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 155

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 155

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).

In Sacramento Mr. Stackpoole was united in mar- riage with Miss Edna Honold, a native daughter of California, born in Forest City, Sierra County, this state, and they are the parents of two children, Alden and Thelma. Mr. Stackpoole gives his allegiance to the Republican party and fraternally belongs to the Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks.

HAL E. WILLIS .- Sound judgment, combined with fine business ability, has enabled Hal E. Willis, the well-known general agent of the San Francisco- Sacramento Electric Railroad, to obtain a substantial success in life. He is one of California's native sons, born in San Francisco, March 26, 1886, a son of C. H. and Florence M. (Church) Willis. At the usual school age, he entered the grammar schools of San Francisco; later, when the family removed to Berke- ley, he was graduated from the Berkeley high school. Immediately following his graduation he became an employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and was put to work in the general office of the com- pany; in 1906 he resigned his position of traveling auditor of the company and became traveling auditor with the Northern Electric Company; later he was made chief clerk of the traffic department; in 1908 he was auditor of freight and passenger accounts of the Central California Traction Company In 1911 he removed to Verdi, Nev., where he became traffic and sales manager with the Verdi Lumber Company, remaining in that postion until 1916, when he re- turned to San Francisco and became traveling freight and passenger agent for the San Francisco-Sacra- mento Electric Railroad; later he was promoted to his present position of general agent of the company with headquarters at Sacramento.

Mr. Willis was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary C. (Hollihan) Powers, a native of San Francisco, and they are the parents of one son, Charles H. Mr. Willis believes in the principles of the Republican party and thus casts his vote. He is associated fra- ternally with the B. P. O. Elks and locally supports the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.

GUNERIUS T. LUNDLEE .- An interesting fig- ure in the northern California motor world is Gun- erius T. Lundlee, who was born in the far-away Scandinavian peninsula, in Norway, on May 12, 1882, the son of T. E. and Mary Lundlee, worthy farmer folks who believed in hard, honest labor. When our subject was one year old, in 1883, his parents crossed the Atlantic to the United States and, pushing on westward, settled in Iowa.

Gunerius Lundlee started right by attending the public schools, and when he grew up, his ambition to make the most of himself was reflected in his attendance and work at the university at Valparaiso. He took up engineering, then engaged in electrical work, and in 1913 established himself in business at Tonapah, Nev, where he remained for six years. In 1919, he established his present concern, the G. T. Lundlee Company, an electric service station, in which he has been very successful.

At Tonopah, Nev., in 1905, Mr. Lundlce was mar- ried to Miss Pearl Cross, who was born in Chicago. Ill., the daughter of Charles Cross, of Chicago. They have had several children: Gunerius, Ivy, Vivian, and Karl Kelvin. Mr. Lundlee has seen military serv- ice, as a volunteer to the Philippine Islands. He joined Company F of the 35th United States Volun- teer Regiment, became corporal, and served his coun- try for two years. A Democrat in his preference for political parties and platforms, he is public-spirited and ever ready to "boost" the city and the county in which he lives and prospers. He is an Elk and a member of the Rotary Club.

997

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

WALTER DANIEL TOOMEY .- In various ways Walter Daniel Toomey has given his support to the development and progress of the city of Sacramento and for the past twenty-five years has been identified with the city water works. His birth occurred in the house in which he now resides, at 1226 H Street, Sac- ramento, Cal., June 1, 1874, a son of John F. and Mary (White) Toomey. John F. Toomey was reared in Albany, N. Y., and came to San Francisco, Cal., in 1860 via Panama. Four years later he located in Sacramento, where he operated a line of carriages for hire, for thirty years. He married, in San Fran- cisco, Miss White, who was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., and came to California in 1864. Mr. Toomey built the family home at 1226 H Street where our subject still makes his home; he passed away in 1919, his wife having preceded him in 1913.

Walter Daniel Toomey attended the public schools of Sacramento. Then he was with the Southern Pa- cific Railroad Company for two years, and twenty- five years ago he entered the employ of the city water works and has continued ever since In 1917 he became assistant engineer of the city water works, a position he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of all. Mr. Toomey fraternally is affiliated with Sac- ramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W.

