USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California. Volume II > Part 53
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On November 8, 1900, in Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Traver was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Mason, who was born November 4, 1881, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a daughter of S. H. and Lucy (Robinson) Mason, the former of whom was a native of England and is now deceased, while the later, who was born in Kentucky and is of French descent, now resides in Redwood City, Cali- fornia. To. Mr. and Mrs. Traver have been born two children, Clarence S. and Emma Mae, both of whom are at home.
In politics Mr. Traver is a stanch republican, and he has been active in local public affairs. In January, 1926, he was appointed a member of the Alameda city council, serving until April, 1927. He is a director of the Alameda County Tubercu- losis Association and of the Alameda County Chapter of the American Red Cross Society. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is serving his third successive term as president of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist church and is generous in his support of all benevolent and charitable causes. He is a man of outstanding business qualities ; has been loyal to the best interests of his community and is regarded as one of Alameda's most progressive and public- spirited citizens.
FREEBORN JACOB FLETTER
In taking up the history of those who on life's journey made an indelible impress upon the annals of Alameda county it is imperative that mention should be made of Freeborn Jacob Fletter, who was connected with many phases of public life and acquitted himself at all times in a manner that gave him an out- standing position among his fellows and brought to him the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
He was born in Spencerville, Indiana, December 13, 1847, and was only fifty- one years of age when he passed away January 12, 1899, his death occurring suddenly. He had acquired his education in the public schools of his native city
FREEBORN J. FLETTER
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and at fifteen years of age had enlisted in the Fifty-seventh Indiana Regiment for service in the Civil war, remaining with his command throughout the period of hostilities and being mustered out at Marietta, Georgia, on his eighteenth birth- day. He then returned to Indiana, where for a time he was engaged in various commercial pursuits but subsequently removed to Kansas, where he turned his attention to the cattle business. He was also a railroad man for some years, serving in the capacity of engineer and later of conductor on a road over the plains when the turbulent cowboys made the position a dangerous one. Many are the interesting incidents which have been told concerning his experience in the railway service. W. W. Haskell, one of his old-time friends, said "I have known Mr. Fletter since 1867. At that time he was a conductor on a passenger and mixed train on what was known as the 'old Smoky Hill road' across Kansas through the Smoky Hill valley to Denver. His train was known as the 'Prairie Flyer.' That was during the period of trouble with the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians. His baggage car presented the appearance of a small arsenal and his train hands knew how to shoot. They often had to stand off Indians in order to get through to the end of the run. The old chief, Satana, rode many times with Mr. Fletter on his train and many times tried to ditch the train and scalp the whole outfit .... Mr. Fletter was loved and respected by everyone in that wild country and during his years there he handled the worst lot of cowboys and trainmen known in those days. I well remember one picnic he had with a car load of these cowboys. About fifty of them had rounded up at Hayes City, which at that time contained more cut- throats than any other town on the plains. They had just enough firewater to make them feel good. When Fletter came into the car and called out 'tickets' he meant business. He collected fare from every one of them. They undertook to run the train, but he told them to wait until the next town was passed. Instead of a town he was making for a large sidetrack. He told the rear brakeman to set the rear brakes of the last car lightly and to stand by the coupling pin, as he had already told the engineer that he wanted to kick the last car onto the Y and leave it there. He did so about ten o'clock and the car was left standing there with the thermometer at about one hundred and ten degrees and no shade within a hundred miles. He always had a six shooter projecting from each hip pocket when collecting fares."
The same courageous spirit and loyalty to duty characterized Mr. Fletter throughout his entire life. In 1879 he came to California and turned his attention to the manufacture of powder, becoming interested in the Vulcan Powder Works, of which he was superintendent for some years. Later he was connected with the Western Acid Works and also became half owner in the California Cap Manu- facturing Company, of which he was vice president, retaining his interest in these two business enterprises until his death. During all the years of his residence in California he likewise had large holdings in mining properties in Placer, Tuolumne and Siskiyou counties. In 1883 he became a resident of Alameda, where he con- tinued to make his home until his death.
In 1895 Mr. Fletter was elected a member of the board of city trustees of Alameda and was appointed a member of its finance committee. He ranked with the most influential members of the board and labored untiringly for the public good, endorsing every project which he deemed of benefit to the community. In
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1894 he was made chairman of the republican county central committee and was reelected to that position in 1896. His opinions carried weight in the councils of his party, for all knew that he was seeking the best interests of community, state and nation.
