USA > California > Sacramento County > History of Sacramento 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, 1913 > Part 102
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It was in 1908 that Mr. Gerber established himself in the steam dyeing and cleaning business, an undertaking which has proved successful, his place of business being at the corner of Tenth and I streets, Sacramento. In politics a Democrat, in religion a Lutheran, Mr. Gerber is in all things and in all relations of life a helpful and generons citizen. He married Miss Edna Coppersmith, of Sacra- mento, September 4, 1902, and they have two children, Marion and Ruth, who are students in the public schools.
JAMES H. DONNELLY
The diversified enterprises engaging the attention of Mr. Don- nelly point to breadth of mind and largeness of vision as among his leading attributes. When he was elected supervisor from the fourth district in Sacramento county in November, 1904, and re-elected in 1908, the people recognizing his high order of ability and appreciat- ing his acceptable service in former local offices, looked with expec- taney to a promising record on the county board. Nor have they been disappointed in their hopes, for he has proved sagacious in council, public-spirited in devotion to the county, loyal to its de- velopment, progressive in plans and prompt in action. Worthily filling the office of supervisor, in so doing he has made an enviable reputation for himself and at the same time promoted the perma- nent welfare of the county.
That he can claim Sacramento as his native county is a source of pride to Mr. Donnelly, who was born at Folsom November 21, 1868, and is a son of Henry and Kate Donnelly. From six to thirteen years of age he attended school at Folsom, but the necessity of earn- ing a livelihood cut short his schooldays and indneed him to work in the stables of the Natoma Vineyard Company, where he remained about eighteen months. Later he took charge of a livery stable owned by his mother and at the same time he became interested in mining, but afterward he gave up these occupations to engage in fruit raising. The year 1904 found him a newcomer in Sacramento, where he organized the firm of Wright & Donnelly and established the general livery and boarding business known as the Wilson's Stables that has built up an extensive trade in the city.
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The constant activities of business pursuits and the duties of supervisor do not preclude Mr. Donnelly from further interests, for we find in addition that he holds office as president of the Folsom Investment Company that built the Hotel Bismarck in Sacramento. In politics he has given stanch allegiance to the Republican party and has aided local affairs with his time and influence. For sixteen years he served as deputy assessor and constable at Folsom and his faithful service there laid the foundation for the larger services as a member of the board of supervisors. While living at Folsom he was married to Miss Susie Woodward in April of 1894. They are the parents of four children, namely: Eleanor, Gladys, Susie M. and James H., Jr., all of whom are being given the best educational advantages afforded by the excellent schools of Sacramento. The fraternal connections of Mr. Donnelly bring him into active mem- bership with the Eagles, Elks, Woodmen of the World and the Native Sons of the Golden West.
EDWARD M. COFFIN
An identification with the labors of a mechanical engineer dating back to the early period of his youth and continuing with several interruptions but with increasing importance up to the present time, marks Mr. Coffin as one of those fortunate mortals who made no mistake in the choice of an occupation and who reaps the reward of long and arduous study in his intelligent mastery of technical prob- lems in engineering. It was his fortunate experience to enjoy excellent educational advantages in the east. Travel and habits of close observation have broadened his sphere of knowledge, until now he is considered one of the well-informed men of the city. Nor is his information limited to the sphere of occupational activities. On the contrary, it is broad and touches upon subjects representing every range of thought, bearing also the stamp of the highest culture.
The early recollections of Mr. Coffin cluster around Albany, the capital city of New York and one of the beautiful residence towns of the state. There he was born in January of 1867 and there he became the recipient of careful and moderately thorough mental training. New York state is noted for the advanced position it has taken in educational development and he was able therefore to obtain not only high-school advantages, but also specialized learning. At the age of sixteen years he went to Syracuse, in the same state, and in that city he remained until 1892, meanwhile acquiring a thorough
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knowledge of mechanical engineering. When he left Syracuse it was to remove to the Pacific coast. Attracted by the charm of the Santa Clara valley, he chose a location there and established a home, whose presiding genins, his bride, had been Miss Carrie Nyce, of Lincoln, Neb. They were married in her home city in August of 1892 and are the parents of two children, Ruth and Frank, both of whom are being given the advantages so essential to any thorough preparation for the realities of life.
