant at the stockyards at Emery-
ville.
In 1H60, at East Durham, New ^'<)I■k, Mr. Phillips married Miss
Anna M. Pierce, the only daughter of a well known and highly
respected merchant of East Durham. She bore her husband two
daughters, the oldest of whom became the wife of Irving C. Lewis,
vice president of the Grayson-Owen Company. Mrs. Lewis died
April I. 1907, leaving one son, Phillips Frisbie Lewis. The otlier
126 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
daughter married G. N. Easton, and their children are Anna J.,
Russell and Elizabeth. After forty-three years of domestic happi-
ness Mrs. Phillips passed away in 1903. Two years later Mr. Phillips
married Mrs. Henry Martin of San Francisco. She has also been
called to her final rest, and he has since made his home with his
daughter, Mrs. Easton.
Mr. Phillips is prominent in the Masonic order, having been one
of the charter members of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 225, F. & A. M.. of
East Oakland, in which he has held all of the chairs. He also belongs
to Alameda Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., and Oakland Commandery.
No. II, K. T. He is a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
His club connections are with the Athenian, of which he is a life
member, the Home and the Claremont Country Clubs. Although
now past eighty years of age Mr. Phillips is still actively concerned
in all questions of public importance and gives much time and thought
to his extensive interests. He has become a loyal son of California
and is proud of the city which honors in him one of her pioneers.
GEORGE ROEHM.
George Roehm is the president of the Independent Brewing Com-
pany of Oakland, which he organized on the ist of November, 191 1.
His birth occurred in Wittenburg, Germany, on the i8th of Novem-
ber, 1872, his parents being David and Margaret Roehm. He
attended the public schools until fourteen years of age and subse-
quently served an apprenticeship in a brewery, being employed
therein until he had attained his majority. At the age of twenty-
one he emigrated to the United States and located in San Francisco,
California, where he was employed as a brewer in the South San
Francisco Brewery until February, 1899. He then came to Oakland
and was here engaged as brewer with the Anchor Brewery until
November i, 191 1, when he organized the Independent Brewing
Company, of which he has since remained the president. Succes;;
has come to him in large measure and has won him recognition
among the prosperous and representative business men of the citv.
He is a valued member of the Brewer Masters Association.
On the 8th of September, 1900, in Wittenburg, Germany, Mr.
Roehm was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Neu, by whom he
has two children, George and Fred, who are twelve and nine years of
age respectively and arc attending the public schools. He gives his
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 127
political allegiance to the republican party and belongs to the
Schwaben Verein, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Foresters.
Mr. Roehm is a man of many sterling traits of character, reliable in
business and progressive in citizenship, and has gained the confi-
dence, good-will and esteem of all who have been in any way asso-
ciated with him.
W. B. TOWN SEND.
W. B. Townsend, who has been a resident of Oakland for the past
three years, acts as general agent of the Western Pacific, Denver &
Rio Grande and Missouri Pacific Railways, to which position he was
appointed on the ist of July, 1910. During his varied career he has
been identified with journalism, advertising, photography and rail-
road interests, now having charge of all freight and passenger busi-
ness for the Western Pacific Railway in Alameda county. He began
his business career at the age of eighteen as official photographer for
the Missouri Pacific Railway at St. Louis and spent two years in
taking photographs of all industries, depots, etc., of the Missouri
Pacific System. At the end of that time he was appointed traveling
passenger agent of the Missouri Pacific and St. Louis, Iron Moun-
tain & Southern Railways at Memphis and was thence transferred to
Chicago as traveling passenger agent for the Missouri Pacific System.
Immediately after the peace treaty had been signed with the
Spaniards after the Cuban war, Mr. Townsend entered into a con-
tract with the N. D. Thompson Publishing Company and the St.
Louis Republic to visit Cuba, Isle of Pines, Porto Rico, Sandwich
Islands and the Philippines and take some three thousand pictures
showing the island possessions of the United States as they looked
at the conclusion of the war and also to write upon conditions of
the country at the time. This work consumed a year and a half and
resulted in the publication of a thousand page book called "Our
Island Possessions and Their People," which was sold extensively in
connection with newspapers throughout all parts of the United States.
After completing this trip Mr. Townsend was appointed superin-
tendent of the Southwestern Railway Advertising & Distributing
Company at St. Louis, that company distributing railway advertising
matter throughout the states of Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska,
Texas and Louisiana.
12S HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
On the ist of January, 1902, Mr. Townsend was appointed travel-
ing passenger agent for the Rock Island Railway at Buffalo, where
he remained during the Bulifalo Exposition. From that point he was
transferred as traveling passenger agent of the Rock. Island Railway
at Salt Lake City, but resigned this position to take that of contract-
ing freight agent for the Missouri Pacific Railway at San Francisco.
Subsequently he was appointed traveling freight and passenger agent
of the Denver & Rio Grande at San Francisco, and later district
freight and passenger agent of the Denver & Rio Grande, Missouri
Pacihc and Texas & Pacific Railways at San Jose, while afterward
he was again transferred to San Francisco. On the ist of July, 1910,
he was appointed general agent of the Western Pacific, Denver &
Rio Grande and Missouri Pacific Railways at Oakland and in this
capacity has remained to the present time, being recognized as a
valued and highly efficient representative of those roads.
Mr. Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Leila McKillican,
her father being Robert McKillican, a prominent contractor of Oak-
land. He owns a handsome little bungalow at the foot of Paru
street in Alameda. Mr. Townsend is a popular member of the Encinal
Yacht Club, the Athenian Club of Oakland, the Oakland Commercial
Club, the Nile Club, Aahmes Temple of the Mystic Shrine, Apollo
Lodge of Masons and California Commandery of San Francisco. He
has lived in various places throughout the United States but likes
Oakland better than any previous home.
LESTER WARREN MANTER.
Lester Warren Manter, a progressive young citizen of Oakland,
was for four years connected with the Macdonough theatre as its
treasurer and assistant manager. His birth occurred in Pasadena,
Los Angeles county, California, on the ist of December, 1887, his
parents being Edwin Warren and Nellie B. Manter. In 1889 the
family home was established in Oakland and here our subject attended
the graded and high schools until the age of nineteen years. Subse-
quently he spent two years as a clerk in the retail crockery store of
Nathan Dohrman & Company and afterward w as emploved as book-
keeper by the Firemen's Fund Insurance Company for one vear, serv-
ing as an usher in the Chutes theatre at the same time. He next acted
as an usher in the Orpheum theatre of San Francisco for ten months
ami later spent a year and a half as clerk with the Whittier &
HISTORY OI' ALAMEDA COUNTY 129
Coburn Company. Afterward he was employed as a salesman by
Butler Brothers of San Francisco until 1909, when he resigned his
position to become treasurer and assistant manager of the Mac-
donough theatre in Oakland. Throughout the intervening four years
he has ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in these con-
nections and his efforts have been an important factor in the success-
ful management of the theatre.
On the 22d of July, 191 1, in Oakland, Mr. Manter was united
in marriage to Miss Dorothy Henry, by whom he has a son, Warren
Addis. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and
is identified fraternally with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks. Mr. Manter likewise belongs to the Theatrical Treasurers
Club and is a y(5ung man well liked and highly esteemed.
GEORGE H. NOBLE.
George H. Noble, a prominent contract(^r and builder of Ala-
meda, w-as born in Allegan, Michigan, January 15, 1861;. He is a
son of John and Maria (Burroughs) Noble, the former a native of
Oswego, New York, and the latter of Rochester. The father was a
hotel keeper in his native state. He afterward moved to Los Angeles
and later to Alameda, where he became well known in religious
circles, doing a great deal of effective church work and holding the
position of sexton of the Methodist Episcopal church until his death
in 1 9 1 1 .
George H. Noble acquired a public-school education, laving aside
his books in 1879. He learned the carpenter's trade and w^orked at
it for about two years, giving it up in 1881 in order to mine in Colo-
rado, a state in which he remained for two years. In September,
1883, he came to California and for a time worked in the mountain
lumber camps around Lake Tahoe and Truckee but came eventually
to Alameda, where he turned his attention to the painting business.
In :886 he moved to Los Angeles but after three years returned to
Alameda, again establishing himself in the painting business in this
city and conducting a profitable enterprise of this character from
1889 to 1907. In the latter year he went to Lake countv and engaged
in mining, also taking up a government claim, which was valuable
on account of the mineral springs upon it. Tills propcrtv, which he
called Castle Springs, he sold shortly al'icrwarii ami, returning again
to Alameda, engaged in contracting and building, in which he has
r.iO HISTORY OF AI.AMEDA COUNTY
continued since that time. Many rtne business buildings and resi-
dences in the city and in surrounding communities testify to his skill
and ability, and he has already secured a large and representative
patronage, which is constantly increasing as he becomes more widely
known.
Mr. Noble married Miss Bessie Echenberger, a daughter of Carl
F. and Frances Echenberger, of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Noble have
four children: George Leonard, aged nineteen; Ruth Elizabeth,
aged sixteen; Doris Margaret, thirteen; and Harold Edward, nine.
Mr. Noble was for ten years a member of the volunteer fire depart-
ment of Alameda, and fraternally he is connected with the Knights
of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and the Improved Order of
Red Men. In the development of his individual success he has con-
tributed also to the commercial advancement of the city where he
makes his home and where he is held in high regard by his business
associates by reason of his enterprise, integrity and sterling personal
worth.
M. M. ENOS, M. D.
Among the prominent and successful surgeons of Alameda county
stands Dr. M. M. Enos, founder and owner of St. Anthony's Hos-
pital, Oakland. Dr. Enos is truly a native of this county, his birth
having occurred at Hayward, July 26, 1875.
Dr. Enos acquired his early education in the public schools of
his native town and later attended the California Medical College at
San Francisco, from which he was graduated in 1896. He after-
ward took a course in the National University of Chicago and was
later a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago,
the medical department of the University of Illinois, and later took
a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polyclinic. For a time Dr.
Enos taught surgery in the National Medical School of Chicago and
while there was associated with many of the leading surgeons of the
middle west.
He is the founder of St. Anthony's Hospital, established in Oak-
land in 1904, and he holds a high position in the ranks of the medical
profession in California. The Doctor specializes in surgery.
Dr. Enos is a director in the Portuguese- American Bank of San
Francisco and makes his home at the Hotel Oakland. He is a
member of the American Medical Association and the California
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 131
State and Alameda County Medical Societies and always keeps in
close touch with the most advanced thought and practice of the medi-
cal profession. He is a conscientious and able physician and is held
in high regard by the local public and by his fellow practitioners.
RICHARD T. KESSLER.
Richard T. Kessler, a successful and representative citizen of Oak-
land, acts as secretary and manager of the Kessler Cafe at No. 463
Eleventh street. His birth occurred in Bernburg, Germany, on the
14th of November, 1861, his parents being Albert and Augusta
Kessler. The father was a manufacturer of lead and tin pipes, con-
ducting a foundry and machine shop at Bernburg.
Richard T. Kessler attended the gymnasium until seventeen years
of age and afterward was employed as a clerk by an importing and
banking firm of Stettin, Germany, until 1880. In that year he emi-
grated to the United States and, landing in New York, there became
clerk for a large pocket-book manufacturer, for whom he subse-
quently traveled until 1886. During that year he spent three months
in Europe. He next made his way to San Francisco and there spent
a year as a hotel clerk in the Russ House, while later he conducted
a cafe in the wholesale district until 1895. Selling out, he then spent
one year in European travel.
Returning to San Francisco, Mr. Kessler again opened a cafe
and conducted the same until 1905, when he sold out to become
manager of the Pabst Cafe in Oakland, on Eighth street, between
Broadway and Franklin. There he remained until April, 1913, and
then removed to Eleventh street, between Broadway and Washington,
which is his present location. The name was changed to the Kessler
Cafe and our subject now acts as its secretary and manager. It is
attractively appointed and has become very popular and much
patronized under the able management and direction of Mr. Kessler.
In San Francisco, on the 26th of August, 1896, Mr. Kessler was
united in marriage to Miss Emma Michaelis, by whom he has a
daughter, Irma, who is a high-school student. He is a republican in
politics and casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of
that party. He belongs to the Turn Verein and is likewise identified
with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the
German General Benevolent Society of San Francisco and the Ger-
man Altcnhcim, Fruitvale. With trade interests he keeps in touch
132 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
as a member of the Commercial Club, the Chamber of Commerce and
the Merchants Exchange. He is widely and favorably known in
various connections, possessing the social, genial qualities which
everywhere gain friendship and win confidence.
JOSEPH NICHOLAS GHIRARDELLI.
In the death of Joseph Nicholas Ghirardelli, which occurred in
Oakland, May 1 1, 1906, Alameda county lost one of its most popular,
prominent and successful business men and public-spirited citizens,
and California a representative of one of the best known pioneer
families of the state. Mr. Ghirardelli was born in San Francisco,
February 7, 1852, and was a son of Domingo Ghirardelli, a pioneer
in that city, who had founded and conducted a successful chocolate
manufacturing business for many years.
Joseph N. Ghirardelli spent his early boyhood in his native city
but at a comparatively early age he was sent with his brothers to
Europe, where he pursued his studies. One of the brothers. Caesar,
died on the continent. Mr. Ghirardelli of this review remained for
some time in Italy and then returned to California, where he enrolled
in Santa Clara College, which he attended until within six months
of his graduation. At the age of twenty years he entered the store
established by his father in Oakland and there assisted in the man-
agement of the enterprise, later becoming a partner. The three
brothers entered earnestly into the business with the father. The
business at this time was not prospering, but Joseph N. Ghirardelli,
whose happy disposition enabled him to make friends, brought to
bear his unusual powers as an organizer, and his influence soon told,
the business gradually increasing in magnitude until it assumed large
proportions. Accompanying the development, more and more
responsibility was assumed by Mr. Ghirardelli, until he was elected
vice president of the company, a position he held until his death.
The company became one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate
in Oakland and San Francisco.
In Oakland, in 1885, Mr. Ghirardelli married Miss Ellen Frances
Barstow, a daughter of David Pierce and Elizabeth (Reed) Barstow.
Mr. and Mrs. Ghirardelli became the parents of two children:
Joseph N., Jr., who is now engaged in the insurance business in Oak-
land, and Carmen, still pursuing her studies and residing with her
mother at Piedmont. Joseph N., Jr., is a member of the Native Sons
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 135
of the Golden West, the Nile Club and the Elks. On July 2, 1910,
he was united in marriage with Miss Nina Jones, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Harry Jones.
The old family home of the Ghirardellis was at the corner of
Fifth and Brush streets in Oakland, and after Joseph N. Ghirar-
delli's marriage he built a residence on the corner of Market and
Nineteenth streets, wherein he made his home until his death.
Mr. Ghirardelli was a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at one time, and at the time of his death was connected with
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being very active in the
affairs of the Oakland lodge. He was also a member of the Athenian
Club and was very active in its affairs, being one of the earnest advo-
cates of the removal to the present location, at Fourteenth and Frank-
lin streets. During his early years he voted the Democratic ticket,
but later inclined to independent views in political matters.
He passed away at his home in Oakland, May 11, 1906, of heart
failure, superinduced by the shock received at the time of the earth-
quake. He was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends, won
in the course of a long and honorable connection with the business
and social life in this community. His funeral was largely attended
and among the many floral tributes laid upon his casket were some
from those in humble positions who had found in him a friend in
need.
A man of genial personality and keen business acumen, whose
friends were legion; and although he has ceased from his labors and
no longer his happy smile and friendly handclasp bring gladness
to the manv who once called him friend, vet his memory is still green
and his name is spoken in eulogy throughout Alameda county and the
state.
EDWARD V. TIFFANY, M. D.
Dr. Edward V. Tiffany, a successful and able representative of
the medical profession, has maintained offices in Oakland since 1906
and has enjoyed an extensive and lucraj:ive practice. He is a native
of Independence, Iowa, and a son of V'ester and Louisa Tift'any. In
the acquirement of an education he attended the graded and high
schools until the age of twenty and afterward the Upper Iowa Uni-
versity of Fayette until 1890. Having determined upon the practice
of medicine as a life work, he entered the medical department of the
i;{6 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
University of Iowa, where he studied for one year, and then entered
the medical department of the University of California, which insti-
tution conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1894. He located
for practice in Amador county, California, and there remained until
1Q06, when he came to Oakland, which city has since remained the
scene of his professional labors, and the success which has attended
iiim is ample evidence of his skill and ability in the field of his
chosen life work. He belongs to the Alameda County Medical So-
ciety and the California State Medical Society, and the proceedings
of those bodies keep him thoroughly informed concerning the most
advanced work being done in the country.
In December, 1895, in Amador county, California, Dr. Tiffany
was united in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Easton. He is a progres-
sive in politics and has fraternal relations with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of
Moose, the Woodmen of the World and the Masons, belonging to
the lodge and chapter of the last named organization. Dr. Tiffany
is loyal to the teachings of these fraternities, which he exemplifies in
his life, and in matters of citizenship he manifests a progressive and
public-spirited interest, yet he devotes the greater part of his atten-
tion to his professional duties, which are constantly growing in vol-
ume and importance.
OSWALD R. WOOD.
Oswald R. Wood, a prosperous young attorney of Oakland, has
here practiced his profession with growing success for the past four
years. His birth occurred in Ovid, Michigan, on the i6th of October,
1 88 1, his parents being Robert C. and Edna E. (Read) Wood, natives
of Ontario, Canada. He acquired his early education in the public
schools of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Everett, Washington,
and after coming to Oakland, California, in 1895, continued his
studies here, being graduated from the high school with the class of
1 90 1. Subsequently he pursued a course of study in the Polytechnic
Business College at Oakland and then embarked in business in San
Francisco. Later he made his way to Chico, Butte county, Cali-
fornia, there entering the law offices of F, C. Lusk. On returning to
San Francisco he became traveling freight agent for the Rock Island
Railroad Company.
HISTORY OF ALA^FEDA COUNTY 137
In 1908 Mr. Wood took up the study of law with Fred W. Fry,
of Oakhmd, and was admitted to the bar of California on the i6th
of October, 1909, for practice in the state and federal courts. He
has since maintained his office fn Oakland and has been accorded a
large clientage in recognition of his professional ability. He has
won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and system-
atic methods which he has followed. He has remarkable powers
of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often
excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. The utmost care
and precision characterize his preparation of a case and have made
him one of the successful attorneys of Oakland.
EDWARD E. THORNTON.
Edward E. Thornton is superintendent of the Key division of the
San Francisco & Oakland Terminal Railway Company and is a rail-
road man Of experience, who has won this position entirely on his
own merits. He was born in Leesville, Indiana, March 12, 1874, and
is a son of Henry P. and Louise Thornton.
Edward E. Thornton attended the public schools in Oakland until
1889. in which year he became a pupil in Crawford's Private School,
there remaining for one year. At the end of that time he accepted
a position as fireman in the emplov of the Southern Pacific Railroad,
continuing so until 1894, when he was made motorman of the Oak-
land, Alameda & Piedmont Electric Railway, which later became
the Oakland Traction Company. In 1899 Mr. Thornton was pro-
moted to the position of inspector, and in 1900 he was made superin-
tendent of the Hayward division, resigning in 1902 in order to accept
the position of superintendent of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Rail-
road. He continued as such until 1904, when he resigned and became
superintendent of the Key division of the San Francisco & Oakland
Terminal Railway Company, which office he now holds. He is a
thoroughly able man, who knows all details of railroading from the
ground up. His executive force was soon recognized and his man-
agerial ability was largely the cause of his rapid advancement. He
is a man who readily grasps any situation and has a large capacity
for detail, never overlooking small matters in the execution of an
object. He is determined and energetic, always completing any-
thing he undertakes. In the estimation of his superior officers he
stands high and is popular with his associates and with the many
138 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
men who work under him, all of whom recognize his justness and
his honorable character.
Politically Mr. Thornton is a republican, interested but not active
in the welfare of his party. He cooperates, however, very readily in
any enterprise undertaken for the welfare of his city and Alameda
county, and he is ever willing to bear his share in order to further
the public weal. He is interested in the intellectual and moral
upbuilding of humanitv.
CRIS N. ^^LISICH.
Cris N. INIilisich has for the past twenty-two years been engaged
in the restaurant business at Oakland in partnership with John
Crchum, with whom he has conducted the California Cafe at No.
469 Eleventh street since 1S9S. He was born in Herzegovina,
Austria, on the 7th of April, 1871, and attended the public schools
of that country until sixteen years of age. Desiring to take advantage
of the opportunities offered in the new world, he then emigrated
to the United States, settling in San Francisco, California, where he
was employed in a restaurant until 1891. In that year he came to
Oakland and established a restaurant at the corner of Sixteenth and
Broadway in partnership with John Crchun.i, remaining at that loca-
tion until 1898. During the past fifteen years, however, they have
conducted the California Cafe at No. 469 Eleventh street and have
been very successful, attracting and holding a desirable patronage.
On the I St of December. 1897, at Oakland, Mr. Milisich was
united in marriage to Miss Katie \V. Stratford, by whom he has a
son, Cris Frank. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and various Servian organizations.
^V1LL1A^[ B. OriGLEY, Jr.
William B. Quigley, Jr., is the proprietor of a wholesale and
retail liquor establishment at the corner of Tenth and Clav streets in
Oakland and has conducted the same successfully for the past seven
years. He is a native son of Alameda county, having been born in
Oakland on the gth of June, 1880, of the marriage of W. B. and Isa-
belle Quigley. He ac(|uired his education in the graded and high
HISTORY OF ALAATEDA COUNTY 139
schools and following his graduation, in 1897, spent two months as
a student in Heald's Business College. Subsequently he secured a
position as credit man with Benjamin Curtay & Sons, a piano concern,
remaining in their service until 1900, when he embarked in the retail
liquor business in Oakland at the corner of Seventh and Magnolia
streets. In 1907 he sold that establishment, having in January, 1906,
opened a wholesale and retail liquor store at the corner of Tenth and
Clay streets, the conduct of which has claimed his attention to the
present time.
On the 17th of March, 1902, in Oakland, Mr. Quigley was united
in marriage to a Miss Kispert. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the
Knights of Pythias, the Native Sons, the Druids, the Loyal Order of
Moose, the Eagles and the Masons, being a member of the local
chapter of the last named organization. He is a popular and repre-
sentative young citizen of Oakland and enjoys an extensive acquaint-
ance in the city in which his entire life has been spent.
LOUIS J. SILVERS.
Louis J. Sievers is known in business circles of Oakland as local
manager of the John Wieland Brewery of San Francisco. His birth
occurred in Chicago, Illinois, on the i6th of March, 1861, his father
being Louis Sievers. His mother bore the maiden name of Schafif-
hausen. He began his education in a German-American school, later
attended the public schools and subsequently pursued a two years'
course in a business college. He then entered the University of Notre
Dame but at the end of a year returned to Chicago and became a
partner of his father, who was engaged in the wholesale liquor busi-
ness, under the firm style of Louis Sievers & Son. In 1890 he severed
this connection and went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was
engaged in the wholesale liquor business on his own account until
1895. In that year he sold out and again returned to his native city,
remaining with his father until 1896, when he went to St. Paul,
Minnesota, acting as salesman for the Schlitz Brewing Company
until 1900. Subsequently he spent three years as manager of the
Minneapolis branch and on the expiration of that period removed
to San Francisco as assistant manager of the Wunder Brewery. He
was afterward employed as traveling salesman by the wholesale
liquor iirm of Hotaling & Company for six months and at the end
140 HISTORY Ol' ALAMEDA COUXTY
of that time came to Oakland, being here engaged in the real-estate
business until April 30, 191 1. On that date he became local manager
for the John Wieland Brewery of San Francisco and has since held
that important position, the business here having doubled under his
able direction. Mr. Sievers likewise acts as president of the Oak-
land Beer Bottlers Association and is a member of the Board of
Trade.
On the 16th of .March. 18S7, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr.
Sievers was united in marriage to Miss \'on Ende, by whom he has a
daughter, Agnes, who has decided talent as a vocalist and is studying
for grand opera. In his political views he is a progressive republican.
He is a strong man of excellent judgment, fair in his views and
highlv honorable in all his relations with his fellowmen.
F. BRICE MAIDEN.
Numbered among the successful and enterprising young business
men of Oakland is F. Bruce Maiden, now the general manager of
the Laymance Real Estate Company. His birth occurred in Platts-
mouth, Nebraska, on the 6th of May, 1887, his parents being George
W. and Mary A. Maiden. Accompanying his parents on their
removal to Fresno, California, he there pursued his education in a
graded school and after his graduation, at the age of fourteen years,
came to Oakland. Here he attended high school until graduated at
the age of seventeen and while a student published a school paper
called "Tom Cat." Subsequently he spent two years as expert
accountant in the freight department of the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company and on tiie expiration of that period secured a posi-
tion as clerk in the rent department of the Laymance Real Estate
Company at a salary of fifty dollars per month. At the end of a vear
in that capacity he became manager of the rent department and two
and a half years later was made general manager of the entire com-
pany, which position of importance and responsibility he holds at the
present time. His promotions have come in recognition of unusual
ability and faithful service. During his first year in the sales depart-
ment he did business amounting to more than two million dollars
and brought to a successful culmination the Kahn deal, making it
possible for the Kahns to erect their present new building at the
corner of IVelfth and Washington streets, which is considered the
finest department store on the I'ac'fic coast todav.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 141
On the qth of July, 191 2, in Oakland, Mr. Maiden was united in
marriage to Miss Winte Perkins, by whom he has one child, Rowan
Perkins, born July 22, 1913. He gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity,
having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and
also belonging to the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise a member of the
Commercial Club and the Athenian Club. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Maiden are popular in social circles and have many friends in
Oakland.
HARRY A. MOSHER.
Among the strong financial institutions of Oakland is the Central
National Bank, and among the bankers of prominence in the city is
Harry A. Mosher, who as cashier and later as a vice president has
done much toward securing for his institution the foremost position it
now occupies. His banking experience extends over twenty years, and
he has since August i, 1908, been connected with the institution of
which he is now a vice president. A native of Alameda countv,
Mr. M(^sher was born in Centerville, July 9, 1871, a son of H. E.
and Sarah Jane (Warnick) Mosher, who settled in this county
during its early history, in 1867, and now resides at Niles, California.
