History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 210

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

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FRANK KASSON .- For the past eleven years city clerk of Palo Alto, Frank Kasson is numbered among the carly residents of that city, having located there in 1895, when there were only a few inhabitants, and only four years after the opening of Stanford University. Mr. Kasson was born near Broadalbin, N. Y., on September 22, 1856, where his forefathers had settled about 1740. The family is of Huguenot descent, having fled from France at the time of the St. Bartholomew massacre, finding refuge in Ireland. In 1720 Adam Kasson and six sons arrived in Bos- ton, and shortly thereafter one of the sons associated himself with Sir William Johnson, who colonized what is now Fulton County in New York State.

George Kasson, the father of the subject of this sketch, married Jane Gay, whose family came from England to Prince Edward's Island and later to Massachusetts. The Gays were men of liberal educa- tion, numbering many preachers and teachers among them. Frank Kasson was one of a family of eight

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children, and as his people were not wealthy he had to fend for himself from the age of fourteen. He began teaching school when sixteen years old, and later graduated from Claverack College. When twenty-two years old he went to Illinois, where he taught for a time and where he later engaged in news- paper work which he followed for thirty years. 1n 1885 he married Miss Fannie Scott, a descendant of the Lees of Virginia, and a few months after that event moved to Pasadena, where he was associated with H. J. Vail in founding the Pasadena Star, the first daily published in that city, and of which he was city editor for two years. He then founded the Mon- rovia Leader, and still later he was associate editor of the Redlands Citrograph. He was for a time on the staff of the Los Angeles Tribune and was also a special writer for the San Francisco Examiner. In 1893 he became joint publisher of the Mariposa Ga- zette, being associated with Mrs. Frances A. Rey- nolds (nee Utter), whose family was among the early settlers of New Jersey. Two years later she became his second wife. Mrs. Kasson was an experienced newspaper woman and a brilliant writer, and was the first woman to publish a newspaper in California. A year after locating in Palo Alto, Mr. and Mrs. Kas- son began the publication of the Palo Alto Live Oak, which they continued to issue for four years. A news- paper merger united the Live Oak and the Daily Times, with which Mr. Kasson was connected for a number of years as city editor.

In 1910 Mr. Kasson was appointed city clerk and assessor of Palo Alto, which office he still holds. His work naturally implied an interest in civic and polit- ical affairs, and he has always been an adherent of the Republican party with strong progressive tendencies. Mr. Kasson had two children by his first marriage. They are Eugene Field, who won a first lieutenancy in the World War, and is now engaged in newspaper work in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Xyris Gay Ely of San Francisco. Mrs. Kasson also has two children, Irene E. Reynolds of Palo Alto and Richard F. Reynolds of San Francisco.

CHARLES MULE .- A resident of San Jose for more than twenty-five years, Charles Mulé is a pio- neer in his field of endeavor. He was born in Sicily on February 1, 1858, the son of Nicholas Mulé, a shoemaker, who died when our subject was only two and a half years old. He had married Maria Lazza- roni, also a native of Sicily, where they grew up to enjoy a climate much like that of Santa Clara County; and she remarried after her husband's death. When between six and seven years old, Charles went to work in a bakery and macaroni factory; and when he reached military age, he served for thirty-two and a half monthis in the Italian Army.

On reaching his twenty-fourth year, Charles Mule migrated to the New World, sailing from Palermo ou the Vincennes of Florio; and he landed at the his- toric old Castle Garden in New York on September 28, 1883. He worked in New York City for a while, and there learned the barber's trade; and from the metropolis he went to New Orleans, then to Bryan, Texas, and next to Dallas, at each of which places he worked as a barber. He reached San Francisco on November 19, 1889, and there bought a half- interest in a barber shop on Grant Avenue; but at the end of eighteen months, he bought into a shop on

Dupont Street, between Broadway and Vallejo streets, again securing a half interest. At the end of a year and a half, he had built for himself a shop at the entrance to the Midwinter Fair of 1893-94, and on June 27, 1894, he came down to San Jose and pur- chased a barber shop on Fountain Street. He has since then had no less than five different barber shops in various locations in San Jose, established for the convenience of the public,-a fact that the public has not been slow to appreciate, as may be seen from his handsome patronage. His present shop is at 27 South Market Street.

