USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 45
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EDWARD E. GROW .- Occupying a position of distinction among the rep- resentative men of Contra Costa County is Edward E. Grow. He has been a resident of Richmond since 1907, and followed surveying as a vocation. Dur- ing the long period of his residence here he has taken an active interest in all community affairs. Mr. Grow was born in Iowa, on December 18, 1871. He acquired his education in the public schools. At an early age he removed with his parents to California. Here he continued his higher studies by at- tending Stanford University, graduating from the English department in 1898. In 1900 he removed to Pinole, and in 1907 took up his residence in Richmond, where he has since remained. Politically, Mr. Grow is affiliated with the Republican party. While a resident of Pinole he served on the local school board of Pinole and Hercules, as president of the board. Mr. Grow is a Spanish War veteran. He was a member of the First California Infantry, and was sent to the Philippines, where he served his country in a creditable manner. He received an honorable discharge in Manila in September, 1899. On April 8, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline E. Zehringer, of Philadelphia. To this union have been born two children-Blanch Anna, born in 1902, and Edward E., born in 1907. Mr. Grow had charge of all con- struction work for the Du Pont Powder Company while a resident of Pinole. He is active in politics at the proper time, but concentrates his attention up- on his chosen profession, of which he is today a leader in this field.
PAUL GLASER, deceased, was one of the men who was prominently known as a building contractor in Richmond. He was successfully engaged in bus- iness in this city since 1903. He was a native of Indiana, and was born on July 4, 1874, and died February 12, 1915. He was the son of George and Mary F. (Coon) Glaser, both natives of Germany, who came to America in 1865, and settled in Indiana. Mr. Glaser's father is still a resident of his chosen State, while the mother died in 1896. There were nine children born in the parents' family, six of whom are still living. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools of Indiana.
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He came to California in April, 1898, and started to learn the carpenter's trade in Crockett. Remaining here some time, he finally removed to Rich- mond in 1903, and at once started contracting and erected many of the finest homes and business places in the town. He met with gratifying success as a general contractor. That his ability was widely recognized is attested by the fact that many important contracts have been awarded him. Among some of the most substantial buildings he has erected are the Nystrom School and No. 2 Fire Department Building. Mr. Glaser was a Republican. On October 28, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Celina Leloy, a native of Sacra- mento. Their son, George Leloy, was born February 19, 1910.
JOHN BALRA, one of the representative ranchers and respected citizens of Contra Costa County, resides near Rust. His birth occurred on March 23, 1869, and he is a native of Portugal. Mr. Balra acquired his education in the old country. At the age of seventeen he left his native land and came to America. He came to Contra Costa County, where he found employment at ranching, which he followed seven years. He then rented a place and started a dairy in Alameda County. Later he took on more land and continued to operate the dairy and two ranches for eight years. Mr. Balra came to this country thoroughly qualified by training and understood his work. His father, Joseph Balra, was a farmer and stockman in the old country. After continu- ing successfully for eight years in his business, Mr. Balra bought twenty-five acres in the Stege district. Later he acquired more land, until he now has fifty-two acres of the choicest dairy land in Contra Costa County, adjoining the city of Berkeley. In connection with the operation of his own ranches, he rents two ranches on San Pablo Creek and one in the Moraga Valley. Be- sides the dairy business he carries on general farming. In politics Mr. Balra is Republican, but he has never aspired to office. He is recognized as one of the foremost men in the community. As a stockman, he has reached a credit- able place in the business world. He is a stockholder in the Jersey Milk & Butter Company of Oakland, in the West Berkeley Bank, in the Portuguese & American Bank, and holds stock in various other concerns. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. and the Eagle Lodge of Berkeley. He is also a member of the Druids, U. P. E. C., and I. D. E. S. He has made a suc- cess in business circles that places him in the front rank of progressive and able business men.
JAMES F. ARMO .- One of the popular citizens of Stege who has merited success along his chosen field is James F. Armo, superintendent of the plant of Wheeler, Reynolds & Stauffer. He was born in New York City on Febru- ary I, 1876. He received his education in the public schools of New York. He laid aside his books and joined the gold-seekers who went to Alaska, where he remained three years. At the age of twenty-four he located in San Fran- cisco, where he was employed in bridge-construction work. In 1903 he re-
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moved to Contra Costa County and became identified with the Stauffer Chemical Company, and later took the position as superintendent of the Wheeler, Reynolds & Stauffer plant. Mr. Armo is broad-minded, liberal in thought, and honorable in purpose. He has attained success and gained re- sults to the company with which he has identified himself. In politics Mr. Armo is a Republican. On May 4, 1903, he was united in happy wedlock to Miss Mae E. Park, a Native Daughter. Three children have blessed this union: James F., Jr., Charles S., and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Armo have a host of friends, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.