ROBERT L. PROTZMAN .- The name of Robert L. Protzman adds another to the list of Sacramento County's successful men whose splendid results were attained by intelligence, industry and perseverance in combating discouragement and overcoming diffi- culties. He was born in Morgantown, W. Va .. Feb- ruary 6, 1885, the son of S. H. and Minnie V. (Jack- son) Protzman. His father, who was a successful educator as well as a salesman, died in Virginia, be- ing survived by his widow and six children.

Robert L. Protzman is the second oldest and was educated in the public schools. He worked at various trades until he went to Seattle. Wash, in 1907, where he learned the engraving business. For three years he worked steadily, thoroughly learning the engraver's trade, so that he is now, without doubt, one of the most thorough men in the steel and copper-plate en- graving business. In 1911. he came to Sacramento. On September 5. 1917, he enlisted in the 363rd In- fantry. 91st Division. His regiment was soon sent overseas, and for nine months he fought on the battle- fields of France. He was in the St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne and defensive sector drives, and was seriously injured in the Battle of the Argonne For- est. He was sent to the hospital at the famous springs of Vichy, where he recovered. He returned to his regiment. serving until after the armistice, when he returned to California and was mustered out at the Presidio on April 24, 1919. He received the Victory Medal, with three battle-bars. He came back to Sacramento, where he established his business as a die embosser and a steel and copper-plate engraver, being located at 10191/2 J Street.

In Sacramento, on September 1, 1921, Mr. Protz- man married Miss Nell Dingle, a native of Nevada. but who was reared and educated in Sacramento. Mr. Protzman is independent in national politics, pre- ferring to vote for man and principle rather than be bound by party. He is very fond of outdoor sports. especially fishing, and takes keen pleasure in hunt- ing, inasmuch as he is a good rifle shot. He is a . troduced, so that the prestige of the company's mere member of the Kiwanis Club.

HENRY SCHAEFER .- Business enterprise and progressiveness find manifest expression in the career of Henry Schaefer, the successful proprietor of the Vienna Bakery. He grew up in his native country of Germany practically self-trained and has been self- reliant and able to do for himself since his four- teenth year. His birth occurred in Germany, Janu- ary 27, 1874, a son of August and Philipena Schaefer, and both parents were deceased when Henry was a lad of fourteen years. Previous to coming to the United States, he had spent three years learning the baker's trade in Germany: and when he was left an orphan he came to the United States and direct to Nevada, where he lived with an aunt for three years; then he removed to San Francisco, where he worked for four years in a bakery, receiving five dollars a week for his services. His uncle in Nevada having died, he returned to Nevada and took charge of his aunt's ranch, which he operated for four years; dur- ing this time he had saved some money and return- ing to San Francisco, he went to work in a bakery for a year in order to become more proficient at the business, then removed to Santa Rosa and bought a bakery business which he he'd for only ten weeks and sold to good advantage. He next pur- chased business in Woodland which he operated for four years, when he sold it and removed to Sacra- mento. On September 15, 1908, he purchased the Vienna Bakery and Restaurant, which he has built up to the largest business in this line in the city.

The first marriage of Mr. Schaefer occurred in Woodland on March 4, 1909, and united him with Miss Lucy Dole, a native daughter of California; she died October 4, 1913. Subsequently, on Decem- ber 28, 1920, Mr. Schaefer was married to Miss Erma Wingard, a native daughter of Sacramento. and they are the parents of one daughter, Carolyn. Mr. Schaefer is a Republican in politics, and frater- nal'y he is affiliated with the Masons and Elks of Sacramento, and locally gives his support to the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchants" Association.

CAPITAL CANDY & CRACKER COMPANY .- Every city boasts of a number of well-established concerns more or less representative of the ideals and animating spirit of their municipality; and well may Sacramento take pride in such enterprising houses as the Capital Candy & Cracker Company, whose en- ergetic manager is George C. Sherman. In 1902 this company bought out Messrs. H. Fisher & Company, first located at 508-10 J Street, in 1907 moving to its present location, where fire destroyed the building in 1919. When they rebuilt, they erected a structure 160 by 170 feet in size, and also purchased the very latest machinery obtainable, and now, without exag- geration, the Capital Candy & Cracker Company has the best-equipped plant of its kind in the state.

The demand for their goods is constantly increas- ing, and yet they have thus far, despite this flattering patronage, been able to make all the goods required for their enviable trade. They employ 150 people and eleven salesmen, and it cannot be long before this staff must be considerably increased in number. Each employee is an expert in his or her line: the most scientific and artistic methods are followed, and new products. original with themselves, are constantly in- name and imprint sells the products.

