History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 250

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

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Joining forces again with Mr. Mulkey, they came to Sacramento, Cal., in 1914, remained a short time, then went to Oakland where they were in business for about nine months. Afterwards they were in Santa Rosa and Napa for a short stay before coming to San Jose, Cal., where Mr. Burns went into busi- ness with Mr. Mulkey, under the name of Mulkey Mattress Company. They continued together until 1919, when Mr. Burns bought Mr. Mulkey's interest and changed the name to the Burns Mattress Com- pany. Here Mr. Burns has continued, giving his time and attention to developing the business that

today is the largest factory of its kind in Santa Clara County and employs eight people. The services that were rendered in other states by Mr. Burns have aided a great deal in giving this concern a reputation for good work, for the best advertising a firm can receive is satisfied customers. He receives much business from other states, and because he has the equipment to handle a large volume of business he receives many orders from hotels and institutions.

Mr. Burns' marriage occurred on January 19, 1920, in San Jose, Cal., and united him with Miss Fonnie Enoches, also born near Derma, Miss. She is the daughter of William E. and Sue Elizabeth (Maxey) Enoches, and her father, a planter and stockman, also had a cotton gin. Mrs. Burns graduated from the Derma high school and later attended the In- dustrial Institute and College at Columbus, Miss., from which she graduated in 1915. Mr. Burns is a loyal supporter of all interests which make for the development and the upbuilding of the community, giving his aid and influence at all times on the side of progress, and San Jose is glad to have men of his caliber in their midst. He is a member of the Odd Fellows of San Jose, and in national politics, both he and Mrs. Burns are Democrats, but in local affairs cast their vote for the best men and measures.

THOMAS J. CALLAHAN .- The name of Thomas J. Callahan figures prominently in connection with commercial enterprise in San Jose, as junior partner in the firm of Farnsworth and Callahan, dealers in automobile supplies. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in the city of Cleveland, January 23, 1883, his parents being Thomas and Bridget (Kavanaugh) Callahan. The father, Thomas Callahan, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, migrating to America when but sixteen years of age; while the mother was born in Cleveland, Ohio.

Thomas J. was educated in the public schools of Cleveland, and upon graduation entered the employ of the Erie Railroad as brakeman. During the year of 1902 he came to the Pacific Coast and was located for a short time in Los Angeles. He then went to San Francisco, where he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, remaining with them until the year 1913. During the time he was in the employ of the Southern Pacific, he rendered valuable and efficient service in the operating depart- ment as train conductor.

Having determined upon the selection of the occu- pation for his life's work, he became a valued employe of a large automobile accessory house in San Jose, where he remained five years. This period served to give him broad and practical knowledge concerning the business and when, in July, 1918, he entered into partnership with Mr. Farnsworth, he established a wholesale and retail automobile supply house, located at 150 West Santa Clara Street. He has brought a broad experience and a thorough training to the busi- ness, which has served to make this firm the largest of its kind in the Santa Clara Valley.

Mr. Callahan's marriage united him with Miss Edna Maxwell of San Luis Obispo County, a native daughter of the Golden State, and they are the parents of one son, Maxwell, a student in the grammar school at San Jose. Fraternally, Mr. Callahan is an honored member of the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World, and active in the Chamber of Commerce of San Jose, and the Auto Trades Association.

Anselmo Corrotto

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ANSELMO CONROTTO .- A young man of ability, who by his energy and hard work is making a success, is Anselmo Conrotto, who is farming the old Doyle ranch on Stevens Creek at Monte Vista. He was born under the sunny skies of Italy at Coco- nato, Piedmont, on March 6, 1890. His father, Bap- tiste Conrotto, was a farmer in that interesting sec- tion of Northern Italy, and there Anselmo grew to young manhood, obtaining a good education in the local schools while he also learned the rudiments of farming. He had heard and read of the great op- portunities in California, and his ambition was stirred to cast in his lot with this favored section. Arriving in Gilroy, Santa Clara County, in 1906, he was em- ployed at farming and orcharding until 1911, when he returned to his native place to fulfill his duties according to the military laws of Italy. Entering Company Thirty-three of the Alpine Regiment he served for two years, thirteen months of the period being spent serving at the front in the Tripoli War. After his discharge, in 1913, he remained for a time in his native heath, where he was married to Miss Rosa Conti in the spring of 1914, and soon after- wards he brought his bride to California, returning to Gilroy about two months before the great World War broke out.

