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 60
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
WILLIAM V. KELTZ .- Since 1904, William V. Keltz has been an eye-witness to the gradual growth and development of Richmond, taking an intelligent part in community affairs and doing his duty whenever called upon. When he arrived in Richmond to enter the employ of the Standard Oil Company he was not impressed with the outlook and thought if he could stand it one month that would be about the limit of time he would spend here. At that time he little thought that he would enter into the spirit of the new community and remain to profit by his wise invest- ments here. Mr. Keltz was one of the organizers of the Pioneer Club, which was the nucleus of the Elks Club. Some of the business and pro- fessional men at Point Richmond, and several of the employees of the refinery, would meet at the noon hour and discuss topics while eating luncheon. Many matters of moment to the growing town were talked over and decided at these meetings. There were no street lights and people carried lanterns to see when going out at night. Even after elec- tric lights were installed many carried a candle in their pocket to see to finish a meal, for the electric lights had a faculty of going out. Mr. Keltz was the first signer for the present Elks Lodge and circulated a pe- tition to further its organization. His growing confidence in Richmond was so strong that when the Elks building was being planned he advocated that it be built at Twenty-third and Macdonald; and when Twenty-third Street was opened he suggested a wide street and gave twelve feet from lots he had bought, together with $100, to signify his interest in the matter. When the Soito tract was opened Mr. Keltz bought the first lots ; he had an option on five and finally settled on three, and this was at a time when the entire locality was a pasture. People told him he was crazy to buy so far out in the country, but he said he was satisfied and he now feels amply repaid. While he was living at Point Richmond he paid the first assessment levied for street work done by Flynn and Tracy on Washington Street; and he was one of the men who led in having a sewer installed on that street. With his family he is living in the first house erected in the northeastern part of the city ; it was built by Herbert Brown, who opened the tract. In every way that he could, Mr. Keltz has helped plan and carry out progressive movements.
William V. Keltz was born in St. Louis, Mo., on October 6, 1875. He received an academic education, and just as he had finished school the Spanish-American War broke out and he enlisted in Company A, 13th
578
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Infantry, at Kansas City, Mo., and was sent to Buffalo and thence to Cuba. He was one of the youngest of the soldiers in his company; A. B. Scott was his captain and H. T. Ferguson, first lieutenant. He went through the siege at San Juan Hill, at which time their second lieutenant was killed while still in his cadet uniform, not having had time to change it. Out of his company fourteen were killed and twenty-eight wounded. After the war was over he was discharged in December, 1898. He then had an attack of typhoid, but in May, 1899, reenlisted, came to San Fran- cisco, and from there went to the Philippines and served five years in the regular army. When his term expired he decided to come to San Fran- cisco, and liked the climate so well that he decided to remain. It was then he came to Richmond and entered the refinery, where he is continu- ing as a valued employe of the Standard Oil Company.
In 1914 Mr. Keltz and Mrs. Mae (Ryan) Jette were united in mar- riage. She is descended from pioneer stock and was born in San Francisco, a daughter of James D. Ryan, who came to California via Cape Horn and was first assistant manager of the San Francisco Call for years. He died in 1915. His wife, Mary Catherine Maloney before her marriage, was also born in San Francisco. Grandfather David Maloney, who married Johanna Butler, was a native of Ireland and a scholar, being a graduate of Dublin College. He came to California and was present at the rais- ing of the flag over Monterey in 1847. Mr. Maloney erected one of the first homes on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. Mrs. Keltz received a good education and married Arthur Jette, of San Luis Obispo County. His parents crossed the plains with a covered-wagon train and settled near Arroyo Grande, that county. The family were from Connecticut and of French ancestry. They were connected with the woolen mills in Con- necticut. Mrs. Jette had three children by her first marriage. Arthur, born in San Luis Obispo, is a graduate of a vocational school in Berkeley and is employed by the Tilden Lumber Company; Mary Ethel, born in Arroyo Grande, was one of the first pupils to attend the Grant School in Richmond, and is now attending the State Teachers' College in San Fran- cisco Class of 1927; and Harman Hall, born in Richmond, is attending the Roosevelt Junior High School. He was named for the Hall family of Ventura County, and for the Harman family of Staunton, Va. After the death of Mr. Jette in Richmond, where the family had located, Mrs. Jette married Mr. Keltz. They have an attractive daughter, Inez Jose- phine Gertrude Keltz. This is the first birth in a Keltz family in forty- seven years, and she and her father are the only known Keltz's living. Mrs. Keltz is president of the P. T. A. of the Grant School, and is active in educational and philanthropic work in Richmond, as also in the work of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Keltz belongs to Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E. Since settling here he has never missed voting at a local elec- tion, and he supports those who stand for the principles he considers best suited for the good of the people in general.
