USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 5
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JOSEPH C. ALVES
Many natives of the Azores islands have become residents of Alameda county and have here not only attained material success but have also gained a high place among the loyal and public spirited citizens of the county. Among this number is Joseph C. Alves, who owns a splendid fruit ranch near Hayward and is counted among the best citizens of that locality. He was born in the Azores islands on the 4th of September, 1866, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Catane) Alves. He secured his education in the schools of his home neighborhood and in 1880, when fourteen years of age, arrived in the United States. He came direct to Hayward, where he remained a short time, and then went to the vicinity of Concord, this state, and thence to Mentron. After remaining there for a short time, he went to Eureka, Humboldt county, but soon afterward returned to Hayward, where he was employed on a ranch for four years. During the three following years he farmed on rented land, and then went to Santa Clara county, where he leased a tract of land, which he farmed for seven years. In 1900 he came back to Hayward and on February 15th located on his present place, which he rented for one year and then bought. It comprises twelve and a half acres, on which are some apricot trees that had been planted by the Indians and Mexicans, some of which are at least seventy-five years old. Mr. Alves set out some fine cherry trees and now has a good fruit ranch, from which he receives a nice income. He also leases other land and a fine measure of prosperity is crowning his efforts. At one time Mr. Alves worked for a brother of Andrew Browder, the first sheriff of Alameda county. Formerly Mr. Alves operated a large drying plant, employing a number of people, but is now confining his attention to fruit raising, in which he has been very successful.
On January 1, 1890, Mr. Alves was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alves, a daughter of Manuel Alves, who was one of the first settlers in Redwood Canyon,
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
California, and to them were born three children; Anna, deceased, Agnes and Joseph. The mother died in 1898, at the age of thirty-two years, and in 1900 Mr. Alves was married to Miss Mary Zembele, a daughter of Frank and Mary Zembele. She was born in Germany and when ten years of age was brought to the United States by her parents, who settled first in Pennsylvania, but later in Celenos, California. To Mr. and Mrs. Alves have been born eight children, namely: Walter, who is a state highway policeman ; Frank; Mary; Katherine; Soda, who died at the age of twelve years ; Victor ; Evalyn ; and Blanche. Mr. Alves gives his political support to the republican party and has shown a helpful interest in the affairs of his community. He is a man of upright life, kindly and cordial in his relations with his fellowmen, and all who know him hold him in high regard.
EUGENE W. BECKER
One of the leading merchants of the Fruitvale district of Oakland is Eugene W. Becker, who established the first jewelry store in that section of the city and is meeting with very satisfactory success. He was born in Danzig, Germany, on the 17th of January, 1869, and is a son of Julius and Francisca (Nauman) Becker. In August, 1885, when sixteen years of age, he came to San Francisco, California, with a brother, one reason for their coming to this section of the country being that an uncle of theirs was operating a furniture factory in San Francisco. In the following December their mother and two sisters arrived and in March, 1886, they were followed by the father, who became associated with his brother in the furni- ture business. Both parents are now deceased.
Eugene W. Becker attended the public schools, as well as night schools, in San Francisco, and was graduated in three courses, including the commercial course. He had learned the jewelry business in his native land, beginning to work when thirteen years old, and after coming to this country he was employed in his uncle's factory while attending school. He next entered the employ of the Max Schirpser Jewelry Company, with which concern he remained for thirteen years, after which he was with another firm for one year, and then for sixteen years was with T. Lundy, the pioneer jeweler of San Francisco. In May, 1918, Mr. Becker came to Oakland and opened a jewelry store in Fruitvale, being the first to embark in that business in this locality. Success attended him from the start and he now com- mands a large and steadily growing trade. He carries a large line of jewelry, watches and clocks and maintains a well equipped repair department. His cour- tesy, accommodation and fair dealing have won for him an excellent reputation as a reliable and up-to-date business man.
Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss May Cooper, who is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, but was reared and educated in San Francisco. To them have been born six children : Helen, Dora, Harold, Maybelle, Elmer and Ethel, all of whom excepting the last named are married, and there are also five grand- children.
