History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 166

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934

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Mrs. Emily Huff died in March, 1890, and in 1906 Mr. Huff married Mrs. Emma Ball, a lady from his old Michigan home, an accomplished and charming woman, acquainted with many of the friends of his youth who helped much with his many friends and his sons to keep his old age active and cheerful. She is now living in Mountain View. His death, which occurred on October 8, 1915, left a vacancy in the citizenry of his community hard to fill.

ERNEST P. LION .- A worthy representative of a pioneer family, Ernest P. Lion, vice-president of the L. Lion & Sons Company, was born and reared in Santa Clara County. He first saw the light of day April 11, 1865 at the family home in San Jose, adjacent to St. James Park, the son of Lazard Lion, who had come to California as early as 1852. His sketch appears on another page.

Ernest P. Lion began his education in the Gates private school, later completing his studies by taking a business course in the Garden City Business Col- lege. He left school at the early age of fourteen and entered his father's store and at nineteen took an active part in the business, first as secretary and now as vice-president of the company. He was assistant manager of the Los Angeles branch of the business, from 1886 to 1890, when he was associated with his brother, Gustave F., and also was employed by him in his San Jose store.

Mr. Lion was united in marriage in Los Angeles in November, 1888, to Miss Clara Jobson of San

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Francisco, and their son Paul L., who was born there, is actively associated in the extensive business in San Jose. Politically Mr. Lion casts his vote for the Republican candidates, and fraternally he belongs to the B. P. O. Elks and the Native Sons of the Golden West, while locally he is active in the affairs of the Rotary Club, Commercial Club, and the Chamber of Commerce, also the San Jose Golf and Country Club.

CHARLES BRANDT,-A prominent, influential citizen of the Milpitas district who has earned the right to leadership is Charles Brandt, a native of the Laguna district, just east of Milpitas, where he was born November 22, 1867, the son of Frederick and Euphemia (Palmer) Brandt; the former a native of Konigsberg, Germany, came to California in 1864, and settled in the hills east of Milpitas. Three children were born to this worthy couple: Edward, Charles and Euphemia, who became the wife of James Hansen, and died in 1917, and whose portrait appears elsewhere in this work. Frederick Brandt died when only forty-five years of age, while his devoted widow survived until 1906, when she passed away at the age of seventy-five.

Charles Brandt attended the grammar school in the Laguna district, although he also had to help with the farm work, commencing to milk when he was only seven years old. By the time he was four- teen he had become so experienced and capable that he left school to help his widowed mother, who had 160 acres of land taken upon a squatter's claim, devoted to grain and stock, and she also bought addi- tional land. The year after her death Charles Brandt bought a farm of 140 acres on Capitol Avenue about one-fourth mile north of Cropley Avenue, whither he removed, and in 1907, his mother's estate was distributed. In that year Mr. Brandt built his home and farm buildings, and now he has six acres of prunes, while the rest is leased, and devoted to mar- ket gardening. In 1913 Mr. Brandt purchased an additional ranch of seventy-one acres on the Silver Creek Road, devoted to the growing of hay, but this fine place he sold in 1920. He has two wells, one of ten-inch bore and the other of fourteen-inch bore, which furnish an abundance of water, also an electric turbine pump capable of throwing an un- usually large stream. Mr. Brandt also became the owner of twelve acres on Calaveras Road, adjoining Milpitas on the east. The Western Pacific bought five acres of this land in 1920; that company com- pleted its new depot and laid out the Milpitas station yards early in 1922.

A stanch Republican, but properly nonpartisan in local affairs, Mr. Brandt served for thirteen years as a member of the school board in the Laguna school district, prior to his removal to Capitol Avenue. He is a representative man of affairs, enjoying the re- spect and confidence of rich and poor alike. While he leases out most of his land, he continues to be a hard worker, and farms thirty acres himself. Al- though independently well-to-do, he continues to do personal work on his farm from day to day, being ably assisted by his loyal wife and helpmate. He has made a success of everything which he has undertaken ever since he was a boy. He is the secretary of the board of directors of the Bank of Milpitas, which institution he was monumental in starting; he was a prime mover in its organization in 1911, and was a member of its first board of

directors, and was serving as such when it threw open its doors for business on the second day of January, 1912. He was appointed secretary of the board in 1918, serving continuously ever since.

