USA > California > A history of the new California, its resources and people; Vol II > Part 23
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Coming to America a young man, Mr. Gier has steadily advanced along lines demanding keen intellectuality, close application and business foresight and executive ability. He stands to-day as one of the strong men of Oakland, one who is highly honorable in his relations with his fellow men. A farsighted expedience, a recognition of opportunity and an un- failing energy have enabled him not only to build for himself a fortune of no mean proportions but also to contribute in large measure to the welfare. progress and prosperity of his adopted state, and in this connection he well deserves mention as a representative citizen of California.
HON. HENRY C. DIBBLE.
Hon. Henry C. Dibble of San Francisco has been for many years conspicuous, not only at the bar and in politics and public affairs, but also in the realm of journalism and literature and commands the high regard and esteem of men in all the activities of a very busy and useful life. He has been a resident of San Francisco since February, 1883. In 1885-7 he
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was assistant United States attorney. He has served several terms in the assembly of the state legislature and has always been recognized as the leader on the Republican side. As a parliamentarian, he is, perhaps, with- out a peer in the state. He has also been an editorial writer-trenchant, forceful and broad-minded. He has brilliant talents in legal fields and there is hardly a phase of public life and professional activity with which his ver- satile mind has not at sometime been concerned and in which his ability has not made him an influential factor.
He was born in the state of Indiana, November 8, 1844. He is a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of Daniel Gookin, who founded Newport News in Virginia in 1621 and whose son, Major General Daniel Gookin, being a non-conformist, removed to Massachusetts in 1644, and who was a friend and confidential correspondent of Oliver Cromwell, whom he visited during the protectorate. On his mother's side he is of French Huguenot extraction. Three of his ancestors fought on the patriot side in the Revo- lutionary war.
At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the Union army and served until he lost a leg at the siege of Port Hudson, after which he settled in Louisiana, with which state his life and work were identified in various important ways for eighteen years. He prepared himself for legal practice and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Louisiana in 1865, several months before he became of age; two years later he graduated from the law department of the University of Louisiana with the degree of LL. B. He began both his active practice and connection with politics at an early age. He was at the head of the local Republican organization in New Orleans when he was twenty-three years old. He maintained this prominence in Louisiana for ten years and during that period he was judge of the eighth district court and assistant and acting attorney general of the state. He was also president of the school board in New Orleans for six years. He was promi- nently identified with many of the most stirring and dangerous episodes in Louisiana from 1866 to 1877. He was twice a candidate for Congress but was defeated.
Before locating in California he spent two years in Arizona, practicing law at Tombstone and toward the end of his residence there he had charge of the mines of Haggin and Hearst. He formed a law partnership in Ari- zona with Hon. James F. Lewis, ex-chief justice of the supreme court of Nevada, and they came to San Francisco in 1883. He was later a partner with Louis T. Haggin, a son of James B. Haggin.
Ever since his service in the army he has preserved a keen interest in military matters. He was a brigadier general on the staff of the governor of Louisiana, and he has been prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has held many high positions.
Judge Dibble has a wife and several children, one of his sons, a gradu- ate of the University of California, being his law-partner.
He is the author, among other productions, of a strong romantic novel dealing with western life entitled "The Sequel to a Tragedy." published by
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Lippincott in 1900. He has also gained a reputation as a public speaker, versatile, witty and prompt on all occasions, and is in the first rank of orators in the state.
CHARLES D. BEVERSON.
There has been no element in our American citizenship of more value than that furnished by Germany. The representatives of the Teutonic race have come to America, and, manifesting in different business conditions the same sagacity, enterprise and perseverance that have ever characterized the nationality, they have made for themselves places of prominence in the field of business activity that has rendered them valued factors in their various communities. Of this class Charles D. Beverson is a representative, and although he came alone to America when a youth of but fourteen years he stands to-day as one of the substantial agriculturists of Santa Clara county, his home being on Milpitas road, and all that he possesses has been acquired through his own labors, well directed energy and capable management.
Mr. Beverson was born in Bremen, Germany, on the 10th of April, 1850, and is a son of Claudius and Meta (Yerkton) Beverson. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the necessities of his family which numbered five children, three sons and two daughters. Charles D. Beverson spent his early boyhood days upon his father's farm, but he realized the necessity of providing for his own support at an early age, and when but a youth of fourteen he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for America. He crossed the Atlantic alone and in due course of time landed at New York. Soon afterward, however, he made his way to California by way of the Nicaragua route and, settled in Santa Clara county, where he worked on a farm for a few years. Desiring to become the owner of a farm of his own he took up a homestead government claim, comprising one hun- dred and sixty acres. Since that time he has engaged in general farming and in the raising of cattle and other stock. His place is pleasantly located on the Milpitas road about two miles north of San Jose and here he has con- tinued up to the present time, operating about four thousand acres of land for grazing purposes. On this ranch he has a large herd of cattle and his annual sale of stock brings to him a good income.
