History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 236

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

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motBarnum

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butcher business for a time in Toledo, a town at the foot of Mt. Rainier. In 1892 he came to California and settled in East San Jose, then the border of the settled section of San Jose, establishing the fuel business in which he is engaged at the present time.

The marriage of Mr. Barnum at Topeka, Kans., on December 31, 1867, united him with Miss Anna F. Green, a native of Vermont and a daughter of A. G. and Charlotte Green, whose father was a native of Maine, but who migrated to Kansas in early days, when the daughter was but eight years old. He had the distinction of being a member of the first legis- lature of Kansas; was a personal friend of the fam- ous John Brown and was a strong abolitionist. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnum: Alberta Lou is deceased, and William L. is an attorney prac- ticing in Chicago. Politically, Mr. Barnum is an ardent Republican. Mrs. Barnum served twelve years as treasurer of Dix W. R. C., in San Jose, and was an active worker in church and charitable cir- cles, and she died in San Jose in 1919. He is an active member of Sheridan-Dix Post No. 7, G. A. R., and has the honor of being the colonel of the Union Battlefield Regiment of San Jose, a Republican or- ganization composed of soldiers of the Civil War, who have participated in at least one engagement; also a member of San Jose Lodge No. 10, F. &. A. M. Mr. Barnum was one of the organizers of the Fuel Dealers Association of San Jose, that has grown to such an extent that it includes the whole state of California. It is to such men as he that the present and future generations in Santa Clara County owe a debt of gratitude, for through his labors the path to future successes in the work of developing the resources of the county has been made clearer and easier. Mr. Barnum is typically western, having been in the west since eighteen years old; he has served 011 three vigilance committees, witnessed five hang- ings, none legal; he became acquainted with Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill (William Mathewson) and other noted scouts of pioneer days; also served as scout himself and was known as "Happy Jack."

JOSEPH RUSSO .- A far-seeing, thoroughly pro- gressive merchant who has helped to make San Jose an advantageous center for the building material and fuel trade, is Joseph Russo, of the firm of Williams & Russo, whose well-known establishment is at 79- 81-83 South Third Street. He was born in Vir- ginia City, Nev., on November 13, 1889, the son of Peter and Isabella Russo, who had come to Virginia City seventeen years before. In 1896 they moved still further west, to California, and at San Jose embarked in the grocery line. Mr. Russo is still living, in very comfortable circumstances at the age of seventy-six, but his good wife, who labored with him, passed away on March 30, 1921, aged seventy- two. This worthy couple were the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom Joseph Russo is next to the youngest.

Coming to San Jose with his parents when he was six years of age, he attended the Grant grammar school, and for three years pursued the high school courses in the San Jose high school, after which he entered Heald's Business College, from which he was graduated in 1908. Then he entered the service of H. Hart & Co., the pioneers in building materials and fuel, for whom he worked as a bookkeeper; and when Mr. Hart retired in 1913, Mr. Russo acquired 63

his interest, and from that time the firm was styled, as it is today, Williams & Russo. Alfred S. Wil- liams sold his interest to G. R. Abraria in March, 1919, but they continue business under the old name. They do an extensive business, delivering with auto trucks. Besides the office and salesroom on South Third Street, they have large warehouses on Fourth and Virginia streets with a spur from the South- ern Pacific Railroad Company. They supply build- ing materials to local contractors, and are very large dealers in wood and coal, giving particular attention to the retail end of their business, and so have a peculiar relation to the development of both San Jose and the surrounding country. It is pleasant to note that in this matter of assisting to maintain efficiency and the highest standards in both construction and public taste, Williams & Russo discharge their re- sponsibility with credit.

In San Jose, April 15, 1917, Mr. Russo married Miss Rose Abraria, a native of San Jose, and their married life has been made happier by the birth of two children, Dolores Elizabeth and Junior Joseph. The family attend St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and Mr. Russo is a member of San Jose Lodge No. 879, Knights of Columbus, and of San Jose Lodge No. 522 Elks. Mr. Russo is straightforward and hon- orable, his honesty and integrity of purpose never having been questioned. He believes in treating ev- eryone fair and square; when anyone has a just grievance he rights it, a policy that has, no doubt, been a large factor in his having built up such a large business.

