USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 34
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HARRY H. HOLLIDGE
Possessing those qualities which make for success in the insurance field, Harry H. Hollidge is well known in Oakland as a partner in the firm of Berger & Hollidge, conducting a general insurance business the scope of which is shown in their slogan, "We insure anything against everything." Close application, earnest pur- pose and a laudable ambition have carried him steadily forward and he has con- tributed in substantial measure to the continuous success of the firm in which he is a partner.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, on the 14th of January, 1886, Harry H. Hollidge is a son of George H. and Jennie (Tibbs) Hollidge, who were born, reared and married in London, England. In young manhood the father was em- ployed for a time as a pipe fitter in Australia, whence he came to the new world, establishing his home in Seattle. There he installed the first gas and water plant of the city and afterward he performed a similar public service in Tacoma, Wash- ington, where he made his home for fifteen years. He next went to Merced, Cali- fornia, where he became superintendent of the Merced Gas and Electric Company,
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and he likewise installed the first electric power plant at Merced Falls. Later he accepted a position with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in Oakland and following his withdrawal from that business connection engaged in building opera- tions, specializing in "better homes." He and his wife now reside in Oakland, Mr. Hollidge being seventy-six years of age and his wife seventy-three.
The youthful days of Harry H. Hollidge were largely passed in Merced and in Oakland, where he acquired his education through attendance at the public schools. In 1905 he initiated his business career by securing a position as stenographer with the Pacific Coast Lumber & Mill Company of Oakland, while subsequently he en- tered the employ of the Yawman & Erbe Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for fifteen years, the length of his service with that corporation being proof of his capability and fidelity. In 1924 he entered into partnership with J. A. Berger, who has devoted practically his entire life to the insurance business. The firm has since conducted a general insurance office at 1441 Franklin street and the partners are concentrating their efforts and attention upon the further develop- ment of a business that has already reached most substantial proportions. They handle life, automobile, fire, liability, plate glass, bonds, tourist baggage, accident and health and workmen's compensation insurance and in fact "insure anything against everything," meeting the public demand for a centralized agent in every kind of insurance, which they place with some of the oldest and best known insurance corporations of the country. They give expert advice to their clients as to the kind of policy that is best for their protection along specific lines and their reliability and progressiveness have gained for them many clients.
In 1907 Mr. Hollidge was united in marriage to Miss Marie Lane, a native of Kansas, and they have become parents of two children, George and Harry, Jr.
For ten years Mr. Hollidge was a member of the Oakland Rotary Club, losing his membership due to the change which he made in his business. He is now a member of the Altrurians, a club composed of former Rotarians, and he is also identified with the Knights of the Round Table, while he and his wife have been members of the First Methodist Episcopal church for more than twenty years, taking great interest in all lines of church work and especially in the Epworth League, which is the young people's department of that organization. Mr. Hollidge is a man of sterling character and agreeable personality, manifesting a helpful in- terest in every phase of community life, and has won an enviable place in the respect and good will of his fellowmen.
WALLACE H. CHRISTIE
Wallace H. Christie of Emeryville is regarded as one of Alameda county's leading citizens and men of affairs, having long been actively identified with im- portant business and industrial interests, while in his home community his stand- ing is well indicated by the fact that he has served as mayor of Emeryville continu- ously since the incorporation of the town, covering a period of thirty-two years.
Mr. Christie was born in Atlanta, Logan county, Illinois, on the 14th of De- cember, 1860, and is a son of James R. and Miriam (Deaver) Christie, both now
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deceased. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, having entered the service as a captain and honorably discharged with the rank of colonel. He was descended from a long line of American ancestors, the family having been established in this country in about 1719. On the maternal side the Deavers were of French extrac- tion and Mrs. Christie's ancestors located in Maryland in 1655 and by 1672 were living on Lord Baltimore's grant. Her grandfather, John Deaver, was a cadet in the American line and served under General Washington at Valley Forge. He rose to the rank of captain and served throughout the Revolutionary war without pay.
Wallace H. Christie received his educational training in the public schools of his native state and in boyhood learned the art of telegraphy, which vocation he followed for a short time. He then went to the Black Hills in Dakota territory, and in that wild and sparsely settled country he served as messenger for a stage company. Later he became interested in mining, with which he has ever since been identified to some extent. For a time he was general manager of the Idaho Stage Company, which operated in several states, with headquarters in Salt Lake city. In the performance of his duties Mr. Christie did much traveling over the stage routes and was one of the pioneers in the freight and passenger transpor- tation business of the west.
