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, 1923, Part 120

Author: Reed, G. Walter
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1026

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, 1923 > Part 120

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ALFRED G. LABHARD .- An energetic, progres- sive overseer in charge of one of the busiest depart- ments of a noted California establishment, Alfred G. Labhard, the genial superintendent for the popular C. H. Krebs & Company, of 1008 Seventh Street, Sacramento, has had the best of opportunities to display executive qualities, nor has he failed to dem- onstrate gifts such as should equip almost anyone for a drive toward permanent success. He was born in San Francisco on November 11, 1877, the son of Theodore and Aramantha (Medows) Labhard, the lat- ter a pioneer who was born at Placerville, one of an old-time settler's family that had crossed the great plains and resided for a time in Nevada. They were married in Virginia City, the father having come from Hamburg in the middle sixties. When Alfred was two years old, his parents came to Sacramento and Mr. Labhard was foreman for this same com- pany, and he afterwards engaged in business for him- self. Both parents are still living in the enjoyment of many friends.

Alfred G. Labhard had the usual grammar school training, and then he put in a term at the high school. After that, he was apprenticed to the painter's trade, and for seventeen years he followed it as a journey- man. He next, in 1914, joined E. B. Chappell; they established a business for themselves; and this part- nership continued until May, 1922, when Mr. Lab- hard took charge of Krebs' paint department. From the first, he easily demonstrated that he was the right man for the important post. The standing of the firm is exceptional; and the quality and variety and volume of their painting department's equipment is above par.

In 1910 occurred the marriage of Mr. Labhard and Miss Mabel Granger, a native daughter, now the mother of several children. Ted and Alfred are twins; and Euell is the youngest. Mr. Labhard is a past

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

president of Sunset Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and a member of the Fraternal Brotherhood, the Foresters of America, the Modern Woodmen and the Masons, Union Lodge No. 58. In politics, Mr. Labhard is a Republican.

JOHN CLEVELAND BELCHER .- A pioneer of Sacramento County who became a successful farmer and stock-raiser was the late John Cleveland Belcher, who was born in Boston, Mass., March 20, 1820. He was descended from an old New England family of "Mayflower" stock, related to Governor Belcher of Massachusetts in Colonial days. John C. Belcher was a musician, a finished violinist and teacher of vocal music. He was married at Granby, Canada, to Miss Sarah W. Kent, a native of that town, whose parents came from New Hampshire. They moved out to Morgan County, Illinois, and then to Exeter, Scott County, and from 1855 to 1861 lived in Au- drain County, Missouri. In the latter year, with his family he crossed the plains in a horse- and mule- team wagon-train. Leaving St. Joseph on April 20, 1861, they arrived in California June 26, 1861, a very rapid journey over the California trail. Their cap- tain was named Boquier, who had previously made six trips across the plains, and was well qualified to pilot them. John Belcher brought his musical in- struments and music with him but never taught here, for he immediately engaged in farming. In 1862 he purchased the ranch that is still in the family. It comprised 400 acres of land suitable for raising fruit, including apples, pears, and plums.

In carly days John Belcher hauled the fruit to Virginia City, Nev., where he disposed of it among the miners. He was successful in the fruit industry and purchased the Cosumnes ranch, but rented it. There also he set orchards of pears and prunes. The pear orchard received his special care and is still bearing: it is said by experts to be one of the finest pear orchards in the state. His place was well im- proved, his residence being located on an elevated piece of ground, which is studded with seven large oak trees. Mr. Belcher was a member of the Union Lodge of Masons and was a member of the first school board and helped to build the first school- house. He passed away February 8, 1878, while his widow survived him until March 20, 1918, her birth having occurred June 16, 1829.

This pioneer couple were blessed with seven chil- dren: Lucy E. died September 7, 1915. Alice J. makes her home in Sacramento. She was educated at Hunt's private school and taught school for many years. She is a member of Naomi Chapter No. 36, O. E. S., Sacramento. John Morton operated the Cosumnes ranch. He married Miss Lena Cash of Missouri. They passed away in 1888, he in February and his widow in April, leaving two children, Harold C. and Nancy S., who were reared by their grand- mother, Mrs. Belcher. Nancy S. married Henry Blavat, July 26, 1919, and has two children, William Henry and John Clinton. Mary was the wife of F. E. Winning. She died in Oakland on December 26, 1921. She was a teacher and had a life diploma. William died in Missouri during his first year. Wil- liam James married Mrs. Susan King, who taught school in this county for eighteen years and made a splendid record. She now holds a state life diploma.

