History of Alameda County, California. Volume II, Part 26

Author: Merritt, Frank Clinton, 1889-
Publication date:
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 598

USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 26

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Agnes C. Claypole received a thorough elementary education under the super- vision of her father, who was a college graduate. She entered Buchtel College, now the University of Akron, Ohio, from which she was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1892, having pursued both the classical and scientific courses. She did post-graduate work at Cornell University, which accorded her the degree of Master of Science in 1894, after which she also did post-graduate work in Chi- cago University, from which she received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1896. During the two following years she taught at Wellesley College, and then became a member of the faculty of Cornell University as instructor in zoology and histology, which position she held from 1898 to 1900. Subsequently she went to Pasadena, California, and assisted her father in his work at Troop Polytechnical Institute, teaching zoology and biology. She is now a member of the faculty of Mills College, at Oakland, where she is a lecturer on sociology and anthropology.

On July 27, 1903, Miss Claypole became the wife of Dr. R. O. Moody, pro- fessor of anatomy in the medical school of the University of California, who was born in Buffalo, New York, October 18, 1864, and is a son of Lucius W. and Mary (Blair) Moody, late of New Haven, Connecticut. The father was born at Springfield, Massachusetts. His mother was born near Binghamton, New York, and was the first woman graduate in medicine at Buffalo. Dr. Moody attended

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they have more than doubled, being now over sixty million dollars. In addition to having paid regular dividends of twelve per cent on its capital stock, this bank has built up a reserve fund of nearly double its capital, the last statement showing capital of two million dollars, surplus of three million one hundred thousand dollars and undivided profits amounting to eight hundred and ten thousand dollars. The total assets are sixty-seven million, nine hundred and twenty thousand seven hun- dred and seventy-two dollars.

All of the directors and chief officers of The Oakland Bank have been identified with the institution for many years. W. W. Garthwaite has been with the bank almost since its organization and has been president and general manager for the past twenty-five years. All of the vice presidents have served the bank in various capacities for a quarter of a century or more. The present officers and directors are: W. W. Garthwaite, president; J. Y. Eccleston, A. Borland, A. W. Moore, J. A. Thomson and A. E. Caldwell, vice presidents ; J. W. Garthwaite, vice presi- dent and trust officer ; and H. J. Harding, vice president and credit manager. The directors are A. Borland, Arthur H. Breed, H. C. Capwell, W. B. Dunning, J. Y. Eccleston, W. W. Garthwaite, James K. Moffitt, A. W. Moore, A. G. Tasheira and P. J. Walker.

ALBERTO MOURA

Alberto Moura, who is successfully engaged in the practice of law in Oak- land, has attained his present position of prominence and usefulness through persistent and well directed efforts and is regarded as one of the capable and influ- ential members of the Alameda county bar. Mr. Moura was born in Chaves, Por- tugal, on the 1st day of January, 1891, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Sousa) Moura, who also were natives of that country. His father received a university education, acquiring an intimate knowledge of the French language, became an ex- pert pharmacist, and afterwards taught history and French in several colleges. Mr. Moura's maternal grandfather was a prominent and successful merchant and did much traveling.

Alberto Moura acquired a good public school education and studied for the priesthood in the College of St. Bernard. Later he entered a military academy, from which he was graduated with the rank of second lieutenant. In 1914 he came to the United States, locating in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he founded a Portuguese newspaper, and two years later he came to Oakland, Cali- fornia. For about two years he served as editor of the Portuguese Union, and in the meantime had taken up the study of law in St. Ignatius University, at San Francisco, being admitted to the bar on the completion of his course in 1923. In that year he was elected supreme secretary of the Portuguese Continental union, which office he held until 1927, since which time he has been president of that or- ganization and is also interested in a number of other organizations. In September, 1923, Mr. Moura entered upon the active practice of law in Oakland, having his offices in the Oakland Bank building, and has built up a large clientele, having proven a capable and reliable attorney. He gives his political support to the republi- can party and takes a commendable interest in the affairs of his city and county,

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lending his efforts and influence to the advancement of measures for the better- ment of the public welfare. He is a man of splendid personal qualities and com- mands the respect of all who know him.

