USA > California > A history of the new California, its resources and people; Vol I > Part 39
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In September, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McGowan and Miss Lena Blum, a native of Humboldt county, California. Her parents were pioneer settlers of this state, having. located here when the work of progress and improvement along modern lines had scarcely been begun. To Mr. and Mrs. McGowan have been born two children: Blaine, who is now
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eleven years of age; and Gertrude C., a maiden of eight summers, both being pupils in the public schools of San Francisco. Mr. McGowan belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, to the Sons of Veterans, to the Improved Order of Red Men and to the Masonic fraternity. The favorable judgment which the world passed upon him in his early years has never been set aside nor in any degree modified. It has on the contrary been emphasized by his careful conduct of important litigation, his ability and fairness in the presentation of a case, his zeal as an advocate and the generous commendation he has received from his contemporaries who united in bearing testimony to his high character and superior mind.
WILLIAM IRELAN, JR.
William Irelan, Jr., a mining and consulting engineer, was born on the 7th of August, 1842, in Wilmington, Delaware. His father, William Ire- lan, was a native of New Jersey, and was a sea captain. He came to Cali- fornia in January, 1850, at the time of the great emigration toward the Pacific coast and engaged in ship building. He was the inventor of hydraul- ics under water, demonstrating this by raising the treasure of the vessel Golden Gate, which burned and was sunk off the coast of Mexico. He saw military service in the Mexican war, and in community affairs in California in an early day he was prominent, active and influential. He married Miss Elizabeth Hancock Clark, a native of Pennsylvania, and like her husband she was descended from old Revolutionary stock. In the family were four sons and four daughters.
William Irelan, Jr., pursued his early education in Hyatt's Select Acad- emy at Wilmington, Delaware, was a graduate of the Delaware Military Academy, also the Royal College and School of Mines in London, England, and the Royal College of Chemistry at Leipsic, Saxony. His excellent edu- cational opportunities well equipped him for the important duties which have devolved upon him in his business career. His work has been of a very important character as a co-operant factor in the development of the rich mineral resources in the state, which have added so greatly to the wealth of California and to the world. In the fall of 1870 he came to Cali- fornia, whither his parents had removed in the meantime, and became here engaged in mining and scientific research. He also conducted a school in mining chemistry, metallurgy and kindred sciences, thus giving to his stu- dents a practical knowledge that would prepare them for labors in the min- eral regions of the west. Retiring from this field of labor in 1885 he was made president of the state mining bureau, and in 1886 he resigned that position in order to accept the position of state mineralogist, in which in- cumbency he remained until 1893 ; in 1890 he was also made state engineer, filling both positions in an acceptable manner until 1893. While state min- eralogist he compiled from ordinary field notes the accepted geological and mineralogical map of California and also six volumes on maps and mining in California. He resigned to take charge as manager of the California min- ing exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. At the same
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time he was made assistant general manager of the entire state exhibit and during the progress of the fair became general manager, succeeding the first incumbent in that office. After installing the exhibit and making the display of California one of the most attractive on the exposition grounds Mr. Ire- lan resigned and was appointed one of the commissioner of awards for the world's mining exhibit, acting in that capacity as judge of appeals.
Following the close of the exposition Mr. Irelan returned to California and again entered upon his chosen field of labor as a mining and consulting engineer, which work occupies his time and attention at the present time. Few men are better prepared for such a work. His extensive research and investigation along scientific lines, bearing upon his specialty, have thoroughly equipped him for the arduous and important duties of his chosen calling, and to-day Mr. Irelan is largely regarded as authority upon the subject of mines and metallurgy, his ability in this direction gaining him distinction throughout the entire country.
Mr. Irelan was married in Leipsic, Germany, to Miss Linna Vogel, a daughter of Col. Guido Vogel, and a grandniece of Bismarck. The wed- ding was celebrated November 14, 1870, and has been blessed with one son, Oscar. Mrs. Irelan's people were among the founders of the University of Leipsic in the year 1550. She is descended from an ancestry honorable and distinguished. She has become known in art circles far beyond the bor- ders of California. She has the distinction of having operated the clays of California and established the first art pottery, manufacturing the first wares of the kind west of Ohio. She has won gold medals in exhibitions under the name of the Roblin Art Pottery and has a most extensive knowl- edge of pottery wares and manufacture. Her writings include a work on the use of clays and the manufacture of pottery in California, and she has been a frequent contributor to many of the leading magazines upon the sub- ject of her specialty and is acknowledged as a pioneer in this line of indus- trial art in the great west. Her writings have not been confined entirely to pottery, but have covered many scientific subjects, including a paper on the World's Geological Society and the Society of Natural and Applied Sciences of Europe. As an artist in oils and water colors she has attained distinction, receiving the highest awards at the California state and other state exhibi- tions for her still-life paintings. She was also the first to introduce the leather plasticque or modeled leather now so much in favor in the European centers and in America. That Mrs. Irelan has an inherited taste and talent for her work in pottery lines may be imagined from a knowledge of the fact that her ancestors were the founders of the world famous Royal Meissen China Works of Saxony. The labors of Mr. and Mrs. Irelan have certainly had marked effect upon the industrial and manufacturing interests of Cali- fornia and they have given to the world valuable literature along the lines of their scientific research and industrial efforts. Their circle of acquaint- ance may perhaps be termed rather select than large, and yet in various parts of the world they have gained the warm friendship of distinguished scien- tists and art lovers.