Mr. Conrotto engaged in orcharding and farming in the vicinity of Gilroy until 1919, when he came to Cupertino and secured the lease of the Doyle ranch, embracing about 500 acres, 200 acres of the ranch being devoted to orchard and vineyard and the bal- ance to hay and grain. From a lad he learned to care for trees and vines and since coming to Santa Clara County he has had valuable experience and made a study of horticulture and viticulture. He is producing a fine quality of prunes, apricots, peaches and grapes, enabling him to make a success of his venture. Mr. Conrotto's marriage has been blessed with two children, Giachinta and Louisa. He is a Republican in his political preference and shows his readiness at all times to aid in the upbuilding of his adopted country.

HARRY E. BROWNE .- Although a young man, Harry E. Browne is the manager of one of the largest moving picture houses in San Jose, Cal., a high class theater that caters only to the highest types of motion pictures. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on November 19, 1888, and was the son of Herbert and Mabel (McKee) Browne. His father was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Company, and passed away in 1912; his mother surviving her husband only one year.

Mr. Browne was the eldest of a family of three brothers and received his education in the schools of Milwaukee, and ever since he was twelve years old he has been making his own way. He gradually worked into vaudeville and traveled over the Central States, and as far east as Toledo, Ohio, and then through the South. He was for some time on the Pantages circuit and then went on the Marcus Loew circuit, in the latter employ going north as far as Winnipeg, Canada, and made most of the Canadian towns, thence to Butte, Mont., and British Columbia, coming south through Oregon, Washington, and Cali- fornia, as far as San Deigo, Cal.

Here Mr. Browne quit the stage and came to San Jose, in 1920, where he took a position with the

Herbert Packing Company and after a short time he took a position with the T. & D. Theater as assistant manager. When Mr. Miller left, Mr. Browne was promoted to the position of manager. He entered the U. S. service October, 1917, enlisting in the Illinois Engineers, Thirty-third Division, and was for six months at Camp Logan, Texas, where he received training. He became the manager of a large entertainment troupe at Camp Logan, Texas, and had charge of the camp entertainment. He was honorably discharged in 1918, and went back to his old work on the vaudeville stage, continuing there until he located in San Jose, where he has rapidly taken his place as a live wire in business circles.

ALLEN RUDOLPH .- San Jose's enviable status as a city of ideal homes owes much to the wonderful success of the San Jose Building & Loan Association, whose secretary is Allen Rudolph, a native of San Benito County, where he was born on July 23. 1888. His father was C. L. Rudolph, and he married Miss Ellen M. Schmidt; and they enjoyed, wherever they lived, the esteem and good will due them as industri- ous and progressive citizens.

Allen attended the common schools of his neigh- borhood, and then for a year pursued the courses of the high school; and as a youngster he took charge of his father's ranch. He also attended the Heald's Business College at San Jose, and after leaving there he joined the staff of the First National Bank of San Jose, but illness caused him to seek other lines of occupation and he became special agent for the West- ern States Life Insurance Company, where he made an enviable record for himself. Finding a good busi- ness opening in King City, Mr. Rudolph went there and became a member of the board of directors of the H. A. F. Company and also was office manager. Then he served in the World War in the subsistence branch, keeping a record of food supplies that went through the Western department. After his dis- charge he was with Earl C. Anthony at San Jose for a short time.

In June, 1919, Mr. Rudolph became secretary of the San Jose Building & Loan Association, the pioneer of the county, which has its headquarters at 81 West Santa Clara Street. It was incorporated under the laws of California in 1885 and was founded by its first president, C. W. Breyfogle, and first secretary, H. W. Wright. Its present officers are Valentine Koch, president, and Allen Rudolph, secre- tary, while The First National Bank is depository and acts as treasurer.

