USA > California > Alameda County > Past and present of Alameda County, California, Volume II > Part 18
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Following this he returned to Minneapolis, where he perma- nently entered the employ of C. A. Smith & Company, then a part- nership of C. A. Smith and former Governor John S. Pillsbury. Mr. Trabert at once became connected with the timber end of the Vol. II-12
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business and rose within a year to be private secretary to Mr. Smith, a position which he filled for seventeen years, gradually taking charge of the financial side of the business. Mr. Trabert retained his position as private secretary to Mr. Smith until January 1, 1904, when the C. A. Smith Timber Company was formed with a capital stock of one million dollars. This company took over all of the timber holdings of the former concern and moved its northwestern headquarters and Mr. Smith's private offices from the mill in North Minneapolis to the Andrus building, whence they moved in May, 1912, to their present premises in Oakland, California. Gradually the C. A. Smith Timber Company acquired interests in the west, and the business grew so rapidly that subsidiary corporations were formed to handle various phases of the western business. Of each of these companies Mr. Trabert was made secretary, and he now holds this position in the C. A. Smith Timber Company of Oregon, a corporation with a capital of six million dollars; the Linn & Lane Timber Company, with a capital of three million; the C. A. Smith Lumber & Manufacturing Company, with a capital of four and one-half million; the Smith-Powers Logging Company, with a cap- ital of eight hundred thousand; the Inter-Ocean Transportation Company, with a capital of five hundred thousand ; the C. A. Smith Fir Company, and six or seven minor corporations. As the Smith timber was cut off in Minnesota and the interests on the Pacific coast grew, Mr. Smith, looking about for a western location, decided upon Oakland, for the reason that the five timber districts controlled by the Smith interests-two fir tracts and one spruce in Oregon and one redwood and one sugar pine and yellow pine tract in California -all are tributary to tidewater. He therefore moved all of his interests to Oakland and established yards, a planing mill and a box factory at Bay Point, which he has made the distributing center of the concern. The company occupies nearly an entire floor in the Syndicate building, on Broadway in Oakland.
For many years past Mr. Trabert has been interested in forestry, or rather in what he terms "conservative lumbering." Mr. Smith placed Mr. Trabert in general charge of the forestry department of his companies, and under his able management one of the best forestry libraries in the United States has been collected. This has been moved from Minneapolis and is now in Oakland. Mr. Trabert spent a week with the late J. E. Defebaugh and others studying with Dr. C. A. Schenck at Biltmore, North Carolina, the methods of reforestation employed there. He has written considerably on the subject and has talked before numerous bodies in the effort to direct
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public sentiment and to stir up interest in reforestation. He advo- cates the abolition of prohibitive taxation of timber lands, his theory being that the only way to get justice in this regard is to make the public see that it is to its interests to get trees grown rather than to have them sacrificed. Mr. Trabert is in direct control of the for- esters in the employ of C. A. Smith, and while the company has given up reforesting its Minnesota lands, several men trained under Mr. Trabert's direction are now in the Minnesota service under State Forester W. T. Cox. Mr. Trabert is a member of the National Forestry Association, the National Geographical Association, the Archaeological Association of America and kindred bodies. He also belongs to the Oregon Conservation Association, and consulted with the secretary of state of California in regard to the formation of the California Conservation Association. He has frequently lec- tured before the University of California and the Forestry Club on the subject of forestry.
On the 25th of June, 1894, in Newberry, South Carolina, Mr. Trabert was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Abney Wells, a daughter of Osborne Wells, a prominent planter of that city. The father is a veteran of the Civil war, having served as commissary officer in the Confederate army. He is still managing his estate, which is on the outskirts of Newberry, partly within the city. Mr. and Mrs. Trabert have become the parents of a daughter, Dorothy, aged seventeen.