JOHN S. MARTEN .- In the year 1915, the De Luxe-Parisian Dyeing and Cleaning Works made its appearance and was listed among the business houses of San Jose, John S. Marten, being one of its pro- prietors. This business has continued to grow un- til now it is considered the largest and best estab- lishment in this line in San Jose. Mr. Marten is a native of San Jose, and was born on March 27, 1889, the son of J. P. and Helen (Stock) Marten; the father came here about the year 1885 and here it was that he met and was married to Miss Helen Stock. Our subject was born in the old Stock home at 293 South Second Street, in the same room that his mother was born. J. P. Marten was the owner of a novelty store on South First Street, which he conducted until he retired; both parents are living. Granfather Stock was the first plumber of San Jose, having been one of the pioneers of that city.

Mr. Marten received his education in the public schools of this city, graduating from the high school of San Jose with the class of 1910. He then worked in various occupations until 1913 and was then em- ployed in the freight rate department with the South- ern Pacific Railway for two years, later engaging in the dyeing and cleaning business at 255 South First Street as one of the proprietors of the De Luxe-Parisian Dyeing and Cleaning Works, and then consolidated with the Imperial Dye Works, the old- est business in this line in San Jose, when the con- cern became known as the De Luxe Imperial Dyeing and Cleaning Works. This consolidation occurred in 1915 and in March, 1917, they moved to the present location at 224-26 East Santa Clara Street, where they have the most modern and up-to-date equipment, being able to give the very best of service and work- manship. They employ fourteen workmen and have

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three wagons covering San Jose and Santa Clara. In 1919 Mr. Marten and Mr. Heyrmann bought out the third partner and Mr. Marten became general man- ager of the company. Mr. Marten was married to Miss Estelle M. Carson, also a native of Califor- nia, who was born in Milpitas, Cal. Mr. Marten is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and also of the Knights of Columbus. He is a Repub- lican in political preference.

PAUL A. CRIBARI .- In enumerating the men re- sponsible for the business stability of San Jose men- tion is due Paul A. Cribari, the genial and popular owner of the fuel, feed and oil station located at 990 South First Street. He was born in the prov- ince of Cosenza, Italy, April 3, 1886, the son of Thomas and Clementina (Bisceglia) Cribari, also na- tives of Italy. They came to San Jose in 1900 and engaged in horticulture until they retired. Both are now living in this city. They had five children, all living, of whom Paul is the oldest. Coming to Amer- ica in 1898, he spent two years in Nelson, B. C., and in 1900 settled in San Jose. He attended the public schools for a while but much of his knowledge was gained from the school of practical experience, which proved of substantial benefit in later years. He first assisted his father on the ranch and then en- gaged in fruit raising as well as buying and shipping fruit. In 1916 he established his present business which was on a comparatively small scale, but which has steadily increased until, at the present time he employs seven men, with two trucks and two wagons to look after his growing business.

The marriage of Mr. Cribari December 10, 1916, in San Jose, united him with Miss Mary Barone, daughter of Pasquale and Catherine Barone, born in Palermo. Mr. Cribari is a member of the Italian- American Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Santa Clara Water Conservation. He is a very en- terprising, public-spirited and generous man, priding himself upon the modern equipment of his busi- ness, and is constantly promoting practical plans for the upbuilding of his neighborhood. Quiet and unassuming, he has the dignity and assurance of the well balanced and even tempered man, who has ex- pected and deserves success, and has accomplished his ambition.

AMOS OTIS WILLIAMS .- A painstaking, thor- ough official whose knowledge of human nature and the problems of everyday life, no less than his knowl- edge of law, has enabled him to give entire satisfac- tion in matters of peculiar delicacy and responsibility, is Amos Otis Williams, the county coroner and pub- lic administrator, with headquarters at San Jose. He was born in that city on September 1, 1876, and his father was Frank E. Williams, who had married Miss Amelia White. They came to Santa Clara County in 1858, and for some time Mr. Williams was a farmer, abandoning the farm only when he be- came sheriff of the county. He died on December 1, 1907, survived by his good wife, who is now seventy- six years old. They had ten children, and the sixth in the order of birth was the subject of our story.

