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 184

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 184

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).

The marriage of Mr. Lanfri occurred in 1911, unit- ing him with Miss Ella Pera, and they are the parents of three children: Frola, Thomas and Emma. The family home is at 320 Grant Street, San Jose. Fraternally, Mr. Lanfri is a member of the Druids. The success of the business of which he is president owes much to his business ability, and today ranks among the first of its kind in the city.

Peter Steffani, a stockholder and the efficient assist- ant manager of the company, is also a native of Lucca, Italy, born August 20, 1887, a son of Pietro and An- gelena Steffani, parents of five children, four of whom are still living. The father was a tradesman in his native city of Lucca, owning a grocery store. Three brothers embarked for America at the same time, arriving in San Francisco in 1901, later coming to San Jose. During the World War two of his broth- ers returned to Italy and became soldiers under their native flag, and there they still reside. After arriv- ing in San Jose in 1903, Mr. Steffani worked for a time in the vineyards as a laborer, later entering the employ of his uncle, Mr. Gussioni, who operated a macaroni factory, then becoming an employee of Mr. Moody. With two companions, Mr. Arbor and Mr. Lee, they established the National Cleaners, and when this business was consolidated with the Golden West Cleaners, Mr. Steffani became one of the partners and fills the position of assistant manager with capa- bility. His marriage united him with Miss Esta Bellocci, born and reared in Italy. They are the par- ents of one child, Geno, and reside at 271 Santa Teresa Street. Fraternally, Mr. Steffani is a member of the Druids and of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

F. Landucci, the capable secretary of the Golden West and National Cleaners, was born November 17, 1879, in Lucca, Italy, a son of Patrick and Catherine (Graziana) Landucci. The father was a vegetable farmer in his native land and passed away when fifty-three. The mother still lives in Italy and is now seventy years of age. A daughter, Jenna, also resides in Italy. Mr. Landucci was married in Italy to Mrs. Alvira Ellenducci, also born and reared in Lucca, Italy. They are the parents of four children: Viola, the wife of Dorio Zapelli, a groceryman on Market Street; they are the parents of three children- Frankie, Adolpho and Gemaldo; Albert is in the San

1188

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Jose high school; Mario, and Alfred. The family belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Fraternally, Mr. Landucci is a member of the Druids and For- esters. In 1907 a home was built at 831 State Street in San Jose, and here the family reside. He has the oversight of all the dyeing work of the firm.

Hugo Landucci is a stockholder and superintends the pressing department. He was born in Lucca, Italy, March 29, 1878, coming to San Jose in 1901. After arriving in San Jose, he was employed by Mr. Moody and worked for him for six years, becoming proficient in his chosen line of work. His marriage, in Italy, united him with Miss Caroline Branchini. also born in Lucca. They are the parents of five children: Pete, Joe, Garibaldi, Frank and Anita. In 1914 the family residence was erected at 131 Vir- ginia Street in San Jose. Mr. Landucci is a member of the Foresters, and has taken out his first papers for American citizenship.

ADRIEN BONNET .- A pioneer who has lived in Santa Clara County for fifty-five years, Adrien Bonnet was born near Gap, Hautes-Alps. France, December 22. 140, where his father, Pierre Bonnet, was a large farmer. His mother was named Frances Tex, and both died in their native place. Adrien was the third youngest of their twelve children and the only one now living, being educated in private schools until eighteen years of age, when he went to Algeria, Africa, and spent eighteen months, when he returned. His father had died during his ab- sence and he leased the home place and operated it until 1867. when he decided to come to San Fran- cisco, Cal. After three months he located at Alviso, then a flourishing town, being an important shipping point. He worked on farms and in vineyards for three years, and then spent a year in San Jose, after which he came to Saratoga and leased Wildwood Park from Mrs. Springer, which he farmed for four years. When he first came to Saratoga it was a lively town and then named McCartysville, with a paper mill owned by King Bros. & Pfister, and a flour mill run by Senator McClay, and with the mills in the mountains there was much teaming and travel. The name was later changed to Saratoga. At the termination of his lease on Wildwood Park, Mr. Bonnet purchased land in the mountains above Saratoga, which he cleared and planted to orchard and vineyard, and in time came to own 600 acres three miles above Saratoga on the Summit or Turn- pike road. In clearing the land he cut wood, which was sold in the valley, and he got out over 7000 cords of wood. After selling this ranch he pur- chased a small place of twenty-three acres on the Saratoga road, which he also cleared and set to vine- yard and orchard. This, too, he in time sold, and he now makes his home in Saratoga.

