History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 255

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

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THOMAS CLEMENS BARNETT .- Among the dealers in real estate that have insured the prosperity of San Jose, by the constant opening up of new tracts and the improvements which they have made possible, is Thomas Clemens Barnett, of the well-known firm of Barnett and Phelps. Mr. Barnett was born in Bates County, Mo., on January 18, 1864, the son of David M. and Ellen (Bartlett) Barnett, who were both descended of old Virginia stock. His mother died when he was only two years old, his father surviving her about ten years, passed away when Thomas was twelve years of age.

Thomas Barnett received his education in the public schools of Bates County, Mo. At the age of twenty, he came to California and for nine years worked in the fruit business in the Cupertino district, then in the year 1893, he began his career as a realtor in partner- ship with Mr. W. G. Hawley. In 1899, he bought

Mr. Hawley's interest in the business and continued alone until January 1, 1914, when J. R. Phelps became his partner, and in the years that have passed they handled many important deals and the volume of their business is continually increasing.

Mr. Barnett is a charter member of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, having been a member of the managing board of directors of this association for twelve years, and for fifteen years he has been one of the directors of the Anderson-Barngrover Manufacturing Company. He has always been iden- tified as very active in all movements that have for their aim the building up and improving and enhanc- ing the importance of the city of San Jose. In na- tional politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Barnett's marriage, which occurred in San Benito County, in 1895, united him with Miss Lillian F. Williams and they are the parents of two children. Helen Frances and Thomas Clifford. The former is a graduate of San Jose State Normal School and is engaged in teaching in the Campbell schools, while the latter is attending San Jose high school. Mr. Barnett was a charter member of the San Jose Com- mercial Club, serving as a member of the organization committee, assisting materially in the successful formation of this club of San Jose men.

JACK E. BRITSCHGI .- Prominent among the business men of affairs whose diligent perseverance and frugality have put him on the way to success is Jack E. Britschgi, formerly one of the members of the firm known as Britschgi and Chardavoine. of The Stutz Shop, but now in the employ of the Service Garage on North Second Street. Mr. Brit- schgi was born in Switzerland, on February 1, 1894, and is the son of John and Marie Britschgi, who moved with their family to Redwood City in the year of 1907. Both parents are now living there.

Mr. Britschgi attended the schools of Switzer- land, also the public schools of Santa Cruz, and all in all received a very good training. In 1909 he took up mechanical training at the Holt Manu- facturing Company, Stockton, becoming a machinist and in 1911 he accepted a position in Stockton in the Sheriff's office as a driver and later with the Bean Spray Pump Company in San Jose as machinist, and in 1913 was employed at the old Consolidated Garage. The following year he was with the San Jose Elec- tro Plating Works, where he continued for a year and a half, then spent another ycar and a half at the Garden City Garage. In 1917 he went to work for the Stutz people and here worked another year and a half. Having had much experience, he established a business for himself in 1919, taking Mr. Chardavoine as his partner. He specialized in Stutz cars repairs, although he did a great deal of work on all makes of cars. On February 1, 1922, he accepted a position as shop foreman at the Service Garage.

Mr. Britschgi's marriage united him with Miss Claire Dougherty, and they are the parents of three children, Clair, Byron, and Bonnie Jean. Mr. Brit- schgi is a very public spirited man and has won the respect of all who know him. In national politics he is a Republican. He is very fond of outdoor life anr being quite a genius at mechanics, he is thor- oughly interested in everything that pertains to auto- mobiles and is always ready to talk about some new appliance or improvement, that might add to the comfort of car owners.

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ORVIS HUMPHREDUS SPECIALE .- An able representative of the bar in Santa Clara County, and a citizen who is attaining prominence and influence is Orvis Humphredus Speciale, who has been identi- fied with the legal profession since 1917. He was born in Palermo, on the island of Sicily, Italy, Feb- ruary 13, 1892, a son of Gioacchino and Rosalie (Bar- bagallo) Speciale. His father migrated to California in 1892, settling in San Jose, where he established a grocery business at Fourth and Santa Clara streets. The family, consisting of his wife and four children, came here in January, 1898. Mr. Speciale died in San Jose on February 8, 1922.