Five years of close attention to the fruit-growing industry in the Santa Clara valley brought their share of financial returns to Mr. Coffin, but he found himself eager to return to his chosen task of engineering. Accordingly he disposed of his fruit ranch and removed to San Francisco, where he engaged in business activities along the line of his chosen calling. During 1907 he came to Sacramento to act as superintendent of the mechanical department of a Cali- fornia corporation. Two years later he was honored by election to the office of secretary, which position he now holds. People who are conversant with engineering affairs state that he ranks among the experts of the profession, while his possession of diversified talents is indicated by the fact that he successfully fills executive positions and directs the duties of the secretaryship with intelligent precision and accurate system. Political affairs interest him as they interest all loyal citizens and he favors any movement having for its object the permanent advancement of Sacramento. The Republican party receives his ballot in both general and local elections. Fratern- ally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and contributes to the maintenance of the local lodge.
GEORGE BOCK
Born in Vienna, Austria, October 16, 1870, George Bock, the popular tailor of Sacramento, was brought by his parents to Phila- delphia, Pa. in 1878 and there he passed through the grammar school and soon acquired a knowledge of the tailor's trade. In 1889 he came to San Francisco. After working at his trade there for about nine months he took up his residence in Sacramento, where he was employed at his trade five months. Then he went back to Philadelphia, but remained a short time only, as in 1891 he returned to Sacramento and soon thereafter opened a tailoring establishment at Sixth and J streets. He continued at that location until August, 1911, when he removed to his present commodious quarters at No. 919 K 58
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street. He is recognized as one of Sacramento's foremost business men and one of the most artistic tailors in Northern California. At the time of the San Francisco disaster he was chairman of the Masonic board of relief. He has been a Mason since 1902 and was master of Washington Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., at the time of the earthquake and has held various other offices in that body. He is also a member of the Royal Arch Chapter and is widely known as a thirty-second degree Mason. He also affiliates with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. His family are communicants of the Episcopal church.
April 24, 1894, Mr. Bock married in Sacramento Miss Lnlu Yager, daughter of a California pioneer who consumed six months making the journey across the plains. Mr. Yager died in 1881. It is a matter of history that the grandfather, Peter Yager, started the first brewery in Sacramento. Mrs. Bock has borne her husband two children, Miriam, attending the Sacramento high school, and George, a student in public schools.
WILLIAM BECKMAN
The increasing financial and business prosperity of Sacramento finds a striking illustration in the magnificent structure erected by the People's Savings Bank and utilized not only as the headquarters of their own large concern, but also in its upper stories for office purposes. Men who are familiar with all the leading banks of the Pacific coast assert that in its interior equipment and elegance of appointments the new structure has no superiors. Not only is it the tallest business building in Sacramento, but in addition it ranks as the best in the Sacramento valley, and no one who has studied its architecture and design fails to accord to its projectors the heart- iest admiration. Much of the credit for the success of the enter- prise is given to the president of the bank, William Beckman, who not only took a leading part in the organization of the concern more than thirty years ago, but in addition has moulded its financial policy, shaped its conservative course of procedure and so wisely guarded its investments that the institution proudly boasts a record of having never lost a loan.
Although by parentage and nativity an easterner (for he was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., December 19, 1832) Mr. Beckman is a typical westerner in his habits of thought, plans of action and temperament of mind. This comes somewhat from his business
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training in Chicago, whither he went at an early age and where he earned his livelihood as an employe in a business house until he was led to identify himself with the unknown possibilities of the Pacific coast. The year 1851 found him a newcomer in Sacra- mento, where the following year he embarked in business. During 1858 he removed to a farm in Sacramento county and for fifteen years he engaged in agricultural pursuits at Florin. Attaining promi- nence in the county, for six years he efficiently served as a member of the board of supervisors. During 1875 he became the Republican nominee for state treasurer, but suffered defeat with the balance of the ticket. Later his services to his district received recognition in his election in 1891 as a member of the state railroad commission, where he continued for four years.
