USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 30
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Association, president of the International High Twelve Clubs, a past president of the High Twelve Service Club, a past president of the California State Young Men's Christian Association Council, a past president of the Oakland Young Men's Christian Association Fellowship Luncheon Club, a past president of the Advertising Club of Oakland, a past president of the Merchants Exchange, a director of the Atlas Holding Corporation and a director of the Securities Invest- ment Corporation. All who are associated with Mr. Truman recognize the value of his judgment in business affairs, for he is a man of broad vision, of keen dis- cernment and of unfaltering enterprise.
In the year 1911 Mr. Truman and his family moved to Oakland, where their home has since been maintained. He was married in 1901 to Miss Alice O. Ther- kof, of San Francisco, and they have become the parents of two sons and a daugh- ter : Stanley R., who is a graduate of the University of California, in which he is now pursuing a post-graduate course; Lloyd Hamilton, a student in the College of the Pacific at Stockton; and Edna M., who is also attending the same institution. That training and environment tell, is indicated in the fact that the elder son, like the father, has been active in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Truman is president of the Oakland organization, while his son Stanley is a past president of the Young Men's Christian Association of the University of California, and the younger son, Lloyd H., is a past president of the Young Men's Christian Association of the College of the Pacific and the daughter is president of the Young Women's Christian Association there. The father is likewise a past state president and his labors, as well as those of his children, have been most effective in promoting the interests of the organization.
Mr. Truman is deeply and helpfully interested in every project which makes for the uplift of humanity or results in the adoption of high and ennobling prin- ciples. He is now serving as a director of the Fred Finch Orphanage and is a member of the advisory board of the Salvation Army. He has long been prominent in Masonry and is a life member of every branch of the order. He possesses a very interesting as well as forceful personality and the characteristics most respon- sible for his success are perseverance, determination and unswerving integrity. He occupies a commanding and honored position among the prosperous business men and most highly esteemed citizens of San Francisco and the East Bay district. He possesses artistic taste and has keen appreciation of all that is of cultural value, and throughout his life he has employed the most practical and resultant measures in the attainment of high ideals.
FRANCISCO IGNACIO DE LEMOS
Francisco Ignacio de Lemos, a well known member of the California bar, en- gaged in practice in Hayward, has made steady progress through persistent effort, close application and laudable ambition. A son of Jose and Francisca Ignacia (de Menezes) de Lemos, he was born at Villanova, Terceira, one of the Azores islands, March 10, 1865, and was there reared to manhood, studying for the priesthood in the seminary of Angra, in which he completed his course in 1888, but was never
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ordained. Having decided not to enter the church work, he came to the United States, landing at New Bedford, Massachusetts, September 20, 1888, and having obtained a loan of one hundred dollars from a friend, he used the money to enable him to continue his journey to the village of Mission San Jose, California, where he secured employment on a Portuguese newspaper. Two months later, following the advice of Rev. G. S. Gloria, he went to San Leandro, Alameda county, where he re- mained until February 18, 1889, on which date he took up his abode in Hayward. Here he entered the office of Attorney G. S. Langan, who was anxious to learn the Portuguese language, while Mr. Lemos was equally desirous of acquainting himself with the English tongue. They remained together for ten years, practicing law as partners following the admission of Mr. Lemos to the bar of California on the 25th of April, 1895. He showed ready adaptability in grasping the basic principles of American jurisprudence, and remaining a constant student of his profession, he has continually broadened his knowledge and is regarded as a successful attorney, having appeared as counsel in many cases tried in the courts of Alamenda county. He is considered resourceful in the preparation of a cause, and sound and safe as an office counselor, and has long been accorded a liberal and representative clientele. He is likewise a director of the Bank of Haywards.
In 1898 Mr. Lemos returned to the Azores and was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide Cotta, also a native of the island of Terceira and a daughter of Jose Martins and D. Maria (Ignacia) Cotta. He returned with his bride to the new world and in 1906 he took his family to the Azores for a six months' visit, greatly enjoying his sojourn amidst the scenes of his boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Lemos had one son, Frank Clemente, who was born November 23, 1900, and was killed in an automobile accident February 16, 1919.
Mr. Lemos has always manifested a keen interest in matters of citizenship and in the welfare of his community and for nine years he was a member of the board of school trustees, serving as chairman during that period. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Foresters of America, the Knights of Columbus, the A. P. P. B., the U. P. E. C., being secretary of its board of directors, and the I. D. E. S., serving as chairman of the supreme board of directors of the last mentioned organization. His unfeigned cordiality and friendly manner have gained him many friends. His interest in public affairs marks him as a substantial citizen and in his chosen calling he has made gratifying progress by reason of the development of his powers.