MRS. AGNES C. MOODY

No woman of Alameda county has made a deeper impression on the educational and civic life of the community than has Mrs. Agnes Claypole Moody, who, as a lecturer on sociology, anthropology and kindred subjects, is a member of the faculty of Mills College. Possessing a vigorous mentality, thorough education and a sincere interest in the higher purposes of life, she has been more than ordinarily successful as an educator, while in the affairs of her community touching the public good she has been a definite factor. Mrs. Moody was born in Bristol, England, and is a daughter of Prof. Edward W. and Jane (Trotter) Claypole. Her mother, who was born in the forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, died at the birth of her twin daughters, Agnes C. and Edith, the latter a scientist of note, who was well known in Berkeley, having worked on the staff of the department of pathology at the University of California. During the World war she served in the preparation of anti-typhoid serum, for use by the Allied forces, when she was stricken with that dread disease, from which she died. Edward W. Claypole was a native of England and a graduate of London University, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science. In 1879 he brought his family to the United States and became a professor of sciences in Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio. Later he was a member of the faculty of Troop Polytechnical Institute at Pasadena, California, and his death there occurred when he was sixty-six years of age.

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Cornell University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and later matriculated in the medical school of Yale University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He engaged in the practice of his profession at New Haven, Connecticut, but subsequently came to California on account of his health. Here he became a teacher of anatomy in the University of California, and accompanied the medical school on its removal from San Fran- cisco to Berkeley in 1906, since which time he has held a professorship in anatomy.

Mrs. Moody has long been identified with the civic affairs of Berkeley, begin- ning with her election to the board of education in 1912. In 1923 she was elected a member of the city council, and was reelected in 1927 for a four-year term, her record in that body being marked by a consistent support and advocacy of measures for the betterment of the city along all lines of development. In her view, Berkeley is essentially a home city for families with children to educate and therefore every effort should be made to give the students the proper environment and influence during their college days. She is a stanch supporter of the eighteenth and nineteenth amendments. She has been connected with a number of important women's organ- izations, notably the Women's Council of Defense during the World war; the Berkeley League of Women Voters, of which she has been a member since its organization ; the American University Women, with which she is affiliated through the College Women's Club of Berkeley, and the Town and Gown Club. Her reli- gious membership is with the Berkeley Congregational church. She is making science her life work and has been particularly interested in the interpretation of science for the people. She is a woman of kindly and tactful manner, cordial and friendly in her social relations, and because of her attainments and helpful service she com- mands the respect and esteem of all who know her.

HENRY CHARLES STENZEL

The late Henry Charles Stenzel, whose death occurred February 10, 1913, was a member of one of Alameda county's honored pioneer families and by his able and successful efforts he contributed to the progress and development of his section of the county. He was a man of sound and reliable judgment in practical matters, who abundantly prospered in his material affairs and stood among the solid and sub- stantial citizens of his community. Mr. Stenzel was born on the Charles August Stenzel ranch, near San Lorenzo, Alameda county, September 23, 1866, and was a son of Carl and Emelia ( Melchert) Stenzel. His father was born in Breslau, Germany, in 1823, and after attaining manhood went to Australia in quest of gold. While there he heard of the discovery of gold in California and soon set sail for this country, arriving in 1849. For about a year he devoted his energies to mining in the mother lode country, and then turned his attention to farming, for which he had a natural inclination. He spent some time in various parts of the state, and eventually decided that Alameda county presented the greatest opportunities, buy- ing eighty acres of land near San Leandro in 1856. To the cultivation and improve- ment of this place he gave his close attention, meeting with pronounced success, and gained recognition as one of the best citizens of his locality. He was married

HENRY C. STENZEL

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in San Francisco to Miss Emelia Melchert, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and they became the parents of three children, namely: Fritz, who died in 1923, at the age of fifty-nine years; Henry, of this memoir; and Charles, who died in 1906.

Henry Stenzel was reared on the home farm and secured a good public school education. He always gave his attention to farming, assisting his father until the latter's death, after which he and his brother Fritz carried on their agricultural operations together, working in perfect harmony and cooperation. As they pros- pered.they bought more land, so that at the time of Henry Stenzel's death they were the owners of one thousand acres of as fine and well improved land as could be found in this section of the state. At that time land was divided equally as to value and Henry's share has since been incorporated by the family as the Stenzel Estates, Inc. His death occurred at the Merritt hospital at Oakland, as the result of an operation for appendicitis, and was greatly regretted throughout the com- munity, for he possessed to a marked degree those characteristics which make for esteem and friendship. He was a good business man, a loyal and public-spirited citizen and a reliable and considerate neighbor and friend.

