History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 218

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

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

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

Me de Basetta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILLIAM C. PHILLIPS .- A representative of an old and prominent American family whose mem- bers have valiantly defended the interests of this country from Revolutionary War times down to the present, William C. Phillips, has been a resident of San Jose since 1906 and has gained distinction as an architect and estimation engineer, becoming widely known in those connections. He was born in Niagara County, N. Y., November 15, 1856, a son of James C. and Louisa (Foster) Phillips. The

father was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1816, while the mother's birth occurred in Rutland County, Vt., in 1819. The great-grandfather of the subject of this review was a native of England and on emi- grating to this country he settled in Connecticut, subsequently supporting the cause of the Colonists

in the Revolutionary War. The grandfather was born in Monroe County, N. Y., and participated in the War of 1812. His son, James C. Phillips, re- moved with his wife to Niagara County, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of farming, be- coming one of the pioneers of that part of the state. He was a veteran of the Civil War, entering the service in 1861 as a private of the Ninety-fourth New York Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac and was commissioned first lieu- tenant, but known as Captain Phillips all through the war. He took part in all of the engagements participated in by his company and although he was never wounded his death was due to the effects of his exposure during the war. His demise occurred in February, 1866, when he was fifty-two years of age, while the mother, who was of English descent, passed away in San Luis Obispo County, Cal., in July, 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

R. Bruce Magee

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engaged in raising grain and stock, winning success as an agriculturist. He was one of the leading citi- zens of his community and succeeded in effecting the abolishment of the old Volunteer Fire Depart- ment, becoming one of the organizers of the present paid system, which was established in 1898. From 1876 until 1898 he served as a member of the Vol- unteer Fire Department of San Jose and his in- fluence was ever on the side of progress and im- provement. He passed away on September 28, 1919, at the age of seventy-five years, while the mother's demise occurred on February 2 of the same year, at which time she had reached the age of sixty-eight years.

In the pursuit of an education Warren J. Mc- Grury attended the grammar schools and the St. Joseph high school of San Jose, in which his brother Edwin was also a pupil, the latter being now a resi- dent of Fresno. Cal., where he is connected with the oil business. Mr. McGrury's initial business ex- perience was acquired in the teaming business, with which he was identified for three years. He then entered the employ of the San Jose Railroad Com- pany, with which he remained for seven years, work- ing in various departments. In the spring of 1919 he was made a deputy sheriff under Geo. W. Lyle of Santa Clara County. He continued to fill that position until April. 1921, when he was appointed traffic officer of Santa Clara County, and is making a most creditable record in that connection.

On the 12th of July, 1914, Mr. McGrury was 'mar- ried in San Jose to Miss Mae Rizzo, a native of this city and a daughter of William and Rose Rizzo, who were formerly residents of New Orleans, La. The father is still a resident of San Jose and for many years was engaged in plastering. Mr. and Mrs. McGrury have become the parents of two chil- dren, Vivian and John, and reside at 271 West San Fernando Street, the old family home. Mr. Mc- Grury's entire life, covering a period of thirty-one years, has been spent in San Jose and he has thor- oughly identified his interests with those of the city. He enjoys the esteem and good will of those who have known him from his boyhood to the pres- ent time, thus attesting his sterling worth.

ANDREW McCARRON .- A public-spirited and progressive citizen of San Jose and an efficient member of the police force of the city, Andrew J. McCarron is a native of Ireland, his birth having occurred in County Donegal on February 9, 1877. His parents were Owen and Bridget (Devlin) Mc- Carron, both of whom have passed away. The father dealt extensively in grain, which he purchased in his home county and sold to the trade at London- derry. In the public schools of Ireland Andrew J. pursued his education to the age of seventeen, when he sought the opportunities presented in the United States. After landing at Castle Garden, N. Y., he went to Fall River, Mass., where he remained for a short time and then made his way to the West, first locating at Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, where for a year he was employed in the lumber camps and lumber yards. He then came to San Jose, se- curing a position in the planing mill at the corner of Fourth and San Fernando streets, and while thus engaged attended night classes at the Horace Mann School, being desirous of extending his education. The next eight years were spent in San Francisco

in the lumber yards of the Harrison & Van Arsdale Company and in 1911 he returned to San Jose, where he obtained work with the Santa Clara Valley Mill & Lumber Company, with which he remained until he entered the San Jose police force in 1913. He has since served in that capacity and has proven a capable, trustworthy and conscientious guardian of the law. In 1914 he purchased an attractive home at 554 Spencer Street, where he has since lived.

In San Francisco, on June 8, 1903, Mr. McCarron was married to Miss Anna McLafferty, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, a daughter of Dom- inick and Mary McLafferty, the former a farmer by occupation. Mrs. McCarron was educated in the schools of her native land, coming to America in young womanhood. Four children have been born of this union: Raymond and Marcella, who are high school students; Kenneth, who is attending gram- mar school; and Mary Josephine.