Orvis Humphredus Speciale received his prelimi- narly education in the local public schools, gradu- ating from high school in 1912; then entered Santa Clara College from which he was graduated in 1917 with the degree of LL.B., and was admitted to prac- tice that same year; the following year he took a post-graduate course and received his J. D. degree. During the year of 1916 he read law in the office of Robert R. Syer, and in 1917 he opened an independent practice soon after his graduation. Success has crowned his efforts and he is well versed in the technique of the law and considered one of the most promising lawyers of the Garden City and has a growing clientele. He is Republican in political affili- ation, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, San Jose Council No. 879, having attained to the Fourth degree and is serving as advocate; also a member of the Italo-American Club of San Jose. He was a charter member of the Boy Scouts of San Jose. He has served as secretary and as vice-presi- dent of the local bar association. During the World War he was ready to give his services to his country, but was not called before the armistice was signed; however, he gave freely of his time in assisting in all the local drives, the Red Cross, Liberty Loans and other Government activities. He is treasurer of the Children's Aid of Santa Clara County.

Mr. Speciale's marriage on October 4, 1917, united him with Miss Anita Barsuglia and to them have been born three children: Joachim Joseph, Rosalie and Anita; and the family are members of the Catholic church. He is a hard worker, a generous contributor to worthy causes and a friend on whom one can in- variably rely. A stanch supporter of any measures for the advancement of the community, he is a most promising, public-spirited and worthy citizen.

EMIL V. FUCHS .- A man that stands for progress and improvement in all that has to do with the public life of San Jose and Santa Clara County is Emil V. Fuchs of the firm of Herschbach and Fuchs, Real Estate and Insurance, with offices in the Bank of San Jose building. He was born in Maxville, Jefferson County, Mo., on August 15, 1893, is the son of Frank X. and Mary Josephine (Schuetz) Fuchs. The father makes his home at Belleville, Il1., but the mother passed away July, 1914.

Mr. Fuchs was educated in the public and parochial schools of Jefferson County, Mo., and had four years in the high school department of St. Louis University and two years in the arts and science department of the university, coming to California on July 12, 1913; one year was spent in Santa Clara University in architectural engineering. In the month of April, 1918, Mr. Herschbach and Mr. Fuchs formed the partnership to conduct a general

real estate and insurance business, in which they are still continuing with success. Mr. Fuchs saw service overseas in the One Hundred Forty-fifth Machine Gun Brigade, Fortieth Division, U. S. Army, during the World War, and was stationed in France for ten months. He received his honorable discharge at the Presidio on May 23, 1919.

Mr. Fuchs is popular in the social affairs of San Jose, and he is an active member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Young Men's Institute, the Elks, and is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In religious faith he is a member of the Catholic Church.

MICHAEL SCHMITT .- A highly respected citi- zen of Santa Clara County and one who was loyal to the country of his adoption was the late Michael Schmitt, who passed away at his home on Roberts Road, esteemed by all who knew him. He was a native of Germany, born in Alsace on November 17, 1852, and was educated in the schools of his native land. He left home and came to the United States when only sixteen years old and located in Pennsyl- vania, where he remained for several years, then re- moving to California, he located in the Sonoma Val- ley and was occupied with farming, until he made a trip to his old home, his visit occupying a year. Upon his return to America and California he was em- ployed by the Mt. Hamilton Vineyard Company and remained with them for five years; then in 1895, he purchased a tract of land containing something over twelve acres, on Roberts Road, and planted it mostly to prunes and apricots, and through industry and perseverance his orchard has become a profitable investment.

Mr. Schmitt was united in marriage in San Fran- cisco, October 12, 1900, to Miss Marie Thelen, a native of San Francisco, and the daughter of Joseph Thelen, a pioneer of San Francisco. To them were born two daughters, Dorothea, a student in the Uni- versity of California, class of 1924, and Clarice, a student in the high school of Los Gatos, class of 1922. Mr. Schmitt was a devoted husband and father, of a cheery disposition and a man who is greatly missed in his home and community. Mrs. Schmitt is active in civic affairs of the localty and continues the operation of the ranch as well, and is showing much aptitude in its management.