Harry A. Mosher attended in the acquirement of his education
the grammar schools at Centerville and Niles and the Oakland high
school. However, ever since he was twelve years of age he has
earned his own livelihood. He entered banking circles in 1893 ^^
clerk in the Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank, later becoming
assistant cashier as his ability became recognized. For a number of
years he was private secretary to Edson F. Adams but on August i,
1908, came to the Central National Bank of Oakland as assistant
cashier. On January i, 1909, he was elected cashier and in Januarv,
1914, was elected a vice president and still holds this position. Care-
ful, painstaking and systematic, Mr. Mosher is yet aggressive and
progressive, and as he is a student of human nature and conditions,
seldom, if ever, has made an error in extending credit or making
investments. The institution of which he is a vice president has
greatly prospered through his efforts, and he is readily conceded to
be one of the most able and best informed men in his line of work
in the city. Mr. Mosher is also president of the Fificld Steamship
Company of San Francisco.
U2 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COL'XTY
Mr. Mosher married Miss Ethel Baechtel, a native of California,
and they have one daughter, Esther A., and one son, Hugh Martin.
He is a well known member of the Athenian Club of Oakland.
While his duties largely confine him to his bank, Mr. Mosher is ever
ready to join worthy public movements for the extension of trade or
betterment of conditions. He has never been active along political
lines, but fulfills the obligations of citizenship faithfully. He enjoys
the esteem and respect of his colleagues and the general public, and
by his personalitv has done much toward upholding the prestige
which his bank cnjovs.
T. L. CHRISTIAN SON.
Although yet a young man, T. L. Christianson of Oakland, Cali-
fornia, is considered one of the best trial lawyers on the Pacific coast
and has made for himself a reputation along lines of medical juris-
prudence and toxicology. He is deeply informed along these lines
and often drawn into important cases for consultation.
T. L. Christianson is a native son of Oakland, his day of birth
being February i6, 1880. His parents are Captain H. O. and Karen
(Thompson) Christianson, and he is of Norwegian descent. He
spent his boyhood in Washington county, Oregon, and there in his
early years received a limited education. At the age of seventeen he
retraced his steps to Oakland, his sole asset, other than his character
and ability, being an indifferent country-school training. In this city
he attended for a short time public and night schools, acquiring a
competent business training. Early in life he studied dentistrv to
some extent, acted as clerk in a drug store and later was a student
in the offices of various physicians. His ability was recognized when
he was appointed an assistant to the surgeon-general under Governor
Pardee. While he filled this position he also read law. Making
removal to Indiana. Mr. Christianson attended the University of Val-
paraiso, there passing his junior year in tlie law department. His
senior work was done at the American Central Law School of
Indianapolis, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of
Laws degree, being one of the foremost in his class. He took the bar
examination before even obtaining his diploma and was thereupon
admitted to practice in the courts of Indiana. He has since been
admitted to practice before the department of the interior united
patent office. In Indianapolis he first began active work in connec-
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY 145
tion with one of the foremost firms of the Hoosier state, Holtzman &
Coleman, there gaining a wide practical knowledge.
After about two years he returned to California in April, 1912,
and was admitted to the courts of this state, opening an office in the
Pantages building at Oakland. No long novitiate awaited him in
this city, as he soon demonstrated his ability to successfully handle
the most intricate cases and he is now accorded a most lucrative prac-
tice. As Mr. Christianson specializes in medical jurisprudence and
to.xicology his library along these lines is extensive. He is often
called into consultation by his colleagues and is considered one of the
foremost authorities in the state on these subjects. Mr. Christianson
also acts as California representative for the firm of Bradford &
Doolittle, patent attorneys, who have offices in Indianapolis and
Washington, D. C. Mr. Christianson is particularly effective in
criminal defense and in this field has made himself widely known.
He has distinct oratorical ability, a convincing manner and a pleas-
ing personality, and his services are ever in demand by those who
are unfortunate enough to fall under suspicion. Quiet and
determined, he cannot be moved by sarcasm or ridicule to precipitate
action, always preserving his dignity and clear judgment. It is but
natural, therefore, that he has great influence on court and jury and
that he succeeds in winning most of his cases. A recent honor which
has come to Mr. Christianson is his election to membership in the
Medico-Legal Society of New York.
Mr. Christianson married Miss Elizabeth L. Spencer on March
28, 1907, and they have four children: Lawrence Spencer, Blaine
Ingersoll. and twins, Elizabeth Avis and Lorraine Enid.
GEORGE MAGGIO.
George Maggio, an enterprising and prosperous representative
of business interests in Alameda county, has since 1906 been manager
of the Oakland branch of the Western California Fish Company.
His birth occurred in San Francisco, California, in November, 1876,
his parents being Fortutno and Eleanor Maggio. The father became
a resident of San Francisco in 1852 and was there engaged in the
fish supply business until the time of his retirement in 1904.
George Maggio remained a public-school student until fifteen
years of age and subsequently spent nine months in Heald's Business
College. He then embarked in the fish business in San Francisco
146 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
and conducted an independent enterprise of that character until
1906, when he consolidated his interests with those of the Western
California Fish Company, becoming manager of its Oakland branch.
He has held that important position throughout the intervening seven
years and has promoted the success of the local establishment in no
uncertain degree.
On the 30th of April, 1898, in San Francisco, Mr. Maggio was
united in marriage to Miss Chlotilde Franchi, by whom he has three
children: Eleanor, Alma and Maria. The two first named are
public-school students. In politics Mr. Maggio is a republican, while
his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He belongs to
Piedmont Parlor of the Native Sons and is likewise identified with
the Loyal Order of Moose and the National Union. In all the rela-
tions of life he has been honorable and straightforward, and his
example is well worthy of emulation.
FRANK A. PARISH.
Frank A. Parish, general manager of Frank A. Parish & Com-
pany, has been engaged in the real-estate business in Oakland since
the fall of 1910. His birth occurred in Corvallis, Oregon, on the
loth of May, 1873, his parents being James A. and Matilda E.
Parish. In the acquirement of an education he remained a public-
school student of The Dalles, Oregon, until 1894 and then went
to Des Moines, Iowa, where he pursued a course in oratory, elocu-
tion and dramatic art at Drake University. He afterward lectured
throughout the state until 1901 and in that year removed to Lawton,
Oklahoma, where he embarked in the real-estate business, handling
town sites until 1905, when he disposed of his interests. His next
place of residence was Long Beach, California, where he dealt in
real-estate until the fall of 1910, when he came to Oakland. Here
he has been engaged in the general real-estate business throughout
the intervening three years, making a specialty of trading countrv
properties for city realty.
The following is an excerpt from a local publication : "It is the
purpose and intent of this issue of our Home Industry Edition to
call the attention of our friends, members and readers to those busi-
ness houses who have shown a kindly interest in the principles we
promulgate, and it is witli this end in view that we are pleased to
give space to the well known lirm of Frank A. Parish & Company,
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 147
dealers in real-estate and making a specialty of exchanges, located at
1544 Broadway. This firm enjoys the hearty good-will of the entire
wage-earning population with which they have done business, and
the fact that their business has continued to thrive under the vigorous
business policy proves that the fair and reasonable consideration
always given to their customers is appreciated. Of equal importance
is the fact that this firm's standing in the community is such as to
reflect great credit upon the city at large. They are among the lead-
ing business men of this section and have never hesitated to give
liberal support to all worthy projects that have had for their object
the uplifting and betterment of the city's welfare. We urge our
readers to do all in their power to further this firm's interest during
the ensuing year."
On the 26th of June, 1894, i"^ Heppner, Oregon, Mr. Parish was
united in marriage to Miss Effie J. 'Warren, by whom he has a
daughter, Irma, who is eighteen years of age and a high-school
student. In politics he is independent, while fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Masons and the Elks. He is also a valued member of
the Oakland Real Estate Association.
DAVID MORRIS.
David Morris, division superintendent of the Peoples Water
Company in Alameda and one of the well known, popular and repre-
sentative business men of his community, was born in London, Eng-
land, on the 26th of May, 1852. He acquired his education in the
public schools of his native city and there remained until he was nine-
teen years of age. Leaving England in 1871, he crossed the Atlantic
to America and, pushing westward to California, located in San Fran-
cisco, where he remained for a number of years, engaging first in
various occupations and finally centering his attention upon civil
engineering, with some branch of which he has been connected since
that time. He has mastered the profession in principle and detail,
and this knowledge, combined with the spirit of enterprise which
actuates him in all that he does, has brought him an enviable degree
of success and a high phice in business circles of the city where he
makes his home.
Mr. Morris came to Alameda in 1880 and here became connected
with the Artesian Waterworks, rising through successive stages of
progress and advancement from the position of collector and clerk
148 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
to that of division superintendent, this final promotion coming in
April, 1900, when the waterworks plant was taken over by the Contra
Costa Water Company. Mr. Morris has since served in this respon-
sible position, and he has proved himself eminently well qualified
to fill it, being a discriminating, resourceful and enterprising busi-
ness man and thoroughly well informed on questions relating to the
work under his charge.
Mr. Morris married Miss Mary B. Tibbery, a native of San
Francisco, and they have one son, Jack E. The parents are well
known in social circles of the city, their genuine personal worth hav-
ing drawn to them many warm friends. During the thirty-three years
that he has lived in Alameda Mr. Morris has taken an active and
intelligent interest in public affairs, cooperating heartily in move-
ments for the general good and lending the weight of his influence
to progressive public measures. His business record is above
reproach, and the long period of his residence here has been fruitful
and of great good to the community, to the advancement and growth
of which he has made such substantial contributions.
PERRY F. BROWN.
A man well known in Oakland for his public spirit, his broad
views and his excellent business and professional ability is Perrv F.
Brown, now acting in a capable and efiicient manner as city engineer
and superintendent of streets. He was born in Janesville, Wisconsin,
and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of tliat
city, later entering the State University, from which he was grad-
uated as a civil engineer in 1897. Immediately afterward he engaged
in professional practice at Janesville and he served as city engineer
of that city, gaining thus his first experience in his profession as
applied to municipal questions. Mr. Brown came to Oakland in
1900. and here he spent one year with the Standard Electric Com-
pany, in charge of the construction of the Bear River dam, com-
pleted in 1901. in the following year he entered the employ of the
city of Oakland in the city engineering department and when the new
charter went into elfect in July, 191 1, was appointed superintendent
of streets and city engineer, positions which he has since capablv
filled. Mr. Brown takes a just pride in the fact that he has been
identified with tiie inauguration of many movements making for
public sanitation and beautification and tiiat he lias done much to
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 149
advance the cause of good roads throughout the county. It has been
his constant aim to see that all affairs coming before his departments
are conducted along business lines and upon a fair and honorable
basis, and in this way he has done a great deal to promote efficiency
in the offices over which he has control.
Mr. Brown married Miss Beulah Hodgdon, a native of Wis-
consin, and they are the parents of a daughter, Marian. Mr. Brown
has since 1908 been a member of the American Society of Civil
Engineers and is widely known in engineering circles, on account
of his professional ability and the excellent constructive work he has
done along this line in the public service.
GILBERT P. HALY
Gilbert P. Haly embarked in the real-estate and insurance busi-
ness at Oakland on attaining his majority and during the eight years
which have since elapsed has won gratifying success in that field of
endeavor. His birth occurred in London, England, in April, 1884,
his parents being G. S. and E. M. Haly. In 1896 the family home
was established in Oakland, California, the father embarking in busi-
ness as a tea broker of San Francisco, where he is still active.
In the acquirement of an education Gilbert P. Haly attended the
graded and high schools until 1905 and when twenty-one vears of age
became identified with the real-estate and insurance business, in which
he has won success. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with
realty values here and is qualified to give expert advice to clients.
In August, 1907, at Oakland, Mr. Haly was united in marriage
t(j Miss S. M. Fritsch, by whom he has two children, Ann and Phillip.
He is a young man of excellent business ability and is popular in
social circles by reason of his attractive personality.
CORNELIUS J. TWOMEY.
Cornelius J. Twomey, merchant tailor of Oakland, has been for
more than tvyenty-five years a resident of that city and enjoys an
extensive and gratifying patronage. His birth occurred in County
Cork, Ireland, on the 21st of March, 1869, his parents being James
150 HISTORY OF AI.AMEDA COUNTY
and Nora Twomey. He attended the public schools until fourteen
years of age and then made his way to San Francisco, California,
where he entered the dry goods establishment of J. J. O'Brien, being
employed as clerk for two years. On the expiration of that period
became to Oakland and here continued as buyer for James A. Joyce,
a dry goods merchant, until igoi. At that time, having gained both
the necessary capital and experience, he embarked in the men's tailor-
ing business on his own account and has won an enviable reputation
for high-class merchant tailoring.
At Oakland, in 1896, Mr. Twomey was united in marriage to
Miss Sadie Gallagher, by whom he has three children: Margaret,
Earl James and Henrietta Marie. His fraternal relations are with
the Knights of Columbus and other prominent orders. The period
of his residence in Oakland covers almost three decades and he is
widely recognized as one of the city's substantial, esteemed and repre-
sentative residents.
CHRISTOPHER RUESS.
Christopher Ruess, of Oakland, was appointed probation officer
of Alameda county in 1907 and his labors in this connection have
since been of incalculable benefit in the work of moral uplift here.
He was born in Sterling, Kansas, on the loth of December, 1878,
his parents being William E. and Katharine Ruess. He acquired his
early education in the public schools of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and
Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at the age of fourteen entered high
school in Los Angeles, California, graduating when a youth of
eighteen. Subsequently he matriculated in Harvard College, Cam-
bridge, Massachusetts, and completed a four years' course in 1900,
while three years later he was graduated from the Divinity School
of Harvard University, a non-sectarian institution. He then made
his way to San Francisco and became head of Boys Work and editor
of The Kingdom, a social service monthly, at the People's Place
Social Settlement, 111 the meantime acting as superintendent of the
Sunday School of the First Unitarian church under Rev. Bradford
Leavitt until igo4. In that year he became minister of the First
Unitarian church in Alameda, there remaining until 1906, and after-
ward acted as a representative of the American Unitarian Associa-
tion in the earthquake and fire relief work in San Francisco for one
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 151
vear. At the end of that time he was appointed probation officer of
Alameda county.
When Mr. Ruess first undertook the duties of this responsible
position he occupied half of a desk in the office of District Attorney
Brown and the Detention Home comprised one small room in the
Receiving Hospital of Alameda county. Mr. Ruess was the first full
time probation officer in the county and his salary for the first two
years was paid by private subscription, as it had been paid since 1903
to his predecessors, who were Miss Anita Whitney, recently the presi-
dent of the California Civic League, and Ezra Decoto, now prosecut-
ing attorney for Oakland, under whom the work was successfully
carried forward. Great credit is due for ten years of successful
juvenile court and probation work in Alameda county to the Oakland
Club and to the Child's Welfare League in particular, under the
leadership of Miss Bessie J. Wood, Mrs. Elinor Carlisle and Dr.
Susan J. Fenton, as well as to many other women's organizations in
this county. Fifty such organizations sent in resolutions to the super-
visors in 1908, when John Mitchell was president of the board, ask-
ing for the present juvenile court building to be rented. Recently
one hundred women's organizations have petitioned the present super-
visors to appropriate money for land and a building. The super-
visors have since purchased for twenty thousand dollars the entire
block between Eighteenth and Nineteenth and between Poplar and
Union streets, in Oakland. Mr. Ruess' policy has been to enlist the
cooperation of men and women of ability and caliber by permitting
and encouraging self-expression and initiative. During his incum-
bency as probation officer the juvenile court has been under the direc-
tion of Judges Harry A. Melvin, E. J. Brown, F. B. Ogden and
William S. Wells, whose successive policies he has endeavored to
carry out.
The Detention Home is not under the direction of the probation
officer but under that of the probation committee, whose members
are as follows: J. B. Richardson, Herbert D. Clark, Mrs. A. S.
Lavenson, J. D. McCarthy, R. A. Leet, Dr. Sarah L Shuey and
Mrs. C. S. Chamberlain, secretary. These are unpaid and are
appointed for four-year terms by the superior judges.
Mr. Ruess' hobby may be said to be public service. He has been
interested in many reforms in the county, especially those bearing
on the juvenile court, adult probation, child labor, the larger use of
public-school buildings and the enforcement of educational rights
of children. He did a great deal of campaigning under the auspices
of the Women's Christian Temperance Union for the red light injunc-
152 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
tion and abatement act in towns within one hundred miles of Oak-
land. Among the local reforms which have enlisted his active sup-
port are those pertaining to the reduction of the number of saloons,
the closing of the segregated vice district, the censorship of public
amusements, the persistent advocacy of more and better playgrounds
and the establishment of municipal club houses like the Young Men's
Christian Association in every part of the city. He is a valued mem-
ber of the Santa Fe Improvement Club, the Central California Social
Workers Club and the Alameda County Social Workers Club.
On the 2d of April, 1905, in Los Angeles, Mr. Ruess was united
in marriage to Miss Stella Knight, her father being William H.
Knight, a journalist who is connected with several Los Angeles
papers. They now have two children, Waldo, aged five, and Everett,
aged one. Mrs. Ruess is a former president of the Mothers Club
of the Washington school, Oakland, and to her sympathy and interest
in his work Mr. Ruess attributes his success in great measure.
ADELBERT WILSON.
From 1870 until 191 2 Adelbert Wilson was connected with the
police force of Oakland, with but two years' interruption, and from
December 20, 1905, he served as chief of police. Under him the
department developed and increased in efficiency and lawlessness in
the city of Oakland was kept down at the lowest possible level.
There is great credit due Mr. Wilson for what he achieved in his
official position and many were those who voiced regret when he.
retired on account of ill health on a pension on October i, 191 2,
although all recognized that this faithful and untiring official was
entitled to a rest.
Mr. Wilson was born in Camden, Maine, January 8, 1844, and
there received a serviceable public-school education, remaining in
his native town until nineteen years of age. Being possessed of
ambition and desirous to see the world, he decided to seek his for-
tune in the west, and in 1863 arrived in San Francisco, California.
His first position was with Boswell & Geddes, who were located at
Front and Commercial streets. He was willing to work and turned
his attention to anything that would yield him a living. After he
relinquished his first position he turned his attention to the black-
smith business, and subsequentlv, with his brother Edmund, engaged
in the express business, and later owned the San Francisco news-
ADKLI'.IMIT WILSOX
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 155
paper routes of the News and Transcript of Oakland. On May 30,
1870, Mr. Wilson was appointed special officer in the police depart-
ment in Oakland, and served in that position for four years and four
months, receiving, on October 5, 1874, his appointment to the reg-
ular force. On October 15, 1877, he was made sergeant, but shortly
thereafter, during the political excitement known as the "Kearney
Workingmen's Movement," Sergeant Wilson and eighteen other
officers were discharged. He was reinstated, only to be again
dropped from the force and again taken on many times, according
to what political leaders were in power. For example, on January
17, 1881, he was reappointed, and removed again on June 6th. He
was not reappointed after his removal on June 6th until August 20,
1883, and from this time was continuously connected with the police
force. On May 7, 1889, he was made captain, and for over sixteen
years held that important position, being on December 20, 1905,
appointed chief of police. Although different political administra-
tions came and went, Mr. Wilson was retained as chief, which title
was changed to that of superintendent of police, but under the new
charter was again changed to chief. There is great credit due him
for what he has achieved, for he rose from the ranks and by the
faithful and fearless performance of duty and because of his natural
ability became the head of the department.
Chief Wilson held office when the great fire in San Francisco
occurred, and largely to him fell the handling of the immense
crowds of homeless people who made their way to Oakland, accom-
panied by the usual lawless element. The magnitude of this task
can be better appreciated when it is known that over two hundred
thousand arrived in Oakland within three davs. By promptly insti-
tuting strict rules Chief Wilson remained master of the situation,
although he only had his regular force of seventy-one policemen.
At the recent celebration in honor of the entrance of the Western
Pacific Railroad into Oakland he again distinguished himself by
handling an immense throng of one hundred thousand visitors, tak-
ing precautionary measures in advance of the occasion which made
the affair pass off without a hitch, and not a single accident was
reported. This excellent result was largely due to his personal dili-
gence and inspection. Chief Wilson moved with the police depart-
ment into Oakland's first city hall on August 9, 1870, one prisoner
being removed at the time. The city jail was formerly where the
courthouse now stands and the police court and police office were
located on the southwest corner of Eighth street and Broadway.
After forty years of most efficient service Mr. Wilson retired on a
156 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
pension on October i, 19 12, and the good wishes of thousands accom-
panied him into a life of leisure, to which he is perhaps more entitled
than any one man now living in the city.
On December 19, 1872, Chief Wilson married Miss Mary E.
Poole, of Whitman (then Abington), Massachusetts, the ceremony
being performed by Rev. Hamilton and taking place in Oakland.
Of their three children all are dead. Florence married Wilbur
Walker, Jr., and passed away October 18, 1913, leaving a daughter,
Adele. Fraternally Mr. Wilson is a thirty-second degree Mason
and a Shriner, and since February 12, 1872, has been a member of
Oakland Lodge, No. 118, I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife belong
to the Order of the Eastern Star. His home is on Twenty-fifth
street and was built by him many years ago, as he has resided there
for twenty-eight years. On May 30, 1907, he was presented with a
valuable diamond set gold shield by the members of the Oakland
police force as a token of their esteem and friendship, the mayor of
the city making a suitable speech at the time. Mr. Wilson has had
few outside interests except those already mentioned, police effi-
ciency being always foremost in his mind and his duties being the
all important thing which continually occupied him. Courteous,
afifable and approachable, he is ever ready to do a kindness to those
who need his services, and is esteemed for his unfaltering veracity,
the purity of his motives and the sincerity of his opinions. As an
official he has reflected honor upon the citv of Oakland and is a
credit to the department of which he was so long the head.
ALBERT C. BARKER.
Albert C. Barker, present city superintendent of the Oakland
schools, was born in Canton, Maine. He attended the public schools
of Turner, Maine, and the Maine Wesleyan Seminary. He served
as principal of the schools of Mays Landing, New Jersey, for three
years, and of Austin, Nevada, for the same length of time.
Mr. Barker then came to California, where he continued his edu-
cation at Stanford University and the University of California. After
leaving college he became principal of the high school and superin-
tendent of schools in Salinas, from which position he resigned to
accept a similar one in Eureka. Seven years later he came to Oak-
land and became principal of the Bay and of the Prescott schools.
He was then elected city superintendent of Santa Rosa, but resigned
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 157
this position to become assistant superintendent of schools in Oakland.
In 191 2 he became business manager of the Oakland schools, and on
the resignation of Superintendent McClymonds became his suc-
cessor.
In June, 1900, he was married to Miss Nettie E. Hindry. They
have two sons, Richard and Horace Albert, who are eleven and six
years old respectively. Superintendent Barker is a member of the
Oakland Commercial Club and of several fraternal and local civic
organizations.
HENRY B. ORWIG.
Henry B. Orwig is widely known as the president and general
manager of the North American Hospital Association at No. 577
Fourteenth street in Oakland. His birth occurred in Bangor, Michi-
gan, in August, 1864, his parents being Henry G. and Mary A.
(Gardiner) Orwig. In the acquirement of an education he attended
the graded and high schools of Garnett, Kansas, until 1884 and then
went to Chicago, where for one year he was employed as clerk by
I. O. Harsh, a member of the Board of Trade. Returning to Gar-
nett, Kansas, he there worked on his father's stock farm until twenty-
two years of age and subsequently made his way to Clatskanie,
Oregon, where he was engaged in the butchering business in associa-
tion with his brother for two years. On the expiration of that period
he sold out and again returned to Kansas, working on his father's
farm for two years. He next went to Girard, Kansas, and there con-
ducted a mercantile establishment until 1898, when he sold out and
organized Company D of the Twentieth Kansas United States Volun-
teers, acting as its captain until his regiment was mustered out in
July, 1899. In that month he was promoted major of the Thirty-
seventh United States Volunteers and thus served until the regiment
was discharged in June, 1901, when he accepted a commission as
major of native troops around Manila.
In 1908 Mr. Orwig resigned and came to Oakland, California,
here acting as a salesman with the M. T. Minney Real Estate Com-
pany for one year. Subsequently he spent a year as manager of the
Pacific Coast Hospital Association and then consolidated a number
of hospital associations under the name of the North American Hos-
pital Association, of which he was elected president and general
manager. The purpose of the organization is to afford surgical,
158
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
medical and hospital service to men, women and children at a nominal
cost of one dollar per month. Mr. Orwig is well qualified for his
important duties as head of this splendid organization— an institu-
tion of great-value and inestimable benefit to the general public.
On the 24th of December, 1889, in Garnett, Kansas, Mr. Orwig
was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Rupp, by whom he has three
children, namely: Raymond L., who acts as agent for the North
American Hospital Association; Ethel, at home with her parents;
and Robert, a resident of Stockton, California. In politics Mr.
Orwig is a progressive republican and at all times a loyal and public-
spirited citizen. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and enjoys
an extensive acquaintance in Oakland and Alameda county.
BROWN G. ENSIGN.
Brown G. Ensign assisted in the organization and has since acted
as treasurer of the United Home Builders, a prosperous con-
cern of Oakland. His birth occurred in Effingham, Illinois, on the
6th of June, 1879, his parents being J. H. and Hattie J. Ensign. In
the acquirement of an education he attended the graded and high
schools until eighteen years of age and then went to St. Louis,
Missouri, where he was employed as a stenographer by the
Mississippi Valley Trust Company until 1903. In that year he
returned to Effingham, Illinois, and there served as assistant cashier
for the First National Bank until 1907, when he resigned and
removed to Neola, Iowa, acting as president of the State Bank of
Neola for five years or until 19 12. He then made his way to Cali-
fornia and after spending five months in Sacramento came to Oak-
land, here assisting in the organization of the United Home Builders,
of which he has served as treasurer to the present time. In that
capacity he has contributed in no small degree to the continued
growth and success of this Oakland concern, which has gained both
prestige and prosperity.
At Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of June, 190;. Mr.
Ensign was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Donaldson, by wliom
he has two children: Donaldson, a public-school student; and
Brown (i. Ensign, jr.
Mr. Ensign is a republican in politics and a Protestant in religious
faith. He belongs to the Athenian Club and the Oakland Commer-
cial Club and is identified fraternally witii tlie Benevolent Protective
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 159
Order of Elks. He is a man of exemplary habits, strict integrity and
strong personality and is well known in Oakland, holding the high
esteem of all who have business and social relations with him.
THOMAS M. ROBINSON.
Thomas M. Robinson, a highly respected and representative citi-
zen of Oakland, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in
the capacity of assistant assessor of Alameda county, having been
appointed to that position in 1880 and having held the same con-
tinuously since with the exception of four years. His birth occurred
near Jacksonville, Jackson county, Oregon, on the 28th of February,
iBqS, his father being one of the pioneer settlers in both California
and Oregon coming to the former state in 1849. The latter enjoyed
a reputation as an able physician and surgeon and was also recog-
nized as one of the stanch upbuilders of the new and growing western
commonwealths.
