USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 31
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No citizen of Alameda was held in higher esteem than the late William Horst, who, after a long, active and successful business career, closed his eyes to earthly scenes in 1924. A man of keen mentality, sound business judgment, sterling char- acter and splendid personal qualities, he exemplified in his life a high type of citizenship and was well worthy of the respect which was accorded him by his fellowmen. Mr. Horst was a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was reared to young manhood, securing a good education in the public schools. Desiring bet- ter opportunities for individual advancement than were afforded in his native land, he embarked on a schooner for the United States and, after a voyage of seven weeks, arrived at Baltimore, Maryland. There he learned interior decorating, that being in the days before wall paper came into general use for decorative pur- poses. He became an expert in his line and decorated by hand the walls and ceilings of a number of rooms in the White House at Washington, D. C., while it was oc-
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cupied by President Rutherford B. Hayes. In 1860 Mr. Horst again started on a long sea voyage, taking passage on a sailing vessel for San Fancisco, being six months in making the voyage around Cape Horn. He remained in San Francisco until 1865, when he came to Alameda, and in that year bought a residence on Santa Clara avenue, which the family still owns. In 1867 he erected a store building and engaged in the grocery business, which proved a successful venture, and in which he continued to the time of his death. He was a man of discrimination in business affairs and the prosperity which came to him was well earned, for he devoted him- self closely to his business, kept up with the times in his methods, and so conducted his interests as to win and retain the confidence of all who dealt with him.
Mr. Horst was united in marriage to Miss Josephine E. Bader, a native of Ger- many, who survives him. To them were born eight children, William, Jr., Gertrude, Rose, Rudolph, Gustave, Henry, Herman and Frederich, all of whom are living.
Mr. Horst possessed a good singing voice and was always greatly interested in music. While living in Washington, D. C., he was a member of a German singing society which gave concerts in the White House, and after coming to Alameda he became one of the organizers of the Turnverein, of which he was the first president and one of its most active members. Well educated and a constant reader and stu- dent, he wrote some excellent poetry and frequently gave readings, which were greatly appreciated. In every relation of life, he was loyal and true, and everything affecting the welfare and prosperity of his community enlisted his interest and active support. Kindly and generous by nature, he was cordial and friendly in manner and no citizen of Alameda had more warm and admiring friends.
Henry Horst was born in Alameda, February 15, 1883, secured his educational training in the public schools, and was long associated with his father in the con- duct of the grocery business, of which he now has charge. He married Miss Mary Baldwin, of San Juan, San Benito county, this state, and they are the parents of two sons, Joseph and Arthur. Mr. Horst is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose, is well known throughout Alameda and is deservedly popular among his acquaintances.
ERNEST A. WOLLITZ
Ernest A. Wollitz, who has been in the undertaking business in Oakland for twenty-three years, is regarded as one of the most capable funeral directors in the East Bay district and commands a large patronage, while in civic affairs he has proved himself a man of high ideals and fine public spirit.
Mr. Wollitz was born in San Francisco, California, on the 6th of October, 1867, and is a son of Theodore and Wilhelmina (Theile) Wollitz, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father having been born in Mechlenburg-Sterlitz and the mother in Hamburg. Theodore Wollitz came to the United States in 1853, making the long voyage in a sailing vessel around Cape Horn to San Francisco, where he arrived December 31, 1853, after a voyage of nine months. He worked in the first bakery established in the city and later started the seventh bakery, which he conducted continuously until his death in 1903, when he was seventy-two
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years of age. He was a republican in his political views and was a member of the Ancient United Order of Druids.
Ernest A. Wollitz was reared in San Francisco and attended school to the age of seventeen years, when he went to work in John Norgrove's trunk factory at 12 Gray street, where he was employed until 1891. In 1885 he had moved with his parents to Oakland, after which for a number of years he commuted back and forth to San Francisco. In 1891 he and his brother, William F. Wollitz, established the Golden West Bakery at 968 Seventh street, Oakland, which they conducted suc- cessfully for fifteen years. In 1904 he went to San Mateo, California, and en- gaged in the undertaking business, but at the end of a year returned to Oakland and bought the undertaking establishment of Henry Evans, who had been in the business here for twenty-three years. Mr. Wollitz commands his full share of the business in his line; maintains a firstclass equipment, up-to-date in every re- spect, and his thoughtful and painstaking efforts have been appreciated by those who have secured his services.
