USA > California > Alameda County > The centennial year book of Alameda County, California : containing a summary of the discovery and settlement of California, a description of the Contra Costa under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule, biographical sketches of prominent pioneers and public men > Part 52
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T. F. BAGGE.
Theodore Ferdinand Bagge is an Assemblyman for Alameda County, having been elected on the Democratic ticket in 1875. Is a native of Denmark, and arrived in California December 30th 1851. His occupation embraces farming, gardening and manufac- turing hermetically-sealed goods, being a member of the firm of James King of William & Co., San Francisco. He is an old resi- dent of Oakland, and has grown with its growth, being indebted altogether to his perseverance and industry for his present indepen- dent position. He is a married man, 56 years of age, and, as is well known, an ardent Democrat.
567
BIOGRAPHICAL.
E. T. CRANE.
Emerson Timothy Crane is a pioneer resident of San Lorenzo, and one of the leading fruit-growers in Alameda County. He is a native of New York, but started for California from Lafayette, Indiana, on the 12th day of February, 1850, and arrived in San Francisco on the 6th day of July following. In the same party came Rev. W. W. Brier and wife, Mrs. E. L. Beard and two sons. Spent the first two years of California life at the Mission of San José, farming, and removed to San Lorenzo in the Fall of 1852, where he has since resided. He has taken a lively interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his own particular locality and the county generally. Mr. Crane has always been an ardent Republican, and attended the first convention of the party held in Alameda County in 1856, with Julge Hastings as chairman ; and in 1872 was elected to the Legis- lature as Assemblyman. Mr. Crane is a brother of Addison Moses Crane, the first Judge of Alameda County, and one of the gentlemen most actively engaged in its organization.
ISHAM CASE.
This gentleman is a native of New York State, and is an old citizen of Alameda County. He has just retired from the Board of Supervisors, in which he has held the position of President for five years. He became early identified with the interests of Brooklyn Township, and was an officer of the Larne steamboat line when in operation. He is the father of a family, and is connected with the Larnes, having married the only daughter of the late Jas. B. Larue. Mr. Case's most active occupation, of late years, has been that of farming in the Livermore Valley, where he owns a large ranch. He has also operated largely in mining stocks. He has ever been an active politician, and is a man who wields no inconsiderable influence in the Republican party. He is 43 years of age.
J. A. NEAL.
Joshua Ayres Neal is a native of New Hampshire, and came to California in March, 1847, in a sailing vessel. Sailed for some time up and down the coast, as a seaman. In 1848 was employed in a mercantile house, in San Francisco, and in '49 went to the mines. First appeared in Livermore Valley in December, 1850, and re- mained two years. Took up a ranch there, in 1854, and in 1863
568
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
removed to Pleasanton, of which he is one of the founders. Was married there to a daughter of the late Augustine Bernal, but has for a number of years been a widower. Mr. Neal is a gentleman with a long experience of California and Alameda County, and is universally respected. Served on the Board of County Supervisors for Murray Township, from 1871 to 1874, when he retired. Is 50 years of age.
HOWARD OVERACKER.
This gentleman is a native of Ohio and an old resident of Wash- ington Township, of which he is one of its leading farmers. First served as a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1862, and con- tinued to serve until 1866. Was again chosen in 1871, and has been a member ever since, serving more terms than any other mem- ber, excepting Mr. Shattuck. Mr. Overacker has many relatives in Alameda County, and is the father of an interesting family. His eldest son, now employed in the Tax Collector's office, is a graduate of the University of California. Mr. Overacker is 46 years of age.
O. H. BURNHAM.
Ozro Hill Burnham, Supervisor for the Sixth District, Oakland City, and the new President of the Board, is a native of New York. Was formerly a farmer, but for a number of years has been the leading member of the wood-milling firm of Burnham, Standeford & Miller, in Oakland City. Mr. Burnham was first electedl to the Board in 1874. He has filled various public positions of late years in the City of Oakland, and seems destined for a career of further public usefulness. He is 44 years of age and married.
J. B. MARLIN.
Joseph Brady Marlin is a native of Pennsylvania. He emigrated to Oregon in 1853, but removed thence to San Lorenzo, where his brothers-John and Washington-also settled, in 1854. He is a prominent farmer and fruit-grower, and one of the popular men of the county. Was first elected County Supervisor in 1865, and has represented the township ever since on the Board, with the excep- tion of the years 1869 and 1870. He is in his 50th year.