The growth of the association has been so rapid that this fact alone speaks of both its soundness and its popularity. Two years ago its resources were $540,000, while today it may boast of about $1,500,000. Its principal purpose' is to encourage industry, fru- gality, home-building and savings among its share- holders and members, and in that ambition has met with unqualified success, and is still growing very fast under its present management. It has made possible the easy building of homes by small monthly payments, and it has also for years afforded a safe place for the investment of money at six per cent.

Mr. Rudolph belongs to the American Legion, the Commercial Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, and is a Mason.

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ROMOLO L. PUCCINELLI .- Prominent among the younger generation of inventors and manufac- turers who have brought to bear upon their work intelligence and well-directed enthusiasm, is Romolo L. Puccinelli, a native son of the state and county, born in Campbell, November 20, 1895, a son of Ezio and Elena Puccinelli, the father removing to Cali- fornia in 1879 and the mother in 1882, her name be- fore her marriage being Serighelli. Her father was a jeweler in San Francisco, but had his residence near Campbell. Ezio Puccinelli was an orchardist near Los Gatos until his demise in 1905. His widow still survives and makes her home on their old or- chard place. Of the six children born to this worthy couple, Romolo L. is the second oldest. After com- pleting the grammar schools he entered the Los Gatos high school. On finishing the high school he took a special course at the University of California until the World War broke out. He then enlisted in the aviation corps of the U. S. Navy and was sent out on special work, being placed in charge of the production at the Foster Engineering Company at Newark, N. J., where he served for a period of a year, until he received his honorable discharge.

On his return from the service he became inter- ested in the process of the drying of fruits by artifi- cial heat, and he immediately set about erecting a dryer at Los Gatos, with the advice and assistance of Prof. A. W. Christie of the University of California. The first year the output of his plant was the great- est of any in the state, and representatives from every nation have inspected his methods of dehydration and are satisfied that a way has been discovered whereby fruits can be successfully cured without the aid of the sun. By the experience gained at this plant the method of dehydrating was further im- proved upon by Mr. Puccinelli and a new system inaugurated and patented. He is now building de- hydrating plants in different parts of the state and is planning an early trip East in the interests of his business. At present he is building the two largest dehydrating plants in California. He has established offices in San Jose and also in San Francisco. The business has grown very rapidly and is not confined to the United States, but is established in different foreign countries as well. Now in the prime of life, with many years of activity before him, one may safely predict for him an increased influence and usefulness in his chosen pursuit and the prestige which accompanies success. In his political rela- tions Mr. Puccinelli has always taken an intelligent interest in public matters and is a Republican. He is a member of the local American Legion and of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, and is a charter member of the San Jose Commercial Club.

FRED BIAGGI .- A native .of the Golden State, Fred Biaggi was born in Santa Clara County, Cal., on a ranch known as the Pala Olive Grove, May 31, 1888, his father being the foreman of this ranch. The latter, Alfred F. Biaggi, was a native of Lucca, Italy, born April 27, 1862; while his mother, Mary (Bradley) Biaggi, was a native of Scotland, but early in life migrated to California and was, at the time of her marriage, employed on the Pala Olive Grove Ranch. Fred Biaggi's grandparents, Bar- tholomew and Veniżani Biaggi, were both natives of Italy, the grandfather being a successful gardener in

his native land. He brought his family to this coun- try when Alfred F. was but eleven years old. His opportunity for attending school in his native land had been very limited, but upon his arrival in Cali- fornia, while he was employed by George Miller on his ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he there improved his opportunities and attended the public school. For ten years, the lad labored for Mr. Miller on his ranch "Skyland."