Mr. Becker is nominally a republican in his political views, but at local elections he maintains an independent attitude, supporting the candidate whom he believes
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. to be the best fitted for the offices they seek. He was active in the organization of the Fruitvale Merchants Association, of which he was the first president. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias since the age of twenty-one years, and has passed through the chairs; in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he has passed through the chairs three times; and is also a member of the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. For the past twenty-five years he has been a member of the Jewelers Club of San Francisco. He enjoys a wide acquaintance in the two cities and all who know him hold him in the highest regard for his sterling qualities of character and the high type of citizenship which he has exemplified in his life.
B. G. BAIL
Among the live and energetic business men of Castro Valley stands B. G. Bail, who is conducting a successful real estate business, and is also operating a chicken ranch. He is a progressive and up-to-date business man and stands high in the es- teem of his fellowmen. He was born at Tuscola, Illinois, on the 24th of May, 1887, and is a son of William and Laura (Gardner) Bail, the former of whom was engaged in the monument business. Mr. Bail secured his education in the public schools of his native city and remained at home until twenty years of age. In 1907 he went to Portland, Oregon, where he accepted a position as office manager for the Union Meat Company, with which concern he remained until 1912, when he went to San Francisco, and was there associated with the Western Meat Company for two years. He then moved to Oakland, where he embarked in the real estate busi- ness, which proved a successful venture and he remained there until 1925, when he came to Castro Valley. Here he bought property and has since devoted his atten- tion to the real estate business, and also looks after his chicken ranch at his home on Redwood road.
In 1914 Mr. Bail was united in marriage to Miss Irene Teague, who was born and reared in Oakland and is a daughter of John E. and Mary L. Teague, both of whom are natives of California. Mrs. Bail's paternal grandfather crossed the plains to California in the early '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Bail have been born four children : Burford, Dorothy, Shirley and William J. Mr. Bail is a man of sound business judgment, has shown a deep interest in this community and has gained a high place in public regard.
MANUEL S. BETTENCOURT
Manuel S. Bettencourt, who owns and cultivates a well improved and produc- tive farm at Centerville, is a man of good business judgment and industrious habits and has well merited the success which has crowned his efforts. He was born on his father's ranch at Centerville, on the 15th of March, 1872, a son of Manuel and Rosa (Veiria) Bettencourt, both of whom were born in Fayal, Azores islands. The
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
father came to the United States in young manhood and for a time followed the sea, serving on a whaling vessel, but later engaged in mining. Coming to Center- ville, he bought ten acres of land, which he improved, and then went back to his native isle, where he was married, soon afterward bringing his bride to his Cali- fornia home. Here he prospered, buying several other farms, which he cultivated until his death, which occurred in 1906, at the age of seventy-four years. He was survived about ten years by his widow, who also died at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Bettencourt was a republican in politics and a splendid citizen, in every respect worthy of the esteem in which he was uniformly held throughout the com- munity.
Manuel Bettencourt spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the Alviso school. For several years he worked on various ranches and in the lumber camps of northern California, and then returned to Centerville, taking over the care of a farm of twelve acres which his father deeded to him. He set out a nice orchard of apricots and cherries, made other substantial improvements and is very comfortably situated. He is also the owner of a half interest in the Ford garage in Centerville.
On July 4, 1903, Mr. Bettencourt was united in marriage to Miss Lena Roderick, who was born and reared in Centerville, a daughter of Frank S. and Lena Claudina Roderick, the former born in the Azores islands and the latter in New Bedford, Connecticut. Mr. Roderick came to Centerville in young manhood and bought fifteen acres of land, which he improved and developed into a good farm, and here he has lived ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Bettencourt have two children, Herman and Eugene. Mr. Bettencourt gives his support to the republican party and is a member of the U. P. E. C. He is a man of substantial qualities, public spirited in his atti- tude toward local affairs, and a generous supporter of all worthy causes, and is held in high regard.