VALENTINE ALVISO.
This gentleman is a son of Augustine Alviso, whose biography is given elsewhere, and is "to the manor born." He received the best
569
BIOGRAPHICAL.
part of his education in an Eastern college, and is the only native Californian who has ever occupied a seat on the Board of County Supervisors. He was appointed by Judge Nye to fill the vacancy in Murray Township, caused by the resignation of Senator Beazell in the Fall of 1875. He is an old resident of Murray Township, and is now in his 37th year.
W. C. MASON.
William Cowan Mason, Supervisor-elect for Brooklyn and Alameda Townships, is a native of Vermont and 46 years of age. Has resided in Brooklyn since 1870, where he carries on an extensive mercantile business, as a member of the firm of W. C. Mason & Co. Is a practical business man, and will, no doubt, be a very useful member of the Board. Mr. Mason is a man of family.
PETER PUMYEA.
This gentleman is Supervisor for the Fifth District, Oakland City, and was elected in 1875. He is a native of Illinois, a farmer and livery-keeper by occupation. Is the youngest member of the Board of Supervisors, being only 33 years of age.
J. A. CHASE.
Jerry Ancil Chase is Supervisor-elect for the Seventh District, comprising the First Ward and the outside portion of the Township of Oakland, until lately represented by Mr. Shattuck. Mr. Chase is a native of Maine, and a member of the mercantile firm of Chase & Baker, at Oakland Point. He is 40 years of age.
THE PERALTA FAMILY.
Luis M. Peralta, the grantee of the San Antonio rancho, died at San José, in 1851, at the advanced age of 96 years. His son, José Domingo, died at his residence near Berkeley, on the 3d day of April, 1865, and was about 60 years of age; Vicente, who died at his resi- dence near Temescal, in June, 1871, was 59 years of age; Ygnacio, who died at his residence near San Leandro, in 1874, was 84 years of age ; and Antonio Maria, the only surviving son, who resides at Fruit Vale, is about 75 years of age. One daughter, Guadaloupe, resides at San José, and is about 63 years of age ; another, Louisa, died at Santa Clara in November, 1873; Trinidad died at Santa Clara, in 1872; Josefa, died at San José in 1862; and another
374
570
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
daughter of the old patriarch, died about twenty years ago. These daughters were the alleged claimants under the famous Sisters' title, which so long clouded titles to land in the City of Oakland and vi- cinity.
DANIEL INMAN.
Daniel Inman is the representative granger of Alameda County. He is a native of Tennessee, and came to California in 1849 from a Western State. Has been successively engaged as a miner, mechanic, farmer, cattle-trader and legislator, since he came to California. Is an old settler of Alameda County, and resides in the Livermore Val- ley, between Livermore and Pleasanton. Has always taken a lively interest in the public affairs of the country, and entered ardently into the granger movement on its introduction to this State, and is now president of the Grangers' Business Association. Served as Super- visor for Murray Township in the years 1867 and 1868. Mr. Inman was elected to the State Assembly, on the Independent ticket, in 1869, with Senator Tompkins and E. D. Lewelling; and was again nominated in 1873 for the same position, but was defeated. He is an active advocate of a narrow-gauge line of railroad from Livermore to Martinez, to which he has given a good deal of attention. Is a man of family, and forty-six years of age.
AUGUSTINE BERNAL.
This old native settler of Alameda County died at his residence in Pleasanton, on the 19th of June, 1872, in the 87th year of his age. He was born at the Santa Terrissa rancho, in Santa Clara County, Cal., and served under the Mexican Government as a lieu- tenant for more than twenty years. For his faithful services as a soldier, the same government granted him eleven leagues of land in the San Ramon and Livermore Valleys, known as the " Rancho el Valle de San José," and which he generously divided equally with his brother, Juan Pablo Bernal, and two sisters. The rancho, as patented, contained 48,000 acres, and extended from Suñol Valley to Livermore. He was twice married, and left a widow and large family of sons and daughters to mourn his loss. He was much respected for his honesty, integrity, genial and generous disposition, and a large concourse of friends and neighbors followed his mortal remains to their last place of abode, in the Old Mission churchyard, at the Mission San José. The funeral procession was the largest ever witnessed in Murray Township, and was composed of upward
571
BIOGRAPHICAL.
of sixty carriages. Previous to his death Mr. Bernal had been in feeble health for two or three months, and when his time came, breathed his last in peace, thus crowning a long and useful life with a Christian death in a ripe old age.