At San Jose on April 27, 1912, Mr. Brandt was married to Miss Emma E. Katz, a native of San Francisco and the daughter of Alexander and Char- lotte Katz. The father came to San Francisco in 1852 and for a time engaged in mining, and shortly after he returned to the Bay City where for ten years he was employed as foreman in the Pioneer Flour Mills. He removed to Santa Clara County in 1875, having the foresight to see the future pros- pects of this section, and settled on Capitol Avenne, at the corner of Cropley Avenue, and there they reared a family of seven children: Charlotte, Alex- andēr, Emma, Gustave, Robert, William and Albert. Gustave and Charlotte are living on the home place, and Gustave is road superintendent of District Num- ber Three, Santa Clara County, while he is also cultivating fifteen acres devoted to prunes. Robert and William live at Salt Lake City and Albert is at Stockton. Mrs. Katz passed away a number of years ago, Alexander Katz surviving until 1910. A son of honored California pioneers, Mr. Brandt stands in the line of preferment, belonging as he does to Santa Clara's first generation. He grew up under conditions of self denial, diligence and frugality to become the successful and upright man that he is. Our commonwealth is honored by such native sons, and stands in need of men of his hon- esty, mental calibre and strength of character.

ISAAC OBERG-In the annals of Santa Clara County no more worthy name can be found than that of Isaac Oberg, an honored resident of the county, now retired from active service. He is a man of sterling character, possessing in a high de- gree those traits that command respect and gain esteem, and his life record is such as to reflect credit on the community in which he resides. He was born at Luled, Sweden, on March 4, 1857, and was educated in the public schools of his native land and at the age of fifteen was confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was reared on a farm owned by his father and there acquired lessons of thrift and industry. Possessing a roving disposition and having a desire for adventure, he joined a party of young men in 1880 bound for America. Landing at New York they proceeded west to Colorado and located at Leadville and engaged in mining; he re- mained there for two years and his operations were successful; then he came to San Francisco but was there only a short time when he went to Montana. then to Arizona and later to Mexico and stayed there for awhile working in the mines, a foreman for a mining company at Cananea, and from there went to Calaveras County, where he was foreman and superintendent ten years. In 1898 he purchased nine acres near Morgan Hill and added to this until he has fifty-eight acres, which he has developed.

The marriage of Mr. Oberg occurred in Arizona in 1892 and united him with Miss Matilda Peter- son, a native of Stockholm. They are the parents of three children: Alvin, born in Bisbee, Ariz., but schooled and reared in Santa Clara County, en- gaged in mining several years; he married Miss Venley Benson and they have two children, Alice May and Roy Alvin; Harold was also born in Bis- bee, Ariz., and married Miss Mabel Horton and

Charles Brandt

Emuma E Brandt

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. HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

they have two children, Harold Jr., and Ellen Lu- cille; Clarence assists his father in the management of the ranch. All the sons live on the ranch near Madrone. Mr. Oberg received his final U. S. citi- zenship papers at Tombstone, Ariz., May 13, 1895. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and frater- nally has been a member of the Odd Fellows for thirty years. From 1912 until he resigned in 1921 Mr. Oberg served as trustee of the Live Oak Union high school. Besides being an expert rancher, Mr. Oberg is an authority on mining and locating rich deposits of ore. Thirty years of practical mining has given him a fund of information not to be gained in any other way and it is a real pleasure and a liberal education to listen to his stories of ad- venture and experience, of the years spent in the mines of several states. He has spent many years in the study of the geological formation of various sections of the earth and is thoroughly convinced that he holds the correct assay that will solve the problem of the remarkable "sunshine meteor" which fell in Arizona many years ago, causing a depres- sion 630 feet deep and one mile across the brim, with an area of 120 acres at the bottom; this has given rise to many questions and many scientists of note have journeyed to Arizona in the hopes of solving the problem. Mr. Oberg has never failed to accom- plish the duties nearest him and with untiring energy laid hold of any opportunity for advancement which presented itself to him.

