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 68
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
Coming to Sacramento about 1903 Mr. Strand became associated with Scott, Lyman & Stack as foreman and for four years he con- tinued in the same capacity, eventually resigning in order that he
675
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
might embark in business for himself. October 8, 1907, the firm of Strand & Vining opened an electrical store at No. 609 J street, Sacramento. The quarters were small, but amply large enough for the insignificant business of those days. In 1908 the junior member sold out his interest to Mr. Strand, who soon afterward moved to larger and better quarters at No. 524 Oak avenue, and still later into the present new building, which was built for him at No. 1012-14 Sixth street, meanwhile carrying on a growing trade and winning the confidence of all with whom he has dealings. It is the concensus of opinion that he has the most complete and up-to-date display-rooms of electrical fixtures that may be seen on the Pacific coast, and also, that he is the largest contractor in his line of business in the Sac- ramento valley. Notwithstanding the pressure of business demands he has found leisure to keep posted concerning politics and gives his support to the Republican party in all general elections. With his family he is an attendant upon the services of the German Lutheran Church and contributes to the maintenance of the same. Besides their daughter he and his wife have a son, Alfred William, who was born in Sacramento August 29, 1905. In fraternal rela- tions Mr. Strand holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, the National Union and the Loyal Order of Moose, while Mrs. Strand has been promi- nently associated with the Rebekahs and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Foresters and the Druids, in which latter she officiates as past president. Mr. Strand is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce.
HERMAN RYDBERG
The old and honorable trade of mirror-making is one requiring peculiar skill and experience and only those succeed in it who have given it careful and patient study. One of the successful mirror- makers of California is Herman Rydberg, No. 2116 Fourth street, Sacramento. Mr. Rydberg was born in Smaalan, Sweden, May 16, 1869, and was there educated and initiated into the mysteries of mirror-making. When he was eighteen years old he went to Aus- tralia, where he worked at his trade until 1906. From Australia he came to San Francisco and engaged in business on his own account. After eighteen months' successful experience there, he came to Sac- ramento and established a place for the manufacture of mirrors at First and I streets under the name of the Sacramento Mirror and Glass Beveling works. In April, 1911, he moved his establishment to Fourth and U streets, where he erected a fine factory, covering a
676
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ground space of 30x80 feet, fitted up with new machinery and all essentials for the successful manufacture of fine mirrors and the accurate beveling and artistic decoration of glass. His business gives constant employment to four men.
March 26, 1909, Mr. Rydberg married Miss Lucy Smith, a native of Scotland, who had come to Sacramento. They have a son, George, who was born March 27, 1910. Politically Mr. Rydberg is a Re- publican; he affiliates with the Masons and the Fraternal Brother- hood, and he and Mrs. Rydberg are attendants upon the services of the German Lutheran church, toward the maintenance of the varied interests of which they are liberal contributors.
ROBERT ARMSTRONG
A genuine love of plants and a pronounced ability in their prop- agation, as well as an intuitive perception of artistic effects, ad- mirably qualified Mr. Armstrong for his chosen occupation of landscape gardener. The striking success of his efforts as evidenced in grounds which he laid out in different parts of the United States proves that he possesses natural qualifications for the work. Such is his ability and such his judgment of the ensemble that, with the first study of grounds and environments, he is prepared to render a prompt and correct opinion as to the location of drives and walks, the planting of shrubbery and trees, and the choice of flowers for the attainment of the most beautiful and picturesque results. As the architect of buildings must study the relation of his proposed structure to its environment, so the architect of landscape effects must use the nicest discrimination, the keenest judgment of harmony in colors and the most sagacious faculties of observation in order that the grounds and gardens may form an appropriate setting for their environment; and such has been the aim of Mr. Armstrong in all of his responsible tasks contributory to the beautifying of our country.