He was an exception to the general run of his countrymen. He was very careful and held on well to his property, and made it secure by dividing it in time among his children. The result is that the Bernals hold their ground on the original grant better than any other of the native families.
BRUNO, A MISSION INDIAN.
R. EUINER.
The above engraving is an exact likeness of " Old Bruno," the last. of the Mission Indians, said to be nearly one hundred years of age, and who boasts that he remembers the building of the first mission of San José. He is now in the Almshouse at San Francisco.
572
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
TAYLOR'S
Carpet Emporium.
1060 BROADWAY, OAKLAND.
CARPETS & OIL CLOTHS
PAPER HANGINGS
CHASTTAYLOR.
TAYLOR
Carpets, Oil Cloths, flaper Hangings.
Upholstery Goods and Upholstered Furnitur Consisting of
Body Brussels. Tapestry Brussels, Three-Ply and, Ingrain CARPETS, ETC. RUGS AND MATS.
WHITE, CHECK AND FANCY CHINA MATTINGS. Coir Matting, different widths and qualities. English and American Oil Cloths. Linoleum & Corticine Floor Cloths. PLAIN AND DECORATIVE PAPER HANGINGS And practical workmen to apply the same.
Whitening and Tinting of Walls Done in the most artistic manner.
A Full Stock of Upholstery Goods. Decorative CURTAIN WORK A SPECIALTY.
UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE In sets and odd pieces, covered to order.
CHAS. L. TAYLOR,
IMPORTER OF CARPETS ()
1060 BROADWAY, OAKLAND.
MISCELLANEOUS.
-
BUILDING PROGRESS.
The progress made in building for the past few years has been something marvelous, especially in the City of Oakland. And it rather increases than diminishes. At Oakland Point, Berkeley, Tem- escal, Est Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, Haywards, Livermore, the same evidences of increase are perceptible, as in the central por- tion of the City of Oakland. Houses are built and occupied as if the work of magic.
In 1864, by actual count, 1063 houses were erected in Oakland city alone, and the ratio of increase for 1875 and 1876 has greatly augmented. During the present year the era of brick structures may be said to have fairly commenced. Strangers, as well as citizens who have been some time absent, are astonished at the number of stately and substantial structures that have sprung up in our business cen- tres within the present year. On the corner of Ninth and Wash- ington streets three beautiful brick blocks have been erected simul- taneously ; on one block of land on Broadway, above Twelfth street, two magnificent three-story brick blocks have been built, besides a large brick livery stable and a double warehouse. One of these buildings is the property of the Oakland Bank of Savings, and is an ornament to the city; the other building is the property of Charles Jurgens. On Twelfth street, between Broadway and Washington, has been also put up a very fine three-story brick block, with four stores; and another adjoining the City Market. Then there is the Oregon block, on Broadway and Thirteenth streets, immediately above the buildings already referred to; and a little further up Broadway, on the corner of Fourteenth street, the new Delger block ; and immediately north of that again, on the gore bounded by San Pablo and Telegraph ave- nues, the new two-story Potter block, also of brick; and again, on the next gore north, a large two-story brick and wood block; all presenting the pleasing spectacle of a section of the city buildingupat once. Besides these have been built, or are now building, several single brick business houses. There is also building, on the corner of Seventh and Wash- ington streets, a very fine brick block. The vicinity of the City Hall
574
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
has all been built up during last year and this. The new structures in this neighborhood include no less than three elegant churches and three fine hotels of wood. The number of superior private mansions put up is very considerable, while the cheaper order of houses, for the working classes, have greatly increased. The past two years have been remarkable for the diffusion of business by the starting of cor- ner groceries, almost before unknown in Oakland.
There is now unlimited faith in Oakland's growth and future pros- perity, and capital is flowing into it for investment, and people are making it their home for the enjoyment of its multifarious advanta- ges. They come from Nevada and Oregon, as well as other por- tions of this State and the East ; and as it becomes the ambition of the European who has made or inherited money, to live in Paris, so it is the heart's desire of the Pacific coaster, who finds himself possessed of a competency, to seek the smooth streets, salu- brious air, umbrageous oaks and flowery lawns of Oakland for his future place of residence.
CENTRAL LAND CO.
F. a. HASWELL
HOME
srup
HOMES
NOMES
AT
PAYING RENT
COST
BREWERY
PAINTING
THE CENTRAL LAND COMPANY.