HARRY S. ANDERSON
Probably no citizen of Oakland has been more prominently identified with va- rious phases of its affairs than has Harry S. Anderson, who has built up and op- erates one of the largest business enterprises of the city, has been actively con- nected with municipal and civic interests and is one of the leaders in local fraternal circles. He has led a very busy and useful life and stands today as one of the representative men of this city. Mr. Anderson was born in Oakland, September 3, 1877, and is a son of Severin and Fredericka (Hedemark) Anderson. His father came to California in 1870, locating first in San Francisco, and in 1875 became a resident of Oakland. In 1891 he and his son Harry established a carpet business in the old Masonic Temple building and in three years increasing trade demanded more room. They then moved to 1114 Broadway, where they remained twelve years, when they moved to the present site of the Tribune building. The business con- tinued to grow and at length was established in its present location at 519-521 Thirteenth street, where it occupies the entire building. The father remained ac- tively identified with the business to the time of his death, which occurred in 1913, since which time Harry S. Anderson and his brother, Fred N. Anderson, have been
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
„owners and to their progressive and enterprising methods the later success of the business is due, Anderson's Carpet House being one of the best known business con- cerns of the Bay district. They carry a large and complete line of carpets, and two years ago added a complete line of interior decorations, which has proven a popular department. About fifty people are employed in the store and courtesy and efficiency characterize the service which they render.
On April 23, 1901, Harry S. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Edna Frances Camp, who was born in San Francisco, but was reared and educated in Oakland. They are the parents of four children, Harry Robert (Bob), Geraldine, Jeanette and Willard, and there is one granddaughter.
Mr. Anderson has long been prominent in the republican party in this state, having served as secretary of the county central committee, as secretary of the old Seventh Ward Republican Club, and under the old regime as secretary of the re- publican state committee. For two terms he was city commissioner of public works, during which period he had charge of the erection of the new city hall and the city auditorium, in both of which buildings he takes a justifiable pride. He is a Mason, belonging to the York Rite and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Fraternal Brotherhood, the Royal Arcanum, the Native Sons of the Golden West and the National Union. In the last named he is serving his fifth year as national president and also had the distinction of holding the position of speaker of the senate in that organization. He belongs to the Athens Athletic Club, of which he is secretary, the Castlewood Country Club, of which he is chairman of the house committee, the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Exchange. Mr. Anderson has been in charge of the raising of funds for the building of the new Masonic temple at Thir- teenth and Harrison streets, being commissioned to raise one million, two hundred thousand dollars, and so energetically has he carried this work forward that he has seventy-eight thousand dollars over the desired amount, so that the work can now proceed. Mr. Anderson has always been greatly interested in athletics and for many years was a director of the Oakland baseball team of the Pacific Coast League. He has earned the reputation of doing thoroughly and well everything which he un- dertakes and therefore is considered a valuable man by everyone with whom he has been associated. Energetic, progressive, straightforward and honorable, he commands the confidence and respect of the entire community and in the circles in which he moves he is extremely popular.
GUISEPPE PROIETTI
The career of Guiseppi Proietti, of San Leandro, affords a concrete example of what may be accomplished through industry, persistence in pursuit of a definite · object and the exercise of intelligent judgment, for he began his life in this country without capital or influential friends and has succeeded in attaining a measure of prosperity that places him among the successful business men of his community. Mr. Proietti was born near Rome, Italy, on the 23rd of February, 1882, and is a son of Appolinare and Margerita Proietti. He had but little opportunity in his.
