USA > California > Contra Costa County > History of Contra Costa County, California; with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 107
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Mr. Skow was married on January 9, 1892, to Miss Anna Rasmus- sen, who was born in Denmark, the daughter of Mads and Maren (Monk) Rasmussen, both born and reared in Denmark. They came out to Dakota Territory and farmed, and there her father passed away several years ago. Her mother survived until 1925, when she died in Viborg, Turner County, S. Dak. The Rasmussen family had come to
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California and were living in Oakland at the time of their daughter's marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Skow had six children: Harold C., living near his father; Eda, Mrs. George Lehmkule, keeping house for her father; Wilbur, also ranching near by; Lester, at home; Ellis, also at home; and Erma, a graduate from the high school and at home. In 1921 Mr. Skow moved from his former location to his present ranch and has an up-to-date dairy barn with all modern equipment. He belongs to all the branches in Odd Fellowship, and is a member of the Odd Fellows' Hall Association in Richmond. His sons and daughters all are members of the various branches of the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Skow passed away on August 22, 1923, leaving her family and friends to mourn her loss. Mr. Skow is an ardent baseball enthusiast and in that sport finds his recreation.
CHARLES ROBERT BLAKE, M. D .- A native son of California who has made good in his chosen profession is Charles Robert Blake, of Richmond. He was born in Visalia, Tulare County, on September 9, 1869, and moved to San Francisco when four years of age and attended the public schools there as he was growing up. His greatest ambition was to follow in the footsteps of his father and be a physician, and in later years his studies were directed along these lines. He entered the Medical Department of the University of California and later graduated with the degree of M. D. His first practice was as resident physician of the County Hospital in San Francisco. He afterwards spent seven years in Honolulu as government physician and practiced with success. In 1902 he came to Contra Costa County at a time when the city now known as Richmond was but a veritable infant. But in the future of the little city he manifested great faith and confidence for its progress and cast in his lot with this community, and with the passing of each year has endeared himself to the people by his sterling worth as a citizen and his unusual ability as a physician and surgeon; a position gained through his pro- found knowledge of his profession. His interest in the city has always been shown by his active participation in its affairs; the object of which was the betterment of every condition that exists in a thriving city. He has served as county and city health officer for years, being one of the best known health officers of California. He believes that Richmond of today is the most promising city of the Pacific Coast for home and in- dustry. Dr. Blake belongs to the County Medical Society; the State and American Medical Associations, and keeps abreast of the times in medical science. He took post graduate courses in eye, ear, nose and throat diseases at the San Francisco Polyclinic.
In 1898 Dr. Blake was married to Miss Lillian M. Hoogs of Oak- land. They have a son, Herbert, born December 30, 1900. The doctor is a member of the Richmond Elks, Odd Fellows, Eagles, and other fraternities. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a Shriner. He be- longs to the Lions Club of Richmond and the University of California Club. During the World War Dr. Blake held the rank of first lieutenant
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and served on the examining board. He was commissioned for service on November 11, 1918, and ordered to Rockwell Field for duty, but owing to the armistice being declared the same day, his orders were countermanded. Politically Dr. Blake is a Republican. He maintains his home on Cutting Boulevard and his offices are at 629 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond.
JOHN HOWARD GREENE .- One of the rising and successful young business men of Martinez, who has taken advantage of the oppor- tunities he found awaiting him on his arrival in the West, is J. Howard Greene, proprietor of the Martinez Garage. He was born in Leesburg, Loudoun County, Va., on January 2, 1890, and was reared on the home farm. At the age of seventeen he went to Wilkesbarre, Pa., and there learned the trade of the automobile mechanic with the Matthewson Motor Company. From there he went to different cities in the East and Canada, and also down South to Tennessee, working at his trade.
In 1914 the young traveler decided to come West, primarily to attend the San Francisco Exposition. That same year he located in Martinez and found work in the W. J. Johnson Garage; and later he became manager of the service department for the Chandler Automobile Com- pany, of San Francisco. He is now proprietor of the Martinez Garage on Ferry Street, Martinez. He has been agent for the Chandler, Cleve- land and Star cars, and in 1923 he sold 100 Star cars, more than half the number sold by all the dealers of the entire county of Contra Costa. All this has not been accomplished without hard and steady work, combined with good business management. Mr. Greene arrived in the city with just "four bits" in his pocket, and had to rely entirely upon his own re- sources, which consisted of a strong right arm and willingness to use it, coupled with keen foresight and business acumen.
