USA > California > Alameda County > Past and present of Alameda County, California, Volume II > Part 50
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586
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
ing the trade. He was considered the brightest apprentice the office had ever known and when he had completed his term and become a journeyman, he was as proficient in the craft as the most expert mem- ber of the staff. After thus mastering the details of the mechanical part of the business he joined the reportorial and editorial depart- ment and for a time was one of the most expert gatherers of news in the employ of the paper. While still a youth, he manifested a keen news sense which often enabled him to secure exclusive and im- portant information for his paper.
About this time, however, Mr. Dargie realized that a more lib- eral education would enable him to do better work in his chosen profession and he therefore became a freshman in the University of California in 1875. He knew, however, that he would not take the full course, because he intended to enter business for himself at the earliest possible moment, and as his time in school was to be limited, he made the most of every minute and took advantage of every op- portunity to acquire knowledge. While in college he supported himself by working as a reporter for the Bulletin, furnishing that paper with accounts of all the happenings of the campus and all the conferences of the faculty. His style of writing was simple, graphic and well adapted to newspaper work and even then he gave promise of becoming well known in journalism. While in the university he watched with interest the Oakland Tribune, then a paper small in size, of limited circulation and of still more limited influence. He recognized, however, that the east coast of the bay would in the future grow rapidly and that there was a place for a live, energetic, able newspaper which would develop as the city of Oakland and the county of Alameda grew in population and importance. Accord- ingly, before the close of the vacation succeeding his freshman year in the university, or on the 24th of July, 1876, he purchased a con- trolling interest in the Tribune with money loaned to him for the purpose by the late A. K. P. Harmon.
Mr. Dargie immediately assumed control of the management and policy of the Tribune, which was at that time about as large as a hand-bill. The new owner and editor was but twenty-two years of age, but under his direction the paper rapidly increased in size, cir- culation and influence. It eventually became the leading newspaper in Alameda county and its news columns were complete and unusually reliable. Its editorials were devoted to the securing of good govern- ment and the welfare of Oakland and Alameda county in general and there was always room for the publication of letters from the people on any topic of public interest. There was noticeable in every
587
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
department, whether news or editorial comment, a completeness equalling that of the cosmopolitan dailies and the paper became wide- ly known. From the time that he acquired the paper until ill health forced him in a large measure to retire from business, there was not a day that the paper failed to receive the closest attention of Mr. Dargie and there was not a moment when it was other than repre- sentative of the personal feeling, energy and enterprise of its con- trolling spirit. The paper was his pride and there was nothing that could be done to better it that was not done. If it was a question of securing some important news first there was no expense that was too great. If a new news service was required it was procured regard- less of expense. If the public demanded a new department the man or woman was secured to satisfy the demand. If a new style of type was wanted to render the pages more attractive or more easily read, the want was supplied. One department followed another and short- ly before Mr. Dargie was compelled to retire from active control of his business he had one of the most completely equipped press rooms in the west, while his paper was known for its excellence throughout the Pacific slope. He realized at the start that competent reporters, writers and editors were essential to the success of the paper and sur- rounded himself with a corps of workers which in ability, brilliancy and devotion have seldom been equalled on the coast. In fact, it has been recognized for years that the Tribune has been the school in which were trained many of the brightest minds in the journalistic world of the present day.
As the Tribune grew in power and influence its editor and man- ager received distinguished consideration at the hands of the people and of the leaders of the republican party, his first preferment being the appointment, on the 27th of February, 1883, to the office of post- master of this city, a position which he assumed with the approval of every citizen of Oakland. He held the office for four years and discharged the duties thereof with a devotion and assiduity that was unusual. There was nothing that could be done to afford the people a more satisfactory mail service that was left undone and the good work that was accomplished in this respect at that time is not for- gotten by residents of the city who were living here then. This im- provement in service was accomplished without imposing upon the employes of the office unnecessary burdens, but solely by the hus- banding of resources, the conserving of energies and the wise direc- tion and utilization of the forces at his command. There was during his term of office an increase in the number of mails delivered each
588
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
day and there was also an increase in the number of collections, but this added work was handled efficiently and with dispatch.
