USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 44
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taxes than the Santa Fe Railroad Company or the Pullman Palace Car Com- pany. In addition, Mr. Burg is largely interested in the Bay Cities Land Company and Burg Brothers Lumber & Building Company. He is one of America's typical self-made men, having planned and successfully developed the many enterprises with which he has been identified entirely through his own efforts and resource. The firm of Burg Brothers presented to the city of Richmond thirty-four city lots located in the Nicholl Macdonald Avenue Civic Center tract, valued at seventy-five thousand dollars. This property, consisting of two half blocks and a sum of twenty-five thousand dollars in cash, was accepted by the citizens of Richmond at a special election held October 15, 1915, for the purpose of selecting and locating a permanent civic center. The Richmond city hall, now completed, is the first building to grace the Civic Center, while other municipal buildings will soon follow as they are required. This splendid property and munificent gift by the Burg Brothers to the city of Richmond will remain a lasting monument to their enterprise and generous public-spiritedness. On November 30, 1893, Edward J. Burg was united in marriage to Miss Beatrice M. Ramus, of San Diego, Califor- nia. Of this union have been born nine children, five sons and four daugh- ters. Mr. Burg is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member in high standing of the Masonic Lodge, a Knight Templar and Shriner. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is one of the founders of the Richmond Industrial Com- mission, and is affiliated with a number of other civic organizations.
CARL HENRY BURG was born in Sweden, January 19, 1866, and to him belongs the title of "self-made man." He is the son of John August and Au- gusta Burg, and was left an orphan at the age of fourteen, his mother hav- ing passed away in 1873 and his father in 1880. His early education was se- cured in the public schools of his native land. Starting out in life without experience or resources, he has through his own energy risen to be one of the leading real-estate men of the Bay counties, and is classed among the "pioneer builders" of Richmond. Emigrating to America in 1881, he located in Kansas, where he remained for a period of nine years, during the first two of which he engaged in farming and later in business along mercantile lines. In 1888 he moved to San Francisco, where he accepted a position as clerk in a dry-goods house, which he held for three years, at the same time continu- ing his studies at a business college. In 1892, going to Central America, he turned his attention to the development of a coffee plantation, securing near- ly five hundred acres of land for this purpose. Disposing of his holdings he returned to the United States, settling in San Francisco, where he became actively engaged in the real-estate business. He was identified with the first subdivision in Richmond during its early days, and has since continued to be one of the leading operators in this section. The firm of Burg Brothers, consisting of Carl H. and Edward J. Burg, is among the largest and most
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important around the bay section, Burg Brothers having the distinction of being the largest real-estate operators in Richmond. In May, 1910, they placed upon the market the Central Richmond and Pullman Town - Site tracts, and by January, 1911, 1150 lots had been sold. The following March the Spaulding Richmond Pullman Town-site was placed upon the market, and by March I, 1912, contracts for the sale of 1475 lots (practically the en- tire tract) had been issued, being the highest real-estate record ever made in Richmond. In 1912 they also developed and sold the Grand View Terrace tract, and in November of the same year purchased and put on the market the Nicholl Macdonald Avenue Civic Center tract, consisting of one hundred and ten acres, paying $725,000 for this property or nearly seven thousand dollars an acre. This is the highest price ever paid in the United States for a piece of undeveloped property of its size for subdivision purposes. Burg Brothers sold one fifty-foot corner in this tract for fifteen thousand dollars; fifteen years previously this land was offered for sale at seventy dollars per acre, while the fifty-foot corner is now valued at $23,000. Mr. Burg was among those who first recognized Richmond's wonderful opportunities, and, taking advantage of the same, made rapid progress in a business way, and his enterprising spirit brought him into important relations. He was one of the charter members of the Richmond Industrial Commission and is a mem- ber of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. He was twice married, the first marriage being to Emily Brugge, and there was born of this union one daughter, Thelma A. Burg, April 4, 1900. The second marriage was to Mrs. Clara B. Gardner, July 14, 1913. Fraternally, Mr. Burg is a Mason, being a Knight Templar of California Commandery No. I and a Shriner. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the National Union. He is also a member of the Union League and Masonic clubs of San Francisco.
