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 217

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 217

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).

Mr. Lindholm was born in far-off Finland, on April 19, 1878, of historic, heroic lineage, his family being closely related to the president of the Republic of Finland. His father, Carl Lindholm, died when our subject was only nine years old; but his mother, Edla Carolina Freiberg, is still living in Finland, at the age of seventy-five. Left with four children at her husband's death, she gave herself unreservedly to the bringing-up of her offspring, three of whom are still living. Aurora became a teacher, spent seventeen years of her life in educational work, and married Provst Castren of the Finnish National Church, of the Lutheran denomination. She is now a widow and resides in Finland. Carl is the subject of our story. Herman, the manager of a large man- ufacturing establishment, is a finished scholar, speak- ing seven different languages, and is a leading light in the newly-organized Northern Republic. Valde- mar was the artist of the family-an accomplished musician and painter, who came out to Sacramento and accidentally fell from the scaffolding of a two- story house, thereby injuring his spine. He returned to Finland, where he died as the result of the in- juries received.

Carl Lindholm was brought up in the Lutheran Church, at the same time that he pursued the course of the common schools in his native country. He was reared at Eknes, Finland, and there served an ap- prenticeship of three years, learning the cabinet- maker's trade, and also pursuing the prescribed courses in the related manual training school, in the end receiving well-merited journeyman's certificate. Then, having reflected a good deal upon the condi- tions in his beloved native country and the future

prospects for those who should elect to stay there, he resolved to bid adieu to associations dear enough, and to seek his fortune in the New World.

From Hango, Finland, therefore, on April 19, 1902, our subject sailed, at a season wlien six feet of snow lay upon the ground; traveling by way of Copen- hagen, Hull and Southampton, and eventually reach- ing New York City, truly a stranger in a strange land, but safe and sound. He landed at Ellis Island on Saturday, May 3, 1902, equipped in part with his teclinical knowledge, in part with his honest resolve to carn, if possible, a living; and the third day of his life in New York City he obtained a job as ship's carpenter. After that, he worked in planing inills and at odd tasks, on the outside; and the first steady employment he had in America was on the great seventeen-story hotel then being erected at the corner of Fortieth Street and Tenth Avenue in New York City, where he labored steadily for three months. Then he found a good deal to do at Coney Island, and next he joined his uncle, Edward Nelson his present partner, the two doing expert joining or finishing work in New York City, and being stead- ily so engaged, with the exception of six months in 1904, when Mr. Lindholm went back to visit his mother in Finland.

Soon after his return to New York City, in 1904, Mr. Lindholm was married to Miss Karinne England, a native of Finland who, when sixteen years old, came to New York City, the daughter of Anders England, originally of Finland, but for twenty years a shoe-dealer on Third Avenue in New York. His wife was a convert to the Seventh Day Adventist faith, and in 1905 he also became a convert, and has ever since been a strict professor of that creed. On account of Mrs. Lindholm's health, it became nec- essary, in time, to seek another and more favoring climate; and inasmuch as her brother, Anton Eng- land, a tailor, was already in Mountain View, they turned their thoughts and finally their faces toward the Pacific Coast. In 1908 with their family they migrated westward and settled at Mountain View; and here Mr. Lindholm began to contract for build- ing in a small way. His uncle, already mentioned, worked with him, and a son, Henry Nelson, is the present architect and draftsman of the firm, whose business is rapidly expanding. Mr. Lindholm usually works for others; but he has built ten houses at his own expense and sold them after they were erected. In 1910, he designed and built two bungalows in Mountain View, and in 1912 he put up from his own designs the Seventh Day Adventist School in Moun- tain View, costing $20,000. He has also lately com- pleted a $20,000 annex to the main building of the Pacific Press Publishing Association's plant at Moun- tain View, and at present he has, all in all, ten buildings under construction. His building opera- tions are also carried on in Palo Alto and other communities.

Mr. Lindholm is fully in sympathy with the gov- ernment of his adopted city, state and nation; he is fully convinced that America offers greater advan- tages to those worthy, able and willing, than any other country; and with such patriotic sentiments, he and his family are among the dependable citizens such as Santa Clara makes it a practice always to welcome, and to appreciate. His children are Carl J., Evald, Elsie, Henrietta and Edith; and in prep-

1418

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

aration for useful lives of real value to the world, they all attend the Seventh Day Adventist School in Mountain View.