Of English parentage and ancestry, Mr. Armstrong was born in Cumberland, in the north of England, June 23, 1860, and received a public school and academic education. Immediately after his graduation from Evans Academy in 1876 he was apprenticed to the nursery business with Little & Balltayne, one of the largest firms of the kind in Cumberland. Under capable oversight he learned every detail in regard to plant life and the culture of flowers, so that when he completed his trade and left the nursery in 1882 it was with a full preparation for successful activities. As a journeyman nurseryman he was employed at Edinburgh, Scotland, until March of 1884, when
That Armstrong
679
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
he crossed the ocean to America and settled temporarily in Boston. For a few months he was employed in laying out grounds and caring for the gardens owned by C. Johnston, a wealthy merchant of that city. During July of the same year he went to Newport, R. I., where he became superintendent of the grounds and gardens surrounding the magnificent mansion of August Belmont. Upon resigning from that position in September of 1886 he went to New York City and secured an excellent position as manager of the plant department with the J. M. Hodgson Floral Company on Fifth avenue, where he continued until 1891.
Coming from the east to California in 1891, Mr. Armstrong en- gaged with Timothy Hopkins, the florist of Menlo Park, as superin- tendent and manager. For five years he filled the position with recognized ability and when he left it was to go to Fernwood as super- intendent of the W. J. Dingee estate. Remaining at that place until 1901, he then went to Santa Barbara and laid out grounds for the residence of numerous millionaires, including I. G. Waterman, T. C. Underhill, James Murphy, E. C. Driver and John Davidson. In 1904, as manager for the Abbott Kinney Company, he was engaged to draw the plans for the beach town of Venice. During 1906 he had the contract for laying out the Athletic grounds at Hollywood and the Arroyo Seco at Pasadena. After a number of years of successful activity in Southern California he moved to Oakland during 1910 and was given charge of planting and developing the holdings of the Oakland Water Company near Piedmont, Alameda county. During May of 1911 he came to Sacramento, where he officiated as landscape gardener at the capitol grounds from May 15 to August 15 and since the latter date he has acted as general manager of the Eastlawn cemetery and conservatories.
The marriage of Mr. Armstrong occurred in Cumberland, Eng- land, in June of 1882, just before his removal to Scotland and united him with Miss Martha Heward. They became the parents of five children. One of the daughters, Lillian, is Mrs. Owens, of Chester, England, and the other, Mrs. Amy White, is living in Los Angeles. The eldest son, John, a capable young man, is chief clerk in the East- lawn conservatory store at Sacramento. Thomas is an electrician with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Sacramento. The young- est, Heward, is a student in the schools of Cumberland, England. Since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Armstrong has voted with the Republican party. Fraternally he was made a Mason in Doylestown Lodge No. 245, Doylestown, Pa., is a member of Corinthian Chapter No. 51, Santa Barbara; Los Angeles Commandery No. 9, K. T., and a member of Aahmes Temple, N. M. S., Oakland.
680
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ALFRED BORCHARD
There crossed the ocean to the United States during the year 1887 an enterprising German named August Borchard, who, accom- panied by his wife, Louise, sought the larger opportunities offered by the new world and established a temporary home in the city of Erie, Pa., remaining there for two years. Their family comprised two children, but of these Alfred is the sole survivor, the other having been taken from the homie by death when quite young. During the year 1889 the family made the long journey across the continent to San Francisco and bought a home in the western metropolis, from which point for years August Borchard traveled on the road as a commer- cial salesman. Later his business interests took him to Alaska and he was a traveling salesman in that country for four years, returning thence to San Francisco, and during 1910 established his home and business headquarters at Sacramento. In this city he is a partner of his son in the Sacramento Inlaid Floor Company. In addition he owns an interest in the Inlaid Floor Company of San Francisco, a leading concern of its kind and in no wise connected with the newer institu- tion in the capital city. During his long residence in California Mr. Borchard has formed a wide circle of acquaintances throughout the state. As a man of fine mind, unusual business qualifications and hon- orable principles of action, he has won and retained the confidence of commercial associates, while he has been equally popular in the orders of Moose and Foresters. His wife, a woman of culture, is a leading member of the Sacramento Lodge of Rebekahs and the Saturday club.