579
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
JOSEPH B. OGBORN .- Richmond has been exceedingly fortunate in the personnel of its residents, and that, perhaps, is the most important factor in what has been such rapid growth in the past decade. Both men and women who have located here have proven to be unusually progressive and public-spirited, and with the executive ability to carry their plans to success. Among the representative citizens must be mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Ogborn. Joseph B. Ogborn was a native of Ohio, born near Zanesville, of Scotch ancestry. His father died when he was a small child and he was obliged to start to work at the age of fourteen to help in the support of his mother and sisters. At that early age he started to learn the trade of carpenter, and later took up architectural drawing, and also the trade of millwright.
Coming to California about 1889, Mr. Ogborn was in Placerville, and Grass Valley, supervising the building of stamp mills in the mines. He later followed his profession as architect and builder in various places in the State; in San Francisco, before the earthquake and fire; in San Mateo, where he drew plans and superintended the construction of the Masonic Hall and other buildings; in Placerville, El Dorado County, where he built the Odd Fellows' block and the hotel; and in Oakland and Southern California, where he planned and erected several apart- ment houses.
When he decided to locate permanently, Mr. Ogborn came to Rich- mond, in 1910, and for a short time after his arrival followed his pro- fession of architect. He drew up a building ordinance for Richmond, which was adopted by the city and is still in effect. Following this he was ap- pointed city architect and building inspector, which position he held for two years. His ability as an architect was known all over the State. Among other buildings, he drew the plans for the Hotel Richmond; the Pillow Block; the old Germania Hotel; the Lincoln, Peres, and other schools, and many fine homes.
A Republican in national politics, Mr. Ogborn was an advocate of municipal ownership, as are most far-seeing men. He was elected a member of the city council of Richmond in 1916, and held that office until the time of his death, on April 21, 1919. Known as a friend of the workingman, he received the largest number of votes at his election of any candidate at that time, and his untimely passing cut short a career of more than ordinary usefulness to his fellowmen. Prominent in Masonry, Mr. Ogborn belonged to three branches of that order and was a member of Albert Pike Memorial in San Francisco and also of the East- ern Star. He was a member of Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E .; Loyal Order of Moose; and the Knights of Pythias.
The marriage of Mr. Ogborn, on February 17, 1899, at Monterey, Cal., united him with Miss Marie L. Rafetto, daughter of Dominick and Anna (Pence) Rafetto, pioneers of California. She owns the ranch in El Dorado County settled upon by her parents in an early day. Two
580
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
daughters were born of this union: Aileen, who died in 1903, aged eighteen months; and Ieda V., still at home. The latter was born in San Francisco and graduated in May, 1926, from the University of California. While attending the university Miss Ogborn was president of the Theta Sigma Phi, woman's national journalistic honor society; a member of the English Club, four art honor society; Junior editor on the Daily Californian; member of Prytanean, an activity and scholarship honor society; and she took part in three Partheneia and was their pub- licity director.
Mrs. M. L. Ogborn is a member of the Richmond city council, elected to fill the unexpired term of her husband, May 21, 1919, and polling the largest vote of the nine members elected. A woman of keen perception and brilliant mind, she is an acknowledged leader, and her women friends were active for her in the campaign, which she won against strong op- position. She has since been twice reelected to the office, which is the best criterion that her services have given entire satisfaction. Frater- nally, Mrs. Ogborn is a member and Past President of the Richmond Club, a woman's organization, holding that office two years. She is active in the Eastern Star, and is also a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. She is a director of the Social Service Bureau, third vice- president of Contra Costa Public Health Association, and local repre- sentative of the Travelers' Aid.
WILLIAM P. HUGO .- The position of assistant general super- intendent of the Avon Refinery of the Associated Oil Company, located at Avon, Contra Costa County, is filled by William P. Hugo. The assist- ant bears an equal amount of the responsibility for the operation of this great plant, and he has been an important factor in the promotion of the company's work, which has proved of such importance in the development of this section of California. The Associated Oil Company is the third largest tax-payer in Contra Costa County, being exceeded in this respect only by the Standard Oil Company at Richmond and the California and Hawaiian Refining Company located at Crockett. The Associated Oil Company is a gigantic concern, with its many miles of pipe lines, re- fineries, warehouses, tanks, wharves and sea-going oil tankers. In 1912 this company began breaking ground for their great plant; and when operations were started in 1913, Mr. Hugo became chief chemist. He is now one of the three oldest employees of this corporation.