He attended the public schools, and what he did not learn there he gathered at greater cost, but per- haps more effectively, in the school of experience demanding of the pupil an actual brush with the world. When old enough to do so, he learned to build carriages, and for eighteen years followed that

trade. Then, having discovered a talent for music, he went to San Francisco and for six years was the first tenor of the Knickerbocker Quartet.

Returning to San Jose, Mr. Williams on April 1, 1917, took up the undertaking business, the funeral parlors being located at 279 North First Street, the firm known as Hacking & Williams, and in 1918 Mr. Williams was elected coroner and public ad- ministrator of Santa Clara County and on January 6, 1919, he entered upon his term of office which was to extend for four years; and as he has always been deeply interested in the administration and development of Santa Clara County, he has more than made good with the public. In national poli- tics Mr. Williams is a Republican.

On January 1, 1898, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Minnie Blewett of California, and to this union has been born three children: Charles, Lucile and Vera. Mr. Williams was made a Mason in San Jose Lodge No. 10 F. & A. M. and is a member of all the bodies of the Scottish Rite Masonry in San Jose, of the Eastern Star and in 1920 he was honored with the degree of knight commander of the Court of Honor. He also belongs to the Odd Fel- lows, and the encampment, the Woodmen of the World, Druids and Elks; and he is, of course, a live wire in the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Williams' close application to his business and offi- cial duties has not prevented him from continuing his interest in music, for he is a member of the First M. E. Church choir, besides he frequently fa- vors audiences at concerts, lodges and social gather- ings where his singing is greatly enjoyed.

JAMES B. PECKHAM .- The characteristics most responsible for the success of James B. Peckham are perseverance, determination and unswerving in- tegrity, and they have indeed served him well in help- ing him to attain his present high standing in the com- munity. Born in San Francisco, October 4, 1880, he was a son William H. and Elizabeth (Higgins) Peckham, who was born in San Jose, California, in 1849. His grandfather came to California as early as 1846 and settled in Santa Clara County, suffering the hardships and privations of the pioneers of this valley. For a time the family resided in San Fran- csico, but later came back to San Jose, where the father passed away November 5, 1918; the mother is also deceased.

James B. Peckham attended the grammar and high schools and graduated from the latter with the class of 1899; later he supplemented his high school educa- tion with a course at Stanford University, graduating with the class of 1903. In 1904 he was admitted to the bar and the same year entered the offices of Judge Gosbey and V. A. Scheller, and was employed in the office of the district attorney as assistant district attorney. For the past five years he has maintained offices of his own and is meeting with success in his chosen profession. He has always been an admirer and supporter of Herbert Hoover.

The marriage of Mr. Peckman June 7, 1907 united him with Miss Doona Louise Buttner, and to them have been born two children, James B., Jr., and Don- ald B. He is a lover of the great outdoors and when the opportunity affords itself, goes to the mountains or seashore for his recreation. The people of his home city and county unite in testifying as to the

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

business ability, upright character and high principles of honor that form noticeable attributes of this native- born son of California.

HENRY A. HARMS-An enterprising, experi- enced business man who is making splendid progress is H. A. Harms, who is employed as the representa- tive for the American Biscuit Company in the Santa Clara Valley. He was born August 10, 1863, in San Lorenzo, Cal., the son of August T. and Louise E. (Hauschildt) Harms. His father came to California in 1859, and here he was married and they settled in San Lorenzo, later moving to Pleasanton, where the mother is still living, but the father passed away in 1890, aged sixty years.

Henry A. Harms was born and reared in a farm and attended the public schools of Pleasanton, and when he was nineteen he took charge of the hay and grain department in a general merchandise store at Pleasanton, where he continued for the following fourteen years. On July 21, 1896, he located in San Jose, purchasing a one-half interest in the local agency of the American Biscuit Company, and at the end of a year hought his partner's interest, and here he has resided since that time, making steady pro- gress. He has built up a very good business, and in proportion to the population of his territory his sales rank with the highest.