BERNARD SCHAPIRO .- This history presents the record of no other cit- izen more thoroughly infused with the spirit of public progress than the sub- ject of this review, Bernard Schapiro, and Contra Costa County numbers him among its representative citizens. Mr. Schapiro's life record may well serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when determination and energy lead the way. Starting out in life with no capital, he has gradually advanced until now he is numbered among the lar- gest real-estate operators in the Bay counties. Mr. Schapiro was born in Prussia, January II, 1865, and is a son of Elias and Hannah Schapiro. He at- tended the public schools of his native land, and at the age of twenty-one he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, settling first at Philadelphia, where he found employment in a clock factory. He became identified with other pursuits and traveled throughout the Eastern States, after which he decided to cast his lot with the Golden West, and in 1892 he settled in San Francisco. For a time he was engaged in running an optical store, and in 1901 he worked for McEwen Brothers' real-estate firm, as salesman for one year. Mr. Schapi-
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ro then embarked in the real-estate business for himself, and one of his first ventures along this line was to act as selling agent for some of the officials of the Standard Oil Company in selling a tract of land they had placed on the market. He was one of the first operators in Richmond, and since 1901 Mr. Schapiro has subdivided and sold over two thousand acres in and around Richmond; besides this he has subdivided five thousand acres in the Sacra- mento Valley and five thousand in the San Joaquin Valley. These different colonies are in a very prosperous condition. He is connected fraternally with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Politically, Mr. Schapiro has always been a Republican. He was nominated from the fifth district of San Fran- cisco as alternate to the Republican national convention held at Chicago in June, 1916. Mr. Schapiro was united in marriage November 3, 1895, to Miss Birdie Stern, a native of New York State. To this union have been born- Esmond, born October 19, 1896; Zara, born May 25, 1900; Dorothea, born Oc- tober 4, 1905. All three children were born in San Francisco, California. Mr. Schapiro is identified as a stockholder in the bank at Pinole, the First Na- tional Bank of Richmond, the Merchants Bank of Richmond, and the Cali- fornia Trust Company of San Francisco. He is a life member of the Press Club of San Francisco, and holds membership in the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco, and is a charter member of the Pioneer Club of Richmond, California. Mr. Schapiro deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life, for he started out in the business world a poor boy, and by his ener- gy, enterprise, and ambition has steadily worked his way upward to success. Mr. Schapiro is a resident of San Francisco, and maintains spacious offices in the Phelan Building. He has proved himself trustworthy and faithful in business, progressive in citizenship, and loyal to the claims of friendship, and he has thus commanded and kept the esteem and high regard of all who are associated with him.
JOSEPH FRANKLIN BROOKS, a highly respected and representative cit- izen of Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the ca- pacity of assistant superintendent of the Standard Oil Company of Califor- nia. Mr. Brooks was born at New Bedford, Mass., March 18, 1872. He acquired his education in the public schools of Oakland, where his parents removed when he was ten years of age. He graduated from the high school, after which he became identified with the Arctic Oil Works of San Francis- co. He continued with this corporation for ten years, as assistant superinten- dent, and when it was taken over by the Standard Oil Company he removed to Richmond. This was in 1902. Mr. Brooks has filled many positions of re- sponsibility and trust with his company. That he was capable and reliable is indicated by his rapid promotion, until he now holds the office of assistant superintendent. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Richmond Public Library, member of the board of education, and an ex-member of the board of health. Fra-
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ternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E., and a valued member of the Woodmen of the World. He is the president and one of the organizers of the Pioneer Club. Mr. Brooks was united in marriage July 14, 1897, to Miss Cath- erine S. Hambright. Their one son, Franklin, was born March 14, 1900. Mr. Brooks is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Richmond, and a stockholder in the B. Schapiro Real Estate Company. He is also one of the organizers of the Richmond Building & Loan Association. The parents of Mr. Brooks were Joseph Franklin and Elizabeth (Baxter) Brooks. His father was a sea-captain and followed this vocation for many years. He died and was buried in Alaska. Both parents were natives of Massachusetts, and come from French ancestry. The subject of this sketch is a man of broad culture, progressive, has high ideals, and is well and favorably known in the business and social life of the Bay cities.