This Company was organized two years ago for the purpose of as- sisting in supplying the demand that had sprung up in Oakland for homesteads, in consequence of the rapid increase of population. It has been ably, energetically and liberally managed. The President is Leander G. Cole ; the Vice-President is Jolin L. Beard ; and S. B. Haswell is Secretary and Treasurer. The tract that these gentlemen
575
MISCELLANEOUS.
and associates purchased, was sub-divided into two hundred and sev- enty-two building lots, which now constitute one of the most desir- able localities in the city for private residences. Handsome macada- mized streets have been constructed, trees planted out, water and gas pipes introduced, and everything done to give purchasers of property superior advantages for convenience and comfort.
The Central Land Company's tract is situated in the northern part of the city, between San Pablo and Telegraph avenues, the two main arteries of Oakland, and in the immediate vicinity of McClure's Mili- tary Academy, the Golden Gate Academy, and Durant Grammar School. Since it was put in the market, stores have been erected and churches and schools built, and it is already one of the most thriving and desirable localities in the rapidly rising City of Oakland. Horse-cars now run every few minutes along both the avenues that border upon it, and it is within ten minutes' ride of the local trains on Seventh street. During the present year San Pablo avenue has been beautifully macadamized, making it one of the most delightful of drives ; the property adjoining this on the south is now being sub- divided and intersected with streets, and the march of improvement on all sides is rapid and continuous. During the two years of the Company's organization it has done wonders. The land is now dotted with elegant cottages and stately mansions and occupied by a respect- able and prosperous class of citizens.
The Company have built most of the houses erected for their pur- chasers and have facilities for making improvements cheaper than any individual purchaser. They build and sell on the installment plan and are prepared to meet the wants of people of small as well as large means.
Parties desiring homesteads cannot do better than call at their office and interview the obliging secretary and manager, Mr. Haswell, who is also a leading stock-holder.
THE CALIFORNIA BRIDGE AND BUILDING COMPANY.
This company was incorporated in Oakland March 4, 1874, with a capital stock of $100,000. The present officers are : Alfred W. Bur- rell, president ; J. C. Cotton, secretary ; and Alfred W. Burrell, J. C. Colton, C. M. Kelly, Albert W. Burrell, and F. E. Cotton, direc- tors.
The operations of this company, since its organization, includes the erection of three county court-houses, five county jails, two bank buildings, several school-houses, Masonic and Odd Fellows' halls, and churches. Among the latter is included the First Methodist Episco- pal Church, of Oakland, on Fourteenth street. They also erected the new building for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute at Berke- ley ; besides a large number of dwellings in various portions of the State, including some of the most attractive in Oakland.
The engineering work of the company embraces the construction of fifty-one bridges, in various counties of the State, including one
576
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
over the Sacramento river at Red Bluff-the largest bridge on the Pacific Coast-just completed.
In 1875 the company purchased ground on First, Grove and Sec- ond streets in Oakland, and erected thereon the Enterprise Planing Mill, for the manufacture of bridge work by machinery, and also to manufacture general house-furnishing mill-work-sashes, doors, blinds, etc. Increase of business has lately caused them to provide more shop-room and machinery, and they now employ over seventy men- which is a great increase to the industrial force of the city. Their works are centrally located, and convenient for transporting materi- als both by ship and car. It is pleasant to notice the development of such an extensive mechanical and constructing enterprise in our midst, managed and owned by old residents of the city. The California Bridge and Building Company, if we are to judge the future by the past, is destined to become a very extensive institution. We hope to see many more like it rise and flourish in our midst.
CHRISTIAN SCHRIEBER'S MAMMOTH FURNITURE WAREHOUSE.
Nothing better illustrates the progress of Oakland than the growth of its furniture business. Last year Mr. Christian Schrieber saw that the increase of Oakland's population was going to be im- mense, and the demand for household furniture very great, and he resolved to set to work and meet the necessity. He had specially built a mammoth warehouse on Broadway, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, measuring one hundred feet by fifty, and two stories high, which he took possession of in November, 1875, and stocked with an immense supply of Eastern and home-made furni- ture, specially selected and made to meet the requirements of this market.