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EDWARD LANDE.
Edward Lande, a practicing attorney at the bar of San Francisco, was born July 21, 1859, in Independence, Polk county, Oregon. He is a son of Raphael and Maria (Josephi) Lande, who were both settlers of the west, locating in Oregon at an early period in the history of that state.
When two years of age Edward Lande was brought by his parents to San Francisco and when a little youth of six summers he entered the public schools, wherein he continued his studies until he had completed the course in the boys' high school by graduation at the age of sixteen years. Desiring that his life work should be along professional lines, he then entered a law office and took up the study of law and of stenography. He became official reporter for many famous trials in this city and was also official reporter for the first commission created by the legislature of California to inquire into the effect of hydraulic mining in the mining sections of this state upon the agricultural interests. Mr. Lande studied law under the direction of W. W. Morrow, United States circuit judge, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. He then entered upon the practice of his profession, with which he has since been actively engaged up to the present time. In 1894 he formed a partnership with Thomas D. Riordan, under the firm style of Riordan & Lande. This is now one of tlie representative law firms of San Francisco, conducting a general practice. In the meantime in 1888-9 Mr. Lande spent a year and a half in completing his education and adding to his general knowledge by study and travel in Europe, visiting the many places of mod- ern and historic interest in the old world. To an understanding of acuteness and vigor he added a thorough and conscientious preparatory training for the bar, while in his practice he has exemplified all the high elements of the truly great lawyer. He is constantly inspired by an innate inflexible sense of justice and while his fidelity to the interests of his clients is well known he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases as well as the earn- estness, tenacity and courage with which he defends the right as he under- stands it challenges the highest admiration of his associates. He invariably seeks to present his argument in the strong clear light of common reason- ing and sound logical principles.
Mr. Lande is a stalwart Republican in his political views, never waver- ing in his allegiance to the party. He belongs to the Union League Club of San Francisco and in Masonry has attained high rank, being a thirty-second degree Mason of the San Francisco Consistory and a life member of the Mystic Shrine. He is well known in this city where almost his entire life has been passed and where he has attained a creditable position as a citizen and lawyer.
HENRY F. FORTMANN.
This name at once suggests a power in the world of trade-a power which to a large degree directs the salmon canning interests of the west and is a most important factor in the commercial and shipping interests of the
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world. The day of small undertakings, especially in cities, seems to have passed, and the era of gigantic enterprises is upon us. In control of mam- moth concerns are men of master minds, of almost limitless ability to guide, of sound judgment and keen discrimination. Their progressiveness must not only reach the bounds that others have gained, but must even pass beyond into new and broader, untried fields of operation, but an unerring foresight and sagacity must make no mistake by venturing upon uncertain ground. Thus continually growing, a business takes leadership in a special line, and the men who are at its head are deservedly eminent in the world of com- merce, occupying a position that commands the respect while it excites the admiration of all. Mr. Fortmann is president of the Alaska Packers' As- sociation, and stands as one of America's representative business men control- ling business interests of gigantic proportions which have largely been de- veloped through his efforts.
Mr. Fortmann was born in San Francisco, in 1856. His father, Fred- erick Fortmann, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and in 1852 came to San Francisco, which then served largely as a means of egress and ingress from and to mines of the interior. Frederick Fortmann established the Pa- cific Brewery and conducted a business of importance which brought to him a most gratifying success. His death occurred in 1889.
Henry F. Fortmann acquired his early education in the schools of San Francisco, and between the years 1868 and 1874 attended the schools of Stade and Hildesheim, Germany, thus completing his literary course by ad- vanced collegiate training. Upon his return to San Francisco he became associated with his father in the brewing business, with which he was con- nected until the father's death, when the plant was sold. In 1884 he entered into partnership with prominent business men of San Francisco in organizing the Arctic Packing Company, formed to conduct a salmon packing business. In 1893 the Alaska Packers' Association was organized with Mr. Fortmann as president, a position he has since occupied. This concern is capitalized for five million dollars and employs eight thousand men and utilizes one hun- dred sea-going vessels, the largest fleet in number flying the American flag employed by any one shipping institution : and packed one million three hun- dred thousand cases of salmon in 1903. the output being valued at six mil- lion dollars. This constitutes about forty per cent of the total output of the world. The company not only does a most extensive business, but one which involves much labor and a thorough understanding of many lines of indus- trial activity. Their employes take the fish from the water, prepare them, can them and ship them to all sections of the world. Most improved labor- saving inventions have been utilized in the manufacture of tin cans and also in the packing department. The company owns its own patents and modern canning machinery. This is the largest salmon canning company of the world, and the business has been reduced to a scientific basis. Every means possible has been used to simplify the work and to secure maximum results with minimum effort, and the extent and value of the business is indicative of the splendid powers of management and executive force and enterprise of Mr. Fortmann. He is likewise a director of the California Safe Deposit and
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Trust Company of San Francisco and is identified with other financial insti- tutions of the city. He is also largely interested in the ownership of ships engaged in the coasting trade.