Mr. Mulé has been twice married. He was joined in matrimony first in the fall of 1894, when he was united with Miss Flora Malatesta, a native of San Jose, who died in 1896. In July, 1902, at San Fran- cisco, Mr. Mulé was married to Miss Maria Paggeto, a native of Sicily who came to America in 1901. She was the daughter of Frank and Antoinette Pag- getto, both of whom died in Italy. She was reared in a convent at Palermo; and coming to America, she stayed for fourteen months with an aunt at San Francisco, and then, in 1902, came to San Jose. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mulé: Mary is a junior in the San Jose high school, while Lena is a sophomore in the same institution. Mr. Mulé is the owner of the residence at 897 Vine Street, where the family make their home. He belongs to the Masons and Odd Fellows, and in politics is a Re- publican, active in the local party organization.

MICHAEL DE MATTEI .- In commercial circles the San Jose Ravenna Paste Company holds a po- sition as one of the strongest and largest concerns of its kind in California. The business of the firm is transacted at its main office and factory in San Jose, located at 49-55 North San Pedro Street, where macaroni and kindred products are manufactured. This is a San Jose concern, which has grown from a small beginning and has become an important industry, teur tons of food products being produced every day. The manager of the company, Michael De Mattei, is one of the able and deserving business men of San Jose. Much of his time is spent in travel throughout California selling the products manufac- tured by the company. He is a native son of San Jose, born July 4, 1880. His father, August Mattei, was born in Italy and came to San Jose in 1865. After arriving in the United States, he learned the butcher's trade and followed it for many years. He was married in San Jose in 1875 to Miss Teresa Nic- ora, also a native of Italy. They were the parents of four children, three now living: August, Michael, and Teresa, the wife of Louis J. Trinchero, who re- sides æt Niles, Cal.

Mr. De Mattei attended St. Joseph's College and graduated with the class of 1896. Soon after leaving school, he was employed as bookkeeper for the San Jose Paste Company. In 1915 a consolidation of the San Jose Paste Company and the Ravenna Paste Company was effected and Mr. De Mattei assumed the managership of the new company, and to his native ability is due, in a large measure, the success that has come to the enterprise. The factory is com- modious and sanitary in every respect, and their products are of a high grade.

The marriage of Mr. De Mattei united him with Miss Flavia Baiocchi, a native of San Jose, educated at the College of Notre Dame. They are the parents of three children: Elmer. Arthur, and Bernadette.

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Mr. De Mattei is affiliated fraternally with the Knights of Columbus, is an active member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, also of the Cham- ber of Commerce of San Jose. The family are mem- hers of the Catholic Church of San Jose. Pre- eminently a business man, finding his greatest pleas- ure in the management of his commercial interests, he nevertheless does not neglect any duty that falls upon him as a citizen, but has always been a con- tributor to the development of his community.

OSCAR FREDERICK GOHRANSON. - A Swedish-American whose admirable thrift and econo- iny have enabled him to succeed where so many would have signally failed, and who has, therefore, as a wel- come American by adoption, made good in such a manner as to reflect the highest credit not only upon himself and parentage, but upon the land of his birth, is Oscar Frederick Gohranson, a native of Stockholm, where he was born on December 13, 1835. His father was Oscar Gohranson, an importer and exporter of ail kinds of first-class provisions, and he had married Anna Magdalena Lindroth, a talented lady who proved an excellent wife and devoted mother. They had only the one child-Oscar F., the subject of our story. Up to his ninth year, Oscar lived with country folks near Stockholm, and then he came into town and attended the grammar schools. At the very early age of twelve, he went to sea, shipping on a sailing vessel plying between the Northland and the Med- iterranean; but after one trip, he commenced school at Gothenburg and for three years pored over his books. He then became a clerk in a grocery store, where he remained for six years; and after that, he went to sca again, and for several years he toured the ocean, visiting the chief ports of the world.

