USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 29
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Mr. Kinsey is an influential member of the First Methodist church and for forty-five years has served on its board of trustees. His interest in the welfare and advancement of his community is deep and sincere and from the storehouse of memory he draws many interesting anecdotes of its early history. A firm believer in the gospel of good, he has found life well worth living, and an admirable char- acter has won for him the unqualified respect and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
HARRY H. MILLER & SON
The firm of Harry H. Miller & Son, which is successfully carrying on an undertaking business long established in San Leandro, is recognized as one of the leading firms in its line in western Alameda county, and its members, Harry H. Miller, and his son, Harry E. Miller, have gained wide reputation as expert and efficient funeral directors. Harry H. Miller was born in Amador county, California, December 11, 1868, and is a son of David R. and Julia (Hinkson) Miller, the father having come to the Pacific coast, by way of Cape Horn, in 1850, while the mother came across the plains from Missouri in 1849, so that both families are numbered among the pioneers of this state. Members of the Hinkson family first opened the Keystone mine, one of the famous gold producing properties of this state. More detailed reference to the respective families may be found in the personal sketch of Mr. Miller's brother, Grand D. Miller, on other pages of this work.
Harry H. Miller was reared in Amador county until his fifteenth year, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Merced county, this state, where his father engaged extensively in farming, having three thousand acres of land in wheat, besides a large acreage in fruit. Mr. Miller remained in Merced county until 1904, when he went to Alameda and engaged in the butchering business, which he followed until 1906, when he moved to East Oakland and became associated with his brother, Grant D. Miller, in the undertaking business. In 1919 he moved to
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Modesto, where he engaged in the same line of business until March 10, 1925, when he came to San Leandro and, in partnership with his son, Harry E., bought the undertaking business of G. R. Morgan, at 160 Estudillo avenue, which they have since conducted under the firm name of Harry H. Miller & Son. This is the pioneer undertaking establishment of San Leandro and, under the able man- agement of the Millers, has gained a reputation as one of the most progressive concerns in that line in this section of the county. They have a complete motor equipment, including hearses and service car, and a full line of caskets and their funeral home is complete in all of its appointments. Both members of the firm are deputy coroners of Alameda county.
While living in Merced county, Harry H. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Young, and they became the parents of a son, Harry E., born March 29, 1904. The latter received his elementary education in the grammar schools at Allendale, after which he attended the Fremont high school at Oakland, the Placer union high school at Auburn and completed his studies in the high school at Modesto. He learned the undertaking business in his uncle's establishment at Oakland and under his father at Modesto, and since coming to San Leandro has been associated with his father.
On June 1, 1927, at San Leandro, Harry E. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Norine Jensen, who is a native of Nebraska and a daughter of P. C. and Anne Jensen. Her father died in Oakland and her mother is now living in San Leandro. Mr. Miller is a member of the Woodmen of the World at San Leandro and his father is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Rotary Club. They have both shown a deep interest in the welfare and advancement of the community since locating here, giving their earnest support to every movement for its betterment along material, civic or moral lines, and are numbered among its substantial and influential citizens.
ST. MARY'S ORPHANAGE
One of the most efficient and worthy training and educational institutions in Alameda county is St. Mary of the Palms Orphanage, at Mission San Jose, and it is also one of the most beautiful establishments in the valley, being one of the show places of this section of the county. St. Mary's Orphanage, which is conducted by the Sisters of St. Dominic, is a boarding school for girls, receiving both pay pupils and orphans. It was formerly for both boys and girls, but now girls only are admitted. The mother house of the Order is also located at Mission San Jose. St. Mary's stands on an elevation and is surrounded with beautiful grounds, orna- mented with many palm trees, and is in the center of a large prune orchard. There are one hundred and seventy students in attendance, ranging in age from three to eighteen years. Eight teachers are employed, the studies including the grammar grades, a two-year commercial high school course, music and domestic science. Every student receives personal attention and is advanced as rapidly as her work
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demands. The teachers are devoted to the interests of the girls in their charge and the school has gained a high reputation for the thoroughness and efficiency of its work. The school was brought to its present location in 1908, having formerly been at the old convent at Mission San Jose, which was founded on June 11, 1797, by Padre Lasuen. The children are comfortably housed and every care is taken of their educational, physical and spiritual welfare, so that they may be properly prepared to take up their life work, whatever it may be. The institution is still doing a splendid work and is numbered among the leading schools of its kind in this section of the state.