William P. Hugo was born on his father's farm twenty miles from Des Moines, Iowa, on July 6, 1887, a son of Carl and Anna (Swanson) Hugo, farmer folk of Iowa, who removed to California in 1893, when our subject was only six years old. The family settled at Kingsburg, where he first attended school; then he entered the high school at Selma, from which he was graduated in 1906. His father is now deceased, but his mother is still living. Mr. Hugo matriculated in the Chemical En-
MaRugy
583
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
gineering course of the University of California and was there from 1906 until 1910, when he was engaged as chemist by the Union Oil Company at Oleum for one year. Thereafter, for two years he was with the Spreckels Monarch Oil Refinery at West Berkeley, and then, in 1913, as before stated, he entered upon his duties as chief chemist with the Associated Oil Company at Avon, where he has so efficiently filled the position of assist- ant to the general superintendent of this concern.
At Los Angeles, Cal., in 1912, Mr. Hugo was married to Miss Elsie Johnson of Fresno, a daughter of S. G. Johnson, now deceased; and they are the parents of one child, Katherine.
WILLIAM A. RUGG .- A veteran newspaper man who has spent nearly a half century in the newspaper game in various parts of the coun- try, and since 1907 has been owner and proprietor of the Martinez Ga- zette, is William A. Rugg, of Martinez. If the history of his life were written in detail it would fill a large volume, for he has had many inter- esting experiences, worked under disadvantages at times, and seen much of the country; but he has enjoyed his work, has always been optimistic, and has met with deserved success in his calling.
He was born on a farm in Winnebago County, Ill., on April 18, 1854, attended the public schools, and early in life learned to be self-reliant. In early manhood he went to Iowa and at Rockford was employed in the post office and express offices. In 1879 he went to Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, and established a newspaper which he named The Phono- graph, and which is still in existence. After building up the newspaper he sold out, went to Kansas City, and became a reporter on the Kansas City Journal; and there he was married in 1882.
That same year he went to Chicago and worked on the Chicago Trib- une; and the following year he was with the Omaha Bee, in Omaha, Nebr., and later took charge of a newspaper in Wichita, Kans. He came West to San Diego, Cal., in 1888, just at the close of the boom. While in the southern city Mr. Rugg was variously engaged. After one year there he established the Anaheim Independent at Anaheim, but soon returned to San Diego and started the Illustrated Magazine, a weekly. In 1898 he decided that Northern California held out better opportunities, and that year he arrived at Martinez and soon after started the Daily Press. This he published and put in circulation without type or press, and ran it until he sold out to the Gazette Publishing Company. In 1907 he bought out the plant of the Gazette, and has since issued a daily and a weekly paper. There is no branch of the printing game that Mr. Rugg does not know, and he takes great pride in the advancement of the city he selected for his home and in every way supports those movements which have for their object its improvement and upbuilding.
In 1882, while in Kansas City, William A. Rugg was united in mar- riage with Miss Jessie Kellogg, a native of Madison, Wis .; and they had 18
584
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
two children. Harriett became the wife of A. E. Lindsay, and they have a son, Jack Lindsay, who graduated from the Martinez Grammar School in 1926. The only son, Freddie, died when four years of age. Mrs. Rugg passed away in 1918, sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends, and by her family. Mr. Rugg is a member of the Contra Costa Golf Club, and takes a very active interest in the game.
JOHN HENRY GRIBBIN .- A resident of Contra Costa County since 1898, John Henry Gribbin has made a host of warm friends through- out various sections since that year. He has seen much of the actual development of the western end of the county, and in Crockett has assisted every worthy project so far as his means would permit. He and his family are highly respected citizens of this thriving community. A native of Pennslyvania, John Henry Gribbin, better known to his intimates as "Johnny," was born on July 19, 1861, in Philadelphia. He has a brother and a sister still living in that city.