Stopping at Australia, Mr. Gohranson opened a store at Parker, near Melbourne, from which he sup- plied the mines; but when, at the end of four years, the mines were closed and the camps broken up, he lost heavily, and was induced to go to sea again, sail- ing to Java, Borneo, and from there to Singapore, where he was taken seriously ill and had to remain for a long time in the hospital. After that, he returned to his native land and visited his old home, and having sten the friends and scenes familiar in childhood, he became steward on an American schooner bound for New York. At London, however, his feet were badly scalded in an accident, and he was compelled to lay over to recover. On one of his voyages between London and the East Indies on the "Oriental Queen." sailing around Cape of Good Hope they ran out of fresh water and had to use condensed sea water; they also ran out of vegetables and the crew got the scurvy. Their destination was Madras and they finally drifted into that port. There they obtained medical aid and also plenty of vegetables and fruits and soon recov- ered. Thence they went to Malmain and loaded teak-wood and returned to England. After discharg- ing their cargo they went to New York for a cargo of wheat, leaving New York December 25, 1861. When two days out, they encountered a severe storm, the cargo shifted, and their vessel, the "Oriental Queen" sprung a leak; the crew took to the boats and it was thirty-six hours before they were rescued and taken back to New York by the Nantucket light ship. He then shipped on the Jersey Brig, but when out at sea a big storm swept over them and they went back to Jersey City. He then took a

ship back to Sweden. Shipping on an English ves- sel bound for Australia, from Australia he came to California, landing at San Francisco in 1868, and here he decided to give up the sea. He had saved con- siderable money, and with his little capital, he came on to San Jose, Cal., and invested in a chicken ranch. He was unsuccessful, however, and in the venture lost all he had, save $100. This precious sum he put into a restaurant business, entering into partnership; but he stuck to his guns there only a short time, when he sold out and went to farming. He rented a small farm for six years, and raised berries, and then he purchased the ranch of eleven acres just north of San Jose. He steadily developed the ranch, and after many years of hard work and self-denying saving, lie cleared his property of debt, and it is now a trim little farm irrigated by means of a fine artesian well and devoted to peas, apples, prunes and apricots.

In 1869, Mr. Gohranson made another trip to Gothenburg and on his return to California, he guided a small company of immigrants bound for San Francisco and was instrumental in securing good positions for the six young ladies in the party, he himself marrying one of them, at San Francisco, on August 8 in the following year. She was Miss Laura Victoria Kellberg, a native of Stockholm, a college graduate and educator, and she became a talented writer of beautiful poetry and short stories, many of her writings appearing in papers in both Sweden and the United States. She was the center ci a wide circle of friends; and when, in 1906, she died from shock suffered on account of the San Francisco earthquake, her untimely passing was la- mented by many. Five children had sprung from this happy union: Oscar S. Gohranson, a carpenter of San Jose; Frederick, deceased; Victor T., also a carpenter living in San Jose; Laura C. is Mrs. Meade of San Francisco; Svea C., is Mrs. Benj. Mason of San Jose. Mr. Gohranson is a member of the So- ciety of Pioneers of Santa Clara County; and he is also a stanch Republican.

FRANK H. LOBDELL .- A useful citizen of Los Gatos and one who can be depended upon to give his best efforts to the upbuilding of the community, is Frank H. Lobdell, the capable constable of this thriving foothill city. On August 10, 1857, he was born in New Jersey, the son of S. H. and Susan Lobdell, and both parents are now dead. Frank H. was educated in the public schools and an academy, afterwards learning the painting and decorating trade, which he followed for four years. Leaving his native state, he journeyed to California, arriving at Los Gatos on January 10. 1910, and for the next four years was occupied at his trade. On account of failing health, however, he took a position as guard at San Quentin penitentiary, remaining in this capacity until he resigned on being elected constable of Los Gatos.

The marriage of Mr. Lobdell united him with Miss Lynn L. Lytle. He is a strong Republican and is active in the councils of his party. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. He is highly esteemed in his locality for his honesty and integrity, and Los Gatos is indeed fortunate in se- curing such a conscientious man to fill the office of constable. He supports all measures for advance- ment, taking great pride in the prosperity of the city.

OF Jahranson

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GARNER R. SEARL .- Progressive San Jose owes much of her fame as a city well able to care for whoever knocks at her hospitable door to such en- terprising managers as Garner R. Searl, the owner of the Hester Apartments, 1060 The Alameda, a native of Riverside County, Cal., where he was born on January 6, 1896. His father, O. C. Searl, a native of Illinois, came west to California and settled as a grain farmer at Hemet; he married Miss Idella F. Reinhart, who was born in Missouri. Garner at- tended the grammar school at Riverside, after which he took a course of three and a half years at Heald's Business College at Riverside.