CHARLES WILLIAM WHITE
Charles W. White, of Hayward, has gained an enviable standing in his section of Alameda county as a competent and skillful lawyer and commands his full share of the legal business of his community. He was born at Weaverville, Trinity county, California, on the 30th of August, 1886, and is a son of Charles W. and Johanna (Bergin) White, the former born in Ohio and the latter near Boston, Massachu- setts. His father received a good public school education in his native state, taught school and also learned telegraphy. In the early '70s he came to California, locat- ing at Junction City, where he was employed as a bookkeeper by the Abrams & Karsky Company. Later he took charge of the Whitmore sawmill, with which he was connected until 1889, when he went to Coos county, Oregon, as superintendent and general manager for a large lumber company, filling that position until 1898, when he went to Trinity county, California, where he engaged in the sawmill busi- ness on his own account, continuing in that line of work to the time of his retire- met, when he established his home in Marysville, where his death occurred. The mother is now making her home with her son, Charles W., at Hayward. Mr. White was a democrat in his political faith and was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Charles William White spent his boyhood days in Trinity county, where he attended the public schools, graduating from high school in 1906. He attended the San Jose Normal School at San Jose, eight months, and then took a three months course in stenography at that place, after which he was appointed court reporter, a position which gave him a splendid insight into court procedure. Having de- termined to devote his life to the legal profession, he took up the study of law in the office of the district attorney and in 1909 was admitted to the bar at Weaver- ville, at once engaging in practice. In 1912 he was elected to the state legislature, from the third legislative district, composed of Trinity and Shasta counties, being one of the few republicans elected in the state that year. He served one term and in December, 1914, came to Hayward, where he has since devoted his attention to his legal practice, in which he has been very successful. In February, 1915, he was appointed city attorney and subsequently served as deputy district attorney, under Ezra W. Decota. He has conscientiously and ably performed every duty incumbent on him and has gained a well earned reputation for dependability under all circum- stances.
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In June, 1910, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Leora McCharles, who was born in Humboldt county, this state, and is a daughter of Harrison and Jos- ephine (Edgar) McCharles, who came to California in the early '60s. Mr. and Mrs. White have five children, Margaret, William W., Edgar Hannon, Terrence Lee and Larry A. Mr. White gives his political support to the republican party and has always maintained a deep interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. Reliable and trust-worthy in every relation of life, true to the noblest ethics of his profession and representing a high type of citizenship, he commands the unqualified respect and esteem of his fellowmen and has a large circle of warm and loyal friends.
OLIVER D. HAMLIN, M. D.
In the very front rank of the able physicians and surgeons of Alameda county stands Dr. Oliver D. Hamlin, of Oakland, whose reputation as a successful practi- tioner, particularly in the field of surgery, is state wide. He is a native of this county, born on the 21st of April, 1870, and is a son of Oliver and Elizabeth (Mc- Loughlin) Hamlin. The father was born in Three Rivers, Canada, where he was reared to the age of eighteen years and secured a public school education. He came to the United States with a party of young men in 1849, and embarked on a sailing vessel for the isthmus of Panama, which they crossed and then took boat for San Francisco. From that city Mr. Hamlin traveled on foot and horseback to what is now Carson City, Nevada, where he engaged in prospecting. He led a typical frontier life, which was largely characterized by the high price of all neces- sities, fifty dollars being charged for a sack of flour and everything else in propor- tion. In about 1855 he came to Alameda county and here he received his naturaliza- tion papers from Hon. Samuel Bell McKee, who held his court in a small brick house, there being at that time only a few buildings of any character in the locality. Mr. Hamlin rented land around Adams Point and where the convent now stands, and also operated large tracts of land where Albany now stands. In 1873 he bought two hundred acres at Lafayette, Contra Costa county, which he improved, and there engaged in the raising of cattle, following that line of business until 1891, when he moved to Oakland and bought property on Thirty-eighth street, in which he resided until his death, when he was sixty-three years old. In 1868 he was married to Elizabeth McLoughlin, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, from which country she was brought to the United States in young girlhood. She was educated in the public schools of New York and later came with friends to Oakland, Cali- fornia, where she met and became the wife of Mr. Hamlin.
Oliver D. Hamlin spent his boyhood in Lafayette, Contra Costa county, and secured his elementary education in the schools of that place and Oakland. He attended Santa Clara College, from which he was graduated in 1890 with the degree of Master of Science, and then entered the medical school of Leland Stanford University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1894. Then, under Dr. E. H. Woolsey, he became resident physician for the Southern Pacific Railroad Hospital, being also associated with Dr. Woolsey in his office prac-
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tice in Oakland. On the latter's retirement, Dr. Hamlin took over his practice, and at once achieved a great success. Later he was appointed chief of the medical de- partment of the Deaf and Blind Hospital at Berkeley and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of the hospital building. He was a member of the staff of the receiving hospital, built in 1902, and was later appointed chief surgeon for that institution, which position he still holds. He is also division surgeon for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Dr. Hamlin occupies the entire fifth floor of the Federal building and commands a large practice, being recognized as one of the leading surgeons of central California.