After Mr. Biaggi's marriage to Miss Mary Bradley in the summer of 1883, they removed to San Jose, where he worked and accumulated sufficient money to purchase about ten acres some seven miles east of San Jose. He successfully farmed this for a period of five years, then selling out, he removed to San Jose and resided there for a number of years. During the year 1911 he purchased nine and one- half acres on South Twenty-fourth Street and planted this to cherries and prunes. About 1913 a brother arrived from Italy bringing with him a quantity of Italian cherry cuttings from the vicinity of Lucca, Italy. These he budded, but only succeeded in grow- ing one, but from this, he was able to propagate a great many trees. They are a superior cherry and Mr. Biaggi possesses the only trees of this variety in the Valley. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Biagga, four of whom are living, Frank having died in infancy; William is an attorney-at-law living in San Jose; Fred, the subject of this sketch, is a mechanic and operates an auto repair shop at 19 Twenty-fifth Street, San Jose; Mamie married Mr. Roderick, who is employed with the Standard Oil Company; George, the youngest son, makes his home in San Jose. During the World War he served in the aviation department and was a mechanic in the aeroplane motor department at the field near Sacra- mento. While thus engaged, he contracted the "flu," which developed into double pneumonia. He was critically ill for a long period of time; was taken to a sanatorium near Saratoga; then removed to the Government Hospital at Palo Alto, later taken to the Presidio, and when he began to improve, was sent to Tucson, Ariz., and later to San Diego. Five grandchildren have come to gladden the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred F. Biaggi. Their son William has one daughter; Mrs. Roderick two sons, William and Lester; Fred has two children, Frances and Fred, Jr.

Fred Biaggi was educated in the public schools of Santa Clara County, but at the early age of nine he started out to earn his own living. He worked as a mechanic for a number of years; spent one year with the Standard Oil Company; was driver for the Asso- ciated Oil Company for a short time; was employed by the Norman Camping Company of San Jose for a year; then with the Osen-McFarland Company, working as a mechanic on the Dodge cars. About this time he invested his savings in the garage busi- ness, having three establishments, one on Santa Clara Street, one on South First Street, and another one on West Santa Clara Street, near the bridge. The opportunity came to dispose of his garage business, and he then entered the employ of Scripps-Booth and Cole 8 as head mechanic until he again engaged in the repair business. For a short time Mr. Biaggi was engaged in the plumbing business, in the employ of Mr. Ferguson as a journeyman plumber in Bakers- field, and doing the plumbing work for the Greek Theater and the City Hall.

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

During the year 1924, Mr. Biaggi married Miss Myrtle McCarthy, a native daughter of California, and the daughter of William McCarthy. Mr. Biaggi is a member of the Mechanic Association No. 1095, and in national politics he is a stanch Republican.

LEM BROUGHTON .- One of the many interest- ing residents of San Jose is Lem Broughton, who was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 8, 1868. His father, James I. Broughton, a merchant, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to Utah in the early days. In 1882 he moved to Walkerville, Mont., following the same business as in Utah. Lem's mother, Catherine (Senior) Broughton, also born in Yorkshire, passed away when he was but eight years old and he lived with his Grandmother Senior in Payson, Utah, until fifteen, attending the grammar and high schools. He then took responsi- bility on his own young shoulders and started out in the world for himself, ending up in southeastern Utah with 175 head of cattle. In 1890 he went to Uray, Colo., and became interested in mining. Seven years later he left Colorado and started overland for Alaska, attracted by the glowing tales of the gold being found there, but only got as far as the northern part of British Columbia. He spent sixteen years at Aldermere, Canada, in the hotel business, and in buying and selling cattle there. He was also post- master there eight years. In the year 1913, he came to California and settled near San Jacinto, in River- side County, buying twenty-five acres of land, which he set out in apricots. He stayed there for five years, sold out and went to Modesto and various other towns in California, and thence to Reno, Nev. After running the Hotel Elm there for one year he went back to Salt Lake City, and engaged in the auto- mobile repairing business, then back to San Jacinto, and from there to San Jose, purchasing the Hotel Lennox, keeping it but six months, removing to Stockton, where he took over Hotel Ray for a period of six months. He then came to San Jose, buying the Hotel Alton, containing sixty rooms, on South First Street, and here has since continued as its proprietor, having built up an excellent patronage.

On July 14, 1913, in Prince Rupert, B. C., Mr. Broughton was married to Mrs. Myrtle (Storay) Hudson, who was born in Kansas, but came to Cali- fornia when a child, receiving her education in Los Angeles and residing there in her youth. She is the daughter of I. T. and Melvina Story of Modesto, where they both passed away. By her former mar- riage she has one daughter, Velma.

