USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 13
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Eliza Abernethy; Sadie, who is the widow of E. C. Kilpatrick and lives in Tacoma, Washington ; and John W., who lives in San Leandro. Mrs. Abernethy's parents were numbered among the sturdy pioneers of San Leandro, Mr. Haas performing his full part in the development of the resources of this locality, while her mother, whose long life here was filled with kindly and unselfish deeds, was beloved by the entire community, so that Haas avenue was named in her honor.
Eliza Haas secured her education in the public schools of San Leandro and lacked but a week of being twenty-three years of age when, on February 17, 1881, she became the wife of Henry Abernethy. He was born in London, Canada, March 7, 1855, and came to California with his parents, Robert and Caroline Phoebe (Travers) Abernethy, who settled in Guadaloupe. Mr. Abernethy was long employed as a wood worker in the Baker & Hamilton Agricultural Implement Works in San Leandro, but later engaged in the news and stationery business, handling a full line of books, magazines, newspapers and stationery. He met with fair success, continuing in that line to the time of his death, which occurred on October 7, 1918, at the age of sixty-three years, seven months and one day. His was a Masonic funeral, for he had been an honored member of Eden Lodge, No. 113, A. F. & A. M., at San Leandro. He was an active member and a trustee of the Presbyterian church, and in his political views was a republican. Unassum- ing in manner, he nevertheless possessed a strong character and agreeable person- ality and commanded the respect of his fellowmen to a marked degree. Mrs. Abernethy continued to reside in the house in which she was born until 1926, when she built her present home at 55 Haas avenue, where she always gives a hospitable welcome to her many friends. She is a member of the Mission church at Eastmont, a suburb of Oakland, and is an earnest supporter of every worthy benevolent or charitable cause. A republican in politics, she has always been deeply interested in everything relating to the welfare of the community in which she has spent her life. Mrs. Abernethy has always been first of all a home-loving woman, but she has through the years been an interested spectator of the wonderful development which has characterized this locality. She possesses a fine memory and distinctly recalls the incidents of the early days here, when the pioneers laid the foundation for San Leandro's present prosperity. A woman of kindly and gracious manner, she has many warm and loyal friends throughout the community and is held in high regard.
CLIFTON HILDEBRAND
Among the younger attorneys of Oakland whose abilities and success have gained for them distinctive recognition, one of the best known is Clifton Hilde- brand, with offices in the Bank of Italy building. He has proven an astute and cap- able lawyer and is enjoying a rapidly growing practice in the courts of Alameda county. Mr. Hildebrand was born in Boise, Idaho, on the 7th of January, 1898, and is a son of Carl and Pleasant (Poston) Hildebrand, both of whom are deceased. His father came to Oakland in 1902 and here engaged in the electrical business up to the time of his death.
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Clifton Hildebrand attended the public schools of Oakland and after graduat- ing from high school entered the law department of the University of California, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1921. Admitted to the bar he engaged in the practice of his profession in San Francisco and later in New York and Chicago, but finally returned to. Oakland, where he has remained. He is well grounded in the basic principles of jurisprudence, keeps in close touch with the latest legal opinions, and his work as a trial lawyer and office counselor has been of a character that has won him the confidence and respect of all who have been associated with him. During the World war Mr. Hildebrand enlisted in the United States army, serving in the artillery branch of the service until the close of hostilities.
Mr. Hildebrand was united in marriage to Miss Lita Keller, who was born and reared in Illinois, and they are the parents of a daughter, Joanne. Mr. Hildebrand gives his political support to the republican party and has shown keen interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Athens Club, the American Legion and the Berkeley Tennis Club and maintains professional affiliation with the Alameda County Bar Association and the California State Bar Association. His favorite forms of recreations are hiking and mountain climbing. Cordial and friendly in man- ner, he has a large circle of warm friends and is well liked by all who know him.