On September 1, 1901, in Oakland, Mr. Stenzel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Kuerzel, and to them were born two children. Henry A., who is one of the two principal stockholders in the Stenzel Estates, Inc., married Miss Beatrice May Heininger, of Ogden, Utah, and lives near Mount Eden, Alameda county. Edna Henrietta, who graduated from the Fremont high school, in Oakland, and the "A to Z" Junior College, in that city, is the second principal stockholder in the Sten- zel Estates and lives at home with her mother. Mrs. Stenzel is a daughter of the late Robert and Margaret (Siler) Kuerzel, pioneers of Oakland, who were among the first generation of brides and grooms of that city. Robert Kuerzel was long remembered for his high social standing and his benevolence. He prospered as a pioneer cigar manufacturer in Oakland, where he settled in 1848. Soon afterward he heard of John Marshall's gold discovery on the American river. Though he became well-to-do, his prosperity made no difference in his attitude toward those less fortunate than he and many owed their start on the road to wealth to his finan- cial help and sound advice. Mr. Kuerzel was an athlete and served as an instruc- tor in the first gymnasium in Oakland, and also started Oakland's first dancing academy, which was located in the old Germania hall, at Seventh and Webster streets. He was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and his wife was born at Janner, Saxony, both coming to this country in early life. Mr. Kuerzel died in Oakland, when past seventy years of age, and his wife died at the age of fifty- four years. They became the parents of seven children: Otto C., who is with the Sierra Sales Company in San Francisco; Mrs. Hattie Stenzel; Gretchen, who is the wife of V. O. Post, of Piedmont, California; Albert, who enlisted for service in the World war and died at Charleston, South Carolina, just one week before the signing of the Armistice; Robert, Eddie and Gus, all deceased.

Mrs. Stenzel is still keeping up the home on the Stenzel farm, where was built the beautiful and commodious residence during Henry Stenzel's lifetime. It is characterized by a spirit of hospitality and welcome that has long made it a favorite resort of the many friends of the family, and Mrs. Stenzel's benevolence and kindness has won for her the sincere respect and esteem of all who know her.

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The Stenzel Estates Company was incorporated November 23, 1926, under the laws of California, with a capitalization of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. It is a closed corporation, the two children of Henry Stenzel being the principal stockholders. The officers are, V. O. Post, president; A. G. Kazbeer, secretary and treasurer; Otto Kuerzel, Henry A. Stenzel and Edna H. Stenzel, directors. They have leased their land, which consists of two hundred and ninety acres, is devoted to raising rhubarb, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and pears. Mrs. Sten- zel is a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, while her daughter is third vice president of Elcesero Parlor, No. 207, N. S. G. W., and is in the line of promotion. She is a young lady of attractive personality and rare accomplishments and is extremely popular in social circles.

JOSEPH DAVID NORRIS

Joseph David Norris is one of the most favorably known residents of Center- ville, where he has always lived-a period of seven decades, his upright life and consistent record winning for him a warm place in the hearts of all who know him. Mr. Norris was born in Centerville, November 3, 1858, a son of Garrett and Johannah (Connor) Norris, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Ireland. In early youth the father left New York with his parents, who settled near Trucksville, in the Wyoming valley of Pennsylvania, where the father took up farming, and there his parents died. Later Garrett Norris came to California, by way of the isthmus route, landing at San Francisco, where he lived until 1854, when he came to Centerville. For awhile he worked for Mr. Blacow, who was engaged in farming and stock raising, but after a few years began farming on his own account, buying eighty acres of land, to which he later added eighty more. He developed this into a good farm, which he cultivated during his remaining years, his death occurring in 1877, at the age of fifty years. His wife passed away in 1865, and in 1871 Garrett Norris married Miss Margaret McGuire, who survived him until 1925. Mr. Norris was a republican in politics and served as a member of the board of school trustees. By his first marriage he became the father of five chil- dren, Joseph D., Harriet and Emma, twins, Miranda and J. Monroe, and to the second union were born three children, Mary, David and Garrett.

Joseph D. Norris received his educational training in the public schools of Centerville, and at the age of eighteen took charge of the home ranch, his father having died. He has followed agricultural pursuits continuously to the present time, though of late years he has largely turned the active management of the place over to his son, Walter G. He has been an active, industrious and successful farmer and has long been regarded as one of his community's best citizens, possess- ing to a marked degree those qualities which commend him to his fellowmen.

In 1897 Mr. Norris was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Smith, who was born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Lawton) Smith, who brought their family to Centerville in an early day. Here Mr. Smith followed blacksmithing for many years, but is now retired. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have four children, Joseph, Allen G., Walter and Marcella.

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Allen, who received his education in the schools of Centerville and Berkeley is now serving as justice of the peace and stands among the substantial and influential citizens of this locality. Mr. Norris is a stanch republican and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Native Sons of the Golden West and the U. P. E. C. He tells many interesting things regarding the early events here. When he came here San Francisco was the nearest market place. Boats docked at Mayhew Landing and later Jarvis Landing and then Larkin's Landing were established. The land was unfenced and cattle roamed at large for many years. Stages were run from Oak- land and San Jose and to the docks, but with the advent of railroads the country began to improve and thereafter developed rapidly, until today this is one of the choicest sections of Alameda county. Mr. Norris has always maintained his farm at a high standard of excellence and has erected a splendid set of farm buildings, making it one of the best and most desirable farms in this locality. Because of his sterling qualities of character, his kindly and generous disposition and his friendly manner, he has a host of warm and loyal friends and is held in high regard by all who know him.

