USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
MELVIN C. CHAPMAN
15
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
tation of a cause. No higher testimonial of the respect and esteem entertained for · him by members of the legal fraternity could be given than the fact that he has been elected eighteen times to the presidency of the Alameda County Bar Asso- ciation. He was formerly president of the Tribune Publishing Company and in many ways has ben identified with those enterprises and movements which have been of inestimable benefit to the community.
An outstanding factor in the life record of Melvin C. Chapman was his serv- ice as mayor of the city. Elected to the office, he gave to Oakland an administra- tion that was characterized by notable progress and improvement. Its beautiful water park will ever be a monument to his progressiveness and his public spirit. Constantly alert to apportunities for adding to the beauty of Oakland, he con- ceived the idea of securing this park for the city and used his personal and official influence in securing a deed from the Oakland Water Front Company. It was largely his persuasive force with Leland Stanford and the late Mr. Huntington that brought about the transfer to Oakland of the beautiful Lake Merritt, now a celebrated water park and one of the most attractive districts of the city or the East Bay region, the estimated value of this property being more than one million dollars. The work of developing this property was carried on under the direction of Mayor Chapman and his fellow townsmen owe to him a debt of gratitude for what he has accomplished in this connection. Again his public service reached a high point of efficiency when in 1887 he became a member of the state legislature, giving his support, as always, to every measure that made for progress, development and improvement.
On the 21st of December, 1887, in Oakland, Mr. Chapman was united in mar- riage to Miss Lillian Childs, who has passed away. Their son, Melvin C. Jr., is now practicing law in connection with his father as a partner in the firm of Chap- man, Trefethen & Chapman.
Melvin C. Chapman has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey but is still a most active factor in the world's work, being found at his office every day attending to his professional duties, which are both extensive and important in character. His life has ever been purposeful and his activities resultant. The same qualities which have made him a notably successful member of the bar have led to achievement in the field of public activity and Oakland has reason to point with pride to him as one of her representative men.
EVERETT J. BROWN
Judge Everett J. Brown, who ranks among the capable, influential and success- ful members of the bar of Alameda county, has had an excellent professional record, marked not only by unusual achievement as a practitioner, but also by able and worthy service as a jurist, and today no member of his profession in the East Bay district is held in higher regard. Judge Brown was born on the 14th of Decem- ber, 1876, and is a son of John W. and Matilda (Delger) Brown. He received his early education in the public schools of Oakland, graduating from high school in 1894, and then entered the University of California, from which he was graduated
16
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1898. Having long entertained an ambition to devote his life to the legal profession, he entered the Hastings College of Law, in San Francisco, affiliated with the State University, and supplemented his work there by active experience in the offices of Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, with whom he remained until the latter became a member of President Roosevelt's cabinet. In 1901 he was admitted to the bar and immediately opened an office in Oakland. His ability and energy quickly gained him recognition and he attracted attention by his earnestness, skill and resourcefulness. In 1903 he was appointed deputy district attorney of Alameda county, and during his term his service was so effective and satisfactory that he was then made the republican nominee for the office of district attorney and was elected by a flattering majority. He served about two years of his term, exhibiting marked ability and a comprehensive knowledge of law, so that he was nominated and elected to the superior bench of Alameda county, being at that time but thirty-three years of age. As a jurist he proved able, fearless and eminently fair, his record enhancing his already enviable reputation for conscientious devotion to duty and firmness. After several years of worthy service on the bench, Judge Brown resigned and resumed the private practice of his profession, in which he has met with distinctive success, and is enjoying a large and lucrative practice, having his offices in the Central Bank building. Alert, vigorous and skillful, he has a professional record that has attracted wide attention and commands not only the respect of his colleagues, but also the confidence and esteem of the public.
In 1905, in Oakland, Judge Brown was united in marriage to Miss Winifred L. Osborne, and they are the parents of three children, Winifred, Everett and Jean. The Judge is the scion of worthy ancestors, his mother having for many years been a leader in the social and civic affairs of her community, devoting her efforts to benevolent and philanthropic affairs and serving a number of years as president of the King's Daughters Home. The Judge is a man of progressive and constructive tendencies and his interest in the welfare and advancement of his home city has prompted him to give his active support to every measure for the betterment of the community. Cordial and unaffected in manner, he not only has a wide acquaintance but also commands the friendship and good will of all who have come into contact with him.
