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 246

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 246

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Mr. Thiel's marriage occurred in South Manches- ter, Conn., and united him with Miss Julia Lachat, born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and they are the parents of three children, Harriet Elizabeth, book- keeper for the Winchester Arms Company in San Francisco; Frieda Alice, a senior in the Palo Alto

high school; William J. died at the age of thirteen years. In March, 1919, Mr. Thiel sold his bakery business in Ferndale, Washington, and the family removed to Palo Alto and purchased the Chat- terton Bakery. Mr. Thiel is an expert in his line; and sanitation is strictly adhered to and his bakery is modernly equipped. Mrs. Thiel is a true helpmeet, assisting in the store besides attending to home duties and the care and education of her chil- dren. Mr. Thiel has prospered in his adopted coun- try and has ever striven to give back from that which he has thus bountifully received.

GIACOMO MALATESTA .- One of the success- ful enterprises of Mountain View is the business known as the Ratto Gardens, Inc., and which re- quires an amount of skilled labor, daily and constant attention, and a business management that would do credit to a more pretentious corporation. One of the three owners is Giacomo Malatesta, popularly known among his friends as "Jack" Malatesta. A native of Italy, he was born at the seaport town of Genoa, on November 6, 1876, the son of Antonio and Teressa (Torre) Malatesta, and the latter was born, lived and died at Genoa. She reared a family of seven children, all living except Maria, who passed away in Italy. Emilio and his sister live in Genoa; Giacomo, of this sketch; Frank is a merchant on Laguna Street, San Francisco: Harry lives on Autumn Street, San Jose, and is the owner of a twenty-four acre orchard near Santa Clara; Luigia is the wife of Bernadette Crovo, a partner with Frank Malatesta in the mercantile bus- iness in San Francisco. The Father, who was a chef, left his Genoa home many years ago and came to America: for some time he was chef at the Casto and Europe hotels in San Jose and was well known here; later he returned to Genoa and passed away there. After attending the public schools of Italy, Giacomo Malatesta learned the bricklayer's trade and also worked on farms in his native country. He served in the Italian army for twelve months, and when the term of his service expired, he crossed the ocean to New York, coming on to San Jose, reaching here January 1, 1878. Here he met his father and soon he went to work on ranches and orchards in Santa Clara County, and later at Lindsay, in Tulare County; for three years he was employed on the ranch of Charles Swall near Mountain View.

In 1910 Mr. Malatesta, with V. Casalegno and John Gamello, as partners, incorporated the Ratto Gardens, for the raising of all kinds of garden produce. They operate a tract of twenty acres one mile northwest of Mountain View, the land being owned by John Ratto, Mr. Malatesta's father-in-law, who has been a resi- dent here for a third of a century. The company employs from nine to twelve men and supply fresh garden products to Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Stanford, Mayfield, Cupertino, Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Each of the three managing stockhold- ers drives a three-ton truck, and go Irom place to place until the load is disposed of.

Mr. Malatesta was married on December 26, 1909, at San Jose, to Miss Minnie Ratto, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ratto and a native daughter, born at San Francisco. They are the parents of one daughter, Irene Anna. Both parents were reared in the Roman Catholic Church and they adhere to the faith of their forbears.

Emilia Scagliatti

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LUIGI M. MARIOTTI .- A substantial citizen of Los Gatos who has contributed his full share to its steady upbuilding is Luigi M. Mariotti, who was born in the Province of Massa Carrara, Italy, on December 26, 1862. He was the son of Augustine Mariotti, a man of affairs in the old home place, but both father and mother are now deceased. The fourth of a family of six children, Luigi M. Mariotti was educated in the schools of his native province, and later assisted his father in his business until 1887, when he came to America, arriving at Napa, Cal., with $10.40 in his pocket, where for the next nine years he worked on ranches. He began working at eighteen dollars a month and later started in the fruit business in San Francisco, made some money and went to Los Angeles, where he worked in a soda works two years. Then, after a short time spent in Napa, he went to San Francisco, where he engaged in the grocery and fuel business, and later he was in the liquor and cigar business, re- maining there until 1907, when he took up his resi- dence at Los Gatos.