Thomas M. Robinson acquired his early education in the common
schools of his native state and when ten years of age accompanied
his parents on their removal to California, here continuing his studies
as a high-school student. After putting aside his text-books he
secured a position in a furniture store and continued to devote his
attention to that line of business until 1880, when he was appointed
assistant assessor of Alameda county. A third of a century has since
passed and, with the exception of four years spent as clerk of superior
court No. 2, Hon. F. W. Henshaw, judge, he has held the office
throughout that entire period. Such a record speaks for itself most
convincingly and requires no eulogistic comment.
On the 27th of July, 1887, Mr. Robinson was joined in wedlock
to Miss Mary J. Havens, who was born in Crown Point, Essex
county. New York, and came to California with her parents in 1868.
Five children have been born of this marriage. Mr. Robinson is
identified with numerous fraternal organizations, belonging to
Sequoia Lodge, F. & A. M., of Oakland; Oakland Consistory, No. 2,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of F. M.; S. J. R. S. A.; Live Oak
Lodge, No. 17, K. P.; Oakland Tent, K. O. T. M. ; and Oakland
Lodge, T. O. F. He is likewise a member of Oakland Camp of
the Woodmen of the World, in which organization he has passed
all of the chairs, having been clerk for the past twenty-three years,
and has also been head manager of the Pacific Jurisdiction of the
160 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Woodmen of the World for eight years. On account of his father's
service in the Civil war he is eligible to membership in the Sons of
Veterans, and his name may be found on the roster of E. D. Baker
Camp, No. 5, of which he is past commander. He is also past chan-
cellor of his lodge in the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Robinson is one of
the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Oakland and his sub-
stantial qualities of manhood and of character have gained for him
an enviable position in the regard of all with whom he has come in
contact.
JOHN J. HOGARTY, D. V. S.
Dr. John J. Hogarty, who was admitted to practice as a veterinai \
surgeon more than a quarter of a century ago, has spent his entire
life in Oakland and for the past eleven years has followed his pm
fession in association with Dr. Archibald, an eminent veterinarian
and bacteriologist. His birth occurred in Oakland on the 6th ot
October, 1867, his parents being Dr. J. B. and Josephine Hogarty.
The father, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, acquired his education in
the public schools of that city and subsequently removed to Daven
port, Iowa, where for five years he studied veterinary surgery under
the preceptorship of Dr. P. J. McDonald, a graduate of the Royal
College of Veterinary of England. He then located for practice in
Oakland, California, and here remained an active representative ot
his profession until 1887, when he retired. His demise occurred in
1907.
John J. Hogarty attended the graded and high schools in the
acquirement of an education and subsequently worked in the butchei
shop of his uncle for a time. He then studied veterinary surger\
under the direction of his father and was examined by the state boanl
and admitted to practice. In 1897 he entered the San Francisco
Veterinary College, being graduated from that institution three yeai>
later. He has always been accorded an extensive practice and during
the past eleven years has followed the profession in association with
Dr. Archibald. His prominence in the field of his chosen life work
is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as president of the
California State Veterinary Association.
In March, 1889, at Oakland, Dr. Hogarty was joined in wedlock
to Miss Mary Senner, by whom he has two children: Ethel B., a
high-school graduate; and Edward J., who is attending the public
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 161
schools. Fraternally the Doctor is identified with the Elks and the
United Workmen. In matters of citizenship his influence and sup-
port are given on the side of advancement and progress and he holds
to high standards in man's personal relations with his fellowmen.
BENJAMIN A. GLOVER.
Benjamin A. Glover, residing in Oakland, has served as manager
of the Berkeley branch of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Com-
pany since 1910. He was born in Flint, Michigan, on the nth of
August, 1876, and attended the graded and high schools until grad-
uated at the age of nineteen years. Subsequently he pursued a two
years' course of study in a commercial college at Bay City, Michigan,
and was afterward employed as billing clerk and baggageman by the
Grand Trunk Railroad for three years. Later he was engaged with
various railroads in different capacities until the time of his removal
to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he entered the service of the Inde-
pendent Telephone Company. Mr. Glover was next identified there
with the Bell Telephone Company in the contract department until
1907 and in that vear was transferred to Oakland, the company being
here known as the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company. He
held the position of district contract agent until 1910 and was then
transferred to Berkeley as manager of the branch at that place, in
which connection he has proven a valued and efficient representative
of the corporation.
On the istof September, 1906, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mr. Glover
was joined in wedlock to Miss Marie Colby. He belongs to the
Chamber of Commerce and is also connected with the Michigan
Society and the Masonic fraternity. A cordial, genial manner wins
his friends wherever he goes, and he well merits the esteem which is
accorded him.
EZRA S. FOWLER.
Ezra S. Fowler is a representative of realty interests in Oakland,
where he has carried on a business of that character with excellent
success since 1909. His birth occurred in New Brunswick, Canada,
on the 22d of January, 1857, 'i'* parents being Weslcv and Mary
162 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Fowler. He acquired his education in a private school and in 1872
removed to Rice county, Minnesota, where he acted as manager of
a large land holding until 1876. In that year he came to California
and was made manager of the San Francisco plumbing establishment
of J. J. Vasconcellos, ably serving in that capacity until 1882. He
then came to Oakland and here was made the first secretary of the
Young Men's Christian Association, holding the office until 1886,
when he resigned and went to Lake county, California. There he
carried on agricultural pursuits for eight years and subsequently
traveled for a St. Louis hardware concern until 1903. Mr. Fowler
then returned to Oakland and during the following six years was
engaged in the metal business in San Francisco. In 1909 he sold out
and embarked in the real-estate business in Oakland, in which he has
continued to the present time, enjoying an extensive and gratifying
clientage. He is thoroughly informed concerning realty values and
is recognized as one whose judgment is sound in relation to the pos-
sible rise or diminution in the same.
On the ist of July, 1884, in San Francisco. Mr. Fowler was united
in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Mahan, by whom he has two children,
Eugene S. and Walter M., the former being now a public-school
student. Mr. Fowler is an enthusiastic supporter of the progressive
party, believing in the efficacy of the principles and policy expounded
by Theodore Roosevelt. His fraternal relations are with the Masons,
of the teachings of which organization he is a worthv exemplar.
WILLIAM C. DOHRMAXN.
\^'illiam C. Dohrmann, engaged in the general real-estate busi-
ness in Oakland, with offices at 706-7 First National Bank building,
is the general agent of the East Shore Park l^ract at Stege. His
parents were H. G. F. and Mary E. Dohrmann, and his paternal
grandfather was one of the pioneers in California, coming to Ala-
meda county in 1849. He acquired land which is now the business
center of Oakland and sold for nine hundred dollars what is now the
corner of Ninth and Broadway. It was at that time covered with
oak trees, 'i'hc motiicr of the subject of this review died in San
Francisco wiicn he was but two years of age, but the father, who
reached the ripe old age of eighty in June, 1914, survives and is
living retireil. There were five children in their family. Wil-
liam C. Dohrmann acquired his education by attendance at the
WII.I.IAM ( . IMUIKMAXX
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 165
public schools until fourteen years of age, and subsequently entered
the employ of Lebenbaum Brothers, grocers of San Francisco, driv-
ing a team for two years. On the expiration of that period he went
to Pinole, Contra Costa county, California, and there worked for one
year as a box maker with the California Powder Company. He next
spent three months in San Francisco taking care of a soda fountain
for N. M. Benjamin & Company and afterward worked for three
years in the service of the Underwriters Fire Patrol in the capacity
of patrolman under Captain J. F. O. Comstock. Returning to Pinole,
he there remained in the employ of the California Powder Company
until 1898 and then went back to San Francisco, engaging with the
Pacific Mail Steamship Company as storekeeper on one of their ves-
sels, while subsequently he acted as assistant purser for eight years.
At the end of that time he resigned and removed to Richmond,
Contra Costa county, where he was employed by the Standard Oil
Company as timekeeper for two months and later as paymaster for
three months. Afterward he again returned to San Francisco and
had charge of the vessels of the Barneson-Hibbard Navigation Com-
pany for two years.
He then resigned and came to Oakland, here embarking in the
real-estate business, which he has since carried on with gratifying
success. He acts as manager of the East Shore Park Tract in Stege,
which comprises thirty acres and was formerly owned by his grand-
father, Richard Stege, and was khown as the Stege ranch. Lots sell
for two hundred and fifty dollars and upwards. Sixty steam trains
a day, forty on the Southern Pacific and twenty on the Santa Fe, pass
through Stege, affording splendid service. There are also one hun-
dred and eighty-five electric cars which reach Pullman through
Stege's East Shore Park Tract. The depot is but fifty minutes' ride
from San Francisco, fortv-hvc minutes from Broadway and three
minutes to Pullman, where the Pullman Company is erecting an
extensive plant at a cost of two million dollars, and employ one thou-
sand men. Stege is a well settled community, promising the best
of social life and community interests. There are factories there,
fine schools, one of them the grammar school and another the fine
Union high school, the latter costing eighty-five thousand dollars.
It is close to the water front, and its pier reaches deep water and
serves the factories already established. Stege is in Contra Costa
county, which means "over against the coast,'' and is a pleasant land
of hill and dale bordering on the western shore of the great northern
arm of the bay of San Francisco and the southern bank of the great
Sacramento river. The climate of Stege is exceptional, a minglnig
166 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
of that belonging to the sea and that of the land. Mr. Dohrmann
is successfully handling property there and is widely recognized as
one of the representative and leading real-estate men of Oakland.
He belongs to the Oakland Real Estate Association and is like-
wise a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, being connected with the organization
as a member of California Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of San Francisco.
He also belongs to the Sequoia Club in Richmond, and the Oakland
Commercial Club.
PETER N. SCH^^DT.
Peter N. Schmidt has been actively and successfully identified
with business interests of Alameda as a contractor and builder since
1907, and he is today one of the leading business men of the city.
He was born in Scherrebek, Germany, August 26. 1876. a son of
Carsten Schmidt, also a native of Germany, a jeweler and watch-
maker by trade, occupations which he followed until his death in
1900. He was a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war, in which he
served with honor and distinction, receiving the iron cross as a
reward for bravery in action. He was a soldier also in the Danish-
Prussian war of 1864 and after the close of that conflict was deco-
rated with a bronze medal in recognition of his courage. His wife,
who was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Hansen, was born in Ton-
dern, Germany, and died in 1904.
Peter N. Schmidt acquired his education in the public and Iiigh
schools of his native city. He was graduated in 1891 and imme-
diately afterward began serving his apprenticeship at the carpenter's
trade, completing his term in four years. Afterward he traveled
through Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria for about two
years and then extended his journey across the Atlantic to America.
He settled in California on the ist of May, 1901, and for a time
worked at his trade in Oakland, going to San Rafael in the latter
part of the same year. At the end of two years he returned to
Oakland and there remained until 1906. Tn the following vear he
moved to Alameda and here established Iiimself as a general con-
tractor and builder, an occupation to wiiich lie has devoted his
attention since that time w^ith gratifying results. Manv of tlie most
attractive buildings in this section of the countv testifv to liis ability
and skill, and among these may be mentioned tlie Young Men's
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 167
Christian Association building in Oakland and the First Presbyte-
rian church in the same city, both structures being artistic in design
as well as adequate and convenient in arrangement. He has built
also some of the best residences in Piedmont, Oakland and Alameda,
and his business is constantly increasing as his ability and excellent
qualifications become more widely known.
Mr. Schmidt married Miss Edna B. Waters, a daughter of Helon
and Sara Waters of Nantucket. Mr. Schmidt is not active in politics,
but is nevertheless a loyal and public-spirited citizen. His salient
characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendly regard
and good-will of all with whom he has been associated through either
business or social relations, and he is well entitled to a foremost place
among the representative and respected citizens of Alameda.
FERDINAND MANTE.
The German element is an important one in the citizenship of
Oakland and finds a representative in Ferdinand Mante, who was
born in Stettin, Germany, December i8, 1857, his parents being
Ferdinand and Wilhelmina Mante. In accordance with the educa-
tional laws of the country, he attended the public schools till he
reached the age of fourteen years and then began working for his
father, who was engaged in the draying business and also in the sale
of potatoes. The son spent his time in that way until he reached
the age of twenty, after which he served for three years in the
German army. On the expiration of that period he returned home
and after visiting family and friends in the fatherland sailed for'
the United States, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 4th
of May, 1882. He was employed as an apprentice in a furniture and
hardware store until 1888, when he sought the opportunities fur-
nished by the great and growing west and made his way to Sacra-
mento, California. There he entered the employ of the bottling
firm of Postel & Sneer, by whom he was employed as a bottler for a
short time. He afterward worked for various other bottling firms
until 1 891, when he engaged with the Bufifalo Brewing Company,
being placed in charge of the bottling department. That he was
capable and reliable is indicated in the fact that he remained in
that position for six years. He subsequently entered into partner-
ship with George Kirchner under the firm style of Kirchner &
Mante, beer bottlers, representing tiie Seattle Brewing & Malting
168 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
Company. Thev have built up a business of large proportions and
enjoy substantial success.
Mr. Mante was married in Milwaukee to Miss Minna Ness on
the 7th of May, 1882, and they have one daughter, now Mrs. Helen
Gray, of Los Angeles. Mr. Mante belongs to the Eintracht and
to the Oakland Turn Verein. He also holds membership with the
Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has based his success upon persist-
ent purpose and unfaltering energy, and those qualities have placed
him in the substantial financial position which he now occupies.
H. & H.-PATENT DEVELOPING COAH^ANY.
H. &; H. -Patent Developing Company was incorporated Decem-
ber \2, 1912, under the laws of the state of California. The busi-
ness of the company is to develop patents, inventions patented, per-
fected, bought and sold. Sales office at 30 North LaSalle street,
Chicago, Illinois, executive offices and factory at 386-388 Tenth
street. Oakland, California.
KEYES & MARTIN.
Among the law firms of Berkeley that of Keyes & Martin takes a
foremost place. They are located in the Berkeley National Bank
building and there have for a number of years conducted a suc-
cessful practice.
E. E. Keyes, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Kansas
and when eleven years of age moved with his parents and their
family to San Diego, California. He was educated in the public
schools there and in 1897 graduated from the Los Angeles State
Normal School. He subsequently entered the University of Cali-
fornia, from which he graduated in 1902. He took post-graduate
courses in law until 1904, which further prepared him for his pro-
fession, although he was admitted to the bar in 1903. In 1905 he
formed a law partnership with Mr. Waite and Mr. Martin under the
firm name of Waite, Keyes & Martin. Upon the death of Mr. Waite
in 1907 the firm assumed its present style of Keves & Martin.
Mr. Keyes was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Gaines, a
native of California, and they have two children, Kenneth and Enid.
Mr. Keyes is popular in Berkeley Lodge, No. 1002, B. P. O. E.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 169
L. E. Martin, the junior member of the firm, was born in Ver-
mont and when two years of age was brought to California by his
parents, the family settling in Orange county. In the acquirement
of his education he attended Berkeley high school and in 1902 grad-
uated from the University of California, having satisfactorily com-
pleted his undergraduate work. He then taught in Alameda high
school and took his bar examination. He then took another course
of one year in the University of California, beginning practice in
1904 and in 1905 becoming a partner of Mr. Keyes. He was a class-
mate in college of his present partner.
Keyes & Martin are well known in Berkeley as attorneys for the
Equitable Building & Loan Association of this city. Both are able
exponents of the law, well grounded in its principles and well
informed on precedents. They enjoy therefore a large and repre-
sentative clientage and have gained a place of distinction among the
practicing lawyers of the city. Both are public-spirited and aggres-
sive, ever interested in the progress of the city, and readily indorse
public measures undertaken for the general welfare.
WILLIAM B. BUNKER.
William B. Bunker, a leading and successful attorney of Oakland,
is a member of the law firm of Peck, Bunker & Cole, maintaining
offices in both San Francisco and Oakland. His birth occurred in
Rush county, Indiana, in 1863, and there he was reared to manhood.
He supplemented his early education by a course of studv in Purdue
University and subsequently took up the study of law at ^^'a^saw,
Indiana, being admitted to the bar of that state in 1886. The same
year he made his wav to Las Vegas, New Mexico, and there began
the practice of law, for a number of years enjoying an extensive
clientage as a member of the firm of Bunker & Lucas. He was like-
wise local attorney for the Santa Fe Railroad. In public afifairs he
became a leading and influential factor, acting as chairman of the
democratic central committee of New Mexico, being elected state
senator and also serving as president of the bureau of investigation,
clerk of the United States court and as a member of the citv council
of Las Vegas. In these various connections he made a highlv
creditable record, winning the approbation of his constituents in
unc]ualified degree.
170 HISTORY OV .\L.\-MI-:i)A COUNTY
In igio Mr. Bunker came to California and in March of the
following year became a member of the law firm of Peck, Bunker &
Cole, which was organized at that time and has since maintained
offices in both San Francisco and Oakland. Their practice is exten-
sive and of an important character. Mr. Bunker is remarkable
among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which
he prepares his cases. At no time has his reading ever been confined
to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond and
compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected
but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as fre-
quently as out of them.
In August, 1890, Mr. Bunker was united in marriage to Miss
Lydia |. Peck, of Merced. Fraternally he is identified with the
Masons and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, having been
exalted ruler of the latter in Las Vegas. What he has accomplished
represents the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and the
directing of his efiforts along lines where mature judgment is leading
the wav.
LELAND SPENCER.
Leland Spencer, a prosperous and respected citizen of Oakland,
is actively engaged in the real-estate business as a member of the
firm of George McComb & Company, in which he owns a halt
interest. His birth occurred in Raleigh, West Virginia, on the 23d
of March, 1868, his parents being James H. and Polly Spencer. In
the acquirement of an education he studied in the public schools
of Fayette county. West Virginia, until sixteen years of age and sub-
sequently attended a high school and business college in Cincinnati,
Ohio, graduating when eighteen years of age. He afterward em-
barked in the real-estate brokerage business and when nineteen years
of age went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was also engaged
in the real-estate business and acted as right-of-way agent for a laro-e
transcontinental railroad during the next six years.
At the age of twenty-five Mr. Spencer went to Seattle, Wash-
ington, and associated himself with one of the leading real-estate
firms of the city, though still retaining his business in Minneapolis.
In 1898 he disposed of his interests and thereafter lived retired in
California, except for the mining interests he retained in Alaska,
until August, 1913, when he formed tlie real-estate firm of George
HISTORY OF ALA-MEDA COUNTY 171
McComb & Company, in which he owns a half interest. They handle
citv and country properties and also subdivisions and are accorded
a gratifying clientage. Mr. Spencer lost heavily in the San Fran-
cisco fire of 1906 and for that reason again embarked in the business
which had formerly brought him a fortune. He is determined to
recoup his losses, and in his present undertakings is meeting with a
measure of success which promises the speedy fulfillment of his
hopes.
In July, 1907, in San Francisco, Mr. Spencer was united in mar-
riage to Miss Osburne, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Osburne, of
Los Angeles. They have one child, Leland, who is five years of age.
JACOB V. SM EATON.
Jacob V. Smeaton is an active and enterprising representative of
business interests in Oakland as general manager of the C. A. Smith
Lumber Company, which important position he has held since 191 1.
His birth occurred in Montgomery county. New York, on the 20th
of December, 1868, his parents being James and Elizabeth Smeaton.
He attended the graded and high schools in the acquirement of an
education and following his graduation, in 1886, secured a position
as bookkeeper with the John E. Sutphen Lumber Company, being
thus employed until 1888. In that year he went to Rochester, New
York, where he acted as bookkeeper for the Hollister Lumber Com-
pany until 1890 and was then transferred to their branch in North
Tonawanda, New York, there serving as bookkeeper until 1893.
Mr. Smeaton was in that year made manager and held the position
until 1901, when he resigned and went to Ashland, Wisconsin, there
establishing the Spider Lake Sawmill & Lumber Company, of which
he acted as treasurer and manager until disposing of his interests
in 1909. He then went to Marshfield, Oregon, and there had charge
of a mill for the C. A. Smith Lumber Company until 1911, when
he was transferred to Oakland, California, as general manager of
the concern, and in that connection his efforts have since constituted
no small factor in its continued growth and success.
In Passaic, New Jersey, on the 24th of January, 1893, Mr. Smea-
ton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie F. Birch, by whom he has
two children: James D., a youth of sixteen, who is attending high
school; and Samuel Edgar, who is eleven years old and a public-
school student.
172 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Smeaton is a republican, exercising
his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that
party. In Masonry he is identified with both the York and Scottish
Rites and also with the Mystic Shrine. He is a past commander of
Ashland Commandery of Ashland, Wisconsin, and a popular mem-
ber of the Athenian Club and the Commercial Club of San Fran-
cisco. Mr. Smeaton is widely and favorably known for his straight-
forward and honorable methods both in business and social relations
and is numbered among the successful and representative citizens
of Oakland, being highly esteemed for his sterling worth and as a
promoter of all that tends to advance the general welfare.
EDWIN J. BOYES, M. D.
Dr. Edwin J. Boyes, who since 1893 has been engaged in the
general practice of medicine in Oakland^ was born in Toronto, Can-
ada, April 30, 1864. He acquired his early education in the Model
School in that city and later attended Normal School, after which
he engaged in teaching in Toronto. Later he took a course in
natural science at the Association of Civil Engineers and joined the
engineer corps in the Northwest Territory. He was stationed in
the wilderness, in the Hudson bay section, and assisted in preparing
the first map of the northwest country. Having determined to study
medicine. Dr. Boyes entered Trinitv L'niversity, from which he was
graduated in 1890. He also holds degrees from the College of
Physicians and Surgeons in Ontario and Victoria University. He
came west in 1890 and settled on the old Comstock at Virginia City,
Nevada, where he remained until 1893. He gained wide reputation
for skill and had during these years the largest practice of anyone
in the state, and although locating here over twentv vears ago. some
of his Nevada patients still come to him for his services. In the
last named year he moved to Oakland, California, and here has since
resided, being numbered today among the leading representatives
of the medical fraternity in the city. He is senior consulting physi-
cian of the Merritt Hospital and has been since its establishment.
He also has a large and lucrative private practice, accorded him in
recognition of his superior skill and ability. He is a member of the
national, state and county medical societies and in this wav keeps
in touch with the most advanced medical thought of his profession.
His personal characteristics have gained him the warm regard and
nVIX J. BOYKS
FIISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 175
friendship of many, while in professional lines he has attained that
eminence which comes only in recognition of merit and ability.
In Toronto in 1891 Dr. Boyes was married to Miss Mabel
Walker, a daughter of Irving Walker, a leading dry-goods merchant
of Toronto. Of this union two sons have been born: Bedford, a
graduate of the University of California, and Gordon, a graduate
of the Oakland high school.
GEORGE W. HEINTZ.
George W. Heintz, who embarked in the clothing business at
Oakland in 1907, now conducts an exclusive establishment of that
character at Nos. 1217 and 1219 Broadway. He was born in Erie,
Pennsylvania, on the 24th of June, 1876, a son of Martin Heintz.
In 1885 he removed with his parents to Pueblo, Colorado, and there
attended the graded and high schools until seventeen years of age.
Subsequently he spent five years in travel throughout the United
States and in 1898 came to California, here acting as a clothing sales-
man in the service of Brown Brothers of San Francisco until 1907.
In that year he came to Oakland and embarked in the clothing busi-
ness on his own account, occupying the second floor of the First
National Bank building until 1909, when he removed to his present
location at Nos. 12 17 and 12 19 Broadway. He enjoys a gratifying
patronage as an exclusive clothier and has the agency for "Benjamin
Clothes."
On the I ith of October, 191 1, in Oakland, Mr. Heintz was united
in marriage to Miss Georgia Wheeler. He is independent in politics
and is identified fraternally with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and the Knights of Pythias.
FRANK M. SMITH.
Among the many brilliant and able men in public life in Cali-
fornia is numbered Frank M. Smith, who left the impress of a virile
and forceful personality and an unusual political ability upon the
legislative history of the state as a member of the thirty-ninth and
fortieth general assemblies. In Oakland where he makes his home
he is found always among the leaders in the promotion of con-
176 HISTORY OF ALA.MIIDA COUNTY
striictive and progressive projects for community advancement, and
he is doing a great deal in the best interests of the city through his
present service as city clerk. Mr. Smith was born in Albion, Men-
docino county, California, in 1868 and is a son of George M. Smith,
who came to this state in 1852. His maternal grandfather was a
pioneer, arriving in California in 1848. and he afterward formed
one of the famous vigilante committees which hanged Corey and
Casey in San Francisco.
Frank M. Smith came to Centerville, Alameda county, when
he was five years of age. and after he grew to maturity entered the
contracting business, following in his father's footsteps. Through-
out his entire business career he has been interested in this line of
work and now controls an important patronage in Oakland. He
is recognized as a farsighted, able and progressive business man
and his integrity, ability and straightforward dealings have gained
for him a high place in business circles.
Mr. Smith is well and favorably known in public life in Cali-
fornia, and has been for many years a powerful individual force in
republican politics. In San Francisco he served four years as state
wharfinger under Governor Pardee, but his most efifective work
in the public service was accomplished during his term in the state
legislature. He was a member of the thirty-ninth and fortieth
general assemblies and during that period was identified with the
passage of a great deal of important legislation, securing many public
improvements for Oakland and promoting the interests of the city
whenever possible. He took a prominent part in the passage of the
bill which gave the city its present improved waterfront and was
identified with the East Oakland bill. He was the author of the
bill providing for free text-books in the grammar schools and dur-
ing the last term of his service was a member of the committee on
education, accomplishing a great deal of farsighted, intelligent and
constructive work in school interests throughout the state. He advo-
cated the raising of the standard of efficiency in the grammar schools
and the general adoption of that standard in countv schools and was
tlic fatlier ol tiie bill permitting local optinn in the matter of kinder-
gartens. He iniroduccii a bill for the improvement of the streets
and sewers of Oakland, and, wherever it was consistent with the
general interests of the state, advanced the claims of his citv in a
powerful and able wav. He was found alwavs progressive and
modern in his views, which lie was able to support bv intelligent
argument, and Ik- liad the adilitional advantage of being a powerful
and elni]ucnt speaker on the lloor n\ tiie house. He made an enviable
HISTORY OF ALAMEIX-V COUNTY 177
record in the state legislature and left behind him a reputation for
political ability and integrity and constant and untiring work in
the public service. Mr. Smith is now serving as city clerk of Oak-
land and in his official and private capacities is a leader in all
movements for municipal advancement, co-operating heartily in
projects of civic improvement. As president of the local Improve-
ment Club he is proving his energy, foresight and business ability,
and he is well entitled to the place which he holds among the leading
and representative citizens of Oakland.