998

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Mr. Sherman, the popular manager, is a native son, and was born in Nevada County, in 1868, although he was educated in Sacramento. As a youth he got into the candy and cracker trade, and for a while he was with the Fisher . Company; and when the new com- pany bought out the Fisher interests, he joined their successors. Commencing with a very modest plant, Mr. Sherman has been able to develop the factory into the largest, best-appointed, best-maintained and only steam plant in northern California.

CHESTER M. HOFFMAN .- The name of Ches- ter M. Hoffman, owner and proprietor of the Sacra- mento Rug Works, stands for a public-spirited busi- ness man; his enterprise and energy have brought him a liberal degree of success and his pride and interest are centered in Sacramento. He was born near Quincy, in Adams County, Ill., December 29, 1882, a son of Marcus O. and Mary V. (Hughes) Hoffman. His father was a merchant in that county and later moved to Dodge City, Kans., where the father died; the mother still resides here.

The public schools of Illinois afforded Chester M. Hoffman a good education; and after completing his school work, he came to California when nineteen years of age, locating in Sacramento in 1902, where he was engaged in clerical work, which he followed for twelve years. He then established himself in the candy business at 1128 Tenth Street, as Hoffman's Candy Store, continuing until in 1916, when he estab- lished his present business, the only one of its kind in the city. By strict attention to his line, he has built up a good clientele. The Sacramento Rug Works are located at 815 W Street, where Mr. Hoffman erected his own two-story building, equipped with looms and machinery for manufacturing fluff rugs.

Mr. Hoffman was married in Sacramento, October 21, 1906, to Miss Adeline Cecchettini, who was born in Sacramento, a daughter of Mose and Esther Cec- chettini, early settlers of Sacramento. The father was one of the old business men here and is now re- tired. Fraternally, Mr. Hoffman belongs to the Eagles.

WILLIAM E. TRAVIS .- A wide-awake business man of Sacramento, who prides himself on keeping not only abreast of, but somewhat in advance of the growth and development of the capital city and its environs, is William E. Travis, the proprietor of the Western Transfer Company, one of the most popular agencies for the convenience of the traveling and negotiating public. He is a Hawkeye, and was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, on October 11, 1860, the son of Zebulon and Minerva (Griggs) Travis, estim- able folks now deceased and at rest from their labors.

Contenting himself with the usual grammar school advantages of his native district, William E. Travis farmed for some years in Nebraska, raising corn, but in 1891 came out to California, and at Sacramento found a chance to work at trucking for Mr. Christie. After that, for eleven years he drove a truck for the Wood-Curtis Company; and in 1908 he bought out the Western Transfer Company, and now is assisted by his son, Arthur, who is also a member of the new firm. They have an office at 920 Ninth Street, and warehouses at Twenty-ninth and J Streets, and keep three trucks busy all the time, and sometimes need another. In 1923 they started the first sight-secing bus in Sacramento, and have arranged an interesting

trip to different places of interest in Sacramento and environs. The bus has a capacity of thirty passengers, Mr. Travis supports the best movements for the bet- terment of the community and he holds himself inde- pendent of mere party ties and obligations, and is therefore able to exert a stronger and a better in- fluence.

Mr. Travis was married in Nebraska, to Miss Jen- nie Wyant, of New York, and they have been blessed with four children. Arthur is the eldest; Ernest died at the age of nineteen, a promising young man; and Edith and Eleanor are the daughters. Arthur served in the aviation corps of the United States army dur- ing the World War; and having done his duty there. returned to Sacramento. Mr. Travis is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Retail Merchants' As- sociation. He is a baseball fan, and is fond of horse- racing.

FREDERICK HORRELL .- An enterprising mer- chant whose far-sightedness is favored by an invalu- able experience, enabling him to build for himself, meet competitors, and point the way large-heart- edly to others who would follow in the development of California commerce, is Frederick Horrell, the wide-awake dealer in fuel at 2950 First Avenue, Sac- ramento. A native Briton, he was born at Liskeard, in Cornwall, on August 25, 1868. His parents were Thomas and Betsy (Hocking) Horrell. They were worthy farmer folk, and did their part, in their day and generation, to make the world better for their having lived here; and now, with the respectful re- gard of all who knew them, they rest from their long labors.