As early as 1904 Mr. Mariotti had purchased the Los Gatos Hotel on East Main Street, that city, and after the fire in 1906, he sold out his bakery and in 1907 came to Los Gatos and took charge of the hotel. About the same time he established the Los Gatos Soda Works, which he built up to a large business. In 1912 he discontinued the hotel busi- ness and converted it into a lodging house and res- taurant that he rents, also four other stores.

He purchased to the rear of the lot at the corner of Main and Wilcox streets and here he now has an acre of ground, and manufactures all kinds of soft drinks, in which he has built up an excellent pat- ronage. He also owns other valuable residence prop- erty in Los Gatos, which he rents.

In 1900 Mr. Mariotti took a trip back to his native Italy and while there was married to Miss Elena Babini, and shortly after their marriage they made the long journey to San Francisco, where Mr. Mari- otti again engaged in business. Six children have blessed their marriage: Therese, August M., Frank, Julia, Lonis, Eugene, all at home, and are receiving every educational advantage which their parents can bestow upon them. Mr. Mariotti has been favored with good success in his business enterprises and is numbered among Los Gatos' prosperous citizens, a well-earned reward for his years of thrift. He is a member of the Druids in San Jose, and in politics is an independent, favoring every movement that will aid in the progressive development of this beautiful district of California.

GENNARO FILICE .- An enterprising, progres- sive and successful business man of whom Santa Clara County may well be proud is Gennaro Filice, president and general manager of the Filice & Per- relli Canning Company, Inc., of Gilroy. A native of Italy, he was born at Cosenza, August 7, 1890, the son of Michael and Delfina (Bozzo) Filice, substan- tial farmer folk and worthy in every way, who had the courage to come out to California in 1906, when they settled in Gilroy. Gennaro received but a lim- ited schooling and at the age of eleven became a wage earner, and at the age of seventeen he struck out for himself and since then has gained a great deal through practical experience, a severe and hard

teacher. He left his native country in 1906 and landed in New York, going thence to Montreal, Ontario and Winnipeg, then through British Colum- bia, working as he went along and becoming familiar with the conditions of the New World. He then came into the United States and to California, ar- riving at Gilroy in December, 1906, where he met his parents, who had arrived here the month previous from their native Italy. Looking about the town and vicinity, Gennaro entered the employ of the Bis- ceglia Brothers, proprietors of a cannery and owners of a ranch near Hollister, and he began work on the ranch and after mastering the details he became their foreman in 1912 and held that position until 1914. During those years he saved his money and he and his father bought six acres near Gilroy and there they erected their first cannery, being associated with John Perrelli and his family, who had arrived here in 1907. Mr. Perrelli was born in Italy on October 26, 1895, and was only seventeen when he joined with Mr. Filice in the canning business, and they have since been associated together, working under the firm name of Filice and Perrelli Canning Company. The first year, 1914, they put out a pack of 17,000 cases of tomatoes and this was only ac- complished by the hardest kind of work, all those interested in the venture working from sixteen to twenty hours a day during the busy season in the little cannery on the six acres owned by Mr. Filice and his father.

So successful was their enterprise that in 1917 they incorporated for $100,000 capital stock, bought four acres in Gilroy at Lewis and Railroad streets and erected a small, but sanitary plant adjoining the Southern Pacific tracks. From that time their patronage warranted the enlargement of the plant each season and the increasing of their capital stock until in 1922 it is $400,000, and they handle over 350,- 000 cases of fruit and vegetables each season. Be- sides their canning and packing plant they own 205 acres of orchard, which they bought as bare land and have set to orchard and now, 1922, is coming into bearing. Their plant in town covers over one and one half acres besides the cottages for their help, the machine shop and boiler plant. During the busy seasons they have in their employ from 400 to 500 persons, and they specialize in packing their especial F. &. P. Brand and ship to all parts of the country. To facilitate shipping they have a siding for their own use. The officers of the corporation are: Gennaro Filice, president and general manager; John Perrelli, vice-president and assistant manager; Frank Filice, second vice-president and assistant manager, and these three make up the board of directors of the corporation.

On July 12, 1914, at Gilroy, Gennaro Filice was united in marriage with Miss Angelina Perrelli, who died on November 27, 1917, leaving two children, Delfina and Michael. On November, 1920, Mr. Filice was again married, Miss Clara Bozzo becom- ing his wife. In politics he is a Republican and he and his family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Perrelli married Miss Mary Filice and they have a son, Philip Perrelli. Both Mr. Filice.and Mr. Per- relli hold membership in the Gilroy Chamber of

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Commerce and unite in doing all they can to help build up the community in which they have made their success.

