History of Santa Clara 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, Part 113

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846-
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1928

USA > California > Santa Clara County > History of Santa Clara 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 > Part 113

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For over sixty years Mr. Leiter has been a con- sistent and active member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and for twenty-nine years was the effi- cient superintendent of the Sunday school of the Methodist Church in Kewanna; for nineteen years he was the teacher of the adult Bible class and has served as a member of the official board for thirty-

seven years. Perhaps his most outstanding activity was in connection with the College of the Pacific, being elected treasurer of that institution twenty-five years ago. Owing to his careful and conservative handling of the funds of the college, a large debt was cancelled, many buildings and general improve- ments have been made, and the endowment increased some $300,000. During 1920 five trustees were re- elected who had served on the board twenty years before, among them being Mr. Leiter. At one time, he was voted a salary of $25 per month, but de- clined it and never drew a single month's salary.

Mrs. Leiter was a charming woman of attractive and pleasing personality and joined her husband in his business, social and religious activities. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from the time of their marriage until her death. Unfortunately Mr. Leiter was bereaved of his faithful wife and life companion, who passed away in February, 1917, mourned by her many friends.

In his political affiliations Mr. Leiter is an inde- pendent, always voting for the clean, temperance man. He is an ardent admirer of the beauties and oppor- tunities of Santa Clara County, and gives freely of his time and means in the support of worthy measures looking to the improvement and advancement of the community, which has been his home for so many years. He is a highly honored and respected citizen and well deserves the esteem conferred upon him by a large circle of admiring friends and acquaintances.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIA- TION .- Forty-eight years ago the publishing work of the Seventh-Day Adventists was started on the Pacific Coast. It was then that their pioneer mis- sionary paper was established-the "Signs of the Times"-the first issue bearing date of June 4, 1874. The type was set in rented rooms in a building at the corner of Twelfth and Broadway, Oakland, Cal. After the type was set and made up into pages, the forms were sent to a near-by printing office, where the presswork was done. The papers were then brought back to the office, where they were wrapped and addressed, and then taken to the post office in a wheelbarrow. From this small beginning the work has continued to grow, until now it is one of the most complete publishing houses west of Chicago, using nearly fifty car loads of paper every year.

During the first twenty-five years of the work of this company, a large amount of commercial print- ing was done, in addition to the regular denomina- tional publications. As the years passed by it became very evident that this commercial work was interfer- ing to a great extent with the denominational busi- ness. At the meeting of the stockholders held in Oakland, April 28, 1902, this matter was carefully considered and a resolution adopted instructing the board of directors to curtail the commercial work, to sell the real estate in Oakland, and to move the plant to some rural place, away from the noise and confu- sion of the city, and where the surroundings would be more congenial to its employees.

In harmony with this resolution, and after thor- ough investigation, it was decided to locate at Moun- tain View, Cal. Five acres of land was donated by the citizens, and a fine large brick factory erected, about 175 feet square, and in the year 1904 the whole plant was moved from Oakland to Mountain View. It was a tremendous undertaking, and the move

Cher & Mere. J. Leiter

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

was made at great expense. Just as the plant at Mountain View was getting in good running order, the great earthquake of April 18, 1906, came. The brick walls on two sides of the factory were thrown down, but the roof was left intact and the machinery unharmed. Temporary walls were erected, so that within a few hours business was being carried on about the same as usual.

On July 20, 1906, the entire plant, including build- ing, machinery, books, etc., was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of about $200,000. On September 10, 1906, a meeting of the stockholders was held, and by an unanimous vote, it was decided to rebuild the factory on the old foundations, at once. At a meet- ing of the board of directors held soon after the fire, the following resolution was adopted:

"Whereas, Giving the last threefold message to the world demands the best energies and the undivided attention of God's people, more espe- cially of those engaged in its organized work; and

"Whereas, This office was established for the purpose of giving this message to the world; and

"Whereas, Whatever may have been expedient in the past, the time now demands that all the facilities of the office, and the talents, energies, and ability of its employees, be devoted solely to the work for which the institution was estab- lished; therefore, be it

"Resolved, That henceforth commercial work shall be eliminated from the office of the Pacific Press, and that by commercial work shall be understood all work outside the regular organ- ized work of the message, and such work as shall not be approved by the Publishing Committee of the institution."

