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 145

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 145

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A. E. Erickson, whose given name is Axel Edbin, was trained in the excellent schools of Sweden, after which he helped his father on the farm, and at the age of sixteen began to learn the carpen- ter trade. Six years later, when a journeyman of some ripe experience, he came to the United States, and got as far West as Minneapolis, where he fol- lowed his carpentering for twelve years. He entered the service of a large contracting firm, and was made foreman; and he was in responsible charge of the McAllister College in its building, the Vallis Hall, and many large public and other edifices. The op- portunity for growth as an ambitious student of con- tracting was exceptional, and he made the most of his chances.

In 1912, Mr. Erickson left Minnesota for Califor- nia, and soon came to Sacramento, where he bought farm-land and at the same time commenced con- tracting here; and since then he has built many resi- dences, and is in such demand that he is able to furnish steady employment to half a dozen men at the least. His experience, his original ideas, in har- mony with the latest and most progressive notions, and his exemplary methods, commend themselves to many. He belongs to the Builders' Exchange and the Master Builders, and he endorses the platforms of the Republican party, believing that the G. O. P.

means "great opportunity promised." Mr. Erickson has done much to advance the development of North Sacramento. He was among the first to settle in this section and he has built his home and several of the business blocks, the finest in this section. He was united in marriage to Miss Olga Carlson on January 10, 1906, and this union has been blessed with four children: Nellie, Harrington, Franklin, and Au- burn.

ADOLPH SOMMERS .- A wide-awake, progres- sive native of Switzerland, Adolph Sommers, as a successful contracting plasterer, and a leader in his field in and around the California capital, has added to the laurels won by the German-Swiss in America, and particularly, perhaps, by the representatives of the industrious little republic now scattered through- out the Golden State. He was born at Berne, on January 29, 1890, the son of Ernest and Rosetta (Blaser) Sommers, who crossed the ocean to the United States, and then made their way out to Montpelier, Idaho, where they took up farming. They were hard-working, honest and kindly disposed folks, and not only forged ahead, but helped others to gei along, and so made valuable friends, and won the respect of their fellow men. .

Adolph Sommers attended the schools of his native and also of his adopted land, and when fourteen years of age began to learn the blacksmith trade, which he followed for a number of years. Not being alto- gether satisfied, however, he took up and learned the plasterer's trade; and in 1904 he came to Califor- nia. He was for five years at Marysville, but in 1909 he went back to Idaho. The lure of California, how- ever, once more brought him here, in 1921, and since then he has developed his business as a contractor, so that now he employs five men regularly. He limits himself to the usual dwellings and flats, and has plastered many of the best houses in Sacramento and its environs.

Decidedly a home-man in his habits and prefer- ences, Mr. Sommers married Miss Ina Schreier, of Idaho, in 1912. Five children have sprung from the fortunate union, and they bear the names of Lowell, Thelma, Russe11, Earl, and Doris. Mr. Sommers is fond of music, and for years led the Montpelier band. He is also, as would be expected of one hailing from such a panorama of natural beauty as may be found in Switzerland, very fond of outdoor life, and an en- thusiastic admirer of the many good things to be had and enjoyed in Sacramento County.

NELS JOHNSEN .- An enterprising, experienced cement contractor, whose knowledge of his trade- work, and whose steady, progressive habits have made an excellent reputation for general ability, is Nels Johnsen, a native of Denmark, where he was born on November 15, 1883. His parents were C. P. and Magdalena Johnsen; the former a cattle-dealer, well and favorably known, while the latter is de- ceased, having rounded out a life of enviable useful- ness. They were good parents, and sent Nels to the best available Danish schools; and it was not until 1907, when he was twenty-four, that he was willing to leave home and native land.

In that year Mr. Johnsen came out to America and California, and soon reached Sacramento; and although he had already had several years of expe- rience in cement work, he went out on a ranch for

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

a year and a half, and very wisely got his first chance to learn colloquial English under quiet circumstances. Coming back to town, he took up laundry work and stuck at that for eight months; and after dropping that, he joined Adolph Teichert, the cement contract- or, and for five years assisted him. Then he was with Olaf Larsen for a year, in the same field of activity; and by that time he decided to set up for himself in business, and he has been his own pilot ever since, not only making a pretty good course, but leading where others have been glad to follow. He belongs to the Builders' Exchange, in which he is more than a mere member, and he finds pleasure in promptly responding to any appeal calling out his local pa- triotism. and his deep interest in Sacramento, town and county, its historic past, its bustling present, and its promising future. It is not surprising, therefore, that Nels Johnsen, contractor, citizen and good-fel- low, is one of the most popular workmen for miles around.