Mr. Bonnet was twice married, first to Mary Corpstein, a native daughter, who died many years ago, leaving four children, two of whom are living, Louis J., on an orchard at Azule Springs, and John, of Coalinga. Mr. Bonnet's second marriage occurred in Saratoga August 1, 1901, when he was united with Caroline Nusebaum, who was born in Neufchatel, Switzerland, a daughter of August and Emile ( Hut- ter) Nusebaum and the third oldest of their six children. Coming to California twenty-three years ago on a visit, she met Mr. Bonnet and the acquaint-

ance resulted in their marriage. Mrs. Bonnet is in- terested in Red Cross work and is a member of the Ladies' Aid of the Methodist Church. Mr. Bonnet naturally takes great pride in the growth of the Santa Clara Valley, having seen it improved from wild range land to a garden spot of orchards and vineyards, in the transformation of which he has well performed his part.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LOS ALTOS .- The history of the finance and the financial insti- tutions of a community are an index to its growth and development as a whole, and the First National Bank of Los Altos, whose doors were opened for business on December 1, 1919, has been manifestly successful since its establishment. Organized with a capital of $25,000, its volume of business has grown from its inception to a marked degree; its resources are $200,000, with deposits amounting to $150,000. R. M. Tooker was the first president of the insti- tution and W. T. Clements its first cashier, and M. O. Adams, vice-president. Its board of directors consists of the following well-known citizens: Paul Shoup, Frank J. Costello, R. M. Tooker, M. O. Adams, S. F. Oliver, George N. Herbert, W. T. Clements, and Guy Shoup, attorney for the bank.

WV. T. Clements, cashier of the bank, has dis- played a wide knowledge of the banking business in his important position. He is a native of Kansas City, Mo., and in 1919, having disposed of a bank in his native state, removed to California. Much of the credit of this splendid bank is due to the untiring energy, ability and boosting spirit of Mr. Clements, who keeps in close touch with the money, bond and stock markets of the country; he is the adviser of many in this section as regards financial matters, and is a consistent, constructive upbuilder who believes strongly in the present and future of Los Altos and the richly productive agricultural and development sections for which Los Altos is the financial center. The officers and directors of this institution are among the most widely known and able men of this section of the State of Califor- nia, successful leaders who have achieved results, men who have the confidence of the bank's de- positors and of the people of this rapidly growing community. The First National Bank of Los Altos owns its own buildings, and Los Altos is proud of her First National Bank; and the bank looks proudly toward the city of Los Altos of tomorrow.

HENRY C. STAU .- Coming to the Santa Clara Valley nearly forty years ago, Henry C. Stau is now one of the old residents of the San Martin district, where he owns a fine ranch of thirty acres on Center Avenue. He is a native of Denmark and was born on December 23, 1868, and reared by his uncle, Charles Kromlin, now of San Mateo County, and in 1881 accompanied this uncle to this country. In 1885 our subject entered the employ of Miller & Lux, the pioneer grain and stock raisers of Central California, and for several years was engaged on their ranches at Bloomfield and Soap Lake, and he also conducted a freighting train over Pacheco Pass to Los Banos and as far south in the San Joaquin Valley as the Button Willow ranch.

In the early '90s Mr. Stau entered the employ of William Hersman and for ten years was employed on his ranch on Foothill Road, San Martin. At the same time he acquired six acres of choice ranch

Caroline Bonnet Arien Bonnet

1191

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

land near by and began to put it under cultivation. From time to time he added to it and he now has a fine home place of thirty acres, a valuable piece of property which has been developed under his capable care and supervision. In addition to this Mr. Stau conducted the San Martin rural route from its establishment, being in the United States mail serv- ice for eleven and a half years, retiring in 1916.

At Gilroy, Cal., Mr. Stau was married to Miss Olive R. Mathus, the daughter of Mrs. A. L. Mathus, who now resides at Morgan Hill. Four children have been born to them: Lena H. married E. S. Mundy, they have one son and reside at San Jose; Clarence served during the World War in the U. S. Navy, being on board a submarine chaser on the Pacific Coast; Mildred is deceased; Elbert was in the Aviation Corps during the war, stationed at Ellington Field. Texas. He is married and resides at San Jose; all the children were born and reared at San Martin. Mr. Stau became a citizen of the United States in 1890, and he is a true patriot of his adopted country, politically giving his preference to the Republican party. He is a trustee of the Presbyterian Church at San Martin and for twelve years was treasurer, but resigned this office in 1917. and for six years was a trustee of this school district.