ERNEST NAVELLIER, a man of genial personality and keen business ability, is numbered among the representative and enterprising business men of Contra Costa County. His birth occurred February 1, 1864, and he is a native of France. He acquired his education in the schools of his native land, graduating at the age of fifteen. His first work after completing his educa- tion, at the age of sixteen, was to teach school. He continued teaching for two years, when he came to America, and located in San Francisco. Here he engaged in the laundry business, in which he continued for ten years. Later he removed to Seattle, where he became identified with the laundry bus- iness for three years. In 1892 he removed to Stege, where he operated the first laundry established in Richmond. About this time Mr. Navellier pur- chased five acres on the hillside near Stege, where he erected an imposing home. He disposed of his interests in the laundry and became identified with the California Cap Company for nine years, in the capacity of shipping clerk and foreman. He purchased land on San Pablo Avenue, and was the founder of Lafayette Park, which is considered one of the finest picnic grounds on the bay. He has contributed in no small degree to the growth and success of Richmond as a manufacturing center. His most recent success has been in the establishing of a factory for the manufacture of rustic furniture and art ware, which products have been sold in large lots all over the United States. Politically, Mr. Navellier is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never aspired to public office further than to act on the local school board for three years, and on the sanitary commission. He has been instru- mental in establishing two schools in the Stege district. Fraternally, he is a member of the Eagles lodge and Foresters of America. On December 28, 1889, he was united in marriage to Josephine Pontacq, a native of France. To this union have been born five children-Victor, at present shipping clerk for the California Cap Company; Lucy, now postmistress at Stege; Louis and Ida, residing at home; and Mary, who died at the age of six years.
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EDWARD C. HOFFMAN holds the important position of superintendent of the Metropolitan Match Factory, at Stege, Contra Costa County. A spirit of enterprise and progress has actuated him in all that he has done through life, and success has attended his well-directed efforts. Mr. Hoffman was born at Badelster, kingdom of Saxony, Germany, on February 5, 1865. Here he received his early education, and in 1888 he came to America, locating in San Francisco. He was employed as a machinist at the Union Iron Works, and had the distinction of working on the battle-ship "Charleston," in 1889, remaining here for two years. He then became identified with the Metropoli- tan Match Company, San Francisco, in 1891, where he has since remained. Mr. Hoffman has, owing to his executive ability, been promoted until now he holds the position as superintendent of the Stege factory. He is a mem- ber of the high-school trustees, and has served on the Stege board of edu- cation. He is a member of Hermann's Sons. On April 25, 1891, Mr. Hoff- man was united in marriage to Miss Emilie Wacker, a native of Germany. To this union have been born three children-Alma Emilie, wife of Roy Dub- bers, an engineer in the employ of the United Railroads of San Francisco; Edward Adolph, a student at the University of California; Walter, a student attending high school. The family are members of the Presbyterian church of Stege.
JOSEPH T. BRENEMAN, M. D .- The history of Contra Costa County would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make promi- nent reference to Doctor Joseph T. Breneman, who has been actively en- gaged in practice as a physician and surgeon in Contra Costa County since the early 'gos, and he is an able and representative member of the medical profession. Doctor Breneman was born in Hancock County, Ohio, January 23, 1849. He acquired his education in the public schools, the academy at New Middletown, Ohio, and the University of Iowa, graduating from the medical department in 1879. He began practice in Audubon, Iowa, where he remained for some years. Removing to Wellington, Kansas, he practiced until 1890, when he removed to California, located in Oakland, and practiced two years. He then went to Walnut Creek, where he acted as county health officer. He then took up his profession in Martinez, where he remained for fifteen years. While a resident of the county seat he acted as surgeon for the Mountain Copper Company for five years. He owned and operated a private hospital in Martinez. The Doctor has always enjoyed a large practice, which is proof of his skill and ability in the line of his chosen vocation. In 1911 he removed to Stege, where he has since resided. Doctor Breneman was one of the founders of the County Medical Society and acted as its first president. For years he was identified with the California State and American medical associations. He has filled all chairs in the I. O. O. F. Politically, he is a Democrat. On May 14, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie I. Humphry. To this union have been born Fay, a teacher in the Fairmont
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School at Stege, and a graduate of the Lowell High School and the Univer- sity of California; Hazel, a graduate of the Alhambra High School at Mar- tinez and the State Normal school at San Jose, at present a teacher in the Stege public school; George, a graduate of the Martinez High School, at present in business in Martinez; Eullaia, wife of W. M. Staley, residing in Oregon; Flint and Frances, residing at home. Joseph Clayton, son of John R. Breneman, now deceased, also made his home with the Doctor. Doctor Breneman was reared on a farm, and his record is that of a self-made man. He has won distinction as an inventor, and patented the first hay elevator, under United States Patent No. 6,100,044. He has also invented many surgi- cal instruments, and has a patent pending for a combined harvester.