To Mr. Fletter and his wife Augusta were born three sons: Charles F., Oliver W. and Wallace. The second son, who is now district agent of the Aetna Life Insurance Company for northern California, is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Fletter was a member of Oak Lodge, No. 215, F. & A. M .; Alameda Chapter, No. 70, R. A. M .; and Carita Chapter of the Eastern Star. He always proudly wore the little bronze button which proclaimed his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic, his membership being in George H. Thomas Post. For many years he served as a member of the board of trustees of the First Congregational church and at all times he was keenly and helpfully interested in everything that had to do with the material, intellectual, social, political and moral progress of his community. At the time of his death he was acting as administrator for the Rambo estate and to his family he left an estate valued at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. At his passing the flags on the city hall, the public schools and the business blocks of Alameda were at halfmast, showing how highly he was honored in the city of his residence. His generosity was one of his marked characteristics, although he was ever most unostentatious in his acts of benevolence. The young men particularly found in him a stanch friend who counseled them wisely and did everything in his power to aid them to make a creditable name and place for themselves in the world. His life was far-reaching in its beneficial results and the sterling worth of his character constitutes an example that any might profitably follow. His contribution to the development of every community in which he lived was of great value, for he always utilized his time, his talents and his opportunities not for his own benefit but for the good of those with whom he was associated.
CHARLES WILLIAM HEYER
Charles W. Heyer, of Hayward, has long been prominent in the business and political affairs of Alameda county, and as chairman of the board of county supervisors has rendered distinctive public service, because of which he commands the unqualified confidence of his fellowmen. He was born at Alvarado, Alameda county, on the 22d of April, 1866, a son of Julius and Caroline (Ubhoff) Heyer. The father was born in Malso, Germany, from which locality he came to the United States in young manhood. In 1857 he came to California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and soon afterward engaged in the brewery business in Hayward, which he continued until his death in 1873. To him and his wife were born three sons: William, Charles W. and Julius. After the father's death the mother became the wife of Leo Palmtag, who also was engaged in the brewing business in Hayward, and they became the parents of two children: Flora, who is now the wife of Vincent Strovel, engaged in the meat business in Hayward; and Lena, who lives at home.
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Charles W. Heyer spent his boyhood years at Alvarado and Hayward, attending the grade schools at the latter place, and at the age of sixteen years began his connection with the brewery business. He continued in that line alone until 1889, when he formed a partnership with Leo Palmtag and they continued together until 1905, when Mr. Palmtag retired from active participation in the business, which was then incorporated as the Palmtag & Heyer Brewing and Malting Com- pany, of which Mr. Heyer was manager. In June, 1910, the business was con- solidated with several large Oakland breweries, forming the Golden West Brewing Company, of which Mr. Heyer became president, and he was also manager of the Hayward plant, operated as a branch of the Golden West until the national prohi- bition law went into effect, when it was closed. He has been very successful in his business affairs and is the owner of considerable valuable property in Hayward.
Mr. Heyer has always maintained a deep and effective interest in everything affecting the welfare and prosperity of his town or county. In 1914 he was elected a member of the county board of supervisors, on which he has served continuously to the present time and is now chairman of the board. He served for fourteen years as a member of the board of trustees of Hayward, and was for sixteen years mayor of the city, serving four terms of four years each. He gives his political support to the republican party and has been influential in public affairs. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Foresters of America. He has been a constant and effective booster for Hayward and is regarded as one of its leading men of affairs, having a host of warm and loyal friends throughout the community, who esteem him for his genuine worth as a man and citizen.
As an evidence of his standing and popularity, the following complimentary reference to him appeared in a local paper recently : "Two Alameda county cele- brities, Miss Helen Wills, the tennis champion, and Supervisor Charles W. Heyer, have been honored by Dr. Luther Michael, San Leandro's dahlia king. Newly created prize winning dahlias have been named after these two prominent Alameda county citizens. Dr. Michael stated that he felt that both of the persons he recognized by naming his choice dahlias after had brought fame to the county of Alameda. . ... Due to the personal interest of Supervisor Charles W. Heyer, the San Leandro dahlia show sponsored by Dr. Michael has been made possible. Mr. Heyer was also instrumental in establishing the Alameda county dahlia plot in Idylwild park, at Reno, Nevada, in conjunction with Mayor E. E. Roberts, of that city. Both of the newly named dahlias are registered with the American Dahlia Society."