In 1891 Dr. Hamlin was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth McMahon, who was born in San Mateo county, this state, and is a daughter of Owen and Elizabeth McMahon, who were early settlers in that locality. To Dr. and Mrs. Hamlin has been born a son, Oliver D., Jr., who is married and has two children, Minyon Jean and O. D.
Dr. Hamlin is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he is a past exalted ruler, which office his son is now holding. He is also a member of the Bohemian Club and maintains professional affiliation with the Alameda County Medical Society, of which he is a past president; the California State Medical Society, of which he is a past president ; the American Medical Associa- tion; and the Railroad Surgeons Association, of which he is a past president. In his political views he is a republican, though the heavy demands of his profession preclude his taking a very active part in public affairs. The Doctor operates at both the Providence and Merritt Hospitals and is frequently called into consultation by his professional colleagues, who hold his ability and judgment in high regard. Personally he is a man of cordial and friendly manner, enjoys the companionship of his friends, and throughout the community which has been honored by his useful life he commands the highest measure of confidence and esteem.
F. BRUCE MAIDEN
A very important factor in the development of Oakland's business interests has been the real estate firm of Maiden, Rittigstein & Company, the activities of which have been chiefly directed toward the handling of business properties, in which it has been very successful. The senior member of the firm, F. Bruce Maiden, is a man of wide experience, sound judgment and progressive ideas and is numbered among Oakland's most enterprising and public spirited citizens.
Mr. Maiden was born at Plattsmouth, Cass county, Nebraska, on the 6th of May, 1887, and is a son of George W. and Mary Ann (Winters) Maiden. His father, who was an extensive manufacturer of woolen clothing, died when his son F. Bruce was but four years old. Soon afterward the widowed mother brought her family to California, locating at Fresno, and in the public schools of that city F. Bruce secured his early education. He graduated from the Oakland high school, after which he accepted a position in the postoffice at San Francisco.
Four months later Mr. Maiden went to work in the freight auditor's department of the Southern Pacific Railroad, where he remained two years, and then turned his
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F. BRUCE MAIDEN
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attention to the real estate business. Entering the employ of a large real estate firm, he worked in its various departments for a number of years and for five years served as general manager of the company. In 1915 Mr. Maiden entered into a partnership with H. Rittigstein, under the firm name of Maiden, Rittigstein & Com- pany and they have been very successful in their operations. They have handled a large number of important business properties in this city, including some of the largest deals in the history of the community, and also handle loans and investments and serve as property managers. They are located at 420 Fifteenth street and em- ploy ten salesmen, being regarded as one of the safest and most dependable firms in their line in the city.
Mr. Maiden was united in marriage to Miss Winte Perkins, who was born at Los Gatos, California, and they are the parents of two children. Rowan P., now fourteen years of age; and Alicia, who is thirteen years old.
Mr. Maiden is an active supporter of the republican party and has been greatly interested in public affairs of the city, being now a member of the city planning commission. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has received the degrees of the Scottish Rite; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the Athens Athletic Club; the Athenia Club; the Claremont Country Club; and the French Club of San Francisco. He is a student of the French language, in the use of which he is proficient. His interest extends to all of those activities which have to do with the material, educational, social and moral progress of his community, and his labors have been an effective force along lines of advancement. He has conducted his business affairs in accordance with the highest principles, and his worth to the community, both as citizen and business man, is generally con- ceded, so that he enjoys the confidence and regard of his fellowmen to a marked degree.
JAMES M. PAGE
As superintendent of the Alameda County Detention Home, James M. Page has established an enviable record of public service and is widely and favorably known in this section of the state, in which he has lived for more than fifty years. He was born March 4, 1859, in Missouri, and his parents, Jesse and Emily (Plu- mer) Page, were natives of Kentucky. In 1845 they left the Blue Grass state and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Missouri.
James M. Page was reared on his father's farm an received his education in the public schools of Missouri. In December, 1876, when a youth of seventeen, he responded to the call of adventure and came to Alameda county, California. For a time he worked in the old stock yards and then became a constable of Oakland township, filling the position for two terms. He was next made warden of the old Oakland Insane Institution and acted in that capacity for ten years. Since 1909, or for a period of eighteen years, he has been superintendent of the County Detention Home in Oakland, and his long retention in the office is an eloquent testimonial to the quality of his service. The institution was formerly housed in leased property on Nineteenth street, between Broadway and Franklin. The new home at the corner of Eighteenth and Poplar streets was dedicated in 1916, and Mr. Page
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had the entire furnishings moved twenty-four hours after receiving the notice of the increase in rent of the old institution. Modern and well equipped, the present building meets every requirement and one of its important features is an annex for boys over sixteen years of age. Although a strict disciplinarian Mr. Page is ac- tuated at all times by humanitarian motives and maintains a high standard in the management of the home. A capable executive, he directs the work of a superin- tendent of boys and four assistants and also has under his supervision a head matron who has three assistants in the girls' department.
