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 80
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Years ago, when the world became excited over the discovery of gold in California, there was a young man named Thomas C. Perkins, a native of Massachusetts, who joined the hosts of Argo- nauts seeking fortune beside the sunset sea. Early in the year 1850 he left Galena, Ill., with an expedition bound for the coast and at the end of a tedions although uneventful journey he found himself at the famous mines of the west. For a time he devoted his attention to mining, but he soon came to realize that there was greater promise in the land than in the mines; accordingly he entered a large tract of land from the government. For years he engaged in placing the tract under cultivation and making it productive. As people came into the neighborhood he saw the necessity of a general store and therefore became interested in such a business. The settlement, which is five miles from Sacramento, is named Perkins in his honor and here he died in January of 1901, four years before the demise of his wife; the latter was a native of New York state, but came to California in childhood and here formed the acquaintance of Mr. Perkins. Their union resulted in the birth of seven children, but Charles C. is the sole survivor of the entire family. Since the death of his father he has been owner and manager of the Perkins store, started in 1882. In addition he is president of a large mercantile company known as Perkins & Co., incorporated in March of 1907 with himself as manager and president, and J. A. Haitz as secretary and treasurer.
Although a leading and prosperous business man and the son of a citizen actively associated with public affairs, Mr. Perkins has never interested himself in politics and prefers to hold himself aloof from all partisan matters. However, his interest in educational mat- ters is so great that he consented to serve as a director of the Sacramento schools and during his four years of service in the office he was characterized by devotion to the work, knowledge of its needs and a desire to increase the usefulness of the city schools. Frater- nally he has been a leading local worker in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also has been very prominent in Masonry, being a member of the blue lodge and Knights Templar commandery in Sacramento, the Scottish Rite and Consistory, also Islam Temple at San Francisco, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
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IRA C. BOSS
The distinction of having been the founder of one of the most important and prosperous business enterprises of San Francisco and Sacramento belongs to Mr. Boss, who as president and manager of the Ransome Concrete Company has been instrumental in the promotion of an industry invaluable in the material development of his own home city of Sacramento. It may not be amiss to mention, as indicative of the character of the company's work, some of their contracts in this city, viz: the hotels Sacramento, Land, Sequoia, Bismarck, Argus, all well-known and substantial hostelries catering to the comfort of many guests; the News Publishing Building, and the California National Bank building, both of which structures are unusually sub- stantial in design as well as attractive in architecture; the Western Pacific depot and shops; twenty residences at Colonial Heights; the residence and business block of Frederick Cox; and the United Farm Lands building, also the Farmers & Mechanics Bank building. This list, which by no means represents the entire extent of their con- tracts in the capital city, is sufficient to indicate their variety and importance. At San Francisco the company erected the Columbia theatre, the Chamberlain building, the wing on the Southern Pacific hospital, the Portola theatre and the Polk Street Market building. At other points there have been building operations of great magni- tude, including the cotton mills at Oakland, the court house at Placerville and the First National Bank of Contra Costa.