Under the tactful and enterprising leadership of Mr. Beckman, who had become well known in many avenues of activity throughout the west, the People's Savings Bank was organized and opened for business in July of 1879. Long residence in the valley had given him a thorough knowledge of the soil, people and conditions, so that he possessed exceptional advantages for the banking business. His reputation as a successful man of affairs and captain of industry won for the bank a general prestige and a confidence which guaranteed its success. Associated with him in the founding of the institution was John L. Huntoon, now vice-president and a member of the board of directors. The cashier, A. G. Folger, has been connected with the bank for twenty-one years and entered upon the duties of his present position during 1896, since which time he also has been made a member of the board of directors, whose other members are the president and vice-president, also George W. Lorenz and J. J. Keegan. The monthly report of the bank October 6, 1912, showed total resources of $4,543,593.32, with deposits of $3,920,155. The capital of the bank is $455,852.90 and the surplus and undivided . profits $62,450.77.
Abont thirty-two years after the establishment of the bank it removed from its early location on the corner of Fourth and J to the new building on the corner of Eighth and J streets, in the heart of the city's newer financial and business district, four blocks above the old headquarters. The new bank, erected at a cost of over $275,000, comprises a building of seven stories with steel frame, enclosed by reinforced concrete walls, which are faced with white terra cotta. The architectural design is strikingly handsome, with a heavy base of two stories, a rounded front corner and a wide projection cornice of artistic terra cotta. The six floors above the banking quarters are divided into fifty-four office rooms, handsomely finished and equipped in the most modern way, with artistic lighting fixtures, mahogany woodwork and steam heat. The concrete office
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floors are covered with battleship lineoleum and the corridors with marble tiling. Two fast elevators serve the upper floors.
The entire first floor is occupied by the bank. The arrangement and equipment of the bank represent the ability of the architect, Henry H. Meyers, of San Francisco, in conjunction with the officers of the institution. The result is a well-arranged banking house. The marble entrance, with its artistic bronze doors at the corner, opens into a lobby which occupies most of the length of two sides of the room. On one side the lobby terminates at Presi- dent Beckman's cosy office and on the other side at a beautifully furnished ladies' parlor. Along all four walls runs a wainscoting of French variegated marble with harmonious borders. The counter, which faces two sides of the room, with a curve opposite the entrance, is of variegated marble from Africa, set in panels, with ap- propriate base and cornice. The counter screen is of bronze grill work in which are set several tellers' wickets. The bronze electric lighting fixtures were made according to special designs and add to the beauty of the interior. The rich ceiling, designed in octagonal gold- decorated plaster panels, adds to the impression of elegance. Along the lobby walls are mahognay settees with leather upholstering and all of the other furniture is of mahogany. The working space behind the counter is designed to afford the maximum of con- venient room and is equipped with modern devices for banking. There are two large fireproof and burglar-proof vaults, each pro- vided with twelve-ton steel doors fitted with time locks. One of the vaults is designed for safe deposit boxes, of which fifteen hundred already have been installed, with ample accommodations for one thousand more. Booths are also provided for patrons of the safety deposit department. In fact, every modern banking convenience is to be found in this institution, whose directors have the gratification of knowing that they have furnished to the capital city its finest business block and that for years they have provided the entire valley with a banking institution sound in policy and sagacious in investments, guarding the interests of its depositors with capable foresight and promoting the excellent financial standing of the entire locality by its own long and honorable record.