Mr. Fortmann was married to Miss Julia Schindler, and they have two daughters, Emma and Stella, the former the wife of Dr. W. E. Stevens, of San Francisco. Mr. Fortmann is an active Democrat, studying the political situation of the country from the standopint of practical business man and giving his support to the principles which he believes produces the best con- ditions for the great majority. His career is notable even in a country where so many rise to prominence in commercial, industrial and professional life. Steadily pursuing his way, undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path, he has achieved a position of which he, perhaps, even did not dream two decades ago. Steady application, careful study of business methods and plans to be followed, close attention to details, combined with an untiring energy, directed by a superior mind,-these are the traits of character which have brought to him success and made him one of the foremost men of the Pacific coast.
TIREY LAFAYETTE FORD.
Tirey Lafayette Ford is general counsel for the United Railroads of San Francisco and stands to-day as one of the distinguished representatives of the bar of California. In the "learned " professions advancement is proverbially slow and comes only in recognition of inherent talent, acquired ability and unfaltering devotion to the interests of litigation intrusted to the care of the individual. Patiently persevering, possessed of an analytical mind and one that is readily receptive and retentive of the fundamental prin- ciples and intricacies of the law, gifted with a spirit of devotion to weari- some details, quick to comprehend the most subtle problems and logical in his conclusions, Mr. Ford is rarely gifted for the achievement of success in the arduous and difficult profession of the law.
A native of Missouri, his birth occurred in Monroe county on the 29th of December, 1857. The family was established in America about 1650 by French Huguenots, who, crossing the Atlantic, located in Virginia. The great-grandfather of Mr. Ford was with General George Washington at Yorktown when the surrender of Lord Cornwallis occurred. His grand- father, Jacob Ford, was with General William Henry Harrison in the Indian campaigns which made the hero of Tippecanoe famous. Jacob Harrison Ford, the father of our subject, was born in Monroe county, Missouri, on the 21st of August, 1821, and has spent his entire life there. For many years he was actively identified with agricultural pursuits, but is now living retired in his native county at the advanced age of eighty-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wynn Abernathy, was a native of Boone county, Missouri, and was of English lineage. Her ancestors came to America during the seventeenth century and settled in Virginia. whence representatives of the name removed to Kentucky and subsequently the family was established in Missouri at an early period in the nineteenth
有意
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century. To Jacob Harrison and Mary W. Ford were born four sons and five daughters.
Tirey Lafayette Ford is indebted to the district schools of his native county for the early educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward at- tended the Paris high school in Monroe county, Missouri, pursuing his edu- cation in the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked upon his father's farm, assisting materially in the work and cultivation of the old home piace. He put aside his text-books altogether at the age of eighteen years and the following year came to California, arriving in February, 1877. Locating first in Colusa county, he secured a position on a ranch, where he worked for three years, when, determining to enter upon a professional career and deciding upon the practice of law, he made arrangements whereby he became a student in the law office of Col. Park Henshaw in Chico, Butte county, California. There assiduously pursuing his studies he mastered the principles of jurisprudence which enabled him to successfully pass an exami- nation for admission to the bar in August, 1882.
Mr. Ford entered upon his professional career in Oroville, Butte county, California, but after about three years removed to Downieville, the county seat of Sierra county, California, in January, 1885. There he practiced law with good success, securing a clientage that connected him with much im- portant litigation here in the courts of his district. In the year 1888 he was nominated and elected district attorney for Sierra county and discharged his duties so capably that he was re-elected in 1890. While residing there he was also chosen to represent his district in the state senate in 1892, and in 1895 was appointed attorney for the state board harbor commission. Still higher political honors awaited him, for in 1898 he was elected attorney general of California for a term of four years, but resigned in 1902 in order to enter upon his present connection with the United Railroads of San Fran- cisco as general counsel. His knowledge of railroad law as of other depart- ments of jurisprudence is comprehensive and accurate, and he stands to-day as one of the foremost representatives of the legal interests of California. The United Railroads of San Francisco cover over two hundred and fifty miles of track and employ over three thousand men. It is one of the finest systems in the world, and Mr. Ford as general counsel has the legal responsi- bility of looking after millions of dollars of investment in this line.