The gentleman to whose intelligent supervision may be attrib- uted the distinct success attendant upon the progress of the company claims California as his native commonwealth. Born in Oakland in December of 1877 and a son of M. P. and Laura (Gallagher) Boss, he was given the best advantages afforded by the means of the family and the schools of the state. During 1890 he completed his course of study in the public schools and entered Belmont Academy, from which he was graduated in 1895. The winter term of 1895-96 found him a student in the department of mechanical engineering at the University of California, where he laid the foundation of the engineering knowledge so indispensable to his later business activi- ties. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he volunteered in the service and became a member of Company I of the Fourteenth United States Infantry, in which he continued until 1899. Upon retiring from the army he went to Mexico and became a superin- tendent in construction work, going from there to New York City at the expiration of two years and engaging in business as a consult- ing engineer for eight months. Nevada furnished him with his next field of business activity and until 1905 he remained in charge of
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construction work on two mills at Goldfield and Tonopah. Next he had charge of the construction of mills at Gladstone and Howards- ville, San Juan county, Colo. Returning to New York City in 1906, he formed an association with the Ransome-Smith Co., as superin- tendent of their construction work, and in their interests he came to California during May of 1907, soon afterward organizing at San Francisco the Ransome Concrete Company, of which he has been president and manager. When the office of the company was moved to Sacramento he established a residence in this city, where he now ranks among the leading members of the Chamber of Commerce and one of the most enthusiastic promoters of enterprises for civic de- velopment. His marriage in New York City July 16, 1904, united him with Miss Kate Ransome, by whom he has a daughter, Katha- rine. Various organizations number him among their members, among them being the Sutter and University Clubs of Sacramento, the Claremont Country Club of Oakland and the Construction Club of San Francisco. While he has not identified himself with political affairs and takes no part in them aside from voting the Republican ticket at national elections, his knowledge of governmental problems is thorough and his opinions represent the result of thoughtful read- ing, keen faculties of observation and a cultured mind.
WILLIAM M. AHERN
It would be scarcely possible to overestimate the importance and the magnitude of the duties devolving upon the chief of police in a city whose commercial and legislative activities, handled by men of wealth and conspicuous success, attract to the civic environment thousands whose sojourn is of brief duration, but whose welfare must be wisely guarded by the sleepless vigilance of those upholding the majesty of the law. The fact that Mr. Ahern has made good as chief of police indicates the possession of certain fundamental attri- butes, unbounded energy, sagacious discrimination, an industry that never fails and a courage that never falters. Combined with his energy he possesses the tact and good humor characteristic of the Celtic race and these qualities bring him a host of friends outside of the immediate circle of his business associates.
Into the home of John and Mary Ahern in Passage East, County Waterford, Ireland, William M. Ahern was born November 10, 1861, and from that same home he started out when the time came for him to earn his own way in the world. John Ahern was head constable of the constabulary at Waterford, holding the position until he was
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pensioned. When a young lad William M. attended the Christian Brothers school, but after he was thirteen years of age he earned his own livelihood and had little leisure for study. Taking up the trade of a lithographer, he spent five years as an apprentice to that business and afterward worked as a journeyman lithographer, being employed for two years at Dublin, Ireland, and for a similar period in London, England, where he became proficient in the trade. He came to California in May, 1884, his brother Thomas Ahern having arrived here a few years previous and written letters back home which interested his brother in the Golden West and encouraged him to make the trip. Thomas Ahern is now superintendent of the coast division of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. When he landed in this country he came at once to Sacramento, Cal., and spent three months as a lithographer with Crocker & Co., of San Francisco, and then engaged with the Southern Pacific Railroad and soon became foreman of a construction crew at Sacramento. But in 1892 he resigned this work to become an officer under John B. Rogers, chief of the police of Sacramento.
A service of two years as an officer proved the adaptability of Mr. Ahern to such work. However, he did not continue after 1894, but then resigned in order to enter the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad as a special agent. In that position he proved diligent, resourceful and trustworthy and he filled the same post continuously until he resigned to enter the service of the city of Sacramento, having been appointed chief of police January 29, 1910, by Mayor Beard. While an officer with the railroad mention should be made of Mr. Ahern's work in concluding the final prosecution of Brady, the companion of Browning, who was killed by Sheriff Bogard of Tehama county. Brady and Browning were desperate train robbers who held up the Southern Pacific and robbed the Wells Fargo strong- box, obtaining in all $73,000. The robbery occurred at a sheep camp crossing, between Davisville and Sacramento. Chief Ahern comes by his ability as a successful officer of the peace naturally, as his father served thirty-six years as a police officer and head of the department in his home county. Shortly after he accepted the chief's office he showed a familiarity with every detail, which proved his quickness of comprehension and accuracy of judgment, and from the outset of his official duties he has been diligent in the work, resolute in action and firm in decision. While strong in his devotion to the Republican party his selection for the position was not a political measure, but came in recognition of his inherent worth and his fitness for the position. Ever since he came to this country he has made Sacramento his home and in this city in February of 1908 he was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Morrison, by whom he has a son, Frederick Morrison Ahern.
