USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 28
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In 1903 Mr. Hawley married Miss Lizzie Duncan, a native of San Jose, Cali- fornia, and they have become the parents of two daughters, Ethel and Genevieve. Since its organization Mr. Hawley has been secretary of the Industries Associa- tion of Emeryville and for fourteen years has acted as clerk of the local school board. Studious, energetic and efficient, he has attained high standing in his pro- fession, at the same time contributing in notable measure toward the upbuilding and progress of this section of the state, and is a citizen who would be a valuable acquisition to any community.
T. E. CALDECOTT
T. E. Caldecott, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest merchant in point of years of service in South Berkeley, owns and conducts one of the best drug stores in this section of the Bay district. He has been successful in his com- mercial affairs and moreover has gained a splendid reputation as a loyal and public- spirited citizen of his community. Mr. Caldecott was born in Chester, England, on the 27th of July, 1878, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Caldecott, the former a carpenter. Mr. Caldecott accompanied his parents on their emigration to Amer- ica in 1880, the family settling in Toronto, Canada, where he was reared and at- tended the public schools, after which he entered the pharmacy department of Toronto University, from which he was graduated in 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy. In 1902 he and his brother John paid a visit to San Fran-
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cisco, California, and liked this section of the country so well that they decided to remain, his father and the other members of the family coming out at a later date. His parents passed away here, the father dying at the age of seventy-one years, and the mother when nearly eighty years of age.
T. E. Caldecott obtained a position in a drug store at Dwightway and Shattuck streets, Berkeley, now known as the Saylor drug store, and after working there a vear, bought the store, which he conducted until 1906, when he sold it and came to his present location, at the corner of Ashby and Adeline streets, just two weeks before the great earthquake. His store is known as the Rexall drug store and com- mands a large and representative trade throughout this part of the city, for Mr. Caldecott's courteous, prompt and efficient service has gained for him many friends and the good will of the people of his city. He carries a full line of pure drugs and the standard proprietary remedies, as well as toilet articles and sundries, all of which are attractively displayed.
Mr. Caldecott is a director in the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. He was made a Master Mason in Durant Lodge in Berkeley, and is one of the charter members of East Bay Lodge, No. 489. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks and the Lions Club, both of Berkeley, and is a member of the Alameda County Druggists Association. A member of the city council, having been twice elected, he has stood for every measure calculated to advance the best interests of the city in any way. He has proven a valuable citizen and wherever known he commands confidence and respect because of his excellent business record and his sterling character.
MRS. HARRIET AVERILL HAAS
One of the most highly regarded members of the Alameda county bar is Mrs. Harriet A. Haas, whose office is on the twelfth floor at 1615 Broadway, Oak- land, this being the Federal building. She has gained distinct recognition as a capable and successful lawyer, while her estimable personal qualities have won for her a large circle of loyal and admiring friends.
Mrs. Haas was born in Virginia City, Nevada, a daughter of Wales and Chris- tine (McLaughlin) Averill, the latter of whom was born on Prince Edward island in 1840. The father, who was born in Highgate Springs, Vermont, in 1837, was descended from sterling old English stock, the progenitor of the family in this country having been William Averill, who located at Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1632. Among his descendants was Captain John Averill, who served in the war of the Revolution, as did also .John Averill 2d. Mrs. Haas lived in Nevada until 1888, securing her early education in the public schools, and then moved to Iowa, where she was graduated from the Cedar Rapids high school. She attended the University of Michigan, and later entered the University of California, receiving her degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Jurisprudence. She had been a resident of California since 1900 and on completing her law course she com- menced the practice of her profession, in which she is meeting with well merited success. Mrs. Haas as assistant manager is now associated with Lila R. Havens
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in the sale and development of the properties owned by the state of Frank C. Havens, which is one of the largest and most beautifully located of any of the East Bay properties.
In 1897, in Carson, Nevada, Mrs. Haas was married and she is the mother of two children, Wales A. and Lesben Louis. Wales A., now a successful physician at Elko, Nevada, is a veteran of the World war, having served in the American ex- peditionary forces as a member of the medical corps during 1917-1919. He mar- ried Miss Pauline Leca.
Mrs. Haas is a republican in her political views and has shown a commendable interest in local public affairs, having served as a member of the Piedmont board of education continuously since 1916, and is now its secretary. Her religious faith is that of the Unitarian church and she is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; the Delta Delta Delta sorority, in which she served as president of the build- ing association from 1915 to 1924; the Kappa Beta Phi legal sorority, being the present dean of Iota Chapter ; Boalt Hall of Law, of the University of California ; the Daughters of the American Revolution; the Business and Professional Women's Club; the Women's Athletic Club; a member and director of Women's City Club; a member of the College Women's Club of Berkeley and the American Association of University Women. She is a woman of wide interests and has been active and influential in the various organizations with which she is connected. Well grounded in the basic principles of jurisprudence, with a logical and analytical mind, she is thorough in her preparation of cases and in her discussions of the law is noted for clearness of statement and candor. She commands the sincere respect of her professional colleagues and the confidence and regard of all who have come in contact with her, while in the social circles in which she moves she is deservedly popular.