REV. ALFRED DE SOUSA
Rev. Alfred de Sousa, who has served continuously since 1913 as pastor of the Church of the Holy Ghost, at Centerville, is one of the devoted and able clergymen of Alameda county, and is entitled to mention among those whose efforts have been directed to the betterment and uplift of humanity. Father de Sousa was born in Flores, in the Azores islands, October 22, 1872, and, after attending the public schools, completed his education in Angra City College, in which he was ordained to the priesthood in 1896. In 1899 he came to the United States and was appointed assistant pastor at Mission San Jose, California, later serving in the same capacity at the San Leandro church. His next appointment was as pastor at Atwater, where he built a new church and parish house, and from there he went to Petaluma and
17
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Cotati, where he served in the pastorate until 1913, when he came to the Church of · the Holy Ghost, at Centerville. This parish was founded in 1886 by Rev. Domingo Governo, who had charge of the church to the time of his death, in 1913, and thus this parish has had but two pastors during its entire history of forty-two years. Father de Sousa has done splendid work at Centerville, including the erection of a new church, of stately Roman architectural style, and a new parish house and hall. The membership of the church is largely of Portuguese nativity or descent. There is a Holy Name Society and a Holy Ghost Brotherhood, and all departments of the church are functioning in a very satisfactory manner. Father de Sousa is a strong preacher, a devoted pastor and a public-spirited citizen of his community, giving his support to all measures for the advancement of public welfare, and for these reasons, as well as for his splendid personal qualities, he commands the respect and good will of all who know him, regardless of creed or profession.
GEORGE C. VIERRA
The Vierra brothers, near San Lorenzo, are numbered among Alameda county's most progressive, energetic and prosperous farmers, having showed excellent judg- ment in the management of their affairs. A. J. and George C. Vierra were born, respectively, on the 19th of January, 1892, and the 10th of March, 1902, and are sons of Anton J. and Rose Vierra. The father was born at Fayol, Azores islands, from which country he came to Alameda county many years ago, and here engaged in farming, following that line of work to the time of his death, which occurred about two years ago, when he was seventy-one years of age. The mother, who was born and reared at Hayward, Alameda county, died in 1904, at the age of thirty-six years. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters.
A. J. and George C. Vierra were reared in the parental home and secured their education in the public schools, since which time they have devoted their efforts to farming, gardening and fruit raising. George C. owns five acres of splendid land on East Fourteenth street, near San Lorenzo, which he has planted to Royal Ann and Black Tarlarian cherries, which are now in full bearing and producing bountiful crops. A. J. owns ten acres on Washington avenue, near San Lorenzo, on which he has built a neat and attractive bungalow. The brothers also jointly own four acres of choice land, recently purchased from J. P. Marlin, of San Lorenzo, and they are renting two hundred and fifty acres of land from the Stenzel Estate Company, Inc., located about one and three-quarter miles south of San Leandro, this being one of the best farms in this section of the county. For the proper cultivation of this land they are fully equipped with horses, tractor, plows, cultivators, sprayers and other machinery and implements necessary to its proper handling, and, being experienced in their line of work, they are realizing a splendid success in their operations. They grow corn, cucumbers for pickling, tomatoes, peas, rhubarb and pears in large quantities and of a quality that finds ready sale in the market. They have worked hard and persistently for success and are now realizing it in large measure.
A. J. Vierra was married to Miss Caroline Oliver, of Walnut Grove, Contra
2V2
18
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Costa county. George C. Vierra was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Simus, who was born and reared in San Leandro, and they are the parents of a daughter, Shirley Jane. They reside in the old town hall in San Lorenzo, where they are very comfortably situated, and in their home the spirit of hospitality and good cheer is always in evidence, so that it is a favorite stopping place for their many friends. Mr. Vierra is a member of the Woodmen of the World and throughout the com- munity in which he has spent his life, and where he enjoys a wide acquaintance, he is held in high regard and enjoys well deserved popularity. He gives his support to all measures for the promotion of the public welfare and is regarded as a man of earnest purpose and right principles, well deserving the prosperity which is now his.