In 1894 Mr. Christie came to the Bay section of California, and shortly after- ward located in Emeryville as manager of the Judson Iron Works. He has con- tinued his residence here to the present time and has been one of the leaders in the development and improvement of this section of Alameda county. When Emery- ville was incorporated, December 1, 1896, he was chosen mayor and so satisfactorily has been his administration of the municipal affairs that he has held the office by repeated reelections to the present time. During these years he has been actively interested in mining and gold dredging and in recent years has given considerable attention to the oil business.
Mr. Christie was united in marriage to Mrs. Christine (Lees) Golding, of Utah. He is a democrat in his political alignment and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has received the degrees of both the York and Scot- tish rites, and he is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion and the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. Everything relating to the well- being and growth of the community or county enlists his earnest support, and his fine public spirit and high type of citizenship have commended him to the con- fidence and respect of his fellowmen.
FRED J. BILLS
One of the rising young attorneys of Alameda county is Fred J. Bills, of Oak- land, who, though a comparatively recent addition to the ranks of his profession here, has made a distinctively favorable impression on all who have been associated with him. Mr. Bills was born in Oakland on the 24th of April, 1899, and is a son of John and Theresa Blanche (Kronenberg) Bills, the former born in New York
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state and the latter in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. When a boy, the father came across the plains with his parents to California, the family locating in Oakland. Later the grandfather went to eastern Oregon, where he engaged in ranching, remaining there for a number of years, or up to the time of his death, his wife also dying there. After their deaths their son John returned to Oakland, where he engaged in the meat business, in which he met with gratifying success, and continued in that line of business until his death, which occurred July 9, 1927, at the age of sixty- two years. He was a republican in his political views.
Fred J. Bills secured his early education in the public schools of Oakland and graduated from the Fremont high school in 1916. He then entered the University of California, and graduated in 1921 from the College of Letters and Science with the degree of A. B., and in 1922, secured the degree of Master of Arts. En- tering the law school of his alma mater, he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1923, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Oakland, having his offices in the Oakland Bank building. Through his untiring zeal in behalf of his clients, his determined prosecution of all causes committed to his care and his strict regard for the noblest ethics and tradi- tions of his profession, he has gained recognition as a safe and dependable lawyer and now has a large clientele.
Mr. Bills is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Young Men's Institute. During the World war Mr. Bills was a member of the students' army training camp at the University of California, in which he served until the close of the war. He belongs to Oakland Parlor, No. 50, N. S. G. W., of which he is a past president and is now a district deputy. He does thoroughly whatever he undertakes, has taken a deep interest in the civic welfare of his city and gives his earnest support to every measure calculated to advance the public interests. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged, while as a member of the bar his position is an enviable one.
THOMAS R. COELHO
Thomas R. Coelho, actively identified with agricultural interests of Alameda county, making his home at Junction City, was born at Pico in the Azore islands, February 10, 1865, his parents being Matthias Rose and Mary Joaquin (Peters) Coelho. The family has long been established in the Azores, living there for several generations. Matthias R. Coelho owned a small farm on the island of Pico. Three of his sons, Manuel, Joe and Alexander, came to the United States and, liking the country, they induced their parents and the rest of the family-three sons and two daughters-to come to the new world in 1873. They took up their abode on a farm at San Lorenzo but after about a year removed to Milpitas, Santa Clara county, where they resided for six years and then returned to Alameda county, purchasing the farm on which John R. Coelho now resides. The death of the father occurred when he was sixty-eight years of age and the mother survived to the notable age of ninety-nine years.
Thomas R. Coelho was but eight years of age when he accompanied his parents
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is a member of all branches of Masonry and of the Mystic Shrine, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Chamber of Com- merce in San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland and Alameda, as well as the Rotary Club, the Union League Club, the Transportation Club, the Shriners Club and the Commuters Club of San Francisco. He is a stanch supporter of the republican party and is now the representative from Alameda county in the state legislature, where he is serving on several important committees. He has led an active and busy life, marked by loyalty and efficiency in every position in which he has served, and in his present line of work is performing a distinct service to the people of California. He possesses a strong individuality, is agreeable and friendly in manner and has won many warm and appreciative friends throughout the Bay district.
SIMON JULIUS SIMONS
Simon J. Simons, whose death occurred January 25, 1928, was long one of Hayward's active and successful business men, exercising judgment and enterprise which enabled him to accomplish much in a material way, and throughout the community he commanded the esteem and friendship of all who knew him.
Mr. Simons was born in Narddorf, Amrum island, Schleswig, Germany, on the 6th of March, 1860, and was in the sixty-eighth year of his age at the time of his demise. He was a son of John Carl and Anna Christiana (Nielson) Simons, also were natives of that locality. His father followed the sea in early life but after contracting pneumonia his physician advised him to change his occupation, and he then learned the carpenter trade, in which he became an expert. He built some fine boats ; did excellent cabinet work; and was also a good bricklayer. Later he turned his attention to farming and followed that occupation until his death, which occurred in 1881 when he was forty-six years of age. His wife, who remained on the home farm, survivied him many years, passing away in 1916 at the age of eighty-one years.