JULES TOUSSAINT, one of the men of Contra Costa County who may be termed progressive, is the subject of this sketch. He is regarded reliable and foresighted, and he is a self-made man. He was born in Belgium, August 8, 1874. He received some schooling in his native land, and at the age of ten years he came with his parents to America, and located in Texas. His father was a farmer, and after attending school for a time in Texas, Jules assisted on the farm for a period of three years. His parents removed to San Fran- cisco, and Jules, determined to gain a better education, attended the San Francisco schools. He then learned the painting trade and followed this vo- cation for a period of six years, after which he became engaged in a candy factory, where he remained for ten years. After the big fire he became asso- ciated with the Ramona Candy Company, of West Berkeley, where he re- mained for two years. His ambition and enterprise led him to Stege Junc- tion, where he engaged in the grocery business, where he has since resided and carried on a profitable business. Politically, Mr. Toussaint is a Republi- can. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Eagles lodge of Richmond. He was united in marriage on October 15, 1899, to Miss Juliet Alphonse, a native of Oregon. Three children have blessed this union-Jules, born July 21, 1900; Lucile, born September, 1902; Ruth, born March 6, 1910. Mrs. Toussaint has shown a great deal of business progressiveness, and much of her husband's business success has been due to her energy.
SIMON DEASEY, creditably filling the position as manager of the Pacific Porcelain Ware Company at Richmond, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on November 26, 1864. Following the completion of a public school educa- tion, he entered the pottery business in his native town, and has been con- nected with that kind of work since he was seventeen years of age. Mr. Deasey devotes all of his time and attention to the conduct of this concern, and, thoroughly understanding the business principles and detail, has met with gratifying success in his new field at Richmond. He was identified with the largest concerns in Trenton until he came to California, with the excep- tion of eighteen months that he resided in Canada. In April, 1911, he took
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charge of the Pacific Porcelain Ware Company's plant, and has since filled this important position with gratifying success. Mr. Deasey is a member of the Moose lodge of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss Clarinda Bailey, a native of Staffordshire, England, October 14, 1885. To this union one son, Harold, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on April 15, 1891. Mr. Deasey holds office in and is a director of the Building & Loan Association of Richmond.
ARCHIBALD H. CAMPBELL, a highly respected and representative citi- zen of Contra Costa County, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of superintendent of the California Cap Company, at Stege. His birth occurred in Oakland, California, on November 20, 1882. He acquired his education in the Oakland public schools, after which he attended the California School of Mechanical Arts, graduating from the chemical depart- ment. He became identified with the sugar factory at Oxnard for a time, and later removed to Stege, where he became associated with the present con- cern, which he is representing as superintendent and chemist. His next pro- motion was to take charge of the plant as superintendent. In this connection he has proven a valuable and efficient representative of the corporation. On July 7, 1906, Mr. Campbell was joined in wedlock to Miss Mae Watrous, daughter of C. L. and Betsy Watrous. To this union have been born two children-Archibald H., Jr., born August II, 1907, and Cheryl Beth, born Au- gust 15, 19II. Fraternally, Mr. Campbell is identified with the Masons, being connected with the organization as a member of Mckinley lodge of Rich- mond and the Royal Arch degrees. He also belongs to the Eastern Star, and is active in the ranks of the B. P. O. E. Politically, he is a member of the Republican party.