W. R. OAKLEY
As a general contractor and builder of good homes, W. R. Oakley, of Oakland, has gained a well merited reputation throughout the Bay district, and his work stands in indisputable evidence of his thoroughness and painstaking care. Mr. Oakley was born in Ingham county, Michigan, September 13, 1866, and there he was educated in the public schools. At the age of fourteen years he began to learn the carpenter's trade under his father, completing his apprenticeship three years later, and he continued to work there three years longer.
In 1886 Mr. Oakley first came west and worked at his trade in Montana and Idaho until 1893, when he returned to Michigan, remaining there seven years. It was in 1900 that he came to California and first located in Redding, Shasta county. Three years later he removed to San Francisco, where he engaged in the general contracting business, and was also employed as superintendent of construction on some of the largest buildings erected there during that period. In 1911 he came to Oakland, where he has remained to the present time and has been engaged in the building and contracting business continuously with the exception of one year during the World war when he was employed in the Mare Island navy yard.
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Here he has specialized in the erection of fine residences, many of which he has built in Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda, while he has also constructed many fine homes in Thousand Oaks and Craigmont Park, besides numerous garages and apartment houses.
Mr. Oakley was united in marriage to Miss M. Ella Ives, of Stockbridge, and to them have been born four children : Ivan who was born in Michigan; and Harry, Robert and Iris, who are natives of California.
Mr. Oakley is a member of Standard Lodge No. 440, A. F. & A. M., of Oak- land. He has in his business career exhibited a stability of purpose and strength of character which have impressed those with whom he has come in contact, and all who have had dealings with him are sincere in their praise of his excellent qualities and his genuine worth as man and citizen.
FRANK A. BERG
Among the enterprising and progressive funeral directors of Alameda county, none is better or more favorably known than Frank A. Berg, of 1936 University avenue, Berkeley, where he has one of the best equipped undertaking establish- ments in this section of the state. Mr. Berg was born at Salina, Saline county, Kansas, on the 28th of May, 1879, and is a son of William and Alice R. (Height) Berg, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and mar- ried. Mr. Berg there engaged in the sawmill and planingmill business until 1871, when he went to Salina, Kansas, where he also established a mill. Soon afterwards he became interested in the manufacture and sale of furniture and caskets and, as Salina was at that time on the western frontier of Kansas, his trade grew rapidly and extended over a large territory. Engaging in the undertaking business, he became the leader in that line in his section of the state and followed that profes- sion until he retired from active business, and he and his wife are now living in Oakland, California. Mr. Berg is one of, if not the oldest undertaker living in the west.
Frank A. Berg was reared at Salina, secured his education in its public schools and early became connected with his father's undertaking business. Removing to Ottawa, Kansas, he there engaged in the same line of business on his own account, continuing therein until 1911, when he came to California. In 1913 he and his brother, Ed L. Berg, entered into partnership and engaged in the undertaking business at the corner of Grove street and Berkeley way, in Berkeley, being thus associated until 1915, when Frank A. bought his brother's interest in the business. The latter is now the publisher of the "Furniture Reporter," in San Francisco. In 1918 Frank A. Berg bought his present property on University avenue, which he extensively remodeled to meet his requirements, and in 1925, in order to keep abreast of the latest ideas in such establishments, he again made extensive altera- tions and improvements, so that he now has an ideal mortuary. He has a large and attractive two-story building, containing a reception room, embalming room, a stock
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room and a neat chapel, seating two hundred people. He employs three lady at- tendants and has several motor hearses and ambulances. Every consideration is given to the comfort of those who require the services of this establishment and Mr. Berg is commanding his full share of the local business in his line.
While living in Ottawa, Kansas, Mr. Berg met and married Miss Golda Scott, who was born at Burlington, Kansas. He is a member of Campanile Lodge, No. 451, I. O. O. F., at Berkeley, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the United Ancient Order of Druids and the Woodmen of the World, and he and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah. He is a member and a past president of the Lions Club; belongs to the Chamber of Com- merce, of which he was a director for two years; is vice president of the Berkeley traffic commission ; and has taken a keen interest in everything affecting the wel- fare and progress of his city. He is a stanch republican in his political views and in July, 1926, was appointed a member of the city council to fill a vacancy, while in the spring of 1927 he was elected to a full term in that body, in which he is proving an efficient and capable public official. He belongs to the State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. In 1915 Mr. Berg was appointed a deputy county coroner, under Coroner Grant D. Miller, and by successive reappointments, has served continuously to the present time. Cour- teous and accommodating, kindly and affable in manner, he has won a host of warm and loyal friends throughout the city, and all who know him hold him in high re- gard for his genuine worth as a man and citizen.