JOHN WESTLUND
John Westlund, though born under a foreign flag, has been a loyal and patri- otic citizen of his adopted country and his record has won for him the sincere respect of the people of the Castro valley, where he is successfully engaged in the poultry business. Mr. Westlund was born in Smolam, Sweden, on the 9th of Sep- tember, 1873, and is a son of Carl and Christine (Anderson) Westlund. He spent his boyhood days in his native land, receiving a good education in the public schools, and in 1891, when eighteen years of age, emigrated to the United States, first locat- ing at West Superior, Wisconsin, where he was employed at shipbuilding until 1897, when he came to the coast, stopping first at San Francisco. There also he worked at shipbuilding a few years, and in 1903 came to Alameda county, where he was employed at various occupations until 1911, when he bought a tract of land in the Castro valley and engaged in raising chickens, though in the meantime he still worked at his trade of shipbuilding. His poultry interests developed to an extent that in 1921 he devoted his entire attention thereto and has met with very satisfac- tory success. In 1927 he erected his present attractive home on Castro Valley high- way and is now most comfortably situated. His place is well improved, all of the buildings being substantial in character and well adapted to the poultry business, and Mr. Westlund has in all of his efforts shown himself a progressive and en- terprising man. During the war period from 1917 to 1919 he was connected with the United States shipping board at Los Angeles, in which capacity he rendered val- uable service to this country.
In 1901 Mr. Westlund was united in marriage to Miss Annie L. Anderson, also a native of Smolam, Sweden, and a daughter of Andrew and Christene Ander-
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son. To Mr. and Mrs. Westlund have been born four children, Mrs. Ruth Duffy, Carl, Arthur and Herbert. He is a republican in his political views and gives his earnest support to every measure calculated to advance the best interests of his community, being a man of sound judgment and well founded opinions on public questions.
I. M. TOALSON
I. M. Toalson enjoys a well earned reputation for expert work in laying hardwood floors, many of the finest homes in Alameda county bearing evidence of his superior workmanship. Under the name of the Alameda Hardwood Floor Company, he is doing a large and prosperous business and he is regarded as one of the leaders in his line in this section of the state. Mr. Toalson was born in Audrain county, Missouri, November 23, 1862, and was there reared, securing his education in the public schools. At fourteen years of age he began working on the home farm, on which he remained until 1881, when he came to California, locating at Hollister, San Benito county. For twenty-five years he was in the employ of the Southern Pacific Mill and Lumber Company. Later he was made foreman of that company's plant at San Miguel, and was also at San Luis Obispo for two years. In 1906 Mr. Toalson came to Alameda and soon afterward began taking contracts for laying hardwood floors, in which line he has continued to the present time. As a subcontractor he has laid floors for the following well-known contractors in and around Alameda : Fred T. Wood, C. L. Traver, Samuel Lee, George Windsor, V. E. Thorp, Leo F. Kochendorfer, K. S. Frederickson and R. C. Hillan. Mr. Toalson, who operates under the name of the Alameda Hard- wood Floor Company, employs from fifteen to twenty-five men, all of whom are expert workmen, and eastern oak is used almost exclusively for flooring. He also does the floor work for George H. Noble, the largest contractor in Alameda.
Mr. Toalson was united in marriage to Miss Madge Moore and they are the parents of a son, R. M., who is associated with his father in business. Mr. Toalson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Alameda Rotary Club and the Builders Exchange at Oakland. He stands as a high type of American citizenship and the sterling worth of his character is recognized by all, while his ability and industry have brought him to a worthy place in the business circles of his community.
H. RAYMOND HALL
H. Raymond Hall has for nearly ten years been engaged in the practice of law in Oakland and during this period has gained a wide reputation for his ability and success, having built up a large clientele. He was born in Gridley, Butte county, this state, on the 24th of March, 1894, and is a son of William H. and Louvisa (Joyce) Hall, both of whom were natives of Missouri. They came to California in 1885 and the father engaged in a mercantile business at Gridley, in which he met with very satisfactory success, so that in 1918 he was enabled
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to retire. He then came to Oakland, where he resided until his death in 1920. His widow is still living in this city.