Sadie W. owns the old home place, while the Cos- umnes ranch is owned by Alice J. Belcher, Harold C. Belcher and Mrs. Blavat. Sadie Belcher also owns a ranch of 500 acres adjoining her Cosumnes holdings, which is devoted to hops, grain and alfalfa and which she rents to others. Both places are well improved and very valuable. Miss Belcher is a mem- ber of Columbus Chapter No. 117, Order of Eastern Star, and also of the Rebekah Lodge at Elk Grove.

FRANK QUEIROLO .- An enterprise typical of the twentieth century, and perhaps also peculiarly characteristic of the progressive Golden State, is that of the Sacramento Building Block Company, estab- lished by Frank Queirolo in 1911, and incorporated in 1912, for the purpose of making cement blocks, irriga- tion pipe and artificial stone. The company lays ce- ment-block sidewalks, and takes sub-contracts for various pieces of work. Their plant is at 1730 Twen- ty-seventh Street, and there they employ about ten men in the busy season, turning out a product far superior, both technically and artistically, to that which has hitherto been available in the local market.

Mr. Queirolo was born in Rappolo, Province of Genoa, Italy, on November 13, 1875, the son of An- gelo and Mary (Canevaro) Queirolo, worthy folks held in esteem in the locality in which they lived. The only son among three children, he attended the public schools of Italy, coming to the United States at the age of eighteen, and locating at Merced, Cal., where he farmed for a while. In Merced he began manufacturing cement pipe and blocks, continuing there until 1911, when he came to Sacramento. Here

he incorporated the Sacramento Building Company, of which he has been secretary and treasurer ever since. He had two partners at first; but they have both sold their interest in the company, and it is now practically owned by Mr. Queirolo and his second cousin, Peter Trabucco. The business was located for a short time on R Street between Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth, until March, 1914, when it was moved to the present location. They have built up a large plant and have installed electric machines for the manufacture of cement blocks, and cement pipe. They also manufacture ornamental vases and flower pots, but these are made by hand. They lay cement pipes and install irrigation systems for ranches, al- falfa farms, and orchards, and also build foundations, floors and cement walks. Under Mr. Queirolo's di- rection, the Sacramento Building Block Company has practically revolutionized this particular industry in Sacramento County.

In 1902 Mr. Queirolo returned to his home in Italy and there was married, on August 20, 1902, to Miss Agnes Macero, who was born in Italy, a daughter of James N. Macero, who lived in the South during the Civil War and then located in Galveston, Texas. There he was a successful restaurant operator until he returned to Italy, where he made his home until his death. After his marriage, Mr. Queirolo brought his bride to California, and they located on his farm, which he set out to orchard and vineyard. They have heen blessed with four children: Angelo, who is as- sisting his father on the home place; Mary, attending Stannard's Business College; Josephine, in Sacra- mento High School; and Francis. Mr. Queirolo is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

ANDREW CORBLY BLOOM .- A native son proud of his association with the Golden State and greatly interested in preserving its pioneer history and interesting landmarks, is Andrew Corbly Bloom, who was born on February 25, 1877, near Franklin, Sacramento County, on the ranch which he now owns and operates. His father, Andrew Corbly Bloom, Sr., was born November 13, 1849, near Bonaparte, Iowa, his parents being William Henry Harrison and Delila D. (Dye) Bloom. The great-grandparents were Christopher and Elizabeth Bloom, their children being Lewis, Anna, Emma, William H. H., and Samuel. William H. H., or Harrison, as he was called, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, February 25, 1815, and was married at Windsor, Ind., April 29, 1839, to Miss Delila D. Dye, born in Miami County, Ind., August 27, 1823. Harrison Bloom, with his family, left Bonaparte, Iowa, March 31, 1850, and arrived at Diamond Spring, Cal., September 12, the same year, where they remained about eighteen months. Mr. Bloom built the second house erected at that place and there kept a hotel and bakery. In the spring of 1852 he bought a claim of 480 acres on the Hubbs ranch on the Cosumnes; but the title proved worth- less, and in 1854 he returned to Diamond Spring, where he resumed his old business with the addi- tion of a dairy, hay-yard, and general store. On March 25, 1855, he sold out and moved to the Pioneer House on Lower Jackson Road, nine miles east of Sacramento. Here he bought a half-interest in the hotel and 320 acres of the Norris grant, only to lose both when the land came to be surveyed a few months later. He then rented the Keystone House, seven miles from Sacramento, for two months. On Oc- tober 25, 1855, Mr. Bloom bought 480 acres, since known by his name, about two and one-half miles southwest of Franklin.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Bloom who reached their majority are as follows: Hetty, mar- ried Joseph Morrow and is deceased; Arsinve M. is Mrs. Thomas P. Taylor, of Sacramento; Adaline is Mrs. Solomon Runyon, of Sacramento; Andrew C. is deceased; Sierra Nevada is Mrs. William Lockhart; Pacific Ellen married James Riley, and Eliza Oceana was Mrs. A. M. Cain, both now deceased. Harrison Bloom died on March 10, 1881, at his home. He had served as constable of the township for many years and was deputy sheriff at the time of his death.