HENRY A. PALM .- One of the proprietors of the Palm Brothers Presto-lite Batteries and Ignition Works, H. A. Palm is one of the progressive men of Sacramento, having been a resident of the valley all of his life. He was born in northern Sacramento County, Cal., on August 18, 1882, a son of E. A. and Wilhelmina (Schafer) Palm, both born in Cali- fornia, whose parents as pioneers crossed the great plains in ox-team trains in the early settlement of California in the fifties. The father was a well-known citizen of Broderick, Yolo County, having been a member of the county board of supervisors for twelve years. Grandfather Theodore Palm operated one of the early chicory ranches in the valley. Both parents of our subject are residents of Broderick.

H. A. Palm, the oldest of their six children, at- tended the public schools and Howe's Business Col- lege in Sacramento in pursuit of his education and then learned the trade of a carpenter, following it for sixteen years in the capital city. Four years of that time he spent in Modesto as a contractor and builder. In December, 1918, in partnership with his brother Walter, he embarked in the business of con- ducting a billiard parlor and they had a well-equipped and modern establishment and catered to a high class of trade. In August, 1922, they sold and purchased the business of Earl P. Cooper & Company. Presto- lite agents in Sacramento, where they continue the business and have a complete repairing and charg- ing plant. They also handle Coast tires and conduct a radio department, being located at 1014 Twelfth Street. Mr. Palm is a baseball player of note, playing the national game since he was a lad of sixteen. He was with the Texas league for three years and with the California State League, playing professional ball. He also rode bicycles in races and was a member of the Capital City Wheelmen. He takes great interest in encouraging the youngsters to become good ball players.

When Mr. Palm married he chose for his wife Miss Ethel Jones, a native of Weaverville, Trinity County, and they have two children, Duane and Holis. In politics Mr. Palm is a Republican. Fra- ternally, he is a member and past president of Sacra- mento Parlor No. 3, Native Sons of the Golden West. In every way Mr. Palm does his duty as a citizen and is a firm believer in the future of Cali- fornia.

ANDREW T. McGUIRE .- Sacramento is fortu- nate, as both the state capital and the center of varied interests requiring improved transportation facilities, in its several experienced and thoroughly dependable teaming contractors, well-known among whom is Andrew T. McGuire, who came here from Kansas, where he was born on February 6, 1873. His father, Patrick McGuire, married Miss Mary Burke and came to Sacramento, about 1875. when he was for a short time with the Southern Pacific Rail- road. He soon took up teaming, however, and con- tinued at it until his death, in 1902. Mrs. McGuire has also passed away, having breathed her last in February, 1908.

Andrew T. McGuire went. to the Christian Broth- ers' school and college, and then for some years he drove a team for his father; and at the latter's death, he succeeded to the control of the business. He also engaged in truck and team work, and undertook excavating and the filling-in of low lots, and in all this he has been very successful. His familiarity with local conditions, his ability to afford the best service at the lowest possible rate, and his willingness to do everything possible for the convenience or satisfac- tion of the patron-these things have helped him to make or get customers, and they have also helped to hold them in a period of lively competition. He belongs to the Builders' Exchange.

When Mr. McGuire married. in October, 1907, he chose for his wife Miss Elizabeth Newman, of Sac- ramento, and they have had a son and three daugh- ters: Andrew T., Jr., Irene, and Elizabeth and Patri- cia, twins. Mr. McGuire likes outdoor sports gener- ally, and is especially interested in baseball.

SILAS ORR .- A fearlessly efficient representative of the California bench, who is equally popular with both the members of the practicing bar and the laymen of the public, is the Hon. Silas Orr, justice of the peace of American Township. He was born on a farm in the good old agricultural state of Min- nesota, on February 28, 1869, the son of Andrew R. and Margaret (Cooper) Orr, and he grew up in a pioneer Minnesota home, for his father was a farmer there and did much to help develop that part of the state in settler days. He had walked to Minnesota, from Brownsville, and had homesteaded for a while: and now that his earthly course has ended, it is pleasant to record that men speak well of him. Mrs. Orr is still living, in Sacramento, Cal., and as be- comes his widow, maintains her old-time hospitality to all who call upon her, and gives of her means to such worthy causes as she can.