In February, 1888, Mr. Ford was united in marriage to Miss Emma Byington, a native of California, and a daughter of Hon. Lewis and Cath- erine (Freehill) Byington, the former a native of Connecticut, and the lat- ter of Ireland. Her parents were both settlers of this state, arriving in Cali- fornia in the early '50s. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ford have been born three children: Relda, who is now fifteen years of age and is attend- ing high school in San Francisco; Lewis, who at the age of thirteen is a student in the grammar schools of this city; and Tirey L., a little lad of five simmers.
Mr. Ford is well known in fraternal and social circles. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Golden Gate Commandery, K. T., and to
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the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is the president of the Missouri Society of California. He belongs to the Pacific Union Club, the San Francisco Club. the Union League Club and the Press Club. He is a member of the California Miners' Association, and to him was entrusted the work of looking after necessary legislation in Sacramento and in Wash- ington, D. C. He is a man of distinct and forceful individuality, a broad mentality and mature judgment, and without invidious distinction he may well be termed one of the foremost citizens of San Francisco.
JOSEPH G. MANSFIELD.
Though newspapermen do not like the word journalist as applied to active workers in the ranks, we are inclined to think the word has the right meaning and dignity if it is conceived to embrace the definition of a man who thoroughly knows the business of making newspapers and who has, also, the higher purpose of making the calling his serious life-work. In such a sense Joseph G. Mansfield, city editor of the San Francisco Call, and for many years prior to holding that position one of the best known report- ers and special writers on the Pacific coast, is a representative western jour- nalist, familiar with the smoke and strife of hot competition as a news- gatherer, competent as a director of reporters and other workers, and ambi- tious to achieve success in the higher lines of his profession. Mr. Mans- field is one of the best known and liked newspaper men in the west, having a large circle of close friends all over the coast. His name is known every- where, for his career has been varied and successful, calling him to mingle with all classes.
Joseph G. Mansfield was born at Leavenworth. Kansas, on the 18th of August, 1866. His parents, who are still living, are Charles and Myra Mansfield, who was Miss Myra Clark McGranahan. His father was a printer and publisher in his early years and is to-day an active newspaper man. When Joseph was eight years of age his parents, filled with visions of the Golden West, moved to San Francisco, and the subject of this sketch received his education in the grammar and high schools of San Francisco.
Soon after leaving school he was seized with the ambition to become a printer, and he learned his trade in the Bulletin office under "Deacon" Fitch, famous as the owner of the Bulletin for many years. Not only did he get his union card, which he has never had occasion to use as a journey- man. but he learned a great deal about the pressroom and other depart- ments of the paper. Hugh Burke was city editor of the Bulletin in the days of Mansfield's apprenticeship. One day there was need of help outside of the regular staff of reporters. Mansfield was pressed into service to help report a high school commencement. Disheveled and covered with ink, he hurried away and got his "copy" to press. That was the first "story" he ever wrote, and it set him aflame with ambition to be a reporter. Like a fever of the blood the ambition seized him and his career was from that time
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settled, and under Burke and Frank Sawyer, Burke's successor, young Mansfield wrote copy for many years.
Later he toured the northwest as far as Seattle, writing boom stories that made a hit and extended his acquaintance and his horizon. Then he did a session of the legislature at Sacramento for the Associated Press and the Sacramento Bee. E. B. Willis, afterward managing editor of the Rec- ord-Union, of Sacramento, was then a reporter. After the legislature ad- journed R. M. Wood, who had just become city editor of the San Fran- cisco Post, sent for Mansfield to become a reporter on that publication. He remained on the Post for some years, under T. T. Williams, C. O. Ziegen- fuss and others. During this time he reported the famous Choynski-Cor- bett prize fight, one of the most noted sporting events in the history of the ring. Next, when E. B. Willis became managing editor of the Sacramento Record-Union, Mansfield was sent for and for four years he filled a respon- sible position as chief reporter at times and later as director of the local news forces.
Coming to San Francisco he served on the Chronicle with such men as Charles Dryden, Thomas B. Sullivan-now of the Call-and Thomas Garrett, then city editor of the Chronicle. In the famous Durrant murder case he made a brilliant record and was later sporting editor, which posi- tion he held on the Chronicle for two years. From the Chronicle he went to the Examiner when the Chronicle's city editor was called to the Exam- iner. After serving for several years there he was called to the work of reporting the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight at Carson, this for the Call. He began his work on the Call in February, 1897, and in September of that year he was made city editor, which position he has held with marked suc- cess ever since that time. As a reporter Mr. Mansfield achieved many noted scoops, as in the great Koveley murder case, the Bellew murder, the Dur- rant case, and on the federal details which he covered with great skill.
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