USA > California > Alameda County > Past and present of Alameda County, California, Volume II > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Thomas M. Robinson acquired his early education in the common schools of his native state and when ten years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to California, here continuing his studies as a high-school student. After putting aside his text-books he secured a position in a furniture store and continued to devote his attention to that line of business until 1880, when he was appointed assistant assessor of Alameda county. A third of a century has since passed and, with the exception of four years spent as clerk of superior court No. 2, Hon. F. W. Henshaw, judge, he has held the office throughout that entire period. Such a record speaks for itself most convincingly and requires no eulogistic comment.
On the 27th of July, 1887, Mr. Robinson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Havens, who was born in Crown Point, Essex county, New York, and came to California with her parents in 1868. Five children have been born of this marriage. Mr. Robinson is identified with numerous fraternal organizations, belonging to Sequoia Lodge, F. & A. M., of Oakland; Oakland Consistory, No. 2, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of F. M .; S. J. R. S. A .; Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, K. P .; Oakland Tent, K. O. T. M .; and Oakland Lodge, I. O. F. He is likewise a member of Oakland Camp of the Woodmen of the World, in which organization he has passed all of the chairs, having been clerk for the past twenty-three years, and has also been head manager of the Pacific Jurisdiction of the
160
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Woodmen of the World for eight years. On account of his father's service in the Civil war he is eligible to membership in the Sons of Veterans, and his name may be found on the roster of E. D. Baker Camp, No. 5, of which he is past commander. He is also past chan- cellor of his lodge in the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Robinson is one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Oakland and his sub- stantial qualities of manhood and of character have gained for him an enviable position in the regard of all with whom he has come in contact.
JOHN J. HOGARTY, D. V. S.
Dr. John J. Hogarty, who was admitted to practice as a veterinary surgeon more than a quarter of a century ago, has spent his entire life in Oakland and for the past eleven years has followed his pro- fession in association with Dr. Archibald, an eminent veterinarian and bacteriologist. His birth occurred in Oakland on the 6th of October, 1867, his parents being Dr. J. B. and Josephine Hogarty. The father, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, acquired his education in the public schools of that city and subsequently removed to Daven- port, Iowa, where for five years he studied veterinary surgery under the preceptorship of Dr. P. J. McDonald, a graduate of the Royal College of Veterinary of England. He then located for practice in Oakland, California, and here remained an active representative of his profession until 1887, when he retired. His demise occurred in 1907.
John J. Hogarty attended the graded and high schools in the acquirement of an education and subsequently worked in the butcher shop of his uncle for a time. He then studied veterinary surgery under the direction of his father and was examined by the state board and admitted to practice. In 1897 he entered the San Francisco Veterinary College, being graduated from that institution three years later. He has always been accorded an extensive practice and during the past eleven years has followed the profession in association with Dr. Archibald. His prominence in the field of his chosen life work is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as president of the California State Veterinary Association.
In March, 1889, at Oakland, Dr. Hogarty was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Senner, by whom he has two children: Ethel B., a high-school graduate; and Edward J., who is attending the public
1
161
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
schools. Fraternally the Doctor is identified with the Elks and the United Workmen. In matters of citizenship his influence and sup- port are given on the side of advancement and progress and he holds to high standards in man's personal relations with his fellowmen.
BENJAMIN A. GLOVER.
Benjamin A. Glover, residing in Oakland, has served as manager of the Berkeley branch of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Com- pany since 1910. He was born in Flint, Michigan, on the 11th of August, 1876, and attended the graded and high schools until grad- uated at the age of nineteen years. Subsequently he pursued a two years' course of study in a commercial college at Bay City, Michigan, and was afterward employed as billing clerk and baggageman by the Grand Trunk Railroad for three years. Later he was engaged with various railroads in different capacities until the time of his removal to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he entered the service of the Inde- pendent Telephone Company. Mr. Glover was next identified there with the Bell Telephone Company in the contract department until 1907 and in that year was transferred to Oakland, the company being here known as the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company. He held the position of district contract agent until 1910 and was then transferred to Berkeley as manager of the branch at that place, in which connection he has proven a valued and efficient representative of the corporation.
