History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 83

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

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507

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

his later years Mr. Flint made his home in San Benito County, acquiring large land holdings near San Juan and Hollister, on which he raised cattle upon an extensive scale. His home ranch was known as San Justo, and here he resided for many years previous to his demise, which occurred in October, 1881. He was a man of culture and re- finement, with lofty ideals and aspirations, and de- lighted in travel, visiting all parts of the United States and Mexico.

On May 27, 1857, Mr. Flint was united in mar- riage to Miss Caroline L. Getchell, a representative of an old and prominent New England family and a direct descendant of Governor Bradford of Massa- chusetts. Mrs. Flint was born at North Anson, Maine, and immediately after her marriage started across the plains for California, continuing a resi- dent of this state until her demise on October 17, 1908, when she was seventy-three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Flint became the parents of seven chil- dren: Benjamin; William R. and George C., twins; Walter P .; Robert W .; Eva and Caroline. Mr. Flint joined the Masonic order in 1854 and in re- ligious faith he was a Congregationalist. He was a big man-big in that power which understands conditions, grasps situations and molds opportun- ities into tangible assets. He never deviated from the course which the world regards as right in the relation between man and his fellowmen and in all of his business career held closely to the rules which govern strict integrity and unabating industry.

His son, William R. Flint, was born in San Juan, San Benito County, Cal., March 13, 1869, and his education was acquired in the grammar and high schools of Oakland. On starting out in life for himself he went to Fresno County as manager of the Adobe Ranch, comprising about 26,000 acres of land. At the time Madera County was formed from Fresno County, Mr. Flint was appointed one of the commissioners by the governor to form that county. Following the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he entered the service and was sent to the Philippines, later returning to San Francisco. With his brothers he became the owner of a ranch of 3,000 acres situated near Hollister, upon which he remained for about fifteen years, during which period he was called to public office, serving for four years as state representative and for an equal period as state senator, his district comprising San Mateo, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. His political record was a highly commendable one, characterized by loyalty to every trust reposed in him and the fearless defense of those measures which he be- lieved to be for the best interests of his state and nation. A few years ago he disposed of his hold- ings in San Benito County and is now interested in Santa Clara County, making his home in San Jose.

In San Juan, San Benito County, 'Cal., Mr. Flint was married to Miss Mary L. Kemp on May 21. 1901. She is a native of San Benito County, her parents. Frederick W. and Marie Louise (DesLand) Kemp, being pioneers of San Juan Bautista, where her father followed the occupation of farming. Mr. Flint is a progressive Republican and an active worker in the ranks of the party. having served as a member of the state central committee. He is affiliated with the Masonic order, being a Thirty- second degree Scottish Rite and Knights Templar Mason and a Shriner, and he is also an Elk. He is

likewise a director of the Sempivirens Club, which was the principal factor in saving the Giant Red- woods of Santa Cruz County. He is deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his community, county and commonwealth and has long been a strong advocate of the conservation of Cali- fornia's magnificent redwood forests. He is a worthy son of a distinguished sire. By inheritance he bears a name that stands for the highest ideals in business and social life and he ranks with the leading and representative citizens of the Santa Clara Valley and of California.

CHARLES CLARK .- An attorney whose pro- found knowledge of the law has been the means of both drawing to, and holding for him a large and important clientele, is Charles Clark, one of the most popular members of the California bar at San Jose. He was born at Natchez, Miss., on November 20, 1849, the son of John T. Clark, a distinguished lawyer of St. Joseph, Tensas Parish. La. He died on March 30, 1855, when our subject was only five years old, leaving a widow, who had been Miss Margaret Nutt in her girlhood, and who was born at Laurel Hill, Miss. She came of an old influential family of English descent, who settled in the northern neck of Virginia at the same time the Washingtons and Lees settled there. She was a woman of exceptional education, and was the first instructor of her two boys; and when she died on November 29, 1874, she was mourned and honored by a wide circle of friends.

Charles, the eldest son, was the only one to grow to manhood. Although brought up during the Civil War, he had the advantages of a higher education. He started with private tutors, read law in Louisiana. and quite qualified himself for examination; but the evil effects of the reconstruction period leaving that section in a chaotic condition, he decided to come to California and on December 21, 1873, he arrived in San Francisco. Then he entered the law offices of Messrs. Haggin & Tevis, where he read law for a year; and on January 8, 1875, he applied to the Supreme Court for examination, and was admit- ted to practice in all the courts of California.