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MONTFORT K. CROWELL
The conservative financial policy exercised by the banking insti- tutions of Sacramento laid the foundation for all past prosperity as it will prove the stepping stone for all future growth. Perhaps no concern has been more cautious in avoidance of speculative in- vestments or more sagacious in loans and certainly none has been more successful in the management of a growing business than has the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, an institution that for almost a quarter of a century has contributed to the business in- terests of the community, encouraged the development of new indus- tries, promoted the growth of old enterprises and fostered among its depositors a spirit of saving a portion of their incomes in order that the proverbial "rainy day" may not come upon them unawares. The cashier of this influential institution is a native Californian, devoted to the great west, loyal to the welfare of the commonwealth and particularly interested in the fair valley that lies tributary to the capital city. He matriculated in the University of California, class of 1906, and in June, 1910, became cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank.
The bank, whose growth is largely due to the executive ability of its officers, has had the good fortune to retain in the presidency George W. Peltier, who also acts as vice-president of the California National Bank of Sacramento. With characteristic energy and sagacious foresight the directors of the institution have decided to erect, at a cost of $250,000, a bank and office building on the corner of Oak avenue and Eighth street between J and K streets, a location admirably adapted for their purpose as well as for the general office uses to which it will be devoted. The structure will be equipped with every modern convenience and will contain every improvement which the architecture of the twentieth century can suggest.
CHARLES J. YOUNG
The possession of versatile ability is indicated by the different enterprises that have engaged the attention of Charles J. Young since he entered the field of practical commercial activities. It is the proud claim of California that no commonwealth can surpass our own state in the enterprise, energy and intelligence manifested by native-born sons, and such a list if complete could not fail to include 45
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the name of Charles J. Young, now of Sacramento, but formerly a citizen of San Francisco. The title of colonel is frequently bestowed upon him by acquaintances and comes from the fact that he held the rank of lieutenant-colonel on the staff of the commander-in-chief, having been promoted to that commission from a captaincy in the National Guard.
A lifelong identification with California, dating back to his birth at San Francisco May 23, 1866, into the home of David and Josephine Young, gives to Charles J. Young a profound knowledge of the state, a thorough acquaintance with its resources, a loyal devotion to its prosperity and an earnest desire to advance its interests. After he had attended the grammar and high schools between the ages of six and seventeen years, he began to make his own way in the business world. At first he found employment with Hill & Kilgore, stock brokers of San Francisco, and he acted as their cashier and book- keeper until 1884, when he embarked in the commission business for himself. Notwithstanding his youth he was quite successful in the venture. From 1889 until 1892 he held a responsible position as receiving teller with the Tallant Banking Company and in that im- portant post he proved his possession of fine mental endowments.
An attractive offer came to Mr. Young in 1892, which took him away from San Francisco and caused him to make his headquarters at Grass Valley, this state, where he acted as assistant secretary of the Union Hill group of mines until 1900, and in 1902 he accepted a position as cashier in the bank of Weisbein Bros. After filling this responsible post for two years he resigned during 1904 in order to become manager of the Consumers' Ice & Cold Storage Company at Sacramento. The position he now holds, far from being a mere sinecure, entails greater duties than many would suppose, yet every detail has been guarded by his careful oversight, every step of pro- gress has been made with sagacity and every plan has been devel- oped with cautious judgment, thus securing for the company the greatest possible results, while at the same time giving to the resident manager a high reputation for business judgment and far- seeing discrimination. So closely has his attention been given to business affairs that he has had no leisure for participation in public affairs and gives no time to polities aside from voting a Republican ticket at all elections. The attractive home which he has established in Sacramento is presided over by Mrs. Young, a lady of culture and gracious hospitality, and a native Californian, born in Grass Valley, who prior to her marriage in January of 1900 made her home there. Both hold a high position in the social circles of the capital city and their residence here is regarded as a distinct advantage to the influ- ences contributory to the general welfare.