In 1887 Mr. Dargie retired from the office and again devoted all of his time to the management of his paper. At various times he was besought by the people to become a candidate for an elective position, but he invariably declined, as he wished to give his time and attention to the Tribune. He was always more than willing to use the in- fluence of his paper to assist in the election of good men to office, but he had no desire for office himself. However, there came a crisis in the affairs of the republican party and there was a movement on the part of the young men of the organization to select young men for office and upon Mr. Dargie fell their choice for state senator. At first Mr. Dargie declined the request of his young friends, but he eventually allowed his name to go before the people with the result that he was elected to the state senate by an overwhelming majority, serving in that body during the terms of 1889 and 1891. During those senatorial sessions a great deal of important legislation was enacted and in the discussion of the measures and in their passage Mr. Dargie played an important part. In recognition of his service in the senate that body passed a resolution of congratulation a few years ago when the citizens of Oakland were celebrating his fifty-fifth birthday. At the expiration of his terms as senator he was again free to devote his energies exclusively to the conduct of his paper and it continued to grow in power and became one of the greatest influences in the development of Alameda county.
Mr. Dargie was married in San Leandro, December 15, 1881, to Miss Erminia Peralta, and they became the parents of two children, a daughter, who died in infancy, and a son, William E. Dargie, Jr., who died on the threshold of manhood. Mr. Dargie is survived by his widow. He was for many years a member of Live Oak Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and belonged to the Athenian and Nile Clubs of this city and the Union League, Family Club and Press Club of San Francisco.
His death occurred at his residence in Oakland on the evening of February 10, 1911, and was the result of a nervous breakdown caused by overwork. His demise was sincerely regretted in the busi- ness, social and industrial world of Alameda county and indeed of California. He held to the fullest extent the admiration of those who worked under him and to those who needed assistance he proved a friend indeed. The newspaper men of the coast knew and respected him most highly as a master of the profession and the many readers of the Tribune felt a personal interest in him. Out of respect
589
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
for his memory the flag on the city plaza of Oakland was ordered at half-mast and the Alameda Press Club passed resolutions reciting the accomplishments of Mr. Dargie and recounting his many admirable traits of character, and in these resolutions it was stated that it was the belief of the club "that not only has the profession lost a member of unusual eminence, but that this community has lost an effective advocate and defender, and the members of this association a warm and personal friend." The state senate manifested respect for its former member by adjourning and adopting resolutions of con- dolence. Senator Stetson said at the time, "my acquaintance and friendship with Senator Dargie has extended over many years, rarely finding myself in accord with him in my political views or his with mine. Nevertheless, he gained and enjoyed my complete respect as he did that of all others who knew him well.
"He did not demand conformity of others to his own views, but he did demand sincerity on the part of his opponents." The Senator also said that, "he had no small share in the upbuilding of the city of Oakland, where most of his life was spent, as well as of the greater community of California."
INDEX
Abbott, C. H 380
Breed, A. H
77
Adams, Edson
579
Briggs, F. A. 120
Aikin, I. R.
550
Brown, A. J. 476
Aitchison, Gavin
338
Brown, E. J. 504
Alameda County Abstract Co 8
Brown, H. F. 530
Alberger, W. R. 237
Brown. P. F. 148
Allen, I. P.
400
Browning. F. E 573
Anderson, H. S. .
301
Bunker, W. B 169
255
Anthony, E. R.
58
Burpee, L. G.
56
Buteau, S. H. 50
Bacons, W. J 19
Button, F. L. 187
Bailey, Hiram 424
Caine, J. E. 327
Callaghan, J. J 578
Capwell, H. C 283
Baker, W. T.
326
Bancroft, W. B
277
Carpenter, Tom
393
Bankhead, J. W. 455
Carpentier, Alphonse 303
Barber, J. B. 9
Cattell, W. A 410
Barker, A. C ... 156
Central National Bank. 70
Bates, J. C., Jr 309
Chambers, J. F 483
Beam, A. W 486
Chapman, M. C. 30
Beardsley, C. A 416
Christensen, Peter 230
Beasley, T. D 383
Christianson. T. L. 142
Bechtle, Otto 207
Church. A. M. 199
Bell, Harmon 478
Church, L. S. 221
Bell, S. B. 514
Clawiter, E. H. 581
Bennetts, C. D. 319
Cobb, C. D. 566
Bergen, B. F. 373
Cobbledick. L. N 192
C'ole, J. A. 240
Berkeley Lumber Company.