FRED HARTWICK, a successful and enterprising citizen of Richmond, acts as manager for the Enterprise Brewing Company. His birth occurred in San Francisco on January 16, 1885. He was educated in the public schools, and at an early age he became identified with the Enterprise Brewing Com- pany, in the shipping department. Mr. Hartwick is a man of many sterling traits of character, reliable in business and progressive in citizenship. His company transferred him to Richmond on February 19, 1912, where he was placed in charge, and he still assumes the management of the Richmond business. Mr. Hartwick is a member of the Masons, Elks, Eagles, and the Hermann's Sons. He was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Seibert, of San Francisco, and their one son, Frederick, was born in San Francisco, March 26, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwick have gained the good-will and esteem of all who have been in any way associated with them, either in a business or social way.
JOHN KOCH .- One of the men who have acquired success and is num- bered among the representative men of Stege is John Koch. He was born in
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southern Germany, on December 25, 1862. He acquired his education in his native land and served two years in the army. He had a desire to see the New World, and came to America via Honolulu, locating in San Francisco. He went to work for the Stauffer Chemical Company and the Judson Dy- namite & Powder Company, where he remained for seven years. He then be- came identified with the Pacific Guano & Fertilizer Company, and owing to his ability has been promoted from foreman to superintendent of the plant at Richmond. He is a member of Hermann's Sons. On September 12, 1885, he was united in marriage to Anna Erdel, a native of Germany. To this union have been born six children-Adam, Lena, Anna, Emma, William, and George. Mr. Koch is interested in a company that owns about five thousand acres of land in Siskiyou County. At a future date they contemplate putting down wells and engaging in the stock business.
JOHN M. BEST .- Numbered among the successful and enterprising busi- ness men of Richmond is John M. Best, now the manager, secretary, and treasurer of the Home Laundry Company. His laundry experience extends over many years. The institution with which he is associated is one of the best in the Bay cities. Mr. Best was born on January 22, 1874, in Shasta County, California, where he acquired his early education. He is the son of John C. Best, a native of Missouri, who came west and located in Carson City, Nevada. Here he operated a store and hotel for many years during the pioneer days. He then removed to Shasta County. The subject of this sketch removed to Seattle, where he engaged in the laundry business, and continued in that calling for eighteen years. Here he mastered the laundry business in principle and detail, and his knowledge, combined with the spirit of enter- prise which actuates him in all that he does, has brought him success. Mr. Best came to Richmond in August, 1911, and immediately started the Home Laundry Company, and was one of the prime movers in this organization. Politically, Mr. Best is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. and the Woodmen of the World. He was united in marriage to Miss Ethel A. Nellie, of Seattle, Washington, October 16, 1897. To this union have been born Myrtle, Mildred, Jack, and Roy.
JAMES DEMINGS, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading and en- terprising business men of Richmond, has won merited success as one of the proprietors of the Richmond Feed & Grain Company, the largest concern of its kind in Contra Costa County. His birth occurred in San Francisco, Janu- ary 15, 1874. He was the son of Peter and Barbara (Melville) Demings. His father was of English descent and his mother came from Scotland. Mr. Dem- ings' father came to America and settled in San Francisco in 1865, and con- trolled a line of boats around the Bay district. The subject of this sketch ac- quired his education in the public and high schools of San Francisco, after
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which he took a business course. Following his schooling he became asso- ciated with Eppinger & Company, where he learned the milling business, continuing with this firm for a period of fourteen years at Crockett, Califor- nia. In June, 1911, Mr. Demings, with George Prytz, erected the present commodious and up-to-date flouring and feed mill at Richmond, which has a capacity of one hundred tons a day. The warehouse, which is located direct- ly aside of the Santa Fe tracks, gives them the best of transportation facili- ties. Here they conduct a wholesale and retail business. Mr. Demings is affil- iated with the B. P. O. E., of Richmond, and is a member of the Native Sons, of Crockett. He was united in marriage on November 17, 1896, to Miss Mary Hunter, of Crockett, a Native Daughter. To this union have been born two children, James, born in 1898, and Richard, born in 1900.
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