THOMAS MAURICE DOWLING .- Among the carly-timers of San Jose, a resident of this city for more than a score of years, is Thomas Maurice Dowling, who was born in Iowa, at Muscatine, on March 4, 1868, and was the son of William Edward and Bridget (Kelly) Dowling. His father died some twenty-two years ago, but the mother passed away only recently.

Thomas Dowling was educated in the public schools of Iowa and was reared on a farm, later oc- cupying the position of manager of a grocery store in Nebraska. He continued there until the year of 1897, when he came to California, and here he has been engaged in various occupations. Then he be- came employed as a conductor and motorman on the Santa Clara Street line of the San Jose Railroad for sixteen years; then worked for the Peninsular Rail- road for a period of two years; he then returned to Nebraska, but after a short time the lure of the Golden State brought him back to San Jose. He farmed for a year at Manteca, and then received a position with Hale's Department Store, taking charge of their stock room, and here he has been employed for more than four years.

Mr. Dowling's marriage united him with Miss Lula M. Kevan, and they are the parents of William Edward, who was with the marines for two years; Frances Thomas; Elizabeth Wayne is a teacher at Mt. Pleasant, Cal .; and John Kevan. Mr. Dowling is well known in the circles of the Pastime Club and his popularity is attested by his election to the presidency of this social organization. Mr. Dowling is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, having been a member for the past twenty- four years. In religious faith, he is a member of the Catholic Church, and in national politics he is a Democrat, but in local affairs he puts party ties aside and votes for the best men and measures.

EMIL A. JOHNSON .- For the past twenty years Emil A. Johnson has resided in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County, and has conducted a teaming con- tracting business up to the present time. He was born in Chicago, Ill., July 26, 1878, a son of August and Emma (Erickson) Johnson, both of whom are natives of Sweden. Both the Johnson and Erickson families emigrated to America in the early '50s and settled in the vicinity of Chicago, and followed farming pursuits. His father learned the shoe- maker's trade and followed it in Chicago, Ill., for many years, having his own shop. The home place of the Johnsons was located on Lawrence and Ked- zic avenues, and what was the Johnson farm is now cut through by some of the main thoroughfares.

Emil A. grew up on the farm and received what education he could in the schools of Chicago, but on account of his delicate health, his schooling was lim- ited. During the early part of 1901, he removed to California and settled in Morgan Hill, and for the first three years of his residence was employed by the Gorham estate in ranch work. By hard work and economy he saved enough to buy a team and wagon and engaged in teaming and hauling between Mor- gan Hill, Gilroy and San Jose. Since 1904, Mr. Johnson has conducted his teaming business and has

met with success. He has also had considerable experience in the orchard business and has just re- cently sold his ranch on Dunne Avenue.

Mr. Johnson's marriage occurred October 14, 1908, and united him with Miss Ella Rice, a daughter of William A. Rice, whose sketch also appears in this work, and she was born and reared in Marshall, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of one son, Clarence Robert. Mr. Johnson owns a fine residence in Morgan Hill and the family are highly respected citizens of that city. In his political affi- liations he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and he is a member of the Foresters.

FRED J. ARNBERG .- The proprietor of a thriv- ing dairy business at Gilroy, Fred J. Arnberg has made an excellent showing in this line of work in the short time he has been so engaged. He was horn at Portland, Ore., on August 12, 1885, the son of An- drew and Clara (Magnussen) Arnberg, both natives of Sweden. He learned the coppersmith's trade in the shop of his father at Portland, and on coming to California, in 1903, he located at Gilroy, and for ten years was with the Thomas Mercantile Com- pany, the following five years being identified with the plumbing department of the Robinson Hardware Company.

In 1916 Mr. Arnberg purchased twenty-five acres of land on the Bodfish Road, a part of the Los Animas Rancho, and in 1920 he added seventeen acres, fifteen acres of his holdings being in a fine orchard, while seventeen acres are devoted to alfalfa. In 1921 Mr. Arnberg started in the dairy business in a small way, with a herd of choice Holstein cattle, and he has now increased the number to seventeen. In an open competition he was awarded the blue ribbon and gold medal at the State Fair in Septem- ber, 1921, the test of milk of his dairy showing 98.6 per cent, a record to be proud of.

