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 191

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 191

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).

is well planned and guests are made very comfort- able and people come from all over the state as well as from Mexico.

Dr. Goldmann was, however, not permitted to en- joy the fruits of his labors, for he died February 29, 1910. He was a strong Republican and was an hon- ored member of the Medical Association and the state and county societies. He was a man of much ability, spoke six different languages, was well read and contributed articles to medical journals. A wide traveler and a good judge of climatic conditions, he found the most ideal location for his health resort in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Dr. and Mrs. Goldmann were the parents of four children: Inez is the wife of Fred C. Scheffauer, a Government employe who resides in Mill Valley and they have three children-Juanita, Gisella and Louise; Juanita is devotedly assisting her mother to preside over Villa Bergstedt; Edmund who is with the San Francisco Savings & Loan Society Bank, married Eleanor de Prefontaine, has two children-Leonard and Eleanor Virginia. Elsa is a graduate nurse of Mt. Zion Hospital. She was a Red Cross nurse, going overseas and served in Base Hospital 30, her services in France and at Coblenz covering a period of eight months. On her return she became the wife of Lee Stopple and they reside in San Francisco. Since Dr. Goldmann passed away, Mrs. Goldmann continues the cherished improvements of the resort, carrying out the plans of Dr. Goldmann for a year around resort and it has become popular, surrounded as it is by the quiet and beautiful scenery of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Dr. Goldmann gave much of the credit for the success of Villa Bergstedt to his estimable wife and family, who so faithfully assisted him in carrying out his plans. Mrs. Goldmann with her accomplished daughter is greatly loved and es- teemed by their many friends from all over California.

VICTOR CHALLEN .- Among the citizens of worth who, from a small beginning, have achieved success in the field of real estate, is Victor Challen, who was born in Plumas County, Cal., on August 18, 1880, a son of James H. and Mary Frances (Ad- dington) Challen, his father, an early settler of Cali- fornia, crossing the plains in 1850. Both father and mother were natives of Kentucky, where they lived and married. In 1890 the family located in San Jose, and here the father passed away in 1917, but the mother is still living. They were the parents of five children, of whom Victor is the youngest.

Victor Challen was educated in the public schools of Santa Clara. He was for a short time in the mines of Plumas County, then was employed in San Jose by Wm. Cooper as real estate salesman, later becoming a partner. In the year of 1911 he estab- lished his own real estate business, but Mr. Cooper recognized his worth and in 1912 the present com- pany was formed and Mr. Challen was elected to the office of vice-president of the Cooper-Challen Realty company. This company is enjoying a most lucrative business, demanding the services of twelve salesmen. His activities have been constructive and he has favored all measures for the betterment of his local community and has served as police and fire commissioner and on the board of education.

The marriage of Victor Challen on January 22, 1906, united him with Miss Jeanette Stiles, a grad- uate of the State Normal School at San Jose. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Challen;

Dr. Goldman

Julia Goldmann

1239

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Victor B. and James Kenneth, Politically he is a very active member of the Republican party and fraternally is a member of the Elks; Native Sons of the Golden West, and the National Union; for a time Mr. Challen was director of the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Commercial Club and the Rotary Club of San Jose. Dur- ing the World War he took an active part in all the drives, serving on committees, and was also active in Y. M. C. A. work. He has never failed to accomplish the duties nearest him and with unceasing energy laid hold of every opportunity for advancement which presented itself to him, note- worthy among them he was one of the freeholders that drafted the new charter when the city of San Jose adopted the commission form of government.

JOSEPH A. THOMPSON .- A far-seeing, enter- prising man of affairs, whose extended experience in one of the most important fields of California indus- try has enabled him to make some definite contribu- tion toward the progress and welfare of a vast num- ber of people. is Joseph A. Thompson, the manager of the San Jose branch of the J. B. Inderrieden Company of Chicago, the well-known packers of fruit. He was born at Santa Clara in August, 1877, the only surviving son of Patrick Thompson, who first came across the plains in 1849, and two years later returned and brought his wife, who was Miss Bridget Moore before her marriage. They settled for a while at Sacramento and saw much hardship, but as early as 1855 they removed to Santa Clara, and from that time Mr. Thompson followed farm- ing at Sorosis and was sexton of the Santa Clara Cemetery until he retired several years before his death in 1895. Mrs. Thompson still survives at the fine old age of ninety years, residing in Santa Clara with her only living daughter, Mattie Thompson.