MATEO J. PASETTA-Among the business men of Santa Clara County who represent the county's industrial and financial progress Mateo J. Pasetta oc- cupies a prominent position in the fruit-drying in- dustry. Enterprising, far-sighted, he is ever alive to the possible favorable opportunities for advancing his plans. A native of Dalmatia, Jugo-Slavia, town of Dubraunich, he was born January 20, 1865, a son of John and Madeline (Cusija) Pasetta. When but a lad of five years he suffered the misfortune of los- ing father, mother, grandmother, brother and sister, all within the space of a year. He was then adopted by his uncle, Mr. Kijnnach, a well-to-do merchant and trader, who owned a number of sailing vessels plying the Mediterranean Sea. Mateo J. Pasetta re- mained with his uncle until he was seventeen years of age; he then determined to start ont for himself. Hearing the alluring tales of wealth and opportun- ities to be found in America, he embarked for the Mecca of his ambitions. After a voyage of forty- five days, he finally landed on the shores of America, and made his way to California, arriving April 5, 1883, settling in Plumas County, where he was first employed in the mines at a wage of fifteen dollars per month, working fourteen hours per day at placer mining for gold. When the Eureka Gold Mining Company began operations, Mr. Pasetta was em- ployed and received forty dollars per month; here he remained for five years, and by thrift and econ- omy was able to purchase the Eureka hotel and livery stable in Johnsville. At the hotel Mr. Samuel Webb, present attorney-general of California, boarded with him, and he also knew Judge Goodwin and Judge Clough, who were his friends. While residing in Plumas County, he received his naturalization papers, and became a loyal citizen of the United States.

The marriage of Mr. Pasetta in 1896 united him with Miss Annie Buhalov, also born in Dalmatia, Jugo-Slavia, who was an old-time sweetheart. Coming to California, soon after her arrival here their mar- riage occurred, the happy culmination of the romance begun on their native shores. Mr. and Mrs. Pasetta are the parents of nine children: Madeline, the wife of John Simmons, a successful merchant of San Jose; Marian, John, Anna, Peter, Matthew, Eliza- beth, Nicholas and Daniel. About twenty-five years ago, Mr. Pasetta moved to San Jose and started, in a small way, in the dried fruit business, starting with 150 trays. From year to year the business has been steadily growing, and he new handles 5,000 drying trays, and during the busy fruit scason cares for 400 tons of green fruit. His packing plant consists of seventeen acres, adjoining the property of the Pacific Manufacturing Company, adjacent to the city of Santa Clara, which is growing more valuable cach day. His fruit drying business has not occupied his whole attention, as he found time to develop a fifty- acre orchard property, which he recently sold for a fine profit. The family reside in a commodious residence at 196 West St. James Street, San Jose. where their many friends frequently enjoy their hos- pitality. Mr. Pasetta still owns the old homestead in Jugo-Slavia, around which cling fond memories of days long past, and refuses to dispose of it. Fra- ternally he has been identified with the Odd Fellows

for the past twenty-five years, and politically is a stanch Republican. He is an ardent member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He is 100 per cent Amer- ican, ever ready to give of his time, influence and means toward any advanced movement of the city and county which has been his home for so many years, and has won the respect and esteem of his business associates by his integrity and upright busi- ness methods. He is a stockholder in the Growers Bank and is a charter member of the Jugo-Slavonian- American Benefit Society, giving his best efforts to the upbuilding and advancement of this order.

MANUEL A. MACHADO .- Successful beyond the measure of most men of his years, and with a future bright with promise was the late Manuel A. Machado, who was prominent in the financial circles of San Jose. He was born in the Azores on March 16, 1890, on the Isle of St. Jorge in the village of Calheta, the home of his parents, Joseph A. Machado, a farmer and stockman of the well-known family of ranch-owners, who had married Miss Elizabeth A. Mendonsa. Mr. Machado is known in his native country for his interest in public welfare work, espe- cially in the progress of his home community; and he and his good wife are there prominent members of the Catholic Church, through which he has given inuch to charity. The family circle included seven children, three sons and four daughters, and the beloved grandmother; and having favored education, Manuel was sent to the best private schools, after which, in 1904, he entered the college on the neigh- boring Isle of Terceira, where he studied for seven years in a seminary, expecting to become a secular priest. His intention was abandoned, however, when the Government took charge of the schools.