Born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in the year 1885, Alfred Borchard received the advantages of a thorough English education in the schools of San Francisco, and he had the further benefit of a course in a busi- ness college. After leaving the college he began to study the drafting business, but a year later turned his attention to cabinet work and interior finishings. For some years he worked under contractors, and later began to take contracts of his own. During June of 1911 he joined his father at Sacramento and formed the partnership now known as the Sacramento Inlaid Floor Company. A factory for the making of inlaid floors was established on Fifteenth between L and M streets. Business was started without delay. The product manufac- tured met with immediate popularity. The prospects were so bright that the firm was obliged to seek larger quarters, and is now located at No. 2413 I. Much of the favorable prospects for the business is due to the energy of the younger member, who supplements the cau tion and conservative policy of the senior member by his own prog- ressive plans and enterprising activities, the two thus working together harmoniously and profitably. In fraternal connections he holds mem-
Frank. C. Croke
683
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
bership with the Improved Order of Red Men. The Home Products league has in him a well-informed member and progressive leader. February 22, 1909, he was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Sam- uels of San Francisco. They are the parents of a daughter, Dorothy, born in San Francisco December 14, 1909. Mrs. Borchard has been a resident of California throughout her entire life, and is the owner of a tract in Humboldt county called Shelter Grove. The ocean place comprises three hundred and sixty acres and forms a natural harbor that is said to be one of the very best along the entire coast.
FRANK C. CROKE
Indications of the commercial insight possessed by Mr. Croke are furnished abundantly by the position which, unaided by extran- eous circumstances or advantageous environment, he has won for himself at the very outset of his business career. Perhaps the most favorable circumstance in his early life of preparation and training was the fact that his father, Thomas Croke, had engaged in the furni- ture business for a considerable period and taught him not only to detect the most minute differences in qualities of lumber, but also trained him in the art of salesmanship and the foundation principles of the calling. Thus he started out in the employ of others, fortified with an excellent vocational training, a thorough high-school educa- tion and a course at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Supple- menting these important elements in business progress with personal tact, sagacity and energy, he has been able to engage in his chosen calling with an ever growing success.
The childhood memories of Mr. Croke cluster around the home of his parents, Thomas and Margaret Croke, in the city of Denver, Colo., where he was born May 25, 1884, and where he early learned the lessons of honor and integrity that formed the basis of later business connections. After he had graduated from the high school in 1899 he assisted his father in the furniture business as a salesman, remaining in that position nntil 1905, when he started out for him- self. Going to Seattle, Wash., he engaged with the Century Furniture Company as a salesman. At the expiration of two years he resigned his position and made a trip of exploration through Alaska, where he spent one year, principally engaged in mining. Upon his return to the United States he settled in San Francisco and became salesman with the Harry J. Moore Furniture Company. From that city in 1908 he came to Sacramento as manager of the Campbell Furniture Com- pany and for about three years he continued in the same position, but 38
684
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
during September of 1911 he acquired the business, incorporating it as the Frank C. Croke Furniture Co., of which he is president and manager. Since then he has devoted his attention to the building up and maintenance of a complete stock of house furnishings, being located at No. 413 K street, besides having three large warehouses for surplus stock and duplicate goods. The business has grown from the nucleus established in 1850 by John Campbell. Business enter- prises interest Mr. Croke more deeply and appeal to him more strongly than political affairs and he therefore has given preference to the former, taking no part indeed in partisan matters and voting independently at general elections. By his marriage he became united with Miss Katharine MeLaughlin, of Denver, Colo., September 27, 1905, and they have won a large circle of friends in the society of Sacramento since they came to this city to make their home.
JOHN A. PIERCE
Any mention of the progressive, far-visioned men who have as- sisted in the development of Orangevale could not fail to include the name of Jolm A. Pierce, who has been a resident of the district since 1897 and meanwhile has brought under splendid improvement two fruit ranches, one of which he now owns and occupies, the other having been sold some years since. In coming to the Sacramento valley he not only found an opportunity for financial advancement, but also was enabled to escape the rigorous climate of his native land. It is therefore a source of constant satisfaction to him that in early life he left Canada for the States and later was induced to seek a home near the sunset sea. His success is a tribute to his own native abilities unaided by influence or means or even education, for he was a member of a family in humble circumstances and it was impossible for him to secure the advantages of a high school education. However, habits of close reading have enabled him to acquire a fund of information not always possessed by college graduates.