In 1887 Mr. Beverson was united in marriage to Mrs. Jennie Gallea Williams, who was a native of Ohio and by her first marriage had a son Robert. A daughter Meta was born to Mr. and Mrs. Beverson in 1888. Both are students now living with Mr. Beverson. Mrs. Beverson died in 1898, and in 1901 our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Olive Gallea, a sister of his first wife, who had come from Michi- gan to make her home with Mrs. Beverson.
In his political views Mr. Beverson is a stalwart Republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. He belongs to the Fraternal Brotherhood. He has carefully watched all indications pointing to success in his business career, has made good use of time and opportunities, and, realizing that there is no royal road to wealth, he has worked industriously
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and untiringly in the hope of achieving a comfortable competence for the evening of life. Already he is the possessor of a valuable property that ranks him among the substantial citizens of his community.
ABRAM BLOCK.
Abram Block, well known as a representative of the fruit-shipping in- dustry of central California, makes his home in Santa Clara. He was born on the 12th of February, 1830, in Bohemia, and is a son of Zalma and Maria (Kafka) Block, both of whom were natives of that country and in their family were four sons and four daughters, of whom Abram is the youngest and the only one now surviving. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the wants of his wife and children.
Abram Block pursued his education in the private school at Schwihau, Bohemia, continuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen years. In the spring of 1845 he came to the United States, and going to Missouri he there continued his education as a public-school student for a brief pe- riod. Later he entered upon his business career as a clerk in a dry-goods and groceries establishment in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued in that trade until 1852 when he came to California. Men from every walk and station in life were flocking to this state, attracted by its business possibili- ties brought about through the discovery of gold and the great tide of emi- gration to the far west. Mr. Block came by way of New Orleans and the isthmus route. He too sought a fortune in the gold fields, but after spend- ing a short time in the mines he left the search of the precious metal to others and engaged in dealing in general miners' supplies in Nevada City. In 1855 he removed to San Francisco, although he still maintained his business in Nevada for a time. In the former place he turned his attention to manufacturing enterprises. He was interested in what was known as the Pioneer woolen factory, which he conducted with success for six years. In February, 1878, he removed to Santa Clara, where he has since been engaged in fruit-raising and shipping. With keen foresight he recognized that this was one of the coming industries of the state, and prepared to meet the demands that would arise in this direction. Levi A. Gould shipped the first fruit from California from San Francisco in the year 1869, and this has always been one of the leading fruit producing centers of the state. The fruit sent out by Mr. Gould was raised in the orchard now owned by Mr. Block. Mr. Gould, who originally owned the orchard, was one of the pioneer orchardists in this section of the country, and was a very active and enterprising man, doing much for the development of the fruit industry in this section. He not only raised fruit, but he operated the first dryer and was also an extensive manufacturer of vinegar. He came to San Francisco in 1853. Mr. Block's sales of fruit are extensive and he annually sends to the city markets of the west and of the east many boxes of pears and plums, his products being considered among the best in the state. His orchard comprises one hundred and eighty-seven acres and he has eighty acres in the homestead place, while adjoining property is controlled by him in his fruit-raising industry.
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Mr. Block belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political views are usually in accord with the principles of the Democracy, and from 1873 until 1876 he was supervisor of the city of San Francisco, but he has preferred not to take an active part in politics in order that he might give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs, which have brought to him a very gratify- ing degree of success, owing to his capable management and well directed efforts.
SYLVESTER NEWHALL.
Sylvester Newhall was a citizen of Santa Clara county whose worth was widely acknowledged and in whose death the community lost one of its valued and respected representatives. He was one of the pioneer orchardists and nurseryman of this portion of the state and did much to develop the fruit industry. Moreover, he was the champion of many measures for the general good, and in all his life's relations he was actuated by honorable purpose, manly principles and by a feeling of justice toward his fellow men.