When a lad John H. Gribbin attended the public schools in his native city, but for various reasons his attendance was limited. He spent his time, until he arrived at Crockett, much as did the average boy and young man in his community. He arrived here in 1898 to take charge of the branch store started by L. M. Lasell, the pioneer merchant of Martinez. After one year he returned to Martinez and with samples of merchandise made trips throughout the county with team and wagon selling the goods to the citizens interested. After a short time as a clerk for A. Rumels- berg, he engaged in the general merchandise business for himself in the Strentzel Hall building at Valona, and built up a very satisfactory busi- ness until the closing of the sugar refinery three years later, which caused a severe depression in business circles in this section of the county. Mr. Gribbin then took up work in the Selby Smelter. On December 5, 1905, he had the misfortune to fall from a stack and break his left leg, which laid him up for some time. When he recovered he entered the employ of the C. & H. Sugar Refining Company in Crockett on April 10, 1906,. and for thirteen years boiled soft sugar and ran the evaporation plant. For the past seven years he has served as watchman of the office gate and has made many warm friends and has the confidence of all who know him.
John Henry Gribbin was united in marriage on December 16, 1894, with Miss Verena Spuhler, a native of Zurich, Switzerland. She came to America in 1890 and after a year in New York City, two years in Seattle, Wash., and one year in San Francisco, has lived here ever since. Of her six brothers, only one ever came to America. Of this marriage the follow- ing children have been born. John H. Jr., who was born January 14, 1897, and known to his fellow-workers at the refinery as "Jack," finished the high school and after taking a special course, entered the refinery where he is a controller; he is married and the father of three children : Burton, Elaine Mila, and Jack, Jr. Emma Louise was born August 30, 1900, finished high school and then entered the refinery; she married
585
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Ruskin Aughinbaugh, a boiler in the refinery, and has a son, Russell Wil- liam. George W. was born February 22, 1906, and is in the electrical de- partment of the refinery. J. H. Gribbin is a member of Golden Gate Camp No. 64, W. O. W .; is a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 774, served as chaplain for seventeen years and is now treasurer, and at several sessions of the Grand Aerie has represented the local Aerie. He is a Republican but never aspired to office. The family are members of the Congregational Church, he being a trustee of the local congregation. The family reside in their own home in Valona and are enjoying all the comforts of modern civilization.
NEBUZARADAN B. TILLER .- As foreman of the boiler house for the Standard Oil Company at their Richmond refinery, N. B. Tiller, who lives at No. 146 Second Street, Richmond, has earned the good- will and confidence of those he serves and those who serve under his direction. He came to Richmond in May, 1903, when the ground now covered with homes and business houses was a grain field, and it has been his pleasure to see the city grow to its present place in the industrial life of the bay district. Mr. Tiller was born on May 27, 1858, near St. Joseph, Mo., a son of John Henry Tiller, a Kentuckian by birth and a blacksmith by trade. He moved from Kentucky to Missouri and then to Kansas, where he homesteaded 160 acres and farmed until his death in 1862. The mother, before her marriage, was Sarah Coffey of the Blue Grass State, and there she was married. There were five children in the family: William Thomas, of Missouri; N. B., of this review; Eliza, Mrs. Bowen, now deceased; Wallace Eugene, in Colorado; and Moses, a stockman in Oklahoma.
N. B. Tiller grew up in Kansas until he was about six, and then ac- companied his mother to Missouri, where he grew up. He farmed near San Antonio, and also was a general merchandise dealer and postmaster in San Antonio. He came to California in 1895, locating in Los Angeles, where he was in railroad work for two years. Then he made a trip to Oregon, but not liking the country very well, came back to California. Going to Placer County he camped in Auburn Ravine one night, and the next morning went to Lincoln and sought employment with the pottery plant of Gladding and McBean as a common laborer. He was familiar with the work about such a plant and in a week was promoted to be a foreman, and he continued with that company until 1902. He then went to Stockton and was employed there until in May, 1903, when he located in Richmond and entered the refinery, with which he is still connected as foreman of the boiler house.
N. B. Tiller has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Florilda Blakeley, and they had six children. John Henry is married and has a large family, and resides in Missouri. Oliver is the father of four children and has a home in Missouri. Charles B., a painter in Los
586
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Banos, Cal., has two children. Myrtle May married William Sears and lives in Merced County. Frank is married and has one girl, and resides in Richmond. Grover is deceased. By his second marriage, which took place in March, 1901, there were no children. On April 28, 1912, Mr. Tiller and Mrs. Beulah W. Tomlin were united in marriage, and they have a son, Grover Daton, aged thirteen.
