History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 232

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

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At San Jose, on March 20, 1911, Mr. Parton was married to Miss Wilna Andrews, the daughter of W. C. Andrews, a pioneer of San Jose, president of the Farmers' Union and director of First National Bank, who married Miss Ada Cooper, a native of Petaluma, Sonoma County, and a member of a pioneer family who came out to California in early days. Two children have been born to them, the elder. Elizabeth Parton, died at the age of eight years, and the younger is William Andrews Parton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Parton are very popular in the social circles of San Jose, and Mr. Parton enjoys prominence as a fraternal man. He is a Knights Templar Mason, and he is also a member of the B. P. O. Elks, in which organization he takes a very active part. He belongs to the Lions Club, the Com- mercial Club. Chamber of Commerce, the Country

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Club, and San Jose Tennis Club. He is active in athletics, holding the county tennis championship from 1909 to 1912; since that time he has been prominent in golf circles. In national politics he is a stanch Republican; but he never allows partisan- ship to interfere with his loyal support, as a good "booster," of the best men and the best measures.

JAMES ROGER McCHESNEY .- Prominent in the educational and financial world before coming to California, James Roger McChesney has been the vice-president and manager of the Rucker-McChes- ney Company since December 1, 1915, this being one of San Jose's leading firms in the realty and insur- ance field. Mr. McChesney was born in Lafayette County, Mo., April 15, 1872, his parents being Wil- liam King and Julia Frances McChesney, both par- ents being natives of Washington County, Va. The father, who settled in Lafayette County, Mo., in 1858, served in the Confederate Army.

The public schools of Missouri furnished Mr. Mc- Chesney's early education, and he later attended the University of Missouri, graduating there with the degree of B. A. in 1906; he had also studied at the University of California in 1902. Before begin- ning his university course he had already entered the profession of teaching in 1889, and for four years taught in the public schools of Missouri; the next seven years he held the responsible post of president of Odessa College, at Odessa, Mo. Next he was superintendent of the schools of Hamburg, Ark., for eight years, thus giving nineteen years of splendid service to educational work; he was also school ex- aminer of Ashley County, Ark., for a short time, and still holds state life teacher's certificates in Missouri and Arkansas.

Leaving the pedagogical field, Mr. McChesney en- tered the world of finance, and for six years was cashier and director of the Bank of Seiling, at Seil- ing, Okla. Coming from there to California, on December 1, 1915, Mr. McChesney purchased the insurance and rent business of the Rucker Realty Company, which at that time was incorporated as the Rucker-McChesney Company, Mr. McChesney becoming vice-president and general manager of the company. The Rucker Company was established in 1874, and thus is one of the oldest firms in its line in the Santa Clara Valley. Its founder was Joseph E. Rucker, a California pioneer, who came to the Golden State in 1852, and who passed away in 1890. In 1883 he took his son, Joseph H. Rucker into partnership with him, and in 1901 the firm was in- corporated as Joseph H. Rucker & Company, popu- larly known as the Rucker Realty Company.

At Odessa, Mo., Mr. McChesney was married to Miss Minnie Alice Gammon, on December 26, 1894, a talented woman of congenial tastes, who was for several years engaged in teaching in Missouri and Arkansas. Her parents were William T. and Eliza- beth A. Gammon, the father holding the rank of Colonel in Stonewall Jackson's army during the Civil War. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and active in all its good works. Mr. Mc- Chesney was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Missouri and Arkansas of the U. S., popularly known as the Southern Presbyterian Church for twelve years, and in the Presbyterian Church of the U. S. A. in Oklahoma and San Jose for ten years, and twice

was sent as commissioner to the General Assembly of the church. For many years a Mason, Mr. Mc- Chesney was senior warden and later worshipful master of Prairie Lodge No. 465, F. & A. M., Ham- burg, Ark., and king, Olive Chapter No. 12, R. A. M., of Hamburg. While a Democrat in national policies. Mr. McChesney is inclined to be independent in his views, where local measures are concerned.