W. T. CLEMENTS .- One of the leading bankers of Santa Clara County is W. T. Clements, the able and efficient cashier of the First National Bank of Los Altos. He was born in Platt County, Mo., September 15, 1867, a son of John R. and Eliza Jane (Moore) Clements, both natives of Kentucky, the father a successful farmer and stockman who enlisted in the Union army from Missouri and served for the duration of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Clements are the parents of nine children, eight boys and one girl, and W. T. Clements is the only one in California.

\V. T. Clements began his education in the public schools of Missouri and then entered the William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., taking a four year classical course and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1891; then he entered the University of Missouri at Columbia and in 1896 was graduated with the degree of L.L. B. After leaving school he entered politics and was appointed postmaster by President Mckinley at Platte City, Mo., and served throughout his administration and that of Roosevelt, Taft and a part of the Wilson adminis- tration; he then removed to Raytown, a suburb of Kansas City, and purchased a controlling interest and took charge of the Raytown Bank in 1915. He remained there until 1919 when he sold his interest in the bank and removed to California; he traveled from place to place throughout California and de- cided to settle in Los Altos. At the earnest solici- tation of Mr. Paul Shoup, the prominent railroad man, the First National Bank of Los Altos was or- ganized with a capital of $25,000, with a surplus of $5,000; a building was obtained and converted into a modern banking house and the doors were thrown open ready for business on December 1, 1919.

Mr. Clements' marriage united him with Miss Laura M. Valliant, a native of Kansas City, Mo., and was educated at the Gaylord Institute in Platte City, Mo .; then went to Bishop Robertson Hall, an Epis- copal school in St. Louis, and is a graduate of that mistitution. Mr. and Mrs. Clements are the parents

of one child, Louise Elizabeth, now Mrs. S. C. Garrett. Mr. Garrett is now assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Los Altos and as such is associated very closely in a business way with Mr. Clements. Politically Mr. Clements is a Re- publican; and fraternally is a Mason, a member of Platte City Lodge. Since the organization of the First National Bank of Los Altos, Mr. Clements has been the efficient and popular cashier, and he can always be counted upon to give of his best for the advancement of the locality he has chosen for his permanent home.

ALBERT T. DE FOREST .- A remarkable man, qualified, through native ability, special training and exceptionally fortunate business and social connec- tions, to handle enterprises and responsibilities of the first magnitude, is Albert T. De Forest, who resides at 950 University Avenue, Palo Alto. He was born in Cleveland, on June 4, 1863, and in that city grew up and was active in business circles until 1903. Owing to his father's early death, he passed through a boyhood and youth darkened through many hard- ships, and received at best only a partial high school training. There were three children in the family. but he was the only one that lived to maturity. His father was Lewis Germain De Forest, and he was also a native of Cleveland. The grandfather, Tracy Robinson De Forest, was a native of New York State, and came to Cleveland in 1832, where he was a United States steamboat inspector for several years. Lewis G. De Forest was a dealer in jewelry at Cleveland. He married Teressa Suydam, who was born and married in Cleveland, and she lived to be seventy-six years old, and passed peacefully away in May, 1919, at the home of her son in Palo Alto, beloved and respected by all who knew her.

At the early age of fifteen, Albert De Forest went to work to earn a living in the steel and wire mills in Cleveland, and in time became secretary of the H. P. Nail Company, makers of wire nails, which concern later became part of the American Steel and Wire Company of Cleveland, when Mr. De Forest was dis- trict manager for the Cleveland district. At Cleve- land, in 1888, Mr. De Forest was married to Miss Lettie West, a daughter of Henry B. West, well known hotel man of Cleveland and Put-in-Bay Island, and in 1903, with his wife and daughter, and his mother, he came out to San Francisco to take charge of the sales of the subsidiary companies of the U. S. Steel Corporation. The next year, 1904, he came to Palo Alto and became interested in the build- ing of the Peninsular Railway from Palo Alto to Alum Rock Park, an electric line, now a part of the Southern Pacific Railroad System. John F. Parkin- son was the main projector of this road, but Mr. De Forest acquired an active interest. Now he has an office in the Rialto Building in San Francisco, and being associated with the U. S. Steel Products Com- pany, he has charge of their sales for the states of Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, California, Washington and Northern Idaho. In 1907, he built for himself an elegant residence, and he owns a valuable ranch property south of Mayfield, which he manages as a dairy and fruit farm, taking a live interest, as a true country gentleman, in the details of its operation. Mr. De Forest is a member of the Blue Lodge

1192

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Masons, the Chapter in Palo Alto, and the Com- mandery, and to the Council and the Scottish Rites bodies at San Francisco. He was chairman of the Salvage Bureau of the Red Cross during the late war, and his jurisdiction included the entire state.