Mr. Tiller is prominent in fraternal circles. He joined the Odd Fel- lows in 1894, in Clarksdale, Mo., and is a Past Grand; he also belongs to the Encampment and has gone through the chairs of that branch of the order. After locating in Richmond he joined Twilight Lodge, the first lodge organized here, transferring from Oro Lodge No. 115, I. O. O. F., at Whittier, Cal. With the assistance of John Westfall, George Drew and Charles Johnson, Mr. Tiller organized Contra Costa En- campment No. 99, I. O. O. F., and he is the only charter member left. In January, 1923, he was elected vice-president of the Odd Fellows Hall Association, serving two years; and he is still interested in the associa- tion. He is also a member of the Rebekahs and is a Mason, belonging to Alpha Lodge No. 431, F. & A. M. The family attend the First Christian Church in Richmond.
CHARLES E. ADAMS .- A Richmond pioneer of 1901, Charles E. Adams is also a native son of the Golden State, having been born near Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, on December 5, 1869. His father was John Adams, a native of Missouri, who crossed the plains with ox-teams in 1849 and, after remaining in this State for a time, went back to Missouri via Panama, bought up a band of cattle and started back with them across the plains, arriving safely after a hard journey. He settled on a ranch between Calistoga and Santa Rosa and for many years took an active part in all matters pertaining to the settlement and development of the new country he had selected for his home. He was a direct descendant from Sir Francis Drake, who was the first white man to touch the borders of California, dropping into what is known as Drake's Bay, Sonoma County, to make needed repairs on his ship. The noted singer, Lotta Crabtree, was a member of the train in which John Adams crossed the plains. After locating in Sonoma County Mr. Adams established a home and married Miss Holly Hudspeth, who crossed the plains with her parents in 1849 and settled in Sonoma County. The Hudspeths became prominent in the early settlement of that county, and many of their descendants still live there. The father of Mrs. John Adams served in the Mexican War and was also present at the raising of the Bear Flag in Sonoma. They settled in the Bodega Bay section and developed valuable farming properties. After some years on the ranch along the foothills, the Adams family moved to a ranch about two miles north of Santa Rosa on the Fulton road, and there Mr. Adams died at the age of sixty-eight years. His good wife lived to reach the age of eighty-three ere she answered the final call. She died at the home of a daughter in Napa, Cal. There were eleven children in the
587
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Adams family, six of whom are living. Among the children we mention Lynchburg and Charles, living in Richmond; Henry, who died at Los An- geles in January, 1915, and who was the oldest man in point of service with the Valley Division of the Santa Fe at the time of his death; Press M., who met an accidental death on September 23, 1901, at Ferry Point; and Robert L., who was a fireman, but who quit railroading after his brother's death and went to ranching in Fresno County. Great-great- grandfather Isaac Drake served in the War of the Revolution, and when the two oldest sons of Charles Adams were small they went to Jackson County, Mo., to visit relatives, and while there attended the unveiling of a monument to Isaac Drake by the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion from Omaha, Nebr., the address being made by James Monroe Adams, father of Mrs. Charles E. Adams.
Charles E. Adams attended the common school near his home, worked on the farm as a young man, and also played ball with the teams organ- ized in the community. In 1889 he began working with a pile driving gang on the Northwestern Pacific, remaining with them for two years. In 1891 he went to Kansas City, Mo., to visit his father's relatives, and after coming back to California returned to Kansas City and worked on the electric railway until 1895. While there he was united in marriage, in 1895, with Miss Avonia Adams, daughter of James Monroe Adams, who married Miss Ann Nottingham. The parents of Mrs. J. M. Adams came to California as pioneers, and Grandmother Nottingham is buried in the Martinez cemetery. Mrs. Adams' mother is still living and has eleven children; and there are sixteen grandchildren. The only death in the family is that of the father. The Nottinghams became prominent citizens in Contra Costa County. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Adams have four children. Press M., born in Santa Rosa, is a graduate from the Richmond High School. He enlisted in the Masonic Ambulance Corps, served twenty-two months over seas, and was in action nine days during the World War. He is now employed by the Western Electric Company in Los Angeles. Roy L. was born in Stockton and also graduated from the Richmond High School. He served twenty-two months in France at the Base Hospital and after his return married Miss Lucille Metzner ; and they have two children, Wanda Lee and Keith. He is conducting a grocery store at St. Helena. Mrs. Uldine Ross, of Richmond, is the eldest daughter and has two children, Trefry and Ted Adams Ross; Mrs. Ross graduated from the Richmond High School and from the Vocational High School in Oakland, in 1921. Argyle Ted graduated from the Rich- mond High School and is at present employed in the Mercantile Bank in San Francisco.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.