WILLIAM W. SMITH
William W. Smith, who owns and conducts one of Berkeley's most distinctive business concerns-the West Coast Antique Furniture and Upholstering Works, which is the oldest establishment in its line in this city and has enjoyed a splendid reputation as an honorable and reliable house. Mr. Smith was born on
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a farm on the prairies of Gage county, Nebraska, May 15, 1873, and was there reared. He walked to the nearest school, two and a half miles from his home, but later attended the schools at Blue Springs, Nebraska. That section of the country in those days was wild and mostly unsettled, and the pioneer farmers passed through some trying experiences in their efforts to make a living. Corn, which grew abundantly, was worth only six cents a bushel, and practically no market for it even at that price, so that it was used quite generally for fuel. Mr. Smith remained at home for several years, but, seeing no future for him there, decided to learn a trade. He first worked as a moulder in an iron foundry but later learned the upholstering trade in Topeka, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, and for the past thirty years has been recognized as an expert in that line. He came to Berkeley, California, and in 1909 established a business at 1516 Milvia street, where he remained until 1923, when he moved to his present location at 2120 Dwight way. For many years he devoted the major part of his attention to col- lecting and selling antique furniture, but as that has become scarce he is now devoting more time and effort to the regular upholstering business, in which he is meeting with very gratifying success. He does much work in restoring old furniture, including hand carving when needed, and in this has proven a genuine artist, his love for good furniture leading him to give his best efforts for the sake of results. Many of the best homes in Berkeley and Piedmont contain valuable old pieces sold by him, including a Louis IV chair, now in the University of California, and another chair said to be four hundred and fifty-two years old. He has a genuine interest in this line of work and his judgment and experience make him dependable as an adviser in everything relating to furniture.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Hart, a native of Kansas, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. They are the parents of three chil- dren, namely: William J., George Edward, and Rhea, the wife of Frank B. Lacy. Mr. Smith is a man of good business ability, straightforward in all of his dealings, and during his business life here has commanded the unqualified confidence and respect of the people of his city.
ELMER E. JOHNSON
Twenty-one years of continuous service as a justice of the peace stands in substantial evidence of the high character and ability of Elmer E. Johnson, of Alameda, and no resident of the community is held in higher esteem. He was born in Northampton township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1863, and is a son of Charles and Maria (Watson) Johnson, also natives of the old Keystone state. The father was of Scottish descent and the mother of English extraction. Elmer E. Johnson secured his education in the public schools of his native state and remained there until 1884, when he came to California, of which state he has been a resident continuously since. During the first twenty-three years here he was identified with various business concerns and in 1907 was elected justice of the peace of Alameda township, Alameda county. So eminently satisfactory was his discharge of the duties of the office that he has been repeatedly elected to
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succeed himself and has thus served to the present time. He was admitted to the bar of this state and is a practicing attorney, with a large and important clientele. He is a man of keen discrimination, vigorous mentality and a high sense of justice, his decisions being marked by a degree of fairness that has gained for him the respect of all who have been connected with his court.
On November 24, 1887, at Rutherford, California, Mr. Johnson, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Florence Montgomery, a native of South Carolina, and to them were born three sons, two of whom are deceased, the survivor being C. M. Johnson, who is a consulting, designing and constructing engineer in the oil industry at Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mr. Johnson has always been a stanch, old-line republican and has shown a commendable interest in public affairs. During the World war he served as a member of the draft board, as a Four-minute man and in other war-time activities. He is a Mason, in which fraternity he has been signally honored, being a past master of the blue lodge, a past high priest of the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a past eminent commander of the commandery of Knights Templar and a past worthy patron of the chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Faithful and loyal to every responsibility of life, he has been a useful citizen of his community, supporting every movement for its advancement and progress, and is well worthy of the high place which he holds in public confidence and regard.
HARRY W. JONES
Harry W. Jones has gained recognition as one of the able and successful educators of the East Bay district, his service as superintendent of schools and principal of the high school of Piedmont having been of a character that has stamped him as a man of high educational ideals and splendid executive ability. Mr. Jones was born in Gilman, Marshall county, Iowa, on the 5th of December, 1888, and secured his elementary education in the public schools of that city. He entered Cornell College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and subsequently took post-graduate work at the Chicago Uni- versity and the University of California, for which he received the degree of Master of Arts. He became principal of the high school at Shenandoah, Iowa, in 1909, serving there two years, after which he was for three years principal of the high school at Twin Falls, Idaho. In 1913 he accepted the principalship of the high school at Walla Walla, Washington, where he remained until 1921, when he came to Piedmont as superintendent of the city schools and principal of the high school. The educational system here comprises three elementary schools, one junior high school and the high school. The schools have made great progress under his supervision, both as to methods and attendance, some idea of the latter being gained from the statement that the high school attendance has grown from three hundred and eighty-three in 1921 to eleven hundred and six in 1928. He is sincerely devoted to his life work, for which he is in every respect well qualified, and his efforts since coming to Piedmont have been duly recognized and appreciated by the people of the community.
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Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Grace Backus, who was born in Clinton, Iowa, and is a graduate of Cornell University, and they are the parents of a daughter, Helen Lonise. Mr. Jones is a member of Piedmont Lodge, No. 521, F. & A. M. ; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M .; Walla Walla Commandery, No. 5. K. T. ; Aahmes Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Oakland ; Gilman Lodge, No. 318, I. (). O. F., and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 5, B. P. O. E.
