USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 15
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CECIL CORWIN, D. D. S.
For over twenty-five years Dr. Cecil Corwin has been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry at Hayward, and during this period has held a high place in public esteem, both for his professional ability and for the high standards of citi- zenship which has been exemplified in his life. He was born in Tillamook county, Oregon, and is a son of Samuel and Emmaline A. (Richardson) Corwin, the for- mer born in London, Ontario, Canada, and the latter in the Willamette valley, Oregon, in 1849. The Doctor's paternal grandfather moved from Canada to Iowa, where he engaged in farming for thirty years, and then went to Oregon, where he bought and cultivated a tract of land, and also engaged in the grocery business. Later he went to Wichita, Kansas, where he died at the age of ninety-eight years. Samuel Corwin accompanied his family on their removal to Iowa, where he re- mained until twenty-one years of age, when he came to California, locating first at Sacramento, where he was employed as a clerk in various mercantile establish- ments. Later he went to eastern Oregon, where he engaged in the hotel business, and was afterwards interested in farming operations in Tillamook county, that state. He was married in Union county, Oregon, and in 1882 went to Oakland, Califor- nia, and engaged in the grocery business, in which he was successful. He died in Montana, while on a visit to a brother, and his widow is now living in Hayward. He was a republican in his political views.
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Cecil Corwin spent his boyhood in Oregon and Oakland, California, and se- cured bis elementary education in the public schools. He entered the dental school of the University of California, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, after which he engaged in the practice of his profession in Oakland and Nevada county for three years. In 1902 he came to Hayward, where he has devoted his attention to his profession continuously since. He has a well equipped office, has proven an able and efficient dentist, and commands a large and representative patronage.
In 1896 Dr. Corwin was united in marriage to Miss Bessie E. Hall, who was born and reared in Hayward and is a daughter of A. R. and Emmaline Hall, who located here in 1864. Dr. and Mrs. Corwin have two children, Cecil Meredith and Victoria Emmaline. The Doctor gives his political support to the republican party and since coming to Hayward has shown a deep interest in the welfare of the com- munity. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is a keen student of history, particularly that phase of it relating to California and Alameda county, on which he is regarded as an authority, and has done considerable writing along that line. Courteous and affable in manner, he has made a host of warm friends through- out this community and is held in high regard by all who know him.
VIRGIL G. CAPORGNO
Virgil G. Caporgno, who by determined and persistent effort, in the face of obstacles, has ultimately gained success and an independent position in life, is the senior member of the well known undertaking firm of Caporgno & Lewis, of Oak- land, and is regarded as one of the leading business men of his city. Born in Switzerland on the 31st of July, 1871, he is a son of Peter and Christina Caporgno. His father was one of the pioneers of California, having come from his native land in 1849, the long voyage, by the way of Cape Horn, requiring six months. He went into the mines of Amador county, where he worked for ten years, and then returned to his Switzerland, where he died at a comparatively early age. His wife also is deceased.
Virgil G. Caporgno was reared at home and attended the public schools to the age of fourteen years, when he came to the United States. He was unacquainted with the English language and first learned to speak Spanish, later giving his at- tention to English. He first located in Marin county, California, but later went to San Luis Obispo county, where he remained for a time. Returning to Marin county, he rode the range for several years, but later became associated with John L. Blackburn in the undertaking business at Petaluma, Sonoma county. After some time he went to San Francisco, where he was similarly engaged for several years, and, in March, 1907, came to Oakland and bought the Leach undertaking parlors in partnership with F. J. Cunha. This proved a successful venture and the business was conducted by them until July 1, 1925, when Mr. Cunha retired from the firm on account of advancing years. Mr. Caporgno continued alone until November 1, 1927, when he admitted Nester R. Lewis to a partnership and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Caporgno & Lewis. They have a well furnished
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mortuary establishment, well arranged to meet the requirements of the business, and their service cars and hearses are of Pierce-Arrow make. There is a large and com- fortable chapel in connection with the establishment and a lady attendant is at the service of those who need her. Mr. Caporgno is a very capable funeral director, giving thoughtful and painstaking attention to the work in hand, and the firm commands its full share of the local patronage in its line. They plan to soon build a new chapel at 18th and Grove streets. In addition to his undertaking business Mr. Caporgno is a member of the advisory board of the Bank of Italy and is a di- rector of the National Mortgage and Guarantee Company.