H. Raymond Hall attended the public schools, continuing his educational train- ing at St. Ignatius College, and then entered Santa Clara University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Art in 1916 and Bachelor of Laws in 1917. He entered the United States navy for service in the World war and honorably discharged at its close with the rank of ensign. He then came to Oakland and has since devoted his attention to the practice of his profession.
Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Clarice Hancock, who was born and reared in San Francisco, where her father. V. A. Hancock, was a member of the firm of Hancock Brothers. To Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born two children, Raymond Victor and Mary Lou.
Mr. Hall gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he is a past grand knight; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the American Legion; the Politicians Club, of which he is a past president ; and Piedmont Parlor, N. S. G. W., of which he is a past president. He is a member of the California State Bar Association and takes a keen interest in everything relating to his profession. A man of earnest purpose and upright life, he has won an enviable place in the estimation of his fellowmen and has a large circle of warm and loyal friends.
FRANK E. PERERIA
Frank E. Pereria, who for many years has conducted a successful mercantile business in Hayward, is numbered with those whose interests and activities have tended to conserve the commercial, civic and moral welfare of the community. He was born in this city on the 1st of January, 1876, and is a son of Antone and Maria (Nevis) Pereria, both natives of the Azores islands. The father left home in young manhood and came to America, settling in the eastern part of the United States. In 1849 he joined the rush to the Pacific coast, crossing the plains with ox team and covered wagon, and for a while engaged in mining in Nevada and northern California. Locating at Panole, he followed farming and cattle raising and later came to Hayward, where he bought a tract of land and engaged in raising fruit and vegetables. Here he spent the remaining years of his life, honored and respected by all, and his death occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age. At Sola Rando, California, he married Miss Maria Nevis, who had come to California by boat, landing at San Francisco in an early day.
Frank E. Pereria was reared in Haywood, attending the public schools, and in his youth was employed as a "cow puncher," during which period he also advanced his education by attending night school. Later he was employed as a clerk by J. H. Woods in Hayward for two years, after which he had charge of routes for the Hayward Steam Laundry. He was with Thomas H. Silva for a short time and then engaged in business on his own account. His first store was located on the site of his present building, which he erected and which is well adapted to his purposes. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and, through his
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courtesy, accommodation and efficient service, has built up a large trade, covering a wide radius of surrounding country. He employs capable and experienced clerks, some of whom have been in his employ for twenty-five years or more.
On June 8, 1900, Mr. Pereria was united in marriage to Miss Emma Silva, who has been a lifelong resident of this city and is a daughter of Joseph and Rose (Andrade) Silva, the former born in the Azores islands and the latter in Con- necticut. Mr. Silva came around Cape Horn to California in an early day and engaged in sheep raising in the San Joaquin valley. Later he was in the same business at Danville, Contra Costa county, until his retirement, when he came to Hayward, where he spent his remaining years. His widow is now making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Pereria. To Mr. and Mrs. Pereria has been born one child, Elloid, who is at home. The republican party receives Mr. Pereria's allegiance and during all his years here he has been a progressive and public-spirited citizen, giving his efforts and influence to the betterment and progress of the city. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of Columbus, the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Rotary Club, the U. P. C., and has belonged to the Foresters of America for thirty-two years. Kindly and generous in disposition and cordial and friendly in manner, he lacks not for friends among his numerous acquaintances and all who know him hold him in high regard.
JOSEPH FRANKLIN
"Joseph Franklin Homes, a Solid Investment," has become one of the best known business slogans in Alameda county, for it has been backed by a capable and honest builder, whose activities have been of real benefit to San Leandro and who has afforded to many an opportunity to secure modern, ideal homes at a moderate cost.
Joseph Franklin was born in California on the 13th of May, 1891, and is a son of Frank and Bertha Franklin, both of whom died when he was but a child. He was reared in Oakland and secured his education in the public schools, which he attended to the sixth grade. From that time he has looked after his own welfare, for when but thirteen or fourteen years old he went to work as a clerk in a shoe store in Oakland. However, outdoor life appealed to him, so he turned his attention to the building trades, entering the employ of Henry Carlson of that city, for whom he worked for six years, during which period he thoroughly learned all branches of the building business, including carpentering, concrete work, plastering, plumb- ing and electrical wiring.