LOUIS BURGELIN
Louis Burgelin, the builder, owner and proprietor of the Eureka Meat Market at 1226 Market street, Oakland, enjoys the distinction of having been engaged in the retail meat business longer than any other dealer in the city, having established his business here fifty-four years ago. He was born in Germany on the 24th of February, 1849, and is a son of John and Johannah (Zollin) Burgelin. His father and grandfather were engaged in the butcher business, as were representatives of other generations of the family before them. The father died in Germany, after which the mother came to America and located in Rochester, New York, where a son lived, and there her death occurred.
Louis Burgelin attended the public schools of his native land and when sixteen years of age came to the United States, joining his brother in Rochester, New York, where he remained four years. In 1871 he came to Oakland, California, and for about one year and a half was employed in a slaughter house in East Oakland. He then entered the Oakland meat market, where he worked until 1874, when he embarked in the meat business on his own account. This proved a successful ven- ture and two years later he erected the building which he now occupies, at 1226 Market street. He has always taken pride in carrying only the very best quality of meat, and his courtesy and accommodation have been appreciated by his custom- ers, many of whom have patronized him for many years.
In 1874 Mr. Burgelin was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Stark, also a native of Germany, and they became the parents of six children, of whom two are deceased : Louis, Jr., who died unmarried at the age of twenty-four years, and Edwin, who died at the age of seventeen. Those living are as follows: Otto is a resident of Vallejo, and works in the Mare Island Navy Yard. He married Frances Brosnahan and has three children, Ruth, Louis and Charles. Walter, who enlisted during the World war and served eighteen months at Camp Lewis and Fort Worden, is now employed with his father in the Eureka Meat Market. He mar- ried Addie Kirkman and resides in Oakland. They have two children, Marion and Margaret, twins, now five years of age. Annie is the wife of Henry Mohr, pro- prietor of the Railroad Meat Market at Tenth and Kirkham streets, Oakland. Lillie is the wife of B. T. Schullerts, owner and proprietor of the B. T. Schullerts Plumbing shop in Berkeley. The mother of these children died in December, 1927,
19
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
.
and her death was greatly regretted throughout the community, for she was a woman of many fine qualities of character, kindly and gracious in manner, and was endeared to all who knew her. There are nine grandchildren and one great- grandchild in the family. On Washington's birthday, 1924, Mr. and Mrs. Burgelin celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding.
Mr. Burgelin is a republican in his political views and is a member of the Sons of Herman. Because of his sterling character and friendly manner, he is held in high regard and has a host of warm and loyal friends.
JOHN G. RUPPRICHT
Among the honored and respected citizens of Hayward who, having performed well their part in life and, having finished their labors, have passed to their eternal reward, one of the best remembered is the late John G. Ruppricht, who held a high place in the esteem of his fellowmen and was regarded as one of the best citizens of his community.
Mr. Ruppricht was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 30th of October, 1833, and was a son of George and Marie Ruppricht. He attended the public schools of his home neighborhood and in young manhood emigrated to the United States, going direct to Columbus, Ohio, where he had a sister living. In the public schools of that city he completed his education and later became a bookkeeper in the office of a canal company. He came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama and located at Dutch Flats, Placer county, where he did the first hydraulic mining in that locality. During that period he also owned and operated a sawmill. After remaining there a number of years, he came to Alameda county and lived retired. Selling his business, he went back to Germany, with his wife and children, and after a pleasant visit amid the scenes of his boyhood, returned to this country. For awhile he visited his sister in Columbus, Ohio, and then came back to Hayward, where he bought four different properties, three of which he still owned at the time of his death, which occurred at the Franklin Hospital in San Francisco in 1905, when he was seventy-two years of age. On one of his properties, consisting of eighteen acres on B street, Hayward, his daughter, Mrs. Diete, is now living. This place is well improved and is largely devoted to fruit raising, mainly cherries, apricots, pears and plums.