Joseph attended the Santa Clara College, and when old enough to do so, engaged in fruit and orchard work. He bought fruit for a while for vari- ous companies, and then he packed; and so, all his life, it may be said, he has been active in a depart- ment in which he is now regarded as an expert. In 1912 he effected his fortunate engagement with the J. B. Inderrieden Company, and he has been the popular manager of that fast-growing concern ever since. Although far from a patriarch, Mr. Thomp- son can look back to the beginning of things in Cal- ifornia fruit culture, having been privileged in his time to witness its marvelous development.

When Mr. Thompson married, he took for his wife Miss Edith Huber of San Jose, a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, like himself; and their home-life has been singularly happy. He is a Knight of Columbus, belongs to the Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, votes with the Republicans, and indulges, when he can, in such outdoor recreations as fishing. All in all, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson both give to and get from life much that is worth while.

ERNEST DELMUE .- The degree of success at- tained by Ernest Delmue since his arrival in Santa Clara County proves him to be a man of energy and sagacity. He was born in Virginia City, Nev., No- vember 3, 1882, and is a son of Baptist and Teclia Delmue, all now residents of San Jose. The family removed from Nevada to San Jose when Ernest was a child of one year.

He received his education in the common schools of San Jose; then learned the carpenter trade; then he was engaged in the auto repair business for two years at their home place; then fully realizing the advantage of establishing a business for himself, in the fall of 1918 he opened the Delmue Auto Repair Shop, Seventeenth and Santa Clara streets, which employs three men. A natural mechanic, with a genius for locating trouble and repairing it, he is building up a good business which is bringing him in a comfortable income. He is typical of the true American, independent in his views, believes that men rather than party should be considered first in political matters. He has always been interested in the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home, and he is highly respected and esteemed by his fellowmen. He is an enthu- siastic sportsman and whenever his business will permit, takes a trip to the mountains or seashore and enjoys himself to the fullest.

ANTHONY G. DU BRUTZ .- An experienced. progressive and very successful business man whose influence counts for much in movements that are helping both San Jose and Santa Clara County rap- idly onward to a foremost place in the great Golden State, is Anthony G. Du Brutz, of the Snyder & Du Brutz Company, the well-known contracting plumbers, who install all kinds of heating apparatus, and do much of the best metal work obtainable in this section. He was born, a wide-awake native son. in Visalia, Tulare County, on November 10, 1880. the son of Anthony B. Dn Brutz, a very successful lawyer, who had married Miss Sarah Roach. The pioneer couple came to Fresno when it had only one building, and so were carly identified with the devel- opment of the Pacific commonwealth. Mr. Du Brutz died in 1885; and since then his devoted wife has also passed away, but both will long and pleasantly be remembered by those who knew them for their qualities as citizens, neighbors and friends.

Mrs. Du Brutz and her family removed to San Jose in 1888, and there Anthony continued his schooling, progressing through the public schools and afterward pursuing successfully a business col- lege course. In 1896 he entered the employ of Mangrum, Otter & Company, and under them learned the business in all of its details and is now the junior member of their successors, the Snyder Du Brutz Company, in the prosperous operation of the business described above. The concern employs about twenty men and does most of the important work in their field in this locality. Mr. Du Brutz helongs to the Chamber of Commerce, and for five years served as a director, and he was president of the Rotary Club for the year 1920.

In San Jose, on January 29, 1904, Mr. Du Brutz was married to Miss Henrietta Armstrong of San Jose. Mr. Du Brutz is a Knights Templar Mason, and he marches with the Republican party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Du Brutz are fond of outdoor life, and deeply interested in the present and the future of Santa Clara County, where Nature is at its best, and where the settler has such favoring opportun- ities. San Jose owes much to the progressive meth- ods and the consequent success of such a substantial firm as the Snyder & Du Brutz Company.