Mr. Smith married Miss Ella R. Trefry, a daughter of J. A.
Trefry, a pioneer in California, who served as deputy under Sheriff
Harry Morse. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children: Ruth,
who married George Ellis; Gertrude C, the wife of Herbert Town-
send; Frank W. M., and Zebbie T. Mr. Smith is prominent in the
Masonic fraternity and is past presiding officer of the local lodges
of the Woodmen of the World and the Native Sons of the Golden
West. His career in the public service has been varied in activity,
high in its standards and important in its accomplishments and his
life has brought him public honor, business prominence and that
true success which lies in the respect, esteem and confidence of many
friends.
HENRY Z. JONES.
Henry Z. Jones, a leading representative of real-estate interests
in Oakland, here established himself in business twenty-three years
ago and has enjoyed continued success. He was born in Somerset-
shire, England, on the 4th of March, 1850, and in the acquirement
of an education attended the public schools until sixteen years of
age. Subsequently he was employed as clerk in a dry goods store
of London, England, until twenty-two years old and then emigrated
to the United States, settling in Warren, Ohio, where he acted as
clerk in a general mercantile establishment for two years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Jones came to California
and located in San Francisco, there clerking in a dry goods store
for a year and a half, while during the next thirteen years he was
successfully engaged in the retail coal business. He then purchased
thirtv-five acres of land in Fruitvale (now Oakland) and took up
his abode here, embarking in the real-estate business. He has sub-
divided, owned and sold the following tracts: Silver Heiirhts in
178 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
San Francisco, fifteen acres; Allendale tract, thirty acres; Galindo
tract, twenty-one acres; Allendale Annex, four acres; Florence-
Jones tract, fifteen acres; Bona Terrace, four acres; Jones Subdivi-
sion Quigley tract, six acres; Jones Addition tract in San Francisco,
ten acres; Westall tract, thirty-five acres; Jessie Jones tract, thirty \
acres; Laurel Grove Park, sixty-nine acres; Florence Jones No. 2,
five acres; Boulevard Villa tract, fifteen acres, and Orange Grove,
twelve acres. Mr. Jones has sold only his own properties and has
disposed of them on the easy payment plan.
In April, 1887, in San Francisco, Mr. Jones was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah M. Hillman, by whom he has four children,
namely: Mrs. Abbie A. Biddall, of Oakland; Jessie A., a higli-
school student; Florence A., and Henry Z., Jr., who attend public
school.
Mr. Jones gives his political allegiance to the republican part\
and in religious belief is a Protestant. He enjoys an enviable repu-
tation as a reliable business man, public-spirited citizen and trust-
worthv friend.
A. F. ST. SURE.
A. F. St. Sure, one of the prominent attornevs of Oakland, is a
man to whom success has come as a result of unfaltering determina-
tion, untiring industry, energy and enterprise, for he has worked
liis own way upward to the success which he now enjoys, never hav
ing failed to carry forward to completion any project which he
undertook. His prominence in law and politics has followed closelv
upon a brilliant career as a journalist, and his success along all linc>
has been the result of the qualities in his character which make him
today a leading and representative citizen of Alameda county. He
was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, March 9, 1869, and is a son of
Frank A. and Ellen (Donoghue) St. Sure, the former a native n\
Sweden and the latter of County Cork, Ireland. 'Hie father emi-
grated to America when lie was still a child and located in ^^'i^C()nsin
and afterward in Tennessee, engaging in both states as a druggisi
and a miner. He was a veteran of the Ci\il war, iiaving served as ,i
captain in the Confederate army. His father, A. F. St. Sure, alsi
took part in that conflict, but he served in the Union army, be
member of the medical staff under General Sherman.
K'ing a J
HISTORY OF ALAilEDA COUXTY 179
Mr. St. Sure of this review was brought to California by his
parents before he was one year old and when he had reached the
usual age entered the public schools of Oroville, which he left when
he was thirteen in order to take a position in the office of the Oroville
Mercury. He thus began a long period of identification with the
newspaper business, learning printing in all of its branches and ris-
ing from a humble position to that of foreman of the printing shop,
an office to which he was promoted when he was eighteen years of
age. He was afterward made a reporter and finally manager of
the Mercury, with which he remained identified until 1891, when
he came to Alameda. In February of that year he began the pub-
lication of the Alameda Daily News, associating himself with R. H.
Magill, Jr., and attempting the difficult task of conducting an
uncompromising democratic journal in a republican community.
He was afterward city editor of the Alameda Argus and when he
resigned that position went to San Francisco, where he was con-
nected with the Chronicle and the Call, later becoming identified
with the Sacramento Bee. By a natural evolution he became inter-
ested in politics and in 1891 began his public career as secretary of
the Alameda county democratic convention. He was afterward
appointed city recorder to fill out an unexpired term and was then
elected to the position, which he held for four terms of two vears
each.
After taking office he found it necessary to know law and accord-
ingly began the study of this profession, winning his admission to
the bar in 1895. After passing his examination he began the practice
of his profession and before the earthquake of 1906 was connected
with the office of the attorney general in the Call building in San
Francisco. After the fire he established a law practice in Oakland
and there built up a large and representative patronage, his business
growing as his ability and legal knowledge became more widely
known. In 191 1 he was appointed city attorney of Alameda and
served as such for two and one-half years, his excellent record prov-
ing conclusively his political ability, his conscientiousness and energy
in the discharge of his duties. He is one of the well known and
popular men in the Bay cities at the present time, and his prominence
has substantial and worthy causes, based as it is upon a public recog-
nition of the excellent work he lias accomplished along many public
and private lines.
Mr. St. Sure married Miss Ida Laura Pettes, a daughter of Wil-
liam E. and Virginia T. Pettes, the former a native of Pennsylvania
and the latter of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. St. Sure have two chihircn:
180 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
William Pettes, aged thirteen; and Joseph Paul, ten. Mr. St. Sure
is a member of the Alameda County Exposition Commission and is
active and prominent in all movements and projects for the general
welfare. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen who takes a
commendable interest in public afifairs and during the period of his
residence in Alameda has made a host of warm friends.
GEORGE SHELDON McCOMB.
George Sheldon McComb is now at the head of the real-estate
firm of George McComb & Company, of Oakland, California, where
it has secured an extensive clientage, although it has been in exist-
ence for less than a year. Mr. McComb was born in San Francisco
March 9, 1862. His father, John McComb, was born, in New York
in 1828 and was a son of John McComb, a native of Scotland. He
married Elizabeth Milholland, who was born in Columbus, Ohio,
in 1823, a daughter of John and Mary Milholland. Both John
McComb and Elizabeth Milholland were pioneer settlers of Cali-
fornia, the former arriving in 1849 ^^'^ ^^'^^ latter in 1850. Mr.
McComb made the trip from New York by way of the isthmus of
Panama and by steamer to the Pacific coast, while the ladv whom
he afterward married crossed the plains by ox team. For a time
John McComb engaged in mining, but later returned to San Fran-
cisco and took up journalism. Subsequently he became managing
editor of the "Alta California," one of the oldest and most reliable
commercial newspapers on the coast, and was associated with that
paper for over thirty years. He next went to Folsom as warden of
the state prison and was afterward transferred to the San Quentin
prison as warden of that institution, where he remained in charge
for eleven years. He afterward became secretary of the Societv for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and after a life of activity
and usefulness passed away in June, 1896, at the age of sixtv-eight
years. His widow lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years.
George S. McComb acquired his education in the public schools
of San Francisco and of Oakland. He was a primary in the Lincoln
school at the corner of Fifth and Market streets in San Francisco,
afterward attended the Washington grammar school of that city
and the Iiigh school of Oakland, but left school before his gradua-
tion to accept a position in San Francisco as correspondent for the
Western Associated Press of Chicago and New York. Having taken
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY 181
up the study of law, he was admitted to practice in San Francisco
in 1891, but later accepted a position as court stenographer in the
superior court of the state of California for the years 1891-2. He
was elected clerk of the justices court of the city and county of
San Francisco in 1901 and held that office for eleven years, retiring
on the expiration of that period to enter the real-estate business in
Oakland. He formed a partnership in August, 1913, with Leland
Spencer, and they now conduct business under the firm style of
George McComb & Company, of Oakland. Their business is one
of growing importance and already they have a clientage which is
enviable.
Mr. McComb was married in San Francisco, California, on the
28th of November, 1889, to Miss Josephine Silva, a daughter of
Joseph T. and Alice E. Silva, and they have one child, Alice E.
McComb.
In his political views Mr. McComb is a republican and has
ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He
holds membership with the Native Sons of the Golden West, having
become a charter member and trustee of Stanford Parlor in 1886.
He is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. For years he
was prominent in connection with swimming and other athletic fea-
tures of the Olympic Club of San Francisco, but his attention is
more and more largely concentrated upon his business afifairs which
are of growing importance and volume, making him today one of
the well known real-estate dealers of Oakland.
FRANK C. SULLIVAN.
Among the successful representatives of real-estate interests in
Oakland is numbered Frank C. Sullivan, who has been continuously
engaged in business here for the past seven years. His birth occurred
in Contra Costa county, California, on the 24th of March, 1880.
His father, Patrick Sullivan, came to California in 1849, settling
in Contra Costa county, where he devoted his attention to farming
and cattle raising until the time of his demise m 1882.
Frank C. Sullivan acquired his education in the graded and high
schools of San Pablo, Contra Costa county, and following his gradu-
ation became identified with agricultural pursuits, being actively
engaged in farming until 1906. In that year he disposed of his
interests and came to Oakland, embarking in the real-estate business.
182 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
in which he has continued to the present time with gratifying suc-
cess. He has the agency for Brookward Acres and other properties,
all of which he is handling in a capable and resultant manner.
In Berkeley, California, on the 14th of May, 1906, Mr. Sullivan
was united in marriage to Miss Alice Gallagher, by whom he has
three children : Carmen, Alice and Virginia. He gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and is a devout communicant of
the Catholic church.
WILLIAM HENRY FULCHER.
^^'illiam Henry Fulcher, president of the Fulcher Concrete Block
& Paving Company, is at the head of one of the younger enterprises
of Oakland that promises to become one of the most important pro-
ductive industries of the city. The old saying that necessity is the
mother of invention has found verification through all the ages.
There is no individual in the United States who does not recognize
the fact that forest preservation has become imperative, and that
other things must take the place of lumber as a building material.
An understanding of this need has led William Henry Fulcher, in-
ventor and mechanician, to perfect the Fulcher Concrete Block &
Paving Machine for the manufacture of concrete monolithic build-
ing blocks and cement brick, and today the business is one of grow-
ing importance. Mr. Fulcher was born in San Francisco August
18, 1856, a son of William and Hannah (Dunphie) Fulcher. The
father, born in Manchester, England, in 1825, was educated there
and in 1853 arrived in San Francisco, where he became bookkeeper
for a large wholesale flour mill. Later he mined in Sacramento
county until his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife has also
passed away.
William H. Fulcher attended the public schools of Sacramento
county to the age of fourteen years, after which he engaged in herd-
ing sheep for a year and a iialf. Subsequently he took charge of
a fruit-drying factory, remaining its manager to the age of twenty-
one years. At that time he went to Folsom, California, where he
engaged as blacksmith helper in the Folsom prison. Soon afterward
he had charge of men in the contract to put up all doors in the prison,
which work was successfully executed. When about twentv-five
years of age his interest in all phases of mechanics led him to take up
mechanical drawing at Sacramento and to continue his work in Oak-
WIl.I.I.Wl II. ITLC'HKR
HISTORY OF ALA^fKDA COUNTY 185
land, where he completed the course. In 1880 he went to Tucson,
Arizona, where he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company as brakeman. He afterward became conductor, but
resigned his position in 1886 and returned to California, settling at
Lodi, where he became inspector of locomotives for the San Joaquin
& Sierra Nevada Railroad Company, which has since been merged
into the Southern Pacific. He filled that position for seven years,
or until 1893, when he opened a hotel in Woodbridge, but the fol-
lowing year sold out and organized a company for the manufacture
of pottery at Stockton, California, where he continued until 1895.
He built there the Stockton Terra Cotta Works, thus establishing
the first plant making glazed pottery on the Pacific coast. Selling
out, he came to Oakland and engaged as bridge tender for the South-
ern Pacific Railroad until 1900, when he incorporated the National
Ditching & Dredging Company, selling stock in an excavating ma-
chine which he had invented. In 1904 he invented and exhibited
a pulverizing machine, upon which he received a gold medal at the
St. Louis World's Fair, and also a personal gold medal for his abil-
ity. In 1906 he disposed of his interest in the ditching companv and
invented a mining machine \yhich he sold.
He then turned his attention to the perfecting of a machine ro
manufacture concrete blocks and on the 22d of March, 19 13, he
organized the Fulcher Concrete Block & Paving Company under
the laws of the state of Arizona. He complied with the law of Cali-
fornia April 24, 1913, being authorized to do general contracting
and manufacturing in all of its branches. He is now president and
mechanical engineer of the company, with Dr. C. F. Allardt as vice
president and D. G. Donahue as secretary, treasurer and attorney.
Thoroughly understanding the fact that some other building mate-
rial must supplant lumber, and also the fact that natural stone is
too costly for the majority of builders, he set to work to study the
prices of concrete manufacture and became impressed with the pos-
sibilities in that line. He determined to find a way to manufacture
concrete blocks and bricks very cheaply, and invented an automatic
rotary press in such form that it not only turns out the finished prod-
uct, but also produces it in such large quantities automatically as to
render its cost non-competitive.
The machine which developed from the inventive genius of Mr.
l-\ilclicr will produce over thirty-six thousand standard sized bricks
per day of eight hours, and by changing the molds in the machine
will produce over seventy-two thousand building blocks of mono-
lithic design, which have also been standardi-zed to meet the univer-
186 HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY
sal requirements of the trade. These blocks can be laid on any curve
or angle, the whole structure being laced and anchored together,
forming a compact, air-tight wall, proof against fire, water and
earthquake. Their system of interlocking the corners of the blocks
not only insures the solidarity of the walls, but also largely does away
with the need of reinforcing material and lessens the cost of concrete
construction. The provision made for anchoring the ceiling and
floor joists in the walls is another factor in securing rigidity of struc-
ture. The adamant coat of plaster is applied directly on the blocks
without the use of lathes and without the preliminary coating of
rough plaster. This is a point worthy of notice, as it means consider-
able saving in the building of a residence; moreover, the blocks
themselves form a beautiful exterior finish which does away with
the expense of painting. The company also manufacture a splendid
imitation and substitute for Spanish tiling and tiling for bathrooms,
kitchens, etc. They have also perfected plans whereby they can
imitate in colored brick the Persian rugs, with the beautiful color-
ings of the orient harmoniously blended. All their bricks are per-
fect and they can be made in any shape and size desired. They are
likewise able to reproduce all forms of natural stone in colors, glazed
and otherwise. It is their contention that they are in a position to
produce at least fifty per cent of the material that goes into the con-
struction of a building at a saving of at least thirty per cent of the
gross cost of construction. In addition to the cement blocks being
used for the most handsome residences and public buildings, they
can be utilized for paving, for rififraffing for river banks, for rail-
road bridges, viaducts, dams, tunnels, piers, sewers and many other
purposes, and can be manufactured at about half the cost of brick
making. As a paving material the blocks leave little if anything to
be desired, as they are cheaper than any other paving and last for
many years. Already the blocks arc coming into popular favor and
the sale of the machine for manufacturing the same is constantly
increasing. One fact notable is that the building blocks and brick
made by the means of Mr. Fulcher's invention remain in perfect
alignment after being laid for an indefinite period of time and can
easily be removed for repairs. They also offer unusual resistance to
the wear and tear of the elements and withstand enormous strain, as
they are manufactured under great pressure and have a cohesiveness
almost equal to that of the original rock.
In addition to his other interests, Mr. Fulcher is president of the
Teddy Jam Pulverizer Machine Company, in which the rock is
crushed to a sand. This will produce a material superior to anv
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 187
other kind, for seaside sand rounded by the waves does not hold,
while the crushed rock, having a rough edge, does, sustaining fifty
tons' pressure, and this quality of the sand made from crushed rock
insures the solidarity of the building materials made therefrom.
The sand is pure, all vegetable matter being removed. Twenty mil-
lion dollars is now invested in the manufacture of concrete blocks
in the United States and no competition exists in this line except in
the hydraulic press. What Mr. Fulcher has accomplished along
business lines places him with the foremost representatives of indus-
trial and commercial activity upon the Pacific coast, and his efforts
are of untold value, not only as a source of individual success, but as
a feature in the prosperity of the district.
Mr. Fulcher was united in marriage, in Lodi, to Mi?s Mary
McGill, a native of California, and unto them were born four
children: Ruth, who is now deceased; William H., acting as
surveyor in Alameda county; Jeannette, who is head stenographer
with a lumber company, which position she has occupied for four
years; and Marguerite, who is attending the Fremont high school.
In politics Mr. Fulcher is a republican of the progressive type.
His study of political conditions has led him to take this advanced
step, and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day, yet does not seek nor desire public office, preferring to concen-
trate his energies upon his business interests, which are of growing
importance.
FRED L. BUTTON.
The bar of California numbers among its most progressive, able
and successful representatives Fred L. Button, of Oakland, who is
not only in control of a large and lucrative private practice but has
also rendered valuable public service along professional lines. He
was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in March, 1856, and came to Cali-
fornia with his parents in 1863. The family settled in Oakland
and Mr. Button acquired his early education in the public schools
of this city. He was afterward for a time employed in the office
of the Daily Transcript, learning the printer's trade, and he also
attended Brayton College. He later entered the State University,
from which he was graduated with high honors in 1876, receiving
the university gold medal for excellence in scholarship and also a
prize for the most meritorious scientific essay. Having at that time
served one year as assistant instructor in matliematics under appoint-
188 HISTORY OF AI.AMEDA COUXTY
ment by the regents, he continued in that positi(jn during the suc-
ceeding year.
Mr. Button studied hiw in the office of Vrooman & Davis and
in 1879 was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of California,
after which he remained with Vrooman & Davis until 1881 and then
established an office in Oakland, where his ability has brought him a
large and representative clientage. Mr. Button stands in the front
ranks of the legal fraternity in this part of the state and his profes-
sional opinions are considered authoritative. In 1888 he rendered
the city valuable service as secretary of the Board of Freeholders,
who drafted the charter of the city of Oakland, and he later three
times codified the city ordinances for publication. He is also the
autlior of the second edition of "Harlow on Sheriffs," a standard
law text-book. Mr. Button has a comprehensive and exact knowl-
edge of the law and is a strong and forceful practitioner, possessed
of the insight, coolness and resourcefulness necessary to success in
this field.
On November 5, 1899, he was appointed by the board of educa-
tion as school director for the second ward, an office to which he
was afterward elected and filled for one term with credit and ability.
His attention is given largely to a general office and probate practice,
and in a field where success is largely the result of individual merit
and ability, has made rapid and steady advancement, standing today
in the front ranks of progressive and successful attorneys. He gives
his political allegiance to the progressive republican partv.
A. L. WAGNER.
A. L. Wagner is engaged in business in Oakland as the senior
member of the real-estate firm of Wagner & Pugh, dealing in citv
and country property. His birth occurred in Detroit, Michigan, in
June, 1868, and in the acquirement of an education he attended the
public schools of Detroit and Saginaw, Michigan, until sixteen years
of age. He then secured a position as salesman with a hardware
house and subsequently went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he
acted as salesman for the Dodson, Fisher & Brockman Hardware
Company. Mr. Wagner next went to Boston, Massachusetts, and
was there employed as salesman by the Campbell, Bosworth Ma-
chinery Company until January, 1906, when he came to San
Francisco to take charge of their Pacific coast business. In March,
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 189
191 1, he resigned that position to embark in the real-estate specu-
lating business in Ventura county, California, there remaining until
January, 1913, when he came to Oakland and here entered a similar
field of endeavor. In the ist of October, 1913, he formed a partner-
ship with Mr. Pugh, under the firm style of Wagner & Pugh, and
is now engaged in dealing in city and country property. Their
undertakings, though so recently begun, have already been attended
with results which augur well for the future.
In Ventura, California, on the i8th of March, 191 1, Mr. \A'ag-
ner was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Solari. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party, while fraternally he is
identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
MARTIN KATICH.
Martin Katich, a resident of Oakland for more than a quarter
of a century, has for the past eight years been successfullv engaged
in business as sole proprietor of the Avenue Cafe, a high-class restau-
rant located at the corner of Sixteenth street and San Pablo avenue.
A native of Dalmatia, Austria, Martin Katich, however, came with
an uncle to California when he was but thirteen years of age, in
1887. Thus his early schooling was obtained in Oakland, where he
remained with relatives when his uncle, a retired sea captain,
returned to Austria. After graduating from the grammar grades,
Martin Katich entered the Oakland high school, then situated on
Market street. It was destroyed by fire before he had completed
his course and he did not return to school, preferring to work instead.
In 1890 he entered into business on his own account with a partner
in the conduct of a restaurant on Seventh street. That street was
then a busy location and the business prospered. Mr. Katich was,
however, possessed with an unusual amount of ambition which
always induced him to strive for better things, so in 1906 he dis-
solved partnership and removed to San Pablo avenue, there to
embark on a business alone. After the disaster of that year he
removed to his present location and from a somewhat modest begin-
ning has developed his enterprise to admirable proportions, so that
now the Avenue Cafe is second to none in the city in excellence of
appointments and cuisine.
Meantime Mr. Katich made a journey back to his old home in
Dalmatia to visit his parents and there, in 1899, 'ic married Miss
190 HISTORY OF AI.A.MEDA COUNTY
Annie Urlovich. Two years thereafter the young couple spent in
their native land, where a daughter, Annie, was born to them. Then
Mr. Katich brought his wife and their little daughter to California,
but Mrs. Katich died two years later. Martin, Jr., the only son of
the couple, was then but three months of age. Later Mr. Katich
and the sister of his late wife were united in marriage and by this
union there is a daughter. Lucille, named for her mother.
Throughout his career Mr. Katich has been successful in his
business enterprises and has gained an enviable reputation for fair
dealing and uprightness among all with whom he has come in con-
tact. Never afraid to venture, he has met with success, and, though
his career has not been without its vicissitudes, he has now reached a
position of undoubted security.
Prominent in commercial and civic affairs, he is a member of
the Commercial Club, Chamber of Commerce and Merchants
Exchange of Oakland. In fraternal circles he is also active and is
a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose,
Royal Arch and the United Slavonian Society. Politically he is a
progressive. He owns a handsome home at Twentieth and Webster
streets and socially both Mr. and Mrs. Katich are popular and noted
for their hospitality.
H. A. AL^KINSON, M. D.
Dr. H. A. Makinson is a prominent and successful representa-
tive of the medical fraternitv in Oakland and enjoys an enviable
reputation among his professional brethren here. He was born in
Ohio in 1873 and acquired his early education in the graded and
high schools, while subsequently he pursued a course in Latin and
English at the Salina Normal University of Salina, Kansas, gradu-
ating from that institution in 1897. -^^ ^^^'^ followed the profession
of teaching at Smith Center, Kansas, for a period of four years.
Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he
entered the College of Medicine of the LTniversity of Minnesota and
in 1903 won his degree. He came to California the same year and
for two years practiced his profession in Sonoma county, while in
1905 he opened an office in Oakland, Alameda county. For a period
of five years he taught hygiene and public health in the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at San Francisco. He is now engaged in
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 1!)1
the general practice of his profession at Oakland and is accorded
an extensive and lucrative patronage in recognition of his skill and
ability in the line of his chosen vocation.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Makin-
son chose Miss Grace M. Cassidy. His fraternal relations are with
the \A^oodmen of the World, the Knights of Pythias and the Masons,
and he acts as examining physician for the local lodges of these
organizations. He is well known throughout the city and has won
an enviable reputation in both professional and social circles.
CHARLES W. SHAW
Charles W. Shaw is secretary of the Alameda County Milk
Dealers Association, a business organization which has been of im-
mense value to the county in many ways, improving sanitary condi-
tions and promptness in the delivery of milk and securing reduction
in prices.
Mr. Shaw is a native of New Gloucester, Cumberland county,
Maine. His youthful days were passed in the Pine Tree state, and
in the acquirement of his education he passed through various grades
to the high school, from which he was graduated at the age of seven-
teen years. He then took a practical course in cotton manufacturing
and when nineteen years of age was given charge of a department
with one hundred and fifty men under his supervision. He con-
tinued in that position of responsibility until he reached the age of
twenty-five, after which he traveled through the southern states with
a gang of men, installing machinery in cotton mills for two years.
He then returned to Lewiston, Maine, where he continued for a
year, after wiiich he came to Oakland and engaged with the Hook
Brothers Furniture House as salesman for eight years. Since that
time he has conducted a dairy business which is one of the extensive
and important enterprises of the kind in the city. In 1908 he became
secretary of the Alameda County Milk Dealers Association, which
was organized about 1Q03 for the purpose of bettering milk condi-
tions in Alameda, Oakland and Berkeley, some of the objects of
the association being to prevctit an advance in prices, the improve-
ment of the quality of milk and tlic methods of its handling. This
association now handles about ninety-five per cent of the milk sold
in tlie three cities, and the fact tliat it controls this product is a guar-
antee tliat the milk is handled in a sanitarv manner.
192 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Mr. Shaw is president of the Business League of Alameda county
and is regarded as one of the most enterprising citizens of the county,
looking at all times to the betterment of trade conditions and the
substantial growth of his part of the state. In politics he is not
guided by partv rule but votes independently. His religious belief
is that of the Spiritual Society. Fraternally he is connected with
the Moose, and he is secretary of the Oakland Stadium Club. The
width of the continent separates him from his birthplace. Attracted
by the opportunities of the west, he has here advanced and is now
numbered among the successful men of Oakland as the result of his
enterprise, keen discernment and unabating industry.
L. N. COBBLEDICK.
Many, indeed, were the warm friends of L. N. Cobbledick. An
analyzation of his life work shows that the high regard in which he
was held was the logical sequence of a life of activity, integrity and
honor. He possessed in large measure a sense of that growing com-
munity spirit which is manifest throughout the country and which
is but a keener, stronger recognition of the brotherhood of man and
the obligations of the individual to his community.