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0. HAROLD COPE
The magnitude of the realty transactions in Sacramento nec- essarily indicates great activity on the part of the real-estate firms of the city and among these the Cope Real Estate Company, of which Mr. Cope acts as president and manager, handles its considerable quota of business, bringing together buyers and sellers in deals large or small, negotiating for properties, and otherwise carrying forward the varied enterprises associated with the realty business. In addi- tion to the organization and management of this concern Mr. Cope during June of 1909 organized the Sacramento Mutual Investment Company, of which since he has officiated as a director. Another position which engages a portion of his time and attention is the Del Paso Heights, Incorporated, of which he acts as president and which has a capital stock of $25,000. From this it will be seen that his activities are far-reaching and as varied as his mental endow- ments.
One of the organizations to which Mr. Cope belongs is the Native Sons of the Golden West, this association resulting from his nativity in California. Marysville is the place of his birth and December 18, 1888, the date thereof, his parents having been Charles H. and Agnes (Bowen) Cope. Descended from an old eastern family, Charles H. Cope was born at Colerain, Ohio, January 3, 1851, and received his education at that place, where he learned the trade of a miller in young manhood. Coming to California in 1877, he settled at Marysville and secured work in the Buckeye flour mill, remaining there as miller until 1900, when he came to Sacramento. For the next eight years he held the position of miller with the Pioneer Mill- ing Company, but in 1908 he resigned the position in order to remove to Oakdale, Stanislaus county, where now he manages the manufacture of flour for the Oakdale Milling Company.
After having attended the public and high schools of Marys- ville until the completion of their prescribed studies, Mr. Cope took a commercial course in the Sacramento high school, from which in 1907 he was graduated. His first employment was that of bookkeeper for the Earl Fruit Company in Sacramento, but after six months he left that concern and entered the real-estate office of Charles T. Hill as a bookkeeper and collector. During 1909 he engaged with the real-estate and insurance firm of Kleinsorge & Heilbron as manager and salesman. June 7, 1910, he organized the Cope Real Estate Company, which has since successfully conducted a growing business in the capital city. While devoting his attention quite closely to his varied business interests, he does not neglect his duties of citizen- ship, but keeps posted concerning national issues as well as concern-
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ing all enterprises for the material benefit of his home city. He is president of the Riverside Improvement Club, the object of which is the advancement of Riverside district in Sacramento. The Pro- gressive party receives his ballot in all general elections. His interest in politics is not that of a partisan and he has never been a candidate for any office, although well qualified for such work, should his in- clinations direct him to any participation in public affairs. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a contributor to many of the movements for the upbuilding of the church and the broadening influences of Christianity. In fraternal relations he holds member- ship with the Modern Woodmen of America. In 1912 he organized the Riverside Country Club, of which he was selected president. This is a social club of about one hundred and seventy-five members, which erected their own club house on the banks of the Sacramento river. In Sacramento, December 22, 1909, Mr. Cope was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Gladys Hampton, of this city, and they are the parents of a daughter, Mildred Ethel.
WILLIAM D. LAWTON
An intimate association of thirty years with the business devel- opment of Sacramento has given to Mr. Lawton a comprehensive knowledge of property valuations in and near the capital city, also of commercial enterprises contributing to the local development and civic measures devoted to the general welfare. It would be difficult to find a citizen more loyal than he to the city of his adoption; its interests he has made his own, its welfare is ever dear to his heart and its progress is a theme of never-ceasing importance to him. To such loyal citizens the city owes its steady development in all that gives lasting value to its influence. That his citizenship has been appreciated appears in the statement that he was chosen president of the first board of trustees under the new charter of 1893 and at one time also was honored with being elected a director of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, in these positions giving evidence of earnest loyalty to civic growth and intelligent understanding of municipal problems. He was instrumental as early as 1892 in the building of the first macadamized street in Sacramento, which was the inception for macadam and asphalt streets there, and in 1894-95, when he was president of the board of trustees, the cement sidewalks were built, thus starting permanent work in that line. He was zealous in working for the interest of the city at all times, and it
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was entirely through his efforts that the city water works were saved to the city instead of passing into the hands of a private corporation.