About thirty-four years ago Mr. Wollitz was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Hair, who was born in Massachusetts. Her parents Samuel and Margaret (Duff) Hair, were natives of Scotland, whence they came to the United States at an early day and in 1874 settled in Oakland where the father followed the plumb- ing and gas-fitting business. Both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wollitz have been born two children, Lillian and Dr. Alfred.
Mr. Wollitz has always given his political support to the republican party, while fraternally he is a member of Live Oak Lodge No. 61, A. F. & A. M .; Oakland Consistory, A. A. S. R .; Aahmes Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Oakland Chapter, No. 140, O. E. S .; Porter Lodge No. 272, I. O. O. F .; Oakland Lodge No. 103, K. P .; Oakland Lodge No. 170, B. P. O. E., and was for eight years a member of California Parlor No. 1, N. S. G. W., from which he transferred his membership to Oakland Parlor No. 50, with which he has been connected for thirty-three years. Mr. Wollitz has resided in Oakland for forty-three years and has been an inter- ested spectator of the wonderful development of this district. When he came here the only public transportation was afforded by one small horse car and the water from Lake Merritt used to back up to Broadway, and in many other ways condi- tions. then were in marked contrast to the present modern and prosperous city. He has done his full part in supporting all public improvements, being progressive in disposition, and he has gained recognition as one of the community's substantial and dependable citizens, commanding the respect and confidence of all who have had dealings with him.
GEORGE HYATT HAGY
In no line of business is painstaking care and thoughtful attention to details demanded to a greater degree than in that of undertaking, in which sphere of effort George H. Hagy, of Alameda, has been very successful. He has also been active in the fraternal and civic affairs of his city and is regarded as one of his community's most progressive and useful men. Mr. Hagy was born at Concord, Contra Costa
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
county, California, on March 5, 1883, and is a son of Adam and Mary Augusta (Turner) Hagy, the former born at Rockland, Maine, and the latter at Reading, Pennsylvania. His uncle, Andrew Jackson Turner, arrived in San Francisco in January, 1852, having come from New York by way of Nicaragua, and, after looking the state over, located in San Francisco, where he established the lumber firm of Turner, Kennedy & Shaw, which was in existence until 1889.
When G. H. Hagy was two years old, the family moved to San Diego, Cali- fornia, where his father engaged in the building business, and there the son re- mained until January 1, 1890, since which time he has been a resident of Alameda. He received his education in the grammer schools and was then employed as a clerk in various grocery stores in this city. His next employment was with the Wells Fargo Express Company, and a comparison of the growth of this city may be gleaned from Mr. Hagy's statement that at that time one small wagon took care of the entire delivery and collection for the city of Alameda. Leaving the express company, Mr. Hagy went to work for W. W. Montague & Company, of San Francisco, where he was assigned to the sample room of tile hearths and mantel facing as assistant to the late Earl Williams, of moving picture fame, who was the builder of the samples shown in the Montague showrooms. On June 5, 1904, Mr. Hagy accepted a position as stenographer with the Southern Pacific Railroad, first in the superintendent's office, at Third and Townsend streets, San Francisco, but a few months later was transferred to the superintendent's office at Oakland pier. He remained with the Southern Pacific until March 6, 1916, when he resigned in order to engage in the undertaking business and during subsequent years has gained recognition as a competent and efficient funeral director. He holds a state em- balmer's license and has a well equipped establishment at 1524 Webster street, where he is prepared to give prompt and satisfactory service.