Silas Orr attended the grammar schools in the country, and then the high school at La Crosse, Wis. Then he went to St. Paul, where he entered the shops of the Great Northern Railroad, and learned the machine woodmaker's trade, which he followed there for four years. In 1890, he came to California and Sacramento, and for three years he continued to work at the same trade in the shops of the Southern Pacific. He then engaged in the hardware and im- plement business for twelve years, but selling out. he took to his ranch of fifteen acres, and there he has been for the past twelve years, during which time he has acted as justice of the peace in American Township, and has recently been reelected without opposition for another four years. He is a Repub- lican, so far as his party preferences are concerned:

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

but Judge Orr is too broad-minded to allow any narrow partisanship to prevent his giving his full and most loyal support to all things well-endorsed locally.

On December 14, 1901. Judge Orr was married to Miss Lilly M. Huebner, a native of Salt Lake, who had been brought to California when she was a babe, so that she is practically a native daughter. One child, Owen, has blessed the union. The Judge belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America; and he is fond of hunting and fishing.

PETER CARLI .- Prominent among the progres- sive and successful ranchers of Sacramento is Peter Carli, a native of sunny Italy, where he was born on November 6, 1886, the son of John and Mary Carli. John Carli was in South America for several years, and when he returned to Italy he had saved enough money to educate his children liberally. Mrs. Carli is residing in Italy, while her husband is deceased.

Peter Carli was educated in Italy, and when he was sixteen years old he emigrated to America. In 1903 he came to Sacramento and was employed in a restaurant, where he learned a great many things which were of value to him when he opened his own business. In 1910 he bought the Fifth Avenue Hotel, at Oak Park, and conducted this place until 1912, when it was burned down. In 1913 he opened the Star Cafe. at 130 J Street, which he managed with his partner. In 1921 he sold out his interest and went into the farming business. Since that time he has devoted his energy to cultivating his land.

On April 28, 1915, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Virginia Marcucci, a native daughter of the Golden West. Mrs. Carli, also, is a native daughter of Sacramento County. They are the par- ents of two children: Eleanor Adele, and Alyse Virginia. Fraternally, Mr. Carli is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, and the Druids. He is also a member of the Bersaglieri Society, and the Piemonte Reale Mutual Benefit Society, of which he has been the president for five years. The increase in the general fund has been more than $5.000 during his administration. Mr. Carli is a very enthusiastic sportsman, and is especially fond of hunting, fishing, and baseball.

THOMAS J. HATELEY .- The city of Sacramen- to, renowned as the capital of the Golden State, owes much of its fame as a desirable residential center to the facilities for building and furnishing homes, supplied by such enterprising firms as Messrs. Hateley & Hateley, with offices at 211 Mitau Build- ing, corner of Eighth and J Streets, in Sacramento, so well represented by Thomas J. Hateley, a native of the city of Stockton. He was born on June 16, 1884, the son of Arthur and Martha (Gibbon) Hate- ley, sturdy settlers who came to California from Ohio, where they had previously settled, in 1908, followed two years later by our subject.

Having spent his boyhood in Warren, Ohio, Thom- as J. Hateley attended the grammar and the high school there, and in the Buckeye State learned the plumber's trade, and soon engaged in business for himself. He received his first contract order from his parents and helped to erect for them a four-flat building. Since then, he has demonstrated his ex- pertness in installing part of the Travelers' Hotel,

the Y. M. C. A., the new high school, and many of the largest buildings in Sacramento, as well as in- stal'ing the mechanical equipment of the Weimar Sanitarium, noted for its superior outfit. He belongs to the Progressive Business Men's Club, and is a member of its energetic board of directors. He is a Democrat, but also one of the first to support the candidate of another party, especially when local issues are at stake, if he thinks it best for the com- munity in which he himself lives, labors and pros- pers.