In the capital city of Prince Edward county, Ontario, the town of Picton, Mr. Pierce was born September 13, 1867, and at an early age he came to the United States in the hope of improving his circumstances. For some time he held a position at Joliet, Ill., and while working there he was married, January 15, 1894, to Miss Maude Irwin, who was born in Canada and passed the years of early life in the same neighborhood where lived her future husband. The young couple were not satisfied with the prospects afforded hy a continuance of day wages in Illinois and they resolved to seek a
685
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
location in California. During 1897 they came to Sacramento county and shortly afterward purchased ten acres at Orangevale. The land contained a few unimportant improvements, but its later con- dition resulted almost wholly from his incessant labors. After he had improved the tract he bought ten acres adjoining and planted the new purchase in fruit trees, making altogether a splendid prop- erty which he ultimately sold at a neat advance.
After he had disposed of his first ranch Mr. Pierce bought ten acres where he now resides. Here he planted oranges, prunes and grapes, selecting first-class varieties of each. The vines and trees are now in thrifty bearing condition and return to their owner a gratifying interest on his investment. In addition to the home place he owns twenty acres of adjacent land, all of which is under cultivation to fruit trees. During 1907 he erected one of the most substantial residences in Orangevale, this being a commodious two-story house containing all of the modern improvements and furnished with a simple elegance reflecting the refined tastes of the family. On the raneli there is also a packing house with modern equipment, and Mr. Pierce also has erected other outbuildings, all of which are neat and well-kept, making of the place one of the best improved in the entire district. Besides this property he owns three residence lots in the city of Sacramento.
In the family of Mr. Pierce there are five children, Arthur C., Irwin J., Charles L., Kenneth and Marguerite. The family holds membership with the Folsom Presbyterian church and contribute generously to its maintenance. Political affairs do not interest Mr. Pierce, who, however, keeps posted upon all national problems. During campaigns he supports those whom he regards as the best men, regardless of their party views. Personally he has no desire for official honors, and the only time he ever consented to serve in a public position was some years since, when his deep interest in educational affairs led him to consent to serve as a member of the school board. In that office he labored for the upbuilding of the local schools. In fraternal connections he holds membership with the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows at Folsom, also is a Master Mason and a member of Folsom Lodge No. 64, F. & A. M., while with his wife he participates in the activities of the Eastern Star chapter in that place.
DAVID FRANKLIN FOX, D. V. S.
In his chosen occupational activities as veterinarian Dr. Fox has gained a reputation that is not limited to his home city of Sacramento, but extends throughout the state. The accuracy of this statement
686
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
appears in his identification since January of 1899 with the state board of veterinary examiners, which position brings to him weighty responsibilities as well as a wide reputation among the members of his profession. Many honors have been conferred upon him in recog- nition of his efficiency and skill in veterinary work. The California State Veterinary 'Medical Association on three different occasions se- lected him as president and in that capacity he proved an accurate parliamentarian, a tactful leader and a consistent exponent of all that is most progressive in veterinary surgery. Other honors have been conferred upon him, not only in the state society, but also in the American Veterinary Medical Association, of which for years he has been an active and interested member, serving as member of the executive committee, and for three years has been resident secretary for California and is first vice-president of the Association of Veter- inary Faculties and Examining Boards of North America.
Descended from an old family of southern lineage, Dr. Fox was born near Delphi, Ind., October 5, 1864, and is the son of Jacob J. and Sarah (Dillman) Fox, natives respectively of Maryland and In- diana. During boyhood he was a pupil in graded schools in In- diana. He can scarcely recall a time when he was not interested in stock and especially in horses. Even in early youth he showed a decided skill in veterinary science and this led him to devote himself to the work as a life occupation. In order to secure the very best possible opportunities he took a course of study in the Chicago Veterinary Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1891 with a high standing for thoroughness and efficiency. Coming west immediately after his grad- nation he began to practice in Salinas, Monterey county, Cal., but at the expiration of two years he removed to Sacramento and here he since has been located. Since 1904 he has owned and occupied a val- uable property at No. 1415 J street, where he has a frontage of thirty- one feet and a depth of one hundred and sixty feet. On this property he has erected a three-story brick office building, a portion of which he occupies for his own offices. In connection with this he has a veter- inary hospital, where he gives care and treatment to animals brought to him.