THORNTON DELOS WEBSTER .- Business enterprise and progressiveness find manifest expres- sion in the carcer of Thornton D. Webster, who is the assistant manager of the People's Finance and Thrift Company, a wage-earners' bank, operated on plans similar to the "Morris" plan. Born in Neills- ville, Wis., on November 5, 1889, he is a son of Eugene D. and Mary A. (Rogerson) Webster, hoth parents being natives of the state of Wisconsin, their biographical sketch appearing elsewhere in this history. The boyhood of Thornton D. Webster was spent with his parents in Wisconsin, removing in 1901, with his parents, to the Pacific Coast, settling in San Jose, and where the home was established. Here Mr. Webster attended the grammar and high schools of San Jose, graduating from high school in June, 1909; the following year he took a post-gradu-

ate course and upon finishing, entered the employ of the J. H. Rucker Realty Company in the depart- ment of insurance and collecting. He was soon ad- vanced to the position of manager of the department of insurance, which steadily grew under his able management from year to year. Later when the insurance and rental business of Jos. H. Rucker & Company was taken over by the Rucker-McChesney Company he became financially interested, continu- ing as insurance manager, and is now secretary- treasurer of the company. Upon the formation of the People's Finance and Thrift Company, his serv- ices were solicited and he became a stockholder and assistant manager for the company.

Fraternally Mr. Webster was made a Mason of Liberty Lodge No. 299, F. & A. M., Santa Clara, of which he is a past master. He has the unique dis- tinction of having raised his father to the sublime degree of master mason. He also has the honor of being one of the youngest men in California to serve as master of a Masonic lodge. He is also a Scottish

Rite Mason, and is past patron of Santa Clara Chap- ter O. E. S. He was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Jorgenson, horn in Idaho, who came to the Santa Clara Valley in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are the parents of one child John Delos. Mrs. Webster is also an active member of the Santa Clara Chapter of the Eastern Star. They have a delight- ful suburban home at 44 North Lincoln Avenue in the Willows district. Mr. Webster also owns an eighty-acre tract near Irwin City, Merced County, which was purchased in 1914, which is steadily ad- vancing in value each year.

SOL JACOBS .- A native son of California and a member of one of its honored pioneer families, Sol. Jacobs has charge of important interests as super- intendent and manager of the Campbell plant of the California Canneries Company, and for over sixty years the family name has been one of prominence in connection with the fruit-packing industry in this state. He was born in San Francisco, August 15. 1873, of the marriage of William and Bertha (Wiener) Jacobs, the former arriving in that city in 1851 and the latter five years later, both journey- ing across the plains. The father at first devoted his attention to mining and in 1860 he engaged in the fruit-canning business, in which he acquired a po- sition of distinction, being a prime mover in organ- izing the Packers Exchange of San Francisco, serv- ing as its first president, a position he filled for over ten years. He passed away in 1884 and the mother's demise occurred in 1900.

In the grammar and high schools of his native city Sol. Jacobs acquired his education and as a young man hecame connected with the fruit-packing industry, upon which he has since concentrated his attention, not only in the management of canner- ies, but also in building them, and as early as 1900 built the cannery on Monterey Road, San Jose. On May 13, 1919, he came to Campbell as super- intendent and manager for the interests of the Cali- fornia Canneries Company at this point, the business at that time being conducted in a very small estab- lishment. He at once set to work to build a thor- oughly modern plant, which began its operations in the latter part of June of that year. He gives his close personal attention to every detail of the busi- ness and that the position is one of large respon- sibility is indicated in the fact that during the busy season employment is furnished to over 300 persons.

Mr. Jacobs gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and is a member of Mission Parlor No. 38. N. S. G. W. of San Francisco, of which he is a past president. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, being a Scottish Rite Thirty- second degree Mason and a member of Islam Tem- ple A. A. O. N. M. S., San Francisco. He is also a member of the Sciots in San Jose, as well as San Jose Lodge of Elks. He is fond of travel and has not only traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, but has visited many of the interesting countries in the Orient as well as the Occident and thus has added greatly to his store of knowledge. He is a veteran of the World War. en- listing at San Francisco, and as a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force was sent overseas. He was attached to the infantry and participated in many major engagements, being wounded and con- fined in a hospital for four months. He was in ac- tual service for two years and ten months and was

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discharged with the rank of sergeant. Throughout his business career he has devoted his attention to the fruit-packing industry and is proving a worthy successor of his father, displaying the same enter- prising spirit and executive ability which charac- terized the latter, and in every relation of life he measures up to the highest standards of manhood.