In 1923 Mr. Greene married Miss Lillian George, born in Wiscon- sin, but a resident of Martinez at the time of her marriage. In 1926 he completed a residence at Pine and Jones Streets, and he is the owner of other valuable real estate in Martinez.
JOSEPH PIZIO .- The proprietor of the Piedmont Hotel in Anti- och, Joseph Pizio, was born in Italy on September 15, 1884. As a lad he attended the local schools, but at an early age he went to work in a glass factory in Torino. Then, when he was old enough, he entered the Italian Army and soldiered for two years, returning to the glass factory after his discharge and continuing there until his marriage.
The wedding that united the lives of Joseph Pizio and Miss Rosa Chiesa was celebrated in September, 1908, at Torino. In 1909 they came to the United States and to California, and after arriving here Mr. Pizio worked in the brickyards at Tesla until 1911, when he settled in Antioch and engaged in the hotel business at the corner of J and Second Streets. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pizio three children have been born: Catherine, Carlo and Edith. Fraternally, Mr. Pizio is a member
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of the Pittsburg Lodge of Odd Fellows, and the Eagles of Antioch, and the treasurer of Columbus Lodge of the Sons of Italy, which he helped to organize and which now has 150 members. He is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends in this part of the county and he and his wife are doing a fine business at their hotel.
JOHN F. GALVIN .- John F. Galvin, publisher of the Richmond Daily Independent, is a native of Minnesota, where he was born in 1882. His boyhood was spent in Oregon, and there he attended the Grant's Pass and Portland high schools, later completing his education at St. Mary's College, Oakland. He had his first newspaper experience at Grant's Pass, where he established and published a weekly newspaper when he was fourteen years of age. He left St. Mary's College in 1901 and went to work for the San Francisco Examiner. There he learned the rudiments of the publishing business. He later owned or managed newspapers at Vallejo, Martinez, Suisun, Marysville, Oroville, Fresno, Modesto and Bakersfield. He came to Richmond in 1912 as editor and part owner of the Daily Independent. Two years later he purchased the controlling interest in the Independent Publishing Company.
Mr. Galvin has taken an active interest in politics, and has served as a member of the State Civil Service Commission, as secretary of the California Highway Commission, and as treasurer of the Mendocino State Hospital. In 1908 he married Miss Jewel Harris in Vallejo.
CHARLES FACCINI .- A native of Contra Costa County, Charles Faccini was born at Collinsville on July 14, 1878, the oldest of six living children of Henry and Camille Faccini. The parents were both born in Italy and when quite young emigrated to California and were married at Black Diamond, where Mr. Faccini was engaged as a fisherman. Later he moved to San Francisco, where he continued his work about the Bay. He died at the age of about fifty-six, and his good wife passed away when she was about forty-five, both in San Francisco.
Charles Faccini at the age of five accompanied his parents to San Francisco. He went to the public schools, and when a young lad began fishing ; and he has continued in the fish business in one way and another up to the present time. While engaged in the fishing industry he also was in the employ of Wells Fargo Express Company as a deliveryman for five years. In 1914 he located in Oakland, and he is still employed there in the fish market at Ninth and Clay Streets.
On March 2, 1907, Mr. Faccini was united in marriage with Miss Mary Buzzotto, a native of San Francisco and a daughter of Frank and Nellie Buzzotto. Her father came direct from France to California and became well known as a fisherman, at which occupation he still continues. Her mother died at the age of thirty-nine years. There were five chil- dren in the Buzzotto family, and they are all living. Mr. and Mrs. Fac- cini have had three children: Leslie, who died at the age of sixteen years : and Achilles and Barbara Jane. Mr. Faccini has always been active in
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civic affairs in El Cerrito, whither he moved in 1920 and erected his home at 215 Fairmont Avenue. In 1925 he completed a modern stucco bungalow at 217 Fairmont Avenue, where he is now living. In 1922 he was elected a member of the Stege Sanitary Board, and served two years. He is a candidate for the same office in 1926. Fraternally, Mr. Faccini is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters at El Cerrito. Politically, he registers as a Republican. Both Mr. and Mrs. Faccini have many warm friends in this community, and they show their public spirit at all times for the good of the whole community.