DONALD McGREGOR
None of the younger members of the Alamenda county bar give greater promise of a successful career than does Donald McGregor, of Oakland, who is building up a very satisfactory clientele and has gained a good reputation for ability and trustworthiness. Mr. McGregor was born in Aquas Calientes, Mexico, on the 6th of November, 1900, and is a son of Charles J. and Sarah (Gow) McGregor, the former a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and the latter of Rochester, New York. His father was educated in his native city and then accepted a position in Indiana,
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where he remained until 1899, when he went to Mexico in the interest of a candle business. Later he turned his attention to dairying there, and eventually became interested in a rubber refinery, to which he was giving his attention at the time of his death, which occurred in 1907, when he was thirty-nine years of age. He was a republican and was a member of the Masonic order. He was married, at Whit- ing, Indiana, to Miss Gow, whose father held a high position with the Standard Oil Company there. After her husband's death, Mrs. Gregor went to Richmond, California, where her brother was interested in the Standard Oil Company, and she now resides in Berkeley.
Donald McGregor spent the first seven years of his life in Mexico and accom- panied his mother on her removal to Richmond, California, in the public schools of which place he secured his early education. He then entered the University of California, from which he was graduated in 1921, and subsequently entered the law school of his alma mater, completing his course in 1923. He was admitted to practice in March of that year and during the ensuing three years was connected with the Key System Transit Company as attorney, since which time he has been engaged in the private practice of law in Oakland, having his offices in the Central Bank building.
In 1926 Mr. McGregor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Grulke, who was born in Atlantic, Iowa, and is a daughter of Frank J. and Emma (Knop) Grulke. In his political views Mr. McGregor is aligned with the republican party and keeps in close touch with the leading issues of the day, on which he holds well defined opinions. He is a representative of a high type of citizenship, standing for all that is best in the life of the community, and has proven well worthy of public confidence and respect.
J. E. ROGERS
J. E. Rogers, who has been a lifelong resident of Mission San Jose, has stood for many years as one of his community's representative men, having been actively identified with affairs of vital importance here, and he commands the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. Mr. Rogers was born in Mission San Jose on the 17th of December, 1872, a son of A. F. and Margaret (Alves) Rogers, both of whom were natives of the Azores islands. His father came to California in 1849, making the long voyage around Cape Horn. In 1868 he engaged in freighting supplies from the San Joaquin valley to Warm Springs Landing and Newark, employing ox teams as the motive power. To him and his wife were born three children, all of whom are living.
J. E. Rogers received his educational training in the public schools and worked on a ranch for four years. When sixteen years of age he entered the post office at Mission San Jose and by reason of loyalty and faithful service has been continued in the office to the present time-a period of forty years. His capability received deserved recognition when, October 9, 1907, he was appointed postmaster, which position he still fills, his service being highly satisfactory to the patrons of the office.
Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Rose Garcia, also a native of Mis-
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sion San Jose, and they are the parents of three children, Mrs. Elvira Martin, Clifford and Loraine. Mr. Rogers has shown a commendable interest in the wel- fare of his community and for twenty-nine years has served as a member of the board of trustees of the Centerville union high school. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Alameda, the Ancient United Order of Druids, the I. D. E. S. and the U. P. E. C., of which he has been treasurer for thirty years. Efficient in the discharge of his official duties and loyal and true to all the obligations of citizenship, he well merits the high place which he holds in the estimation of his fellowmen.
ELLWOOD W. SHAW
Ellwood W. Shaw, secretary of the California State Builders' Exchange, is well qualified for this position through his extensive experience in business affairs of a varied nature and is performing his duties in a very satisfactory manner, his individual efforts contributing in very large measure to the success of that organization.
Mr. Shaw was born at Viola, Linn county, Iowa, on the 10th of February, 1885, and is a son of Lindley and Mary Alice (Burgess) Shaw, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was born at Middletown, and they were married in that state in 1883. They were both engaged in teaching school there prior to their marirage and soon after that event moved to Iowa, locating on the Wapisicon river, where the father was in the nursery business. He died there in 1889, at the age of thirty-five years, and his widow is now living in Houston, Texas, with a son, Jesse S. Shaw.
Ellwood W. Shaw was reared in his native state and there attended the public schools to the age of seventeen years, when he went to Muncie, Indiana, and worked in the Carnegie steel plate mills. He remained there three years, when, on account of an injury received in a football game, he was compelled to give up that line of work. Returning to Iowa, he attended an academy at West Branch, after which he traveled for the Interstate Schools, training students in civil service work for three years. Mr. Shaw then went to Colorado, where for four years he was connected with laboratory work for the American Beet Sugar Company. His next employment was as a traveling representative for the Fitz Manufacturing Company, of Pueblo, Colorado, and later for the Chicago Hardware Foundry Company. On April 1, 1909, Mr. Shaw came to Oakland, California, and entered the employ of the Oakland Traction Company, filling various positions with that organization until 1917, when he became purchasing agent for the Pre- mier Machinery Company, manufacturers of canning machinery. He remained with that concern for three and a half years, and during that period was also instrumental in introducing the Graham Brothers motor trucks into northern California.