As the years have passed, this resolution has been strictly adhered to. Not one job of commercial printing has been taken into the office of the Pacific Press since the fire, and the institution has had greater prosperity than ever before in all its history. The well-equipped factory embraces the following: Three modern linotype machines, five cylinder presses, three job presses, a complete electrotype foundry, a splendidly equipped book bindery, with ihree book sewing machines, three folding machines, two embossing presses, a well-equipped photo- engraving department. All machines are run by electric motors. The field assigned to the Pacific Press Publishing Association for the sale of sub- scription books includes the territory west of the Mississippi River, except the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Texas. The total popu- lation of the above-named territory is about

$20,000,000. The volume of business in 1920 amounted to $1,500,000. The plant employs some 200 men and women. The following periodicals are published:

the "Signs of the Times," a weekly paper with a circulation of 50,000; the weekly children's paper called "Our Little Friend," with a circulation of 30,000 copies; and the Sabbath School Lesson Quar- terly, with a circulation of 100,000. Besides these periodicals, thousands

tracts and pamphlets are published every year.

of books,

In addition to the main plant at Mountain View, the Pacific Press Publishing Association operates six

branch offices and depositories, as follows: North- western branch at Portland, Ore .; Northern branchi at St. Paul, Minn .; International branch at Brook- field, Ill., twelve miles from Chicago (this branch has a well-equipped factory, printing books and periodicals in twenty-seven different languages, which are sold and distributed in the Orient, Central and South America, Siberia, Russia and many other countries); Central branch at Kansas City, Mo .; Central-American branch at Cristobal, Canal Zone (this branch also has a well-equipped factory, print- ing in Spanish language); Pacific branch at Moun- tain View, Cal., independent from the main plant.

The total investment of the main office and the six branches is nearly $1,000,000.00, and about 200 per- sons are employed, most of whom own homes in the vicinity of the factory. Mr. C. H. Jones is the gen- eral manager of this extensive plant which is the principal industrial factor at Mountain View. When running full capacity, one car load of printing paper is used weekly. The best of up-to-date systems and methods in book production are employed. They furnish first aid for employees, a swimming pool, recreation and tennis grounds, an excellent cafeteria (vegetarian) where the best of well-cooked food is served at reasonable prices. Electric power is used mainly, but a Corliss steam engine is kept in re- serve for emergencies. There is an able corps of writers, editors and business auditors. They have excellent artists and are prepared for printing color work and artistic cover designs. After all is said the material part of this great publishing house is the least, and the moral and religious influence in the community cannot be estimated. The Seventh- Day Adventists are great students of the Bible and adhere in keeping the original Sabbath.

C. H. JONES .- The general manager of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View. C. H. Jones was born at Warner, N. H., December 12, 1850, the son of Enos and Rozora (Harriman) Jones. The mother was related to the war gov- ernor of New Hampshire, Col. Walter Harriman. Both parents were natives of that state, and eight children were born to them, the subject of this sketch being the fourth child. C. H. Jones obtained his education in the public schools of New Hamp- shire and then learned the printer's trade at the state printing office at Manchester, N. H. During the year of 1867 he removed to Michigan and for eight years worked for the Review and Herald Pub- lishing Association at Battle Creek, which was later removed to Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. By efficient and conscientious effort he was advanced to the position of foreman of the composing room. In 1879 he removed to Oakland, Cal., and for three years served as superintendent of the plant of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, and was then elected manager. The business grew to such pro- portions that it was found necessary to remove to 2 rural district in order to have room for the con- templated enlarged facilities for taking care of the immense business of the concern and Mountain View was selected for the establishment of the plant.

Mr. Jones' marriage occurred in Battle Creek, Mich., and united him with Miss Josephine Emerson Lunt, a relative of the noted author, Ralph Waldo Emerson. They are the parents of three children,

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

two of whom are living. Dr. William Harriman Jones, a resident of Long Beach, Cal .; Charles Floyd Jones, assistant manager of the book department of the Pacific Press Publishing Association; Evelena passed away in Oakland at the age of thirteen years. Mr. Jones enjoys that distinction which arises from great goodness of heart exercised along helpful and constructive lines, and from that breadth of mind which retains belief in the grace of human nature.