JOHN ANDERSON .- A well-known figure in the business life of San Jose, is John Anderson, one of the early settlers, who is a dealer in staple and fancy groceries, provisions of all kinds, wood and coal, and mill blocks. Having been a resident for forty-six years and engaged in business for over thirty-five years in San Jose, he has witnessed the marvelous growth of the city from a small village to an up-to-date, hustling city of 50,000 population. Mr. Anderson was born at Ollov near Engelholm. Sweden, May 29, 1858. His parents, Christian and Christine Anderson, were thrifty farmers and were the owners of a good-sized farm, and John, the second oldest son, grew up in the ways of farming and gained a knowledge of those qualities which make both a good farm and a good farmer. He gained what education he received in the schools of Sweden, and at the age of sixteen he decided to come to America in 1875, where he joined his brother, Niels, who had preceded him some time. Arriving in San Jose he lost no time in finding a place to work and took a place as a farm hand. Con- tinuing for a year and a half, he went to Castor- ville, Monterey County, and was employed for an- other year and a half on a dairy ranch. He next joined a gang of hay balers and worked on a hay press for two years, then with a San Francisco meat packing company he spent another two years as a butcher. Returning to San Jose, in 1885, he kept a hotel for two years, becoming the proprietor of the Old Scandinavian Exchange Hotel which was lo- cated on Post Street in San Jose, and later was the owner of a restaurant. He continued in different lines of business until the year of 1900, when he started in the grocery business which still engages his attention. His store is located at 253 West San Carlos Street and here he and his son Howard can be found daily waiting on their numerous custo- mers. Mr. Anderson now owns the corner where his store building stands, also a comfortable frame residence located adjoining at 357 West San Carlos Street where he and his family make their home.

Mr. Anderson's marriage, which occurred July 12, 1884, at San Jose, united him with Miss Johanna Johnson, a sweetheart of his boyhood days, who was also born in Ollov, Sweden. They were school- children together and their married life has been one of harmony. Mrs. Anderson became the parents of a family of eight children, three of whom died when very young and one, Carl, passed away at the age of twenty-one years; Annie is the wife of Charles R. Berry, a stationer in San Francisco; Hilda be- came the wife of M. E. Pedler and resides at Pen- ryn, Cal .; Jeannette is at home; Howard helps his father run the store and also resides at home. Al- though Mr. Anderson is now sixty-three years old he is a man of rugged health and as hard-working as ever. He and his wife take a live interest in the community's welfare and to them there is no spot equal to Santa Clara County. Mr. Anderson is a

Lauk .Hoy x

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

member of the Grocers, Wood and Coal Dealers, and other trade associations of San Jose, and also of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Pythias, the Druids, and the Druids Circle, the Swedish lodge of San Jose. In religious faith, he is an active member of the Swedish Lutheran Church in San Jose to which he gives both of his time and means. Politically, he is a Republican.

FRANK L. HOYT .- An enterprising general con- tractor and building engineer who is widely known for his many successful operations in various parts of California, some of which have been carried out on a bold scale, is Frank L. Hoyt, of San Jose. He was born near Saratoga Springs, N. Y., on Septen- her 12, 1880, the son of Able Hoyt, who was a suc- cessful farmer and who died in the East. He had married Miss Elizabeth Grinnell, who came to Cali- fornia after her husband's death and spent her re- maining years here. They were a worthy couple, and each enjoyed that priceless blessing, a circle of devoted friends.

Frank L. Hoyt attended the schools of his rural district, and when he went to Wisconsin, he pursued the courses of a first-class high school at White- water and was in time graduated with honors. He was then fifteen years of age and he had been ap- prenticed for two years to the carpenter's trade. He then completed the millwright and flour mill- ing trades, and afterwards operated and remodeled some of the largest flour mills in the Northwest, and then he studied civil engineering. Next he traveled through the Northwest and in 1901 came to California.