Along other lines besides those directly connected with his occu- pation Dr. Fox has been prominent and active. September 30, 1905, he received an appointment from the then adjutant-general, Hon. J. B. Lauck, as Veterinarian to the First Squadron Cavalry, National Guard of California, and at the expiration of three years of ser- vice he was again appointed to the position. Although never a seeker after office, he staunchly supports Republican principles by ballot and influence. Fraternally he holds membership with Sac- ramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E., also Union Lodge No. 58, F. & A. M., and Naomi Chapter, O. E. S., and since 1892 he has been connected prominently with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Henry Eckhardt.
689
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
having served as delegate to the grand lodge of Odd Fellows, and also receiving all the other honors within the power of the local lodge to bestow. During 1892 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Lanra (Brown) Flood, of Knights Landing, this state, a lady of education and culture, a popular member of the Tuesday Club, likewise a leading worker in the lodge of Rebekahs and the local chapter of the Eastern Star.
HENRY ECKHARDT
The period from 1833 to 1853, representing the first twenty years in the life of Henry Eckhardt, was passed uneventfully by him in his native land of Germany, where he received such advantages as the public schools offered at the time and also gained a thorough knowl- edge of the trade of a gunsmith. At the expiration of his apprentice- ship he began to work as a journeyman. The openings available for future occupational labors in Germany were not alluring; therefore he sought the opportunities of America and never afterward did he have reason to regret the decision that gave him citizenship in this country. Immediately after crossing the ocean he went to Columbus, Ohio, and found employment at his trade. There he married and there his wife died at the age of twenty-two years. Two children were born of that union, namely: William H., now a resident of San Francisco; and Katherine, now the widow of James McNiff. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Minnie Huber, who resided during girlhood at St. Joseph, Mo., and died at Sacramento in 1875, leaving no children.
From 1870 until his retirement from business in 1896 Mr. Eck- hardt carried on a gun store in Sacramento, where he had a host of friends in commercial circles. In his chosen occupation he had no superior in the city. His knowledge of fire-arms of all kinds was thorough and his advice was sought daily even by skilled marksmen and experienced hunters, all of whom united in testifying as to his broad information along these lines. Retiring from business largely on account of ill health, he went abroad with his family and spent some time in Europe in the hope of deriving physical benefit there- from. His death occurred in Sacramento March 13, 1909, and was recognized as a distinct loss to the citizenship of the place. In the early part of his identification with Sacramento he had been one of the leading members of the Turn Verein and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In the city of Sacramento, March 5, 1876, occurred the marriage of Henry Eckhardt and Fredericka Huber, a sister of his second wife.
690
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
One son came to bless their union, Harry Frederick, who was born October 14, 1881, and received the best educational advantages offered by his native city, besides attending Heald's Business College in San Francisco until his graduation from the institution. During 1898 he went abroad with his parents and traveled for a year on the continent. After his return to California he matriculated in the department of pharmacy at the University of California, where he remained until his graduation. Afterward he took the complete course of study in the Pennsylvania College of Pharmacy, the oldest institution of its kind in the United States. Upon leaving the Philadelphia institution after his graduation he returned to Sacramento and secured a posi- tion in a drug store, where he had charge of the department of phar- maey. Later he worked in other coast cities as a pharmacist. More recently he purchased one hundred and fourteen acres of fruit land six miles from Dixon, Solano county, fifty acres of the tract having been planted to fruit of different varieties and the whole forming an investment both practicable and profitable. To assist him in the care of the ranch his uncle, Conrad Huber, has removed with his family from Nebraska and will establish a permanent home in the west, thereby giving to the young owner capable assistance in the many responsibilities incident to the care and cultivation of the large acreage in fruit trees. Fraternally he has been actively connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. While living in San Francisco temporarily he became a member of Parlor No. 1, Native Sons of the Golden West, in that city. Mrs. Eckhardt owns an elegant and attractive residence at No. 1817 M street, Sacramento, as well as business property at Nos. 523-525 K street, and is numbered among the popular women of the city, having a host of friends among the people in whose midst she has lived for many years. Aside from her brother Conrad, no member of her family resides in the west; one sister, Carrie, who is the widow of Louis Hafner and formerly made her home in Sacramento, now is living in Germany, while another sister, Lena, Mrs. Nicholas Kiefrider, is a resident of the city of Philadelphia.
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.