Mr. Caporgno was united in marriage to Miss Rose Clark, who was born in Marin county, California, and whose mother was born in San Leandro, Alameda county, of which locality her family were pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Caporgno has been born a son, Virgil R., who is now a student in St. Mary's high school. Mr. Caporgno gives his political support to the republican party, though inclined to an independent course in local elections. He is president of Oakland Lodge No. 7, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is a member of the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, the United Ancient Order of Druids, the Foresters of Amer- ica, the Ancient Order of Foresters, the Athens Club, the Exchange Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Exchange. He is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of his community, and is re- garded as one of its most estimable citizens, his business record and private life having gained for him the confidence and good will of all who know him.
REV. JOHN F. CASEY
Rev. John F. Casey, who has served during the past eight years as pastor of St. Edward's Roman Catholic church, at Newark, has won a warm place in the hearts of his parishioners through his unselfish and tireless efforts to promote the best interests of the parish along spiritual, material and civic lines, in all of which he has been successful. Father Casey was born in San Francisco, California, on the 26th day of February, 1881, and secured his educational training in the parochial schools and Sacred Heart College in that city. For four years he was engaged in the plumbing business in San Francisco, and then entered St. Patrick's Seminary, at Menlo Park, where for twelve years he pursued his classical and theological studies. He was there ordained to the priesthood on June 22, 1912, and was ap- pointed assistant pastor of St. Catherine's church at Burlingame, serving later as assistant pastor of Sacred Heart church, on Fillmore street, San Francisco, and at the church of the Holy Ghost in Centerville. In 1920 he was made pastor of St. Edward's church at Newark, which at that time was changed from a mission to a fully organized church, with a resident pastor. This church was first established about fifty-four years ago and from that time until 1920 was served from Mission San Jose. The church was erected by the late Senator James G. Fair, who figured so prominently in the early history of this state. It was he who laid out the town of Newark, naming it after his native town in New Jersey. The parish comprises two hundred families and is in a prosperous condition, largely due to the persistent
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and well directed labors of the pastor. Father Casey also serves a mission church at Alvarado, where he erected a beautiful church in 1925. That parish, which was established about sixty-six years ago, comprises some two hundred families and is an important center of religious interest. Father Casey is a member of the Knights of Columbus, has been active in the work of the League of the Cross Cadets, of San Francisco, and for two years was scout master of the Boy Scouts. He has done very effective and appreciated work here and is held in the highest measure of esteem throughout the community.
HARRY H. BEGIER
Harry H. Begier is one of the prominent and well known building contractors in San Leandro, many of the leading business structures and most attractive homes in this locality bearing the stamp of his originality as a designer and the high quality of his work as a builder, so that he has won a well merited reputation as one of the leading business men of his locality. Mr. Begier was born in San Fran- cisco, California, August 20, 1884, and is a son of J. H. and Alice (Schultze) Be- gier, who were born in Hamburg, Germany, where their marriage occurred. The father learned landscape gardening there and in 1882 came to the United States, locating first in North Dakota, but in the following year came to California. He followed the same line in San Francisco until 1885, when he came to San Lean- dro, where he has since lived. Beginning here with a cash capital of two dollars, he engaged in farming, in which he was not successful because of a lack of funds. Returning to San Francisco, for about six months, he worked as a laborer, and then came back to San Leandro as gardener for Judge Nye. He soon demonstrated his ability and eventually had charge of Judge Nye's fruit picking, with a large force of men under him. Since then prosperity has attended his efforts and, going into business for himself, he has long been extensively and successfully engaged in shipping fruits and vegetables to the eastern markets in carload lots. He has also engaged extensively in raising fruit, being now known as the "Cherry King" of his section of California. And about eighteen years ago he originated the famous Cherry Festival, which has become one of the most important annual events in this section of the state. He resides on a fine eight-acre tract in the city of San Leandro and owns much other valuable property in this locality. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic order, the Woodmen of the World and the Kiwanis Club. To him and his wife have been born four children, as follows: Emily, who died at the age of three years ; Minnie; Harry H; and Bernard, who is engaged in the auto- mobile business in Oakland. More detailed reference to Mr. Begier's career is presented in a personal sketch of him on other pages of this work.