On April 23, 1919, at Alameda, Mr. Hagy was married by Rev. E. R. Dille, of the First Methodist Episcopal church, to Miss Vincenca Zoe Kiselick, who was born in San Francisco October 19, 1896. She is active in local church, club and civic affairs, being a member of the Santa Clara Avenue Methodist Episcopal church and its Ladies Aid Society ; president of Alameda Review, No. 19, Women's Benefit Association; and a member of Hamlet Circle, Companions of the Foresters of America. She is a talented pianist and vocalist, possessing a fine mezzo soprano voice.
Mr. Hagy is a republican but, aside from local elections, has never taken a very active part in political affairs. He was one of the organizers of the Exchange Club of Alameda on December 18, 1926, and its first president. He served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce in 1917 and 1918; was president of the West End Merchants' Association and has exerted his influence in favor of every movement for the advancement of his city. Fraternally, he is a member and past master of Apollo Lodge, No. 396, A. F. &. A. M., Fruitvale Lodge No. 56, K. P., of which he is past chancellor commander ; Alameda Lodge, No. 509, L. O. O. M., of which he is a past dictator ; Alameda Aerie, No. 1076, F. O. E., of which he is a past president ; and Court Pride of Alameda, No. 19, F. O. A., of which he was chief ranger and recording secretary. He joined the First Methodist Episcopal church in 1891, and transferred his membership to the Santa Clara Avenue Meth- odist Episcopal church in April, 1925, and is now president of its Men's Club. He
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has been a member of the choirs of both of these churches for a number of years. He is also vice president of the board of trustees of the Santa Clara Avenue church and takes a deep interest in the welfare of that society. He is unostentatious, candid and open hearted in manner, possesses a strong character and forceful in- dividuality and is an effective worker in every sphere in which he applies his efforts, and in all of the organizations with which he is identified he is held in the highest measure of esteem, while throughout the community he commands the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.
ERNEST STOBBE
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The life record of Ernest Stobbe, owner of the East Bay Iron Works, at Oak- land, affords a splendid example of what may be accomplished through persistent and honest effort, in spite of early unfavorable environment, and the qualities of character which have enabled him to mount the ladder of success have also won for him the respect of his fellowmen. Mr. Stobbe was born in a country town in East Prussia, Germany, on the 12th of March, 1883. He was left an orphan when seven years old, and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to the machinist's trade in Rastenburg, a city of ten thousand population in East Prussia. He served there for four years, without wages, working from six o'clock in the morning until ten o'clock at night, and receiving but scanty food. In the shop, devoted to making ornamental iron work were employed from sixteen to twenty men, and, though conditions then seemed hard, Mr. Stobbe there gained a practical and thor- ough knowledge of that business which has stood him in good stead in later years. On the completion of his apprenticeship, at the age of eighteen years, he went to sea as fireman and fourth engineer on a small steamer, on which he served for two years, touching at many of the principal ports of the world. On his return home, he embarked on a passenger boat for the new world, arriving at New York with but a few dollars in his pocket. For two months he worked on a farm in New Jersey, and attended night school in order to acquire a knowledge of the English language. Again he went to sea on English and American steamers as assistant engineer, and sailed through the Golden Gate at San Francisco. There he shipped for a voyage to South America and Honolulu and on his return to San Francisco, in April, 1906, quit the sea and for four years was employed as an ornamental iron worker. Am- bitious for an independent career, he then started a business on a small scale, having limited capital, but the high quality of his work soon attracted attention and pros- perity attended his efforts. His business has grown steadily through the years and he now employs from ten to twelve men, all of whom are expert workmen. Among the many contracts which he has handled in this district are twenty-four schools in Alameda county, fourteen new and modern theaters, the new Women's City Club building, one of the finest in the west, and many apartment buildings. He displays originality in design and a painstaking thoroughness in his work which have earned for him a high reputation in his line, and the East Bay Iron Works is now numbered among the substantial and prosperous business concerns of Oakland.
Mr. Stobbe was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Scheibe and to them has
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been born a son, Gert, now eighteen years of age. Mr. Stobbe is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Oakland Builders Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce. He has proven a loyal and patriotic citizen of his adopted country and all who know him hold him in high esteem for his business ability and his excellent personal qualities.