Mr. Ruppricht was married in San Francisco to Miss Hermine Witte, who was born in Salzgitter, Germany, from which country she came to the United States early in life with friends and located in San Francisco, where she lived up to the time of her marriage. She passed away in Hayward in 1904 at the age of fifty-six years. To this union were born four children. John B. was a veteran of the Spanish-American war and is now deceased. Charles is also deceased. Minnie was married in San Francisco to Dr. Thomas C. Diete, a native of Germany, who was graduated in medicine from the University of Berlin, and on coming to this country located in San Francisco, where he practiced medicine, later removing to Alameda county. He enlisted in the Spanish-American war. and was in China during the Boxer uprising. There he was taken sick. On his return to this country he located
20
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
at Hayward. To him and his wife were born two children, Carol and Elsie. Elsie, the fourth child in the Ruppricht family, is the wife of John Viehmeier, of Auburn, Placer county, California.
Mr. Ruppricht gave his political support to the democratic party and while living in Placer county served as deputy sheriff. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious connection was with the Presbyterian church, to which he gave generous support, as he did also to all worthy benevolent causes. He was a man of kindly and hospitable disposition, cordial and friendly in manner, of sterling integrity and industrious habits, and throughout the com- munities in which he lived he commanded to a marked degree the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.
JOHN HENRY GANSBERGER
John Henry Gansberger, of Mt. Eden, is numbered among the successful farmers and orchardists of Alameda county, and is also regarded as one of its progressive and enterprising citizens, commanding the respect of the entire com- munity in which he lives. Born in Hanover, Germany, on the 2d of November, 1856, he is a son of John Henry and Sophia Gansberger, also natives of that coun- try. The father engaged in farming there until August, 1866, when he emigrated to this country, coming direct to Alameda county. He settled at San Lorenzo, where he rented a tract of land, on which he farmed until his death, which occurred in 1872, at the age of forty-eight years. He was survived a number of years by his widow, who passed away in 1891, at the age of fifty-six years.
John H. Gansberger, Jr., was about ten years of age when the family came to Alameda county and here he secured his education in the public schools. He fol- lowed the occupation of farming until 1883, when he moved to Mt. Eden and leased the Armstrong ranch of forty acres, operating that place until 1890, when he bought his present ranch of thirty acres, one-half of which was planted to apricots, the remainder to pears. He erected a new set of buildings and made other sub- stantial improvements on the place, making of it a very comfortable and attractive country home. In 1913 he bought two hundred and twenty acres of land in Pala- more's canyon, formerly known as the Quigley ranch, having been owned by Mr. Gansberger's father-in-law, James Quigley. He is also a director of the Bank of Hayward.
In 1887 Mr. Gansberger was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Quigley, who was born in San Leandro, Alameda county, and is a daughter of James and Bridget (Gibney) Quigley. Her father was born in county Donegal, Ireland, May 11, 1823. In May, 1848, when twenty-five years old, he emigrated to America, locating at St. Johns, New Brunswick. Almost immediately afterward he went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he was employed at various occupations for seven years. Starting for the Pacific coast in 1854, he sailed by way of the isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco in December of that year. Going to Sierra county, he worked there as a miner from January, 1856, until the following May, when he came to Alameda county and in the fall of 1857 rented land in San
21
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Leandro and began farming. At the end of two years he sold out and bought a * ranch of one hundred and five acres at San Lorenzo, where he made his home for many years, his death occurring February 7, 1914, at the age of ninety years. In 1860 Mr. Quigley was married to Miss Bridget Gibney, who was born in Ireland and came to this country in 1850. She died at the home place in San Lorenzo in February, 1894. To them were born six children, namely: Mrs. Margaret Gans- berger ; Mrs. Frank Nugent, of Oakland; James; Henry; and Edward and John, both of whom are deceased.