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R. M. BETTENS
A son of Philip and Clara Bettens, R. M. Bettens was born at Vevay, Ind., May 10, 1874, and there he was reared until he was about thirteen years old, acquiring his primary education in the
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public schools. Then he was brought to California by his parents, who settled at Escondido in 1887, and it was in the high school there that the succeeding two years were passed.
In 1889 young Bettens began his business career as a clerk in a general merchandise store, where he was employed, with increasing responsibilities and increasing earnings, five years. Subsequently, with his brother, Albert, as a partner, he took np hotel work at Byron Springs. There they remained until 1901, when they leased the St. James Hotel at San Jose, Cal., catering to the public sue- cessfully, with increasing knowledge of and liking for the business, until July, 1909, when they took over under lease the Sacramento Hotel, at Sacramento. Since then they have successfully operated both hotels. Their management of these two fine public houses has been of such a character as to commend them very approvingly to the traveling and wheeling people of Northern California, and it is probable that no hotel man in this part of the state is more widely or more favorably known than is Mr. Bettens. It may be added that his acquaintance has been extended and made permanent by his helpful membership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
LARS PETER ANDERSON
In 1847 Lars Peter Anderson, now of Sacramento, Cal., was born in Skaane, Sweden. His father, a lifelong sailor, became owner and captain of a coasting vessel which he commanded to the end of his life. Lars Peter was educated in public schools in his native land and at an early age learned the painting and decorating trade, which he has followed with increasing success until the present time. He came to the United States in 1871 and located in Sacramento and his first work here was in the painting room of the repair shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. He was soon given charge of the department and worked there two years, then was for some time employed by various persons and concerns until he went into business for himself. For thirty-seven consecutive years he has been at the head of his own enterprise. He has filled contracts for the painting of the State Capitol, the Hales, Weinstock and Lubin resi- dences, the Sutter Club, California National Bank and many other large buildings which rank with the best ever completed in Sacra- mento. He long has had a partner in his brother, Ludwig Ander- son, who arrived in Sacramento from Sweden March 1, 1881, and after working for him a time acquired a half interest in the business.
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In 1878 Mr. Anderson married Miss Hannah Matson, a native of Sweden, who came to America with her uncle in 1870. Her father was a large farmer and became active and prominent in politics in Sweden, having been several times elected sheriff of Blekinge lan. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have two children. George, the elder, who lives in Sacramento, is prominent in musical circles, having studied in Boston, Mass., four years and achieved success as a teacher of the piano; he is now in the piano business in Sacramento. He married Miss Jeanette Baldwin, of Cleveland, Ohio. Elsie, the younger child, lives in Sacramento. Their mother died in September, 1902. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Master Painters' Association, takes a public-spirited interest in the affairs of the city and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE WILLIAM CAPLES
Widely known throughout Sacramento as a man of conscientious principles and devotion to his duties as a citizen, Mr. Caples is num- bered among the most trusted employees of the Elk Grove Vineyard Association, and by virtue of his unswerving honor and kindly man- ner fully merits the esteem with which he is regarded by his associates.
Mr. Caples was the sixth child of Dr. James and Mary J. (Walker) Caples, natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively, who came to California in 1849 across the plains with ox-teams. They returned east to Illinois via Panama and in 1853 again came across the plains, this time with a drove of horses, and since then they have resided in Sacramento county, he being now eighty-nine years old, while the mother is eighty-five. George W. Caples was born November 16, 1859, nine miles south of Folsom, Cal., and received his educational training in the public schools of that town. After completing his studies he engaged in farming, but upon being appointed postmaster of the city of Folsom in 1889, he discontinued personal attention to his agricultural interests, opening an insurance office in connection with his official duties. He capably managed both departments of work until 1891, when he resigned the postmastership to accept a posi- tion as foreman for the American River Land and Lumber Co., now known as the Eldorado Lumber Company. Meantime he journeyed to Detroit, Mich., where he became a student in Pernin Institute, com- pleted a general business course, and returned then to the west. He established a shorthand school in Carson City, Nev., which he con- ducted for several years, and in 1900 located in Elk Grove, Cal. He filled an appointment as farmer at the county hospital for about five
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years, leaving the service in 1906 to take his present situation with the Elk Grove Vineyard Association.