Mr. Trabert was well known in social circles of Minneapolis, where he held membership in the University Club, the Interlachen Club and in various other organizations, such as the Minneapolis Choral Club, the Philharmonic Club, of which he was president, and the Federation of Men's Church Clubs, of which he was a mem- ber of the executive committee. He was a member of the Minneap- olis bar, having received a degree in law from the University of Minnesota in 1899, and he intends to ask admission also in Califor- nia. In Oakland he has also become well known in community life, holding membership in the Athenian Club and the Commercial Club. In addition to this he is a director in the Chamber of Com- merce and in the Young Men's Christian Association and belongs also to the University Club of San Francisco. During his entire life he has been active in the affairs of the Lutheran church and during his residence in Minneapolis was choirmaster of the vested choir of the Salem English Lutheran church. He was one of the prime movers in organizing the St. Michael's Lutheran church of Berke- ley, which was incorporated September 29, 1913, and is vestryman
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and choirmaster. He is a director in the Berkeley Ontario Society. He belongs to the Sons of the Revolution, and his wife is treasurer of John Rutledge Chapter, D. A. R. She is in addition a member of Joseph Le Conte Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, and is popular in the Wednesday Morning Musical Club, connected with the Ebell Society of Oakland.
The American Lumberman, under date of June 22, 1912, speak- ing of the career of Charles L. Trabert, says: "Faithful allegiance to an enterprise and faithful adherence to a principle bring many rewards. There is the satisfaction of having done good things well. There is the success that certainly follows consistent thought and action. In the lumber industry especially are many notable exam- ples of men who have devoted their lives to the industry, or to some particular phase of it, and who have been long connected with houses of national standing. In some instances that connection began in the early days of the enterprise, when its proportions were smaller than they are today. It is fair, therefore, to give these men credit for having contributed a share toward the upbuilding of these par- ticular concerns and the development of the industry in general. It is the purpose of this article to indicate in a small way the part that Charles L. Trabert, secretary of the various C. A. Smith com- panies, has played in the operations of that great lumberman, and in shaping public thought and policy regarding conservative lumber- ing. No better example can be found of a man who has grown with his company, whose capacity has kept step with his increasing responsibilities and increasing opportunities for labor that would count. In the rapid development of great industrial enterprises in this country the pace often becomes too swift for the little men ; by the potential big man the pace is relished and accelerated. Mr. Tra- bert began in a most humble capacity but quickly demonstrated his fitness for larger responsibilities. In the development of the great C. A. Smith operations he has done his share and is accorded proper credit by his associates and fellow lumbermen."
LANCELOT RICHARDSON.
Lancelot Richardson is well known in railroad circles of Oakland as district freight and passenger agent of the Southern Pacific Rail- road. He is a trustworthy and faithful official, standing high in the estimation of his superior officers, and is popular with the general
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public on account of his courtesy and his readiness to oblige them in every possible way. He was born in Princeton, California, August 17, 1863, a son of Lancelot and Catherine (Gardener) Richardson, who were married in Maryland. The father was born in Lancashire, England, and was there educated, coming to California in 1862 and settling in Princeton, where he was engaged in mining until 1868. He then went to Utah, where he operated coal mines near Coalville until 1873 and thence to Vallejo, California, where he established himself in the general merchandise business, continuing thus until his retirement in 1877. He died in 1903. He was a popular mem- ber of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To him and his wife was born one child, Lancelot, of this review.
The latter attended the public and high schools in Vallejo until thirteen years of age and then became a messenger for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, being after two years promoted to the position of operator and ticket agent at South Vallejo and remaining there until 1885. He was then transferred to Summit, California, as agent, where he was stationed until 1886, then becoming assistant agent at Rocklin, in which town he staid until 1887. Until 1888 he was telegraph operator in the superintendent's office in Sacramento, when he was appointed agent at Suisun City, where he remained until 1891. In that year he became agent at Carpinteria, remaining there until 1893, when he was transferred in the same capacity to Santa Barbara, and there he acted as agent until 1905. From 1905 until 1911 he was commercial agent of the railroad at Santa Barbara and then became district freight and passenger agent at Oakland, which position he now holds. His advancement has been steady, and he has been constantly promoted to more important positions as his ability developed. He stands high in the estimation of the railroad officials because of his devotion to his work, his untiring energy and the tact which he uses in transacting all business which comes under his department.