GEORGE J. HAUN .- Among the interesting and highly-esteemed pioneers of Saratoga must be num- bered George J. Haun, a native of this place, then named Toll Gate, where he was born May 5, 1855, a son of William and Levina ( Whisman) Haun. William Haun settled in Santa Clara County as early as 1846 and was engaged in farming before settling at Toll Gate in 1853. Mr. Haun built the first and only flour mill in Saratoga, afterwards the name was changed to McCartysville and still later to Saratoga, which he later disposed of to Senator McClay, and iater engaged in the general grocery business. In the very early pioneer days he served as deputy sheriff of Santa Clara County. Both parents have passed away.

George J. Haun received the best of educational instruction in the local schools and later at Wash- ington College in Alameda County. After complet- ing his schooling he engaged in teaming and was rural mail carrier for a number of years. He is now serving his second term as justice of the peace of Saratoga and for the past five years has been en- gaged in the real estate and insurance business. He has also been postmaster of Saratoga for five years and carried over during the Wilson administration. As a Republican he has sought to elevate civic life standards; he is particularly interested in the growth and prosperity of his local community and spares neither time nor incans to aid its progress.

JOSEPH M. BELLEW .- A rancher whose varied and valuable experience, and whose pro- nounced success have enabled him, so much the better, to serve his fellow-citizens in an important public trust, is Joseph M. Bellew, the efficient, just and popular justice of the peace at Milpitas and owner of some 200 acres as fine as can be found anywhere in Santa Clara County. He is particu- larly fitted for the discharge of the responsibility just referred to, for he is not only a native son, but a native of Milpitas, and so from birth has been identified with the community in which he lives and presides. He was born into the family of Michael and Elizabeth F. (Kinney) Bellew on March 1, 1872, the son of a native of Ireland who came to California in far-away 1872, making his way west- ward via the Panama route. He was not long in choosing Milpitas as the most promising spot in the Santa Clara Valley, and as a practical, progressive farmer he acquired about 800 acres of land, which he devoted to the raising of grain, the cultivation of fruit, and the management of a first-class, sanitary dairy. The worthy couple had five children: Wil- liam Milpitas; John H., now deceased; Mary E., whose has become Mrs. Richard McCarthy of Wayne Station; Kate, now Mrs. L. E. Barber; and the subject of our review.

Joseph M. Bellew was sent to the district school at Milpitas, and growing up, remained with his

father on the home ranch, where he continued after the latter's death, in 1911, so that he was in charge of the farm when his mother breathed her last, in 1913. Now he has about 200 acres of the old Bellew ranch-150 acres of which are devoted to the grow- ing of beets, and 50 acres to pears and other fruit. The soil is well irrigated, and under the skillful work- ing of Mr. Bellew, yields generously.

Unlike his father, who was a stanch Democrat and a much-sought leader in the councils of that party, Judge Bellew is a Republican, and he has been the judge of the Justice Court of Milpitas Precinct since 1913, performing his duties with rare level- headedness and a desire to mete out a square deal to everybody. One result is, besides that of giving general satisfaction, that law and order have been preserved, and Milpitas kept a decent community in which to live. The judge is equally popular as an Elk, and belongs to Lodge No. 522.

EDMUND B. FARNEY .- An interesting repre- sentative of a fine old pioncer family is Edmund B. Harney, the peer rancher living on the Alviso-Milpitas Road, who was born on the old Farncy Ranch, at Coyote, in Santa Clara County, on February 14, 1862. His father was James Farney, and he did so much to open the road to civilization and to lay the founda- tions in Santa Clara County of many of the good things inherited and enjoyed by the present genera- tion. In this path-breaking, home-building work, he was ably assisted by his accomplished and devoted wife, who was Miss Mary Burke before her mar- riage. They were both natives of Ireland, who came to California in the early '50s, and settled in Santa Clara County about 1859. James Farney formed a partnership with a Mr. Fox, and at a point about three miles north of San Jose, they established one of the first nurseries in the county. Mr. Farney died in 1895, and his faithful wife breathed her last about 1901. They had ten children, and five of them are still living, all residents of Santa Clara County.