A native of California, Mr. Cobbledick was born in- Oakland,
February 15, 1867, his parents being James and Isabelle (Newsom)
Cobbledick, the father a native of England and the latter of To-
ronto, Ontario. James Cobbledick came to San Francisco about
1849 by way of Cape Horn and was one of the pioneer residents of
East Oakland, settling there at a time when there were but two
houses within a radius of several miles. He engaged in the whole-
sale hardwood business and was also a builder of fancv carriages
and stage coaches. In addition he operated or was interested in
many of the pioneer stage lines in and around the Bay cities, at a
period which long antedated the construction of railroads. In pol-
itics he was a strong republican, and was a factor among the polit-
ical leaders of the embryo town. Fraternally a Mason, he became
a charter member of Brooklyn Lodge, and in his life exemplified
the principles and beneficent spirit of the craft. He was also a
charter member of the Mountain View Cemetery Association. His
religious faith was evidenced in his membership in the Seventh
Avenue Methodist church, in the work of which he took a very
active and prominent part, as did his wife, who was a recognized
L. Jv'. COBBLKDiaC
HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY 195
leader not only in church circles but also in the social life of the
community. They were the parents of eleven children. The death
of James Cobbledick occurred in 1904, when he had reached the
age of seventy-six years, while his wife survived him until August,
1912.
L. N. Cobbledick, having attended the Franklin grammar
school, continued his education in the Oakland high school, and
with his entrance into business circles became connected with the
Whittier-Fuller Company, with whom he remained until twenty-
three years of age as a most trusted employe. On the ist of March,
1890, after nine years' experience in the paint and glass business, he
embarked in business on his own account, opening his first store at
No. 358 Twelfth street, Oakland. In this general business of paints,
oils, glass, wall paper, etc., he continued until 1906, in which year
he closed out all departments save the glass. He then enlarged his
activities in that line and after that confined his attention solely to
handling glass and mirrors. The business is now conducted under
the name of the Cobbledick-Kibbe Glass Company and is one of
the leading concerns of its kind in Oakland, while the mirror silver-
ing plant is one of the largest on the coast. The company also has
a department given to the exclusive manufacture of leaded art glass
and the trade along this line is also extensive and gratifying. Mr.
Cobbledick was president of the company, which until his death
was known as the L. N. Cobbledick Glass Company. His keen busi-
ness discernment and unfaltering energy proved the salient features
in the attainment of substantial success, and his plans and methods
constituted the foundation upon which later prosperity has been
buildcd.
In his political views Mr. Cobbledick was a republican and
from early manhood took an active part in politics and in civic
affairs. He was an officer in the Clinton Improvement Club, which
organization did much toward improving and modernizing East
Oakland. The vast amount of efifective work which he did in that
connection attracted the attention of Mayor Mott and the people of
his community, and he was induced to become a candidate for the
city council in ward 7. He won by a large majority and served
throughout the life of Oakland's last city council. When the new
form of government was established he was appointed a member of
the civil service board for a term of two years. At the close of that
period, in July, 19 13, he was reappointed for a term of six years.
Throughout the period of his active connection with civic afifairs he
maintained a remarkably helpful attitude toward movements for
196 HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY
the public benefit, and the drastic measures which he introduced and
carried forward will ever be remembered. Very soon after his elec-
tion to the council and even before this time he labored incessantly
and untiringly to have the marsh between Eighth street and Lake
Merritt filled in. He also labored just as earnestly for the abolish-
ment of the old wooden bridge on Eighth street and the reopening
of that street as a thoroughfare. Although he was strongly opposed
in manv measures, his work was ultimately successful and its value
has been proven by time. He was one of the prime movers in for-
warding the plan of building the immense auditorium on that newly
built site to fill the long-felt want of Oakland for such a building.
This by no means comprised the e.\tent of the activities of Mr.
Cobbledick in behalf of all that pertained to the welfare, progress,
upbuilding and improvement of his city and state. He conceived
the idea and secured the passage of laws doing away with slot
machines and with closed boxes in saloons and cafes. He was also
interested in the measure providing .for a board of censorship for
all films to be shown in the moving picture houses. One of his
hardest fights was forcing the equipment of proper fenders on street
cars. He was ever constantly on the alert for ways in which the
public might be benefited and municipal progress advanced. He
readily recognized a public need and sought at once to meet the need
by the adoption of such measures or actions as would accomplish the
purpose. Never tiring in his efforts to advance the public welfare,
Mr. Cobbledick again and again gave his services where the inter-
ests of the community were at stake. He was one of the committee
selected to investigate the rates of the Peoples Water Company and
report upon the same. On the expiration of the franchise of the
Southern Pacific Railwav for their right of way on Seventh street
he was the leader of the opposition, taking the stand that it should
not be renewed for fifty years and almost without compensation, but
that sucli a lease should not be given for more than twenty-five years.
He \\as successful in this to cjuite a degree, for finally the concession
was made for tliirtv-fi\e vears, and the companv also pavs the citv
a handsome rental, as well as keeping the street in good repair and
the maintenance of the lighting system along that thoroughfare.
While a member of tiie city council Mr. Cobbledick represented
iiis ward in most admiraiile and commendable manner, and although
it w as the largest ward in tlie citv, he overlooked no point that would
help to improve or beautify it. One phase of his work not to be
forgotten was iiis successful efifort in securing the building of Hop-
kins boulevard from Lake Merritt to Foothill boulevard, which
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 197
lurnishes Oakland with a perfect thonjughfare from the heart of
the city into the beautiful valleys that lie to the southward of the
Bay cities.
Another notable line of Mr. Cobbledick's activity arose from
his great interest in poultry. For many years he kept a prize flock
of Barred Plymouth Rocks and other pure bred fowl. He was an
exhibitor at the Bufifalo and St. Louis expositions and many shows
of less fame, and on all occasions carried awav the highest prizes
awarded to poultry. He was also to have been an exhibitor and
official of the poultry division at the Panama-Pacific exposition, but
death frustrated this plan.
On the 20th of February, 1890, Mr. Cobbledick was married to
Miss Florence White, a daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth (Raw-
lings) White, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ho-
bart, Tasmania. Mr. White went from his native country to Aus-
tralia as a young man and there, following sheep-raising and mining,
ac(]uired a large fortune. He owned a large estate and palatial
home, known as Eurella, at Launceston, Tasmania. Thirty-five
years ago he went to San Francisco, and not long afterward came
to Oakland, where he established the California Jute Mill Com-
pany, which enterprise he successfully conducted for many years,
becoming known throughout the coast region as the "Bag King."
He died about 1889 and his wife passed away in 1904. Mr. and
Mrs. Cobbledick had two sons. Lloyd N. was graduated from the
Oakland high school with the class of January, 1914. He was pres-
ident of the student body of the high school and is now a director
in the Cobbledick-Kibbe Glass Company. The younger son, Wilson
R., is in the branch office of the glass cornpany which is maintained
in San Francisco.
The military record of L. N. Cobbledick was a long one for a
man of his years and notable in that during his fifteen years of mem-
bership in the California National Guard he won many medals for
United States army shooting. He was the organizer and captain of
the Boys' Brigade of the Eighth Avenue Methodist Episcopal
church and also established the Cadet Corps of the First Congre-
gational church, of which he was captain for many years. He was
a member of the First Congregational church and of its Men's
League. His death occurred February 18, 1914, after a serious
operation. He was confined by this for about six weeks and it was
believed that he would recover, so that the news of his demise came
as a great shock to his many friends and business associates. The
luneral was held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, under the auspices
198 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
of the Scottish Rite bodies. The pallbearers included Mayor Mott
and others of his lifelong friends. Mr. Cobbledick belonged to Rose
Croi.x and Brooklyn Lodges, F. & A. M., to the branches of the Scot-
tisii Rite and to Aahmes Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He was a
past president of Oakland Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden
West and belonged to the Woodmen of the World and the Oakland
Commercial Club. The nature, breadth and variety of his interests
showed him to be one of the most forceful and valued citizens of
Oakland. I'hrough his important business interests he contributed
to its material development and, prompted by his patriotic spirit,
he largely promoted the public welfare. His record is that of a
man faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in repu-
tation.
MAY H. SAMPSON, M. D.
Dr. May H. Sampson, since 1907 in active and successful practice
of medicine in Berkeley, is a native Californian, born in Mendocino
county. Her father, Eugene Sampson, was born in Maine and fol-
lowed a seafaring life for many years, coming in tiic bark Olive Jane
around the Horn to California in pioneer times. The mother was
also a native of Maine and a pioneer in California, having crossed
the Isthmus and come to this state at a very earlv date.
Dr. Sampson was reared in Mendocino countv and acquired her
preliminary education in the public schools. She afterwards en-
gaged in teaching there until 1895 ^^Iien she came to Berkelev, where
she followed the same occupation in the schools of this citv. Later
she took up the study of medicine, a profession which had alwavs
attracted her, entering Cooper Medical College, from which she
was graduated, M. D. in 19(^-6. In order to supplement her knowl-
edge by practical experience she served one year as interne in the
Children's Hospital in San Francisco, and then began the active
practice ol her profession, coming to Berkeley, where she has since
resided. In recognition of her knowledge of medicine and her skill
and ability in the application of it she has been accorded a liberal
and representative patronage and has gained a high place among
the leading physicians in the city where she makes her home. She
keeps in touch with the most advanced professional thought through
her membership in the state and county medical societies and has
remained always a close and earnest student of the medical science,
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY 199
the results of this study being evident in the excellent work she has
done along medical lines. Dr. Sampson is a member of the Friends'
Church and is well known in Berkeley, where her many sterling
qualities of mind and character have won her an extensive circle
of friends.
AUGUSTUS M. CHURCH.
Alameda county lost one of its public-spirited and progressive
citizens and successful and prominent business men and California
one of its pioneer settlers when Augustus M. Church died at his
home in Oakland, September i, 1889. He was a conspicuous figure
in the earlv development of the state and was for many years asso-
ciated with the interests of the bay country, his activities extending
to many fields and touching closely business, political and social
progress.
Mr. Church was born in Allen's Hill, Ontario county, New York,
June 19, 1816, and was a son of Lovett and Sally (Boyd) Church.
He spent the first fifteen years of his life in Richmond, New York,
and then began his business career, finding employment in a hard-
ware store in Canandaigua. He held this position for about one
year and then entered the postoffice as clerk. He afterward became
postmaster in Lockport. Niagara county, New York, and he dis-
charged the duties of that position until 1834, when he became
identified with the banking business through his connection with the
bank conducted by L. A. Spaulding. After two years in this capacity
he became clerk in the canal collector's office of Judge McKane and
in the winter of 1837-38 went to Chicago, where he sold out a stock
of goods for the Bank of Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, Michigan. When
this work was accomplished he went to Ottawa, Illinois, and there
became interested in the construction of the Illinois & Michigan
canal and also in the general mercantile business. In the same year
he removed to Berrien county, Michigan, and in the following
autumn to Bcllevue, Iowa, where he embarked in a mercantile enter-
prise, in which he met with gratifying success, becoming one of the
most prominent business men of the community. From Bellevue
Mr. Church removed to Whitmanville, in Cass county, and con-
ducted a hotel there until 1842, when he moved to St. Joseph, Mich-
igan, and managed a hotel for a number of years, during which
time he also engaged in trading. In 1841; he removed to St. Marv's
I
I
200 HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY
Rapids, where for eighteen months he conducted a hotel, after which |
he returned to St. Joseph, Michigan, resuming his former business, i
In the year 1849, attracted by the reports of the wonderful gold i
discoveries on the Pacific coast and of the quick fortunes to be made |
in the mines, Mr. Church joined a number of companions and j
equipped an outfit for the journey across the plains. On the 13th of I
August, 1849, the party arrived at Bear river and there called a halt I
for a brief rest, after which they proceeded to the mines on the Yuba j
river and Deer creek. In October Mr. Church and his comrades j
removed to the north fork of the Yuba and mined for a time at Good- |
year and Michigan bars. During this month three of the party pro- '
ceeded to the point where the town of Downieville, Sierra countx .
now stands. There in an incredibly short time they took out five
hundred dollars worth of gold and with elated spirits returned u>
their companions on Goodyear's bar, having decided to locate there ;
for the winter. Thev were prevented from doing any more work I
at their mine by the rain and snow which set in and accordingly :
returned to Sacramento to pass the rainy season. In the spring they ■
returned to the location only to find that every vestige of gold was gone |
and there were no prospects either for the present or the future. Mr. I
Church then decided to return home and after disposing of all his 1
effects found himself with eighteen hundred dollars more than when 1
he first came to California. This, however, was later stolen from
him, and eventually he returned to Michigan no better off than wlien ;
he left the state.
After his return Mr. Church remained at home until the spring
of 1851, when in company with Socrates Huff of San Leandro, with '
whom he had made the first trip, he again came to California. In •
the following winter with others he hunted in the hills back of j
Mission San Jose and from this expedition each of the party cleared |
three hundred dollars. In the following spring Mr. Church located I
a trading point at New Haven, now Alvarado, in partnership with ,
Henry C. Smith, and while a resident of this locality was elected to
membership on the board of supervisors, serving in 1852 and 1853,
when Washington township was a portion of Santa Clara county, j
It was during Mr. Church's residence in New Haven that Alameda '
county was created out of portions of the counties of Contra Costa :
and Santa Clara, and he was elected the first county clerk and j
recorder of the new county. He was connected with these otfices
as chief and as deputy for nine years, and his able service was fol- 1
lowed in 1867 by his election to the state legislature as representative
from .Alameda county. He served with tiie late John W. Dwindle
HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY 201
and during the period of his activity as a member of the assembly
gave his influence ahvavs to measures of reform and advancement.
In 1870 he again turned his attention to business, establishing a
mercantile enterprise at Healdsburg, which he then believed would
be the terminus of the San Francisco & North Pacific Railroad.
However, upon the granting of the franchise for the continuation
of the line to Cloverdale, the commercial prospects of Healdsburg
were shattered, and Mr. Church returned to his ranch in Murray
township, where he succeeded his former partner, Henry C. Smith,
as justice of the peace, holding that office for four years at Liver-
more. Mr. Church sold his estate in 1877 and took up his residence
in the city of Oakland, where in the following year he was elected
justice of the peace for Oakland township, an office in which he
served with marked abilitv as he did in all others which he was
called upon to fill.
In Berrien county, Michigan, in 1838, Mr. Church was united
in marriage to Miss Ellen Cronkhite, a native of New York. Mr.
and Mrs. Church became the parents of the following children:
Helen White, deceased; Sarah, now Mrs. Gill, of Santa Barbara;
William H., residing in Oakland; Rod W., of Piedmont, Alameda
county, and Lincoln S., of Oakland. Mr. Church was well known
in the Masonic fraternity and belonged also to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Society of California Pioneers. He
died in Oakland, September i, 1889, and was sincerely mourned
by a wide circle of friends. His life was characterized by unfalter-
ing loyalty in all of its important relations, and his honorable stand-
ards, his stanch honesty and his singleness of purpose, influenced
the history of California in many of its most important chapters.
WILLIAM R. GEARY.
William R. Geary, now filling the ofiice of justice of the peace
of Brooklyn township, is well known in business connections and
has his office at No. 607 East Twelfth street, Oakland, where, as
president, he controls the interests of the Alameda, Venice & Swim-
ming Baths Company. He was born in Oakland, September 25,
1876, a son of Maurice and Luella (Yates) Geary. The father
came to Oakland in 1875 and engaged in the teaming business to
the time of his death, which occurred fourteen years later, in 1889.
The son, reared in his native city, attended the public schools until
202 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
fifteen years of age, after which he pursued a course in a business
college at night. The day was devoted to work in a drug store until
1896, when he became collector and bookkeeper for the Hogan
Lumber Company and so continued until 1902, when he resigned to
become justice of the peace of Brooklyn township. He is now dis-
charging the duties of that position in a fair and impartial manner,
his course winning him high commendation. His business interests
too are of growing importance. He was one of the organizers of
the Alameda, Venice & Swimming Baths Company, of which he
has been the president since the 23d of October, 1913. In business
affairs he displays an initiative spirit, and his progressiveness is
winning him growing success.
In Oakland Mr. Geary was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide
S. Derby, the wedding being celebrated April 28, 1896. To them
were born five children: Edwin W. and Henry T., aged respect-
ively fifteen and thirteen years, now students in a parochial school;
Mildred E., eleven years of age, attending the College of the Holy
Names; George T., six years of age, and William R., Jr., a year
old. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church,
and Mr. Geary belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal
Order of Eagles and the Woodmen of the World. He is also con-
nected with the Commercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with
its purposes for the business development and substantial upbuild-
ing of the city. In politics he is now a progressive and stands at all
times for advancement in every relation of life.
GEORGE W. REED.
George W. Reed, one of the successful and prominent attornc}^
of Oakland and well known in professional circles as the senior
member of the firm of Reed, Black, Nusbaumer & Bingaman, wa>
born in Vassalboro, Maine, June 14, 1852. When he was four year^;
of age he was brought to the Pacific coast by his parents and up tn
the age of twelve attended the public schools of Oakland. Later he
was a student in the Brayton school and afterward enrolled in the
University of California, being graduated from that institution in
1872, at the age of twenty. Following this he began the study m
law and at the end of one year received the appointment of depui\
county clerk under iiis brother, Charles G. Reed, a position which
he iicld for four vears. He resumed his law studies at the end of
'^(&^^^rtUTr-/&^^.p^^
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY 205
that time and in December, 1879, was admitted to the bar of
California.
In 1880 he entered the office of A. A. Moore as law clerk and
held this position three years, after which he was admitted to partner-
ship, the firm name being Moore & Reed. This became one of the
important law firms of the city, the partners building up an extensive
and profitable clientage. Their association was dissolved when Mr.
Reed was elected to the office of district attorney in November, 1888.
At the close of his first term he was reelected, serving in all four
years and leaving the office with a record of unusually efficient and
conscientious service. Subsequently Mr. Reed formed a partnership
with ]\Ir. Nusbaumer and the firm of Reed & Nusbaumer existed
eleven years. The present firm is Reed, Black, Nusbaumer & Bing-
aman, the other members being P. C. Black, E. Nusbaumer and
J. W. Bingaman. This firm is connected through a large and con-
stantly increasing patronage with some of the most important cases
heard in the courts of California, and its strength and prominence are
growing year by year. Mr. Reed has in the course of a long pro-
fessional career attained a high place at the bar of California and
is numbered today among its foremost representatives.
Mr. Reed became the father of three children: Mabel Linden;
Clarence Munroe; and Russell Albert, who died at the age of twenty-
one years. Mr. Reed gives his political allegiance to the republican
party, and since he attained his majority has always lent his aid to
the advancement of that party's principles. He takes a strong
interest in public affairs and has held various important positions
of trust and responsibility, serving in 1900 as a delegate to the national
convention at Philadelphia which nominated William McKinley for
president, and in 1904, in the same capacity, to the national conven-
tion at Chicago which nominated Theodore Roosevelt. He was
again a delegate to the national convention in Chicago in 1908 which
nominated William H. Taft and in 1907 and 1908 served as chair-
man of the republican county central committee. He was a strong
supporter of Victor H. Metcalf when Mr. Metcalf ran for congress
and was a member of his congressional committee. For several years
he was chairman of the congressional committee of Joseph R.
Knowland, who was a member of congress from the third district.
In educational matters Mr. Reed is also active, now serving as
trustee for the Cogswell Polytechnical College of San Francisco, and
he was a director of the California School for the Deaf and Blind at
Berkeley for about ten years. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic
organization, being a member of Sequoia Lodge, F. & A. M., and is
206 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
past exalted ruler of Oakland Lodge, No. 107, B. P. O. E. In the
latter organization he acted as chairman of the building committee,
which succeeded in the face of many obstacles in building the Elks
Hall in Oakland. He belongs also to University Lodge, No. 144,
L O. O. F., and socially is affiliated with the State of Maine Associa-
tion and the Commercial Club. He is a man of varied interests, all
of which he has succeeded in making forces in progress, so that he
stands today among the men of Oakland whose activities have
influenced political, social and professional advancement.
H. L. WOOD.
H. L. Wood is president of the East Bay Home Builders, Incor-
porated, and as such is contributing much to the substantial develop-
ment and improvement of Oakland. He was born in Evansville,
Indiana, January 25, 1877, ^"^^ '* a son of H. B. and C. M. Wood.
In the acquirement of his education he passed through consecutive
grades in the public schools until graduated from the high school
of his native city with the class of 1896. He then went to Chicago,
where he entered the wholesale dry-goods house of Carson, Pirie,
Scott & Company, whom he represented as a salesman for three
years. He then returned to Evansville, where he opened a retail
grocery store, which he conducted until 1904. He then sold out
and came to Oakland, where he purchased the business of the Sunset
Cream & Butter Company in San Francisco. He remained there in
active business until 1906, when he lost everything that he had in
the fire.
Following that disaster Mr. Wood went to Vera Cruz, Mexico,
where he purchased a ranch and thereon conducted a general mer-
chandise store. At length oil was discovered upon his land and the
sale thereof made him immensely wealthy, but when the revolution
of 1 9 10 broke out he had to leave that country. He was shot eight
times while trying to get away from Mexico. Disposing of his oil
interests to the Southern Pacific Railroad, he returned to Oakland,
where he has since been engaged in the building business, and he
has erected thirty homes which he has sold on the installment plan.
On the 6th of December, 191 3, he organized the East Bay Home
Builders, Incorporated, of which company he is the president. One
hundred business men of Oakland arc interested in this company,
wliich iias been cstablisiu-ii upon .1 most substantial basis. Among
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 207
them are some who represent every commodity in the building busi-
ness, so that the company is in a position to build better homes for
less money than any company or firm that ever entered the same
line. Moreover, the men in control are thoroughly familiar with
every phase of the business, and they have eliminated all promotion
schemes or plans. The business has already been firmly established
and is growing day by day. The officers of the company, which is
capitalized for five hundred thousand dollars, are: H. L. Wood,
president; A. G. Rhodes, first vice president; C. U. Henderson, sec-
ond vice president; A. Alder, secretary; W. P. Stone, treasurer, and
Benjamin R. Aiken, attorney. On the board of directors are: H. P.
Briggs, Thomas J. Thompson, A. G. Rhodes, W. P. Stone, A. Alder,
H. L. Wood and C. U. Henderson.
In St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Bertha
Bridgeman on the 9th of May, 1903, and they have gained many
friends during the period of their residence here. Mr. Wood be-
longs to the Oakland Commercial Club, and he gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. In his connection with the
former he co-operates in all movements that tend to the upbuilding
and substantial improvement of his city and manifests at all times a
public-spirited devotion to the general good.
OTTO BECHTLE.
Among the men who by reason of their personal integrity, ability
and business enterprise have come to be regarded as representative
citizens and leading business men of Alameda is numbered Otto
Bechtle, who since 1906 has been engaged in the manufacture of
gas and electric fixtures in the city. He is a native of Germany,
born in Wurtemberg, October 3, 1872, a son of Max Bechtle, a
machinist by trade, who followed his chosen occupation in the
fatherland until 1907, when he retired from active life. His wife,
who was in her maidenhood Miss Christiana Geisert, also survives.
In the public schools of his native country Otto Bechtle acquired
his education, laying aside his books in 1886 in order to learn the
silversmith's trade, at which he became very proficient, following
it in Wurtemberg until 1892. In that year he crossed the Atlantic
to America and after his arrival in this country pushed westward
to California, settling in San Francisco in December. In that city
he engaged in the chandelier manufacturing business as an employe
208 HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY
in the San Francisco Novelty Works, a connection which he main-
tained for about one year, resigning his position in order to engage
in the same line of work with the Thomas Day Company. He
remained with that concern until 1906, when he came to Alameda,
where he established himself in business as a manufacturer of gas
and electric fixtures. Success has steadily attended his w-ell directed
labors since that time, and his business has expanded yearly, the
entire credit for its rapid growth being directly due to Mr. Bechtle's
enterprise, initiative and progressive spirit, guided and controlled
by his excellent business ability. He has now a large and repre-
sentative patronage, and this has been accorded to him in recognition
of the fine quality of the goods which he manufactures and his
straightforward and upright business methods.
Mr. Bechtle married Miss Elese Kurth, a daughter of John and
Marianna Kurth, natives of Sw^itzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtle
have four children: Freda, aged fourteen; Otto, eleven and a half;
Bertha, nine, and Albert, three. Always interested in the growth
and welfare of his home city and anxious to do his part in promoting
its advancement, Mr. Bechtle has identified himself with the North
Side Improvement Club of Alameda and the Chamber of Com-
merce. He is a member also of the Electric Association of Oakland
and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of Pythias, the Red Men and the Loyal Order of Moose.
He has made steady progress as the years have gone by and has
achieved a measure of prosperity which is most creditable, as it has
been gained by methods that have been ever honorable and upright,
winning him the respect and good-wall of his associates and friends.
FRED D. VOORHEES.
Among the foremost architects and engineers of Oakland is to
be numbered Fred D. Voorhees, who for about twenty years has
practiced his profession in this city. Buildings which owe their
origin to his genius can be found on every hand in the cit\, but of
late Mr. Voorhees has more closely confined himself to specializing
in school buildings and also acts as consulting architect.
A native of Rockford, Illinois, he came with his parents to Cali
fornia when but six years of age and was educated in the Oakland
and Vallejo schools. He began his career as an employe of the
Mare Island navy yard at Vallejo in the civil engineering depart-
HISTORY OF ALAIMEDA COUNTY 209
ment. In 1893 he began his private practice in Oakland as civil
engineer and architect. Among the early buildings for which he
drew plans are the Reed block on Clay street, the Havens block,
the Blake block on Eleventh street and the Woodman building on
Twelfth street, also the Tutt building on Thirteenth street, the M. C.
Chapman home and the famous home of W. Sharon at Piedmont.
His later work includes the Pacific building on Sixteenth and Jef-
ferson and the Powell hotel on Thirteenth and Webster streets. Of
late years he has made a specialty of school buildings, having drawn
the plans of the Manzinita school at Oakland and the Grove Street
school, also of this city. He also made the plans for the addition
to the Lafayette, Piedmont and Elmhurst schools and the Park and
Division school and the Fifty-fourth and Market Street school. He
also acted as architect for the Centerville and Vallejo high schools
and also for schools in Richmond, California. On account of his
ability along these lines he is often chosen as consulting architect
by his fellow workers and also by intending investors and by public
bodies, and has done work in that connection on the Lodi high school
of Lodi, California, and the Elks building at Richmond, as well as
for the supervisors of Alameda county. For a number of years he
was architect for the Fruitvale school district.
Mr. Voorhees was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Hunger-
ford Lewis. He is prominent in the Masons, being a Knight Tem-
plar, a Shriner and a Scottish Rite Mason. He is also a member
of the Elks at Oakland and a charter member of Oakland camp of
the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Oakland Com-
mercial Club and the Chamber of Commerce and his professional
affiliation is with the American Institute of Architects. A man of
progressive tendencies and public-spirited in the truest meaning of
the word, he interests himself as deeply in matters of public import
as in his own success, and his labors have been of distinct advantage
to Alameda county and the citv in which he makes his home.