Mr. Newhall was a native son of New England, his birth having occurred in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1820. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in that portion of the country, and in 1851 he came to California, mak- ing the long and arduous journey across the hot sandy plains and over the mountain passes, his wagon drawn by an ox team. He was attracted by the discovery of gold and the hope that he might rapidly realize a fortune in the mines of the far west, but after spending a year or more in the mining regions he determined to devote his energies to other pursuits, and came to Santa Clara county, where he embarked in the nursery business, which he followed for about thirty years. He was very successful in this undertaking, and with the profits which thereby accrued he increased his holdings in orchard property until he became the owner of valuable real estate. To the further improvement of his land he devoted his energies, planting fruit orchards, and at the time of his demise he owned five orchards in various parts of Santa Clara county planted to fruit trees that annually returned to him an excellent yield and made him one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was one of the pioneers in this line of work in Califor- nia and demonstrated the possibilities of the state in this direction. The pioneer in any legitimate undertaking is deserving of the gratitude. of . his fellow men. It is he who performs the most arduous tasks and leads the way that others may follow with less difficulty, and in this connection Mr. Newhall is deserving of the gratitude of his fellow citizens, for while pro- moting his individual success he also advanced the general prosperity by disseminating a knowledge of the value of California lands as a fruit-pro- ducing district. Prior to his death he invested in a large orange orchard in Exeter, Tulare county, comprising eighty-six acres and valued at one hun- dred thousand dollars. At the time of his demise he owned property to the extent of three hundred thousand dollars, which was divided among his children.
The career of Sylvester Newhall is worthy of commendation and emu-
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lation and entire respect, as it proves conclusively what can be accomplished through force of character, earnest determination and unfaltering industry. He came to the west with little capital, but he was energetic and resolute, and upon these qualities as a foundation he builded the superstructure of his success. He allowed no obstacle to deter him in his progress but over- came these by diligence and strong purpose, carefully utilized the means at hand and so controlled his resources that in course of years he became one of the capitalists of San Jose.
In the years of his early manhood Mr. Newhall was united in marriage to Mary E. Stoddard, who was a native of Ohio, and they became the par- ents of three children, a son and two daughters: Carl; Georgia, the wife of E. W. Dunn; and Belle, the wife of J. V. McKiernam, who resides in the vineyard district of California, and is a son of an old pioneer settler there.
Mr. Newhall departed this life in 1896 at the age of seventy-six years, but his widow still survives him at the age of sixty years. Through his life of industry and enterprise he was enabled to leave his family in very com- fortable circumstances, and he also left to them an untarnished name and a memory of an upright, honorable life. That he lived at peace with his fel- low men and that he was ever just in his business relations is shown by the fact that he was never involved in a lawsuit. In all of his business transac- tions he was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men, and his word became recognized as good as his bond. He was also a most charitable man, never turning one away empty-handed, and his broad humanitarian principles were a motive power in a life that was as kindly as it was honorable and straightforward. His widow gives much of her time to the management of the estate, making her home at the Hotel Vendome in San Jose.
Carl Newhall, the only son, was born on the 17th of October, 1876, in San Jose, and is associated with his mother in the management of the prop- erty. He inherited from his father a ranch of twenty-six acres and a fruit orchard valued at thirty thousand dollars. In the control of his property interests he displays good business and executive ability, and in San Jose, where his entire life has been passed, he has many warm friends because of a genial nature, unfailing courtesy and sterling worth.
WILLIAM D. McDOUGALL, M. D.
Dr. William D. McDougall, actively engaged in the practice of medi- cine in San Jose and serving as health officer of that city, was born in Por- ter township on the bank of the Niagara river in Niagara county, New York, January 9, 1857. He is a son of Allen Stephen and Mary E. (Eaton) Mc- Dougall. The father was a native of Scotland and in his boyhood days accompanied his parents who crossed the Atlantic from the land of the heather to Canada, settling there about 1825. After his marriage the fath- er removed to New York and devoted his life to the ministry as a clergy- man of the Baptist church. He died while serving as pastor of the church of that denomination in Ransomville, New York.
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Dr. McDougall had one brother and two sisters, and like the other members of the family he pursued his early education in the public schools of Canada. He afterward attended the academy at Drummondsville, On- tario, and at the age of twenty he put aside his text books bearing upon literary subjects, for the three years following engaged in mercantile pur- suits, and then took up the study of medicine, entering the medical depart- ment of the University of Buffalo, in which he was graduated with the class of 1882, the degree of Doctor of Medicine being conferred upon him at that time.
Dr. McDougall located for practice in Monroe county, New York, where he remained as a representative of his profession until 1887. He then came to California, arriving in this state in the month of January. Open- ing an office in San Jose, he has since continued here and has won for him- self an enviable position as a representative of the medical fraternity. Dur- ing the small-pox epidemic of 1888-9 he was appointed by the county as small-pox physician, and the excellent work which he did in this connection and the bravery which he displayed in treating this infectious disease brought him into prominence. In 1891 he was appointed county physician to fill out an unexpired term, in 1892 he was elected to that office and again in 1893. In 1902 he was appointed commissioner on the board of health, and in 1902 was elected by that body as health officer for a term of four years.