In the beginning. Mr. Clark practiced in San Francisco and Alameda County until 1884, and in that year he opened an office in the old Martin Block, San Jose, now the theater building, where he has ever since had his well-known headquarters. Coming of a fighting family prominent in the days of the Confederate army, he is known for his de- termination to contend for a client until the last ditch, and to safeguard every interest of those con- fiding in and depending upon him. In politics he is a Democrat, of the old, standpatter school.

At San Francisco on March 28. 1877, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Emma Fowler, a gifted lady of New Orleans, Louisiana, by whom he has had five children. David L. died in Mexico in 1904 at the age of twenty-six; Charles Edgar is a cotton broker at Austin, Texas, and Benjamin Palmer and Jeffer- son Davis are implement and tractor men at Dal- las, Texas and the only daughter, Margaret Nutt, remains with her parents, assisting in presiding over the house. Mr. Clark enjoyed his home life, at Carmel-by-the-Sea, for some years, but since 1921 the family have made their home at Palo Alto.

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ALVIN M. BLOUNT-Some men are born with a genius for leadership and no obstacle can prevent them from attaining the object of their ambition. To this class belongs Alvin M. Blount, president of the Retail Grocers' Association of San Jose and also proprietor of one of the leading grocery stores in the city. A native of the South, he was born in Atlanta, Ga., September 7, 1878, his parents be- ing P. W. and Sarah (Wagers) Blount. The father was a farmer by occupation and in Georgia grew corn and cotton, remaining a resident of that state until 1893, when he removed to near Dallas, Texas, where he raised corn, cotton and sugar cane.

The seventh in a family of ten children, Alvin M. Blount attended the schools of Atlanta, Georgia, to the age of fifteen, when he removed with his parents to Texas, pursuing his studies in the Northern Texas Normal College at Denton, from which he received a second grade certificate. He then went to Parker County, that state, where for a time he engaged in teaching, and then resumed his studies in the normal school, working his way through, and received a first grade certificate as a teacher. Leaving Texas, he went to Pueblo, Colorado, where he secured a posi- tion in the freight department of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company, acting as a clerk with that corporation for three years. In 1908 he came to San Jose and entered the shipping department of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, with which he remained for nine years. Through thrift and economy he at length accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on his own account, and in August, 1916, he purchased a grocery store at the corner of San Fernando and Seventh Streets, choosing a location near the high school. For three years he conducted that establishment and then when plans for the new high school were com- pleted it took in his location, and he then purchased a building at the corner of Tenth and William Streets, to which he removed his stock, consolidating the two, remaining in that locality for a year, or until March 14, 1921, when he obtained an option on the old Bluett property at the corner of Twenty-third and San Fernando streets, transferring his stock to this store, although still retaining his former holdings on Tenth Street, which he rents for store purposes. Here Mr. Blount built up a successful business, thus enhancing the value of the corner to such an extent that early in 1922 he sold it to great advantage and then purchased his present location, the old Home Union corner at East Santa Clara and Twenty-first street, where he conducts a splendid retail grocery establishment. His business has rapidly ·developed and the property has also become more valuable. His stock is of the highest grade and he has ever followed the policy of "Pay as you go." A keen observer. he has made a close study of the business, comparing his methods with those of other merchants, and he has become recognized as an authority in this line, his advice being often sought by those similarly engaged. He started in the bus- iness over five years ago without any previous know- ledge of the trade and through his intelligently directed efforts has risen to a foremost position in the line in which he specializes, being president of the Retail Grocers' Association of San Jose and also a member of State Retail Grocers' Association.

In Austin, Texas, on March 12, 1903, Mr. Blount married Miss Annie R. Wright, who was born in

Paris, that state, a daughter of Calvin Jones and Mary A. (Rogers) Wright. Her mother was born in Alabama, while her father was a native of North Carolina, becoming a resident of Texas in the early days. He followed the occupation of farming and passed away in 1895, but the mother is still living at the age of sixty-six years. They had a family of four children, of whom three survive. Mr. and Mrs. Blount have become the parents of two sons, Alvin H., class of 1922, and Travis W., class of 1923, San Jose High School, after which they will enter Leland Stanford University. Fraternally Mr. Blount is identified with the Woodmen of the World of San Jose; and he is also an enthusiastic member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants' Associa- tion of San Jose.