From 1903 until 1913 he was in business in San Francisco and Santa Rosa where he erected many large buildings, and in 1913 he removed to San Jose and here he has since been engaged in the contracting business. He designed and erected, among other edifices, the plants of the Herbert Packing Company, Inc., Shaw Family, Inc., California Pack- ing Corporation, at Seventh and Jackson streets, and also built additions to their C. F. & C. A. plant, the Temple Laundry Company's plant, the potash plant of the Western Industries Company, at Agnew, the Pacific By-Products Company plant and the building for the Muirson Label and Carton Company, on Stockton Avenne, are examples of his workmanship as well as the refrigerating plants for the Security Warehouse and Cold Storage Company, on North First Street at the S. P. depot, and he designed and built the Santa Clara County Walnut Growers Asso- ciation plant at Santa Clara. He has done much re- frigeration work for the Security Company, George Le Deit, the Crystal Gold Nugget Butter Company, A. G. Col, J. F. Pyle & Son, Inc., O'Brien's, Sara- toga Market and others. Mr. Hoyt designed and constructed the Homer Knowles Pottery Company's plant at Santa Clara, for manufacture of hotel and dinner ware. This is the only plant of its kind on the Pacific Coast and he is a stockholder and a director in this concern. He also erected, among many others, the fine residences for Mrs. J. E. Fisher, H. J. Martin, Frank Howorth, M. F. Ball, J. Q. Patton, Mrs. F. H. Ryan, and the business blocks for O'Brien & McCabe and R. M. Lipe, as well as many other important structures. Mr. Hoyt specializes on industrial plants and is a large em- ployer of labor, keeping from twenty to 150 mechan-

ics busy on an average, the year round. In 1919 he purchased the controlling interest in the San Jose Brick Company and is now the president and general manager of the company.

On January 1, 1906, Mr. Hoyt was united in mar- riage with Miss Leah Louise Barrows, and they have one son, Frank Lonis Hoyt. Mrs. Hoyt was born in Colorado and is a daughter of J. W. Bar- rows, a railroad builder, having been connected with the Denver & Rio Grande; the Northwestern Pacific and the Western Pacific, and now is roadmaster of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge. The Hoyt fam- ily attend the First Baptist Church in San Jose, of which Mr. Hoyt was president of the board of trustees for eight years. He is a member of the Rotary Club, is a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner; he is a Republican and is serving on the Civil Service Commission. Ranching appeals to him for recreation and he owns 154 acres on the San Felipe Road, which is devoted to diversified production. He is a firm believer and keenly interested in all that affects the destiny of Santa Clara County and the State of California and he can be counted upon to do his full share in helping to promote all worthy movements.

WILLIAM B. HEIMGARTNER. - A native Ohioan, who had enjoyed an interesting career as an editor before coming to California, William B. Heim- gartner has turned his talents to the fruit and poul- try business and is making just as outstanding a suc- cess in this newer field of work. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, August 8, 1877, and there attended the public schools until the time came for him to make his own way in the world. He then entered the print shop of a newspaper and his diligent work there took him up to the editorship of the paper before he came to California in 1900. A serious illness had made it necessary for him to seek a milder climate and after traveling the length and breadth of the state, he finally settled at Madrone in the Santa Clara Valley, the equable climate there making it especially desirable to him.

In 1904, Mr. Heimgartner had so regained his health that he entered the newspaper business at Morgan Hill, acquiring at the same time a poultry business which was conducted in conjunction with his orchard property at Madrone. He was a breeder of high-grade utility stock and also operated a hatchery. After renaming his paper the Morgan Hill Times, Mr. Heimgartner published and edited until 1906, when he sold out, being succeeded in its pro- prietorship by Attorney G. K. Estes of Morgan Hill. Removing to Los Angeles, he established the job printing business known as the Dayton Printery and for the next four years he conducted a large and successful business there.

While in Los Angeles, Mr. Heimgartner was mar- ried to Miss Anna Hoefler, who was, like himself, a native of Dayton, Ohio, but who had been a resident of California four years previous to her marriage. Two sons have been born to them, Wil- liam B. and Franklin L. Mrs. Heimgartner, whose girlhood years were spent in Dayton, was educated at the Notre Dame Academy there. Upon return- ing to Santa Clara County in 1910, Mr. Heimgart- ner, with a partner, Mr. Noll, entered once more in the poultry business, this time more extensively than ever, and they now have several thousand birds in their flock and they also maintain a modern, np-

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to-date hatchery. They also are the owners of fifty acres of fine prune and apricot orchards, which they are giving highly specialized care. The Heimgart- ner and Noll ranch is situated on Main Avenue, about two miles from Morgan Hill. Both partners are energetic men of high standing in the neighborhood, and they represent the highest quality of products in the line of poultry and fruit.