Fred Horrell got all he could from the excellent local schools in Cornwall, and then pursued farming until, at the age of seventeen, he came to the United States. In 1885, he moved westward to Michigan, and for a while took to mining work in Menominee County; and coming on to Arizona in 1889, he con- tinued mining in the vicinity of Prescott. In the spring of 1890 he first came to California, locating in Nevada County, and engaged in mining in Grass Valley. He also mined in Placer County, continuing till 1894, when he went to British Columbia, mining at Rossland for two years. Then he returned to Cal- ifornia, again locating at Grass Valley; but a year later he was again on the move, always looking for something better ahead. He then went to Goldfield. Nev., in the early days, and mined there for two years; and from there went to the Utah copper mines at Copper Mountain, leasing and mining, meeting with success. When he had cleaned up, he returned to Grass Valley and followed mining in that vicinity until he decided to locate in Sacramento in July, 1915. Two years later, he established his present business, for which he wisely saw a need, and having so or- ganized it, and so stocked up that he could render the best of service to the community, he has done well ever since he opened business. He has a large warehouse and yard room at 2950 First Avenue and now employs five men in the regular season. Pros- pering as he has, through the generous response of the appreciating public, it is not surprising that he is one of the most enthusiastic boosters for Sacramento County, deeply interested in its historic past, and ready to help make for it a glorious future.

In the year 1900, Mr. Horrell was married at Grass Valley to Miss Lizzie Berryman, a native daughter of

999

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Grass Valley; and their union has been blessed with the birth of two daughters and three sons: Evelyn, now Mrs. Harold Reynolds: Leland T., Clifton Fred, and Richard Elmer; and the youngest child, Cather- ine Elizabeth. Mr. Horrell is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the Sons of St. George, in each of which organizations he enjoys an enviable popularity.

JOSEPH GWERDER .- Among the ranchers of the Grand Island district is Joseph Gwerder, who was born in Schwyz, Switzerland, in June, 1857, a son of Frank and Marian (Wigat) Gwerder. When he was nineteen years of age he made his way to France, where he remained until 1886, and then came to San Francisco, Cal. The years from 1888 to 1891 were spent in Washoe Valley, Nev., and he then came to Tyler Island and leased a farm; and there he was married, on November 28, 1892, to Marie Senn, also born in Schwyz, a daughter of Frank and Regina ( Huble) Senn. She came to California in 1891. In 1896 they leased a 600-acre ranch at Walker's Land- ing on Grand Island, which he still operates. He has been successful and has purchased ranches from time to time until he owns in all 5931/2 acres, where he has planted an eighty-acre pear orchard. He leases other land, so that he operates in all 1,40512 acres, devoted to raising asparagus and general farming. He is a member of the California Asparagus Growers' Asso- ciation.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gwerder, six of whom are living: Marie, Mrs. Albert Hollenbeck: Anna, Mrs. Fisher; Frank C .; Mar- garet: William; and Josephine.

CHARLES H. LEMERY .- Charles H. Lemery was born September 14, 1890, at Oakland, the son of Charles H. and Lucy (Harkness) Lemery. He at- tended the public schools of Sacramento and when he was seventeen years old in 1907, he went to work for the Bowman Carriage Company and with them learned the blacksmith and carriage-maker's trade as well as body building, and carriage and automobile painting; and he has remained there ever since. In 1917, he became manager of the shop, and in 1919 became a member of the firm. In 1921 they built their new plant at Twelfth and B Streets, a large brick building eighty by one hundred sixty feet, and here they handle all kinds of automobile work, body building and top manufacturing, and employ about twenty-five men. They have manufactured ninety per cent of all the motor stages owned and operated out of Sacramento by the different stage and motor transit companies.

Charles H. Lemery served his country in the late World War. In June, 1918, he enlisted in the aviation section, U. S. army, and was placed in charge of the blacksmith department at Mather Field, Sacramento, serving for a period of nine months, when he was hon- orably discharged. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mary Avery, of Sacramento, on Sep- tember 24, 1915. He is very fond of the great out-of- doors and is especially interested in hunting and fish- ing. Mr. Lemery is a member of the Chamber of Commerce; he is thoroughly honorable in all his dealings, being enterprising and public-spirited, and as au esteemed citizen has made and retained many friends.

HENRY HEBER .- Far-sighted and optimistic the- ater directors, who thoroughly understand what the patrons of the moving picture shows wish for their entertainment and edification, and expect for their money, are Emil and Henry Heber, the proprietors of the Sequoia and Majestic Theaters, in Sacramento. Good fortune,-for the capital city as well as for . themselves,-brought them to Sacramento in 1917, and what was the latter's gain was Oakland's loss.