Edmund attended the Alviso school, and later pur- sted courses at the Garden City Business College, located where the Farmers Union Building now stands. Still later, he attended the Napa College, at Napa. Then, having successfully finished his studies, he returned to the farm, where he worked until he was twenty-one years of age. He next took up up- bolstering, and for a short time worked at the furni- ture-making trade at Merced and San Francisco.

In 1895 the father deeded the home ranch of 96 acres jointly to Edmund B. Farney and two of his sisters, one of whom died in 1921. This ranch is de- voted to the raising of pears, and such is the quality of the fruit produced there that both ranch and ranch owner are entitled to the highest credit in local agricultural accomplishment. At present, Mr. Far- ney is leasing out his famous ranch to others, who are fortunate in working one of the trimmest farms hereabouts. Mr. Farney is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, devotes himself from time to time to the great work of elevating the standard of Amer- ican citizenship-which standard, by-the-way, and doubtless because of the character of such residents as our sturdy subject, seems higher in Santa Clara County than the average, if it be safe to make any such comparison affecting the patriotic clectors of the Golden State.

a. L. Erickson;

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ANDREW L. ERICKSON .- A first-class mc- chanic who has done much to bring the automo- bile industry in Santa Clara County to the fore, is Andrew L. Erickson, the proprietor of the well- equipped and well-managed Erickson Garage at Los Gatos, and the worthy representative of one of the oldest families in this section. A native son fully in accord with the spirit of progress of the Golden State, he was born at Santa Clara on March 23, 1878, the son of John Erickson, who came to Santa Clara County in 1875, soon established himself as the most expert wheelwright in Santa Clara County, and has been here ever since. He married Miss Wendla Nordstrom, a talented lady, who has proven the most devoted of wives and mothers. John Erickson as a boy rode on the Monitor on its trial trip in Sweden and knew John Erickson, the designer and builder. Mr. Erickson passed away December 1, 1921, seventy- seven years old, survived by his widow. This worthy pioneer couple had six children all living and a credit to the various communities where they reside. Charles J. of San Francisco; K. H. resides in Oak- land; Andrew L. our subject; Josephine, wife of Carl Fogerlund of Los Gatos; Hilma of San Fran- cisco; and Hulda makes her home with her mother.

Andrew went to the public schools of Los Gatos. to which town the family removed when he was one year old, and later pursued a business college course, graduating from the Garden City Business College in 1898. Then he learned his father's trade, and he also took a course to prepare himself for automobile repairing and construction. Inheriting from his father both original genius, the capacity for hard work and plenty of it, and the habit of never doing anything by halves, but to always deliver first- class work thoroughly done, Mr. Erickson has come to be known as an expert who may be depended upon for workmanship such as many people knew in the good old days, and customers come to him from both near and afar, filling full his interesting shop, where he established the business for himself in 1906. He has been more than successful in keep- ing pace with the marvelous development of the au- tomobile industry in general, and has come to en- joy an entirely satisfactory patronage.

In San Jose, in 1906 Mr. Erickson was married to Miss Bessie L. Gratz, of San Jose, a gifted lady, who is of much value to him in his ambitious plans. Mrs. Erickson was a graduate of the Modesto high school and of San Jose State Normal and was en- gaged in teaching until her marriage, which has been blessed with four children. Elizabeth is in the high school; A. L. Erickson, Jr .. and Luella are in the grammar school; and the youngest is Joseph Ewart Erickson. The family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Erickson is a Republican, and is now serving a four-year term as city trustee of Los Gatos. He has been a member of the Volunteer Fire Com- pany in Los Gatos for twenty-five years and was assistant chief of the department for ten years, so it is but natural he should be selected chairman of the fire and water committee. Mr. Erickson was made a Mason in Los Gatos Lodge No. 292, F. & A. M. and with his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. He is a member of Ridgely Lodge No. 294 I. O. O. F., in which he is past grand, and he and Mrs. Erickson are members of the Rebekahs. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen, the Royal 34

Neighbors and that enterprising organization, the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce.