Andrew C. Bloom, Sr., was married April 15, 1872, to Miss Sarah Ellen Van Natta, a native of Grant County, Wis., where she was born on June 23, 1853, the daughter of George Philip and Mary Elizabeth (McCormack) Van Natta. Her father came to Cali- fornia in 1857 and settled at Placerville. He was born on January 8, 1825, and the mother was born on Janu- ary 29, 1833; and they were married on September 20, 1852. The mother died in 1865. Grandfather Henry Van Natta was a farmer in Wisconsin and died in 1884, at an advanced age. Grandfather McCormack came to California with the Van Natta family and passed away at Placerville, aged about sixty-five years. An- drew C. Bloom, Sr., engaged in dairying and stock- raising on the old Bloom ranch until his death 'n 1917, his wife having preceded him in 1912. Their three children are as follows: Harrison, who resides near Placerville: Andrew Corbly. the subject of our interesting review; and Clarence L., also residing on a part of the old Bloom ranch.

Andrew C. Bloom was educated in the public schools in the Franklin and Richland districts. He was reared on the home farm, and so from a boy learned ranching as done in the Sacramento Valley; and he naturally turned to that occupation for his life work. He was married in Sacramento on Octo- ber 28, 1902, to Miss Ethel Hollenbeck, who was born in Stockton, a daughter of Theron Hollenbeck. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, learned the blacksmith trade when twenty years of age, and coming to California followed his trade in the mining region among the Southern mines. He was married at old Fort Miller, or Millerton, to Susan May Van Natta, born at Placerville on May 12, 1864. They now live at Warrenton, Ore., and are the parents of ten children: Mrs. Ethel Bloom; Edward, who died of the influenza in 1919, leaving two children; Nella, Mrs. Garner of Los Angeles; Esther, Mrs. Wingar- der, living in Melbourne, Australia; Emily, the wife of John Sprock of Franklin; Howard, a chiropractic physician in Stockton; Mary, the wife of Frank Sprock of Franklin; and Eldridge, Albert, and Robert, who live in Oregon.

After his marriage, Mr. Bloom removed to Sau Benito County, where he was in the stock business at Paicines for a period of five years, after which he returned to Sacramento County. He here became the owner of 140 acres of the old home ranch, which he has improved with a comfortable residence and suitable farm buildings. He has installed two pump- ing plants and is engaged in raising beans, corn, and alfalfa, and has a dairy of twenty cows. He also has a vineyard of White Malaga grapes, and is grad- ually setting more of the ranch to vines. The ranch is well watered, for Bloom Lake is located upon it. Bloom Lake abounds in fish, and during the season there is an abundance of wild ducks and geese, mak- ing it a hunter's and fisherman's paradise. Politically, Mr. Bloom is an independent Republican, and fra- ternally he is a member of Franklin Lodge No. 7281, M. W. of A.

HENRY BACKER .- An enterprising and success- ful farmer, who has been a resident of Sacramento County since he was a youth of seven years, is Henry Backer, who was born in Rhein, Pfalz, Bavaria, Ger- many, July 12, 1879, a son of Henry and Barbara Backer, who were farmers in their native Bavaria. Leaving his wife and children for the time being, in 1880, the father came to California, where a brother, Fred Backer, had preceded him. He remained for a period of four years, and being impressed with the country and opportunities in the Golden State, deter- mined to make it his future home. In 1884 he re- turned to his home and, disposing of his interests brought his family to Sacramento County in 1886. Leasing land, he engaged in raising grain and stock until his death in 1896, being survived by his widow, who now lives in comfort in the home of our subject. She was the mother of six children, three of whom are living: Jacob died at the age of eighteen years; Barbara passed away when nine years old; Bevela died when very young; Maggie is the wife of Jacob Backer: Adam is a farmer in the vicinity of Frauk- lin; while the youngest is Henry, the subject of our interesting review.