Simon J. Simons, who was the eldest of the seven children, four sons and three daughters, born to his parents, attended the public schools and remained at home until fifteen years of age, when he came to the United States with one of the Jensen brothers, who were large land owners in Alameda county, California. Landing at New York, they traveled overland to this state and located at Hay- ward, where Mr. Simons went to work on the Jensen brothers' big ranch in Hollis canyon. He was employed there for about five years and then turned his attention to the saloon business, in which he was engaged for several years. In the early '90s he established a bottling business in Hayward, which proved a successful venture, and he carried it on alone until about 1910, when he organized the Hayward Soda Works Company, of which he became president, remaining at the head of that business up to the time of his death, which came as the result of an acute attack of appendicitis. Being a man of keen sagacity in business affairs, he equipped his plant with up-to-date machinery and appliances, and through his industry and progressive methods built up a large and prosperous business.
On June 9, 1886, Mr. Simons was united in marriage to Miss Annie Alena
SIMON J. SIMONS
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Hunt, a daughter of John and Emaline (Sharp) Hunt, the former of whom was a native of England and the latter of Connecticut. They were married in that state and at an early day came to California, settling in Hayward, where they spent their remaining years, the father dying in December, 1904. Mrs. Hunt then lo- cated near her daughter because of the blindness with which she was afflicted dur- ing the later years of her life, and her death occurred in June, 1920. Mr. Hunt was a republican in politics and was held in high regard by his fellowmen. To him and his wife were born two children: Annie Alena and George M., who is deceased. Mrs. Simons, who was born June 14, 1864, is still living in Hayward, enjoying splendid health, and she and her son, John H., are now managing the business established by her husband. To Mr. and Mrs. Simons were born five children, namely : Hall, who died in infancy ; John H., who is actively identified with the Hayward Soda Works Company; Edward R., Simon J., Jr., and Helen A.
Mr. Simons was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Oakland, the Sons of Herman at Livermore, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Foresters of America, the Dania Lodge and the U. P. E. C. A man of cordial and friendly manner, kind and generous in disposition, and with a genuine interest in the welfare of his community, he commanded to an unusual degree the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens, and his death was deeply regretted by all who knew him. For twenty years he filled the office of town trustee and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death.
JOSE N. ALMEIDA
The business circles of the East Bay district received a valuable addition when Jose N. Almeida located here, for, as treasurer and manager of the Valley Creamery Company, he has proven a man of great energy, natural ability and progressive ideas, while his private life is such as to command the respect of all who have come in contact with him. The Valley Creamery Company, which is located at 477 Twenty-first street, Oakland, is one of the largest and best known concerns in its line in this section of the state, handling large quantities of pasteurized and certified milk and cream. Its officers are C. M. Costa, president ; Joseph Pitta, vice president ; Joe Gonzalvos, secretary, and Jose. N. Almeida, treasurer and manager. The Valley Creamery Company delivers its products throughout Oakland, Berk- eley, Alameda and San Leandro, for which purpose it utilizes two large Kleiber trucks and six Ford trucks, while one large Kleiber truck, with a trailer, is em- ployed in bringing in the milk from the various dairy farms.
Jose N. Almeida was born in Vizeu, Portugal, on the 3d of January, 1888, and is a son of M. A. and Rosa (Jesus) Santos, also natives of that country. They were there married and became the parents of four sons, namely : Domingos A. Santos, who is a prosperous rancher near Vizeu, Caetano A. Santos, who died in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, leaving a widow and a son; Daniel A. Santos, who resides in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, where he is carrying on the business established there by his father ; and Jose N., of this review, who adopted his maternal grandfather's family name, Almeida. His grandfather, whose full name was Fertuinato Almeida, was a
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farmer near Vizeu. M. S. Santos, many years ago, went alone to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business, which proved a successful venture, and to it he gave personal attention for a number of years, spending most of his time in South America, but spending about three months each year with his wife and children in Portugal, where they lived. Eventually Mr. Santos, having accumulated a competency, retired and returned to Portugal, where his death occurred about two years ago, when he was nearly seventy-five years of age.