BRUNO BERNAL .- A worthy pioneer whose hallowed memory all who knew him delight to honor was the late Bruno Bernal, who was born on the Santa Teresa rancho, south of San Jose, on Feb- ruary 14, 1857, the youngest son of Bruno Bernal, the pioneer and wealthy ranchman, and owner of the Santa Teresa grant. He came to Santa Clara in the carly days, and became one of her foremost citizens. He was married a second time to Miss Blanda Castro, and from this union sprang the sub- ject of this story and three daughters. His brother- in-law was General Castro.

Bruno Bernal, Jr., grew to manhood on the home ranch, and he lived at home until he was twenty-one years of age. Then he came to San Jose, and for many years thereafter he conducted a cigar store here, and after that, removing to San Luis Obispo, he likewise was a merchant for fifteen years. He was married to Miss Josephine Comelio, the daugh- ter of Antonio and Luella (Duarte) Comelio, a gifted lady born on April 26, 1862, the eighth child in a fam- ily of twelve, three of whom survive the father and mother. She attended Notre Dame Convent. and was a most popular young woman among her musical associates. Mr. Bernal died on May 5, 1920, an honored member of the Pioneer Society of Santa Clara County, and also of the Foresters.

Eight children were granted Mr. and Mrs. Bernal. Bruno Arthur resides at Oakland, is married and has one child: Rebecca died at the age of fourteen; Edward R. resides at home; William, the fourth in the order of birth, died in infancy, while William, the next-born, also lives at home: Salvadore is single and a lientenant in the San Jose Fire Department ; Adele remains with her mother and is an accom- plished young woman in music and the drama, hav- ing attended Notre Dame Convent and the School of Expression of the College of the Pacific. Jose. the youngest, also enjoys the shelter of the paternal roof. Edward R. Bernal served in the One Hundred Fifteenth Ambulance Truck Supply, and was over- seas for eight months; he received his honorable dis- charge from Camp Kearney on May 4, 1919. Wil- liam Bernal served as bandmaster on the U. S. S. Huntington, which made nine trips overseas in the transport service. Salvadore served for three years as sergeant under General Funston in Mexico, and he also enlisted for service in the recent war as a member of the One Hundred Ninety-Fifth Infantry. The oldest son, Bruno, worked in the shipyards, and Miss Adele gave entertainments to the boys in the camps, and did all she could to sustain the morale of the brave boys in khaki.

a. M. Blount

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

TULLY CLEON KNOLES .- It is a widely acknowledged fact that the most important work to which a man can direct his energies is that of teach- ing, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform or in the schoolroom. It is in youth that the life of a man is marked out, his future course decided and his choice as to good or evil made, and to the work of instructing the young, Tully Cleon Knoles is devoting his time, energies and thought. A native of Petersburg, Ill, he was born January 6, 1876. His father, Thomas Stone Knoles, was a native of Illinois, born in Menard County, whither his parents had come from Indiana in 1847. After completing his early education, he began reading law and was admitted to the bar, becoming well known and active in the profession. He is a direct descendant of Thomas Stone, a native of the state of Maryland, whose signature appears on the Declara- tion of Independence. His mother before her mar- riage was Miss Laura Ellen Hart, a native of Illi- nois, and mother of four children at the time the family removed to the Pacific Coast in 1887; locating near Ontario, where four more children were born, She traces her ancestry back to John Hart of Vir- ginia, who was also present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and affixed his signa- ture to the famous document. Some of the

progenitors of these families were prominent in the history of early colonial days and have always been stanch and true American patriots. After the re- moval of the family to the Pacific Coast, the father continued his practice of law with marked ability at Ontario and later at Los Angeles, where in 1902 the family removed.