Descended from an old eastern family and himself a native of Lyons, N. Y., William D. Lawton has been a citizen of California ever since the year 1873 and therefore has given the intelligent ser- vice of manhood to the commonwealth of his adoption. Four years after his arrival in the west he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Grimshaw, of Sacramento, the daughter of a prominent pio- neer family originally from Illinois; after coming to California her father, William R. Grimshaw, was for years identified with Captain Sutter and Sam Brannan and his participation in early history had a direct bearing upon subsequent progress. For little less than ten years after coming to the west Mr. Lawton engaged in the manu- facturing business in San Francisco, but during 1882 he established his home in Sacramento, and here he has resided ever since. Practically ever since he came to the state he has been interested in mining to some extent. On several occasions he was engaged as an engineer in mines in this state and Nevada and while thus employed he bought personal interests in a number of promis- ing claims. In addition to holding shares of stock in mines he has controlling water interests at a point in Southern Nevada and by means of his own private water system he supplies an abundance of water for irrigating and domestic purposes, as well as for the treatment of ores. He is devoting much time to real-estate and investments in the Sacramento valley.
FREDERICK W. KIESEL
As a factor in the financial affairs and commercial development of Sacramento the California National Bank occupies no secondary place. During the long period of its existence it has won and re- tained the confidence of a large army of depositors and has consid- ered the interests of customers with a loyalty unquestioned and a sagacity unexcelled. No small measure of the steady growth of the institution is due to the intelligent supervision and splendid judg- ment of the cashier, Frederick W. Kiesel, who combines keen dis- crimination with conservative caution and progressiveness with painstaking forethought. The elements entering into his character form the ideal type for banker and financier and to their exercise is due his present standing in the banking circles of the city.
About midway between Head river bay and Cache lake lies the railroad town of Corinne, a village of some prominence in northern
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Utah, and there it was that Frederick W. Kiesel was born February 11, 1874, into the home of F. J. and Julia Kiesel, pioneer residents of that section of the country. An excellent primary education was obtained in private schools, which further enlarged his training through the high-school studies. During the autumn of 1892 he en- tered Harvard College, where he continued in the regular course nntil 1894, meanwhile enjoying the manifold advantages conferred by at- tendance in that ancient and honored institution. Shortly after he had left Harvard he returned to the west and settled at Sacramento, where he gave his attention to promoting the organization of the California winery. Being the principal stockholder in the business he hecame likewise its president until he sold his interest in the business.
The association of Mr. Kiesel with the California National Bank began April 1, 1898, when he entered the institution as a bookkeeper and later, in recognition of his superior qualifications, he was pro- moted to he cashier. This office he since has filled with recognized ability and foresight. For some years after his arrival in Sacra- mento he remained a bachelor, but on the 18th of December, 1901, he was nnited in marriage with Miss Jane Birdsall, one of the promi- nent and popular young ladies in Sacramento society. They are the parents of two daughters and one son, Corinne, born in 1907; Phyllis, whose birth occurred in 1910, and Robert Allan, born in 1911. It has not been the desire of Mr. Kiesel to enter upon political activi- ties or to seek public offices. Indeed, he has steadfastly refused to take any part in politics whatever aside from the voting of a Republican ticket in national and local elections. Nevertheless, he is interested in every movement for the general advancement and particularly in those measures having for their object the permanent welfare of Sacramento. In fraternal affairs besides his connection with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks he has been active in Masonry and holds membership in the Washington Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., also Sacramento Council and Sacramento Commandery No. 2, K. T., and is also a Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty-second degree, and member of Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco. He is a director in the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and is secretary of the Sutter Club.
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