On the 1st of September, 1906, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mr. Glover was joined in wedlock to Miss Marie Colby. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and is also connected with the Michigan Society and the Masonic fraternity. A cordial, genial manner wins his friends wherever he goes, and he well merits the esteem which is accorded him.
EZRA S. FOWLER.
Ezra S. Fowler is a representative of realty interests in Oakland, where he has carried on a business of that character with excellent success since 1909. His birth occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, on the 22d of January, 1857, his parents being Wesley and Mary
162
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Fowler. He acquired his education in a private school and in 1872 removed to Rice county, Minnesota, where he acted as manager of a large land holding until 1876. In that year he came to California and was made manager of the San Francisco plumbing establishment of J. J. Vasconcellos, ably serving in that capacity until 1882. He then came to Oakland and here was made the first secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, holding the office until 1886, when he resigned and went to Lake county, California. There he carried on agricultural pursuits for eight years and subsequently traveled for a St. Louis hardware concern until 1903. Mr. Fowler then returned to Oakland and during the following six years was engaged in the metal business in San Francisco. In 1909 he sold out and embarked in the real-estate business in Oakland, in which he has continued to the present time, enjoying an extensive and gratifying clientage. He is thoroughly informed concerning realty values and is recognized as one whose judgment is sound in relation to the pos- sible rise or diminution in the same.
On the Ist of July, 1884, in San Francisco, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Mahan, by whom he has two children, Eugene S. and Walter M., the former being now a public-school student. Mr. Fowler is an enthusiastic supporter of the progressive party, believing in the efficacy of the principles and policy expounded by Theodore Roosevelt. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, of the teachings of which organization he is a worthy exemplar.
WILLIAM C. DOHRMANN.
William C. Dohrmann, engaged in the general real-estate busi- ness in Oakland, with offices at 706-7 First National Bank building. is the general agent of the East Shore Park Tract at Stege. His parents were H. G. F. and Mary E. Dohrmann, and his paternal grandfather was one of the pioneers in California, coming to Ala- meda county in 1849. He acquired land which is now the business center of Oakland and sold for nine hundred dollars what is now the corner of Ninth and Broadway. It was at that time covered with oak trees. The mother of the subject of this review died in San Francisco when he was but two years of age, but the father, who reached the ripe old age of eighty in June, 1914, survives and is living retired. There were five children in their family. Wil- liam C. Dohrmann acquired his education by attendance at the
WILLIAM C. DOHRMANN
165
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
public schools until fourteen years of age, and subsequently entered the employ of Lebenbaum Brothers, grocers of San Francisco, driv- ing a team for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Pinole, Contra Costa county, California, and there worked for one year as a box maker with the California Powder Company. He next spent three months in San Francisco taking care of a soda fountain for N. M. Benjamin & Company and afterward worked for three years in the service of the Underwriters Fire Patrol in the capacity of patrolman under Captain J. F. O. Comstock. Returning to Pinole, he there remained in the employ of the California Powder Company until 1898 and then went back to San Francisco, engaging with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company as storekeeper on one of their ves- sels, while subsequently he acted as assistant purser for eight years. At the end of that time he resigned and removed to Richmond, Contra Costa county, where he was employed by the Standard Oil Company as timekeeper for two months and later as paymaster for three months. Afterward he again returned to San Francisco and had charge of the vessels of the Barneson-Hibbard Navigation Com- pany for two years.