1240

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

THOMAS MONAHAN-An enterprising under- taker who leaves nothing to be desired in the conduct of his profession is Thomas Monahan, who was born at San Jose on the Fourth of July, 1866, just after the close of the great Civil War which cemented our nation. His father was Patrick Monahan, a native of Ireland, who came to California in 1853, located at Placerville, spent some ten years in the mines, after which he went back to Ireland. There he married Miss Mary E. Beirne, and returning to the United States and California, settled at San Jose, where he lived until his death, in 1898, five years after the death of his wife. They had five children of whom Thomas was the second. On his first trip West he came across the plains in the primitive outfit of the pioneer; going back to Europe he traveled by sailing vessel around the Horn; and on his pushing westward again, he came via the Isthmus of Panama.

Thomas began his education at the Hester School, after which he spent one year in the University of Santa Clara; and when sixteen years of age he went to San Francisco to learn the blacksmith trade. Then he became a letter carrier in San Jose, and resigned to accept a position in the sheriff's office as chief jailer. When he gave up that responsibility it was to pursue a course of embalming and funeral direct- ing, which enabled him to establish himself as an undertaker in 1909, a profession he has since followed. As an undertaker, Mr. Monahan was the first to use the aeroplane for a funeral, the flight commencing at Aviation Field, Alum Rock Avenue, to Oak Hill Cemetery, a distance of six miles; it was featured in the moving picture shows all over the world, and given a full page in "Sunnyside," the leading under- takers' magazine.

At the Mission Dolores Church, in San Francisco, on February 18, 1909, Mr. Monahan was married to Miss Josephine G. Moriarty, a native of Ohio, and they are the parents of four children, Mary B., Josephine S., Elizabeth A., and Thomas, Jr. From his father's family, through their five children have sprung twenty-two children, and five grandchildren. Four nephews of Mr. Monahan were in the late World War and all did valiant service. A Republican in national politics, Mr. Monahan allows nothing to interfere with his whole-hearted support of San Jose and Santa Clara County, and he is first, last and all the time an American. In April, 1912, he was elected grand president of the Native Sons, at the Grand Parlor at Oroville; and in May of the same year he was elected mayor of San Jose and served for two years. He belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Col- umbus, the Eagles, the Y. M. I., the Redmen, the Moose, and he is a member of the Pioneers, the Pastime Social and the Progressive Business Clubs.

NELS O. HULTBERG .- An active, useful and worthy career has been that of Nels O. Hultberg, who was born near Skane, Sweden, on March 25, 1865, and spent his boyhood in his father's farm, blacksmith shop and implement factory, from which he attended the local public school. It did not af- ford extensive educational advantages; but he learned what he could, and when, as a young man, he crossed the ocean to America, he was better pre- pared than many to secure a safe and satisfactory foothold. He went to work on a farm near Rochelle, Ill., but he also attended the night schools when

he could, and so continued his studies. In 1893, he made a trip to Alaska, in the foreign mission work, and he established at Galovin the first school for the Swedish Mission Church of America. From the start, he labored earnestly; and such was his success both in religious and educational work, that he spent five and a half years in that far-north field.

Here it may be noted that Mr. Hultberg was the first white man to notice the deposits of rich gold- bearing ore in that territory, after watching the natives going to the place where they found copper and lead deposits. The natives had any amount of the stuff which they pounded into vessels and imple- ments, without of course knowing the metal's worth; and after studying their movements, Mr. Hultberg staked a mining claim; but before he could realize from it, he was forced to return to the United States on account of his family. He had married, and had become the father of three children; and it was a deep sorrow to him that the two eldest should die ere he could return to the United States. In 1894, he was met at St. Michael, Alaska, by Miss Hanna Holm, a native daughter of Sweden, who had also made the trip to Alaska in mission work; and at Unalakleet, on July 8, they were married. Three children were born to this excellent couple. Hilda died in infancy in Alaska, from a severe cold, and so did Amnon, another infant child. Albia A. is a graduate of the San Jose Normal School and has been a teacher at the Gratton school, north of De- nair, and is now a teacher in the Cambrian district.

Having come back to the United States in 1898, Mr. Hultberg went back to Illinois; and the same year he made a trip to Sweden, taking with him his wife and child. He returned to America in 1899, and then located on a ranch in the Santa Clara Valley, near Campbell, where he remained for four years. He took up colonization work in 1901 and the following year went to Turlock, Stanislaus County, where he began operations in bringing set- tlers and developing that section of the county. He always had the interests of the people at heart and took an active interest in political, social, educa- tional and religious movements.

