History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 192

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

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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.

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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, Il1., 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, I11. .

Fred H. was the eldest of a family of ten chil- diren, 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, lowa, 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 Maccabecs 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 Baum- 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 finc, lucrative business, having recognized the grow- ing possibilities of this territory, and the opportu- mities 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

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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 Rabau 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 . the development of the city in which it is located, away, but the mother still lives in Palo Alto.

Ernest began his education in the public schools of Salem, Ore., and later entered the preparatory department of Willamette University, and upon his graduation from that institution came to Palo Alto and entered Stanford in the fall of 1896. There was a little candy store on the campus owned by a couple of students, and here the newcomer found work during his freshman year. He bought a half-interest at the end of the semester, and soon became sole owner. As he studied and worked, he made friends with everybody, and on account of his popularity and sticktoitiveness, soon became familiarly known as "Sticky" Wilson, an appellation which will likely always remain with him. As "Sticky" Wilson stuck to Stanford, so the name stuck to "Sticky" and has become a fixture in the college town.

The four years passed; a new century dawned- and brought with it the graduation of the student-con- fectioner with the class of 1900. To the members of this class, as to countless classes before it, the pro- fessions beckoned to some, adventure whispered to a few, while many drifted out groping, aimless and undecided. But Sticky's mind was made up. He had been attending two kinds of classrooms during his college career; one in the imposing buildings around the Quad, and another in the little store on the cam- pus. His life work was to be the making of good candy and the serving of good food. In order to gain a thorough knowledge of his chosen work, he went to San Francisco, where he began at the bot- tom as an employee of a large candy manufacturer, and continued there for a space of about a year, hav- ing in the meantime disposed of his candy store on the Stanford campus. Another year passed and Sticky returned to the little town where he had spent his college days and reopened a candy shop in Palo Alto; this was the year 1902. It prospered, for the

students were glad to patronize a place so clean and attractive. To "Sticky's" came the youthful swain for sweets to woo his co-ed fair. The happy ending of a romantic college courtship of a certain talented young suitor culminated by his presentation to his charming co-ed sweetheart a choice box from Wil- son's, labeled in his own handwriting, "The Candy with a College Education," and by so doing at once won a sweetheart and inspired the adoption of that slogan for Wilson's products.

From the first tiny shop has grown a large cor- poration operating five of the finest stores in the state, each with its own model kitchen, dining room and parlor, namely at Fresno, San Jose, Turlock, Stanford and Palo Alto. The Ernest Wilson Com- payn is incorporated with a capital stock of $250,- 000. Some of the stockholders are prosperous Stan- ford graduates, who first watched the business grow during their own years in college. Sanitation, con- venience, comfort and elegance characterize each store, which has its own manager, and according to the policies of the Ernest Wilson Company, the managers are recruited from the ranks of the em- ployees, and it has never been necessary to go out- side for efficient heads. The Ernest Wilson Com- pany specializes in chocolates with distinctive names such as "University," "Co-Ed," Leland Stanford," "College Maid," and "Wilson's Clods." Its products are wholesaled as well as retailed. Every one of Wilson's stores is fully up-to-date and in keeping with and in fact to "keep ahead of the town" is the well- established Wilson policy. Especially have patrons' comforts been considered-steam heat in winter- and washed-air cooling system for summer -and cuisine delights at every season. You are a guest rather than a patron when you visit Wilson's. Its simple home-like hospitality makes you feel thor- oughly at ease. Whether it is for cooling drink or course dinner, you always feel welcome at Wil- son's. He says:

"I have never tried to run a store like any one else. Originality is a big asset. To be original, one has only to think. If we make a chocolate that is partic- ularly good, we have one of our salesladies demon- strate it in our store, giving samples to everyone. The success that I have had is due very largely to a corps of loyal employees. It has been my policy to give responsibility to heads of departments and demand results. I don't try to do all the work my- self, but plan to get away from my business fre- quently, take plenty of outdoor exercise, and give someone else a chance to show that he can do the work better than I could." This spirit of live and let live practiced by Mr. Wilson has made the road to success easier and the satisfaction that it has brought can hardly be reckoned. Of a jovial dispo- sition, Mr. Wilson makes friends wherever he goes and he is always ready to give of his time and energy to any good cause.

JOSEPH T. CORPSTEIN .- A worthy represent- ative of an old and honored family is Joseph T. Corpstein, whose family has been a factor in the development of the rural district around Saratoga since 1864. He was born on Pierce Road near Saratoga March 4, 1866, the son of Nicholas and Susan (Brown) Corpstein. The father came to Cali- fornia May 18. 1864, and in 1868 homesteaded 160

Gruest Wilson

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

acres, which he improved and which the family still own. The father passed away in 1892 and the moth- er died in October, 1914. This worthy couple had nine children, four of whom are living, Joseph T. being the youngest living. He began his educa- tion in the Lincoln School of his home district and assisted his father on the ranch until he passed away. In 1901 he entered a grocery store as clerk and within the following three years purchased the business. In 1906 the firm of Corpstein and May- hew was formed and in 1908 Mr. Metzger bought out the interest of Mr. Mayhew and the firm is now Corpstein and Metzger and they are doing a successful business, during the busy season em- ploying five men to take care of their large and growing trade. Mr. Corpstein still owns his ranch, a part of the old homestead.