W. H. BLOOMFIELD .- An experienced man in his particular line of business is W. H. Bloomfield, car loader for the celery growers of the Delta country, whose business stands second to none among the agricultural producers in Contra Costa and adjoining counties in the Delta District. The celery is transported to Antioch by means of four river barges, each with a capacity of eight carloads, and is then loaded from the barges into refrigerator cars and shipped to the principal cities of the United States and Canada. About 1300 carloads of celery are shipped each year over the Santa Fe Railroad. By reason of his responsible position, Mr. Bloomfield is accounted one of the leading men of Antioch. A brother, W. G. Bloomfield, attends to the unloading of the barges. The business runs from November until February.
W. H. Bloomfield was born in San Francisco on January 20, 1886. His father, W. J. Bloomfield, was also born in San Francisco, in 1862, and now resides at Antioch with his wife, Martha (Hammond) Bloom- field. W. H. Bloomfield obtained his education in the public schools, and also attended evening school, in his home city. In 1907 he came to Antioch, and has ever since made this his home town.
Mr. Bloomfield married Miss Nettie Peters, and they have two children, Nyla and William F. The family attend the Catholic Church.
LOUIS E. HART .- Recognized as one of the progressive bankers of Northern California as well as a public-spirited citizen of Contra Costa County, Louis E. Hart holds the responsible position of cashier and manager of the Crockett Branch of the Bank of Pinole.
The Bank of Pinole was established on October 25, 1905, at Pinole, by E. M. Downer and L. E. Hart, with a capital stock of $25,000. The board of directors and officers were: J. Bermingham, Jr., president; P. Tormey, vice-president; Louis E. Hart, secretary; and E. M. Downer, cashier, and these together with L. Kavanaugh, W. A. Ray, Henry Boy- sen and Mrs. Sara Bermingham made up the directorate. So well did this financial institution fit into the scheme of things in this part of Contra Costa County that it was found expedient to establish a branch at Crockett in 1908, and when this was done, Louis E. Hart was made the resident cashier and manager. In 1917 a second branch was established at Rodeo. In 1910 the capital stock was increased to $50,000. In 1925 the capital stock was $125,000, with a surplus of $70,000, and with un-
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divided profits of $35,000. The deposits are more than $2,100,000, which shows the confidence of the people in this bank. The present board of directors are : E. M. Downer, president, L. E. Hart, J. P. Connors, S. S. MacKinlay, Dr. M. L. Fernandes, E. D. Armstrong, L. G. Metcalf, Dr. J. H. Adams, J. H. Martin, W. A. Davis and John A. Fraser.
The development of the Bank of Pinole has been substantial, helpful and rapid. In 1915 it erected its own building at Pinole, and in 1916 one at Crockett. The Bank of Pinole serves a territory extending from Giant to Port Costa. Their equipment is modern in every way and facili- tates the handling of their large and growing business. The interests of the patrons of the Bank of Pinole and its branches are carefully looked after by the directors and officers, all of whom exert a strong influence in their respective localities. The influence for good of the institution is keenly felt in industrial circles, home building, and in the carrying-on of business along all safe and sane lines. The policy of the directors is a conservative one and in every way they safeguard the interests of all with whom they have business dealings. The Bank of Pinole is recog- nized as one of the sound and leading banking institutions of Contra Costa County, due to the unceasing efforts of E. M. Downer, L. E. Hart and associates.
A résumé of the life of Louis E. Hart, known by his intimates as "Lou" Hart, is here given. He was born in San Francisco, on June 20, 1872, the son of Jesse B. and Sallie (Coleman) Hart, natives of Ohio and Louisiana, respectively. Jesse B. Hart came to California early in life and took up the practice of law in San Francisco, continuing thus engaged until he died in 1888. Four years later, in 1892, his widow passed away. They were parents of three children.