Mr. Arnberg's marriage united him with Miss Ruby Ross, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ross of Gilroy, and they have become the parents of four children: Fred, Jr., Jane, Ross and Thomas. In politics Mr. Arnberg votes the Republican ticket, and he gives his support to the commercial progress of the community through membership in the Chamber of Commerce of Gilroy.

GEORGE E. WALKER .- Coming of old New England stock, George E. Walker spent his carly years amid the environment of the Green Mountain State. He was born at Rutland, Vt., on March 17, 1862, the son of worthy parents, farmers there for many years. He attended school at Rutland, and when he had reached man's esate, he went on the road as a salesman, representing the W. R. Kinsman Monumental Works, and after five successful years of traveling for this firm, he returned to the home farm. In 1892 he removed with his family to Wor- cester, and there they made their home until 1900, when the desire for a milder climate and the lure of California brought them to the Pacific Coast.

Soon after arriving here, Mr. Walker purchased thirteen acres at Morgan Hill, where the family took up their home, and in 1919 he added ninety-seven acres to his holdings, part of which he expects to plant to prunes. Progressive and enterprising, Mr. Walker has developed his property along the most

O. M. Dowling

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modern lines, and has installed a gravity flow irriga- tion system at a great expense, in order that he might use the water on his land to the best advantage. He has made a close study of the best horticultural methods, and consequently has made a success.

While a resident of Rutland, V't., on May 19, 1886, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Nancy S. Holden, descended from a sturdy old family of Scotch-Eng- lish ancestry. Two children have been born to them: Janet J. is the wife of Ronald H. Coates and the mother of four children, and Louis M., who served in the U. S. Army during the World War, is ranching on the home place, on Llagas Road. Finding this an ideal climate to live in, Mr. Walker is more and more enthusiastic over the opportunities afforded in the Santa Clara Valley. He is a member of the California Prune and Apricot Association. fra- ternal circles, he is affiliated with the Modern Wood- men of America, having belonged to this order for twenty-two years.

OTTO F. JEMM .- For many years engaged in the mercantile business in the Middle West, in which he made a splendid success, and with an interesting career in the military service of his adopted country, Otto F. Jemm has been engaged principally as an orchardist and vineyardist since taking up his residence at San Martin in 1912. Mr. Jemm was born at Danzig, Germany, on May 27, 1863, the son of Herman and Teresa (Schulz) Jemm. Even while attending school, he spent his spare time in learning the general mer- chandise business, receiving a thorough training in this branch of business that was of great help to him in later years. Prior to coming to America he served three years in the German Army.

In 1885 Mr. Jemm came to America, and for two years made his home in New York City. On May 6, 1887, he enlisted in Company I, Eighth U. S. In- fantry, stationed at Fort Robinson, Nebr., and served for five years in the army. He went through the Indian troubles of 1890-91, experiencing all the dan- gers, hardships and suffering entailed in that con- flict. He was among the captors of the notorious Indian chief, Sitting Bull, in September, 1890, and was also in the bloody encounter at Pine Ridge on January 2, 1891. He received his honorable dis- charge at Fort McKinney, Wyo., May 5, 1892, after which he located in Chicago, where he conducted a store at La Salle and Monroe streets, in the heart of the business district of that great metropolis. From there he went to Kenosha, Wis., where he established a large mercantile business, in which he was very successful, conducting it for about fifteen years. In August, 1912, Mr. Jemm came to Califor- nia and settled at San Martin, where he has since made his home. He had bought his property in 1910, while on a visit to California. As an orchardist and vineyardist he has been most successful, so that he is now able to retire from active ranch life and enjoy the means he has accumulated through his years of successful activity.

At Chicago, in October, 1892, Mr. Jemm was mar- ried to Miss Pauline Ochsmen, born on November 7. 1863, in Silesia, Prussia, the daughter of Wilhelm and Caroline (Peitsch) Ochsmen. Mrs. Jemm came to this country with her sister, now Mrs. Caroline

Barnickel of Allegan, Mich., arriving at New York City in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Jemm are the parents of two children, Otto H., who had one year at Uni- versity of California, is a Mason and served in the U. S. forces during the World War, having grad- uated as master gunner at Fortress Monroe, but did not get overseas on account of a bad knee, but was in service eighteen months and is now in the garage business at Gilroy; Alice is still attending school. A loyal citizen of his adopted country, Mr. Jemm is a Republican in politics and one of San Martin's dependable citizens. He has been a member of the Masons since 1910, holding membership in Keith Lodge, Gilroy, and belongs to the M. W. A.