CHARLES N. WALTER.
Charles N. Walter, assistant cashier of the First National Bank
of Oakland, entered the employ of that institution in an humble
capacity almost a quarter of a century ago and has worked his way
upward to his present responsible position. He was born in Oakland
on the 7th of March, 1872, his fatlier being William A M'altcr, a
210 HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY
native of New York. The latter became a California pioneer,
crossing the plains to this state in 1852 and being here engaged in
mining in the early days. Subsequently he became identified with
the wood and coal business, conducting an enterprise of that char-
acter at Oakland as the junior member of the firm of Shakespear &
Walter. Later he was associated with the Wells Fargo Express
Company at Oakland. As a member of the city council of Oakland
he did valuable and efficient service, proving himself a public-
spirited and enterprising citizen who had the best interests of his
community at heart. His demise occurred in February, 1893.
Charles N. Walter obtained his education in the public schools
of his native city and after putting aside his text-books spent two
years in the office of Wells Fargo & Company. On the ist of August,
1889, he entered the employ of the First National Bank as messenger
boy and has since remained in the service of that financial institution,
being steadily promoted as he has demonstrated his worth and
ability until he now holds the important position of assistant cashier.
He is a popular official of the bank and enjoys an enviable reputation
as one of its able and valued representatives.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Walter
chose Miss Lucy L. Drake, a native of Colusa, California. Their
children are four in number, namely: Elizabeth, Charles A., Ar-
thur G. and Edward M. In Masonic circles Mr. Walter is promi-
nent. On the rjth of March, 1894, he joined Oakland Lodge, No.
188, and has held all of the offices therein, serving as master in 1905
and now acting as secretary, while for two years he s-erved as
inspector of the district. He is likewise a member of Oakland
Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., and Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 2.
For a period of thirteen years Mr. Walter acted as clerk of the
local library board. He has spent his entire life in Oakland and
well deserves representation among its substantial and progressive
citizens.
HORACE E. SMITH.
Horace E. Smith is secretary of the Oakland Cremation Asso-
ciation. He was born in Bristol, Vermont, October 27, 1849, and
is a son of James Monroe and Martha (Lowell) Smith. At the
usual age he entered the district schools, which he attended until
eight years of age, when his parents left the Green Mountain state
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 211
and with their family removed westward to Sycamore, De Kalb
county, Illinois. There he continued his education in the public
and high schools until he reached the age of fifteen years, when, in
1864, he entered the United States army as a private, becoming a
member of Company D, One Hundred and Forty-first Illinois
Infantry, with which he continued for six months.
At the end of that time, the war having closed, he returned to his
home in Sycamore, Illionis, where he secured a position on the
Sycamore True Republican as "printer's devil." He applied himself
to the mastery of the business and later became a journeyman, so
continuing until 1877. He next made his way to Salt Lake City,
where he engaged as clerk in the general merchandising establish-
ment n{ John W. Lowell until 1879. In that year he came to Oak-
land and here engaged as traveling salesman for an Eastern text-
book publishing house, with which he continued for a year. On the
expiration of that period he returned to Salt Lake City, where he
again became clerk in the general merchandise store in which he had
formerly been employed. There he remained until 1884, when he
came to Oakland and again was connected with the text-book house
for a year. He afterward made his way to Los Angeles and became
secretary and assistant manager of the Los Angeles Daily Tribune,
with which he was associated until 1890. He then went upon the
editorial stafT of the Los Angeles Herald, with which he continued
for a year, and was next appointed chief clerk of the United States
weather bureau at Washington, D. C, acting in that capacity until
[894, when he was transferred to Oakland as inspector of the same
department. Here he continued until 1895, when he went to Los
Angeles and engaged on the editorial stalT of the Los Angeles Herald
until 1897. In that year he was appointed observer for the United
States weatlier bureau at Los Angeles, where he continued for a year
and was then transferred to San Francisco in the same capacity, so
continuing until 1910, when he resigned and purchased a ranch near
Martinez. California. A year later he disposed of that property and
returned to Oakland, at which time he became secretary of the Oak-
land Cremation Association, in which connection he still continues.
On the 30th of May, i88r, in Salt Lake City, Mr. Smith was
united in marriage to Miss Kate Hobson, who passed away seventeen
years later, on the nth of March, 1898. Mr. Smith was again mar-
ried on the 28th of November, 1906, in Oakland, at which time Miss
Emma Nicholson became his wife. He has a son, Edwin Lowell
Smith, thirty-two years of age, who attended the schools of Washing-
ton, D. C, Los Angeles and Oakland, being graduated from the
212 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Oakland high school with the class of igoo. He then spent a year
in dental college, and at this writing is president of Ye Liberty
Candy Company of Oakland. Mr. Smith's business and official con-
nections have made him widely known, as he has traveled from point
to point, sojourning in various sections of the country. His many
substantial qualities are widely recognized and have made him popu-
lar wherever he has gone.
ROBERT DALZIEL, Sr.
Robert Dalziel, Sr., a long-time resident of Oakland, whose busi-
ness enterprise has constituted the foundation of his growing and
substantial success, is one whose life record may well serve to inspire
and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when
determination and energy lead the way. Starting out in life with no
capital, he has gradually advanced to his present enviable position.
Mr. Dalziel was born in Paisley, Scotland, on November 8, 1836,
and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Smith) Dalziel. He attended
the public schools of his native land until fifteen years of age and then
crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling first at Brooklyn, New-
York, where he served his time as an apprentice to a plumber for
three years. On the expiration of that period he went to San Fran-
cisco and entered the employ of the San Francisco Water Company
in the capacity of plumber. After filling that position, for a year
he went to Sacramento, where he embarked in the plumbing business
on his own account. After six years spent in the capital city he sold
out and came to Oakland, opening a plumbing shop on Broadway,
between Fifth and Sixth streets. After six months he removed to
Eighth and Broadway, where he conducted business for two years,
and then located his establishment at Twelfth and Broadway, where
he continued for three years. He was afterward at Thirteenth and
Broadway, where he remained for six years, when he sold out. turn-
ing over his business to his children. In the meantime his patronage
had steadily increased. Each removal meant that he was seeking
more commodious quarters and a more advantageous situation for
the conduct of his trade. He built up a business of gratifying pro-
portions, his success being attributable in large measure to his enter-
prise and to the fairness and probity which characterized his deal-
ings at all times.
KOBKKT DALZIKL. Si;.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 215
In his native city of Paisley Mr. Dalziel was united in marriage
to Miss Agnes Smith, and they have become the parents of seven
children: Andrew, who is now president of the Dalziel-Muller
Company, wholesale dealers in plumbing supplies at San Francisco;
Robert, who is engaged in the plumbing business at Oakland and San
Francisco; Alexander, now living retired at Oakland; William, who
is connected with the plumbing business in Oakland; James, a mem-
ber of the Dalziel-Muller Company of San Francisco; Anstruther
Smith, living in Oakland, and Mrs. Margaret Smith Williams, of
Oakland.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian
church, to which they loyally adhere, and Mr. Dalziel is a member of
St. Andrew's Society. His political allegiance is given to the repub-
lican party, and his fraternal relations are with the Masons and the
Odd Fellows. He deserves much credit for what he has accom-
plished, and he has never had occasion to regret his determination to
come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which
he sought and in their improvement has made continuous advance-
ment. Ambition has pointed out the way, and ability and energy
have carried him forward to success.
TIMOTHY C. COUGHLIN.
Timothy C. Coughlin, newspaper writer and well known Ala-
medan, took up his residence in that city with his parents in 1892,
moving from Santa Cruz county. He was born in Springfield,
Massachusetts, February 17, 1872, his parents being Michael C. and
Margaret M. (O'Brien) Coughlin. His father, a native of Ireland,
was brought to the United States as a child and was educated in the
schools of the old Bay State. In 1868 he came to California by way
of the Isthmus of Panama and assisted in the building of the first
transcontinental railroad into Alameda county, via the Altamont
pass. In 1874 he went to Santa Cruz, becoming one of the pioneer
lumbermen of that section of the state. He later directed large lum-
ber industries in Humboldt and Shasta counties. His death occurred
in Alameda in 1903. His wife, a daughter of the late William and
Margaret O'Brien, of Springfield, Massachusetts, followed him to
the grave the same year.
Timothy C. Coughlin obtained his early education at Notre
Dame Convent, San Jose, and in the public schools of Santa Cruz
county. He continued his studies at St. Mary's College, Oakland,
21(j HISTORY OF AT.AMEDA COUNTY
from which institution he was graduated with high honors in 1893,
taking the degree of Bachelor of Science. Following two years' con-
nection with the San Francisco commission house of Henry Doyle &
Company, Mr. Coughlin took up news writing, joining the editorial
stafT of the Examiner. After two years with that paper he went to
the Morning Call, with which he continued for nearly fourteen years,
also doing work at various times during that period for the Oakland
Herald, Tribune and Enquirer. He retired from the Call editorial
staf¥ April 19, 1913, and two days later was appointed city clerk of
Alameda, the first political position he ever accepted and one to
which he did not aspire. As city clerk he won an enviable name for
himself by reason of his sterling, rugged honesty, fair dealing, all
around competency and incorruptibility.
Mr. Coughlin was married in San Francisco, February 17, 1909,
to Miss Mary C. O'Brien, daughter of the late John and Mary
O'Brien of Altamont. Two children, a son and daughter, have
blessed the union. Mr. Coughlin is affiliated with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, being a member of Oakland Lodge, No.
171. The high principles that have consistently actuated his life
have been such as to win for him the respect and esteem of all who
know liim well.
B. B. MASTEN, M. D.
Dr. B. B. Masten, who since 1906 has been in active and suc-
cessful practice of medicine and surgery in Oakland, where he is
numbered among the foremost representatives of his profession, was
born in Brazil, Indiana, in 1871, and acquired his early education in
the public schools of Lafayette, in the same state. He afterward
took a course in mechanical engineering at Purdue University and
then entered the L-niversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he
spent three years. At the end of that time he enrolled in Bennett
Medical College of Chicago and in 1895 was graduated from that
institution with the degree of M. D.
He came to California in 1896 but remained only a short time,
returning to Chicago and accepting a position as house physician
at the Palmer House. He did creditable and able work in that
capacity for a number of years, after wiiich, in 1905, he returned
west, locating in San Francisco. After one year's practice there he
moved his ollicc to Oakland and here he lias since huih up a large
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 217
and representative patronage, accorded to him in recognition of liis
unusual proficiency in his chosen field of labor. Dr. Masten belongs
to the National Medical Association and the state and county med-
ical societies and keeps in touch with his profession in its most
advanced phases. Everything pertaining to the medical science,
every new experiment, every different field of investigation and
research are of interest to him, and he himself has always remained
a close and earnest student, his powers developing with the years.
In Oakland he is regarded as an able, conscientious and reliable
phvsician and has the respect of his associates in the medical frater-
nity and the esteem and confidence of the local public.
FRED L. HANNA.
Fred L. Hanna, who has been in the service of the Santa Fe
Railroad for almost a quarter of a centurv, has worked his way
steadily upward from a clerical position to that of general freight
and passenger agent in Oakland, winning the last promotion on the
istof January, 1914. His birth occurred in Steubenville, Ohio, on
the 1st of May, 1869, his parents being-D. W. and Ella Hanna. He
attended public school in his native town until fourteen vears of age
and then came to Los Angeles, California, where he completed the
high-school course by graduation in 1888.
Mr. Hanna afterward embarked in the stationery business, but
sold out at the end of two years and secured a positiiMi as clerk with
the Santa Fe Railroad Company, in the service of which he has
remained continuously to the present time, winning gradual promo-
tion as he has demonstrated his ability and faithfulness in the dis-
charge of the duties entrusted to his care. Mr. Hanna served as-
traveling freight agent from 1901 until 1907 and subsequently acted
as traveling freight and passenger agent until the ist of January,
1914, when he was made general agent of the freight and passenger
department in Oakland. In this important position he has already
ingratiated himself with the officers of the road, as well as shippers
and the traveling public, by reason of the new ideas which he has
advanced and the improvements he has promulgated.
On the 24th of December, 1896, in Los Angeles, Mr. Hanna was
joined in wedlock to Miss Mary McAleer. He is a valued member
of the Chamber of Commerce and also belongs to the Commercial
Club and the Nile Club. In politics he is a republican, while his
21S HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTV
religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. In whatever rela-
tion of life he has been found he has been true and loyal to the trust
reposed in him and his career has been in conformity with a high
standard of conduct.
WILLIAM A. POWELL.
William A. Powell, a well known young attorney of Oakland,
was born in this city August 29, 1880. He is a son of Walter and
Anne B. (Denny) Powell, natives of England, who came to Cali-
fornia in 1865, the father going by way of the Isthmus of Panama
and the mother around the Horn in a sailing vessel.
William A. Powell acquired his early education in the public
schools of Berkeley and later attended the L'niversity of California,
from which he was graduated in igo2. He is a prominent athlete,
having been a member of the varsity track team in 19(^12 and from
that year until 1907 holding the Pacific Coast championship for
hurdling. He now engages in the general practice of law in Oak-
land and controls an important and growing patronage. Mr. Powell
is a member of the Athenian Club and is a democrat in his political
views. He holds a high place in his party's councils, as is indicated
by the fact that from 1910 to 191 2 he was chairman of the democratic
countv central committee and is now a member of the democratic
executive state central committee. Although still a young man, he
has already gained an enviable place in the ranks of the legal frater-
nity in this part of the state and will undoubtedly be carried forw ard
into still more important relations with professional life.
EDWIN H. MAYON.
Edwin H. Mayon, a representative and esteemed citizen of Oak-
land, has held the position of chief deputy county auditor for the
past four years and has made a most creditable record in that connec-
tion. His birth occurred in Pioche, Nevada, on the ist of Novem-
ber, 1877, his parents being Thomas C. and Nellie C. (Reed)
Mavon. The father, who was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Octo-
ber 14, 1S43, actjuircd iiis education in the place of his nativity and
there remained until 1S62, when he came to California and turned
HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY 219
his attention to mining, locating first in Marysville and subsequently
in Amador county, where he continued until 1875. He then went
to Central America and followed mining there until his removal to
Alaska, where he served as superintendent of the Apollo until 1900.
During the past fourteen years, however, he has lived retired in Oak-
land, being widely recognized as one of its respected and substantial
residents. It was here that he wedded Miss Nellie C. Reed, by whom
he has two children: George C. and Edwin H., of this review.
The latter attended the graded and high schools of Oakland until
seventeen years of age and subsequently spent eight months as a stu-
dent in the Aydelotte Business College. He then went to Alaska and
until 1897 "^^'^^ engaged as assayer in the mine of which his father
acted as superintendent. Afterward he made his way to Dawson,
Yukon Territory, and worked a claim until the spring of 1899, when
he went to Nome, Alaska, being one of the first miners there. In the
fall of 1899 he returned to Oakland, but in the spring of 1900 again
made his way to Nome, where he was engaged in mining for six
months. Subsequently he followed mining in the southeastern part
of Alaska until 1901 and then sold out, returning to Oakland. Froqi
1901 to 1904 he was engaged in mining in California, operating in
Tuolumne, Amador, Butte, Trinity, Siskin, Eldorado and Caliveras.
He was employed as bookkeeper in the office of the city treasurer
at Oakland from 1904 until 1908 and in the latter year became chief
deputy county auditor, in which capacity he has remained continu-
ously since, discharging his duties in a highly satisfactory and com-
mendable manner.
On the 4th of March, 1906, in Oakland, Mr. Mayon was united
in marriage to Miss Ella McLaughlin, by whom he has one child,
Elinor, now five years of age. He is a republican in politics and a
Protestant in religious faith and is identified fraternally with the
Woodmen of the World. Mr. Mayon is a wide-awake, energetic
and alert young man, and both he and his wife are highly respected
in the citv where thev make their home.
THE BOHANNON CANCER INSTITUTE.
The Bohannon Cancer Institute, under the management of G. C.
Bohannon, is an institution established for the scientific treatment and
cure of cancer and all forms of malignant and benign growths with-
out the use of the knife, burning plaster or X-ray. It is a large and
220 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
thoroughly equipped private sanitarium exclusively for the treat-
ment of cancer and tumor sufferers, and the men in charge of the
institution have been unusually successful along their special line.
Their experience in the treatment of malignant growths extends over
a period of many years, during which several thousand cases have
come under their observation. With the idea in view that there was
no reason why they, who have had experience in the treatment of
cancer and have made a special study of it, should not specialize in
this disease as others do in other branches of medicine, The Bohannon
Cancer Institute was established. It is only necessary to consult per-
sons who have been patients at the sanitarium to be convinced tliat
the services there are real and efficient and that the institution is
conducted in a manner which commands respect and approbation
from all who have come to knovv' about it.
The directors of The Bohannon Institute claim that cancer is a
curable disease and base these claims upon the success which they
have had in the treatment of it. Their scientific method utilizes many
different medicines in such a manner as to completely revolutionize
the treatment of all abnormal growths, either malignant or benign.
There is no one medicine that can be successfully employed in the
treatment of cancer, and this fact to a certain extent accounts for the
failures that have been made in the past in this branch of practice.
The Bohannon method is founded upon three facts, recognized today
by all regular schools of practice. First: Cancer in its incipiency
is always a local disease and not a disease of the blood. Second:
Cancer is a vegetating cell growth and in every instance invades the
tissues and glands by the process known as infiltration. Third: Can-
cer, to be permanently cured, requires the removal of the remotest
cell. Recognizing these facts, The Bohannon Institute employs anti-
cancer toxin, with a strong affinity for malignant growths, which,
being diseased and porous, offer it no response but absorb the medi-
cine instantly, leaving the sound tissue in a perfectly healthy and
normal condition. The advantages of this treatment are as follows:
( I ) it is a very rapid method. The patient only need spend a
short time awav from home; in many cases can be treated and return
home the same day; the busy man need not neglect his affairs; the
workman loses but a little time; the housewife is gone from her
familv but a short time.
(2) It is a moderate priced treatment. Cost of treatment in
every case depends entirely upon the extent of the growth and amount
of tissue involved.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 221
(3) It is a bloodless treatment. There is no loss of blood and
consequently no weakening of the system.
(4) It is a safe treatment.
(5) It does not produce violent inflammation, as usually accom-
panies the application of escharotics in general, hence
(6) Pain is minimized.
(7) It does not undermine the constitution.
(8) It does not rack the nerves.
(9) Patients are not required to remain in bed.
(10) It does not aflfect the heart.
(11) The appetite is not impaired.
(12) It may be used inside the mouth and on other mucous
surfaces.
This treatment, or anti-cancer toxin, is introduced into the afifect-
ed tissues by a hypodermic syringe and in this way the diseased tissue
is reached immediately and efifectively. The toxin attacks and kills
only the diseased tissue, having no effect whatever on sound and
healthy tissues. The Bohannon Institute is located at 1813 Univer-
sity avenue in Berkeley and is thoroughly equipped and efficiently
managed, being in the hands of a competent corps of directors, aided
by a staff of hospital trained nurses, trained also in this particular line
of nursing. The institution since its foundation in 1909 by G. C.
Bohannon, its present manager, has had a very prosperous career
and it treats an increasing number of patients year by year, its best
advertisement being its satisfied clients.
LINCOLN S. CHURCH.
Lincoln S. Church, a member of the firm of Snook & Church,
general legal practitioners in Oakland, was born in Alvarado, Ala-
meda county, California, May 12, 1865, a son of Augustus M. and
Ellen (Cronkhite) Church. He acquired his education in the public
schools of Oakland, and after he was graduated from the high school
studied law with J. C. Martin. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar
and began the practice of his profession. He rose rapidly to a posi-
tion of prominence and a short time after beginning his independent
career, or in 1889, was appointed prosecuting attorney for the police
court, serving for four years under District Attorney George W.
Reed, and being assistant district attorney for two years, 1895-97,
under District Attorney Charles K. Snook. He was afterward for
222 HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY
four years chief deputy in the district attorney's office. In 1899 he
formed a partnership with Mr. Snook under the name of Snook &
Church, and this has since become one of the sound and reliable legal
firms in the city, connected through an extensive clientage with a
great deal of important litigation. Mr. Church handles all of the
criminal cases and has made a wide reputation as a criminal lawyer.
Mr. Church married Miss Rosalia Clark, an accomplished mu-
sician, a native of California and a daughter of Marion Clark, who
came to this state in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Church have a daughter,
Esther. Mr. Church was for four years prior to January, 1903,
attorney for the public administrator. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, having taken the fourteenth degree according to
the Scottish Rite, and he is identified also with the University Lodge
of Odd Fellows and the Commercial Club. His record since starting
upon the practice of law has been marked by consecutive progress,
and his natural qualifications indicate that he will win still higher
advancement in his chosen field.
CHARLES LUTHER TRABERT.
The rapid rise of Charles Luther Trabert in the lumber business
is a splendid example of the value of specialization in the modern
commercial world, and it demonstrates also the importance of well-
directed energy, resolution and ambition as factors in the attainment
of success. AL-. Trabert has devoted his entire active life to the
lumber industry and has been associated with the various C. A.
Smith companies longer than anv of his business associates or em-
ploves, rising from a humble position to be secretary of all of the
great lumber corporations controlled by C. A. Smith. Mr. Trabert
is not only a lumberman, but a forester also, having made a scien-
tific studv of forestrv and liaving accomplished a great deal of con-
structive and important work along this line.
He was born at Ephrata, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1871, and is a
son of Rev. George H. Trabert, pastor of an English Lutheran con-
gregation in that city. He is of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock and of a
familv descended from a line of German burgomasters which can
be traced back to an ancestor who was a soldier under Gustavus
Adolphus. The father of the subject of this review is still active
in the ministry as pastor of the Salem English Lutheran church at
Minneapolis, Miimesota. He has reached the age of seventy years.
HISTORY OF ALA:\IEDA COUXTY 225
For more than forty years he has been a great individual force in
the advancement of the Lutheran religion in this country and has
accomplished a great deal of important work during that time. In
1883 he went to Minnesota as missionary for the Lutheran synod
and, with the exception of five years spent in Pennsylvania, has made
Minneapolis his home since that time. He has established English
Lutheran congregations in Duluth and Red Wing, Minnesota, Fargo,
North Dakota, La Crosse, Wisconsin, and many other cities, and he
was for years the only English Lutheran minister in the northwest.
His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Elizabeth Min-
nigh, is of mixed Pennsylvania-Dutch and English stock, an ancestor
of the family having come from Munich in 1622.
When Charles L. Trabert was still a child his parents moved to
Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and in that city he began his education,
later completing it at Minneapolis, where he attended the grade
school and later the Central high school for three years. He was a
member of the first manual training class in the Minneapolis schools
and was for three years a student in Gustavus Adolphus College at
St. Peter, Minnesota. Before he received his degree he was obliged
to lay aside his books in order to earn his livelihood, and the summer
after his last year at college he entered the employ of C. A. Smith,
with whom he has remained connected since that time. His first
position was in the office of C. A. Smith & Company in the Lumber
Exchange and his work consisted of drawing maps and plans. In
this way he became interested in the lumber business and gained
his first knowledge of standing timber, along which line he directed
his future interests and activities. Later Mr. Trabert was engaged
by Mr. Smith as tutor for his eldest son, Oscar Smith, afterward
killed in a street-car accident, and while holding this position he
traveled with young Smith to Florida and spent the winter there,
returning the next summer to Minnesota. Thev spent the season in
the Pine River district, living at the summer farm camp for the
logging crews, and Mr. Trabert went with the driving crews, thus
becoming familiar through personal experience with the various
details of practical lumbering. Mr. Trabert was afterward able to
arrange his work so that he took his final year in college at New-
berry College, North Carolina, from which institution he received
his degree of B. A. in 1894.
Following this he returned to Minneapolis, where he perma-
nently entered the employ of C. A. Smith & Company, then a part-
nership of C. A. Smith and former Governor lohn S. Pillsbury.
Mr. Trabert at once became connected with the timber end of the
226 HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY
business and rose within a year to be private secretary to Mr. Smith,
a position which he filled for seventeen years, gradually taking
charge of the financial side of the business. Mr. Trabert retained
his position as private secretary to Mr. Smith until January i, 1904,
when the C. A. Smith Timber Company was formed with a capital
stock of one million dollars. This company took over all of the
timber holdings of the former concern and moved its northwestern
headquarters and Mr. Smith's private offices from the mill in North
Minneapolis to the Andrus building, whence they moved in May,
191 2, to their present premises in Oakland, California. Gradually
the C. A. Smith Timber Company acquired interests in the west,
and the business grew so rapidly that subsidiary corporations were
formed to handle various phases of the western business. Of each
of these companies Mr. Trabert was made secretary, and he now
holds this position in the C. A. Smith Timber Company of Oregon,
a corporation with a capital of six million dollars; the Linn & Lane
Timber Company, with a capital of three million; the C. A. Smith
Lumber & Manufacturing Company, with a capital of four and
one-half million; the Smith-Powers Logging Company, with a cap-
ital of eight hundred thousand; the Inter-Ocean Transportation
Company, with a capital of five hundred thousand; the C. A. Smith
Fir Company, and six or seven minor corporations. As the Smith
timber was cut oft' in Minnesota and the interests on the Pacific coast
grew, Mr. Smith, looking about for a western location, decided
upon Oakland, for the reason that the five timber districts controlled
by the Smith interests — two fir tracts and one spruce in Oregon and
one redwood and one sugar pine and yellow pine tract in California
• — all are tributary to tidewater. He therefore moved all of his
interests to Oakland and established yards, a planing mill and a
box factory at Bay Point, which he has made the distributing center
of the concern. The company occupies nearly an entire floor in the
Syndicate building, on Broadway in Oakland.
For many years past Mr. Trabert has been interested in forestry.
or rather in what he terms "conservative lumbering." Mr. Smitli
placed Mr. Trabert in general charge of the forestry department
of his companies, and under his able management one of the best
forestry libraries in the United States has been collected. This has
been moved from Minneapolis and is now in Oakland. Mr. Trabert
spent a week with the late J. E. Defebaugh and others studying witli
Dr. C. A. Schenck at Biltmore, North Carolina, the methods of
reforestation employed there. He has written considerably on the
subject and has talked before numerous bodies in the effort to direct
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 227
public sentiment and to stir up interest in reforestation. He advo-
cates the abolition of prohibitive taxation of timber lands, his theory
being that the only way to get justice in this regard is to make the
public see that it is to its interests to get trees grown rather than
to have them sacrificed. Mr. Trabert is in direct control of the for-
esters in the employ of C. A. Smith, and while the company has
given up reforesting its Minnesota lands, several men trained under
Mr. Trabert's direction are now in the Minnesota service under
State Forester W. T. Cox. Mr. Trabert is a member of the National
Forestry Association, the National Geographical Association, the
Archaeological Association of America and kindred bodies. He
also belongs to the Oregon Conservation Association, and consulted
with the secretary of state of California in regard to the formation
of the California Conservation Association. He has frequently lec-
tured before the University of California and the Forestry Club on
the subject of forestry.