Mr. Machado had heard of the fortunes being made in America, and desiring to see the New World for himself, he crossed the ocean in October, 1911. He stayed for ten months with an uncle, Frank A. Machado, at Lemoore. in Kings County, and then he came to San Jose. In September, 1912. he entered Heald's Business College, and in record time he finished the entire course. Then, under de- lightful associations, he worked for twenty-two months for Valentine Koch. Early in 1915 Mr. Machado entered the service of the Bank of Italy at San Jose, commencing in the savings department; and when the bank was removed to its present loca- tion, he was appointed overseer of the savings divi- sion, with five men under him. In July, 1921, he was advanced to be assistant cashier, and had the satis- faction that he had contributed to make the concern the largest banking institution west of Chicago. Being a wide-awake, far-seeing and very progressive business man, Mr. Machado was welcomed by all interested, his appointment being heralded as both just and good. Aside from assistant cashier, he was the official interpreter for the bank, being a fine linguist, as he spoke French, Italian, Portuguese and English fluently.

At San Jose on March 14, 1918, Mr. Machado was married to Miss Mayme A. George, the only daughter of Frank P. and Mary (Rogers) George, who live retired at their home on South Eleventh Street, San Jose; and one child, a daughter named Lucile, blessed the union. In the fall of that same year, Mr. Machado acquired, by purchase, his at-

Med Basetta

€

142

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

tractive home at 445 North Seventeenth Street, and there they dispensed a generous hospitality, bespeak- ing the good old days. He was talented in music and thus able to make his home the more attractive; and he was the organist and the leader of the choir of the Church of the Five Wounds since it was founded. Mr. Machado was not permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors for he was taken ill and died within a week, on November 21, 1921. The funeral services at the Church of the Five Wounds was one of the largest attended in the history of the city and he was followed to his last resting place in Calvary Cemetery by a funeral cortege of 159 auto- mobiles. He was a member of the I. D. E. S., the U. P. E. C., the S. E. S., the I. E. S., the Druids, the Knights of Columbus and the Order of St. Anthony; and he was secretary of the I. D. E. S., having filled that busy office since the inception of the order in 1915. He was also once president of the U. P. E. C., and secretary of the 1. E. S. At one time, too, he was in the Noble Arch chair of the Druids at San Jose. He and his devoted wife were devout members of the Church of the Five Wounds, and he was secretary of the society in charge of the church's finances. He was a writer of ability and contributed much to the press of Portuguese News, published at San Francisco.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER WILSON .- A busi- ness man of enterprise and qualifications that place him among the leading citizens of Santa Clara is William Alexander Wilson, who is one of the more recent acquisitions to the business circles of that city. In October of 1921 he bought out the Jewel Baking Company and by his industry and close ap- plication to the task in hand is succeeding in build- ing up an excellent business. He was born in San Jose, Cal., on September 26, 1894, a son of William and Marie (Ley) Wilson. His father, William Wil- son, was engaged for many years in the fruit brok- erage business in San Jose and became well known in his line. He passed away several years ago and his widow now resides in San Francisco.

Being left fatherless, W. A. was thrown on his own resources and leaving school to make a living for himself and widowed mother, he found employ- ment with the Breitweiser Baking Company in San Jose. He worked steadily for many years, thor- oughly learning the baker's trade, so he is now without doubt one of the most thorough men in his line in the county.

The marriage of Mr. Wilson in San Jose united him with Miss Ursula Fisher, a native daughter of San Jose, and they are the parents of one child, Patricia. Mr. Wilson was made a Mason in Fra- ternity Lodge No. 399 F. & A. M., San Jose, and is also a member of the Sciots, the Woodmen of the World and the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce.

During the World War Mr. Wilson entered the service of his government, and on account of his knowledge of his trade was made an instructor in the Army Cook's and Baker's School at the Presidio, a position which he filled most ably and well.