ARTHUR H. WASHBURN, A. B .- A man of letters who left a deep impress on educational circles in San Jose was the late Arthur H. Washburn, a native of New York, born at Fredonia, in 1856. In his youth he came with his widowed mother and her family to San Jose, where had lived since pioneer days his uncles, the late E. P. and Elliott Reed. His father was a physician and surgeon of high repite, who gave his life for his country during the Civil War. A year and a half and more Arthur Washburn spent as a deep-sea sailor, twice doubling Cape Horn and seeing much of the world. Returning to San Jose he attended for a time the Normal School, and then entered the Polytechnic Institute of Wor- cester, Mass., where he graduated with distinction as a mechanical engineer. Following his profession for a time, he came back to San Jose, where he made his home and engaged in business for some years. In 1888 he married Miss Jessica Thompson of San Jose, who survives him, together with two sons, Henry and Lowell, and a sister, Miss Lucy M. Washburn. Their marriage occurred in San Jose, January 22, 1889. Mrs. Washburn was born in Lacon, Ill., a daughter of Samuel and Emeline (Hubbard) Thomp- son, born respectively in Maine and Connecticut, the Thompson family being an old and prominent family of Parsonsfield, Maine. Mrs. Washburn attended the San Jose State Normal and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, after which she was head of the English department at the San Jose State Normal for six years. Then entering Stanford Uni- versity she was graduated with the first class in 1892 with the A. B. degree. Mr. Washburn also took a degree from Stanford.

In 1894 Mr. and Mrs. Washburn established the Washburn School, which quickly proved to be a high- ly successful and useful institution. During the eighteen years it was under their control a large number of young people were fitted for Stanford and the university at Berkeley, and another large number were trained for active life. The ill health of Mr. Washburn compelled their retirement from this work and they settled on their fruit ranch near the foothills east of San Jose. Two or three years ago, in hope of getting relief from asthma, they pur- chased a lovely home in Los Gatos, but he passed away in April, 1921. He was a very modest, unob- trusive man, without any craving for publicity, thor- oughly honest and honorable in all the relations of life, deeply devoted to his family, a faithful and affec- tionate friend, a good and public spirited citizen, an humble and consistent Christian. His moral ideals were high, and these he sought to realize in conduct. All the memories and influences he leaves are pure, wholesome and uplifting. For many years he was a communicant in the First Preshyter- jan Church of San Jose, and up till his removal to Los Gatos, he was a highly respected and influential office-bearer in that congregation. The memory of this modest, quiet, faithful and affectionate man will

be long and tenderly cherished by great numbers of those who survive him. His life was a testimony to the enduring value of simple goodness.

THOMAS J. WOODWORTH .- A leading busi- ness man of Los Altos is found in Thomas J. Wood- worth, who carries a full line of wood, coal, hay, grain, roofing cement, lime, etc. He is a native of Kansas and was born near Walnut on March 24, 1874, the son of E. R. Woodworth, a native of Han- cock County, Ill. The father walked across the plains in 1855 and entered the mines at Placerville; later he bought a ranch near Marysville, then re- turned via Panama to New York City, then to Il- linois where he was married to Miss Helen Glas- gow. The young people moved to Kansas and were among the carly settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Wood- worth were the parents of five children, Thomas J.' being the oldest and only one in California. The father passed away in Kansas in 1920, at the age of eighty-four years, while the mother still lives there. Thomas J. grew up on his father's 200-acre stock farm and was educated in the public schools of Walnut, Kans., and was graduated from the high school of Walnut in 1896; then went to the State Normal school at Emporia, Kans., for one year; and the next year entered the Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kans. Upon finishing school he entered into partnership with his father and they farmed, raised stock, bought and shipped cattle and hogs to the Kansas City markets. In the spring of 1906 the stock was sold and his father retired to live in Walnut, Kans., and Thomas J. came west and set- tled at Stratford, Kings County. He was a time- keeper for the California Door Company for one season and in 1907 bought fifty-five acres of the Empire ranch and within a few years made a first class dairy farm out of it. He now leases it as a dairy farm. In May, 1920, he removed to Los Altos and finding the business he now owns for sale, he purchased it from S. McCormick, and also purchased Mr. McCormick's residence on First Street.