Mr. Harms' marriage in 1897 united him with Miss Emma Koch, and they are the parents of a daughter, Helen, who is now Mrs. F. M. Braun, of San Jose. Mr. and Mrs. Harms are very popular in social cir- cles and are members of the Second Presbyterian Church of San Jose. Mr. Harms is interested in Santa Clara County and San Jose and is always for good measures that will help in the upbuilding of this commonwealth. He is a Knight Templar and a Scottish Rite Mason, in which he has attained the K. C. C. H., and a Shriner, holding membership in Islam Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco; also is affiliated with the Sciots, the Odd Fellows. and the Woodmen of the World. He is associated with the progressive work of the Chamber of Com- merce and the 100% Club, and is likewise a member of the Merchants' Association. A true American, he showed his patriotic spirit in the various war drives, where he was very active as the chairman of the Fourth Ward district. He is on the board of direc- tors of the Masonic Hall Association and the vice- president and secretary-treasurer of the Scottish Rite Hall Association.

JOHN HENRY NICHOLS .- Having crossed the ocean when a mere boy, John Henry Nichols, a native of England, who first came to Massachusetts, later coming to San Jose, was one of California's early settlers and has been identified with Santa Clara County since the year of 1876, when he worked as a carpenter and stair builder. In 1880 he established a factory and shop and started to work for himself, and for many years was located at 68 Orchard Street. He was born at Torrington, Devonshire, August 23, 1855. Mr. Nichols received his education in the public schools of Clinton, Mass., whither he had come in his early youth. He first learned the carpenter trade in Massachusetts, where he worked for a while, then came on to San Jose in the year 1876, taking up the work of a stair builder and following that line up to the present time, having his factory and shop at 68 Orchard Street where he moved in 1900.

He uses the most up-to-date and modern machinery, turning out the very best work that can be found. He gives good service and the very best quality and has been very successful.

Mr. Nichols' marriage united him with Miss Annie M. Ford, who is a native of Illinois, having first seen the light of day in the city of Litchfield. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols became the parents of three children: James Frederick, Clinton Elwin, and Viola, who is now the wife of Jolin Lester; they also have one grandchild, Veletta Nichols, the daughter of James F., who has brought additional joy to their home. Mr. Nichols is a great lover of his home but occasion- ally finds recreation in attending the Odd Fellows Lodge. Politically he votes the Republican ticket.

THOMAS J. RIORDAN .- Among the successful lawyers of the younger generation, Thomas J. Rior- dan was born in Salinas, Monterey County, April 14, 1892, the son of Thomas J. and Margaret (Sheehy) Riordan. The family located at Salinas in 1901, where the father was engaged in the practice of law, and was also county clerk of Monterey County. He died in 1900, aged about forty-five. He was highly esteemed for his integrity, and his passing was regretted by a host of friends and admirers. After his death, Mrs. Riordan and her family moved to San Jose, where she now resides.

Thomas J. Riordan was educated in the grammar and high schools of San Jose; in 1911 he received the degree of A. B. from Santa Clara College; in 1912 he had mastered and received his A. M. degree; and in 1915 received his LL. B. He was associated with D. M. Burnett and remained with him until the date of his enlistment in the navy, December, 1917; and after he returned from the service he was asso- ciated with Senator H. C. Jones during 1919-20, and on April 1 of that year he opened an independent practice.

Mr. Riordan is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party. He is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the American Legion and the San Jose Country Club, and a mem- ber of the Catholic Church. He is prominent in ath- letic circles, and enjoys all clean sports; he is a man of public spirit and a supporter of those projects that mean the permanent growth of his home city. He was united in marriage in San Jose on August 5, 1920 to Miss Elva Pointer, a native of Stanislaus County, and they have one child, Kathleen Patricia.

JOHN G. REID .- A representative California busi- ness man, both in respect to his relation to the Pacific commonwealth by birth and his contribution to the development of important interests which have added to the wealth and glory of the Golden State, is John G. Reid, the superintendent of the American Can Company at San Jose. He was born in Monterey County on July 31, 1877, the son of Robert M. Reid, a native of Indiana, who crossed the plains to Cali- fornia in 1850 and engaged in buying and selling cattle. He had married Miss Annie Gregson, who was born at Sutter's Fort in 1846, the first child of English parents born in the state of California-a very interesting couple of pioneers who were here before the Donner party. Mr. and Mrs. Reid had fourteen children, among whom John G. Reid was the eighth in the order of birth. Mr. Reid died in 1890; Mrs. Reid, who still survives, lived here for sixteen years, but now resides in San Francisco.