As already stated, Henry Backer came to California the year he was seven years of age. Attending the

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

public school, he received a good education, at the same time assisting his father on the home farm. learning to drive the big teams in the grain fields and to follow farming as it is done in Califor- nia. After his father passed away he assisted his mother until he started for himself, leasing land and growing grain. He was successful, and as soon as he acquired some capital above his equipment he purchased 320 acres and later added to his holdings until he now owns a large farm all devoted to grain- raising, except twenty-five acres which is in produc- ing vineyard; and he also runs a dairy. His large crops are harvested with a combined harvester pro- pelled by a tractor. In all of his farming operations Mr. Backer uses the most modern equipment.

Mr. Backer was married in the vicinity of his home to Miss Louise Miller, who was also born in Germany, but came when a child with her parents to Missouri, being raised near St. Louis, and their union has been blessed with three children: Henry, Freda, and Laura. Mr. Backer is a very energetic man and is never idle; his close application and good business methods have brought him success, so that while still a comparatively young man he has be- come a man of affluence and influence, his example being well worthy of emulation. Politically, he is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Frank- lin Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America ..

ROBERT FORSYTHE GUNN .- A native of the great prairie state who has made an enviably excel- lent record since coming to California and casting his lines in the pleasant waters of Sacramento County, is Robert Forsythe Gunn, the wide-awake proprietor of the Gunn Sheet Metal Works at 1315 Twenty- ninth Street, in the capital city. He was born at Onaga, Ill., on December 15, 1864, the son of J. C. and Emma (Matthews) Gunn, who migrated to Ten- nessee, and there lived and died. His father was a nurseryman and florist, and a clever inventor; and he designed one of the first evaporated-fruit dryers, and also one of the first taxicab indicators. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gunn deserved well of their day and gen- eration, and they enjoyed their share of good-will from everybody.

Robert F. Gunn went to school in Tennessee, and what he did not learn there, he tried to obtain from the larger school of practical experience. When old enough to do so, he was apprenticed to the metal- working trade, in Knoxville, Tenn., and in time he worked as foreman for a large manufacturing com- pany. Then he was foreman for the Mountain City Stove Manufacturing Company, of Chattanooga, so that by the time he was ready to make his way west- ward, he could boast of a valuable knowledge not vouchsafed to every man. Reaching Los Angeles, lic had charge of a shop at Long Beach, and then he went to Denver: and in 1906, he came to San Fran- cisco as foreman for the Globe Sheet Metal Works. In 1908, he removed to Sacramento and engaged with the Latourrette-Fical Company, and after four years of successful and pleasant experience there, in 1912 he established himself in business. He is now lo- cated in his new modern shop, with far better quarters than ever before for the handling of his steadily ex- panding trade. He employs eight men, and they have helped win the honors in such work as that for the Grand Royal Ice Cream Company, the Consumers Ice Company, the ventilating systems for T & D

Theater, as well as for the numerous hotel and kit- chen installations. He belongs to the Builders' Ex- change, and is rated as one of the substantial sup- porters when it comes to "boosting Sacramento." His home address is 817 Thirtieth Street.

In 1885 Mr. Gunn was married the first time, to Miss Julia McCullar, by whom he had the following children: Robert F., Jr., was in the aviation corps of the World War; Hobson, another son, went over- seas and saw service in France; Essie has become Mrs. P. E. Rice; Eleanor is the fourth; and the youngest is Mrs. Silva. Mr. Gunn was married the second time in 1916, to Miss Addie L. Utter, a native daughter of California. Mr. Gunn is a Mason of the third degree; and he also belongs to the Sciots. He is fond of hunting and fishing.

PAUL R. OPDYKE .- The imagination may well be given free play in a study of the contrasting differ- ences between what the old-timers called "contract- ing" and what an enterprising operator of today, such as Paul R. Opdyke, of 1009 Seventh Avenue, Sacra- mento, would consider a day's work for himself and crew, with their up-to-date methods and modern ap- pliances and machinery. He was born on a farm in Shasta County, on February 20, 1889, the son of Andrew Jackson and Olive C. (Wilcox) Opdyke. The father was a sturdy pioneer of the seventies, who crossed the great plains and mountains and finally arrived, safe and sound, in the Golden State. He is now deceased, having completed a very useful course in life. Mrs. Opdyke, however, is still living, an ob- ject of esteem and affection to many.