In 1908 Mr. Woodworth returned to Kansas and at Walnut was married to Miss Edna Balla, born at that place, a daughter of John Balla, a pioneer of Kansas and a Civil War veteran. While resid- ing in Kings County, Mr. Woodworth served as director of the Chamber of Commerce; and was also the clerk of the school board; Mrs. Woodworth also served a term as clerk of the school board. They are the parents of two children, Jane, and Edwin B. Mr. Woodworth and his family are at- tendants of the Union Church of Los Altos.

C. E. BERRY .- Perhaps the earliest settler of Los Altos is C. E. Berry, who came there before the railroad was built, when it was a part of a cattle range. He was born in Maine on June 16, 1864, the son of David R. and Ann R. (Knapp) Berry, both natives of Maine. The father first came to Califor- nia in early days with his brother-in-law, Charles Knapp, a well-known and prominent citizen of Santa Cruz, and in 1876 Mr. Berry brought his family to California. The Knapp family were among the earliest settlers at Massachusetts Bay Colony and were of Scotch-English ancestry, and on both sides were pre-Revolutionary stock. Several families from Maine came to California with the Berrys and settled at Watsonville, Santa Cruz County. Until he was twelve years old, C. E. Berry lived most of the time

Arthur Washburn

1195

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

with an aunt in Boston, 'Mass., and went to school there; when his family removed to California, he at- tended the schools at Watsonville. He remained at home and helped on the ranch until he was twenty; the family removed to San Jose about 1896.

Mr. Berry was married in San Jose to Miss Eva- line Blois, a daughter of James Blois and a sister of J. B. Blois of Palo Alto, whose sketch appears else- where in this volume. Soon after settling in San Jose he engaged in building fruit cars for the rail- road; then for six years he was with the Van Dorn Ice & Cold Storage Company five years with H. Hart & Company in the ice business in San Jose; meantime he had purchased a fifteen-acre ranch near Los Altos, a portion of the Taaffe ranch, and im- mediately took up the task of planting it to fruit; he also engaged in planting orchards for others. He then started in the livery business and built a fine barn, which he now uses for his transfer business. When autos and trucks replaced horses, his barn was changed to a commercial garage; he carries pas- sengers and freight throughout the northern part of California. For eight years he was deputy sheriff under Mr. Langford. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are the parents of two children; C. Austin, married Miss Grace Reid, resides in Palo Alto and works for Los Altos Grocery Company; Homer G. is with the Stanford Laundry Company at Palo Alto. He mar- ried Miss Genevieve Meeker and resides at May- field, and has one child, Beatrice Betty Berry. Mr. Berry is a Republican in his politics and he and his family are highly respected citizens of Los Altos.

THOMAS J. BURROWS .- Located on the mag- nificent Toyon Farm on the Moody Road east of Los Altos, Thomas J. Burrows is a thoroughly experi- enced farmer and horticulturist, a hard worker and a good manager, and enters heartily into his work of tilling, planting and beautifying the great Toyon Farm, owned by Horace L. Hill, Jr., of Los Altos. He was born in Surrey, England. November 2, 1883, where he grew up, enjoying common school advan- tages. On January 4, 1909, he was married to Miss Esther Elizabeth Devenish, who was born and reared in London. Mr. Burrows desiring to better his con- dition emigrated to the United States, arriving the latter part of 1909, and first settled in New Jersey where he found work on a farm, also was employed in a nursery for a time. He worked in various nurseries throughout the East, and in March, 1912, was joined by his wife in Connecticut, where he was then employed. Desiring to see the Pacific Coast, he, with his family, came to California that same year. They went to San Mateo County where he worked in the McRorie and McClarins nurseries at San Mateo. While residing there their three children were born, Esther Dorothy, Douglas Malcomb and Margery Alice. By careful and industrious work he rose to be foreman and was occupied in the capacity until 1921, when he came to the Toyon Farm. He has charge of all the agricultural and horticultural work on said ranch, which is one of the most beauti- ful farms in all California, its owner spending money freely to make it beautiful and productive. It is situated in the Los Altos hills and is a natural beauty spot, enhanced by expert landscape work and culti- vation. Mr. Burrows has already set out two acres of the celebrated Renaree raspberries, which are a favorite in this section of the county. Though an 51

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 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 184

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