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
boyhood to secure an education, for when he was nine years old his father died and three days later he was compelled to start to work in order to support his mother and family. He was employed as a carpenter and at any other work he could find. until 1898, when, at the age of sixteen years, he decided to come to the United States, having heard that larger opportunities for individual advancement could be secured here. He landed at New York city, and was employed in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois, working in stone quarries and at railroad construction. He was in Chicago when winter came on and he decided to seek a milder climate. Start- ing west, he stopped off in Wyoming and Montana, where he sought work, but be- ing unsuccessful, continued on his way to the coast and arrived in San Francisco in January, 1907. His first job in California was with Charles Fay, ex-postmaster of San Francisco and a leading contractor, by whom he was employed in clearing up the wreckage of the Phelan building. After that he was variously employed until July 4, 1908, when he started to sell flowers on the street. In his first attempt he met with encouraging success and continued at it for some time, after which he ob- tained employment in various retail flower stores in that city, following that line of work for three years. He then began buying flowers from the growers in Alameda county, coming down as far as Niles, Hayward and Centerville. He walked down, packed his flowers in a basket and then returned to San Francisco on the street car. This also proved a good move and he continued at it successfully for three years, when he decided to go into the florist business, and to that end, in 1919, he bought six and twenty-two hundredths acres of land about one and three- quarter miles south of San Leandro, on which he erected a greenhouse. Each year since then he has made a substantial improvement on the property, until he now has twelve large greenhouses, with a good boiler plant and a turbine pump system, driven by electric power. He has invested approximately seventy-five thousand dollars in this plant, which is modern in every respect, and his sales now amount to about twenty-five thousand dollars annually, his flowers being sold to San Francisco and Oakland dealers. The place is known as San Leandro Gardens and he has gained a wide reputation for the high grade of his flowers, mainly roses, tulips, daffodils, gladiolas, peonies and sweet peas, while he has so conducted his business affairs as to command an excellent credit rating.
On August 12, 1925, in San Francisco, Mr. Proietti was united in marriage to Miss Christina Frigara, who is a native of Genoa, Italy. In 1904, in Youngstown, Ohio, Mr. Proietti was made a citizen of the United States and he gives his political support to the republican party. He is a member of the Italian Club of San Leandro and is deservedly popular among his associates, while throughout the community he commands the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.
PETER CHRISTIAN FREDERICKSON
In the life history of Peter C. Frederickson there is presented the record of a man who, in the face of disheartening conditions, refused to be discouraged and. by his determined and tireless efforts forged his way forward to ultimate success, being now numbered among the leading business men of Oakland. Mr. Freder -.
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
ickson was born in Denmark on the 4th of June, 1859, and is a son of Frederick C. . and Dorothea Frederickson, also natives of that country, where the father followed the trade of weaving. Both parents are deceased, the father dying when Peter C. was but eighteen months old.
The son was educated in the public schools of his native land and at the age of fifteen years emigrated to the United States. For about three years he lived at Plainfield, New Jersey, where he worked at anything he could find to do, and found things hard to manage from the fact that he was unfamiliar with the English language. In 1877 he came to the Pacific coast, landing at San Francisco, and soon afterward got a job at plowing at San Gregario, where he worked in the fields from sunrise until dark, after which he did chores, his wages being one dol- lar a day. He later worked for awhile around San Francisco and later for Mr. Dimond, at Fruitvale, the understanding being that his remuneration would be his board and lodging. He spent the winter there and in the spring was pleasantly sur- prised when Mr. Dimond handed him sixty dollars. During the three following years he worked for a Mr. Deering, after which he went to Arizona, where he spent nine years in the mines. Returning to Fruitvale in 1889, he began teaming, and in the following year went into business on his own account, establishing a small coal and feed yard at Thirty-third avenue and Foothill boulevard. Success at- tended him there and business increased to the extent that he was compelled to seek larger quarters. He located then at Twelfth street and Fruitvale avenue, and here has ample accommodations for his business, having a large warehouse and a railroad switch, and commanding a large and profitable business. Mr. Frederickson had the second telephone that was installed in the Fruitvale district and in other ways has showed his progressive and enterprising spirit. He gives employment to ten persons.
Mr. Frederickson married Miss Mette C. Frost and to them were born five chil- dren, Neil A., Dorothy, Katherine, Alice, and Chester, who is associated with his father in business. The wife and mother died in 1918, and in 1921 Mr. Frederick- son was married to Mrs. Jennie C. Dunlevy, who was born and reared in San Fran- cisco. Mr. Frederickson is a republican in his political views and is actively inter- ested in local public affairs, having served as a member of the district sanitary board, and also as president of the Board of Trade. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. He has well merited the substantial success which has come to him and his record has gained for him the confidence and respect of all who know him.