Jose N. Almeida remained with his mother until eighteen years of age, securing his educational training in the public schools, and on his grandfather's farm he learned the fundamentals of horticulture, agriculture and vitaculture, for, in addi- tion to general farming, they raised vegetables, olives and grapes, made wine and extracted olive oil, while at the same time he acquired a knowledge of business methods. He completed his education in the high school at Vizeu and following his father's retirement and return home, the son went to South Africa and took a position as assistant secretary to the governor of Angola, a colony of the Portu- guese government. He remained in Angola for two years, in 1909 returned to Port- ugal and was appointed to a government position in Lisbon, which he held for four- teen months. In the meantime his brother, Caetano A. Santos, had taken over the father's grocery business in Rio de Janeiro and it was arranged that Jose N. should go to that place as an assistant to his brother. He arrived there in 1910 and imme- diately applied himself to the duties of his new work with such close application that at the end of three months his brother felt that he could entrust the manage- ment of the business to him and returned to Portugal on a vacation. Soon after- wards Mr. Almeida became a partner in the business, with which he remained identified until 1917.
He had a great desire to visit the United States, so in 1917 he sold his interest in the Rio de Janeiro business and went to New York city, where he arrived Decem- ber 17, 1917. He liked this country from his first day here and immediately began to study the English language and American business methods. On February 20, 1918, he arrived in San Francisco, California, and at once entered the public schools, attending forenoon and afternoon sessions for a couple of months, after which he obtained employment in the California Cotton Mills in Oakland, where he worked from one o'clock to ten o'clock, attending the forenoon session of school. He fol- lowed that program for six months, when he determined to devote himself ex- clusively to the completion of his English education and to that end attended three sessions of school a day, morning afternoon and evening. At the end of eight months he resumed his position in the cotton mills, but soon afterward took advantage of what he considered a better business opportunity, becoming a driver for the Valley Creamery Company, in Oakland. He was soon promoted to the position of collector, and, proving his efficiency, was placed in the office. Soon afterward he was ap- pointed manager and, having become convinced of the splendid possibilities of the business, he began investing in it, putting in more and more money at various times, until he is now one of its largest stockholders. He was made treasurer of the company, which position he is still filling, in addition to that of manager, and is now a very important factor in the successful operation of the business, which is showing a steady and substantial growth. He gives close attention to the business
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and has shown splendid executive ability and keen discrimination, being held in high esteem by his business associates. Mr. Almeida has taken out his first natural- ization papers and is in hearty accord with our national institutions and sentiments, while his cordial and unaffected manner has won for him a host of warm friends throughout the Oakland district.
JOHN HINDRIX
John Hindrix, proprietor of Jack's Service Station, at First and A streets Hayward, has attained success because he has worked for it, and the results of his tireless and determined efforts are now apparent in the splendid plant which he owns and the large patronage which he enjoys. He was born in Clinton, Iowa, June 30, 1886, and is a son of John and Mary (Peterson) Hindrix. His father, who is now deceased, was a farmer in Iowa, and his widow is still living in that state.
John Hindrix, of this review, received a good public school education, then learned the art of telegraphy and was for ten years in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, serving as telegraph operator at Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mitchell, South Dakota, and other places. Because of a railroad strike, he quite that line of work and returned home, where he remained until 1914, when he went to San Jose, California, and was for two years with the Alameda Sugar Company. He then came to Hayward and leased his present service station, on which he has made a large number of valuable and desirable improvements, so that his plant is now modern in every respect. He handles Associated gas and various grades of oil, and gives prompt and efficient service, through which he has won the respect and good will of all who have patronized him.
On September 21, 1910, in Iowa, Mr. Hindrix was united in marriage to Miss Rose B. Petty, who was born in Pillsville, Illinois, and is a daughter of John and Susan E. (Watson) Petty. Mr. Hindrix is a stanch republican in his political views and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He is a careful, painstaking and efficient business man and well deserves the prosperity which is attending his efforts. He has shown a deep interest in the welfare of his community and his record has gained for him an enviable standing among his acquaintances.
REV. OWEN LACEY
For the past eighteen years Rev. Owen Lacey has rendered noteworthy service as pastor of St. Leo's Roman Catholic church, on Ridgeway street, in the Pied- mont district of Oakland. Indeed, to his faithful ministrations and able manage- ment may be largely attributed the splendid growth of the parish and its present healthy condition, and his record here has gained for him the respect and esteem of the people of the community, regardless of creed or profession. Father Lacey
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was appointed assistant pastor at St. Mary's church at Stockton, California, and his first pastorate was at St. Ann's church at Lodi. In 1910 he came to Oakland and built St. Leo's church in a district which at that time was but sparsely settled. The congregation then comprised fifty families, but during the subsequent years the church has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth until the congregation now numbers four hundred families. In 1926 a new edifice was erected, at a cost of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in the Bay district. St. Leo's congregation is justifiably proud of their religious home. It is planned to also erect a substantial school building on the grounds in the future. Father Lacey has a well merited reputation as a fluent and effective preacher and has labored untiringly in the work of the parish, in which he has been abundantly rewarded by the outstanding results.
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