Harry H. Begier was about two and a half years old when he was brought to San Leandro and in the grammar schools of this city he secured his education. He first worked for his father in the orchards, gardens and packing house, but he was ambitious for an independent career and to this end took a correspondence course in architecture with the International Correspondence School. He began working for contracting firms, gaining valuable experience in building, as well as in
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designing and architecture, and in 1914 he began contracting on his own account. His record since then has been one of repeated successes and he has become known as one of the leading building contractors of Alameda county. He has built up an enormous business, employing from six to forty-six men, and among the contracts completed by him may be mentioned, fourteen bungalows on Oakes boulevard, San Leandro, the V. Santi apartments, the J. H. Begier residence, the Freeman building, on East Fourteenth street, the Garcia apartments, on Estudillo avenue, the American Legion hall, and others of equal importance, for all of which he has also supplied the plans. As a designer Mr. Begier has caught the public fancy, for he incorporates in his plans distinctive ideas that add to the attractiveness and utility of the structures which he plans. His slogans, "Begier Builds Better Bungalows," "Building Built by Begier" and "Being Built by Begier," have become familiar to the people of this district and are fully justified by the superior quality of his work, for he is conscientious in the execution of every contract and does thoroughly and well whatever he undertakes.
On November 29, 1909, in San Francisco, Mr. Begier was united in mar- riage to Miss Lena Starr. Her father was formerly a member of the firm of Owens & Starr, the largest restauranteurs in San Francisco, but is now engaged in the retail grocery and general merchandise business at Forest Knolls, Marin county. Mr. and Mrs. Begier have had five children but twins died in infancy. The others are Henry Starr, Bernice Elice and Virginia Thelma. Mr. Begier is a member of Alameda Lodge, No. 1015, B. P. O. E .; Court San Leandro, F. O. A., of which he is a past chief ranger and now junior beadle; and San Leandro Camp, W. O. W. He is a republican in his political views and is an adherent of the Pres- byterian church. His hobby is gardening, and he is fond of fishing, hunting and outdoor life. He and his family take many enjoyable automobile trips through various sections of the west. He is intensely optimistic, has great faith in the future of San Leandro, and is deeply interested in its progress and welfare. He has a fine business record and throughout his community is held in high esteem because of his sterling integrity and splendid public spirit.
EDWARD B. FIELD
The E. B. Field Company, of which Edward B. Field is the head, is one of Oakland's leading real estate firms and in the past seven years has handled a large amount of mercantile and industrial property in this city and county, besides many residence properties. Mr. Field was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 20, 1885, and is a son of Frank O. and Harriet N. (Jones) Field, also natives of Columbus, the father born on April 2, 1858, and the mother September 5, 1860. Both fami- lies were established in this country many generations ago, the Field line having originated in France, where the family was known as "de la Field," while the Jones family is of Welsh origin.
Edward B. Field attended the public schools, graduating from high school in Chicago, to which city the family had moved, and then took a civil engineering course with the Illinois Central Railroad. After its completion he was
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employed by the Illinois Central in Louisiana, Mississippi and Kentucky, and later worked for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad in Montana, Idaho and Washington. On January 1, 1921, he came to Oakland, established a real estate office and has been very successful, employing a large force and gaining recognition as a progressive, wide-awake and able business man. He has prospered in his undertakings and aside from his real estate interests is a director and vice- president of the Pacific Steel and Wire Company.