In 1922 Mr. Franklin decided to embark in business on his own account and he has since operated as an independent builder, in which he has met with distinctive success. Beginning in a small way, the volume of his business has steadily in- creased, as may be inferred from the fact that last year he built forty homes and this year is building or has built sixty houses, having altogether erected more than one hundred and fifty residences. At first he did all of the work himself but now employs twelve expert workmen in their respective lines, all of whom are kept busy throughout the year. His method is to buy the land, on which he erects a house
JOSEPH FRANKLIN
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and then sells it. All of his houses are distinctive in their design and possess an individuality that attracts attention and pleases those who are hunting homes that satisfy. He is thorough and painstaking in everything he undertakes and is abso- lutely honest and straightforward in all of his business relations, so that he has a well established reputation as a square dealer, which has been one of his most valuable assets. The following article regarding his activities appeared in the Oakland Tribune under date of September 25, 1927:
"Joseph Franklin has achieved a new and extraordinary success in 'Franklin Homes' which are markedly original with perfect proportions and a masterly han- dling of architectural effects. 'Franklin Homes' are houses that raise living to its highest plane, you turn toward them with expectancy, certain of color, gaiety and hospitable cheer. Small wonder that these dwellings sell before they are completed, and that the purchasers are invariably pleased.
"Says Mr. Franklin: 'My method of building better homes at reasonable cost is possible through a one profit plan; carpenters, cabinetmakers, plasterers and cement workers are regular employes, no sub-contractors being necessary in these departments, and the middleman's profits thus eliminated are promptly turned over to the purchasers at the lowered price. Further economics are effected by quantity buying, entire car-load lots constituting my order. All purchases and construction are under my personal supervision and have my personal guarantee.'"
On June 3, 1916, in Oakland, California, Mr. Franklin was united in marriage to Miss Anna Dest, who is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of a son, Joseph, Jr. They reside in a comfortable and attractive home at 968 Alice avenue, where the spirit of hospitality and good cheer is ever in evidence.
Mr. Franklin is an enthusiastic booster for San Leandro, in the future of which he has great faith, and he has in every possible way worked for the advancement and progress of his community. He has passed the state examination as a realtor. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce and the San Leandro Real Estate Board. A man of friendly and agree- able manner, he has formed a wide acquaintance since coming to this locality and, because of his splendid business record and his sterling qualities of character, he has won a high place in public confidence and esteem.
JOHN J. ROSE, JR.
John J. Rose, Jr., of Oakland, has well earned the reputation which he enjoys as a learned and able lawyer and has a large clientele in Alameda county, where he is widely known. He was born in Decoto, this county, October 22, 1872, and is a son of John J. and Rosie (Rose) Rose, who, though of the same family name, were not related, the father being a native of Portugal and the mother of Brazil. He was a farmer by occupation, came to California in 1861 and was the first to locate on the site of Decoto. He was married in Hayward to Rosie Rose and both are now deceased, the father dying in June, 1917, at the age of eighty-six years, and the mother when seventy-six years of age. They were the parents of two sons,
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John J., of this review, and Bert, who became a prominent druggist in Hayward and died recently, his brother disposing of the pharmacy in 1927.
John J. Rose, Jr., was educated in the public school in Decoto and the high school in Oakland, after which he attended the San Francisco Law School and also studied in the law office of Reed, Black & Reed. He took the bar examination before the district court of appeals and was admitted to practice January 18, 1907, since which time he has been actively engaged in professional work in Oakland. Determined, persistent and resourceful in the trial of causes and safe and depend- able as an advisor, he is highly regarded as an attorney who at all times gives his best efforts in behalf of his clients.
Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Etta Bryant, who was born in San Jose, California, and is a daughter of Colonel Daniel Bryant, a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Rose are the parents of a son, Jack, who graduated from the Polytechnic high school, in which he was president of the student body, and is now a student in the University of California. Mr. Rose is a republican, is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, is fond of hunting and outdoor life and much of his recreation is gained on the splendid ranch of one hundred acres near Modesto which he owns and which is mainly devoted to dairy purposes. Candid and straightforward in manner, honorable and fair in every relation of life, throughout the range of his acquaintance he commands uniform confidence and respect.
WILLIAM J. BERGSMA
William J. Bergsma, vice president and manager of the Superior Creamery Company, of Oakland, has achieved success in his business affairs as the result of his persistent and well directed efforts, and is also prominent in activities relating to the civic and moral welfare of his community. Born in New York city on the 20th of January, 1878, he is a son of William J. and Anna A. (Ball) Bergsma. His father was a deep-sea diver and met his death in the performance of that line of work.
W. J. Bergsma had but limited opportunity of education, attending the public schools of New York city only to the age of nine years, when he found it necessary to go to work, his father having passed away. He was employed at various occupa- tions until June 3, 1897, when he began his connection with the ice cream business, with which he has been identified ever since. In October, 1910, Mr. Bergsma came to Oakland, California, and was employed in connection with the ice cream business until 1917, when he organized the Superior Ice Cream Company. This proved a successful enterprise and in 1921 was incorporated under the laws of California as the Superior Creamery Company, which took over the Superior Ice Cream Com- pany. Helen M. Bergsma is president of this company and Mr. Bergsma is vice president and manager. Their factory is in Oakland and they employ fifteen people, their product being sold throughout the Bay district, where it has attained well merited popularity.
Mr. Bergsma was married and has a son, William Lawrence, now seven years of age. In his political views Mr. Bergsma is independent, voting according to the
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dictates of his judgment as to men and measures. He has been active in affairs of importance to his community, being president of the West Oakland Boosters Club, a member of the Western Water Front Industrial Association, the East Bay Safety Council and chairman of the Big Brothers Club, and is also secretary of the Alameda County Hospital Christmas committee. He belongs to the Athens Athletic Club and the Optimist Club, is a director of the Eastlake Kiwanis Club, a director of the Travelers Aid Society and a member of the Bentwood Club and the Oakland Advertising Club. He has given much of his time and attention to rescue work, being deeply in sympathy with those less fortunate than he, and the county poor- house and the home for the blind have in a number of ways been the beneficiaries of his kindness of heart and his generosity, as have many friendless ones in the courts of the city. Quiet and unostentatious in manner, and averse to any praise for what he has done, he is earnest in his desire to be of practical use to his fellow- men, and has thus earned the gratitude of hundreds whom he has helped. He is a man of excellent personal qualities and among his acquaintances is held in high esteem.
ALLEN E. PELTON
Among those whose activities and successes have excited the admiration of their fellowmen, stands Allen E. Pelton, of San Leandro, who, in partnership with Joseph E. Faustina, with main offices in Oakland, is engaged in the real estate, in- vestment and insurance business, and has also gained a wide reputation as a suc- cessful promoter of subdivisions and as a builder of good homes. Mr. Pelton was born in Eldorado county, California, July 29, 1878, and is a son of Aylmer and Belle (Langtree) Pelton, both of whom were born in the village of Trout River, near Montreal, Canada. The father, lured by the discovery of gold in California, crossed the plains, with ox teams and covered wagon, in 1850, and became a pioneer placer gold miner on the American river. He met with success and in the early '70s returned to his native village, where he was married. Soon afterwards he brought his bride to California and resumed his mining operations near Coloma, where gold had been first discovered by John Marshall in 1848. To him and his wife were born three children, namely : Allen E., of this review; Martha, who is the wife of the late P. E. Arlett and resides in Portland, Oregon; and Albert, also in Portland. The mother of these children died in 1887 and subsequently the father married again. Desiring to give his children better educational advantages, in 1888 he brought his family to San Leandro, where they established their permanent home. Having retained his gold mining interests in El Dorado county, he went back and forth to the placer mines for a number of years. He died in Oakland in 1911, at the age of seventy-nine years.
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