The preliminary education of Tully Cleon Knoles was obtained in the public schools of Ontario. In 1895 he graduated from the preparatory school of Chaffee Academy, thereafter entering the University of Southern California, taking a ministerial course, and becoming a student-pastor at San Pedro, Cal., soon after entering the college. He received his A.B. degree in 1903; his A.M. degree in 1908, and degree of D.D. in 1919. During the years he was perfecting his education, he was active in the minis- try. In 1903 he was selected as assistant professor of history in the University of Southern California, serving in this capacity until 1908, when he became the head of the history department. In 1919 he was unanimously chosen as the head of the College of the Pacific, the oldest institution of learning in California, which is, at the present time, enjoying a period of prosperity unsurpassed by any other col- lege in the state, and to Doctor Knoles is accorded the credit of the increasing popularity and success of the college. During the World War he toured the Pacific Coast states in behalf of the Liberty and Victory Loan drives; and his excellency as a "four- minute" speaker was unexcelled by any one.

The marriage of Dr. Knoles occurred August 23, 1899, united him with Miss Emily Walline, a daugh- ter of Peter and Jennie (Mascall) Walline, residents of Upland, Cal. Her father was a native of Sweden, coming to America and settling in Illinois when but a young man. His industry and thrift brought him a handsome fortune, although he had only the op- portunity to acquire but a meager education. After his retirement, he traveled extensively throughout

the United States and Europe. While on a tour of the country in February, he was stricken and passed away at Escondido, Cal., February 6, 1921. Doctor and Mrs. Knoles are the parents of eight children: Lorraine Isabel, a graduate of the Liberal Arts course of the College of the Pacific, June 22, 1921; Dorothy Anne, a student of the department of music, College of the Pacific; Peter Walline and Edith Ayleen, twins, are graduates of College Park Academy with the class of June, 1921, and now at- tend the College of the Pacific; George Herman, Gordon Elbert, Tully Cleon, Jr., are students, and Leslie Gay. All the children were born in Los Angeles.

Politically, Doctor Knoles is a Democrat of the stanchest party loyalty, casting his ballot for the Democratic presidential nominee since becoming of age. Fraternally he is a Mason, being active in the social life of the organization. He is a member of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of San Jose. He, with his family, are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the board of education of this denomination, and is a director representing the southern Pacific states in collaboration with the national membership meet- ing held annually in the month of December in New York City,

During Doctor Knoles' attendance at the Univer- sity of Southern California, he was active in ath- letics, being awarded four stars for football, baseball and track work. No doubt this experience has served to increase his popularity with the student body of the college of which he is the worthy and congenial head. Doctor Kuoles is a profound thinker, making a deep and careful study of the questions of the day. Much of his time is spent in lecturing on European history and government, as well as the growth of the American nation, and his lectures have served to enlighten the public along these lines. On March 17, 1921, he spoke before the San Jose Chamber of Commerce forum on the subject the "Third Inter- nationale," which required fourteen months in prep- aration, gathering facts and material, which proved to be both interesting and educational. In speaking of Karl Marx' "Dos Kapital," Doctor Knoles said "Thank God, there has never been a condition in America out of which class consciousness might be developed." His entire life work has been of a con- structive character, being actuated by a spirit of ad- vancement in all that he does. Doctor Knoles and his family are widely and favorably known through- ont the community, enjoying the warm regard of all with whom they have been associated.

CHARLES F. OVERFELT .- Among the breed- ers and raisers of fine draft horses in Santa Clara and San Benito counties, who by energy and indus- try have become successful, the names of Charles F. Overfelt and his brother Ed J. stand to the front. A native son, he was born in the rural dis- trict near Berryessa. Cal., July 28, 1858, the son of William C. and Mary E. (Pyle) Overfelt. both early pioneers of California, who are represented elsewhere in this history.

Charles F. spent his boyhood days on the farm. going to school a short time during the winter months. Being the oldest of the family, many re- sponsibilities were thrust upon him, as his father died when Charles was only seventeen years old.

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His first independent purchase of land was in Stan- islaus County near Oakdale, which he leased and sold eighteen years later. In 1891 he and his broth- er, Ed. J. purchased 430 acres six miles from Hol- lister in the Santa Ana Valley and engaged in the stock business and attained success as a breeder of fine horses. They owned some of the best prize stock of Belgian draft horses in America, showing them at the State Fairs and the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco and carrying away many premiums. He and his brother now own 970 acres in the San Juan Valley, San Benito Coun- ty. In 1860 W. C. Overfelt started operating a threshing machine and from that year until 1910, with the exception of two years, threshing outfits were sent out from the home ranch, C. F. Overfelt carrying on the business for forty seasons.