C. T. BOLFING .- A much-appreciated "booster" for Gilroy, who has also been exceptionally success- ful in attracting the attention of the people to the diversified farming interests of Santa Clara Valley, is C. T. Bolfing, a native of Marshall, Mich., where he was born on January 20. 1867. He was reared at Marshall, and began his schooling in that place; and he was also fortunate in pursuing the courses of study at the Battle Creek high school. When only twelve years of age, he started out into the world for himself, and his first job was that of "devil" in a printer's shop. He proved resourceful, and in 1884 he left Michigan for California. On arriving at San Jose, a stranger, so to speak, in a strange land, he entered the employ, in April, of the Farmers' Union, and there he remained steadily engaged until January, 1899. He then went to Hanford and in April, 1901, Mr. Bolfing became interested in the hardware busi- ness at Porterville, with a partner, A. J. Delaney,

O.H. Speci

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

and for eight years they pulled together, building up a fine business. While a resident at Porterville, Mr. Bolfing served on both the Board of Trade and the County Health Board.

In 1909 he removed to Gilroy, and two years later he shifted again to Fresno, where he became inter- ested in the Barret-Hicks Hardware Company, of which he was manager for eight years. At the same time, he became a member of the Fresno Com- mercial Club and the Chamber of Commerce of that city. In April, 1921, he moved back to Gilroy, and here acquired some very desirable orchard property, soon after also taking up the raising of poultry, at the family home place, one and one-half miles north of Gilroy. He also has a mountain ranch in the Uvas district. On August 1, 1921, he was elected the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Gilroy, and he is recognized as a very able business man and leader. In national politics, he is a Republican.

At San Jose, in 1888, Mr. Bolfing was married to Miss Harriet H. Needham, a native of Illinois, al- though she was reared and schooled in San Jose. Two children have been born to this union. Carl N. is married, and he and his good wife and their three children reside on a poultry farm near Gilroy, having one of the veritable show places of the county. Byron B. graduated from the Gilroy high school, and is now an employe in the Gilroy branch of the Garden City Bank. Mr. Bolfing is both a Mason, belonging to the Porterville lodge, and a Woodman of the World.

JOHN B. ZELLER .- Perseverance, thrift and in- dustry have been the underlying qualities that have aided John B. Zeller to attain the position he now occupies in the business circles of San Jose, and as the proprietor of the Montgomery Hotel he has become well known throughout the state among the traveling public. He was born in New Orleans, La., September 11, 1875, a son of Frank and Annie (Weber) Zeller, the latter still living.

John B. Zeller received his education in the pa- rochial schools of his native city, and after leaving school he began working in a hotel, and from the bottom of the ladder he gradually worked his way through the various positions until he left New Orleans and went to Beaumont, Texas, where he became the manager of Fields Hotel. His success was easily demonstrated, and after the completion of the new Crosby House in that city he was pre- vailed upon to take charge, and he continued there until coming to California at a later date. Arriving in Los Angeles, he entered the ranks of the thea- trical profession and continued that until 1920, when he came to San Jose and once more entered the line of work that his many years of experience had so thoroughly fitted him for. He purchased the lease and furnishings of the Montgomery Hotel, and since becoming "mine host" at this modern hostelry has built up a steadily growing patronage. His personal attention is given to the comfort of the guests of the hotel, and the popularity of both manager and hotel is becoming more widely known as the years pass. The location of the hotel is in the center of the business district at the corner of South First and San Antonio streets.

The marriage of Mr. Zeller on November 4, 1912, at Oakland, Cal., united him with Miss Shirley Emanuel, a native of Texas, and they are the parents of two children, Francis E. and Robert G. Mr.

Zeller belongs to several fraternal organizations and is a member of the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in San Jose. He is public spirited and ready to lend his aid to all movements for advancing the best interests of San Josc.

CHARLES HENRY CALDWELL .- A man with unlimited resources and with a spirit of progression that knows no defeat is Charles Henry Caldwell, who figures prominently in the affairs of his local com- munity. A native of Maine, he was born in Oxford, March 21, 1850, the son of Frederick and Harriette Kilgore (Eastman) Caldwell, who were farmers in the New England countryside. Both parents passed away in Maine. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter: Mrs. Harriette Kimball, de- ceased; John of Andover, Maine; Charles Henry, our subject; Edwin E. of Leeds, Maine; Albert died at twelve years of age, and Sidney, also deceased.