June 17, 1885, Mr. Caples was united in marriage with Miss Mary Crossette, the ceremony taking place in Auburn, Cal., and to their union four children were born: William Crossette, now on the battle- ship Wilmington; Isabelle Virginia, Mary Ethel and James Cecil. Mrs. Caples was a native of Folsom, and danghter of William and Mary C. (Hodgdon) Crossette, natives of Massachusetts, her father being a pioneer of 1849. She received her education in Perry's Semi- nary at Sacramento, where owing to her thoughtful attention to her studies she won a high place among her classmates.
Despite many discouragements and trials, Mr. Caples has never lost the optimistic spirit which has been one of his chief charac- teristics, and although his financial condition does not admit of lux- uries, for which indeed the family do not yearn, being fully satisfied in their love for each other and the true comfort which they enjoy, feels himself rich in his blessings and regards as a priceless treasure the honor in which he is held by his wide circle of friends.
WILLIAM R. GALLUP
Above is the name of an honored pioneer and in his day a lead- ing business man of Sacramento. Born at Stonington, Conn., May 19, 1828, William R. Gallup passed most of his active life in Cali- fornia and died while busy at his ranch in Yolo county Jannary 8, 1906. He was of old New England ancestry which came of Revolu- tionary stock and the names of his forefathers were made prominent in the early history of our country and have been handed down as those of patriots and soldiers. The originator of the Gallup family in America was Capt. John Gallup, who came from Parish of Mastern, County of Dorset, England, to Massachusetts in 1630 on the Mary and John. Mr. Gallup is also a lineal descendant of Major John Mason, born in England about 1600, who was a lieutenant in the Eng- lish army and served under Lord Halifax in the Netherlands. He came to America in 1630, served in the early Indian wars of Massa- chusetts as a major and finally settled at Dorchester, Mass. It was in 1853 that Mr. Gallup came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, accompanied by several persons from and near his former home, and all looked forward to the adventure into strange lands and new and memorable experiences. In the absence of railroads freight- ing was a leading business in the new state, and it was to that that Mr.
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Gallup gave his attention. In 1863, nearly ten years after his arrival, he returned east and on May 3, 1864, he married Miss Eliza Morgan, who was born in Ledyard, Conn. She is a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, a passenger on the Mayflower in 1620. Returning via Panama with his young wife, he settled down in Sacra- mento and began acquiring real estate. One of his purchases was ground which included the present site of the Sacramento Bee build- ing, on which he built and made his home till 1901. Then the exten- sion of the business district had made the land too valuable for residence purposes and the locality less pleasant as a home neigh- borhood than it had been, and Mr. Gallup bought a fine house at No. 1521 I street, which is still included in his estate. For many years from 1862 he was extensively engaged in sheep-raising in Yolo county, his two ranches being located near Woodland, but he maintained his home at Sacramento, where his numerous important interests cen- tered. Since his death Mrs. Gallup has continued the farming and stock business started by her husband fifty years ago.
Two daughters were born to Mr. Gallup and they were named Ida M. and Effa M. The latter married J. D. Lord of Sacramento, who is manager of the extensive Gallup real estate holdings in Yolo county. The wife of this pioneer, mother of the daughters just referred to, has been an almost lifelong member of the Baptist Church, in the work of which he always took a generously helpful interest. In his political affiliations he was a Republican, but he was never active in political work, preferring the tranquility of his pleasant home to any honors that might have come to him in a public career. At the same time he was so public-spirited that there were few movements looking to the general good that did not command his co-operation in one way or another. He was a worthy citizen in every way and built up and improved his flocks and farm lands in Yolo county. He was literary, well posted and informed on all general topics as well as history, and was much appreciated by his old friends and acquaint- ances for his conversational ability and his many acts of kindness and charity.
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