JOHN NEWTON BLACK .- San Jose is among the progressive cities of California which has al- ways appreciated a good public official, and that is why, no doubt, it holds fast to John Newton Black, the chief of police, and entrusts to him so much of the responsibility for law and order in the city. He is a native son and was born in San Jose August 4, 1871. His father was John C. Black, a pioneer who came here in 1852. He is still living, aged eighty- seven years, and has been practicing law for fifty- six years-fifty years in the same office, at 18 and 19 Knox Block-and he was district attorney in 1872. He married Miss Mariam J. Millard, whose father crossed the great plains with oxen and ran 'buses here before the advent of the railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Black had a good family, and six are still living to honor a name that long meant much in Cali- fornia politics.

John Newton Black attended the public schools, and then the College of the Pacific, where he took an academic course; after which he studied law with his father, although he did not take the examination for the bar. He then engaged in the oil business for a few years, and supplied Chinatown with oil. acting as agent for twelve merchants who comprised the Quon Hing Hoon Company. From 1893 to 1895 Mr. Black was a special deputy under Sheriff George Bolinger. In 1895 he sold out his oil business, and took a position as chief jailer under James H. Lyn- don, who was the first sheriff to hold a four-year term, and served to the end of the latter's term. He was also deputy constable, and as such was de- tailed to Chinatown during the Highbinder Wars.

In July, 1902, Mr. Black was made patrolman on the police force; and in 1906 he was promoted to be captain. He served until the Davison administra- tion, but in 1908 lost his post on account of false charges. He carried the case to the Supreme Court, and at the end of five years, he was reinstated. After nine years, he got back his salary. His reinstate- ment took place on July 29, 1913, and then he was made night captain. When the commission form of government was adopted by San Jose, he was of- fered the position of chief of police; this he at first declined, but was induced to try it for one month. Then, on November 28, 1916, he was almost com- pelled to take the responsibility permanently. He still retains his civil service standing, however, as captain. Like his father, he is a Republican. He has succeeded in establishing the up-to-date identifi- cation bureau, and since prior to its installation no officer could identify finger prints, this alone has been a great advance. He also had a special school established for officers, and judges and others have given practical talks there very helpful to the men.

At San Jose on January 22. 1919. Mr. Black was married to Miss Mary B. Marques; and one child has blessed the fortunate union-a son named John Newton Patrick. Mr. Black is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. When a youth, Mr. Black was well known as an amateur foot-racer.

and made 100 yards in a dash of 10 4-5 seconds. This athletic prowess still aids him at times in dealing with criminals or difficult situations. He belongs to the California Association of Identifi- cation, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is also a member of San Jose Parlor, N. S. G. W. and the Ancient Order of Foresters.

CHARLES ALLEN PARLIER .- A man who has moved steadily forward since he launched out for himself is Charles Allen Parlier who now occupies the position of superintendent of the plumbing busi- ness of Snyder and Du Brutz. He was born near Modesto. Stanislaus County, September 23, 1880, the son of William Riley and Jeannette (Garner) Par- lier, early settlers of California. The father was born in 1849. The mother was born in California. her parents coming across the plains in the usual ox-team and settled near Modesto. The family re- moved to San Jose when Charles was fourteen and there he attended the grammar and high schools. The family were quite extensive farmers in Stanis- laus County, having 320 acres in grain; then he farmed for a time in Fresno County.

Charles Allen is the third of six children. Barbara, now Mrs. Marshall of Yuba City; Mrs. L. Reeves of San Jose; Charles Allen; Olive Leland, also living in San Jose; Mrs. Edna Bell, residing in San Fran- cisco; and Mrs. Georgia Miller of San Jose. While still a young man, he determined to make his own way and for a time worked at whatever he could find to do. For the past fifteen years he has been employed by Snyder & Du Brutz learning thoroughly all angles of the plumbing business and very soon he was rewarded for his industry and faithfulness by being advanced to the position of superintendent of their business. During the year of 1921 he pur- chased an acre on Alum Rock Avenue east of San Jose about four miles and he and his family there comfortably made their home.

On December 25. 1901, he was married to Miss May Small, born at Fort Wayne, Ind., the daugh- ter of Robert and Rachel Small. Her parents came to California when she was but a small child, the family living on a farm. The mother is still living at the age of eighty-two. Mr. and Mrs. Parlier are the parents of two children, Irma and Charles Allen, Jr. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World, Alamo Camp No. 80, and politically is a Democrat.