Mr. Hultberg took an active part in the coloniza- tion of the Hilmar Colony south of Turlock, and he also went in for real estate development in the Tur- lock irrigation district. Since 1917 he has been iden- tified largely with Campbell, Santa Clara County, and he has scores of friends in both Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties, for he has done as much as any one man in colonization work in Turlock district, always attracting the better class of set- tlers and home-seekers.

Four more children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hultberg, two in Santa Clara County and one in Stanislaus County. Hilmar, born in Illinois, is named in honor of the colony started by his father, is now in business at Turlock. Charles H. is farm- ing with his father; Hazel is training for a nurse at Stanford Hospital in San Francisco and Chester is a high school student of Campbell. Mr. Hultberg is both a Mason and an Elk, holding membership in the former at Turlock and the latter in Modesto Lodge No. 1282. He was one of the original mem- bers and workers in the California Prune and Apri- cot Association, also an early member of the Cali- fornia Cooperative Association. In 1902 he advanced the necessary capital for Professor Fowler to go

Thomas Monahan.

1243

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

to England to study the cooperative plans there and feels gratified that it was largely through the effort of Professor Fowler that the cooperative movement has been made a success here.

FRED H. BRINKMAN .- An enterprising busi- ness man of San Jose, whose success and pros- perity are evidenced in a modern and very attractive garage with every desirable equipment, is Fred H. Brinkman, who was born in Du Page County, Ill., at York Center, August 16, 1883, the son of Henry H. and Louisa (Myers) Brinkman. Mr. Brinkman's grandfather, Henry Brinkman, came from Germany and went to Chicago when there were only six buildings in the place, and was known as Fort Dearborn; he was at that time an engineer; then he returned to Hanover. Germany, and there Henry H. Brinkman, our subject's father, was born. After some years the grandfather brought his family to the United States and settled at Elmhurst, Ill. He then engaged in farming and bought up consider- able government land, paying twenty-five cents per acre for it, and here he reared his family and passed away in 1905. Henry H. Brinkman inherit- ed some of this property from his father. He did not have the opportunity of attending school, and started to make his own way when he was but a lad; for some time he was with the Lathrop Steel Works of Melrose Park, near Chicago, working in the engineering department. After some years he returned to country life, and has since made his home on his farm of 178 acres, at Elmhurst, Ill.

Fred H. was the eldest of a family of ten chil- dren, eight of whom are living, four boys and four girls. When fifteen years of age, he started out to make his own way, and taking up mechanical en- gineering at Highland Park College, Des Moines, Iowa, he attended two and a half years. He finally had to quit school at the end of that period, and in 1910 came to California, located at San Jose, where he took a position at the Vendome Hotel, where for five months he was clerk. He then bought a car and went into the taxi business and within two years was the owner of eight cars, when he sold out for $6000. He then opened a garage at First and Julian streets and operated this place for the next two years. In September, 1918, he entered the U. S. service as a mechanic in the aviation corps and was for seven months at Rockwell Field, then for four months was at East Field and in June, 1919, was sent to the Presidio to be discharged. Return- ing to San Jose he opened a garage at 66 North Market Street, which is known as the Market Street garage. and here he has since been engaged. For a time, Mr. Brinkman had the agency for the Stearns car, and the Signal truck. He has the agency for the G. & J. tires and specializes in lubrication, in- stalling the Alemite system, which is considered su- perior by many. He does a general garage and re- pairing business, employing four capable workmen.

Mr. Brinkman's marriage, which occurred April 24, 1917, united him with Miss Hazel Fischer, who was born in San Francisco, Cal., and is the daugh- ter of Albert H. and Martha (Paul) Fischer. When Mrs. Brinkman was only a year old, her father moved to Elmhurst, Ill., where he engaged in farm- ing, then organized and put in running order the electric power plant of Elmhurst, later sold to the Edison Electric Company. It was here she grew up, she and her husband being school children together.