The marriage of Mr. Corpstein in San Francisco united him with Mrs. Mary E. (Laheff) McCarthy, who was born in Morris Flat, Nevada County, whose father, David Laheff, was one of the pioneers of California. Politically Mr. Corpstein advocates the principles of the Democratic party; fraternally he is a member of the Foresters of America, the Wood- men of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Saratoga Improve- ment Association and the Catholic Church. Santa Clara County and this section of California is large- ly indebted to the efforts of the Corpstein family for early pioneer development, and Mr. Corpstein takes a good citizen's part in all present matters that make for prosperity and progress.

WILLIAM L. GALLAGHER .- A native son of California, William L. Gallagher has been identified with the business circles of San Jose and Santa Clara County for many years, where he is a partner in the concern known as Gallagher-Cole Furniture Company. Mr. Gallagher was born in Livermore, Alameda County, in the year of 1884, and was the son of Patrick and Elizabeth (Leahy) Gallagher, who were pioneers of Alameda County; the father has passed away, but the mother resides in Oakland.

Mr. Gallagher received his education in the pub- lic school and high school of Livermore, in the meantime, helping on the farm, where he remained until he had reached the age of twenty-one, at which time he went to San Francisco, where he was em- ployed in the furniture business of W. and J. Sloane until the month of February, 1907, he came to San Jose and became associated with C. H. Robinson's furniture establishment, where he continued for the next six years. With Geo. H. Cole he incorporated the Gallagher-Cole Furniture Company, Inc., with. Mr. Gallagher as the president of the company. This growing firm, which has a large and attractive place of business at 69 to 73 East Santa Clara Street, occupying two stories, with a mezzanine floor, han- dles a complete line of high-grade furniture and household equipment, and their well-selected stock has had no small part in contributing to the beauty and comfort of many of San Jose's attractive homes.

Mr. Gallagher's marriage united him with Miss Marguerite E. Plummer and they are the parents of a child, William E. Mr. Gallagher is very popular both in social and business circles, and he is a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants' Association and was a charter member of the One Hundred Per Cent Club, in which he has always

been a very active member. He is also a charter member of the Commercial Club. In national poli- tics he is a stanch adherent of Republican principles.

HAROLD G. HUNT .- Among the sons of early settlers of Santa Clara County, Cal., who are worthy representatives of their pioneer fathers is H. G. Hunt, proprietor of a business which is located at 577 to 585 South First Street, San Jose, where he handles bicycles, motorcycles, and auto tires. He was born in San Jose, August 10, 1889, the son of Edward Vincent and Edith (Bent) Hunt. His parents came to California in the year of 1886 and settled in San Jose, where they continued to make their home, the father, becoming the proprietor of a grocery store soon after locating here.

H. G. Hunt received his education in the public schools and high school of San Jose, from which he graduated, then helping his father in the store. he learned the grocery business. Mr. Hunt then started out for himself, becoming the owner of a bicycle, motorcycle and auto tire shop and here he prospered. At the time of his father's death, he continued to conduct his father's store and at the same time carried on the business in his own shop, but finding the two concerns were a little too much for one man to have to manage, he sold the grocery store in 1912 and confined his time and attention to his own work. He handles the Dexter. Redding, Winchester and Triumph bicycles and the Excelsior, Henderson and Cleveland motor- cycles, and employs two mechanics.

Mr. Hunt's marriage united him with Miss Effie Iverson, born in Salinas, and they are the parents of one child, Gordon. Mr. Hunt is a member of San Jose Lodge No. 10, F. & A. M., San Jose Lodge 522 B. P. O. Elks, as well as the Lions Club and Sciots, and also of the Merchants' Assn. and the Chamber of Commerce and is president of the Bicycle and Motorcycle Assn. of Santa Clara County. In national politics he is a Republican. Like all of California's native sons, reared in the open life of the great West, he is fond of all out- door sports, particularly of hunting and fishing and enjoys them on every possible occasion.

DUDLEY F. DINSMORE .- That San Jose well illustrates in her various business enterprises all the life, aggressiveness and progress of a great in- terior city is admirably illustrated in the develop- ment and activities of such important concerns as Dudley F. Dinsmore's Wholesale Grain and Feed Store at 352 South Market Street, under the per- sonal direction of the proprietor, who was born in Bloomington, Ill., in May, 1873. His parents, Rev. J. W. and Adeline (Vance) Dinsmore, came to Santa Clara County in August, 1891; and after the calm satisfaction of a long and very fruitful life as a Presbyterian minister, standing high in that denomination, he passed away in April, 1922.

Dudley Dinsmore finished the work required in the public schools of his locality, and then took an excellent course in the Lake Forest Academy when he came to San Jose in 1891. On coming to California, he engaged as an orchardist in the east- ern foothills in both the growing and buying of fruit. At the end of seven years he sold the ranch, when he engaged in buying and shipping fruit for a period of six years. He then began the grain business and at the same time he engaged in the

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cattle business in Contra Costa County for five years and then started his present establishment exclusive- ly for the sale of grain and feed in large quantities. He knew what the public not only called for, but what it needed, and how and when and where; he even anticipated their wants, and so, very natural- ly, from the first he has been successful, shipping all over the coast country. He belongs to the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, and through his sup- port of the good work done by that fine organiza- tion, he keeps himself in vital touch with the agri- cultural and commercial life of a community in which he has become such an important part.

In national politics a Republican, and first, last and all the time a patriotic American, Mr. Dinsmore enjoys an enviable popularity in the circles of the Masonic fraternity, as well as a member of the An- cient Egyptian order of Sciots and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. In patriotic societies we find him a member of the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 192

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