ALBERT SYLVESTER BACON .- A citizen of San Jose who was loved by every one who came to know him for his true worth as a man, was the late Albert S. Bacon, founder of the establishment con- ducted under the firm name of A. S Bacon & Son, dealers in footwear of all kinds. Albert S. Bacon was horn at Pitcairn, in the Adirondack Mountains in Northern New York, on December 27, 1854, the son of Albert and Angeline (Burt) Bacon, both of Eng- lish descent. On the paternal side he was connected with' the illustrious family of General Warren.

Albert Sylvester was educated in the Gouverneur Seminary in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., completing his course at the age of eighteen. He went to Bara- boo, Wis., taught school and worked in the wheat fields for one year, then returned to New York and took up the study of law in the office of Judge E. H. Neary, at Gouverneur, continuing for one year. Evi- dently the life of a professional man did not appeal to him and he went to New York City in 1874 and was employed by a mercantile concern there, later embarked in business for himself, in the old Fulton Market, for five years. After that he moved to Pots- dam and spent thirteen years in the shoe business, and while there he served on the village council and always did his part to assist all movements for the benefit of the people and the town. While living at Potsdam, N. Y., he was united in marriage on De- cember 27, 1879, with Miss Mary Lord, born in New York State and an able helpmate to this ambitious man. They became the parents of six children: San- ford L., a partner and manager of the A. S. Bacon & Son Company in San Jose, who became a member of the firm in 1906 and who has ably assisted in build- ing up a prosperous business. Cora, married Eugene C. Howe, an instructor at Wellesley College; Ruth Lord died in infancy; Albert Sylvester, Jr., employed by the A. S. Bacon & Son Company. These chil- dren were born in New York. Ruth is the wife of Robert K. Vickery of San Jose; and Bruce Bacon is also employed in the shoe store. The last two were born in San Jose.

In 1892 A. S. Bacon and his family migrated to California and settled in San Jose where he embarked in the shoe business and as the city grew, he devel- oped a business widely known throughout the whole county for its dependable goods. In 1906 he took his son, Sanford L., in as a partner and ever since the firm has been known as A. S. Bacon & Son and is located at 74 South First Street. Mr. Bacon could always be depended upon to do his duty by his fel- lowmen, aided in all civic movements for the good of the town and county, became prominent in social, business, political and church work. He was a Royal Arch Mason; was a Democrat in national politics, though broadminded and nonpartisan in local affairs; he served as a member of the county and state central committee of his party and under its banner rendered all possible aid to elevate the standard of citizenship. He served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce and as president of the Merchants Association of

San Jose. But his greatest work was in connection with the Y. M. C. A., in which he was a director and also president of the board of directors for some years, and Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served twenty-two years as a vestryman and almost twenty years as senior warden, taking part in all church ac- tivities and giving hearty financial support to all programs of the church for many years. He lived a Christian life and was a faithful friend to all who knew him and worked with him in carrying out the precepts of his creed, and at his passing on May 23, 1921, at San Jose, the city lost one of her most ardent workers for every good project for the eleva- tion of social and moral standards.

ALFRED B. SMITH .- One of the highly re- spected citizens of San Jose; and formerly a promi- nient rancher, Alfred B. Smith is known by his friends in Santa Clara County as an upright, honest man of sterling worth. A typical representative of those sturdy Easterners he has witnessed the won- derful changes that have taken place here during the last twenty-nine years, and in its transformation has been an important factor. Born near Clinton, Onei- da County, N. Y., January 11, 1837, he is the son of John N. and Mary Ann (Beebe) Smith. When Alfred B. Smith was eight years old his parents re- moved to Janesville, Wis, going by train to Buffalo, N. Y .; thence crossing the lake, where severe hard- ships were encountered, but their destination was finally reached. Upon arrival in Wisconsin, the father purchased forty acres for the sum of fifty dollars and built a log cabin. Mr. Smith has in his possession a letter dated June 14, 1845, written by his father to an uncle living in New York state, the postage on this letter being twenty-five cents. Alfred B. Smith obtained his education by attending school only through the winter months, as his summers were spent in helping about the farm work, and going to Milwaukee with their produce, seventy-two miles away from the home place. In 1859 Mr. Smith with courage and determination, set out for himself, re- moving to Filmore County, Minn., where he pur- chased 160 acres, and continued farming.