In October, 1884, Mr. Richardson married Miss Harriet E. Kitto, and they have two children: Elizabeth E., a graduate of the Santa Barbara high school, the Berkeley Arts and Crafts School, the State Normal and Training School and now a teacher in the Oakland public schools; and Lillian B., also at home. Mr. Richardson is a member of the Oakland Commercial Club and the Chamber of Com- merce and can always be found in the front ranks with those men who have at heart the progress of the city. Fraternally he is a Mason and practices the principles of that brotherhood in his everyday life. He is a member of the Traffic Club of San Francisco and the Athen-
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ian and Nile Clubs of Oakland. His political persuasion is that of the republican party and in religious faith he is a Unitarian. His career should serve as an incentive to the young man of today, for it shows that ambition and perseverance lead to the goal of worthy success.
PETER CHRISTENSEN.
No foreign nation has made better or more valuable contributions to the cosmopolitan population of this great republic than the little kingdom of Denmark, for the people of that land, coming to this country in search of new homes and fortunes, invariably develop into substantial, constructive, law-abiding citizens, who in most cases make their marks in the world and contribute materially to the pros- perity of the communities in which their activities are centered. A good example of Denmark's excellent product was found in Peter Christensen, a well known and popular contractor of Alameda, who died suddenly on February 23, 1912.
Mr. Christensen was born in the rural district of Fredericia, Denmark, June 21, 1845, the son of Peter Christensen, Sr., a well-to- do builder in that vicinity. Until he was fourteen years of age the son attended the public schools, and then became an apprentice to learn the trade of joiner and cabinet-maker. At the end of his two years of apprenticeship he went to work at his trade, and followed it for fourteen years, or until he was twenty-eight years of age.
In 1875 Mr. Christensen decided to seek his fortune in the new world, so bidding farewell to his home and friends he set sail for New York. From that city he went directly to Wisconsin, the mid- dle west at that time being the principal destination of the Scandi- navian newcomers, but he remained in the Badger state only about a year. Hearing of the opportunities for skilled artisans in the Bay cities, he came westward and settled in Alameda. He immediately found ample opportunity to ply his trade of cabinet-maker, and with- in a comparatively short time he became a contractor and builder on his own account. His business grew rapidly, and as proof of his industry and success it may be stated that many of the finest residences in Alameda and also business houses and schoolhouses were erected under his personal supervision. He employed a large number of men in the execution of his contracts, and by his honesty and integ-
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rity and his straightforward dealing, he won the confidence of the people of the city.
His prominence in business also brought him into the local political limelight. He was a pronounced republican and sturdily upheld his party's principles in and out of season. He was a valued member of the city council and was serving his second term when he died. Mr. Christensen also was prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the following orders: Oak Grove Lodge, F. & A. M .; Alameda Chapter, R. A. M., of which he was past high priest; Oak- land Commandery, No. 11, K. T .; Encinal Lodge of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was a past grand, having been identified with that order for more than thirty years; and Ala- meda Lodge, Loyal Order of the Moose.
On October 4, 1878, soon after his arrival in California, Mr. Christensen was united in marriage with Miss Marie Nielson. They were married in Alameda and there established their home. Mrs. Christensen is also a native of Denmark and came to California as a young girl. Her father was a prosperous builder in his native land. To this union were born two sons: George W., now deputy city clerk of Alameda, and William P., a machinist and stationary engineer.
Mrs. Christensen has for many years been a member of the Eastern Star and Rebekah lodges. She has held numerous offices in both orders and has been made the recipient of high honors. In October, 1910, she was chosen as the member from her Rebekah lodge to receive the Chivalry degree, which was conferred by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at their convention held at Santa Anna that year.