About ten years ago, Mr. Fischer returned to San Francisco, and two years later, about 1913, took up his residence at San Jose. Grandfather John Fischer was a pioneer of Illinois and his sons are among the most prominent attorneys of Chicago to- day. Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman are the parents of one child, Ruth Lucille. Mr. Brinkman is a member of the Masons, the Maccabees and San Jose Lodge No. 522 B. P. O. Elks. He and his family are mem- bers of the Christian Church, and in national poli- tics, he is a Republican.

BAUMGARTNER BROTHERS .- One of the outstanding firms engaged in the vulcanizing and auto tire business in San Jose is the firm of Bauni- gartner Bros., Edward C. and Frank L. Baumgart- ner composing the firm. Baumgartner Bros. are factory distributors for Samson tires, and Amalie oils and greases for Santa Clara County. They have a large vulcanizing establishment and are doing a fine, lucrative business, having recognized the grow- ing possibilities of this territory, and the opportu- nities for expansion in their line of business.

Edward C. Baumgartner was born in San Jose. Cal., October 2, 1889, and is the son of Frank and Mary Baumgartner. His father migrated from Wis- consin, near Milwaukee during the year 1882 and for a number of years was engaged in business in San Jose. Edward C. completed the grammar and high school courses in the public schools of San Jose. Upon graduation from high school, he entered Stan- ford University, remaining there for two terms. Upon leaving the university, he secured a position in the Stephens-Duryea garage, as a mechanic, his ad- vancement to the sales department coming within a short time. Returning to San Jose, he entered the employ of Wallace Brothers, and was later with W. J. Benson.

During the year 1912, filled with the spirit of ad- venture, he took a trip to Alaska, spending one year there hunting and prospecting. The lure of his native state proved too much for him, however, and return- ing, he settled in San Jose. He immediately engaged in the automobile business, being agent for the Paige and Columbus cars for two years. At the end of this time, he went into partnership with Mr. Rabau, in the tire and vulcanizing business.

Edward C. Baumgartner was married on June 24, 1915, to Miss Theodora Popp in the city of San Francisco. Miss Popp was born in San Jose. the daughter of Edward and Gertrude (Lenzen) Popp, both early pioneers of Santa Clara County. Two children have blessed this union, Betty and Thomas. Mr. Baumgartner is a member of the Observatory Parlor of the N. S. G. W., also of the B. P. O. E. of San Jose. He is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party.

Frank L. Baumgartner, the junior member of the firm, was also born in San Jose, his birthday being November 14, 1894, also was a student and graduate of the grammar and high schools of San Jose. Upon his graduation from the high school in 1913 he en- tered Stanford University as a law student and re- ceived his A. B. degree in 1917. On November 4. 1917, he entered the military service of his country, training at Camp Lewis in Sanitary Squad No. 47, an unattached contingent. In June, 1918, he em- barked for overseas service, landing at Southhamp- ton, England, thence to Cherbourg, France. His

1244

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

company received orders directly from General Head- quarters and his detachment was sent throughout France on sanitation work. He was advanced to the rank of first class sergeant and on returning to the United States in July, 1919, was discharged from the service at the Presidio, San Francisco.

Frank L. Baumgartner was married July 14, 1920, to Miss Maybelle Peck, a native daughter, born and reared in Los Angeles. He is also a prominent mem- ber of the Elks Lodge of San Jose, and of The Ameri- can Legion.

In August, 1919, the partnership of Raban and Baumgartner was dissolved and the firm of Baum- gartner Brothers was founded. Energetic and enter- prising, both brothers entered enthusiastically into the business and have already established themselves among the progressive firms of San Jose.

ERNEST WILSON .- Liberally endowed with re- sourcefulness and inborn ability, coupled with untir- ing energy and industry, Ernest Wilson is a conspic- uous and interesting person, and an outstanding fig- ure in the business life of California. He is a native of Salem, Ore., where he was born August 4, 1876. His brother, Herbert, the secretary and treasurer of the Ernest Wilson Company, was also born there on July 17, 1870. The father, Thomas Howard Wil- son, was born in Tennessee and came to Oregon via the Isthmus of Panama at an early day and settled in Salem, where he followed farming pursuits and married Miss Matilda Frances Melson. He passed away, but the mother still lives in Palo Alto.

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 191

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