JOHN C. SILLIMAN, M. D .- The theory that few, if any, men or women of marked attainment may hope to rise high or accomplish great things unless they have had, at one stage or another in the development of their ancestors, such forebears as could bequeath to them exceptional talent or strength, would seem to be substantiated in the case of Dr. John C. Silliman, the very successful and well- known physician and surgeon, who maintains a suite of offices at 201 University Realty Building, and is pleasantly domiciled at the corner of Bryant and Kingsley streets, in Palo Alto. He comes from sturdy ancestors of Scotch-Irish and north of Ire- land blood, firmly grounded in the Protestant faith, and for generations hin progenitors have been cul- tured, often college-bred folks. This branch of the Silliman family crossed the sea and then going down to South Carolina, they distinguished themselves both as planters and professional men.

The father of our subject, Dr. J. M. Silliman, was graduated from the Tulane University at New Or- leans, and in South Carolina was married to Miss Julia Chappel Coit, now deceased, an alumnus of Harmony College in South Carolina. She was a daugh- ter of the distinguished banker, John C. Coit, who won the enviable distinction of being the only banker. save one, namely, the State Bank of South Carolina, whose bank in that state remained solvent during the War of the Rebellion. He was a native of Massachusetts, and graduated at Yale, after which he went down to South Carolina, engaged in bank- ing, and became widely and favorably known as a financier. Doctor and Mrs. Silliman, Sr., moved West to Mississippi and settled in a new and un- developed portion of that state, and when the war broke out, he was practicing in Mississippi. Enlist- ing in a Mississippi regiment, as regimental surgeon, he received the rank of captain and served as a Con- federate Army surgeon for four years in Van Dorn's division. After the war was over, he went west to Palestine, Texas, and there John C. Silliman was born on February 8, 1878.

After her husband's death, Mrs. Silliman took her family to Charlottesville, Va., and there John grew up and attended Pantop's Academy, preparatory to entering the University of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1900 with the A. B. degree. He then matriculated at Columbia Medical College, and in 1904 he graduated with the coveted M. D. degree. He then entered the employ of the Lackawanna Rail- way and the Lackawanna Coal Mining Company as the company's physician and surgeon, and was sta- tioned at Scranton, Pa., at which place he became house surgeon of the Moses Taylor Hospital. In 1906 Doctor Silliman removed back to his birth- place, Palestinc, Texas, and there, for the next eight years, he was engaged in successful practice.

Like the rest of his near-of-kin, Doctor Silliman took a live interest in the activities of the Southern Presbyterian Church, especially in its missions and mission hospitals, and he was assigned to the duty of visiting, inspecting, and reporting on the condition of the missions and hospitals of that communion in foreign lands. He sailed from Vancouver. B. C., on a proposed tour of the world, took the northern

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

route along the Alaskan Coast, and visited various missions in Japan, Korea and China. It happened that he was at St. Petersburg on this mission when the World War broke out, and it was with great difficulty that he obtained a passport, to travel by way of Sweden and Norway, and finally reached home in safety. His report was duly published by the Southern Presbyterian Church and has proven instrumental in bringing about reforms in the mission and hospital service.

While at Scranton, Doctor Silliman was married to Miss Bertha Olmstead, of Bloomsburg, Pa., and in 1914 he came with his family to Palo Alto, and he has since devoted his entire time to his profes- sion in such a manner that his painstaking, able and successful work has placed him in the front rank in the medical profession. During the late war he proffered his professional services and was assigned to the Twenty-first Infantry Camp at Camp Kearny, with the rank of captain. Doctor Silliman is a mem- ber of the American Medical Association, and the State and County Medical Societies, he is a Mason and a member of the American Legion, and he ren- ders valuable service in the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto.

CHARLES C. NAVLET .- The unbounded faith, industry, and good management of Charles C. Nav- let, carried from a small beginning to large propor- tions the floral industry, which has since made his name famous, and which has sent his products into every part of the United States and foreign countries where excellence of quality are songht and appreci- ated. Probably his early dreams of success in this line would have been regarded as exaggerated, the prospect of the establishment of stores in various cities of California, yet such is the case today, and the name of Charles C. Navlet is a guaranty of first class products.

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History of Santa Clara 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, Part 113

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846- Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1928

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846-
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1928