421
Cole, W. D.
67
Bigelow, H. A
116
Cole, W. K.
452
Bilger, F. W
440
Cook. J. P.
302
Bingaman, J. W
37
Coughlin, T. C .. 215
Binkley, G. H.
346
Cowing, E. J. 398
Bissell, W. A. 290
Crawford, F. R. 110
Black. J. C. 572
Crowell, Clarence 274
Blake, A. S. 487
Cushing, H. D 91
Bohannon Cancer Institute. 219
448
Dalziel, Robert. Sr 212
Boyes, E. J
172
Dargie, W. E .. 585
Bradford, Alonzo 468
Deardorff. A. G
44
Bradhoff, P. F 420
De Golia, G. E
242
591
Baker. A. W 313
Baker, J. E. 97
Burg Brothers
Andker, Dan 109
Bowles, P. E.
Berkeley Bank of Savings and Trust Co. 492
592
INDEX
Delacour, William
de Lemos, F. I.
536
Harris, T. W. 540
Delger, Frederick 558
Havens, llarold 525
Dennison, W. E ... 378
Haviland. P. A.
7
Dohrmann, W. C .. 162
Donahue, D. G ...
66
Donahue. W. H .. 450
Drury. Wells 366
Edoff. J. P 495
Ellsworth. John
20
Emigh. T. P
320
Enos, M. M.
130
Hogarty, J. J. 160
Hollister. G. W 80
Horner. C. F
6
Fabens, F. C. 419
Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank. 584
Farrelly, Mr. and Mrs. Robert. 574
Jacoby. O. D 279
Jeffery, C. A 526
Johnson, H. A. 381
Johnson, J. A. 513
.Johnstone. A. E. 53
Jonas, Abraham 92
Jones, H. Z 177
Jurgens, Charles 417
Foss. F. W
427
Fowler, E. S
161
Friek. A. L.
258
Kahn. Frederick 272
Katich, Martin
189
Kearney, P. A 329
Friend, George, Company
404
Kelly, A. S.
435
Friend, The W. H. Family 472
Kelly, M. J.
369
Fritz. Meadora 385
Frost, F. W. 250
Fulcher, W. H 182
Galli. Joseph 116
Garrison. . F. 388
Garthwaite, W. W 496
Geary, W. R 201
Ghirardelli, J. N. . 132
Gibson, E. M 15
Gier. Theodore 445
Gilman. C. E 406
Gilson. J. C. 345
Gilasier, H. P. 312
Gilover. B. A. 161
Grimm. L. E. . 314
Gross. G. E 24
H & H-Patent Developing Co. 168
Hadden, David 256
Hadlen, Charles 387
Haly, G. P 149
Hamlin, O. D.
232
Hanifin, .J. J 288
Hanna, F. L. 217
Laymance, M. J 357
Leach, A. P. 87
Leach, F. A. 469
Lehnhardt, Emil 102
Lesoine. J. A 367
Lewis, I. C. . 262
Logan, Norman 344
Ludewig, O. R 503
MeClurg. Katherine 392
McComb. G. S 180
McDonald, J. J. 121
MeDonough, G. J 39
MeGill, H. G 531
175
Heron, E. A
577
Heyer, C. W 538
Hill, J. A. . 47
Hinch, J. T 477
llobson & Pavert 364
Fechter, John 396
Fenton, Susan J 252
First National Bank of Berkeley 492
First National Bank of Oakland. 431
Fitzgerald, R. M 542
Foard, C. J.
117
Forrest, John
360
Frick, G. W. 413
Friedman, Alexander 298
Kelly. Thomas 315
Kessler. R. T. 131
Keyes & Martin 168
Kirchner, George
107
Kisich, Pasqual 405
Kleeman, G. E. 304
Knowland. Joseph 68
Knowland. J. R 10
Kramm, J. W. 423
Kulchar, Stephen 306
88 Harris, G. H. 340
Hawley. S. S. 368
Hlaefey, John 111
Heintz, G. W
Ensign, B. G 158
Hynes. W. H. L.
79
Jurgens, W. C. 418
593
MeKeon, N. J. 325
McLimont. A. W 332
MeMannis, J. W 89
Pearson, Benjamin 459
Peart, N. F 108
Pease. J. L. 334
Maggio, George 145
Maiden, F. B.