On the 2t;th of June, i S94, in Newberry, South Carolina, Mr.
Trabert was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Abney W'ells, a
daughter of Osborne Wells, a prominent planter of that city. The
father is a veteran of the Civil war, having served as commissary
officer in the Confederate army. He is still managing his estate,
which is on the outskirts of Newberry, partly within the city. Mr.
and Mrs. Trabert have become the parents of a daughter, Dorothv,
aged seventeen.
Mr. Trabert was well known in social circles of Minneapolis,
where he held membership in the L'niversity Club, the Interlachen
Club and in various other organizations, such as the Minneapolis
Choral Club, the Philharmonic Club, of which he was president,
and the Federation of Men's Church Clubs, of which he was a mem-
ber of the executive committee. He was a member of the Minneap-
olis bar, having received a degree in law from the University of
Minnesota in 1899, and he intends to ask admission also in Califor-
nia. In Oakland he has also become well known in community life,
holding membership in the Athenian Club and the Commercial
Club. In addition to this he is a director in the Chamber of Com-
merce and in the Young Men's Christian Association and belongs
also to the University Club of San Francisco. During his entire life
he has been active in the afifairs of the Lutheran church and during
his residence in Minneapolis was choirmaster of the vested choir of
the Salem English Lutheran church. He was one of the prime
movers in organizing the St. Michael's Lutheran church of Berke-
ley, which was incorporated September 29, 1913, and is vestryman
228 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
and choirmaster. He is a director in the Berkeley Ontario Society.
He belongs to the Sons of the Revolution, and his wife is treasurer
of John Rutledge Chapter, D. A. R. She is in addition a member
of Joseph Le Conte Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, and
is popular in the Wednesday Morning Musical Club, connected
with the Ebell Society of Oakland.
The ilmerican Lumberman, under date of June 22, 191 2, speak-
ing of the career of Charles L. Trabert, says: "Faithful allegiance
to an enterprise and faithful adherence to a principle bring man\
rewards. There is the satisfaction of having done good things well.
There is the success that certainly follows consistent thought and
action. In the lumber industry especially are many notable exam-
ples of men who have devoted their lives to the industry, or to some
particular phase of it, and who have been long connected with houses
of national standing. In some instances that connection began in
the early days of the enterprise, when its proportions were smaller
than they are todav. It is fair, therefore, to give these men credit
for having contributed a share toward the upbuilding of these par-
ticular concerns and the development of the industry in general.
It is the purpose of this article to indicate in a small way the part
that Charles L. Trabert, secretary of the various C. A. Smith com-
panies, has plaved in the operations of that great lumberman, and in
shaping public thought and policy regarding conservative lumber-
ing. No better example can be found of a man who has grown
with his company, whose capacity has kept step with his increasing
responsibilities and increasing opportunities for labor that would
count. In the rapid development of great industrial enterprises in
this countrv the pace often becomes too swift for the little men; by
the potential big man the pace is relished and accelerated. Mr. Tra-
bert began in a most humble capacity but quickly demonstrated his
fitness for larger responsibilities. ' In the development of the great
C. A. Smith operations he has done his share and is accorded proper
credit by his associates and fellow lumbermen."
LANCELOT RICHARDSON.
Lancelot Richardson is well known in railroad circles of ()akl:ind
as district freight and passenger agent of the Southern Pacific Rail-
road. He is a trustworthy and faithful official, standing high in the
estimation of his superior otficers, and is popular with the general
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 229
public on account of his courtesy and his readiness to oblige them in
every possible way. He was born in Princeton, California, August
17, 1863, a son of Lancelot and Catherine (Gardener) Richardson,
who were married in Maryland. The father was born in Lancashire,
England, and was there educated, coming to California in 1862 and
settling in Princeton, where he was engaged in mining until 1868.
He then went to Utah, where he operated coal mines near Coalville
until 1873 and thence to Vallejo, California, where he established
himself in the general merchandise business, continuing thus until
his retirement in 1877. He died in 1903. He was a popular mem-
ber of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
To him and his wife was born one child, Lancelot, of this review.
The latter attended the public and high schools in Vallejo until
thirteen years of age and then became a messenger for the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company, being after two years promoted to the
position of operator and ticket agent at South Vallejo and remaining
there until 1885. He was then transferred to Summit, California,
as agent, where he was stationed until 1886, then becoming assistant
agent at Rocklin, in which town he staid until 1887. Until 1888 he
was telegraph operator in the superintendent's office in Sacramento,
when he was appointed agent at Suisun City, where he remained until
1 89 1. In that year he became agent at Carpinteria, remaining there
until 1893, when he was transferred in the same capacity to Santa
Barbara, and there he acted as agent until 1905. From 1901; until
191 1 he was commercial agent of the railroad at Santa Barbara and
then became district freight and passenger agent at Oakland, which
position he now holds. His advancement has been steady, and he has
been constantly promoted to more important positions as his ability
developed. He stands high in the estimation of the railroad officials
because of his devotion to his work, his untiring energy and the tact
which he uses in transacting all business which comes under his
department.
In October, 1884, Mr. Richardson married Miss Harriet E.
Kitto, and they have two children: Elizabeth E., a graduate of the
Santa Barbara high school, the Berkeley Arts and Crafts School, the
State Normal and Training School and now a teacher in the Oakland
public schools; and Lillian B., also at home. Mr. Richardson is a
member of the Oakland Commercial Club and the Chamber of Com-
merce and can always be found in the front ranks with those men who
have at heart the progress of the city. Fraternally he is a Mason and
practices the principles of that brotherhood in his everyday life.
He is a member of the Traffic Club of San Francisco and the Atlicn-
230 HISTORY OF ALA .M EDA COUXTY
ian and Nile Clubs of Oakland. His political persuasion is that of
the republican party and in religious faith he is a Unitarian. His
career should serve as an incentive to the young man of today, for it
shows that ambition and perseverance lead to the goal of worthv
success.
PETER CHRISTENSEN.
No foreign nation has made better or more valuable contributions
to the cosmopolitan population of this great republic than the little
kingdom of Denmark, for the people of that land, coming to this
country in search of new homes and fortunes, invariably develop into
substantial, constructive, law-abiding citizens, who in most cases
make their marks in the world and contribute materially to the pros-
perity of the communities in which their activities are centered. A
good example of Denmark's excellent product was found in Peter
Christensen, a well known and popular contractor of Alameda, who
died suddenly on February 23, 1912.
Mr. Christensen was born in the rural district of Fredericia,
Denmark, June 21, 1845, the son of Peter Christensen, Sr., a well-to-
do builder in that vicinity. Until he was fourteen years of age the
son attended the public schools, and then became an apprentice to
learn the trade of joiner and cabinet-maker. At the end of his two
years of apprenticeship he went to work at his trade, and followed
it for fourteen years, or until he was twenty-eight years of age.
In 1875 Mr. Christensen decided to seek his fortune in the new
world, so bidding farewell to his home and friends he set sail for
New York. From that city he went directly to Wisconsin, the mid-
dle west at that time being the principal destination of the Scandi-
navian newcomers, but he remained in the Badger state only about
a year. Hearing of the opportunities for skilled artisans in the Bay
cities, he came westward and settled in x-^lameda. He immediately
found ample opportunity to ply his trade of cabinet-maker, and with-
in a comparatively short time he became a contractor and builder
on his own account. His business grew rapidly, and as proof of his
industry and success it may be stated that many of the finest residences
in Alameda and also business houses and schoolhouses were erected
under his personal supervision. He employed a large number of
nuMi in the execution of his contracts, and bv his honesty and integ-
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 231
rity and his straightforward dealing, he won the confidence of the
people of the city.
His prominence in business also brought him into the local
political limelight. He was a pronounced republican and sturdily
upheld his party's principles in and out of season. He was a valued
member of the city council and was serving his second term when he
died. Mr. Christensen also was prominent in fraternal circles, being
affiliated with the following ocders : Oak. Grove Lodge, F. & A. M. ;
Alameda Chapter, R. A. M., of which he was past high priest; Oak-
land Commandery, No. ii, K. T. ; Encinal Lodge of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was a past grand, having
been identified with that order for more than thirty years; and Ala-
meda Lodge, Loyal Order of the Moose.
On October 4, 1878, soon after his arrival in California, Mr.
Christensen was united in marriage with Miss Marie Nielson. They
were married in Alameda and there established their home. Mrs.
Christensen is also a native of Denmark and came to California as
a young girl. Her father was a prosperous builder in his native
land. To this union were born two sons: George W., now deputy
city clerk of Alameda, and William P., a machinist and stationary
engineer.
Mrs. Christensen has for many years been a member of the
Eastern Star and Rebekah lodges. She has held numerous ofiices in
both orders and has been made the recipient of high honors. In
October, 1910, she was chosen as the member from her Rebekah
lodge to receive the Chivalry degree, which was conferred by the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows at their convention held at Santa
Anna that year.
No higher compliment can be paid the memory of Mr. Christen-
sen than to quote the resolutions passed by the city council of Ala-
meda at the time of his demise, which are as follows:
IN MEMORIAM.
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to take from our midst the
HoxoR.MU.E Piter Christexsex,
who has faithfully served the city of Alameda as a member of this
Council for the past five years, giving ungrudgingly of his time anel
abilitv in both an official and unofficial capacity.
Resolved, That in the untimely death of Peter Christensen, the
citv of Alameda has lost a tried and faithful public official, the
232 HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUXTY
City Council a wise, true and upright advisor and the community an
honored and public-spirited citizen.
Resolved further, As a mark of respect to the memory of
Peter Christexsex
that the flags on all public buildings be placed at half-mast until after
the funeral of the deceased, that the entrance to the City Hall be
draped for a period of thirty days, that a copy of these resolutions be
sent to the family of the deceased and also spread on the minutes
of this body and as a further token of respect that this council do
now adjourn.
Adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda, this
23rd day of February, 191 2. E. B. BULLOCK,
Presiding Officer of the Council.
Attest: F. E. Bruwxixg. City Clerk.
Presented to and approved by me this 23d day of February,
191 2. W. H. Nov, Mayor of Alameda.
OLIVER D. HAMLIN, M. D.
One of the most prominent members of the medical profession
in Alameda county and one who has risen to the place of importance
which he now occupies through his own energy, industry and ability
is Dr. Oliver D. Hamlin, who for more than twenty years has
practiced his profession in the city of Oakland. He was born in
Alameda county, April 21, 1870, and is a son of Oliver Hamlin, both
his father and mother having been numbered among the pioneers
of California who came to the coast in 1849 by way of the Isthmus
of Panama.
Dr. Hamlin acquired his preliminary education in the public
schools of Alameda county and later attended Santa Clara College,
taking a general course and graduating in 1890. In the following
year he entered the Cooper Medical College of San Francisco and
received the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1894. January
I, 1895, almost immediately upon leaving college, he engaged in
active practice, his first connection being that of resident physician,
under Dr. Woolsey, at the Southern Pacific Hospital. He showed
marked ability and a decided liking for his duties and from the very
beginning preferred surgery to ordinary practice. Now, after his
years of experience, he finds it possible to devote almost his entire
time to that branch of professional work and is considered one of
DR. OLIVER n. HAMUX
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 235
the foremost surgeons on the Pacific coast. He began as assistant in
the Receiving Hospital and was later appointed chief division sur-
geon of the Southern Pacific Company. He is consulting surgeon of
the Providence and Merritt Hospitals and for a number of years
acted as surgeon of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institution of Berk-
eley. He was for six years president of the Oakland board of health,
although his membership in that body covered a period of eight
years.
Dr. Hamlin is professor of surgery in the Oakland College of
Medicine and Surgery and chief surgeon of the Alameda County
Emergency Hospital. Aside from his professional labors he has
prepared many papers on surgical subjects which have been pub-
lished in the leading medical journals and read at numerous meet-
ings of the local societies. For the years 1912 and 191 3 Dr. Hamlin
was honored with the office of president of the California State Med-
ical Society, which demonstrates the high esteem in which he is
held by his many professional associates. He is past president of the
Alameda County Medical Society, past president of the Alumni
Association of Cooper Medical College, and past president of the
Pacific Coast Association of Railroad Surgeons.
Dr. Hamlin married Miss Elizabeth McMahon, of San Mateo,
California, and they have become the parents of a son, Oliver D., Jr.,
who is attending the University of California. The doctor is promi-
nent in fraternal circles, being a member of the Benevolent Protect-
ive Order of Elks, the Nile, the Athenians, and the Claremont Coun-
try Clubs of Oakland, and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. He
keeps in close touch with the most advanced medical thought through
constant reading and research, is thoroughly devoted to the interests
of his patients and adheres steadfastly to the highest standards of
professional ethics. Those who know him personally find him a
genial and courteous gentleman and value his friendship most highly.
WALTER JOSEPH PETERSEN.
The present chief of police of Oakland is Walter Joseph Peter-
sen, who for many years has been connected with that department.
He is a highly trained, well informed, courteous officer, who is
eminently fitted for the important position which he holds. He
comes of Norwegian stock and was born in Jersey City, New Jersey,
on March 14, 1868, and is a son of Captain Henry U. K. and Amelia
2;56 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
(Bergner) Petersen. The father was born in Porsgrund, Norway,
and early in life took up seafaring as his profession. He rose through
the ranks and later became captain, having charge of several ocean
liners in the course of his career. He came to Oakland in 1871 and
from this port operated his own vessels up and down the coast, con-
ducting excursions between San Diego and Mexico. Both he and
his wife have passed away. In their family were five children, of
whom Francis and Laurette are deceased; Fred, another brother
of our subject, is an expert accountant, employed in the office of the
auditor of Alameda county.
Walter J. Petersen came to California in his early youth, attend-
ing the public schools in this state until he was thirteen years of age,
when he became a student in the California Military Academy, in
which institution he remained until sixteen years of age. He then
went to sea, as was the tradition of his family, entering the employ
of N. Bichard & Company of San Francisco, his first voyage being
on the bark Montana, on which he shipped as a cabin bov. The
voyage was to China and Australia, and he soon worked up to the
position of third mate. After two years on that line he entered the
service of the Dispatch line, with which he remained as officer for
seven months. He subsequently associated himself with his father
in making excursions between San Diego and Mexico and continued
so until 1894, when he became a carrier and later superintendent in
the Oakland postoffice and so remained for about four years. At the
end of that time he became a patrolman on the Oakland police force
and on January 12, 1898, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. On
June 7, 1899, he was made captain of police and in October, 1907,
became captain of detectives. He showed himself well adapted for
this work and so ably handled all cases intrusted to him that on June
I, 191 I, he was promoted captain of inspectors and on September 5,
1912. became chief of police, the duties of this office beginning on
October i. In regard to his activities as captain of detectives a for-
mer writer said :
"When Captain Petersen assumed his duties he took hold of the
office with the firm resolution of keeping the detective bureau up to
a high standard of efficiency. During his administration some of
the most important and intricate criminal cases in the history
of the country have come under his supervision. He has been called
upon to untangle some very knotty problems and there are not many
instances wherein he has failed to do so. His wide experience among
all classes of people has given him an exceptional opportunity to
studv human nature. He is not often wrong in weighing people's
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 237
motives, their weaknesses or their worth and generally has been able
to extract the truth from the evidence before him."
On October 20, 1887, Chief Petersen married Florence B. Fisher,
and they have three children : Ulric K., who is twenty-four years of
age and is foreman of the electric shops of the P. P. I. Railroad at
Beaverton, Oregon; Cedric W., twenty-three years old, who is an
attorney for the First National Bank and resides at Pleasanton; and
Roderick Paul, who is six and a half years of age.
Mr. Petersen is a progressive republican and is interested in pub-
lic affairs, but is not in any sense a politician. He stands, however,
for everything that is of value to the city and gives his ready support
to movements which have for their purpose the advancement of the
community. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason of the
Scottish Rite and a Shriner, is grand master of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen and belongs to the Woodmen of the World. His
religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and he belongs to
the Oakland Commercial Club and the Chamber of Commerce,
being thoroughly in sympathy with the purposes of these organiza-
tions. He is a useful and valued citizen, and his appointment to the
position of chief of police has met with the ready approval of all of
the residents of Oakland.
WILLIAM RANDALL ALBERGER.
William Randall Alberger, a man of action rather than of theory,
and yet a man whose plans are carefully formulated before being
promptly executed, is now traffic manager of the Tonopah & Tide-
water Railroad and vice president of the San Francisco-Oakland
Terminal Railway. He occupies a central place on the stage of
activity in connection with western traffic. He is both forceful and
resourceful; recognizes possibilities and utilizes them; plans out big
things and accomplishes them. He was born in Bufifalo, New York,
October 4, i860, and is a son of William Clendenin and Frances
Augusta Alberger. The father, also a native of Bufifalo, was born
in 1S36, attended the public schools and during the Civil war served
with the Forty-ninth New York Infantry, becoming lieutenant
colonel. He was mustered out in 1865 and turned his attention to
railroad building and operation, being thus engaged in various places
until 1885, when he came to Oakland. Here he practiced civil engi-
neering until IQ04, when he removed to San Francisco, wliere he
238 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY
continues actively in his chosen profession. He was married in
Buffalo, New York, on the 12th of January, 1858, to Frances Augusta
Tyron, and unto them were born five children: William R. ; Ida W.
Severin, of San Francisco; diaries R. ; Mrs. J. E. Dorry, of Detroit,
and one who has passed away.
The stability of the east and the enterprise of the west combine
in W. R. Alberger and have made him one of the giants in the west-
ern traflic world. At an early day he heard and heeded the call of
the business life. He did not even pursue a high-school course, but
entered at once into the world's activities and has learned his lessons
in the school of experience, where he has been a most apt pupil.
However, following his removal westward he was persuaded to enter
\\'illiam Jewell College at Liberty, Missouri, where he took a spe-
cial course.
His identification with railway interests dates from the early
'70s. and he has been connected with every department, save the
treasury department. In early life he was employed by the Hannibal
& St. Joseph Railway Company, in which connection he passed suc-
cessively through the positions of yard weighmaster, division store-
keeper and division superintendent's clerk. In 1881 he entered the
auditing department of the Santa Fc at Lawrence, Kansas, where he
remained for a longer period than in any other position, for his
promotions have come with rapidity, inducing many changes. On
leaving Lawrence he went to Ottawa, Kansas, where he was con-
nected wdth the mechanical and stores departments. In 1885 he
arrived in California and served first as freight and afterward as
passenger agent at San Jose, representing the Santa Fe. He was also
traveling freight and passenger agent at large and afterward excur-
sion agent and general agent of the Santa Fe Fruit and Refrigerator
line. He next became chief clerk to the assistant traflic manager,
was subsequently foreign freight agent and eventually general agent
at San Francisco. He was appointed to the last named position just
three days before the great fire. He passed that period which tried
men's souls and tested the mettle whereof they were made. The duties
of that position were not the onlv ones that devolved upon him at
that momentous period, for only a month before he had been placed
at the head of the Transportation Club and its quarters, too, were
destroyed in the widespread conflagration. In July, 1906, Mr. Alber-
ger became connected with the railway interests controlled by F. M.
Smith and has so continued to the present time.
The Time Card, a trade journal, says: *'He has seen railroads
grow from small, poorly ecjuipped and poorly operated properties
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 239
to the perfect systems of today. He has seen traffic-getting and rate-
making in all its phases. He has been through hard times, panics,
receiverships and paydays delayed four months. He has seen club
members develop from minor positions to general agents and higher
places. This experience has molded and made of Alberger the com-
posite all around railroad and business man that he is, and won the
higher regard of all those who have ever been associated with him.
Alberger's word and judgment are law with those who know of his
ability and achievements." Aside from being traffic manager of the
Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad in Nevada, Mr. Alberger continues
as vice president of the San Francisco-Oakland Terminal Railway
Companv. Again we quote from the Time Card : "Alberger is
largely responsible for the vast improvements in docks, extensions,
yards and general facilities planned by the big Key Route System,
which will involve many millions and serve to focus the eves of the
world on California. Alberger's has been a busy life. Even in his
cradle he was planning big deals, and his tireless capacity for work
is the marvel of his confreres. He tackles each problem with a fresh
mind and a keen zest, moving in an incisive way, and grappling with
complex issues as easily as with the simplest, apparently. He is a
born railroad man and organizer, and his life is so systematized that
even in his career as president and vice president of the Transporta-
tion Club, he had in short order perfected it into a working, resultful
band of hustling committeemen. That is Alberger's way. His ex-
ample is inspiring."
There are interests which claim Mr. Alberger's attention aside
from business, and not the least of these are his home and family.
He was married in Ottawa, Kansas, December 27, 1884, to Miss Ala-
meda Frances Stephens, and they have a daughter, now Mrs. Anna
A. Stanlev, of Portland, Oregon. His social nature finds expression
in his membership in various clubs. He belongs to the Oakland
Commercial Club, the Athenian Club, the Jonathan Club, of Los
Angeles; the Drug and Chemical Club, of New York, and the Ma-
sonic lodge. He is likewise a member of the Loyal Legion. His
greatest activity in the field of clubdom has perhaps been in connec-
tion with the Transportation Club of San Francisco, of which he is
a most earnest member. He was chosen vice president in 1906 and
through the two succeeding years served as its president. Another
biographer has said, in speaking of him in connection with the
Transportation Club: "Alberger is first in the alphabet — and first
in the hearts of his fellow club members — and as one of the pillars
of 'Borax' Smith's gigantic interests he is one of the men wiio control
240 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
tlie destinies of the Pacific slope. During his term as vice president
in 1906 and as president in 1907 and 1908 he saw some critical times
in its history. He is a ready speaker, always has a message of import,
is witty and humorous, and always loaded with facts and good stories
to make them more palatable and convincing.
"Always agreeable and afifable, he takes a pride in watching the
men who have grown up under his care or purview reach positions
of prominence. His friends make a line from coast to coast and from
the gulf to the great lakes. They know Alberger up in Alaska, and
in the British inner financial and commercial circles they know him
as one of the potential men of the Pacific coast — the theater of com-
mercial progress just now." Mr. Alberger is also a member of the
American Association of Freight and Traffic OiTicers. Like many
active men of the present age, Mr. Alberger does not scorn politics
as something unworthy of his notice. He is a republican and there
is no vital question relating to the party, its policy and its progress
with which he is not acquainted, nor are his religious duties neg-
lected, his membership being in the Episcopal church, to which he
is a generous contributor. The best thing to be said in the history of
W. R. Alberger is that he is still up and doing and to the activities
of the past will be added the accomplishments of the future, for in
his present railway connections there devolves upon him the respon-
sibility of carrying out the gigantic plans of railway construction
and development which will mean so much to the future of Cali-
fornia. His intellect, his energy and his executive ability, com-
bined with his technical knowledge, are concentrated upon projects
relative to the improvement of the harbor and transportation plans.
He can turn with ease to greet a friend and with equal readiness
take up the big projects which claim his attention. It is this concen-
tration upon the duty or interest of the moment that constitutes one
of the salient features of his remarkably successful and resultant
career.
JOHN A. COLE, D. C.
Dr. John A. Cole is now successfully engaged in chiropractic in
Oakland, California, having embraced this science after many vears
of careful study and after having reached the conclusion that it is
the method by which health may be restored in practically all cases
heretofore treated bv the drug and surgical method.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY -241
Dr. Cole was born in Barry county, Michigan, November lo,
i860, and after receiving his education in the district schools re-
mained on the parental farm until 1882. At the age of twenty-two
medical men declared that his life could not be prolonged a great
while, and he therefore decided to devote the years which were left
to him to the study of and search for health. His travels in this
quest led him to all parts of western United States and he remained
in Missouri for a short time before returning to his Michigan home.
The latter part of the year 1SS2 and the year 1883 Dr. Cole devoted
to the study of medicine under a brother-in-law, who was located
in Kent county, Michigan. He later completed a business course in
Professor Parson's Business College at Kalamazoo, but in 1892 went
to Valley City, North Dakota, where he was engaged in telephone
work. In 1901 he was engaged in the same line of work in Lewiston,
Idaho, but during all these years gave most of his attention to the
state of his health. He studied the various methods of drugless cures
for diseases and in the spring of 1902 returned to North Dakota,
where he remained for two years. In 1904 he went to Reno, Nevada,
and lived in the mountains for four years, conducting experiments
with nature cures, and continuing his studies, also cooperating for
a part of that time with Dr. J. P. Bean and becoming more and more
convinced of the value of drugless methods for the cure of disease.
In the fall of 1907 Dr. Cole located in the mountains, returning to
California, where he built a cabin, studying nature and successfully
demonstrating to himself a nature cure and studying Professor Bab-
bit's philosophy of light and color. In February, 19 10, he took an
eastern trip and remained in that section of the country until June,
when he went to Davenport. Iowa, and after a thorough investiga-
tion enrolled in the Palmer Sch(H)l of Chiropractic, chiropratic's
fountain head.
To better understand the full meaning of this treatment and its
import we quote what Dr. Palmer says himself as to chiropractic:
"Chiropractic is the knowledge (not theory or belief) of philosophy
of cause of disease, the science of knowing how and the art or ability
to adjust it. The human brain is the dynamo where life currents are
concentrated. The spinal cord and nerves are the purveyor of
this mental force. If brain absorbs, spinal cord conveys, nerves
transmit, and tissues, organs and viscera receive this life current.
Health is the product. Body plus life equals health. Body minus
life equals death. Disease is the abnormal fluctuation between these
two quantities caused by varying degrees of pressures upon nerves,
interfering with transmission. A chiropractor knows win. where
242 HISTORY OF ALA.MEDA COUNTY
and how to remove the 'pressure' and permit currents to continue
transmission for the purpose of reconstructing disease to health.
Health is the restoration of currents — not the stimulation or dinumi-
tion of how little does exist. Stop taking drugs; they are unneces-
sary. Avoid the knife; it is useless in ninety-five per cent of cases.
If sick, no matter what or where your ailment (mild or severe),
investigate. We can prove that chiropractic is right and applicable
to your case. Consultation and spinal analysis free."
In September, 191 1, Dr. Cole completed his studies. He came
to Oakland about November ist, 191 1, and engaged as a practitioner,
having ever since continued therein. Many have come to him, and
he has seldom failed to obtain results by applying his method. Being
himself an example of nature's cure of disease he can more readily
understand his patients and has a sympathetic understanding of their
ailments. He has adjusted many complicated cases where the patients
themselves had despaired of ever regaining health, but soon those
v\'ho intrusted themselves to his able hands found to their own aston-
ishment that a turn for the better had set in and soon they were on the
high road to recovery.