No higher compliment can be paid the memory of Mr. Christen- sen than to quote the resolutions passed by the city council of Ala- meda at the time of his demise, which are as follows :
IN MEMORIAM.
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to take from our midst the HONORABLE PETER CHRISTENSEN,
who has faithfully served the city of Alameda as a member of this Council for the past five years, giving ungrudgingly of his time and ability in both an official and unofficial capacity,
Resolved, That in the untimely death of Peter Christensen, the city of Alameda has lost a tried and faithful public official, the
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City Council a wise, true and upright advisor and the community an honored and public-spirited citizen.
Resolved further, As a mark of respect to the memory of PETER CHRISTENSEN
that the flags on all public buildings be placed at half-mast until after the funeral of the deceased, that the entrance to the City Hall be draped for a period of thirty days, that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased and also spread on the minutes of this body and as a further token of respect that this council do now adjourn.
Adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda, this 23rd day of February, 1912. E. B. BULLOCK,
Presiding Officer of the Council. Attest: F. E. BROWNING, City Clerk.
Presented to and approved by me this 23d day of February. W. H. NOY, Mayor of Alameda. 1912.
OLIVER D. HAMLIN, M. D.
One of the most prominent members of the medical profession in Alameda county and one who has risen to the place of importance which he now occupies through his own energy, industry and ability is Dr. Oliver D. Hamlin, who for more than twenty years has practiced his profession in the city of Oakland. He was born in Alameda county, April 21, 1870, and is a son of Oliver Hamlin, both his father and mother having been numbered among the pioneers of California who came to the coast in 1849 by way of the Isthmus of Panama.
Dr. Hamlin acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Alameda county and later attended Santa Clara College, taking a general course and graduating in 1890. In the following year he entered the Cooper Medical College of San Francisco and received the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1894. January 1, 1895, almost immediately upon leaving college, he engaged in active practice, his first connection being that of resident physician, under Dr. Woolsey, at the Southern Pacific Hospital. He showed marked ability and a decided liking for his duties and from the very beginning preferred surgery to ordinary practice. Now, after his years of experience, he finds it possible to devote almost his entire time to that branch of professional work and is considered one of
DR. OLIVER D. HAMLIN
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the foremost surgeons on the Pacific coast. He began as assistant in the Receiving Hospital and was later appointed chief division sur- geon of the Southern Pacific Company. He is consulting surgeon of the Providence and Merritt Hospitals and for a number of years acted as surgeon of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institution of Berk- eley. He was for six years president of the Oakland board of health, although his membership in that body covered a period of eight years.
Dr. Hamlin is professor of surgery in the Oakland College of Medicine and Surgery and chief surgeon of the Alameda County Emergency Hospital. Aside from his professional labors he has prepared many papers on surgical subjects which have been pub- lished in the leading medical journals and read at numerous meet- ings of the local societies. For the years 1912 and 1913 Dr. Hamlin was honored with the office of president of the California State Med- ical Society, which demonstrates the high esteem in which he is held by his many professional associates. He is past president of the Alameda County Medical Society, past president of the Alumni Association of Cooper Medical College, and past president of the Pacific Coast Association of Railroad Surgeons.
Dr. Hamlin married Miss Elizabeth McMahon, of San Mateo, California, and they have become the parents of a son, Oliver D., Jr., who is attending the University of California. The doctor is promi- nent in fraternal circles, being a member of the Benevolent Protect- ive Order of Elks, the Nile, the Athenians, and the Claremont Coun- try Clubs of Oakland, and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. He keeps in close touch with the most advanced medical thought through constant reading and research, is thoroughly devoted to the interests of his patients and adheres steadfastly to the highest standards of professional ethics. Those who know him personally find him a genial and courteous gentleman and value his friendship most highly.
WALTER JOSEPH PETERSEN.