In 1912, at San Francisco, Mr. Hateley was mar- ried to Miss Daisy A. Bence, of Placerville, a native daughter who is also always glad to cooperate in any good work for the advancement of Californian institutions. One son, Robert Jackson Hateley, has blessed their union. Mr. Hateley is a Mason of the thirty-second degree, being a Shriner and a member of Ben Ali Temple, and is also a member of the Sciots. He likes hunting and fishing. Sacra- mento is proud of such business firms as that of Messrs. Hateley & Hateley, especially when men of their progressive enterprise are at the guns.

SAMUEL LINCOLN LILLY .- In the spring of 1913 Samuel Lincoln Lilly settled in Sacramento and engaged in the real estate business, and his contribu- tion to the permanent growth and real progress of the city has been far-reaching in its scope. His success has been accomplished by steady application to his business. He was born at Iowa Point, Brown County, Kansas, on May 26, 1862, a son of B. F. and Margaret (Hautbaugh) Lilly, born in Virginia and Tennessec respectively and pioneers of Kansas, now both de- ceased.

Samuel Lincoln Lilly received his education in the public school. Alter eleven years of age he rode race horses for five years in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas; he then rode the range in Texas and Colorado, trail- ing cattle into Nebraska. He followed this occupation for four years; then he concluded to try his hand at prospecting in Colorado, where he spent twelve years and was at Leadville, Aspin, Gunnison, and Cripple Creek. He then removed to Oklahoma, where he went into the cattle-raising business and spent seven suc- cessful years in that industry; from Oklahoma he went to Cuba for one winter, then returned to Okla- homa and engaged in the wholesale grocery business for five years. Looking for a field of greater oppor- tunities, he removed to California in the spring of 1913 and settled in Sacramento, where he has since been successfully engaged in the real estate business.

Mr. Lilly was married to Miss Helene Landmark and they were the parents of five children: Frances: Ernest, who spent two years overseas in the World War; Alida; Helene; and Fred L. There are three grandchildren. Mrs. Lilly passed away in 1907. He was married again in Oklahoma to Miss Eva C. Hen- son of that state. In politics, Mr. Lilly is a Repub- lican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Royal Neighbors, and Modern Woodmen. He is an active and consistent member of the Mission- ary Baptist Church of Sacramento. He is a strong temperance man and has been a strong fighter for Prohibition and the eighteenth amendment, as well as the Wright act. and intends to keep on in the same line.

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

WILLIAM O. GUMMERE .- That the day of the common-sense, resourceful and experienced auction- eer, with his tact and his wit, and his desire to do the best for his clients, is not past, nor likely to be in the near future, is shown in the successful career of William O. Gummere, of the well-known firm of Messrs. Leachman & Gummere, proprietors of the popular auction house at 1111 Seventh Street. Sacra -- mento, where they buy and sell everything for the home. and always have a complete stock of valuable articles for retail. Mr. Gummere was born in Union County. Iowa, on March 7, 1884, the son of Alva- rado and Orlinza ( Miller) Gununere, worthy pio- neer folks now living in comfortable retirement at Creston, lowa.

Having disposed successfully of the work required by the grammar and high school courses, William Gummere accepted employment in a furniture store in lowa, where he remained until 1905, when he came out to California and settled at Stockton for two years. He then went into San Francisco, where the John Breuner Company were glad to avail them- selves of his experience. in their furniture depart- ment; and he became their huyer, making trips East, and remained with them until 1915. In that year, he came to Sacramento and established himself in busi- ness; but at the end of the year he took charge of the furniture department of the Economy Store, re- maining with that concern until June, 1919, when he formed his present partnership with Ord L. Leach- man, now senior member of the firm. Mr. Gummere has charge of the store, and much of the business extending over the state.

In national politics preferring the platforms of the Republican party, but a non-partisan booster in local issues where it is necessary for citizens and neigh- bors to stand together, Mr. Gummere is glad to throw off the cares of business, and get away to the unrestrained outdoor life, where he can indulge in fishing.

JACK JOSEPH MESSNER .- The model livery, for which Sacramento, despite the development of the automobile, is still noted, is well illustrated in the livery and sales stables of Jack Joseph Messner, a native son, who was born at Sacramento, so that he has always been infused with the progressive capital spirit. On February 20. 1889, he entered the family circle of Edward George and Katherine (Phillips) Messner, and grew up under the guidance of a father of such principles and character that he was for forty years the trusted assistant to Weinstock, Lubin & Company, closing a very useful and honorable ca- reer in 1921. He contracted delivery and was also in the transfer business. Mrs. Messner is still living, es- teemed by all who kuow her.