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John attended the grammar schools of his locality, and then passed a year at the high school and later studied at the Watsonville Commercial School. He worked for four years at the mines in Angels Camp, and two years in Chinese Camp in the reduction works, next applied himself to various jobs for a year, and in 1904 entered the service of the American Can Company. For over four years he was in Honolulu as that company's general foreman in their shops, and having first come to San Jose about twenty-five years ago, he has been superintendent of the San Jose plant since 1915. He belongs to the Rotary Club and may always be relied upon to stand behind any movement making for the commercial development of San Jose and Santa Clara County.

At Thanksgiving, in 1910, Mr. Reid was married to Miss Edith Drew, a native daughter and au ac- complished lady, the center of a large circle of friends. Mr. Reid is a Mason and is also an Odd Fellow. In politics he stands above mere party limitations, which fact enables him to pull a long and steady stroke against narrow partisanship and in favor of the best man and the best measures for the community. Fond of hunting and fishing, he is first, last, and all the time for the Golden State which affords him such wonderful opportunities for sport.

WILLIAM SCHUH .- Among those engaged in the marble and granite business in the city of San Jose is to be found William Schuh, one of the part- ners of Schuh-Vertin & Company, located at 256 West Santa Clara Street where they are taking care of a splendid business. Mr. Schuh is a native of Ohio, having been born in Hancock County, on Au- gust 29, 1866, the son of Clement and Mary Magdalene (Kober) Schuh. They removed to Benton County, Ind., in 1875, where they were farmers, the mother passing away in 1888. The father came to San Jose in 1904, and is a successful orchardiest, residing on Stevens Creek Road.

Of their four children, two of whom are living, William is the oldest. He did not get to attend school very regularly, as much of his time was spent working on the farm, helping his father in the many tasks found to do there. He remained on the farm until he had reached his twenty-second year and then, coming to California in 1889 for his health, he not only regained his strength, but became the owner of a good business. For two years he was engaged in various occupations and then began to work for the Western Granite Works and here it was that he learned the trade in which he is now engaged. In the year 1897, he started business on his own account, becoming a partner with Demicheli brothers, under the firm name of Demicheli, Schuh & Company, later Demicheli & Schuh, and continued until October 1, 1916, when Mr. Demicheli died and Mr. Vertin bought his interest and they continued as Schuh & Vertin Company. The establishment has the most complete equipment of any firm in the city of San Jose for the manufacture of large granite and marble work. They also make a specialty of interior finish and their workmanship and the quality of their material may be noted at Stanford University and the Santa Clara town hall, and they also built the Lester monument, one of the finest memorials in Oak Hill. Mr. Schuh employs seven first-class workmen who are all expert in their line of work.

Mr. Schuh's marriage in San Jose, December 31, 1895, united him with Miss Annie Uheman, the daughter of Mathias and Catherine Uheman, who were carly settlers of Santa Clara County and were counted among the pioneers of San Jose. Mrs. Schuh is a native daughter of the county and was educated at Notre Dame Convent. Mr. and Mrs. Schuh have had six children: Clement Joseph, who died during the World War, succumbing to a severe attack of the Spanish influenza, while in a training camp at Santa Clara; George A .; William M .; Catherine Marie; Clarence B .; and Edmund Nicholas. Mr. Schuh is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is always ready to sanction any good movement for the furtherance of the welfare of the community.

JACOB M. H. GATTER, JR .- One of the enter- prising business men of San Jose is Jacob M. H. Gatter, Jr., who was born at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan- uary 29, 1885, and was reared and educated in Cali- fornia. He is the son of Jacob and Christina (Schmitt) Gatter, who migrated to California in the year 1887, settling in Oakland; they later removed to Hayward, where they still reside.

Jacob Gatter attended the public schools of Oak- land until he was fifteen years of age; was then em- ployed in a bakery and it was here that he learned his trade. He worked in various cities, throughout the state, and in some of the largest bakeries. He came to San Jose August 1, 1918, and in the follow- ing year he purchased the business owned by W. J. Temple, known as the Faultless Bakery, a wholesale establishment. Eight people are employed in the business, and three motor trucks take care of the deliveries. The business is steadily increasing, owing to the untiring energy of its owners, J. M. H. Gatter and O. Jordheim, and the high grade of its products.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 236

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