Mr. Overfelt was married in San Jose in 1899 to Miss Rosine Lenz, a native of California, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Geizwein) Lenz. Her father conducted a draying business for many years in San Jose. They are the parents of two children; Dorothy L. and Charles Harold, graduates of San Jose high school. Both are now students at Stanford. In 1919 Mr. Overfelt came to San Jose and now lives retired. His life has been one of toil, and characterized throughout by industry, persever- ance and progressiveness and the prosperity which has come to him is well deserved, for the principles which have governed his conduct throughout his en- tire life, are founded on the Golden Rule.

EDWARD D. CRAWFORD .- An energetic, suc- cessful, representative and influential dealer in land and insurance broker, who also has the advantage of being an attorney-at-law, is Edward D. Craw- ford, who came to Gilroy in the late nineties, when there were no paved streets nor concrete sidewalks here, and business in general was very slack in this part of the Valley. Being naturally, however, a far- seeing poincer, Mr. Crawford perceived in Gilroy its roseate prospects, and decided to locate here. He was born at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, on February 3, 1859, the son of Rev. Samuel P. Crawford, who was for years a pillar of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and continued active public work in the ministry of that organization until failing voice led him to re- tire. In the declining year of his life, however, he lived in South Minnesota, where he was again active as a church leader and rounded out a life of great use- fulness at the age of sixty-two years. This profes- sional occupation and standing of the father of our subject afforded him advantages from the start; and he was able to attend the Evansville Academy, in Indiana. at which he began to show his native abil- ity as a writer.

Edward Crawford early desired to become a law- yer, and the opportunity to satisfy his ambition was presented soon after he left school, when he went to Colorado and joined his brother-in-law, who was a successful attorney. Under his able guidance he read law; and in 1883 he was admitted at Republican City, Nebr., to the practice of law in that state. For three ycars he followed legal practice, and he also edited and published the Republican City Topics. During his journalistic career, he was a reporter of court proceedings and he proved one of the veritable "live wires" of the staff. On coming to Denver in 1880, Mr. Crawford entered the employ of the Denver Rio

Grande Express Company, as clerk in the auditor's office, and it was during this time that he read law with his brother-in-law. In 1892, he came to San Francisco, and there he joined the staff of the San Francisco Chronicle. On coming to Gilroy, pressure was brought to bear to induce him to devote him- self entirely to the practice of law, and hence he gave up juornalistic pursuits.

Mr. Crawford was appointed by the mayor and council the city attorney of Gilroy, and one of the results of his taking that office was a complete re- vision of the law statutes. Several large bond issues were also carried, with the subsequent acquiring of the gas works and provision of a water system. Ever since that date Mr. Crawford has been identified with ideal legislation for the city, although he retired years ago from all public offices and civic service. As a Republican, he has been prominent in the coun- cils of that great party, has often been a member of the Republican State Committee and of the County Central Committee, and has served as chairman of the latter organization.

After opening his offices in Gilroy, Mr. Crawford began to afford a superior service in real estate and in- surance brokerage; and so well did he succeed, that he was able to train one after another assistant, each of whom has since established himself independently. all working, however, to the mutual benefit of every- one concerned. In October, 1919, Wellburn Mayock, a promising young attorney, joined Mr. Crawford in forming the law firm of Crawford & Mayock, and this firm has been retained as the attorneys of the Gilroy Branch of the Garden City Bank & Trust Company. In addition, the firm does a splendid busi- ness in underwriting insurance, effecting loans and in caring for estates. When Mr. Crawford came to Gilroy in the fall of 1897, he acquired by purchase the Gilroy Gazette, then owned by B. A. Wardell, the father, now deceased, of J. S. Wardell, the In- ternal Revenue Collector of San Francisco; and this early identification with the life of the growing town, through journalistic activity, has enabled him easily to keep in close touch with the community, and to exert an enviable influence. During the World War, Mr. Crawford practically gave up his practice and devoted his entire time to war work as chairman of the War Work Committee, which had charge of all the drives, and did valiant service.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 83

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