Jack Joseph Messner attended the Christian Brothers College, from which he was duly graduated, going out into the world with a preparation such as any young man might covet; and then he engaged in the livery business, starting with several advan- tages. He studied the needs of his customers from every angle, and not only made it his ambition to be ready for emergencies, but tried to anticipate his patrons' wants; and now he has fifteen head of horses, to hire, and considerable live-stock. He is naturally fond of horses, and he is inclined toward outdoor sport generally; and loving Nature, and the many advantages of this most favored section of the

great Golden State, he is decidedly public-spirited, and ready at all times, in every way, to boost for the city and county in which he lives, operates and pros- pers. He owns his father's old home, where he was born and raised, and here he has livery and boarding stables.

Mr. Messner was married in 1911, to Miss Alice Bastian, a native daughter and a member of an old California family; and they have four children, Jack, Loraine, Joe and June. He belongs to the Sacra- mento Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West; and as a practical Catholic, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, of the third degree.

CAPT. MARSHALL CIFUENTES .- A prom- inent, popular, and successful citizen, Captain Mar- shall Cifuentes may well be numbered among the representative native sons of the Golden State. He was born at Oak Park, a suburb of Sacramento, on June 30, 1894, the son of Gregory and Frances ( Her- rara) Cifuentes. His maternal Grandfather Antonio Herrara was born in Valparaiso, Chile, and came to San Francisco in 1849. He followed the mines, later returning to Sacramento, and spent many years in the employ of the city and died aged eighty-six years. The Cifuentes family were an old family of Valparaiso and were sea-faring men. In that city Gregory Cifu- entes was born and when eighteen he came to San Francisco. He followed the mines and was employed by the Sacramento Transportation Company for forty years, was a barge pilot, and is still active in that capacity. He and his wife reside at 312 O Street. Marshall's brother, Fernando Gregory, is a pilot.

Marshall Cifuentes was educated in the public schools of Sacramento. He was employed for three years hy the Sperry Flour Company and for two years by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He first started to work on the river as a deck hand; but since 1915, he has been with the Sacramento Naviga- tion Company. Through perseverance and hard work he received his captain papers in 1920. In Sacra- mento on February 7, 1921, he was united in marriage with Miss Eva Hart, a native daughter of Eldorado County, Cal. Her parents are numbered among the old-timers of California. Mr. Cifuentes is a strict adherent of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow and a member of the National Mates and Pilots' Association of America. His interest in the progress and prosperity of Sacramento is mani- fested by his support of all measures for the advance- ment of the city.

JOHN T. WILCOX .- A business man who has done much toward the economic organization and the development of the facilities for meeting the ever- varying, fast-increasing demands of the motoring public, is John T. Wilcox, the president of the Auto- Parts Exchange at 1901 J Street. Sacramento, an establishment which motorists both in the city and the county of Sacramento have come to look upon with the friendliest and the most grateful of feelings, for it has proven of the greatest public service. Mr. Wilcox was born on the Atlantic Ocean, on Janu- ary 9, 1879. His parents, who came from England. were honored pioneers, R. H. and. Emily Louise (Gunstone) Wilcox, the former now deceased, while the devoted wife and mother is still living.

John T. Wilcox attended the public schools as long as he could be spared, until he began to make

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

his own way by work in the mines. He came to Sacramento, in 1912, and here he engaged in auto-wrecking; and in 1915 he and W. Q. O'Neall incorporated their company, under the name of "Auto-Parts Exchange," the foundation of Mr. Wil- cox's present business. Since then he has made this kind of work his exclusive business, specializing in taking automobiles to pieces and in selling reliable parts. The firm employ nine men, and their mail- order business alone would prove alluring to any modest shop of the kind. They fill orders for cus- tomers as remote as in Nevada and Southern Ore- gon, and Northern California looks to the Auto-Parts Exchange for the best of all that is needed. Mr. Wilcox belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and never fails to back up that excellent organization so vital to Sacramento and vicinity.

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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 145

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