There were some who shook their heads and predicted that Mr. Schrieber was in advance of the times. The undertaking, however, heavy as it was, and much as it was calculated to tax the resources of one man, has prospered beyond expectation, and the result is that the people of Oakland are placed in as good a position to-day, as regards facilities for furnishing their houses, as those of any Eastern city. In Mr. Schrieber's warehouse is not only to be found an in- mense stock, but a great variety of the latest and most fashionable styles of furniture, upholstery, bedding, etc., suitable for the require- ments of all classes-of bonanza kings and merchant princes, as well as mechanics and laboring men. The warehouse is No. 1105 and 1107, west side of Broadway, in the immediate vicinity of the im- provements in this recently-constructed portion of the city. Mr. Schrieber's warehouse is well worthy of a visit from citizens as well as strangers.
577
MISCELLANEOUS.
CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART, OAKLAND.
One of the flourishing institutions of this city is the school conducted by the Sisters at the Convent above-named, of which the above engraving repre- sents the edifice. It is located on a picturesque and commanding position, at the head of Lake Merritt, giving a fine view of the beautiful city of Oakland, the Bay, and the Golden Gate. It was founded in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, under the patronage of Rev. M. King, Pastor of Oakland. This religious Order is chiefly devoted to teaching, and the members are specially educated and trained for that most important office. The new building, erected in 1872, is 110 by 75 feet. It has all the modern improvements and conveniences necessary for the comfort of the pupils. The basement contains a gymnasium provided with wands, dumb-bells, rings, and Indian clubs ; refectories, pantries and kitchen. The first story contains parlors, music roonis, museum and library. Through the kindness of the numerous friends of the Institution, valuable additions are constantly made to the museum; already the various specimens are of great service to the pupils of the senior classes. The library counts over 900 volumes ; many of them have also been presented by friends. The second story contains class- rooms, oratory and recreation-halls. The third story, dormitories, toilet- room and bath rooms. The attic is used for the trunks and clothes of the pupils. From the roof, which is flat, a magnificent view of the Bay and surrounding country is obtained. On bright starry evenings, the senior pupils use it as their observatory. The Chapel, drawing-room and infirmary are in the old building, in the rear of the new Convent. On Lake Merritt, which washes on two sides of the grounds, three boats are provided for the young ladies, who find much pleasure in rowing over the placid waters. Various other amusements, such as swinging, playing croquet, etc., are allowed to them. The course of study embraces the various branches that constitute the elementary and higher departments of education, including polite literature, physic, metaphysics, and mathematics ; also, music, singing, drawing, painting and ornamental needlework. The useful is not sacrificed to the ornamental; the important branch of housekeeping is not neglected; the pupils are taught plain sewing, sweeping, dusting and cooking. Three times a week, two pupils, appointed by the Principal, don large calico aprons, descend to the kitchen, where, under the superintendence of two Sisters, they learn to prepare not only ornamental desserts, but the more substantial dishes of a good dinner. At present the institution numbers 21 professed Sisters, 2 novices, 2 postulants, and over 80 boarders.
578
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
THE OAKLAND REAL ESTATE UNION.
This Association was organized in 1874, and incorporated Novem- ber 12th, of the same year, with an authorized capital of $400,000. It is managed by a Board of Directors, consisting of Horace D. Randlett, Wm. H. Jordan, A. W. Burrell, C. H. Gorrill and C. H. Holt. Horace D. Randlett is President ; Wm. H. Jordan, Secre- tary and Manager ; and the Union National Gold Bank, Treasurer. The office of Vice-President is at present vacant, Mr. J. V. B. Good- rich, who filled that position, having left the country. This Associa- tion possesses facilities for purchasing land and building houses equal to any Association in the State ; and they build and sell houses on the installment plan on terms most advantageous to purchasers. The office of the company is in Room 12, Wilcox Block, Broadway, between Eighth and Ninth Streets.
OAKLAND CITY FLOUR MILL.
The Oakland City Flour Mill, situated on Third street, and for- merly known as the "Venus" Mill, was destroyed by fire in the early part of November, 1876, causing a loss to the owners, Messrs. Babcock & Gould, of about $20,000. The ashes had scarce grown cold when the proprietors, nothing daunted, had men at work clear- ing away the rubbish to rebuild on a larger and more magnificent scale. The new mill has ten run of stone, and is able to turn out 480 to 500 barrels of flour per day. The latest styles of machinery known to the milling business have been introduced in the new mill, and the finest flour that can be made is now turned out. Enterprise and energy such as Messrs. Babcock & Gould have displayed, is de- serving of commendation.
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