He then engaged at the Alameda plant of the Union Iron Works, Alameda, Cal., and became chief pricer, and going overseas for patriotic duty in the great World War, he was sergeant in the One Hun- dred Sixty-first Infantry and served at St. Mihiel, France, in the Adjutant General's department. He returned to San Francisco in 1919 and was honorably discharged August 18 at the Presidio, and was mar- ried at Berkeley on October 10, 1919, to Miss Hester Geraldine Lester, a daughter of the Rev. James N. Lester, who died in San Jose five years ago, a native of Illinois, who had married Miss Cora V. Hester, also a native of the Prairie State. Mr. and Mrs. Searl have been blessed with one child, Mildred Hester Searl. They are members of the Christian Church.

In 1921 Mr. Searl purchased the Hester Apart- ments, a large three-story, frame structure on The Alameda, and immediately began to improve the same, making the building one of the attractive and serviceable edifices in San Jose, and as would be expected, they are meeting with well-merited suc- cess. Their object was to appeal to a select class of tenants, and this object has been attained. Both Mr. and Mrs. Searl move in the best circles of San Jose society, and this fact enables them to serve, in their new venture, the most appreciative renters. Rev. James N. Lester was a pastor at Worcester, Mass., and as a man of letters interested in the problems of daily life, he attained distinction as "The Boy Preacher" of the Christian Church. He was eloquent and had just finished the work for the Ph.D. degree, but he died before it was conferred. Mrs. Searl graduated from the Berkeley high school in 1913; then took the classical course at the University of California at Berkeley, from which she was gradu- ated in 1918 with the A. B. degree, and in 1919 the same university conferred upon her the degree of Master of Arts.

JAMES A. GOODWIN .- One of the best-known and most successful business men of Santa Clara County is James A. Goodwin, one of the leading real estate and insurance men of San Jose. He is a man of unquestioned ability and integrity, who has achieved success by his thorough mastery of his calling, fidelity to his trusts, and honest dealings with all persons with whom he is brought in contact.

A native of Providence, R. I., Mr. Goodwin was bern March 29, 1863, and where his forbears had bcen prominent since early colonial days. The Good- win family came from England in an early day. Mr. Goodwin's mother was Miss Amanda Eddy before her marriage, her family originally coming from Scotland, who also settled in Rhode Island. She passed away in 1917 at the age of ninety-three years. 57

She was a cousin of the famous surveyor and civil engineer who laid out the site of San Francisco, who was also an honored pioneer; she was also distantly related to the famous organist, Clarence Eddy. Mr. Goodwin's father, Robert Goodwin, was well and favorably known in San Francisco as a pioneer in the furniture business, and was associated with his brother, J. P. Goodwin. He passed away in San Francisco at the age of seventy-four years. The family came to the coast for the first time in 1851, but were not content to remain permanently, making two trips across the continent, the last trip was made during the year of 1872. The family consisted of four children: Robert H., mining and civil engi- neer, residing in Oakland; Amanda M .; Carrie E .; and James A., the subject of this review.

Mr. Goodwin received his education in the public schools of San Francisco; when still a boy, he entered the employ of W. J. Landers, an insurance firm, and was thus employed for twenty-six years. Mr. Moel- lering, his partner at the present time, was also em- ployed in the same office for twelve years. In 1910 these two young men removed to San Jose and formed the partnership which still exists. By strict integrity and much natural ability, the firm has grown until it is, at the present time, one of the best- known and most reliable real estate and insurance firms of Central California. Mr. Moellering handles the real estate end of the business, and Mr. Goodwin attends to the insurance part of this thriving busi- ness, and is one of the oldest and best-posted insur- ance men in California. The business was founded during the year of 1867 by W. A. Parkhurst. The firm deals in all kinds of insurance, automobile, cas- ualty, plate glass, fire and life insurance. The firm has been instrumental in selling and exchanging some of the finest properties in the valley.