J. H. W. RILEY
J. H. W. Riley, who, after a long and interesting career, is now retired from active pursuits and is living in his comfortable home on Fruitvale avenue, Oakland, is distinguished by two important facts, namely, his exceptionally long period of service as a court reporter and his effective activities in connection with the devel- opment and improvement of Fruitvale, which is now one of the choice sections of Oakland. Mr. Riley was born in Dover, New Hampshire, on the 13th of March, 1844, and in boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal to Boston, Massa- chusetts. Subsequently he lived in New York city and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and secured a good education in the public schools. In 1865 he left New York on the clipper ship "David Crockett," which sailed around Cape Horn to San Fran- cisco, being one hundred and five days on the voyage. In 1852 his father had come to this state by way of the isthmus of Panama. Mr. Riley had the pleasure of voting for General U. S. Grant for president after his arrival in San Francisco. He first worked in a produce house, but that did not suit him, and he took up the study of stenography. He became an expert and was appointed to the position of court reporter, which work he followed for fifty-five years in the courts of San Francisco and Alameda county, seventeen years in the former and thirty-eight years in the latter, which is a record that has probably never been equalled in this state. He also served a number of times in the courts of Nevada. During this period the
J. H. W. RILEY
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courts in which he worked were presided over by some of the ablest and most noted jurists of the west, many of whom are now dead, and he reported many famous cases, one of the most celebrated of which was the farmers and miners litigation. Mr. Riley received many large fees, particularly in the early days, some as high as ten thousand dollars. He rendered a high type of service, being held in high re- gard by all who were connected with the courts. In 1922 he retired, since which time he has enjoyed well earned leisure.
In 1891 Mr. Riley came to Fruitvale, bought land and built a home where the Woodmen of the World building now stands, the district at that time being a vast wheat field, but with a vision of future possibilities he took an active interest in its development, the splendid results of which became apparent in after years. He was the first vice president of the Citizens Bank of Fruitvale, which was later sold to the Bank of Italy. Thirty years ago he organized a sanitary district in Fruitvale, the first to be established in California, and built fifteen miles of sewers, which are still in use. The district was so successfully managed that the bonds were paid off two years before they were due. Mr. Riley was chiefly instrumental in the organiza- tion of a library and was made president of the board. He was one of the organ- izers of the lodges of Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America and also had a large part in the organization of the Congregational church, the first services of which were held in a store building on East Fourteenth street, and was superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. In these and other ways he has effectively advanced the various interests of the new community, a fact that has always been appreciated by the residents of that locality.
Mr. Riley was united in marriage to Miss Fanny Bell Mitchell, who was born in New Jersey, and they are the parents of a son, John Spencer Riley, who is serv- ing as court reporter in Alameda county. They also have one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Riley has always been a stanch supporter of the repub- lican party and for twelve years served as a member of the county central commit- tee of his party. A man of sterling character and splendid personality, he has al- ways stood high in the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and is numbered among the grand old men of Oakland, which is honored by his citizenship.
ALBERT E. HILL
The sterling qualities of his pioneer forbears are manifest in the career of Albert E. Hill, who represents the third generation of the family in Oakland, where he is doing excellent work as public administrator. He was born November 21, 1892, in this city, to which his father, John A. Hill, came from Canada when a young man, here spending the remainder of his life. He became well known as a dealer in tea and coffee and conducted a large business. In 1919 he was elected public administrator and acted in that capacity until his death in 1922, thoroughly demonstrating his qualifications for the office. In Masonry he held the thirty- third degree and his father was one of the founders and a charter member of Oakland Lodge of that order. Louise Rerat, the wife of John A. Hill, was a native of Oakland, to which her father came during the time of the French Revolu-
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tion, being one of the earliest settlers in this locality. Helen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Hill, won the Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California and is the wife of Everett F. Gray, of Oakland. The sons are Albert E. and Bruce E. Hill. The latter also received his higher education in the State University, which conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Science. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Field Artillery, with which he went overseas, and is now engaged in ranching near Modesto, California.
Albert E. Hill attended the public schools of Oakland and during the World war served in the heavy artillery. In 1918 he was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science by the University of California and soon after his graduation was made a deputy under his father. At the time of the latter's death the son was appointed by the board of county supervisors to fill his place and on January 1, 1923, was the popular choice for the office of public administrator, to which he was reelected in November, 1926. He has proven a worthy successor of his father and a public servant whose integrity is above question.
In Yuba City, Sutter county, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Gottwals, who is a native of that city and also a member of one of the old families of California. Along fraternal lines Mr. Hill is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is also a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner. He is a member of the Oakland Exchange Club and the local post of the American Legion. His support is given to those measures which are destined to prove of benefit to his city and state, and that he is a young man of genuine worth is indicated by the high place which he holds in the community in which his life has been spent.