The junior member of the firm, Henry Heber, was born in New York City on July 27, 1894, the son of Emil and Catherine (Barteles) Heber, and there went to school. In 1912, in spite of the many attrac- tions of the East, Mr. Heber came to California; and having gotten into the moving picture business when he was only twelve years of age, he brought with him an expert knowledge that soon made it possible for him to estimate the future prospects of California as a moving picture public. He went to Oakland to engage in the theater business, but in 1916 Sacra- mento began to bid high for his service, and having sold out his Oakland interests, with his father as a partner he bought the Majestic. He did so well that in 1921 he also took over the Sequoia Theatre. Henry Heber is a Republican in respect to his national polit- ical preferences, but that never interferes with either his whole-hearted boosting, in true non-partisan fash- ion, for the best men and the best measures in local affairs, and for Sacramento City and County. It is his aim to maintain the highest standard possible in theater management.

In the year 1916, Mr. Heber was married at San Jose to Miss Alice Adshead, a native of Old England; and their fortunate union has been blessed with the birth of two children, daughters bearing the names of Helen and Catherine. Mr. Heber is fond of most sports, and he is particularly enthusiastic about base- ball and boxing, having once enjoyed some reputation as a twisting pitcher.

THOMAS K. CLIFTON .- A well-known and popular merchant tailor of Sacramento, is Thomas K. Clifton, who is familiarly known as Tommy Clifton and is the owner of the Tommy Clifton tailor estab- lishment, located at 1009 Eighth Street, Sacramento. His birth occurred at old Washington, now Broder- ick, in Yolo County, just across the river from Sacra- mento, March 30, 1883, a son of James L. and Mary (Norcross) Clifton. James L. Clifton and his wife came to California in the early sixties and for many years James L. Clifton was employed in the shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Sacra- mento, until he was retired with a pension. There were ten children born to this pioneer couple, of whom Thomas K. is the third oldest. He attended grammar school in old Washington; and self-study,

reading and the school of experience afforded him a general fund of knowledge that has proved of great value in his career. He learned the machinist's trade while still in his teens and eight years were occupied at this trade with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He then spent one year with the Capital City tailors as a salesman, and in 1908 engaged in business for him- self. He began on a small scale but was very suc- cessful, gradually increasing his business until now he has one of the largest in his line in Sacramento. It is the consensus of opinion that he is the largest advertiser of any tailoring establishment in the city. He carries a large line of suit length samples in the

1000

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

latest seasonable patterns. Of a pleasing personality and great affability, he is very successful, and he employs several people to assist him in caring for his growing business.

Mr. Clifton was united in marriage in Sacramento with Mrs. Pearl (Southmayd) McMurray, a native of Oregon. During 1920 Mr. Clifton served as secre- tary of the Eagles Lodge of Sacramento. He is a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants' Association and Retailers' Credit Association. Mr Clifton possesses a very pleasing baritone voice and is very fond of music and musical associations. He frequently favors Sacramento audiences with his ren- dition of the latest songs and particularly Irish songs, in which he excels. He is an ardent baseball fan, for in former days he played semi-professional base- ball, his place on the team being shortstop. Out- door sports appeal to him and he enjoys the moun- tains and fields, delighting in hunting and fishing

JOHN J. BAUER .- One of the well-known attor- neys of Sacramento, John J. Bauer, is a native son of the county and the son of John J. and Jennie ( France) Bauer; the father was born near Bellefort, Alsace, France, August 8, 1837, the son of Michael and Maria (Weir) Bauer. The family came to the United States in 1846, spent six months in Texas and then located in St. Louis, where the parents died, Michael, on July 5, 1864, and Maria, in 1858. John J., the second, was educated in St. Louis and received a fine musical training, and in 1854 he came to California with a brother, who was also a musician, coming by way of the Isthmus on the "John L. Stephens," and landing at San Francisco on April 2 of that year. July 12. 1854, he came to Sacramento and with the Herget Bros. engaged in fishing on the river, continuing this occupation until 1859. That year he became a part- ner with J. T. Mier in a grocery store on Front Street, continuing with him until 1872, after which Mr. Bauer carried on the business alone for one year and then sold out.

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.

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 155

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