Mr. Shaw served one year as license inspector and deputy city clerk and in the fall of 1922 was made secretary of the Oakland Builders Exchange, serving in that capacity until 1925, when he was made manager, which position he held
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until February 1, 1928. In 1924, on completion of the Builders Exchange building, which is located at 354 Hobart street in the city of Oakland,. he was appointed building manager, which position he still retains, and is secretary of the California State Builders Exchange.
In 1907 Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Price, who was born in Ontario, Canada, and is a daughter of William and Frances (McBride) Price, the former a native of Toronto, Canada, and a descendant of old "May- flower" stock. Mrs. Shaw's maternal grandfather, Colonel McBride, was a native of the north of Ireland and an officer in the English army.
Mr. Shaw is a charter member of Park Boulevard Lodge No. 568, A. F. & A. M .; and belongs to Oakland Consistory, A. A. S. R .; Oakland Lodge No. 701, B. P. O. E .; the Sciots and the Athens Athletic Club. He is an earnest, progressive man, interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of his city and county, and his upright and consistent life has gained for him an enviable place in public esteem.
CALVIN M. ORR
For more than thirty years Calvin M. Orr has been identified with the business interests of Oakland, in which he has met with more than ordinary success, while in matters affecting the public welfare he has been a prominent and influential fac- tor, his labors being particularly effective in public educational and recreational matters. Mr. Orr was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on the 18th of June, 1868, and is a son of Dr. William L. and Ruth D. (Baldwin) Orr. His father, who was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, was graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, in which institution he was a classmate and friend of James G. Blaine. He moved to Ottumwa, where he engaged in the practice of medicine, and also be- came prominent in public affairs, serving as mayor of that city. During the Civil war he served as surgeon of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and he held many public offices during the period from 1866 to 1897. He died at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife passed away in 1896.
Calvin M. Orr received a good public school education and took a commercial course in a business college. He then went to work for the John Morrell Packing Company, entering the Park packing plant, where he began at the bottom and learned every detail of the business. Later he served as a salesman in several de- partments, in which he demonstrated his ability in an unmistakable manner, and in 1897, he came to Oakland and introduced the Morrell lines in this state. His first office was at 1375-77 Broadway, where he remained until 1905, when he moved to 651-3-5 Webster street. Later he came to 364 Second street, where he has a well equipped plant for handling all of his lines. He has a large territory, cover- ing that portion of California from the Oregon boundary on the north to Fresno on the south, and in this field commands a large patronage, due to his energetic and progressive methods, the high quality of the goods which he carries and the square dealing which characterizes all of his transactions. He is a pioneer in that his was the first wholesale produce house to be established in Oakland.
CALVIN M. ORR
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Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Harriet B. Reedlove, a native of Chilli- cothe, Missouri, and they are the parents of a daughter, Irene, who is the wife of G. A. Wideman and the mother of a daughter, Ethel Jane. They have a beautiful home on the Monterey penninsula. Mr. Orr gives his political support to the re- publican party and takes deep interest in public affairs. He has never been an of- fice seeker, but in 1907 was persuaded to accept the nomination for school director, to which office he was elected by a large majority. He gave earnest attention to the duties of the office and on his subsequent election was made president of the board. During this period he introduced to the Oakland schools the Keokuk school savings system, which has been since operated very successfully, and he has also been a strong advocate of the extension of the city playground system. In 1910 while on the Oakland school board, with Leo Weil he was one of the leaders in getting expert musical instruction in the public schools, and was instrumental in obtaining the services of Glen Woods, from St. Louis, as musical instructor. In fact, he has shown himself fully abreast of the times in his ideas relative to public affairs and his opinions are held in high regard by his associates. He is a member of Oakland Lodge, No. 188, A. F. & A. M .; Oakland Consistory, A. A. S. R .; Aahmes Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Athenian Nile Club, the Sequoia Club and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. A man of sound judgment in practical matters and standing for the best things in the life of the community, he has proven well worthy of public confidence and esteem and has a large circle of warm personal friends.
WILLIAM RICHARDSON
William Richardson, of San Leandro, who has devoted the greater part of his life to building construction work, in which he gained a high reputation as an expert, is now one of the leading real estate dealers of this city, commanding a large and prosperous business. He is also rendering appreciated service as a member of the board of city trustees. Mr. Richardson was born at Queen's Ferry, Scotland, May 23, 1881, and is a son of George and Mary (Hopkinson) Richard- son, both of whom are deceased. During his boyhood he accompanied the family on their removal to Yorkshire, England, where his father entered the wholesale grocery business, later engaging in the same line at Dueseberg.