Mr. Gansberger gives his support to the republican party, has long served as road supervisor and was also a member of the board of school trustees. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, while Mrs. Gansberger is a member of the Women of Woodcraft. Mr. Gansberger owes his success not to any particularly fortuitous circumstances, but solely to his determined and tireless efforts, backed by sound judgment, and throughout the community where he lives he is regarded as a dependable and public-spirited citizen, worthy of the confidence which is reposed in him by his fellowmen.
JOSEPH MALNICK
Joseph Malnick, through progressive methods and square dealing, has gained well merited prosperity and a place among the progressive and enterprisin ; busi- ness men of Oakland, among the people of which city he is held in high egard. Mr. Malnick was born in Warsaw, Poland, December 14, 1874, and is a ion of Abraham and Anna Malnick, who were lifelong residents of Poland. I .e was educated in private schools in that country and when nineteen years of age went to England, where for many years he was employed as traveling salesman for a large wholesale hardware and crockery house. He resided in Kent and became intimately acquainted with every part of that country. In 1907 he came to the United States, locating in San Francisco, where he opened a ladies' wear store, which he conducted for ten years. He was successful and in 1916, sensing the future growth of the Fruitvale district of Oakland, he came here and bought Mrs. Strangle's store, the oldest ladies' wear business in this locality. It was but a modest little shop, but increasing business has necessitated its enlargement from time to time, until today Mr. Malnick occupies a room seventy-five by ninety feet in size, modern in its arrangement and furnishings and with a fine display front. The business is run under the name of the Fruitvale Toggery and he carries a large and well selected line of everything in ladies' wear. He is assisted in the business by his wife and sons and there are also eight employes. Courtesy and efficiency char- acterize the service of the store, for Mr. Malnick believes that satisfied customers are his best advertisers, and he is enjoying a large and steadily increasing business, which promises well for the future.
Mr. Malnick was married to Miss Fannie Horwitz, also a native of Poland, and they are the parents of two sons, Irvin, who is a student in Leland Stanford University, and Morris, who is in the store. Mr. Malnick gives his political support to the republican party and has at all times proven a loyal and patriotic citizen of
22
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
his adopted country. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Kiwanis Club and the Independent Order of Bnai B'rith. He is greatly interested in the welfare of Oakland and is ready at all times to cooperate with his fellow citizens in efforts to promote its progress and development. Because of his sterling charac- ter, his business success and his kindly and affable manner, he has won the respect of his fellowmen and the good will of all who have dealt with him.
FRED L. BUTTON
An attorney of high standing, Fred L. Button practiced continuously in Oak- land for more than forty years, using his legal acumen for the benefit of the city as well as for his own aggrandizement, and he also contributed toward the cultural development of the community through his accomplishments as a musician. He was born March 10, 1856, in Pontiac, Michigan, and in 1863 came with his parents to Oakland, where he has since resided.
After completing his grammar school course Mr. Button attended the McClure Academy and the College School. For a few months he worked in the printing office of the Oakland Transcript, learning to set type, and in 1869 he entered the first class of the local high school. In 1876 he was graduated from the University of California and was awarded the university medal and also a prize for the best scientific thesis. For two years he was an instructor in mathematics at the univer- sity and then took up the study of law in the office of Henry Vrooman and W. R. Davis, at that time a leading Oakland firm. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar but remained with Mr. Vrooman until 1881, when he began his independent pro- fessional career, and soon demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricacies of the law. Mr. Button was an able advocate as well as a wise counselor and handled much important litigation, winning a large percentage of his cases, for he never entered the courtroom without preparation as thorough as time and means rendered possible. He continued in active practice up to the time of his death. As secretary of the board of freeholders he aided in drafting the new city charter and under the direction of the councilmen of Oakland he often revised the city ordinances. He twice codified and annotated for publication the ordinances and city charter and was always ready to serve the municipality to the extent of his ability. His knowl- edge of the principles of jurisprudence was comprehensive and exact, and in 1895 he revised for publication the standard law textbook, "Harlow on Sheriffs." In 1896 he was nominated for the office of city attorney but declined the honor, which came to him unsolicited.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.