Charles Henry Caldwell began his education in the public schools of Andover, Maine, then attended the high school at Dicksfield. He assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty years old, then went to Lynn, Mass., and learned the carpenter's trade, work- ing there for three and a half years and then in Prov- idence, R. I., for six months. On December 2, 1874, he came to California locating first in San Francisco, working at his trade until May, 1881. He then re- moved to Chicago, Il1., and again took up his trade, but worked only one year, when he engaged in the real estate business and began the erection of houses for himself. He purchased land and subdivided it and became very prominent as a subdivider, building over 200 houses for himself; however, he disposed of his holdings in Chicago and returned to California in 1903 and located two and a half miles south of Los Gatos, trading his largest holding in Chicago for a ranch at Lexington, Cal. His prune orchard pro- duced an average of 100 tons of prunes a year, be- sides large quantities of hay. In 1912, he sold this ranch and moved into Los Gatos and put the C. H. Caldwell Subdivision to Los Gatos, on the market; there he planned and built thirteen residences, two of which he sold. Meantime, he has designed and built six houses in Oakland and nine in Alameda, all of which he has sold.

By his first marriage to Miss Sarah A. Stewart of Saco, Maine, Mr. Caldwell had two children, Mrs. Blanch B. Jensen and Fred S. Caldwell. His first wife died in Chicago in 1902 and subsequently Mr. Caldwell was married at San Francisco to Miss Helen A. Ashler, a native of Tuscola, Ill., a daughter of Fred and Johanna (Pundt) Ashler, early settlers of Douglas County, Ill., where her father was a builder. Her mother died in Chicago, while her father is liv- ing in that city, ninety-two years of age. She is the second oldest of seven children and the only one on the coast. Mr. Caldwell attributes no small degree of his success in the building up of his subdivsions to his estimable wife, who has assisted him in every way and encouraged him in his ambition to have the finest subdivision and residence section in the foothill city. Mr. Caldwell is affiliated politically with the Republican party; fraternally he is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Council. He was a director in the First National Bank of Englewood, Ill., and was instrumental in the

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organization of the First National Bank of Los Gatos, and was on the first board of directors. Capable of handling and directing important interests, he has made his way steadily upward in business connec- tions, and takes pride in advancing the general in- terests of his town and county.

JOHN PAVLICEVICH .- An orchardist, who from a small beginning, is now enjoying the reward of his hard labor, is John Pavlicevich, a native of Dalmatia, born on December 23, 1888, a son of Vin- cent and Mary Pavlicevich, both natives of Dalmatia. The father came to California during the year of 1894, settled in San Jose, worked for others for about three years, then began for himself. His family followed in 1902; then he settled on a little place and engaged in buying fruit and operated a dryer. He is now re- tired from active business life, living on Lincoln Ave- nue with his wife and daughter Annie. The youngest daughter Draga, Mrs. Givich, lives on Prune Ridge.

John began his education in the schools of Dal- matia and after coming to California finished the grammar school course in Santa Clara County. He worked for his father until 1913, then purchased a tract of twenty-six acres on the Foxworthy Road, and in 1919 another twenty acres on Union Avenue, and in 1922 he bought eight acres just opposite his home place. By the purchase of these properties he assumed a considerable indebtedness, but with cour- age and determination to succeed, he set to work and at this time his property is bringing him a substantial income each year. He has kept adding improve- ments from time to time and bringing the orchards up to a high state of productivity.

The marriage of Mr. Pavlicevich in April, 1916, united him with Miss Mary Kavaleto, born in Dal- matia, and they are the parents of two children, Mary and Vincent. In 1911 Mr. Pavlicevich became a citi- zen of the United States, and selected as his politics the platform of the Republican party, and is a loyal and faithful citizen of his adopted country. He is a member of the Austrian Benevolent Society. He has a very thorough knowledge of the fruit business in every branch, from preparing the land for planting to marketing the product. His is the practical informa- tion, bringing to bear his personal experience in the carrying out of his business and giving his personal attention to overseeing his business. At all times he is interested in the welfare of the county and state, and endorses all measures looking toward the progress and prosperity of the community in which he lives.