William Richardson was reared in England and secured his educational train- ing in the public schools of Yorkshire and Southport, Lancashire. He then became an apprentice to the bronze ornamental and structural trade, which he thoroughly learned in every detail, following that line of work continuously until about three years ago. He came to the United States in 1901, landing at New York city, where for ten years he was employed as foreman by one firm. He supervised the work of that character on many important buildings in the east, including the great railroad station in Washington, D. C., and later his employers sent him to San Francisco, where they had important contracts. There he served as foreman on the construction of the Continental Trust building, the Samuels Lace house, at Stockton and O'Farrell streets, and the old Balfour-Guthrie building. Mr. Rich-
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ardson then became foreman for the Rudyear-Merle Company and supervised the work on fourteen buildings in the Bay district. His next position was that of mechanic and foreman for Edward Soule & Company, for whom at intervals dur- ing the ensuing seven or eight years he did numerous jobs on the San Francisco docks and elsewhere. After coming to this state, he lived seven years in Oakland and five years in Berkeley, and in 1924 came to San Leandro, where he has since resided. Here he engaged in general contracting and building on his own account, following that line of business for about a year, and in 1925 he turned his attention to the real estate business, in which he is still engaged. In this he has been very successful, specializing in the exchange of properties, and during the past two years has handled a large number of business blocks, residences and ranches. He is a good business man, possessing not only an accurate knowledge of property values, but also that sound judgment which makes a real estate dealer of great assistance to his clients.
On April 16, 1908, in San Francisco, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Addie Grissell, who was born in Nevada county, California. By a former mar- riage, Mrs. Richardson is the mother of a son, John P. Boyd, who is engaged in the garage business in Alvarado, California. Mr. Richardson is a republican in his political views and has shown an active interest in local public affairs. He was appointed a member of the board of city trustees, filling a vacancy caused by the resignation of J. W. Dalzell, and is now serving as chairman of the ordinance committee and a member of the finance committee. He was made a Master Mason in Fremont Lodge, No. 497, at Fruitvale, and belongs to Oakland Consistory, A. A. S. R., in which he has taken the thirty-second degree. Every movement for the betterment of his community receives his hearty support and he is especially interested in securing public playgrounds for the children of the city. A man of progressive spirit and sound business judgment, he has made a success of his individual affairs and in every way is well worthy the public confidence and esteem which are reposed in him by his fellowmen.
HERBERT BECKWITH
Herbert Beckwith, vice president and director of the Oakland Builders Ex- change, and widely known as a successful building contractor, has had long and varied experience in construction work, in which he has proven capable and effi- cient, so that he holds a high place in the business circles of Oakland. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 4th of October, 1877, he is a son of Walter and Viola (Calvert) Beckwith, the former born in Wales and the latter in Terre Haute. Walter Beckwith came to the United States in boyhood and located in Terre Haute, where he became a railroad engineer, in which work he engaged for many years. He died in Terre Haute and his widow is now residing in La Jolla, San Diego county, Cali- fornia.
Herbert Beckwith spent his boyhood in Leadville, Colorado, and secured his educational training in the public schools there and in San Diego county, this state. He served an apprenticeship at the brickmason trade, after which he traveled over
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the southwestern states, working at his trade. In 1898, on the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Regiment United States Volunteers, with which command he served for eight months and three days, being mustered out at Los Angeles, California. He then went to Mexico, where he remained until 1903, when he removed to San Francisco, where he became superin- tendent of construction for Arthur Arlett, a successful contractor and prominent politician, who at that time was president of the San Francisco harbor commission. In 1905 Mr. Beckwith moved to Oakland and during the ensuing years up to 1917 had charge of the erection of many important buildings in the Bay district. In 1917 he engaged in contracting on his own account and has since enjoyed very gratifying prosperity. He built the Roosevelt school in Oakland, as well as many other public buildings throughout this part of the county and the State Agricul- tural Building at Sacramento. He has a thorough technical knowledge of every part of the business and does thoroughly and well whatever he undertakes, so that he is regarded as absolutely dependable. In 1924 Mr. Beckwith was made a director and the treasurer of the Builders Exchange of Oakland, and in 1926 was elected first vice president.
In 1904, in San Diego, California, Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage to Miss Mary Henshelwood, who was born in Minnesota and is a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mann) Henshelwood, who were natives of Scotland. To this union have been born two sons, Earl E. and Donald, the latter a student in the University of California. In his political views he is a progressive republican and is a public- spirited and enterprising citizen, cooperating with his fellowmen in various ways for the promotion of the best interests of the community. He is a member of Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Oakland Chap- ter, No. 36, R. A. M .; Oakland Consistory, A. A. S. R .; and Aahmes Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. By an honorable and straightforward course he has gained the confidence and respect of the entire community in which he lives and is de- servedly popular among his associates
WILLIAM HORST
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