Mr. Jones has shown a commendable interest in everything relating to the welfare and advancement of his community, cooperating in all measures for the public good, and his sterling character and cordial and unaffected manner have gained for him an enviable place in public esteem.
THE ANNA HEAD SCHOOL
Among the famous educational institutions of the west, one of the best known is the Anna Head School, at Berkeley, which for over forty years has been in the front rank of schools of its class and has proven well worthy of the thoughtful attention of those who desire to secure for their daughters thorough training under ideal conditions. Miss Heads' School, as it was originally known, was founded in 1887 by Miss Anna Head, and continued under her management and ownership until 1909, when she sold the school to Miss Mary Elizabeth Wilson, who had been at the head of the English department for two years. In 1919 the name was changed to Anna Head School. Miss Head, who is no longer in any way con- nected with the school, still resides in Berkeley, secure in the respect and admiration of all who know her. The school still stands, as it stood during the twenty-two years of Miss Head's principalship, for earnest, honest work and all that tends towards cultured, upright womanhood. The school is situated in Berkeley, which has long been recognized as the educational center of California. As the Greek theater, the Stadium and Wheeler hall are within easy walking distance, it is possible for the girls to hear and see the best athletic, dramatic and musical pro- grams at California University. The trip to San Francisco takes only forty-five minutes, so that the advantages of a metropolis are also available.
The course of study includes primary, intermediate, high school and two years of post-graduate work. Students enter without examinations all colleges using the accrediting system and those preparing for eastern colleges have without excep- tion passed the college board examinations.
The discipline of the school is founded upon the principal's earnest desire to develop character. To this end, arbitrary rules and regulations are avoided, and an effort is made to meet the conditions and the temptations which will be en- countered in life after leaving school. Punctuality, orderliness, and consideration for the comfort of others are insisted upon. Student government has been intro- duced, both in the day school and in the boarding department. Student activities form the basis for a division of the students into groups, each group governing its own body and sending representatives to the school council, the highest court of student appeal. Many valuable lessons are learned by experience, both by the governing body and by those who are governed by their schoolmates. Simplicity
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of dress is insisted upon at all times, which obviously avoids what might be un- pleasant comparisons and cultivates a spirit of democracy.
The girls of the Anna Head School are given every opportunity to develop their initiative and to form a habit of employing their free hours to advantage. As previously suggested. each group manages its own affairs, and thus the "Nods and Becks" group plans finances and publishes the school annual. In order to secure the necessary funds for this project, they give a subscription dance at the school during the fall term and an afternoon bridge party in the spring. During recent years they have been so successful in managing their finances that the 1923 group presented the school with a beautiful copper and silver tablet, on which is engraved each year the name of the senior who excels in scholarship and service. Last year the "Nods and Becks" group presented the school with a beautiful grandfather's clock for the hall. The Social Service group attracts all girls who are interested in any form of service for others. The Hospitality group preside at all school entertainments and games. The hockey matches come in the fall, basketball holds sway during the winter months and tennis matches keep up the athletic interest in the spring. Throughout the year, however, the school's own tennis court is in constant use for lessons and games, and every Monday afternoon the eight best players of the year are coached at the courts of the Berkeley Tennis Club. Miss Helen Wills, national and Olympic champion, is a graduate of Anna Head School, as is also Miss Helen Jacobs, national junior champion in 1924. "Good Sportsmanship" is the school motto in all athletic contests.
From a small beginning, this school has steadily grown until now it has an enroll- ment of three hundred girls and a faculty of thirty-four teachers and housemothers. Over eight hundred girls have graduated from this school, and of these, nearly five hundred have entered college. Many of them have done conspicuous work in various avenues of usefulness, in business, art and music, while others have become better wives and mothers because of the training and influence of the Anna Head School.
JOSEPH B. KAHN
Joseph B. Kahn has in a very definite way earned the respect of the people of Alameda for the capable and efficient service which he has rendered to the municipality as superintendent of its electric service, including the fire and police alarm systems. For twenty-three years he has been at the head of the electric department and has taken a justifiable pride in the effective functioning of every branch of the service under his charge.
Mr. Kahn was born in San Francisco, California, on the 29th of July, 1861, and in the public schools of that city he received his educational training. He learned the trade of a machinist and engineer and in 1885 went to work for the California Electric Light Company, which was then in its infancy. With a vision of the future possibilities of the use of electricity, Mr. Kahn made an intensive study of it and soon gained recognition as an efficient electrician. He became first assistant engineer of the Mills building prior to the great fire in that city, and
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