Dr. Cole is politically independent, preferring to follow his
own judgment and supporting those candidates whom he considers of
greatest value to the public without taking cognizance of their partv
affiliation. For twenty-eight years he has been a member of Unity
Lodge, No. 407, I. O. O. F., of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Within but
a few vears chiropractic has come to the fore in a most remarkable
way, and it is nKire and more accepted by the general public.
GEORGE E. DE GOLIA.
Investigation into the business, political and legal history of
Alameda county indicates the prominence of George E. De Golia,
whose position is one of honor and distinction. Energy and perse-
verance, keen mentality, clear insight, laudable ambition and strong
purpose have carried him tt) his present position. His is the record
of a man whom California is proud to claim as a native son, and
he was born in Hangtown, now Placerville, on the 3d of May, 1857,
his parents being Darwin and Lavinia (Baldwin) De Golia. His
father was one of the early gold seekers, coming to California in
1849. As the \ears passed on he won place among the influential
citizens of Placerville and for years was proprietor of the Placer-
(:kok(;k kllis dk golia
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTV 245
ville Republican., In community affairs he exerted a wide and
beneficial influence, and his name is inscribed deeply on the pages
of the history of El Dorado county and Placerville, in which city
he made his home until 1873, when he moved to Oakland so that his
children could attend the State University.
After attending the grammar and high schools of Placerville,
George E. De Golia became a student in the Universitv of Cali-
fornia, from which he was graduated in June, 1877, with the degree
of Bachelor of Philosophy. His early environment had to do with
the rugged conditions of pioneer times, when California was the
home of gold seekers, manv of whom were adventurers — men with-
out principle, caring for naught save the gold which they might
secure, honestly or otherwise. Among all these, however, was a
little percentage of substantial citizens, who laid the foundation for
the present prosperity and progress of this great commonwealth. In
preparation for the practice of law George E. De Golia began
reading in the oflice of Vrooman & Davis, the senior partner being
recognized as a most brilliant member of the bar and an influential
republican, occupying a position of leadership in political ranks for
many years. Through this association he became well acquainted
with Leland Stanford, John F. Swift, Stephen T. Gage, Governor
Henry T. Gage, Edson Adams, Henry Carpentier and many other
well known citizens of Alameda county and the state. On the retire-
ment of Mr. Vrooman from politics Mr. De Golia became the repub-
lican leader in Alameda county.
In the meantime, in his early manhood, after completing his
preliminarv reading, Mr. De Golia was admitted to practice upon
e-xamination before the supreme court of California, November 10,
1879, and was admitted to practice before the United States district
courts, August 24, 1888, the United States circuit court. May 22,
1889, and the United States supreme court, October 1 1, 1904. After
he began his professional career he became associated with Henry
Vrooman and so continued until the latter's death in 1889, the part-
nership between them being thus terminated. Since then he has
practiced alone and has won for himself a foremost position as a
representative of tlie bar. The consensus of public opinion places
him in a position of leadership among the distinguished lawyers
of the state. He is the representative of a number of large cor-
porations and of many of these is a director. The number includes:
the Bank of Germany, the Fresno Cactus Nursery Company and the
Montana Smelting Comp^'iv, of all of which he is a director. The
Theo Gier Corporation; tiie .Meeker Land Company; and a number
246 HISTORY OF .\LAMEDA COUNTY
of mining companies. Mr. De Golia, while. having financial inter-
ests in many of these important industrial, commercial and financial
enterprises, displaying sound judgment as a factor in their control,
regards his law practice as his real life work, and his comprehensive
study of the science of the profession and his familiarity with
precedent and principle have gained him the distinguished honors
tvhich have deservedly come to him.
On the 23d of June, 1883, Mr. De Golia was united in marriage
to Miss Carrie B. Rabe, and both are well known in social circles
of Oakland. Mrs. De Golia is a daughter of William Rabe, an
early settler of San Francisco, who with other influential citizens
was sent to Washington to aid in influencing the support of a bill
to assist the building of the railroads over the mountains to connect
with California. Mr. and Mrs. De Golia have two children, George
E. and Mrs. Challen R. Parker, both of Oakland. Throughout his
entire professional career Mr. De Golia has taken active interest, as
previouslv indicated, in the political situation and has long been a
potent force in molding public thought and action in this section
of the state. He was assistant district attorney of Alameda county
from 1883 until 1889, his record in this position indicating not only
his legal abilitv but his marked public spirit. For a number of
vears, beginning in the latter part of the '80s and extending through
more than a decade, he controlled republican activity, dictating the
policies of the party with an understanding that rose from compre-
hensive study of the situation as well as keen insight into the great
state and national issues. Toward the close of the century, how-
ever, he gave up his political activity to devote himself entirely to
his legal interests, which were of growing extent and importance.
During his entire career he has accepted no office for himself except
that of assistant district attorney under Judge Sam T. Hall from
1883 until 1889.
Mr. De Golia has been very prominent also in promoting social
and fraternal interests of county and state. He organized the local
lodge of Elks, was honored with the position of exalted ruler and
is now president of the Elks Hall Association. He induced the
order to purchase its present location at a cost of forty-five thousand
dollars, a property which is now worth many times that amount. He
gave two years of his time to the interests of Elkdom in California.
He worked for the clean and wholesome interests of the organization
and succeeded in phuing it in California on the high plane which it
occupies today. He caused the old Elk Lodge of San Francisco to
lose its charter, and the lodge was reorganized on a basis that every
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 247
where commands respect. For three years at intervals he was dis-
trict deputy of the Elks. He was also one of the organizers and
directors of the Claremont Country Club and aided in selecting the
site of its present building. He was a charter member and the first
secretary of the Athenians, and in Masonry he has attained the
Knight Templar degree and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He
greatly enjoys outdoor life and all manly athletic sports, finding
recreation and pleasure in tennis and golf especially. In every rela-
tion of life and in every activity he is strong and purposeful. His
interests have been wide and varied and have largely been of a
character that has contributed to public progress. What he has
accomplished has worked for the benefit of the community and for
public welfare, and he stands as a splendid representative of that
profession wliich the public has rightfully come to regard as the
conservator of the life and liberties and the rights of the individual
and the community.
WILLIAM M. MENDENHALL.
The last word in one of the most momentous chapters in the his-
tory of California was written on November 21, 191 1, when William
M. Mendenhall, only survivor of the original Bear Flag party and
one of the earliest settlers in Alameda county, passed away. He was
a conspicuous figure in the early settlement of this part of the state
and a leader in its later development, a man of such loyal and reso-
lute faith in his adopted region that after his arrival here on Christ-
mas Eve, 1845, he never again turned his steps eastward. Through-
out a life of important accomplishment, closely connected with some
of the most representative industries in the state, Mr. Mendenhall
adhered steadily to high and worthy ideals, and his death deprived
California of one of her honored and valued citizens and one of her
earliest and greatest pioneers.
William M. Mendenhall was born in Xenia, Ohio, April 22,
1823, and spent his youth and early manhood in the east. In July,
1845, he and nine others met at Independence, Missouri, laid in a
supply of food and with horses and mules started across the plains to
California. After an eventful journey, during which they encoun-
tered many hardships and obstacles, including trouble with the In-
dians, the party arrived safely at American river, California, reach-
ing this point on Christmas Eve. Mr. Mendenhall first worked in
248 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
the lumber mills in the Moroga red woods in Alameda county, con-
tinuing thus until the troublous conditions throughout the state made
it necessary for him to take refuge at Sutter's Fort, where a large
party of Americans had gathered for protection. When the Bear
Flag was raised in June, 1846, Colonel John C. Fremont, then on his
way to Oregon, was informed of the conditions in California and
immediately returned. He was soon afterward joined at Fort So-
noma by a small company, of which Mr. Mendenhall was a member.
In the meantime a man-of-war had been sent by the federal -govern-
ment to San Francisco Bay with the stars and stripes at the masthead.
The war craft brought an American flag to Sutter's Fort and as the
Bear Flag was hauled down and the national colors run up the little
band in the garrison saluted it with cheers and at once began plans to
place the whole state under the sovereignty of the American common-
wealth. General Fremont, at the head of one hundred and seventy
men, started to take the state by march, going through to San Diego
and wresting control from the Spaniards without the loss of a man.
Mr. Mendenhall was a member of that historic party and witnessed
the stirring events which gave California to the United States. Fol-
lowing the close of hostilities he engaged in business in San Francisco
and after his marriage, in 1847, lived in Santa Clara county, where
he raised stock on an extensive scale. In 1853 he disposed of all his
interests there and went to Contra Costa county, where he operated
a stock ranch for fifteen years. At the end of that time he purchased
twelve hundred acres of land on the present site of Livermore, subse-
quently selling all but four hundred and eighty acres, upon which
are situated the celebrated springs known as Mendeniiall Springs,
where there was for years a popular health resort.
Mr. Mendenhall was the founder of the town of Livermore,
which stands upon a tract of land which he formerly owned. In 1869
he laid out the town site on a six hundred acre tract, gave the grounds
for schools and all public utilities, roads, etc. He erected Livermore
College on seven acres of land and maintained the institution from
his private means for several vears, during which time his interests
extended also to many other fields of public and social development.
With a faith that never wavered he watched the growth and prog-
ress of his city, leading in all measures to promote its material and
moral advancement, cooperating heartily in all progressive public
projects and making the weight of his influence a potent force in
growth. He did capable and farsighted work in various positions
of public trust and responsibility, making an enviable record during
the eight vears of his service as town trustee of Livermore. Tn the
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 249
city which he founded he built a beautiful nine thousand dollar
home and there resided until his death, which occurred November
21, 191 1.
In Santa Clara county, in 1S47, Mr. Mendenliall was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Allen, who had crossed the plains with
her parents in the previous year, her father, David Allen, being a
pioneer settler of California. Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall were the
first American couple to be married south of the Sacramento river.
They became the parents of nine children: James M. ; Elizabeth,
the wife of Curtis H. Lindley of San Francisco; Emma, who married
James N. Block of the same city; Ella, now Mrs. G. \V. Langan of
Oakland; David A.; William W. ; Oswald V.; Etta, who married
Fred A. Carrick; and Asa V.
Mr. Mendenhall was a democrat in his political views and
always a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of that
party. In the early days he was a member of the Vigilante committee
of Contra Costa county and belonged to the Society of California
Pioneers. He was a splendid representative of those brave and hardy
men who faced the dangers and privations of life on the frontier,
whose energies and indomitable purpose aided in the building up of
a great commonwealth and whose dauntless spirit lives today in the
works thev have left behind.
VICTOR REITER.
Victor Reiter, the popular manager of the Hotel Oakland of
Oakland, has had an interesting career, connecting him with two
continents. He was born in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, April
14, 1866. a son of Valentine and Annie L. (Leyers) Reiter. His
father was born and educated there in the public schools and the
gvmnasium. Subsequently he devoted himself to general mercantile
pursuits. He died in his native country.
\Mctor Reiter attended the grammar schools and the gymnasium
in Luxeniburg until sixteen years of age. He then went to Versailles,
France, where lie entered the Eyceiun, from which he graduated at
the age of nineteen. At the end of that period he went to Pari.-, con-
necting himself with his cousin, who nwncd the Peter Hotel, in order
to learn the business. He remained with him until iS8g, when he
had charge of the Palais de rAlimentation at tiie Paris Exposition of
that vear. Seeking new fields to coiujuer, Mr. Reiter then came to
250 HISTORY' OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
New York city, where he managed the outside catering department
of the Dehnonico until 1891 and then made his way to San Francisco,
becoming assistant manager of the Palace and Fairmont Hotels.
He so continued until June, 19 13, when he accepted the position of
manager of Hotel Oakland. Mr. Reiter is very popular and
thoroughly conversant with all the details of hotel and restaurant
business. His connection with some of the foremost institutions of
that kind in the world well fits him for his present position. Although
he has been in charge of the Hotel Oakland but a year, marked
improvements have taken place since he has become the head of the
establishment.
On the 14th of November, 1896, Mr. Reiter married, in San
Francisco, Miss Augusta Pages, and they have one son, Victor Pages,
ten years of age, who is attending school. Although Mr. Reiter is
not active politically, he takes part in all public movements under-
taken in the interest of the city. He displays marked energv and
determination in his business affairs and has succeeded in life because
of persistent, energetic and honorable efifort.
FRANK W. FROST.
Frank W. Frost holds important offices with a number of trans-
portation and public utility companies, being particularly known
in connection with the San Francisco-Oakland Terminal Railway,
of which he is assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. He was born
in San Francisco, California, April 29, 1867, and is a son of Horatio
and Mary Frost, the former born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
in October, 1821. The father was educated there and later went to
Boston, Massachusetts, where he was engaged in painting and con-
tracting until the spring of 1850. Being attracted to San Francisco
by the stories of great riches which were to be gained in California,
he made his way to the Golden Gate via the Isthmus of Panama and
engaged in mining at Placerville until 1852. He then returned to
San Francisco and again devoted himself to painting and contracting,
being very successful along that line of business until he retired in
1887. He was actively interested in the vigilantes movement. He
died in 1889. He was a charter member and one of the founders of
the Mechanic's Institute of San Francisco. His political allegiance
was given to the republican party, and his religious faith was that of
the Unitarian denomination. He was one of the founders of Star
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 251
King church and was deeply interested in its work. Mr. Frost, Sr..
married in San Francisco Miss Mary L. Wadhams. They had three
children : Charles H., Frank W. and Horatio T.
Frank W. Frost attended the public schools until seventeen years
of age, when he entered upon his active career, becoming an office
boy with Sullivan & Ravekes, wholesale paint and oil dealers. He
subsequently was shipping clerk for this firm, remaining with them
for four years. He then held a similar position with the Overland
Packing Company for three years. Resigning this position, he was,
until 1893, teller in the money order department of the San Francisco
postoffice and then removed to Oakland, accepting a position as
receiving teller and assistant secretary for the Oakland Consolidated
Street Railway Company. He remained as such until the latter
company consolidated with the Alameda, Oakland & Piedmont Elec-
tric Railway and the Central Avenue Railway under the name of
Oakland Transit Company on March 21st, 1898. Mr. Frost became
assistant secretary, remaining in this position until 1910. when he was
elected secretary, which office he held until March 21, 1912, when
this firm consolidated with the East Shore & Suburban Railway
Company and the California Railway, the new company becoming
the San Francisco-Oakland Terminal Railway, of which Mr. Frost
became secretary and treasurer, retaining these offices until January,
1 9 14, when the property was taken over by other interests, he being
given the offices of assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. He has
since held these important positions and is one of the important
factors in the successful operation of this road. His long and varied
experience* makes him valuable to his company, and he is recognized
as one of the most expert men in transportation matters on the coast.
He is also secretary and treasurer of the Union Water Company, sec-
retary of the United Properties Company, secretary of the United
Light & Power Company, secretary of the Oakland Railways and
secretary of the Oakland Terminal Company.
On the 26th of February, 1895, ^^^- Frost married Aletta Garret-
son, and to them were born three children: Harlan G., eighteen
years of age, who is attending high school; Dudley, fourteen, and
Phyllis, both attending the public schools. Mr. Frost is a member
of the Transportation Club of San Francisco and the Oakland Com-
mercial Club. He is deeply interested in the growth and trade
progress of his city and county and stands in the front ranks with
those men who have at heart the expansion and advancement of their
city. Politically he is a republican, and his religious adherence is
given to the I7nitarian church. He is connected fraternally with the
252 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Woodmen of the World and is very popular in social circles of his
city. As a business man he ranks high and, while he has attained
individual success, he has also been a factor in the upbuilding of
Oakland.
SUSAN J. FENTON, .M. D.
Among the prominent women physicians of the state of California
is Dr. Susan J. Fcnton, of Oakland, who for many years has prac-
ticed in this city with ever increasing success, being accorded an
extensive practice. She has also always taken a deep interest in
the public welfare and in charitable work and has done much
toward promoting the health of children and the sanitary condi-
tions under which they live, being fully cognizant of the importance
of giving to the coming generation the best possible chance in life
She is deeplv interested in civic improvement of anv kind and in
that line is connected with a number of effective organizations which
make it their aim to improve the government and remedy antiquated
measures or bring to a realization new proposals, the wisdom of
which cannot be so quickly discerned by the general public as it is
recognized by those who make a particular study of the needs of the
people.
Dr. Fenton is a native of Pennsylvania and came to California in
1874, graduating in medicine from Hahnemann Hospital College
of San Francisco in 1889. She had, however, previously been in
Oakland, having served for one year on the staff of Fabiofa Hospital,
returning to the same institution after her graduation and remaining
for five years, at the end of that time opening an office on Fourteenth
street, Oakland, wiiere she remained for two years. Recognizing the
advantages of studying European methods, she then went, in [896,
to Berlin, Germany, there pursuing her studies under the most
famous surgeons of the capital. Ever since she returned she has
g'wcn herself to her extensive practice. Sympathetic of nature, she
inspires in her patients that confidence which means half a cure and
to many families has become more than the mere physician, being
considered the truest and most unselfish family friend. Dr. Fenton
is still a member of the staflf of Fabiola Hospital of Oakland. She
is a surgeon of fine ability and is probably the only woman in the
county proficient in the many branches of the science of surgery.
She specializes in gynecology and has operated extensively and most
successfully along that line.
HISTORY OF ALA^IEDA COUNTY 255
Along professional lines the Doctor is a member of the California
State and Alameda County Medical Societies, taking a prominent
part in their meetings and keeping in touch with the latest discoveries
in the world of medical science through meeting her fellow workers.
She is also a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy.
She has taken a most helpful part in civic afifairs during her long resi-
dence here and is a director in the Associated Charities of Oakland.
She is also a member of the public welfare committee and president
of the Children's Welfare Club. She has always taken an active
part in all matters pertaining to the well-being of the children and
takes her memberships and offices most seriously, advocating meas-
ures which she deems beneficial and formulating new plans in order
to attain her ends. As a member of the Public Service Club she is
interested in and active in good government. The city of Oakland
has in an immeasurable degree profited by her labor, and Dr. Fenton
has therefore well earned the esteem and appreciation which is
accorded her. Essentially a practical woman, she is a physician of
more than average ability, natural talent and wide experience and
is also a public-spirited citizen, ever enlisting her powers and abili-
ties in support of movement that make for the betterment of con-
ditions.
BURG BROTHERS.
The city of Richmond finds progressive and enterprising repre-
sentatives of its business interests in C. H. and E. J. Burg, compris-
ing the Burg Brothers Company, Inc., controlling large and import-
ant real-estate interests in the vicinity. They are the largest real-
estate operators in Richmond, and their business has grown frt)m a
humble beginning to its present great proportions.
Both brothers are natives of Sweden and E. J. came to California
in 1884, C. H. following in 1889. They have been interested in the
real-estate business during practically all of their active careers and
in 1 901 began operations in Richmond. Five years later they formed
tile Bay City Land Company and in 1910 incorporated the Burg
Brothers Company. One of their first enterprises was the subdivid-
ing of the Richmond tract, the first subdivision in Richmond, and
since that time they have sold si.xtcen different tracts of land in and
about the city. In two years, ending August i, 1913. they disposed
of over two and a half million dollars worth of Richmond property,
256 HISTORY OF ALAAIEDA COUNTY
and many of the most important subdivisions of the city have been
promoted and developed by them. In May, 1910, they put upon the
market the Central Richmond tract and by January eleven hundred
and fifty lots had been sold. Some of these were later resold at an
advance of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars over the original
price. On the 26th of March, iqi i, the Burg Brothers Company put
upon the market the Richmond Pulman townsite and up to March
I, 1913, held contracts for the sale of fourteen hundred and seventy-
five lots, the largest real-estate record ever made in Richmond. Thev
are the developers also of Grand View Terrace, a subdivision 111
which one thousand and seventy-three lots were sold within nine
mortths, and in November, 191 2, they purchased and put upon the
market the Nicholl McDonald Civic Center tract, paying five-
thousand dollars per acre for this propertv. Bv August t, 19 13, thev
had sold one thousand lots. Both are keen, resourceful and far-
sighted business men and under their able direction the firm has
become a powerful factor in the development of Richmond.
C. H. Burg is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding mem-
bership in the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine, and E. J.
is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Both
are members of the Richmond Industrial Commission and at all times
enthusiastic on the subject of the opportunities which this city ofifers.
They believe in its splendid future, which their well directed activi-
ties have aided in making possible.
DAVID HADDEN, M. D.
Dr. David Hadden has been successfully engaged in the practice
of medicine at Oakland for the past seven years and is widely recog-
nized as one of the able and representative members of the profes-
sion here. He was born in Ireland in 1875 and when a youth of
si.xteen came to Oakland, California, spending two years in the Oak-
land high school with the class of 1893, while subsequently he entered
the University of California, from which institution he was graduated
in 1897. Desiring to prepare for the practice of medicine, he then
matriculated in Cooper Medical College of San Francisco and in
189Q won the M. D. degree. He makes a specialty of gynecology and
for four vears acted as first clinical assistant in Cooper Medical
College, while he was also instructor of gynecology in that institu-
tion, remaining in tliat capacity for four years. For a period of five
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 257
years he practiced his profession in San Francisco, being in the marine
hospital service of that city for a time. In 1906 he opened offices in
Oakland and this city has since remained the scene of his profes-
sional labors. The liberal practice accorded him is proof of his skill
and ability in the field of his chosen vocation, and he is recognized
as a capable and successful physician and surgeon. He finds inspira-
tion for further study and research through his membership in the
Alameda County Medical Society, the California State Medical
Society, the American Medical Association and the American Asso-
ciation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.
Dr. Hadden married Miss Edith Backus, whose father was a
California pioneer and the founder of the George H. Tay Company.
They have two sons, David Rodney and Malcolm Backus. Dr.
Hadden is a member of the University of California Club and is
well known and popular in social as well as professional circles.
CHARLES R. WELCH.
Charles R. Welch is one of the owners and general manager of
the James Taylor Company, Incorporated, who are engaged in the
undertaking business. They conduct one of the foremost establish-
ments of its kind in Oakland and have been in charge of some of
the imposing funerals in this city. Mr. Welch gives careful atten-
tion to all the details of this difficult work and discharges his duties
in connection with the business in such a quiet and dignified way that
he has built up a large patronage. He was born in Marion county,
Iowa, January 29, 1858, and is a son of W. T. and Nancy Ann
Welch.
Charles R. Welch attended the public schools until eighteen
years of age and then followed the profession of teaching for two
years. At the end of that time he matriculated in the State Agricul-
tural College at Manhattan, Kansas, remaining there for two terms
and again teaching for about two years before he removed to Garden
Plains, Kansas, where he successfully conducted a hardware business.
He also taught during the winter months, while his father-in-law
waited upon the customers at the store. Two years later Mr. Welch
went to Hutchinson, Kansas, where for one year he engaged in car-
pentering and contracting, and then removed to Salem, Oregon, being
attracted to the west by the large opportunities which he believed
existed on the Pacific coast. He continued in contracting there until
258 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTV
1899, in which year he turned his attention to the furniture and under-
taking business, being successful along both lines. He is a man of
executive ability, thoroughly acquainted with the most modern busi-
ness methods and therefore successful in his undertakings. At the
end of six years he gave up the furniture department, giving his entire
attention to the undertaking business in Salem until December. 191 2,
when he removed to Oakland to take charge of the James Tavlor
Company. He became a partner in the business in May. 191 2, and
has control of its afifairs.
In July, 1880, Mr. Welch was married in Burton, Kansas, to Miss
Flora Winches and they have three children: Ernest M., who is
thirty-three and is engaged in the furniture and hardware business
in Baker, Oregon; Chester E., twenty-seven years of age, who assists
his father in the management of the James Tavlor Company; and
Mildred K., attending high school.
Politically Mr. Welch is independent, giving his support to all
measures which he considers of the greatest benefit to the largest
number of people and supporting candidates according to their quali-
fications and not because of party affiliation. His religious faith is
that of a Protestant and he contributes generously to the local
churches. He is a progressive man who is careful of the interests
of others and has succeeded in life because he has always closely
applied himself to the business at liand. He follows the most honor-
able methods and is esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact
both in business and social circles, being well worthy of the confi-
dence and respect which he enjoys.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRICK.
Abraham Lincoln Prick, who is successfully engaged in the prac-
tice of law in Oakland, belongs to an old California family, his
father, George Washington Prick, having settled here many years
ago. He was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and a
son of Abraham Prick, a descendant of early German settlers of
Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather died in 1888 and his wife
some years earlier. In their family were eight children, six sons and
two daughters. The parents sought the opportunities of the middle
west, going to Illinois about 1839 and settling on a farm near Moline.
With them was George \\'asliington Prick, father of our subject.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY 259
There he attended the district schools, supplementing his knowledge
by private study and subsequently taking a course in the Mount
Morris Seminary when he was about twenty years old. In Galena,
Illinois, in 1852, he married Mary Elizabeth Bryant, and before the
year was out the young couple started for California, being accom-
panied by Mrs. Prick's parents. Arriving in the Golden state in
1853, Mr. Frick taught school in Santa Cruz for two terms, at the
end of which time he removed to Centerville, Alameda countv, there
following the same profession. He was a republican of strong con-
victions and from the beginning took an active part in political affairs.
In 1857 he removed to Sonoma county, purchasing a ranch of one
hundred and twenty acres, to the cultivation of which he gave some
time, while during the winter months he taught in Bethel school.
In i860 he was the nominee for sheriff on his party's ticket but with-
drew before the election in favor of a union democrat, in order to
promote the chances of the union party, which was then formed
between the Douglas democrats and republicans. He was active in
the Union League movement and was elected president of the Bethel
Union League. Becoming more and more prominent in his party,
he was chosen chairman of the Sonoma county delegation to the state
convention in which George C. Gorham was selected as candidate
for governor. Twice Mr. Frick served as supervisor, being elected
in a county in which a democratic majority prevailed. This may be
taken as a testimonial of his integrity and the confidence which even
his political opponents had in his ability. For fifteen years he served
as a school trustee and was an officer in the Methodist Episcopal
church practically throughout his life.
In 1 871 he sold his interests near Petaluma and located in Men-
docino county, where he remained until 1874, when he made his home
in Santa Barbara county, identifying himself with the Lompoc Tem-
perance Colony, being one of the pioneers of that movement. He
kept the first general store in Lompoc and while holding the office
of school trustee there assisted in making possible the erection of the
five thousand dollar schoolhouse, which was erected within the first
year of the settlement. He also took great interest 