Paul Opdyke attended the local grammar school, and then went to the Shasta high school. Afterwards, he took charge of his father's ranch for a time, and then learned the carpenter's trade, under a first-class architect, serving a thorough apprenticeship of five years. During this time, he was also living on the ranch, and was able to make some money on the side. In all that he did, he set before himself a high stand- ard; and his efforts, in the main, were attended with success.

On September 30, 1921, Mr. Opdyke came to Sac- ramento, and since then his career has been one of steady progress. He is deeply interested in Sacra- mento City and County, both in their historic past, when substantial foundations were laid, and in their promising future, when this is sure to be one of the most attractive sections of the Pacific commonwealth. Confining himself largely to residences, he has erected many of the finest homes, in one year having built no less than seventy houses, most of them of superior design, and all as well constructed as the allowances of investment would permit. Residents, as well as owners, never fail to take the dwellings put up by Paul Opdyke.

At Redding, in 1913. Mr. Opdyke was married to Miss Iva lone Tucker, a popular belle of Texas, with all the accomplishments of a Lone Star lady; and they have had three children: Paul R., Jr., Jasper Jackson, and Elizabeth Opdyke. Mr. Opdyke belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West, being affiliated with the Sacramento Parlor; and he is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In poli- tics, he is a Republican. He is fond of fishing, and for that matter, of the always appealing outdoor life of California in general, so much of which is at its best in Sacramento County.

Paul R. Opdyke

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

EDOUARD SANDERSON LOIZEAUX, M. D. -Careful training, combined with broad practical ex- perience and close study, have enabled Dr. Edouard Sanderson Loizeaux to make continuons progress in his profession. He is engaged in the general prac- tice of medicine in Sacramento. Born in Vinton, Iowa, April 1, 1877, he is a son of Paul J. and Celia A. (Sanderson) Loizeaux. His father was born in France and came to this country with his parents when a boy and settled in Iowa. He was educated at Chartier School in New York City; and there he met Miss Sanderson, who was attending Abbott School in New York, and they were married. For a time they resided in Iowa, and then returned to New York, where Mr. Loizeaux was in business until his death. The doctor's mother was born in Greene County, New York, of Scotch-Irish parents.

In the acquisition of an education, Dr. Loizeaux attended the public schools of Plainfield, N. J., and also Leal's school for boys, afterward becoming a student at Columbia University, from which he was graduated in 1901 with the M. D. degree. For two years he was identified with New York hospitals, and during the ensuing three years he was connected with the State Hospital for the Insane at Middle- town, N. Y. In 1907, Dr. Loizeaux came to Patton, Cal., where he served as a physician on the staff of the state hospital for two and a half years. In the fall of 1909, he located in Sacramento to accept a position in the city health department, having charge of laboratory work. He made a highly creditable record, continuing until his resignation on March 11, 1919, to accept the position as medical superintendent of the Sacramento County Hospital, a position he filled with efficiency until the time of the death of Dr. T. J. Cox, when he resigned to take over his offices. He is now located at Seventh and I Streets, engaged in the general practice of medicine.

Dr. Loizeaux's military record covers eight years' service in the National Guard of California. While connected with the public-health service, he joined the Medical Corps, National Guard of California, and was sent to the Mexican border as captain with the 1st California Ambulance Company. Following his return, he was commissioned major in the Medical Corps, National Guard of California, and was at- tached to the 143rd Field Artillery, United States Army ("Mary Pickford's Own"), with which he went overseas, remaining abroad for four months during the progress of the World War. After the close of the war he was discharged at the Presidio at San Francisco, and immediately resumed his laboratory work.

Dr. Loizeaux was united in marriage in New York City to Miss Vera L. Taft, who was born in Utica, N. Y. He is a member of the Sacramento County and California State Medical Societies and the Cali- fornia Academy of Medicine. Fraternally, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and is a member of the Sutter Club. He is also a member of the Sacramento Post, American Legion, and the local post of the Veterans of For- eign Wars, in which he is officiating as surgeon. He supports all worthy public enterprises and contributes his share toward the progress of his city. He is an able exponent of his profession, in which he fills a place of broad usefulness. 52

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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, 1923, Part 120

Author: Reed, G. Walter Publication date: 1923 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1026

Author: Reed, G. Walter
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1026