The marriage of Mr. Smith occurred in March, 1860, and united him with Miss Sophrona Boynton, a native of New York, born in 1846, but who had resided in Minnesota since 1859. Mr. Smith enlarged his holdings and became a very successful farmer, but when the Civil War broke out, he disposed of his fine property, and left his family in his brother's home near by and offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company E, Eleventh Minnesota Volun- teer Infantry, as a private. On September 20, 1864, the Eleventh was sent to Fort Snelling, thence to La Crosse, Wis., and then by railroad to Chicago, Ill, where they were detained for one weck, then were moved to Nashville, Tenn., where they camped under the guns of Fort Negley and did guard duty about three weeks, later the companies were dis- tributed along the L. & N. Railroad, doing guard duty, Company E at Gallatin, where regimental head- quarters were established, and they remained until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged June 26, 1865, and settled in Waverly, Bremer County, Iowa, served as street commissioner two years and also farmed. During the year 1873, he removed with his family to South Dakota and for nineteen years was a very successful grain and stock

J.J. Bacon

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

farmer in Turner County. He served as county commissioner of Turner County for two terms, and was a prominent factor in all movements for the ad- vancement and prosperity of the community in which he resided. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

In 1892, desiring a milder climate, Mr. Smith and family removed to San Jose, and invested in a twenty-acre ranch in the Valley View district, and in a few years he developed his land to be one of the finest orchards in this section of the county; here Mrs. Smith passed away on June 19, 1914. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Frank C. married and with his wife and seven sons are prosperous farmers of 480 acres in eastern Ar- kansas; Clara I. is an orchardist in the Mountain View district, and owns and operates one of the finest cherry orchards in the county.

The second marriage of Mr. Smith united him with Mrs. Elizabeth Ann (Veatch) Magee, who was a native of Davis County, Iowa, born March 22, 1848, who came to San Jose in 1896. Her parents were pioneer farmers of Iowa. Her father, Elias Veatch, born in Sangamon County, 111., was a per- sonal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and her mother was Miss Sarah A. Cole, a native of Kentucky of Scotch and German descent. Mrs. Smith is an ac- tive member of the W. R. C. of California and Nevada department of the G. A. R., and gives of her time and influence to the advancement of this organ- ization, and she is an active member of Circle No. 1, Ladies of the G. A. R., has held various minor offices and was twice president. The home at 10 Brooks Avenne was purchased by Mrs. Smith in 1913, and it is here that Mr. and Mrs. Smith still reside. Although Mr. Smith disposed of all his holdings and retired from active work in 1918, he is still a man of sound judgment and keen under- standing, and with a progressive and public-spirited nature he lends his best efforts towards the promo- tion of movements calculated to improve the general condition of the community. He has been a promi- nent member of Sheridan-Dix Post No. 7, G. A. R., for almost twenty years.

CHARLES C. RIBBLE .- A highly respected citizen of Santa Clara County who has lived a long and useful life is Charles C. Ribble, who takes an active interest in the activities of the local G. A. R. Born in the rural district adjacent to Chicago, Il1., April 27, 1844, he is a son of John T. and Antha Jane (Robison) Ribble, early settlers of Kane County, Ill. The father was engaged in farming, having acquired his land by homestead and purchase; he was also a carpenter by trade, possessing much natural ability in a mechanical way, which proved of great advantage to him. The family removed to Linn County, Iowa, near Cedar Rapids, when Charles was three years old, and here he was reared. He at- tended the district school, but opportunities for schooling were extremely meager. When the Civil War broke out, he entered the service of his country August 9, 1862, and was mustered into the service at Davenport, Iowa, in Company I of the Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, serving under Captain Cook, Colonel William McE. Dye, commanding. This regiment was the first to respond to the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 volunteers. The regi- ment was removed to Clinton, Iowa, serving under Major William T. Thompson for a short time; then

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 166

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1934

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934