Lou Hart attended the public schools in San Francisco and his first venture in business was in a land brokerage establishment. In 1900 he became connected with the California Powder Works, as a clerk, and there remained until the organization of the Bank of Pinole, in which he took a leading and active part. When the Crockett Branch was estab- lished he became cashier and manager, a position he has since held. Dur- ing his residence in this section he has been closely allied with every pro- gressive movement in Crockett and western Contra Costa County. He is a stockholder in the East Richmond Land Company; he served as city clerk of Hercules; he is a Mason and an Elk, and has made a large circle of close friends in this section.
Mr. Hart has been twice married. His first union was in 1898, when he married Miss Augusta Ayres, of Petaluma, Sonoma County. She died in 1913, and on September 5, 1915, he married Miss Minnie DeKay, who was born in Rock Island, Ill., but who was a resident of San Fran- cisco at the time of their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are highly esteemed by all who know them and both take an active part in the civic development of Crockett and vicinity. Mr. Hart is a member of the Crockett-Valona Business Men's Association.
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FRANK H. ROBERTS .- The different cities of Contra Costa County are unusually fortunate in the class of men that have been at- tracted here to engage in business or to fill positions with the various oil companies that figure so largely in the wealth and enterprise of the county. Among these may be mentioned Frank H. Roberts, mayor of Martinez, and head office manager and refinery auditor for the Shell Oil Company at its refinery, one mile east of Martinez. Born at Dodge- ville, Wis., on September 21, 1886, he is the son of H. J. Roberts, a sub- stantial farmer and stockman of Iowa County, that State; and there he was reared. Finishing high school at the age of nineteen, he left home to make his own way in the world. Going to the great northern country, he made good in the United States Reclamation Service, beginning as a rodman and working in North Dakota and Montana. Thence he came to California in 1907, and passing the rigid civil service examinations, was engaged in the United States Navy Yard at Mare Island. He next became connected with one of the contractors on the Northwestern Paci- fic Railway; and on January 1, 1915, he came to Martinez.
Soon after his arrival, he entered the Shell Refinery office as a clerk ; and by rapid promotions he has reached his present responsible position. He has twice been elected to the Martinez city board of trustees and is now serving his second term and sixth year in that office, the only Shell Company man on the board. He was elected mayor in January, 1926.
The marriage of Mr. Roberts, at Richmond, united him with Miss Fay Gott, daughter of J. T. Gott, of Downieville, Cal. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts take an active part in the social and civic life of Martinez. Mr. Roberts finds his recreation on the links of the Martinez Golf Club, of which he is a member.
REV. FR. JOSEPH PORTA .- To Reverend Joseph Porta, pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church at San Pablo, the members of that parish owe much for the good that he has brought into their lives. It has been possible for him to beautify the church, rectory and grounds of the church property, to make them the most inviting of any to be found in Contra Costa County. Born at Tarragona, Spain, on April 6, 1875, Joseph Porta had the best educational advantages possible ; he prepared for the priesthood and received his degree of Doctor of Divinity in the university in his native city. He was ordained to the priesthood there in 1898, and for the following nine years served as a priest in Spain, two years in his native town. At the call of Archbishop Riordan, he came to California and for a year was stationed in Tomales, Marin County, to master the Italian language; then he was sent to Hayward to do likewise with the Portuguese-all too short a time in either place. "These steps were preparing him for his greatest work, that of pastor of St. Paul's Church in San Pablo. This property was in a very much run- down condition and the buildings and grounds badly neglected. Still un- familiar with the language of the majority of his followers, Father Porta set to work under every disadvantage to accomplish something, he knew
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not what. Working with pick and shovel in his own hands to show what he wanted done, he began to put the grounds in shape, trimming trees and setting out more trees and shrubbery, and planting flowers. until today the grounds about the church and other buildings show the work of a master's hand. He also remodeled the interior of the church, at a cost of $5000, asking no money until the work was completed in order that his people would have visible evidence of what he had done. Then he remodeled the parish house with the same end in view; and later the clubhouse adjoining. During this same time he had charge of the work of building the church at Rodeo; and remodeling the one at Pinole, thus it will be seen that his has been a busy life during the four- teen years he has been here in Contra Costa County.