JOSEPH FRANCIS CORREIA
Joseph F. Correia, of Hayward, has gained a wide reputation as a progressive and energetic farmer and business man, having been successful as a fruit grower and equally prosperous as a fruit commission man, in which he does a large busi- ness in season. Mr. Correia was born in Hayward on the 1st of June, 1879, and is a son of Manuel and Alnora (Secada) Correia, both of whom were natives of Fayal, Portugal, where they were reared and married. In 1855 they came to California,
4V2
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
locating at . Centerville, where the father engaged in cattle and grain raising, re- mainirg there a number of years, when he retired and moved to San Lorenzo, where he died in 1924, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife died in 1926, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a republican in politics and a member of the 1. D. E. S. They were the parents of nine children: Frank, of San Francisco; Manuel, who died recently, at the age of fifty years; Joseph F .; Mary and Carrie, who live at San Leandro ; Leonora, of Oakland ; and George, Charles and Fred, who live in San Francisco.
Joseph F. Correia spent his boyhood at Hayward and was early taken into the home of his uncle, Joe Francis Correia, who reared and educated him. On reaching manhood he gave his attention to raising and drying fruit, working hard and win- ning success. His uncle gave him a small tract of land, which he later sold and then bought and improved, his present place of four acres, erecting a nice house and other farm buildings, since which time he has prospered as an orchardist. In 1912 he also bought five acres of land across the street from his home place and which also has on it a good house. During the fruit harvest Mr. Correia does a large busi- ness as a fruit broker, owning and utilizing six trucks, and buying an enormous amount of fresh fruit direct from the orchards.
In 1901 Mr. Correia was united in marriage to Miss Anna Pereria, who was born in Hayward, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Pereria. They have four chil- dren, Linus, Norbert, Hortense and Violet. Mr. Correia is a republican in his po- litical views and is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the U. E. P. C. He has a wide acquaintance throughout Alameda county and wherever known is held in high regard for his splendid character and sound business principles, while among his associates he is deservedly popular.
JOHN G. MATTOS, JR.
Among the leading and influential citizens of Centerville, none takes precedence over John G. Mattos, Jr., who has attained distinction as an able and successful lawyer, while in political, civic and fraternal affairs he has been active and has been honored with important official positions. Mr. Mattos was born in Horta City, Fayal, Azores Islands, on the 1st day of August, 1864, and there attended the pub- lic schools to the age of fifteen years, when, in 1879, he accompanied his family on the emigration to California. They settled in Centerville, where he has lived continuously to the present time. He was made an American citizen July 31, 1886, and became an active worker in the republican party. In 1888 he was elected road overseer of the Centerville district and was reelected in 1890. In 1891 he was ap- pointed a deputy county assessor for Washington township, filling that position for four years. In 1889 he was commissioned a notary public, which position he has held continuously since. In 1900 he was elected a member of the state assembly for the forty-sixth district, which at that time, comprised all that portion of Ala- meda county south of San Leandro creek, being the townships of Washington, Eden and Murray, and was reelected to the same position in 1902. While in the state assembly he was a member of the code commission and chairman of the roads and
JOHN G. MATTOS, JR.
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
highways committee and the committee on education. In 1901 he was appointed by Governor Gage a member of the board of trustees of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind children at Berkeley, resigning after five years service. In 1904 he was elected a member of the state senate without opposition from the Thirteenth senatorial dis- trict, serving as chairman on the committees of education and roads and high- ways. In 1906 he was appointed by Governor Pardee a member of the board of harbor commissions, but by legal complications did not take office. In 1907 he was appointed by President Roosevelt, appraiser of merchandise at the port of San Francisco and served for seven years, until the election of President Wilson. In 1918 he was appointed by Governor Stephens a member of the board of prison di- rectors for ten years, and resigned after eight years of service.
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