In 1894 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. McDougall and Mrs. An- nie E. Root, the widow of Dedus Root of Indianapolis, Indiana, and a daughter of James E. Robertson, who was a pioneer settler of that state. Her father was for many years a wholesale grocer of Indianapolis. In his social relations the doctor is a Knight of Pythias, and belongs to the Soci- ety of British Californians. His political allegiance is given to the Repub- lican party.
Deeply interested in the welfare of his adopted state and with a keen recognition of its possibilities and advantages, Dr. McDougall has become an active factor in fruit culture and now owns an orchard of about forty acres, having cleared the land and planted it to prune trees. His annual fruit crops add materially to his income. His chief attention, however, is given to his professional duties, in the discharge of which he has won high favor both by reason of his skill and his marked devotion to his calling. Any subject that bears upon his profession and tends to make the labors of the physician more effective and far-reaching elicits his earnest attention, and he is ever ready to adopt any new method or remedy that he believes will contribute to the success of the medical fraternity.
WILLIAM HENRY CHAPMAN.
William Henry Chapman, a practitioner of law at the bar of San Fran- cisco, is one of California's native sons, his birth having occurred in Sacra- mento county on the 19th of October, 1856. He is a son of Daniel H. and Martha Jane (Coolidge) Chapman, whose family numbered two sons and four daughters. Three of the sisters of Mr. Chapman are yet living, but his
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brother has passed away. The father was born in New York and is a rep- resentative of an old American family of English lineage. He came to Cali- fornia in January, 1850, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope and the business opportunities afforded by the great and growing west. He made the journey across the plains with ox teams and took up land near Folsom, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed consecutively until 1857, when, on making a return trip to New York by water, he was lost at sea on the steamship Central America, off Cape Hat- teras. His wife, who was born in Maine, still survives him and is now living in Sacramento at the age of seventy-six years. She too is of English de- scent, and her ancestral history is one of long and close identification with America.
William Henry Chapman was less than a year old at the time of his father's demise. He began his education in the public schools of Sacra- mento and there continued his studies until he had completed the high school course. In 1875 he entered the University of California, where he remained as a student for four years, and was graduated in 1879 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He continued his work there through the succeeding year and won the degree of Master of Arts. With broad general knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of profes- sional learning, he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in January, 1881. Since that time he has engaged in practice, and to-day has a distinctively representative clientage in San Francisco, his devotion to the interests intrusted to his care and his thorough preparation of cases having gained for him a reputation that enables him to command a good patronage.
In July, 1881, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Lulu E. Medbery, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of William C. and Mary E. Medbery, who came to California about 1860, locating in Sacramento. In the family are three sons and a daughter: Alice Mabyn, who is now a stu- dent in the University of California; Lester H .; Charles Carroll; and Philip Stanard. Mr. Chapman belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is also iden- tified with the Native Sons of the Golden West, while his political allegiance is given to the Republican party. He and his wife have a wide acquaintance in the city where they make their home, and his record is one which reflects credit upon his native state, for laudable ambition and strong purpose have characterized his professional career and gained for him a desirable position in the ranks of the legal fraternity of the metropolis of the west.
GEORGE E. GRAFT.
George E. Graft, a leading representative of the business interests of San Jose, was born in Olin, Iowa, in January, 1871, being a son of George W. and Mary (Seely) Graft. The son George spent the days of his boyhood and youth on a farm, being early inured to its duties, and his elementary education was received in the high school at Olin, which was later supple- mented by a course in the Iowa Commercial College at Davenport, Iowa, in which institution he was graduated in August. 1888. He then entered
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the employ of the Diamond Creamery Company of Wyoming, Iowa, his older brother, John R., being the superintendent of the company. On enter- ing this institution young George began at the very bottom, determined to learn the business in all its branches, and his first work was as an apprentice. After six months of this labor, however, he was appointed to attend to the distribution of supplies to the various country creameries, and after one year thus spent was advanced to the position of inspector of dairy utensils of the various milk patrons of the company's creameries. In 1890 he again mounted the ladder of promotion and was made milk inspector of all the creameries in the Wyoming division, while a few months later he was made assistant to the superintendent, which position he held until the spring of 1891.
At that date Mr. Graft withdrew from the Diamond Creamery Com- pany and removed to Delmar, Iowa, where he entered upon the same line of trade for himself, thus continuing until 1894, and during that period enjoyed a successful business. In that year, however, he sold his interests in Delmar and came to San Jose, California, entering into the wholesale and retail butter, egg and cheese business and operating his own creamery. The output of his factory is consumed by the best trade in San Jose, and as a testimonial of the high grade of his products it may be stated that his annual sales have reached over one hundred thousand dollars, with brighter pros- pects for the future. In business circles he sustains a most enviable reputa- tion, his energetic nature and capable management alone winning for him his high standing in the community.
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