On September 23, 1908, in Rosalia, Washington, Mr. Field was united in mar- riage to Miss Selma Turnley, who was born in Lamar, Johnson county, Arkansas, November 1, 1889, and is of English-Scotch stock. She is a daughter of Robert P. and Laura (Howard) Turnley, now of Rosalia, the former born in Alabama, August 5, 1862, and the latter in Georgia, December 14, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Field are the parents of a daughter, Frances Louise, fifteen years of age. Mr. Field is a republican in his political affiliation and is greatly interested in the wel- fare and prosperity of Oakland and Alameda county. In 1925 he served as chair- man of the harbor bond campaign; in 1927 was chairman of the reappraisal com- mission of Alameda county; and is now president of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and vice president of the Oakland Real Estate Board. He is a member of the Athenian Nile Club, the Athens Athletic Club, the Diablo Country Club and the Oak Knoll Country Club, and he and his wife are members of the First Pres- byterian church of Oakland. Mr. Field is a veteran of the World war, having served as a captain in the Fifth Battalion, Twenty-second Engineers, and saw ac- tive service overseas, where he participated in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne drives. A man of sterling principles and great force of character, he makes a fa- vorable impression on all with whom he comes in contact and throughout the business circles of Oakland is held in high regard for his business ability and for his genuine worth as a man and citizen.
DONALD LAWRENCE MARSHALL
Donald L. Marshall, the capable chief of the Oakland police department, has crowded into the last twenty years of his life about as much and as varied expe- rience as any man could hope to acquire. This has been valuable to him in his later work as detective and officer of the law, and in his present important post he is rendering his city invaluable service. Mr. Marshall was born in Clayton, New York, on the 17th of February, 1890, and is a son of Charles Miles and Emma Jane (Longton) Marshall. His father was of Scotch-English descent and his mother of French lineage, and both families were seafaring people.
Donald L. Marhsall attended the public schools of Clayton to the age of sixteen years, when he went to sea, thus spending two years. On January 16, 1909, he enlisted in the regular army, in which he served until January 15, 1912. He was a member of Battery E, Second Regiment United States Field Artillery, in which he served as private, corporal and sergeant. For two years of this time he was in the Philippine islands, sailing from New York, February 17, 1909, for Manila, by way of the Suez canal. He returned to this country by way of the Pacific ocean, and thus has made a trip around the world.
CHIEF
DONALD L. MARSHALL
10V2
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After leaving the army, Mr. Marshall was employed as a longshoreman, rail- way mail clerk, a labor foreman on railroad construction work, a prospector and miner in Arizona, a salesman, a department manager in a bank for four years, and as a policeman at the San Francisco exposition in 1915, while during 1916 and part of the following year he served as a guard for the Hercules Powder Company. On August 27, 1917, Mr. Marshall enlisted in the officers training camp at the Presidio, San Francisco, and on November 27, 1917, was commissioned a first lieutenant of field artillery. He sailed from New York for France, January 23, 1918, and returned to the United States, September 15, 1919, having served with several different army organizations in France, among them the Forty-first Divi- sion, the Third Division, the Fifth Army Corps and the Seventh Army Corps, besides being detailed as an instructor in training camps. He participated in two major offensives and was on one defensive sector. After receiving his honorable discharge, he was commissioned a captain in the One Hundred and Forty-third Field Artillery of the National Guard, serving five years, and is now a captain of Field Artillery in the Reserve. Since the war Mr. Marshall has followed detective and police work and was county detective in the district attorney's office when he was appointed, July 11, 1927, to his present position as chief of police of Oakland.