ST. JOSEPH'S PORTUGUESE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Oakland has been fortunate in the number and character of its religious organ- izations, which have been an incalculable force in fostering and maintaining the spiritual life of the people. Of these, none has done more effectual work than has St. Joseph's Portuguese Roman Catholic church, located at 1102 Seventh street, of which Rev. Joseph Galli is pastor and Rev. Henry J. Ferriera, assistant pastor. This society, which was established more than forty years ago, is the outcome of an earnest desire on the part of the Portuguese Catholics of the community to have religious worship and services in their own language. Many Portuguese here had but slight acquaintance with the English language, a fact that caused some difficulty at confessional and in church services, and to meet this condition a Portuguese church was established in St. Mary's parish, in the hall of that name at the corner of Seventh and Grove streets. Rev. Father Fernandes, of San Miguel, Azores Islands, was called to take charge of the little flock in Oakland, and under his untiring efforts the new congregation grew to goodly proportions. Soon after coming here he started to secure funds with which to build a church, with the result that in February, 1892, Archbishop P. W. Riordan dedicated the splendid edifice which had just been completed. T. R. Bassett, of Oakland, was the contractor and builder, using plans designed by T. J. Welch, of San Francisco. The style of architecture is Gothic and the dimensions are as follows: width, fifty-two feet ; length, one hundred and ten feet; sanctuary, twenty-five by twenty-five feet, with sacristies on each side, twelve by fifteen feet. The handsome Gothic arch spanning the chancel is forty feet high, the ceiling is forty-five feet, and the building is well lighted and ventilated, with a seating capacity of nearly six hundred. On the left of the spacious vestibule is an easy flight of stairs which leads to the gallery, which is sixteen feet deep, about the full width of the building, and affords ample room for the choir. In the center of the front is a handsome rose window, glazed with cathedral glass. Above this and forming a front gable is a neat Gothic railing and

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back from this railing and in the center of the main roof rises the bell tower, with a height of forty feet, surmounted with a gilt cross. The exterior presents a neat and well proportioned building. The interior finish is in a natural wood, with the exception of the main and side altars, which are executed in white. The principal altar is specially designed for the reception of statuary, and the interior walls of the church are tastefully frescoed. The history of St. Joseph's church is a record of continuous advancement in size and influence and it has been a center about which have rallied the best Portuguese influences and life of the city, and from which has radiated a spirit of uplift and betterment in individual and community life.

REV. E. J. NOLAN

The splendid results accomplished by Rev. E. J. Nolan during his pastorate at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic church in Oakland have earned him a well deserved reputation for ability and loyalty, and he stands among the successful and popular ministers of this city. Father Nolan is a native son of the city and here received his early education in the parochial schools and St. Mary's College. He then entered St. Sulpice College, in Paris, France, where he completed his theological studies and was ordained to the priesthood. On his return to California he became assistant pastor of St. Mary's church in Oakland, and was later appointed pastor of St. Paul's church at San Pablo, Contra Costa county, where he served until 1912, when he became pastor of St. Bernard's church, of which he has had charge to the present time.

St. Bernard's was formerly a mission. The first mass was celebrated Sunday, October 4, 1908, when the Rev. James Kiely was appointed pastor of the newly formed parish of St. Louis Bertram, with which Melrose was included. The church was dedicated by Archbishop Riordan, June 13, 1909, and since that date mass has been said regularly in this fast growing section of the east bay. At the ceremony of the dedication the archbishop was assisted by his secretary at the time, the Rt. Rev. John Cantwell, D. D., present bishop of Los Angeles and San Diego, and by many other priests of note.

With the growth of the parish a new church was needed. When Rev. E. J. Nolan was transferred from San Pablo he formed plans for a church and rectory that would be in keeping with his parish. The result of his efforts is seen in the present parish property, located on Sixty-second avenue, which forms one of the most attractive parishes in California. The church was designed along the lines of the mission type of architecture, being an exact replica of the old mission church at Carmelo. The interior decorations were carried out in old ivory and gold, with Sienna marble columns and marble wainscoating. The stained glass windows picture the life of Christ. The church has a mission roof and Cuban tiles form the floor. It was dedicated by Archbishop Hanna, Sunday, September 16, 1916, and was erected under the supervision of Father Nolan.

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History of Alameda County, California. Volume II, Part 26

Author: Merritt, Frank Clinton, 1889- Publication date: Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 598

Author: Merritt, Frank Clinton, 1889-
Publication date:
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 598