THEODORE M. MANCUSO .- An industrious and enterprising orchardist who has spent the past fifteen years in the development of his well-kept ranch, seven miles south of San Jose on the Almaden Road, is Theodore M. Mancuso, who has been a loyal citizen of his adopted land for nearly thirty years. He was born in Santa Christina, Palermo, Sicily, December 20, 1877, his parents being Ciro and Mary Argenta Mancuso. The father was a farmer, who first came to the United States in 1889, settling in New Orleans; then to Richmond, Ill., where he followed farming and there his family joined him in 1892. In 1894 they located in San Jose, and here he has been engaged in horticulture and now resides in San Jose. The mother of our subject died at the old home in Italy, in 1885 at the age of thirty-three years. Theodore M., the second oldest of their three

children, was fourteen years old when his family went to Illinois and he attended public school there, and two years later, when the family removed to San Jose, he continued his studies in the public schools. He then worked for a time on ranches in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, saving his money, so that in 1907 he was able to purchase his ranch of about six- teen acres, situated on Almaden Road and Redman Avenue, where he built his residence and is engaged in raising prunes.

Mrs Mancuso, before her marriage, was Miss Catherine Palermo, a native of New Orleans, La., born November 11, 1889, and her marriage to Mr. Mancuso took place at San Jose, on October 14, 1906. She is a daughter of Fortunato and Laura (Sham- bor) Palermo, natives of Italy, and they were mar- ried in New Orleans, La. In 1901 the father brought his family to San Jose where both parents still re- side. They have six children, of whom Mrs. Man- cuso is the second oldest; and she was educated in the public schools of New Orleans and the Washing- ten School in San Jose. Mr. and Mrs. Mancuso are the parents of seven children, six of whom are liv- ing: Ciro, Mary, Fortunato, Joseph, Anthony, de- ceased, Laura and Albert. The care of his thriving orchard engages the greater portion of Mr. Man- cuso's time and energy, but he can be counted upon to do his full share in any progressive measure that will benefit the community. Politically he is a Re- publican, and he is one of the original members of the California Prune & Apricot Association.

H. CHRIS. MADSEN .- California is interesting as a state to which many nationalities have made sub- stantial contributions in its development and promi- nent among the settlers from distant parts, on account of their progressiveness and industry have been the sturdy Danes. Among the esteemed residents of Santa Clara County hailing from this northern corner of old Europe who may properly be mentioned is H. Chris Madsen, the rancher of Oak Farm, on the Day Road about four miles northwest of Gilroy. Mr. Madsen was born in the small village of Perstrup, Jutland, on September 9, 1874, the son of Mads and Marian (Peterson), the parents of nine children. Chris. went to school until he was fourteen, then was confirmed and worked at home until nineteen when he was employed in a creamery, and thus in one of the greatest dairying countries in the world, he learned the making of butter and cheese.

In 1903, Mr. Madsen left his native country with a ticket direct to Fresno, Cal. Arriving in New York the great eastern metropolis interested hin, of course; but in company with Rasmus Hansen he came direct to ·California, reaching here on December 7, 1903, and he settled for a while at Fresno. In 1905, he went to Humboldt County, and was employed there as a butter maker in a large creamery at Ferndale and also worked in a notion store. In the fall of 1906 he came to San Francisco, and worked in a creamery for about six months. Having heard favorably of Gilroy, he came here in May, 1907, and entered the employ of the Live Oak Creamery, and for fifteen months he was their expert buttermaker. In August, 1908, Mr. Madsen erected the first house in the Phelps tract, on twenty acres he had acquired by pur- chase in 1907; land barren and unattractive when he

John Pavlicevich

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took possession of it, but which his intelligence and labor have transformed and made the beautiful or- chard widely known as the "Oak Farm." He has added to this, and now owns twenty-four acres. He put out the first orchard in this district, since then the valley has become dotted with prune orchards. He is a member of the California Prune and Apricot Association, and prides himself on being something of a live wire. In November, 1920, Mr. Madsen set out for his native Denmark spending five months on a visit to his mother and going to various parts of Europe before returning to his Gilroy home.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 255

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