JUSTUS H. GADING
One of the most interesting phases of local history is that which embraces the records of the pioneers, those hardy and courageous souls through whose persever- ing efforts and sacrifices the foundations were laid for the substantial prosperity of the present day. Among the honored early settlers of central Alameda county was the late Justus H. Gading, who did his full part in the development of his section of the county, realized a splendid measure of success as a reward for his labors, and, having finished his life work, passed to his reward many years ago. Mr. Gading was born in Bremen, Germany, on the 1st day of January, 1835, and was a son of Christopher and Johannah (Ruge) Gading, both of whom were born and reared in that locality. His father was a cooper by trade and on emigrating to the United States with his family he located in San Francisco, after a long and tiresome voy- age around Cape Horn in a sailing vessel. From San Francisco they came to Mt. Eden, Alameda county, and bought a home, in which he and his wife spent their remaining days.
Justus H. Gading came to the United States when about twenty-one years of age, having secured his educational training in the schools of Germany. He went to the gold fields of northern California, but later located at San Lorenzo, this county, where he engaged in farming for awhile. Eventually he came to Mt. Eden and bought two hundred acres of land, most of which was wild and unimproved, and here he established his permanent home. At that time there were no fences in this part of the country, the livestock roaming at will over the land, and Mr. Gading was among the first of those who made substantial improvements on their property in this locality. As he prospered, he bought adjoining land, including the Meyer and the Arff ranch, amounting to four hundred acres. In more recent years a portion of the ranch has been subdivided and sold off and now a number of houses have been erected on the old farm. Mr. Gading applied himself closely to the cultivation of the farm and, with the exception of two trips to Germany, spent his remaining years here.
In 1863 Mr. Gading was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Forste, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, and was a daughter of Frederick and Ann (Semke) Forste. She was educated in the public schools of her native land and came to this country with friends, settling in San Francisco, where her marriage to Mr. Gading occurred. To them were born three children. William is engaged in farming on a ranch adjoining the old home place. Amelia, who was educated in Germany in 1900 became the wife of William Zudreele, a native of Germany, who came to this country when eighteen years of age and first located in New York, where he com- pleted his education. Later he engaged in a mercantile business on Broadway,
JUSTUS H. GADING
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New York city, in which he was eminently successful, and is now retired from ac- tive business pursuits, devoting his attention to the management of the estate. Mr. and Mrs. Zudreele are the parents of two children, Grace and Amelia. Justus Gading the youngest of the children, died June 28, 1909.
Mr. Gading gave his political support to the republican party and always took a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of his com- munity, having rendered effective service as a member of the board of school trus- tees. He was an earnest member of the Luthern church, to which he gave generous support. His death occurred on the home place in 1897, at the age of sixty-two years, and he was survived many years by his widow, who passed away in 1925, at the age of eighty-two years, beloved by all who knew her. Mrs. Zudreele manages the old home ranch and resides in the third house which was built on the place, it having been erected by her mother. Several of the original buildings are still standing, some of them being over sixty years old and in a fair state of preserva- tion. Mrs. Zudreele spent twenty-five years in New York and the remainder of her life in California. She enjoys a wide acquaintance and is an extremely popu- lar member of her social circles. Her father's memory is honored by all who knew him, for he was a man of splendid character and strong personal traits, no resi- dent of this section of the county standing higher in public esteem than he.
CAPTAIN G. W. HALL
After a long and honorable career in the military service of his country, Cap- tain G. W. Hall is now living retired in his comfortable and attractive home in San Leandro, secure in the respect and esteem of all who know him. He is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born on the 9th day of January, 1872, and is a son of Captain George and Jennie (Morgan) Hall. His father was a native of France and served as an officer in the French army. After coming to the United States he settled at Cincinnati, where he married Miss Jennie Morgan. He died when their son, G. W., was but two years of age, and four years later the mother died, leaving the son to the care of his mother's sister, Miss Ella Morgan, of McMinnville, Tennessee, by whom he was reared.