F. L. RATHBUN .- A business establishment that has grown to be a leader of its kind in the county is that of F. L. Rathbun & Son, well drillers and dealers in pumps and well supplies, plumbing and plumbing supplies, in Los Altos, Cal. Mr. Rathbun was born on January 12, 1851, in Allegany County, N. Y., the son of Valentine and Myra (Geary) Rathbun. His father passed away when he was only six years old, and one year later his mother died. After the death of his parents, he went to live with an uncle, and then at the age of nine he went to Pennsylvania and began to carn his own way in life. His father's people originally came from Scotland to the United States and settled in Connecticut, the Scotch spelling of the name being "Rathbone." The paternal grandfather was a captain in the War of 1812. The only one living of a family of nine chil- dren, F. L. Rathbun worked on farms at Erie, Pa., and grew to manhood there.

His marriage occurred in Erie City, Pa., and united him with Miss Sarah Stoll, born in that city, the daughter of George Stoll, among the first settlers of Erie City, where he engaged in the brickmason's trade. In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun left Pennsyl- vania for California and settled in San Francisco, spending two and a half years there; then removed to Placer County where Mr. Rathbun worked in a saw- mill as foreman, and continued in that capacity for ten years; in 1888 the family removed to Truckee, thence to San Bernardino, remaining there for two and a half years. They then removed to Oakland, and Mr. Rathbun worked in a planing mill there and in San Francisco. In 1902 the family removed to Los Altos and bought a farm, and Mr. Rathbun was occupied with farming for nineteen years. In con- nection with his farming, he did contracting and building, and in 1911 established the well drilling business. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun are the parents of two children: George Clayton, an engineer in San Francisco for the New Process Laundry: for nine- teen years he was an acrobat, traveling with circuses; he resides in San Francisco; Frank William was born in San Francisco, learned the plumbing trade and worked for ten years for George Dollarmore; he was first married to Miss Minie Fistini of San Francisco, and they had two children, Lottie, now the wife of Ben E. Elkins, a radio operator residing in San Francisco, who was in the government service dur- ing the recent war: Juanita, married Walter Col- bath, an employee of the Southern Pacific at Bur- lingame, and they have one child, Ethel B. Mrs.

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Rathbun passed away and he was married to Miss Francis Nicholas. His third marriage united him with Mrs. Agnes Meeker. F. L. Rathbun and his sons are members of the Masonic order and all be- long to the Sciots.

GEORGE EBER TARLETON .- A young business man who is gaining a foothold in the business world and who is well on the road to success is George Eber Tarleton, one of the owners of Russell's Garage at Saratoga, Mr. Russell being the former owner. A native of Santa Clara County, Mr. Tarleton was born at San Jose, December 13, 1891, the son of George L. and Ada (Munn) Tarleton. The father is also a native of California, his parents coming here in 1851. The paternal grandfather, Geo. W. Tarleton, planted his orchard in the Santa Clara Valley, some of the trees coming from France. George L. Tarleton is a buyer for the Pratt-Lowe Company and he and his wife reside in San Jose.

George E. received his education in the excellent schools of San Jose and after graduating from the San Jose high school he went into the transport service between San Francisco and Manila for one year. At the end of this time he took up his resi- dence in Honolulu and followed electrical work there for about one and one-half years. Returning to San Jose he entered the shops of the Bean Spray Com- pany and was with them for nine months, when he accepted the position of teller with the Bank of San Jose, and was with them for six years, or until his enlistment for service in the navy, July, 1917. He was in the service of his country for two years, nineteen months of which was spent aboard a submarine chaser in foreign waters in the war zone as chief engineer of Subchaser No. 148, doing duty there until August, 1919, when he brought the submarine to New York City, coming to Mare Island, where he was honor- ably discharged October 4, 1919. He then returned to his place in the Bank of San Jose, until July 1, 1921, when with a partner, George Wadey, he bought Rus- sell's Garage at Saratoga, where the partners are do- ing a thriving business. They carry a full line of supplies, accessories, tires, and have the Ford agency.

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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 246

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