He then resigned and came to Oakland, here embarking in the real-estate business, which he has since carried on with gratifying success. He acts as manager of the East Shore Park Tract in Stege, which comprises thirty acres and was formerly owned by his grand- father, Richard Stege, and was khown as the Stege ranch. Lots sell for two hundred and fifty dollars and upwards. Sixty steam trains a day, forty on the Southern Pacific and twenty on the Santa Fe, pass through Stege, affording splendid service. There are also one hun- dred and eighty-five electric cars which reach Pullman through Stege's East Shore Park Tract. The depot is but fifty minutes' ride from San Francisco, forty-five minutes from Broadway and three minutes to Pullman, where the Pullman Company is erecting an extensive plant at a cost of two million dollars, and employ one thou- sand men. Stege is a well settled community, promising the best of social life and community interests. There are factories there, fine schools, one of them the grammar school and another the fine Union high school, the latter costing eighty-five thousand dollars. It is close to the water front, and its pier reaches deep water and serves the factories already established. Stege is in Contra Costa county, which means "over against the coast," and is a pleasant land of hill and dale bordering on the western shore of the great northern arm of the bay of San Francisco and the southern bank of the great Sacramento river. The climate of Stege is exceptional, a mingling Vol. II - 9
16€
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
of that belonging to the sea and that of the land. Mr. Dohrmann is successfully handling property there and is widely recognized as one of the representative and leading real-estate men of Oakland.
He belongs to the Oakland Real Estate Association and is like- wise a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, being connected with the organization as a member of California Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of San Francisco. He also belongs to the Sequoia Club in Richmond, and the Oakland Commercial Club.
PETER N. SCHMIDT.
Peter N. Schmidt has been actively and successfully identified with business interests of Alameda as a contractor and builder since 1907, and he is today one of the leading business men of the city. He was born in Scherrebek, Germany, August 26, 1876, a son of Carsten Schmidt, also a native of Germany, a jeweler and watch- maker by trade, occupations which he followed until his death in 1900. He was a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war, in which he served with honor and distinction, receiving the iron cross as a reward for bravery in action. He was a soldier also in the Danish- Prussian war of 1864 and after the close of that conflict was deco- rated with a bronze medal in recognition of his courage. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Hansen, was born in Ton- dern, Germany, and died in 1904.
Peter N. Schmidt acquired his education in the public and high schools of his native city. He was graduated in 1891 and imme- diately afterward began serving his apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, completing his term in four years. Afterward he traveled through Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria for about two years and then extended his journey across the Atlantic to America. He settled in California on the ist of May, 1901, and for a time worked at his trade in Oakland, going to San Rafael in the latter part of the same year. At the end of two years he returned to Oakland and there remained until 1906. In the following year he moved to Alameda and here established himself as a general con- tractor and builder, an occupation to which he has devoted his attention since that time with gratifying results. Many of the most attractive buildings in this section of the county testify to his ability and skill, and among these may be mentioned the Young Men's
1
167
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Christian Association building in Oakland and the First Presbyte- rian church in the same city, both structures being artistic in design as well as adequate and convenient in arrangement. He has built also some of the best residences in Piedmont, Oakland and Alameda, and his business is constantly increasing as his ability and excellent qualifications become more widely known.
Mr. Schmidt married Miss Edna B. Waters, a daughter of Helon and Sara Waters of Nantucket. Mr. Schmidt is not active in politics, but is nevertheless a loyal and public-spirited citizen. His salient characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendly regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations, and he is well entitled to a foremost place among the representative and respected citizens of Alameda.
FERDINAND MANTE.