The present chief of police of Oakland is Walter Joseph Peter- sen, who for many years has been connected with that department. He is a highly trained, well informed, courteous officer, who is eminently fitted for the important position which he holds. He comes of Norwegian stock and was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 14, 1868, and is a son of Captain Henry U. K. and Amelia
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(Bergner) Petersen. The father was born in Porsgrund, Norway, and early in life took up seafaring as his profession. He rose through the ranks and later became captain, having charge of several ocean liners in the course of his career. He came to Oakland in 1871 and from this port operated his own vessels up and down the coast, con- ducting excursions between San Diego and Mexico. Both he and his wife have passed away. In their family were five children, of whom Francis and Laurette are deceased; Fred, another brother of our subject, is an expert accountant, employed in the office of the auditor of Alameda county.
Walter J. Petersen came to California in his early youth, attend- ing the public schools in this state until he was thirteen years of age, when he became a student in the California Military Academy, in which institution he remained until sixteen years of age. He then went to sea, as was the tradition of his family, entering the employ of N. Bichard & Company of San Francisco, his first voyage being on the bark Montana, on which he shipped as a cabin boy. The voyage was to China and Australia, and he soon worked up to the position of third mate. After two years on that line he entered the service of the Dispatch line, with which he remained as officer for seven months. He subsequently associated himself with his father in making excursions between San Diego and Mexico and continued so until 1894, when he became a carrier and later superintendent in the Oakland postoffice and so remained for about four years. At the end of that time he became a patrolman on the Oakland police force and on January 12, 1898, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. On June 7, 1899, he was made captain of police and in October, 1907, became captain of detectives. He showed himself well adapted for this work and so ably handled all cases intrusted to him that on June 1, 1911, he was promoted captain of inspectors and on September 5, 1912. became chief of police, the duties of this office beginning on October 1. In regard to his activities as captain of detectives a for- mer writer said :
"When Captain Petersen assumed his duties he took hold of the office with the firm resolution of keeping the detective bureau up to a high standard of efficiency. During his administration some of the most important and intricate criminal cases in the history of the country have come under his supervision. He has been called upon to untangle some very knotty problems and there are not many instances wherein he has failed to do so. His wide experience among all classes of people has given him an exceptional opportunity to study human nature. He is not often wrong in weighing people's
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motives, their weaknesses or their worth and generally has been able to extract the truth from the evidence before him."
On October 20, 1887, Chief Petersen married Florence B. Fisher, and they have three children : Ulric K., who is twenty-four years of age and is foreman of the electric shops of the P. P. I. Railroad at Beaverton, Oregon; Cedric W., twenty-three years old, who is an attorney for the First National Bank and resides at Pleasanton; and Roderick Paul, who is six and a half years of age.
Mr. Petersen is a progressive republican and is interested in pub- lic affairs, but is not in any sense a politician. He stands, however, for everything that is of value to the city and gives his ready support to movements which have for their purpose the advancement of the community. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner, is grand master of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and belongs to the Woodmen of the World. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and he belongs to the Oakland Commercial Club and the Chamber of Commerce, being thoroughly in sympathy with the purposes of these organiza- tions. He is a useful and valued citizen, and his appointment to the position of chief of police has met with the ready approval of all of the residents of Oakland.
WILLIAM RANDALL ALBERGER.
William Randall Alberger, a man of action rather than of theory, and yet a man whose plans are carefully formulated before being promptly executed, is now traffic manager of the Tonopah & Tide- water Railroad and vice president of the San Francisco-Oakland Terminal Railway. He occupies a central place on the stage of activity in connection with western traffic. He is both forceful and resourceful; recognizes possibilities and utilizes them ; plans out big things and accomplishes them. He was born in Buffalo, New York, October 4, 1860, and is a son of William Clendenin and Frances Augusta Alberger. The father, also a native of Buffalo, was born in 1836, attended the public schools and during the Civil war served with the Forty-ninth New York Infantry, becoming lieutenant colonel. He was mustered out in 1865 and turned his attention to railroad building and operation, being thus engaged in various places until 1885, when he came to Oakland. Here he practiced civil engi- neering until 1904, when he removed to San Francisco, where he
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