The Jewell Bakery, of which Mr. Wilson is the owner and proprietor, is an old and popular place, but never before has it been kept more sanitary, and certainly never more invitingly attractive than under its present management. Although his entire life has been one of honest toil, yet it has been of a

constructive character and he has builded wisely and well. He is not only devoted to the promotion of his individual interests, but in the development of those activities which are of greatest benefit and value to community, state and nation.

WILLIAM C. PHILLIPS .- A representative of an old and prominent American family whose mem- bers have valiantly defended the interests of this country from Revolutionary War times down to the present, William C. Phillips, has been a resident of San Jose since 1906 and has gained distinction as an architect and estimation engineer, becoming widely known in those connections. He was born in Niagara County, N. Y., November 15, 1856, a son of James C. and Louisa ( Foster) Phillips. The father was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1816, while the mother's birth occurred in Rutland County, Vt., in 1819. The great-grandfather of the subject of this review was a native of England and on emi- grating to this country he settled in Connecticut, subsequently supporting the cause of the Colonists in the Revolutionary War. The grandfather was born in Monroe County, N. Y., and participated in the War of 1812. His son, James C. Phillips, re- moved with his wife to Niagara County, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of farming, be- coming one of the pioneers of that part of the state. He was a veteran of the Civil War, entering the service in 1861 as a private of the Ninety-fourth New York Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac and was commissioned first lieu- tenant, but known as Captain Phillips all through the war. He took part in all of the engagements participated in by his company and although he was never wounded his death was due to the effects of his exposure during the war. His demise occurred in February, 1866, when he was fifty-two years of age, while the mother, who was of English descent, passed away in San Luis Obispo County, Cal., in July, 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years.

In the acquirement of an education William C. Phillips attended the public schools of Lockport, N. Y., and in 1879 he removed to Nebraska, taking up his residence on the Pawnee Indian Reserva- tion, being there at the time Nance County was formed. In young manhood he had learned the machinist's trade, which he followed in Nebraska, and in 1895 he arrived in San Luis Obispo County, Cal. In 1886 he had taken up the study of archi- tecture in Nebraska and has since followed that pro- fession. He came to San Jose in 1906 to super- intend reconstruction work after the earthquake and has since remained a resident of this city. He en- gages in general architectural work and has made a study of building costs, becoming recognized as an authority on construction estimating. Thorough technical training and long experience will qualify him for the successful practice of his profession. His work, which is of a high character, has been a credit to the city and a feature in its improvement.

At Fullerton, Nebr., in December, 1880, Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Lucie E. Swayne, a native of Lockport, N. Y., and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Swayne, who emigrated to the United States from the British Isles. The father became well known as a building contractor, suc- cessfully conducting his interests along that line. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of a daughter, Gladys E., who is teaching school at Willow Glen,

1422

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

although she resides at home. Mr. Phillips is a progressive, public-spirited citizen, interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of San Jose, and his natural talent and acquired ability have brought him to prominence in his profession.

ROBERT BRUCE MAGEE-In writing the his- tory of a state as old as California it is but natural that many to whose fortitude, courage and industry is due in a large measure the prosperity that now abounds on every hand should have closed life's little day and passed on to the reward that awaits cach when his allotted time shall have been fulfilled. Among such the name of R. Bruce Magee is held in loving remembrance by those who knew him in life. He was born in Macon County, Mo., April 25, 1845. where he lived with his parents on a farm, and where he obtained his carly education; later he removed to Davis County, Iowa, where he enlisted for service in the Civil War on January 15, 1864, and served his country faithfully until its close. He enlisted as a private in Company D, Third Regiment, Iowa Volun- teer Cavalry, Col. Cyrus Bussey commanding; later Col. John W. Noble was the commanding officer. His brothers, Oliver P. and John L. Magee, served in Company E of the Third lowa Volunteer Cavalry; also his stepfather, Joshua Wall, was commissary sergeant of Company D of the same regiment. This regiment took part in the great "Wilson Raid," in- cluding engagements at Ebenezer Church, Selma, Ala., and Columbus, Ga., capturing nearly 700 pris- oners. His service throughout the war was distin- gnished by courage and faithfulness, and on Angust 9, 1865, he received his honorable discharge at Daven- port, Iowa.