JOSEPH F. ROSE .- A young man steadily forg- ing ahead and noted for his energy, level-headedness and foresight, is Joseph F. Rose, the fortunate owner of eighty acres of exceptionally attractive land about three miles cast of Milpitas, on the Downing and just off the Calaveras road. He was born near the Mission San Jose, in Alameda County, on April 26. 1887, the son of Joseph and Rosie Rose. His father, a native of Fayal in the beautiful Azores, came to California while still a young man and settled near the Mission San Jose, where he farmed; but when Joseph was a lad of seven years, his parents re- moved to Santa Clara County and settled on a farm about two miles east of Milpitas, on which account the boy went to the Laguna school. They had five girls and eight boys, and Joseph F. was the second child, Rosie, who became Mrs. Pedro of San Jose, being the eldest. After Joseph came Manuel, who died of the influenza in 1918; Mary, Mrs. Manuel

Leo. B. Burdick

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Pedro of San Jose; Antone, William, Anna, now Mrs. Manuel Hendricks of San Jose: John, Frank, Henry, Carrie, who married Joseph Hendricks of San Jose, and Minnie and Louis.

Joseph remained at home working with his father for seven years, but he commenced to make his own way by hard labor when he was fifteen. After that he was in the employ of G. L. Downing and he con- tinued with him until he was able to buy, in 1920, a farm of cighty acres, one-fourth of which he devoted to the cultivation of fruit. These eighty acres, ad- joining Downing and Calaveras roads, are a part of the historic Downing Ranch

On June 11, 1912, Mr. Rose was married at Mil- pitas to Miss Mary Rose, a native of Fayal, in the Azores, and they now have two bright children. Arthur and Clarence. Mr. Rose, who has become a patriotic American citizen, is a Republican; and he is also a member of the U. P. E. C. of Milpitas.

GEORGE B. BURDICK-Success has crowned the intelligently directed efforts of George B. Bur- dick, and he has the distinction of attaining a reputa- tion as an expert accountant, without the help of technical training. Born in Antioch, Lake County, Ill., June 28, 1871, he is the son of Charles Lafayette and Annie M (Lowe) Burdick, natives of New York and Illinois, respectively; the father followed his trade of carpenter and builder for a number of years. When George B. was one year old, the family re- moved to Sheldon, Iowa, where the father was en- gaged at his trade, and here it was that George B. first attended school. He is the oldest of a family of four children, having one brother and two sisters. In the year of 1878 the family came to California, settling at San Antonio, Monterey County. Here the father farmed quite extensively, having as much as 100 acres under cultivation; he also followed his trade of contractor and builder. During the time the family resided in San Antonio, George B. finished his grammar school course and started out for him- self. The family came to San Jose in the year 1888. where the father was engaged in the building busi- ness for many years. He is a veteran of the Civil War, and was a member of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers under General Butler. He served three years and at the end of the war was discharged in perfect health, and is still active at seventy-four.

George Burdick's first position was with Togni and Tognazzi, grocers, as bookkeeper. Never having had the opportunity to attend commercial school, he ac- quired his knowledge through self study and actual experience. He remained with them for a period of four years, and upon leaving their employ, he ac- cepted a position as receiving clerk with Castle Bros., packers and shippers of dried fruit in San Jose. From receiving clerk he was promoted to bookkeeper; then superintendent of the plant and afterwards local man- ager for the company. In July, 1918, Castle Bros discontinued business and Mr. Burdick was retained as superintendent under E. N. Richmond, who had taken over the plant. Soon after the incorporation of the Richmond-Chase Company, Mr. Burdick was made hcad bookkeeper, and later cost accountant.

On January 10, 1900, Mr. Burdick was married to Miss Agnes M. Ferguson, a native of Fairfield, So- lano County, Cal., a daughter of John and Christina Ferguson, her father passing away when she was a little girl. Her early education was obtained in the

public schools of Vacaville, later supplemented with a course at the San Jose State Normal. Three chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burdick: Don- ald L., a student in Stanford University; Kenneth L., in the employ of Richmond-Chase Company, and Muriel A., attending grammar school.

Mr. Burdick has long supported the Republican party, becoming one of its stalwart adherents on at- taining his majority. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and is at the present assistant clerk of the order. He is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, passing from the lowest to the highest office. He is an active member of the Christian Church of San Jose, serving as financial secretary for the past twenty-two years. In his business career he has made steady advancement through the wise use of his time, talents and opportunities, and his record illustrates what can be accomplished through dili- gence and determination.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 232

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