140
Maine, A. F. 402
Petersen, W. J 235
Majors, E. A .. 298
Phillips, J. W
122
Makinson, H. A 190
Pomeroy, G. T. 442
Mante, Ferdinand 167
Poock, F. C .
399
Manter, L. W. 128
Potter, J. P.
261
Maslin, E. W. 520
Potter, L. W. 341
Masten, B. B. 216
Powell, H. A. 285
Powell, W. A. 218
Mathews, W. J. 457
Prowse, Charles
528
Mau. C. F. 87
Mayon. E. H. 218
Quigley. W. B., Jr 138
Mazurette, A. J 370
Meehan, J. P
308
Quinn, P. J. 59
Meese, Edwin 25
Melvin, H. A.
348
Reed, C. G. 112
Reed. G. W. 202
Reed, William 60
249
Merritt. A. H.
545
Rice, G. F 356
Merritt, J. B.
460
Milisieh, C. N
138
Rideont, W. R. 310
Roach, M. M. 119
Mitchell, John
324
Robinson, T. M.
159
Montgomery, J. P
549
Rochm, George 126
Montgomery, Zachariah 547
Ruess, Christopher 150
Russell, Joel 506
Moore, Stanley
490
Russell. T. B. 539
Moore, T. H. 475
Morehouse. L. C 508
Morris, David 147
St. Mary's College 268
St. Sure, . F 178
Sampson, May H 198
Samuels, George 316
352
Schmidt, P. N
166
Seott. J. C.
286
Sehorn, W. A.
555
Nicholl, J. H 523
Serda, Lawrence
49
Noble, G. H 129
Shaw, C. W. .
191
Siebe. W. A
484
Sievers. L. J.
139
Sipe, J. M. 293
Sleeper, G. E. . 38
171
Smith, Francis M. 361
175
Smith, George 436
Smith, H. F.
210
Palmer, Charles 482
Pardee, G. C.
429
Parish, F. A
146
Smith, S. J.
29
Vol. II-33
Oakland Fire Department 33
Ogden, F. B 569
Olsen, O. F. 556
157
Smith, Frank M.
Orwig, H. B
5
Myers, B. D 277
Naylor. A. W. 432
Nelson, Charles 72
Nor, A. J. 491
Nystrom, J. R 449
Parrish, W. Il 564
Pavert. R. J 321
MacDonald, L. M. 518
Mabrey, E. N 553
Pendleton, B. H. 342
Perkins, G. C. 532
Quinn. J. G. 512
Mendenhall, A. V.
28
Mendenhall, W. M.
247
Meredith. G. S.
439
Reiter, Vietor
Richardson. Lancelot 228
Miller. G. D
280
Moon, Irma 1 78
Rutherford, M. J
287
Morris, H. N. 292
Mosher, H. A. . 141
Mott. F. K.
Santana, J. M.
Smeaton. J. V
Smith, Mortimer
454
INDEX
Mastick, G. H. 522
594
INDEX
Snook. C. E 489
United Home Builders. 54
Spencer, Leland 170
Stearns, Edwin 359
Van De Mark, W. N 118
Steen, H. F 81
Van Every, J. M. 330
Still, E. G. 543
Voorhees, F. D
208
Still, W. E. 517
Stoddard, T. C. 323
Wagner, A. L 188
Walsh, P. M.
27
Walter, C. N. 209
Walter, E. N.
90
Warner. J. K
570
Waste. W. H.
561
Welch, C. R
257
Tapscott, E. N
82
Thornton, E. E
137
Tiffany, E. V
135
Wilbert. Peter
500
Tisdale, C. L.
510
Wilson. Adelbert
152
Toler, W. P. 465
Wilson, J. S. 275
Townsend, W. B 127
Witter. G. F 46
Trabert, C. L. 222
Wood. H. L.
206
Trefetben, E. E. 571
Wood, O. R.
136
Twomey, C. J. 149
Wood, W. C.
106
Tyrrell, E. J. 57
Wythe, Stephen
296
Sturm, C. L .. 294
Sullivan, F. C. 181
Taft, A. G. 26
Wells, W. S
563
Wente. C. H.
559
Wheaton. F. H
568
Stout, J. C. 376
Stratton, F. S
40
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