The marriage of Mr. Magee on April 2, 1867, united him with Miss Elizabeth A. Veatch, a native of Davis County. Iowa, born on March 22, 1848, whose family were numbered among the pioneer settlers of the state of Iowa. Later Mr. and Mrs. Magee removed to Newton County, Mo., where Mr. Magee taught school for six years, and then removed to Wellington, Kans., and Mr. Magee served as chief of police of that city and also as deputy sheriff, serving the com- munity with satisfaction to all; he was also past com- mander of the Elbert E. Peck Post, G. A. R., of Hazelton, Kans. Desiring a milder climate, he mi- grated, with Mrs. Magee, to California in 1896, set- tling at San Jose, where he served as marshal and tax collector for a number of years. At the time of his passing away, he was affiliated with Sheridan- Dix Post No. 7. G. A. R., Department of California and Nevada, and was also the honored commander of the Central California Veterans' Association for the year 1912. During the years of 1911-12 Mrs. Magee was president of the Anna Ella Carroll Circle No. 1. Department of California and Nevada, Ladies of the G. A. R., and has always been active in all the affairs of the local organization and of the W. R. C. Her brother, J. J. Veatch, was a lieutenant of Company I of the Third Iowa Cavalry. After her husband's demise Mrs. Magee became the wife of Alfred B. Smith, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Magee, who died April 12, 1913, rep- resented the calm, patient and successful toiler, and enjoyed the confidence of the entire community in which he resided for so many years.

CHARLES PARKER .- Eminent among the gifted, broad-minded and most progressive men and women constituting the most influential citizens of Santa Clara is the widely-known seed grower, Charles Parker, who has been very successful in most of his undertakings, and is perhaps the great- est grower of radish seed in the world. He was born near Independence, Jackson County, Mo., on March 20, 1845, the son of William Parker, a native of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1838, settled near Independence and became a well-to-do farmer. Before leaving Kentucky, he was married to Miss Sarah H. Wilson, a native of Baltimore, and they had a family of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity, among whom our subject was fifth.

Charles Parker grew up in Missouri and there he was married to his first wife, Miss Elsie T. Mason, a native of Missouri and the daughter of James C. and Mary (Staples) Mason, who died, mourned by many, thirteen months after her marriage. Then, having farmed for two years in Missouri, Mr. Parker in 1863 removed to what is now New Mexico, and there he engaged in freighting from the Missouri River and Kansas to Las Vegas, Old Fort Sumner and over the old Santa Fe trail, continuing to afford the best of transportation for four years. He next went back to Missouri; but in 1871 he came to California and settled near Santa Clara.

In 1876 Mr. Parker was married to Miss Jemima J. Hudson, a native of Santa Clara and a daughter of William D. Hudson, who had married Miss Mary A. Haun and had come to California in 1850, travel- ing straight from Missouri. One daughter has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Ethel, now Mrs. Frank W. Stewart of Santa Clara. For forty years following Mr. Parker was a rancher, farming at first to hay and grain, and then making a specialty of raising small fruit, such as straw- berries. Finally he began growing seeds, especially the seed of carrots, onions, lettuce and radishes, and at one time he operated some 440 acres. He grew garden seed, and probably threshed more onion seeds than any other man in California. He invented his own threshing machines and built them in Santa Clara. He built fourteen threshers in all and sold all of them to other seed growers, except the one he operated on his own seed farm, which had a capacity of 20,000 pounds of onion-seed per day. Six or seven years ago he showed his appreciation of Santa Clara by retiring here, and he and his good wife now reside at 1217 Harrison Street. For forty- seven years Mr. Parker has been an Odd Fellow, and it is needless to say that both he and Mrs. Parker are very popular within that circle.

WARREN J. McGRURY .- A native son of San Jose and a member of one of the old and promi- nent families of the city, Warren J. McGrury is now serving as traffic officer of Santa Clara County and is proving most efficient and trustworthy as a pub- lic official. He was born March 9, 1890, a son of Edward and Catherine (McManus) McGrury, the former of whom came to California in 1855, making the long journey from New York State, while the mother reached here about ten years later, leaving her home in Medford, Mass., and going by way of the Isthmus. The father settled in the Santa Clara Valley, where he purchased a ranch, on which he

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 217

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