FRED A. CAMPBELL
Although a native of the east, Fred A. Campbell has spent practically all of his life in the Golden state and his career has been varied and picturesque. In the upbuilding of his business he has aided in making Oakland a more attractive and desirable place of residence and he is also active in civic affairs. He was born June 22, 1856, in New York state, of which his father, M. S. Campbell, was also a native, and in 1864 they started for California by way of the isthmus route. Enter- ing the educational field, M. S. Campbell became a member of the faculty of the Oakland College School, now a part of the University of California, and was also engaged in business in the city. His wife, Mary (McCance) Campbell, was a native of Scotland and passed away in the Empire state.
When a boy of eight Fred A. Campbell became a pupil in the public schools of Oakland and his studies were completed in the Oakland College School. In the carly days he was the first and only messenger boy in the city and afterward became connected with the fire department, with which he remained for six years. For some time he was a deputy under F. D. Hinds, county recorder, and during the Philippine insurrection he was a paymaster in the United States transport service. He worked under Oscar F. Long and was stationed at the Folsom street dock in San Fran- cisco. Since 1899 Mr. Campbell has maintained a real estate and insurance office in Oakland and the years have chronicled a steady increase in his business, which
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is now of large proportions. He is regarded as an expert valuator and many im- portant realty deals have been consummated through his agency. In development projects he looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the needs and possibilities of the future and has increased the value of property in the neighborhoods in which he has operated.
In 1888 Mr. Campbell married Miss Mary Hawlett, who was born in Iowa but has lived in Oakland from infancy. They are the parents of two daughters, Edna and Lillian, who reside in the family home at No. 1063 Walker avenue. Mr. Campbell is a member of the board of education and on July 1, 1927, entered upon his third term. His efforts have been exerted to the utmost in behalf of the local schools and his service has been strongly commended. Along fraternal lines he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. His has been a well spent life and public opinion testifies to his worth as 2 man and as a citizen.
CHARLES WESLEY KINSEY
For forty years Charles Wesley Kinsey was a leader of mercantile activity in Oakland, leaving the impress of his individuality upon the history of its growth and development, and is now reaping the rewards of a well spent life. A native of Ohio, he was born August 14, 1850, in Moorefield, Harrison county, and is of English lineage, his forbears being Quakers, Edmund Kinsey, the American pro- genitor of the family, made the voyage to the new world on the ship Kent. He settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and was the first justice under William Penn. Among his descendants was Charles Kinsey, who was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1796, and achieved prominence as one of the first manufacturers of men's felt hats. His wife, Rhoda (Boone) Kinsey, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1820, and was related to Daniel Boone, the noted pioneer. Mrs. Kinsey passed away in 1900 and had long survived her husband, who died in Flushing, Ohio, in March, 1884.
Their son, Charles W. Kinsey, attended the public schools of Moorefield until he reached the age of ten years, when the family moved to Flushing, and there he completed his education. When a young man he entered the employ of the Cleveland Chemical Company and remained with the firm for two years. He went from Cleveland to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and was made assistant manager of the business of the Beaver Falls Cutlery Company. In April, 1873, he located in Cadiz, Ohio and engaged in the dry goods trade under his own name. While there Charles W. Kinsey was married and in 1875 brought his wife to California. They arrived in San Francisco on the 7th of June, 1875, and established their home in Oakland on the following day. In 1876 he became a member of the firm of Lyon & Kinsey, auctioneers, As a member of the firm of Lyon & Kinsey, dealers in furniture, he opened the second store on Washington street and for ten years the business was continued at the corner of Ninth and Washington streets. On the expiration of that period the partnership was dissolved and in 1893 the C. W. Kinsey furniture store was opened at Broadway and Thirteenth street. In 1903 a
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more desirable location was secured at the corner of Twelfth and Clay streets and there Mr. Kinsey remained in business until his retirement. As a pioneer furniture dealer he established a high standard of service, from which he never deviated, and his trade kept pace with the progress of the city. His store was a credit to Oakland and he made his name a synonym of enterprise and reliability.
Mr. Kinsey was married March 19, 1874, to Miss H. Isabel McFadden, who also traced her lineage to the colonial period in the history of this nation and was eligible to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was the first curator of California history and landmarks of the Ebell Club and one of its oldest and most valuable members. Mrs. Kinsey held every office in the club ex- cept that of president, which was repeatedly offered her, but failing health forced her to decline. Cultured, efficient and energetic, she was one of the best known clubwomen in Oakland and possessed those qualities which inspire strong and en- during regard. She was called to her final rest October 25, 1919, and left a family of three children : Francis, Elizabeth Theresa and Henry Merrill.
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