FOREST B. GEROW .- Among the attractive business establishments of San Jose is the Wardrobe Cleaning and Dyeing Shop of Forest B. Gerow, a progressive and alert business man who, wisely using his time, talents, and opportunities, has proceeded far toward the goal of success. He was born at Detroit, Mich., April 3, 1885, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Phoebe Ann (Belknap) Gerow. His father is a native of Oswego, N. Y., born in the year 1849. He was the seventh son of a family of twelve children born to Peter and Mary (Beckwith) Gerow; Peter Gerow, a native of London, England, came with his parents to the United States when four years old, but afterwards settled in Canada, where he was a ship carpenter for many years.

The father of Forest B. Gerow was a graduate of Fulton Seminary; afterwards taking up the trade of mechanic at Oswego, N. Y. He was married to Miss Phoebe Ann Belknap, the daughter of Julius K. and Lydia (Place) Belknap, who were Michigan farmers. They are the parents of three children: Florence, the wife of Mr. Betts of San Jose; Forest B .; Millard, a mechanic employed by the Bettinger Auto Works. In 1905 Benjamin Gerow and his family came to San Jose, and here he engaged in the contracting and building business until recently. He is a member of the Masons and Knights of Pythias.

Forest B. Gerow attended the common schools of Ann Arbor, Mich. Leaving school at the age of thirteen, he started to look out for himself. In 1901 he came to San Jose and engaged in the cleaning and dyeing business. He was thoroughly experienced in this work, having engaged in the same line in Ann Arbor, Mich., for years. Some five years were spent in Stockton in the cleaning business and upon his return to San Jose, he again opened up a similar business. Some seven months ago, he secured a location at 293 South First Street, where he estab- lished the Wardrobe Cleaning and Dyeing Shop and is succeeding even beyond his expectations. His family have always been stanch Republicans and Mr. Gerow is a stalwart supporter of the principles of this party. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the West, and, utilizing the opportunities here offered, has made a creditable name and place for himself.

CHARLES L. BEATTY .- A representative citizen of California, Charles L. Beatty has spent the major part of his life in this state, and now occupies a note- worthy position among the esteemed and valued resi- dents of San Jose. A man of enterprise and ability, he has been actively associated with the development of the agricultural interests of his adopted home, and takes great pride in the advancement and growing prosperity of city and county. A son of James N. and Rebecca (Davis) Beatty, he was born in Seward, Nebraska, March 9, 1869, and spent the first sixteen years of his life there, attending the public schools of that city; from there he went to Lawrence, Kansas. where he completed a business course.

A native of Ohio, James N. Beatty, when a young man migrated to Nebraska with his wife, whom he married in Council Bluffs, Iowa. With his brother, they crossed the plains from Ohio to Nebraska with the customary ox team with a load of merchandise and provisions. From Omaha they came to Seward and it was here that they built a sod house and opened a provision center, being among the first settlers of Seward, this being in the early '60s. Both parents died in the Middle West.

It was in the spring of 1885 that Charles L. Beatty came to California, working his way from his home town. With the true pioneer spirit, he did not hesitate to carry his roll of blankets upon his back and work wherever he could obtain sufficient funds to carry him forward to the mecca of his ambitions. Fourteen years were spent in the southern part of the state, principally on the Newhall Ranch in Los Angeles County. He thought to better his condition and in 1899 he sold out his holdings and came to Saratoga, Santa Clara County, where he leased land. In 1906 he bought land in Stanislaus County, near Modesto, and this he developed and operated for

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thirteen years. In 1919 he sold out and came to San Jose for his health.

Mr. Beatty married Miss Ellen Johnson, a native daughter of California, May 23, 1901. Her parents August and Caroline Johnson, are natives of Sweden, but migrated to California in 1865, spending five years in the mines. In 1870 Mr. Johnson purchased a home near Saratoga and there he resides at the present time; he also owns a ranch near Morgan Hill. After their marriage, the Beattys lived near Saratoga until they removed to Modesto, where they purchased thirty acres on California Street. He raised peaches, grapes, and alfalfa, besides running a dairy. Dis- posing of this ranch in 1918, they removed to San Jose, purchasing property on Lincoln Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty are the parents of four children: Edith, James, Robert and Eleanor, all attending the public schools. Edith graduated from the San Jose high school in 1922. Mr. Beatty's word and opinion have a high value with all who appreciate integrity and honor in a man, and his kindliness, good nature, and loyalty have made him many friends.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 250

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