On April 26, 1919, at Lambezellec, Brittany, France, Mr. Marshall was united in marriage to Miss Louise Marie Le Guillou, who was born on March 3, 1896, at Morlaix, France, and is a daughter of Maurice and Louise Le Guillou, the former now deceased, while the mother still resides at Morlaix. Mr. Marshall met his wife in her native town in France after the Armistice, married her and brought her back to the United States with him. To them have been born three children, John Maurice, aged eight years; Donald Charles, aged six ; and Mary Emma, four years. In his political views Mr. Marshall is a republican and is a member of the board of governors of the East Bay Safety Council. He is a member of Chateau Thiery Lodge, No. 569, F. & A. M., and the American Legion. He has always been a close student, history and biography having strong attraction for him, and is well and accurately informed on a wide range of subjects. A man of earnest purpose and sterling integrity of character, loyal and true in all of life's relations, he com- mands the confidence and respect of his fellowmen, while among his associates and friends he is extremely popular.
AMBROSE BROTHERS
The firm of Ambrose Brothers, composed of George C. and William A. Am- brose, of San Leandro, has won a place in the front rank of contractors in sheet metal work, plumbing and heating, and in many of the important buildings of this section of Alameda county are found evidences of the superior quality of their work, which has been their best advertisement. Both brothers were born in Oak- land, California, George C. on the 12th of September, 1890, and William A. on the 12th of February, 1892, sons of Antone Angelo and Mary (Megalo) Ambrose, both of whom were born and reared in Italy, though their marriage occurred after they had come to California. The sons were reared and educated in Oakland and
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in boyhood gained their first business experience in selling newspapers. During all of their lives they have been associated in their interests and activities and have formed a strong and efficient team. They learned together the metal working, plumbing and heating trades, being first in the employ of Willis B. George, who is now retired from business. Later they worked for Lewis Blake, Spot Brothers and other prominent Oakland firms and contractors, becoming proficient in their line, and in 1911 they started in the contracting business on their own account. Since 1919 they have been located in San Leandro and have here built up a large and successful business, which in recent years has exceeded two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, annually, while they employ as high as thirty men. Among the many contracts which they have executed in this county are many large apartment houses, including the Abbott apartments in Oakland, one hundred and fifty resi- dences in Homes court, Oakland, one hundred and ten houses on the Saroni tract, at Eighty-second street and Foothill boulevard, San Leandro, one hundred and fifty houses in the Broadmoore addition, the Palace theater building in San Lean- dro, the First Presbyterian church in this city, the Matthews & Boitano building, at 1337 East Fourteenth street, and many others. They own their own home at 206 Chaumalia street and four fine bungalows across the street. They have, in the rear of their home, a large and completely equipped shop, their machinery being of the most modern type, and they are prepared to do any kind of work in their line promptly and efficiently.
Both brothers are married, George C. Ambrose having been married in Oak- land, in 1914, to Miss Nicolina Zammerelli, who was born near Naples, Italy, while William A. Ambrose was married in Oakland in 1915 to Miss Antoinette Zammer- elli, who also was born near Naples, Italy, and is a cousin of Mrs. Nicolina Ambrose. To William A. Ambrose and wife have been born two children, Estella and Gloria. In 1925 George C. Ambrose and his wife took an extended trip to Italy, visiting Naples, Rome and other cities, and while in Rome were in the Vatican, where they met the Pope (it being Holy year), and also saw Premier Mussolini. The Am- brose brothers are wide-awake, enterprising and progressive business men, con- ducting their affairs in accord with the highest commercial ethics, and enjoy a splendid reputation for good work and square dealing. Friendly and hospitable, they command the friendship and good will of all who know them and are num- bered among San Leandro's most highly esteemed citizens.
ROMAINE W. MYERS
In the field of electrical engineering on the Pacific coast Romaine W. Myers, of Oakland, is a prominent figure, his professional achievements having attracted wide attention, while his knowledge and ability have gained for him a large and remunerative practice as a consulting electrical engineer. Mr. Myers was born in Wahpeton, Richland county, North Dakota, on the 14th of June, 1880, being the first white child born in that county, and is a son of Rufus B. and Florence (Wright) Myers, the latter a native of New Jersey and a descendant of a former governor of that state. Rufus B. Myers was a pioneer lawyer of North Dakota,
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where he attained prominence, serving as judge of the probate court, and practic- ing there until 1888, when he came to Oakland, California, and has been engaged in the practice of his profession here continuously since.
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