After completing the public school course, he attended Short Mountain College, in Tennessee, where he pursued an academic course, and then went to work in a drug store in McMinnville. Later he entered the College of Pharmacy at Cincinnati and was graduated in 1890, after which he was employed in a drug store about one year. He then enlisted in the United States Army, joining the Eighth Infantry Regiment, but was later transferred to the cavalry, and afterwards to the artillery branch of the service. Again he was transferred, this time to the Medical Corps, and entered the Brooklyn Medical College. However, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he gave up his medical studies and served with the United States troops in Cuba. He afterwards served in the Boxer campaign in China, and then accompanied his command to the Philippine islands, where they quelled the insurrection. In an engagement there he was severely wounded, his left leg being broken in four places, and he was placed on the retired list, but was recalled to
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active service when the United States entered the World war, serving as recruiting officer and in the intelligence department, being stationed during a part of the time at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was on duty throughout that war and had volunteered for active service in France, but the Armistice was signed before he received orders. He then retired from the army and, coming to California, located in San Leandro, where he has since resided. He engaged in the real estate business for a few years, but discontinued that business in 1922.
In 1902, in San Francisco, Captain Hall was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Irene Taylor, a daughter of General Ashby C. Taylor, of the United States Army. She was born on Governor's island, New York city, and is a lady of gracious and charming manner, who has made a host of admiring friends since coming to San Leandro. Captain and Mrs. Hall have a daughter, Irene, the wife of Judge Warren V. Tryon, who now occupies the bench of the superior court of Del Norte county, this state, being the youngest superior court judge in California, and they have a son, Warren V., Jr.
Captain and Mrs. Hall are well pleased with their home community, in which they enjoy well merited popularity, for their home is characterized by a spirit of genuine hospitality and good cheer which has made it a favorite rendezvous for their many friends. They derive much pleasure from motoring and have driven over most of the Pacific coast region, from San Diego, on the south, to British Columbia, on the north. Ardent lovers of outdoor life, they are both experts with rod and gun, and many of their most enjoyable hours are spent in the great out- of-doors. In 1925 Captain Hall was elected a member of the board of city trustees and has taken a keen interest in the affairs of the municipality as a member of the street and finance committees. In her religious faith, Mrs. Hall favors the Church of Christ, Scientist. Well informed on public affairs, the Captain is a man of sound opinions on matters of public policy, and is ready at all times to cooperate in measures for the advancement of the general welfare. Because of his splendid career in his country's service, as well as for his sterling character and strong per- sonality, he is accorded the confidence and respect of all who know him.
CROMWELL L. ORMSBY
Cromwell L. Ormsby, of Oakland, is fast gaining recognition as a capable and successful lawyer, his legal work being characterized by wisdom, fidelity and deter- mination which have won for him a high standing in the profession. A native of Logan, Utah, he was born on the 8th of September, 1895, and is a son of Oliver C. and Rebecca (Longton) Ormsby, the former a prominent physician there for many years, his death occurring in 1916. His widow died in Oakland in 1924.
Cromwell Ormsby secured a good public school education, graduating from the Oakland high school in 1913, and then entered the University of California. How- ever, his studies were interrupted by his response to his country's call and in 1917 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Field Artillery. He was in training at Camp Kearney and in March, 1918, went overseas with his unit. He was in active service, taking part in the second battle of the Marne, in July, 1918, and remained
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in France until April, 1919, when he was returned home and honorably discharged. In 1920 he entered the law school of the University of California, from which he was graduated in 1923, and at once engaged in the practice of law in Oakland, es- tablishing offices in the Syndicate building, in which he is still located. He is a sound and safe advisor in legal matters and in the trial of causes has proven skillful and resourceful. He is loyal to the traditions and ethics of his profession, commanding the respect of both jurists and fellow lawyers, and has measured up to the require- ments of every condition in which he has been placed, so that he is well deserving of the confidence and respect in which he is held by all who know him. In 1916 Mr. Ormsby was united in marriage to Miss Maida Waters, who was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and is a daughter of George and Sarah Waters, the former of whom was extensively engaged in farming, owning a large ranch. Mr. and Mrs. Ormsby move in the best social circles of Oakland and enjoy well merited popularity among their associates.
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