The German element is an important one in the citizenship of Oakland and finds a representative in Ferdinand Mante, who was born in Stettin, Germany, December 18, 1857, his parents being Ferdinand and Wilhelmina Mante. In accordance with the educa- tional laws of the country, he attended the public schools till he reached the age of fourteen years and then began working for his father, who was engaged in the draying business and also in the sale of potatoes. The son spent his time in that way until he reached the age of twenty, after which he served for three years in the German army. On the expiration of that period he returned home and after visiting family and friends in the fatherland sailed for the United States, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 4th of May, 1882. He was employed as an apprentice in a furniture and hardware store until 1888, when he sought the opportunities fur- nished by the great and growing west and made his way to Sacra- mento, California. There he entered the employ of the bottling firm of Postel & Sneer, by whom he was employed as a bottler for a short time. He afterward worked for various other bottling firms until 1891, when he engaged with the Buffalo Brewing Company, being placed in charge of the bottling department. That he was capable and reliable is indicated in the fact that he remained in that position for six years. He subsequently entered into partner- ship with George Kirchner under the firm style of Kirchner & Mante, beer bottlers, representing the Seattle Brewing & Malting
168
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Company. They have built up a business of large proportions and enjoy substantial success.
Mr. Mante was married in Milwaukee to Miss Minna Ness on the 7th of May, 1882, and they have one daughter, now Mrs. Helen Gray, of Los Angeles. Mr. Mante belongs to the Eintracht and to the Oakland Turn Verein. He also holds membership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has based his success upon persist- ent purpose and unfaltering energy, and those qualities have placed him in the substantial financial position which he now occupies.
H. & H .- PATENT DEVELOPING COMPANY.
H. & H .- Patent Developing Company was incorporated Decem- ber 12, 1912, under the laws of the state of California. The busi- ness of the company is to develop patents, inventions patented, per- fected, bought and sold. Sales office at 30 North LaSalle street, Chicago, Illinois, executive offices and factory at 386-388 Tenth street. Oakland, California.
KEYES & MARTIN.
Among the law firms of Berkeley that of Keyes & Martin takes a foremost place. They are located in the Berkeley National Bank building and there have for a number of years conducted a suc- cessful practice.
E. E. Keyes, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Kansas and when eleven years of age moved with his parents and their family to San Diego, California. He was educated in the public schools there and in 1897 graduated from the Los Angeles State Normal School. He subsequently entered the University of Cali- fornia, from which he graduated in 1902. He took post-graduate courses in law until 1904, which further prepared him for his pro- fession, although he was admitted to the bar in 1903. In 1905 he formed a law partnership with Mr. Waite and Mr. Martin under the firm name of Waite, Keyes & Martin. Upon the death of Mr. Waite in 1907 the firm assumed its present style of Keyes & Martin.
Mr. Keyes was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Gaines, a native of California, and they have two children, Kenneth and Enid. Mr. Keyes is popular in Berkeley Lodge, No. 1002, B. P. O. E.
169
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
L. E. Martin, the junior member of the firm, was born in Ver- mont and when two years of age was brought to California by his parents, the family settling in Orange county. In the acquirement of his education he attended Berkeley high school and in 1902 grad- uated from the University of California, having satisfactorily com- pleted his undergraduate work. He then taught in Alameda high school and took his bar examination. He then took another course of one year in the University of California, beginning practice in 1904 and in 1905 becoming a partner of Mr. Keyes. He was a class- mate in college of his present partner.
Keyes & Martin are well known in Berkeley as attorneys for the Equitable Building & Loan Association of this city. Both are able exponents of the law, well grounded in its principles and well informed on precedents. They enjoy therefore a large and repre- sentative clientage and have gained a place of distinction among the practicing lawyers of the city. Both are public-spirited and aggres- sive, ever interested in the progress of the city, and readily indorse public measures undertaken for the general welfare.
WILLIAM B. BUNKER.
William B. Bunker, a leading and successful attorney of Oakland, is a member of the law firm of Peck, Bunker & Cole, maintaining offices in both San Francisco and Oakland. His birth occurred in Rush county, Indiana, in 1863, and there he was reared to manhood. He supplemented his early education by a course of study in Purdue University and subsequently took up the study of law at Warsaw, Indiana, being admitted to the bar of that state in 1886. The same year he made his way to Las Vegas, New Mexico, and there began the practice of law, for a number of years enjoying an extensive clientage as a member of the firm of Bunker & Lucas. He was like- wise local attorney for the Santa Fe Railroad. In public affairs he became a leading and influential factor, acting as chairman of the democratic central committee of New Mexico, being elected state senator and also serving as president of the bureau of investigation, clerk of the United States court and as a member of the city council of Las Vegas. In these various connections he made a highly creditable record, winning the approbation of his constituents in unqualified degree.