On the 25th of June, 1876, Mr. Page married Miss Julia Gittere, a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, and to their union was born a son, Charles E., who died in January, 1925 at the age of forty-seven years. The wife and mother died April 23, 1901, and Mr. Page married his present wife at Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1913.
Mr. Page reserves his energies for his work, in whichi his interest centers, and his connection with organizations of a social or fraternal nature is limited to mem- bership in the Knights of Pythias. Throughout life he has derived pleasure from the faithful and efficient performance of duty and merits and receives the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.
REED W. HEILIG
Reed W. Heilig holds an enviable place among the leading successful lawyers of Alameda county and commands a large and remunerative practice at San Leandro, where he has resided since the spring of 1925. Long and varied experience in the practice of law, as well as in positions of judical responsibility, has given him unusual qualifications and he is regarded as one of the most capable members of the Alameda county bar. Mr. Heilig was born in Tacoma, Washington, on the 22d of October, 1890, and is a son of Albert R. and Lillian (Whitaker) Heilig, both of whom are deceased, the mother dying at Oakland, California, in March, 1926, and the father in the following month. The father was a lawyer by profession and practiced in Tacoma, Washington, for a number of years. He became prominent in public affairs and served as a member of the state legislature of Washington. He was appointed clerk to Judge Wickersham, of the third division of the United States district court for Alaska, and moved to that territory in 1900, locating first at Eagle. In 1903 they moved to Fairbanks, which had become the more important city, and remained residents of Alaska until 1921, when they returned to the . States. To Albert and Lillian Heilig were born two children, Reed W. and a sister, Florence, who became the wife of R. C. Force, president of the Catterpillar Tractor Company, of San Leandro, though living at Piedmont, this county.
Reed W. Heilig received his educational training in public schools and colleges in the state of Washington, and then entered the law college of the University of Washington, from which he was graduated in 1912. He then returned to Alaska and practiced with his father for three years. In 1915 he was appointed assistant United States attorney for the fourth district at Fairbanks, and in 1916 was made United States commissioner and ex officio probate judge, also serving as justice of the peace and recorder. In 1921 he accompanied the family on their removal
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to Portland, Oregon, and in the tollowing year went to San Francisco, where he became office assistant to Robert B. Gaylord, a prominent lawyer of that city. In March, 1925, Mr. Heilig came to San Leandro and opened law offices in the Thomas building, where he is still located. He quickly gained recognition as a capable and dependable lawyer and is now commanding an extensive practice in the courts of this county.
While living in Fairbanks, Alaska, Mr. Heilig was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Gross, and they are the parents of two children, Margaret Helen and Lillian Ruth. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Tanana Lodge, No. 162, at Fairbanks. During the World war he was in the forced exemption class and rendered valuable service to the government in Alaska. He is president of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Kiwanis Club. He has achieved a splendid record in his profession at an age when many men are merely starting on their life work and commands not only the respect of his associates at the bar, but also the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, who appreciate his splendid personal qualities as a man and neighbor.
CHARLES H. J. TRUMAN
If extended mention should be made of the many business enterprises with which Charles H. J. Truman is associated, it would include a list of many of the foremost financial and commercial activities of central California. In fact all who know him recognize the valuable contribution which he has made to the busi- ness development and upbuilding of this state. Born in San Francisco on the 17th of February, 1871, he attended the public schools and in 1890 entered the Central Wesleyan College at Warrentown, Missouri. The highest principles have ever ac- tuated him and it was this that occasioned him to engage in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association in St. Louis, Missouri, when his college days were over. For two years he there served as secretary and then returned to San Francisco where he took up the work of printing and advertising. However, in 1896 he decided to learn the undertaking business and therefore resigned his advertising position to devote his time to that work. Eventually he established a business on his own account in San Francisco, on the 1st of August, 1899, and, under the name of the Truman Undertaking Company, is now conducting one of the largest and best equipped funeral establishments of the city, located at 1365 Divisadero street. On the 1st of August, 1912, he extended his interests by opening a magnificent chapel at 2935 Telegraph avenue in Oakland, his business management resulting in the attainment of well merited success.
From time to time Mr. Truman has become a factor in other business projects of an important character and is today president of the Mercantile Building-Loan Association, vice president of the Associated Realty Operators, a director of the First National Mortgage Company, a director of the Morris Plan Company, presi- dent of the Telegraph Avenue District Development Association, a trustee of the College of the Pacific, a director of the Camp Fire Girls, a director of the East Bay Title Insurance Company, president of the Oakland Young Men's Christian
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