A little history of the parish will be told here. San Pablo was a mission to St. Mary's Church of Oakland and was looked after by Father King, who was the first pastor. It was in 1864 that the church was built, the cemetery established and the priests' house erected. The latter was burned in 1880, together with all the church records. The Parish was established by Bishop Alemany, and Father Gualco was in- stalled as priest. After Father Gualco came Fathers Valentini, A. De- Campos, P. Commins, R. DeCaroles, J. G. Conlon, Thomas McNabo, J. J. Pimentel, Edward Nollen and Joseph Porta. At the time of the earthquake, in 1906, the church was badly damaged and it was Father Nollen who made the repairs on the exterior as seen today. What Father Porta has done has already been mentioned.
In the early days the parish took in all the territory from Oakland to Port Costa but, as the population increased, various parishes were cut off and priests established in them. In 1911, when Father Porta took charge the parish included San Pablo, Pinole and Rodeo. He set about beautifying the building and grounds at Pinole and in 1918 he built the Rodeo church, the land being donated by Patrick Tormey, and the name of St. Patrick given to the church in his honor. This was the first church built in the diocese without incurring indebtedness to be paid off at a later period. In 1923 the Pinole church was included in the Rodeo par- ish, leaving San Pablo by itself, which included Giant, East Richmond, San Pablo Creek, Grand Canyon and North Richmond. There are now 417 families in the parish and there is not a dollar of indebtedness.
When the San Pablo parish was organized Juan B. Alvarado donated the two acres of ground for the church and cemetery and other buildings. In 1914 Father Porta celebrated the golden jubilee of the establishment of the church and some 1500 people were present. Since taking charge over $35,000 has been spent on improvements by Father Porta. The Sunday School has over 200 children and in this he is assisted by Sisters of the Holy Family of Piedmont. There are athletic exercises arranged for the boys and girls. Where now stands the church hall, there stood the first parish school in the diocese. Plans are being formulated for an expenditure in the next five years of some $150,000, for a new and mod- ern church and other improvements, to make St. Paul's parish an equal
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of any in this section of California. It is the desire of Father Porta to be granted to live long enough to see his dream fulfilled. He believes in progressing with the times and is enthusiastic over the possibilities of this section of the State.
MRS. CAROLINE PIODA GIUMINI .- That women are holding their own in commercial circles is amply demonstrated in the success achieved by Mrs. Caroline Pioda Giumini, of Valona, who not only is successful in business, but takes an especial interest in assisting foreigners who locate in this community to become good American citizens. She was born in Locarno, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1872. Her father was James Pioda and her mother Innocentina (Tappa) Pioda. The Piodas represent a very prominent family in Switzerland, and her father held a government position nearly all his active life, at one time being judge of the court. One of his brothers was chief postmaster, or post- master general, of that republic. Mrs. Giumini enjoys the distinction of being related to Giovanni Battista Pioda, who for a number of years was Minister from Switzerland to Washington, D. C., and she called upon him twice when he was visiting in San Francisco and dined with him.
Mrs. Giumini is a well educated woman, having graduated from the University of Lasone, and comes from a family of well-trained people. She came to America on October 31, 1890; and on October 22, 1892, she was married to S. Giumini, at the San Luis Obispo Mission. They began life together on a ranch of 3000 acres in San Luis Obispo County near San Luis Obispo, and for seven years carried on a successful dairy busi- ness. At this time Mrs. Giumini took a trip back to visit her family in Switzerland; meantime her father had died. Upon her return to Cali- fornia she began a mercantile business on a small scale and with modest means in Valona. This was on May 10, 1901, since which time her es- tablishment has grown in prestige and size until she has found it neces- sary to take her son and only child, Olindo J., into partnership. He is rapidly coming to the front and is recognized as a rising young business man and banker. When he became a partner the firm became Mrs. S. Giumini and Son; their establishment is one of the leading ones in the community. Mrs. Giumini has made a name for herself among the prominent women of this locality and takes an active and intelligent in- terest in civic affairs. The firm belongs to the Crockett-Valona Business Men's Association. She owns her own home and other realty in this county. She is active in Catholic Church circles, especially among the poor foreign element in the church. She has a sister living in Oakland, formerly connected with the schools; also an older sister in Locarno, where friends of Mrs. Giumini have visited and received a hearty wel- come at Villa Trinita.
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