Mr. Goodwin's marriage united him with Mrs. Chessie A. Williams, formerly Miss Jones. Frater- nally he is a prominent Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge and also the Chapter in San Fran- cisco, and of the Knights Templar of San Jose. He is also active in the San Jose Business Men's Club. He has always been a firm believer in the prosperity and development of Santa Clara County and with the interest of a loyal citizen has watched its growth and advancement until it has reached its present high standard of civilization.

JOHN JOSEPH SIMMONS .- One of the pros- perous and well-known business men of San Jose who enjoys a steadily-growing business, is John Sim- mons. He was born May 12, 1882, in Jugo-Slavia, a son of Ignatius and Mary (Lendvaj) Simunic. Ignatius Simunic was a man of good education, speak- ing fluently five languages; he is now eighty-two years of age and resides at Drnje, Jugo-Slavia, Mrs. Simunic having passed away. His father, Alexander Simunic, was, for a number of years, postmaster at Drnje and was a man of wealth and influence in his community. Ignatius Simunic was an officer in the Austrian army, highly esteemed for his honorable and upright char- acter. Mr. and Mrs. Simunic were the parents of twelve children, of whom John was the youngest.

John Simmons received his education in the schools of his native land, later taking a three-year course in a commercial college; he also studied the sciences and other languages so he now reads, writes and speaks three languages. At the age of seventeen he was employed by his uncle, Steve Lendvaj, in the

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meat market business in Drnje; here he became thoroughly conversant with the different lines of the meat business, remaining in the employ of his uncle for three years. He then entered the Austrian army, enlisting in the Sixteenth Infantry Regiment, serv- ing three years and three months, and attained the rank of sergeant. Upon his discharge from the army, he bid farewell to his family and sailed for America, on the steamship Carmania of the Cunard line, and landed at Ellis Island May 17. 1907; later he removed to Braddock, Pa., and for two months worked for the American Steel and Wire Company; then for two months worked in a tannery in Mil- waukee, Wis. While thus engaged, he was studying the English language. On coming to the United States he was naturalized at the first opportunity, taking the name of Simmons, for convenience of pro- nunciation. In September, 1907, he removed to Oak- land, then worked for a short time in Watsonville. Cal., removing to San Jose, November 12, 1907. Here he became an employe of the Russ House, working there for eight years, working from the bottom up to assistant manager; later was employed by C. J. Vath as foreman; then for the Esteribon Market and later George Wagner's Market. Not being content to work for others, he leased a store building at 25 West San Fernando Street, and established his pres- ent business December 1, 1920, equipping his shop with the modern refrigerating machinery, carrying the best grade of fresh meats, smoked and dried fish, and he keeps it thoroughly sanitary and up-to-date in every particular.

The marriage of Mr. Simmons united him with Miss Amanda Pasetta, a daughter of Mat. Pasetta, who is engaged in the dried fruit business in Santa Clara. Mrs. Simmons is a native daughter of San Jose and was educated at Notre Dame Convent. Politically Mr. Simmons supports the principles of the Repub- lican party, but he has never been an aspirant for official honors. During the World War he applied and passed the examination for entrance to an Officer's Training Camp and was accepted, but the Armistice was signed just before he was called. Fraternally, he is identified with the Eagles and the Slavonian So- ciety; also a member of the Pastime Club; the San Jose Meat Market Association and the Merchants Association. Although Mr. Simmons is a man who has won more than the ordinary share of success, in manner he is modest and unassuming, and his friends respect him for his genuine worth of character.

MANGNIN BROTHERS .- Among the men of en- terprise and ability, who are acquiring prosperity and influence, Mangnin Brothers are counted among the successful business representatives. Since the first of April, 1921. the three brothers, C. F., T. J. and W. J. Mangnin have been the owners and proprie- tors of the Overland Garage located on East Santa Clara Street, San Jose. Their establishment is one of the most important automobile service shops in the county. They carry a full line of all automobile accessories, gas, oils; do auto painting, manufacture automobile tops; they also do expert work in acety- lene welding and other repairs requiring the services of thorough mechanics. The two younger brothers are versed in all mechanical lines, and are assisted in their work by seven other machinists and me- chanics, who are kept continuously at work. Nothing but the best work is allowed to pass from their shop.

A specially-equipped service car is always held in readiness for emergency calls. They handle acces- sories for all makes of cars, and all the requirements of automobilists can be supplied under one roof.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 210

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