170
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
In 1910 Mr. Bunker came to California and in March of the following year became a member of the law firm of Peck, Bunker & Cole, which was organized at that time and has since maintained offices in both San Francisco and Oakland. Their practice is exten- sive and of an important character. Mr. Bunker is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as fre- quently as out of them.
In August, 1890, Mr. Bunker was united in marriage to Miss Lydia J. Peck, of Merced. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, having been exalted ruler of the latter in Las Vegas. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and the directing of his efforts along lines where mature judgment is leading the way.
LELAND SPENCER.
Leland Spencer, a prosperous and respected citizen of Oakland, is actively engaged in the real-estate business as a member of the firm of George McComb & Company, in which he owns a half interest. His birth occurred in Raleigh, West Virginia, on the 23d of March, 1868, his parents being James H. and Polly Spencer. In the acquirement of an education he studied in the public schools of Fayette county, West Virginia, until sixteen years of age and sub- sequently attended a high school and business college in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating when eighteen years of age. He afterward em- barked in the real-estate brokerage business and when nineteen years of age went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was also engaged in the real-estate business and acted as right-of-way agent for a large transcontinental railroad during the next six years.
At the age of twenty-five Mr. Spencer went to Seattle, Wash- ington, and associated himself with one of the leading real-estate firms of the city, though still retaining his business in Minneapolis. In 1898 he disposed of his interests and thereafter lived retired in California, except for the mining interests he retained in Alaska, until August. 1913, when he formed the real-estate firm of George
1
1
171
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
McComb & Company, in which he owns a half interest. They handle city and country properties and also subdivisions and are accorded a gratifying clientage. Mr. Spencer lost heavily in the San Fran- cisco fire of 1906 and for that reason again embarked in the business which had formerly brought him a fortune. He is determined to recoup his losses, and in his present undertakings is meeting with a measure of success which promises the speedy fulfillment of his hopes.
In July, 1907, in San Francisco, Mr. Spencer was united in mar- riage to Miss Osburne, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Osburne, of Los Angeles. They have one child, Leland, who is five years of age.
JACOB V. SMEATON.
Jacob V. Smeaton is an active and enterprising representative of business interests in Oakland as general manager of the C. A. Smith Lumber Company, which important position he has held since 1911. His birth occurred in Montgomery county, New York, on the 20th of December, 1868, his parents being James and Elizabeth Smeaton. He attended the graded and high schools in the acquirement of an education and following his graduation, in 1886, secured a position as bookkeeper with the John E. Sutphen Lumber Company, being thus employed until 1888. In that year he went to Rochester, New York. where he acted as bookkeeper for the Hollister Lumber Com- pany until 1890 and was then transferred to their branch in North Tonawanda, New York, there serving as bookkeeper until 1893. Mr. Smeaton was in that year made manager and held the position until 1901, when he resigned and went to Ashland, Wisconsin, there establishing the Spider Lake Sawmill & Lumber Company, of which he acted as treasurer and manager until disposing of his interests in 1909. He then went to Marshfield, Oregon, and there had charge of a mill for the C. A. Smith Lumber Company until 1911, when he was transferred to Oakland, California, as general manager of the concern, and in that connection his efforts have since constituted no small factor in its continued growth and success.
In Passaic, New Jersey, on the 24th of January, 1893, Mr. Smea- ton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie F. Birch, by whom he has two children : James D., a youth of sixteen, who is attending high school; and Samuel Edgar, who is eleven years old and a public- school student.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.