Mr. McCarron gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party when national issues are at stake, but at local elections he casts his ballot in favor of the man whom he deems best fitted for office regard- less of party ties. He has never regretted the im- pulse which led him to seek his fortune in a strange land, for here he has found excellent opportunities of which he has been quick to avail himself.

VERNON L. BEMIS .- Broad experience along electrical lines has made Vernon L. Bemis an expert in the construction of storage batteries and in asso- ciation with his partner, Arthur Moe, he is making the Prestolite Agency one of the leading automo- bile electric service companies of the city. He was born at Elhow Lake, Grant County, Minn., Septem- ber 11, 1893. a son of Lynn and Cora Bemis. The father engaged in merchandising in that state and in 1900 he removed to Spokane. Wash., where he became a prominent building contractor. The sub- ject of this review has a brother, Lawrence Bemis, a well-known business man of Santa Ana, Cal.

In the grammar and high schools of Spokane, Wash., Vernon L. Bemis acquired his education, but before completing his high school course he took up electrical work, obtaining employment in connec- tion with electric automobiles in 1910. For three years he was with the Washington Power Company of Spokane and at the time he left that concern he had charge of a large storage battery valued at $100,000 and also of other batteries. On leaving Washington he went to New York City, where he became identified with the Exide Battery Depot, Inc., with which he remained for a year, having charge of the construction of the batteries. From there he went to Waterbury, Conn., and for a year had charge of the battery department of the New Eng- land Engineering Company, afterward going to De- troit, Mich., where he joined the Detroit Electric Company, being there engaged in the construction of storage batteries for six months. On severing his connection with that firm he took charge of the battery and electrical department of the Carney- Labadie Tire & Storage Battery Company of that city, remaining there for a year and a half. He then came to Oakland, Cal., and assumed charge of the electrical work of the Western Motors Com- pany of San Francisco. About this time he em- barked in business on his own account, opening a storage battery service station and electrical repair

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shop at No. 2412 Broadway, in Oakland. At the end of a year he sold the business and in the spring of 1919 came to San Jose, securing the Prestolite agency and establishing a storage battery and elec- tric service station under the name of the Motor Electric Service Company at 245 North Second Street. His partner is Arthur Moe. Both are enter- prising and capable young business men who have already succeeded in building up a large patronage. They are members of the Santa Clara County Auto- mobile Trades Association.

In Detroit, Mich., in June, 1917, Mr. Bemis mar- ried Miss Mary Daugherty, whose father was a prom- inent merchant of that city. She was reared and educated in Detroit. They are the parents of one son, Vernon L., Jr. Mr. Bemis' success is due to his ability and close application and in business and social circles of San Jose he is highly esteemed.

NICK NELSON-Among the progressive men of Santa Clara County is to be found Nick Nelson, prosperous rancher and orchardist, living on Ross Road in the Ware tract. He was born in Slesvig. Denmark, December 6, 1872, the son of Nels and Magdalena Nelson, both natives of that country, where the father died and the mother is still living at a ripe old age. Nick had the advantage of a com- mon school education in his native land and when he was eighteen years old he decided he would come to the United States and California. He had an old schoolmate living in Santa Clara County and lie came directly to this place, and when he landed he had the munificent sum of $4.75 in his pocket and was unable to speak any English. Willing to work, he readily found employment on ranches and continued for fourteen years as a wage earner, and being frugal in luis habits, saved his money with the idea that he would some day be the owner of a ranch in the Santa Clara Valley. He first bought a place of ten acres at Madrone, improved it and sold at a fair price. 'T'hen he went to the vicinity of Los Gatos and leased land, but the price of fruit was so low that he was unable to make it pay, and besides went into debt over $1,000.

In order to recuperate his financial status Mr. Nel- son came to the ranch where he now lives, as its manager, and worked for wages for six years, then the opportunity came and he was able to purchase the sixty acres. He has added to it until he now owns ninety-six acres of orchard, all in prunes ex- cept twelve acres, which are in apricots. For many years he has leased sixty acres near by which is also in prunes. Out of the proceeds of these rich acres he is amply repaid for all his hardships of the earlier days. Overcoming handicaps has been his lot, but he is happy in the thought that he can look every man square in the face and say he has paid one hundred cents on the dollar. During the many years he worked for wages he was never idle a single day unless he wished to be. He has always had his hand in his pocket and his shoulder at the wheel to help boost every project that had for its aim the development of the county.

Mr. Nelson on July 21, 1918, was united in marriage with Miss Eva Poncet, born in Mission San Jose, a daughter of Marins Poncet, a pioneer of California. Fraternally, Mr. Nelson is a staunch Republican in national affair, but in local matters he is broadminded and supports the best men and measures. Fraternal-

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 218

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