HARRY FREMONT SPENCER is one of the public-spirited and progres- sive business men of Contra Costa County, his activities extending to many fields. He was born in York County, Maine, on June 13, 1856. He was edu- cated in New Hampshire, where his parents removed when he was young. His father, William M. Spencer, was a native of New Hampshire, born in the White Mountains, and died at Salmon Falls in 1861. He was largely identi- fied with the manufacturing interests of his native State. Mr. Spencer's mother was also a native of New Hampshire, and died in 1908. The subject of this sketch, after receiving his education, entered the cotton mills at Law- rence, Massachusetts, with which he was identified until he came to Califor- nia, in 1877. Locating at Bryant Station in Contra Costa County, he took up ranching, and became connected with Major Bryant, of San Francisco, re- maining here for one year. He then removed to Livermore, California, where he was united in marriage to Miss May Smith, on November 29, 1883. To this union the children are Raymond, born December 7, 1887, and Guy Fremont, born April 7, 1896. Mrs. Spencer's father was one of the representative men of Alameda County, and took a great interest in everything that was for the betterment of the country. He was active in moving the county seat to San Leandro, and later to Oakland. Mr. Spencer resided in Pacheco for a period of six years, and was identified with the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refin- ing Company as superintendent. In 1910 he removed to Walnut Creek, and in IgII he started a lumber-yard and erected warehouses for hay and grain. Later S. L. Ayer became associated with him. In March, 1915, he took over the interests of Mr. Ayer, and the firm's name now is Spencer & Ayer, Inc. Mr. Spencer was elected president of the Business Men's Association of Wal- nut Creek in May, 1913, and re-elected in May, 1914, and when the town was incorporated, on May 18, 1914, he was elected mayor for a four-year term. Mr. Spencer only follows the fairest methods. He has discharged all obliga- tions laid upon him by the people of his locality, and has fulfilled expecta- tions which the people had in him when they entrusted their interests to his care. Mr. Spencer is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, being a member and a past master of Alamo Lodge No. 122. He is a past worthy patron of Alamo Chapter, order of Eastern Star. His son Raymond is a thirty-second-
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degree Mason, and a graduate of Cornell University, and has been identified with the Government as superintendent of the Government building at San- ta Barbara, California.
CHARLES B. DESMOND has shown himself able and faithful in the dis- charge of his duties with the Standard Oil Company of Richmond, and has won the confidence and esteem of his employers and fellow-men. Mr. Des- mond was born on March 27, 1868, in Syracuse, New York, where he was reared and educated in the public schools of that city. Laying aside his books, he started out in life and, like many young men, followed various occupations. He has been largely identified with the live-stock business throughout the East. He became associated with the Standard Oil Company at Whiting, Indiana, where he had charge of the company's horses. In 1901 he was transferred to the Richmond plant, where he has since resided. Mr. Desmond has charge of the road construction on the Standard's vast grounds, and personally has charge of all the teams. He has made many friends in Richmond, and takes an active interest in the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he is a member in Richmond.
FRANK A. MARSHALL, residing in Walnut Creek, and filling the position of assistant cashier of the San Ramon Bank, was born April 13, 1892. He is the son of Joseph D. and Rosie (Duarte) Marshall. His father is a native of Portugal, while his mother is a native of California. The subject of this re- view received his education in the public schools of Contra Costa County, and the business college of Oakland, graduating with high honors from the latter in 1907. After completing his education he entered the grocery store of J. L. Silveria & Co., where he was identified as clerk for a period of three years. He then took up his course of studies in the business college, after which he entered a branch bank of the San Ramon Bank, of Walnut Creek, in 1907, as bookkeeper. This position of trust he held to the satisfaction of the bank. He was then transferred to the main bank at Walnut Creek for a period of six months as assistant, when he was again returned to the branch bank and promoted to assistant cashier and manager. By this time Mr. Marshall had mastered the details of banking. His knowledge, combined with the spirit of enterprise which actuates him in all that he does, has brought him a great degree of success and a high place in the business circles of his locality. Mr. Marshall only remained here for a time and was given the position as as- sistant cashier in the Walnut Creek Bank. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. D. E. S., and U. P. E. C., and the Independent Order of Foresters. He was united in marriage to Miss Leonora Fereira, a native of San Ramon, June 8, 1913. To this union has been born Ella Mae, March 30, 1914.
JOSEPH MUNDAY, a worthy native son, is among the younger men prom- inent in the welfare and upbuilding of Richmond. He is deeply interested in
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all that pertains to the welfare of the city, and his support can ever be enlist- ed in any good cause. Mr. Munday was born in Oakland on December, 22, 1876. He is a son of Frank Munday, who has the distinction of making the first dynamite caps on the Pacific Coast, and has been associated with the various powder companies in California for many years. He is now in his eighty-sixth year. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Berkeley. He associated himself with the Standard Oil Company and had charge of the barrel-filling department for five years. During this time he was active in various movements of interest to Richmond. He has served in the police department, and his ability has always been recognized. Mr. Munday was united in marriage to Miss Katie Bennett, a native of Georgetown, El Dorado County, California. To this union have been born two children, Cly and Louis. Mr. Munday has served as foreman for the Cal- ifornia & Hawaiian Sugar Refining Company and for the Spreckels Sugar Refinery. Both positions he has held with unfaltering energy, and has given satisfaction. He is a member of the Native Sons.
HENRY F. ELLERHORST .- After an eventful period of close identifica- tion with mining interests in the various Western States and Alaska, Henry F. Ellerhorst came to Contra Costa County and located in Pinole, where he is now retired and living with his brother Christopher, one of the representa- tive and highly respected citizens of his locality. Mr. Ellerhorst was born near Bremen, Germany, in 1838. Here he received his education, and in 1853 he came to this country and located in Charleston, South Carolina, where he engaged with his brother, who was in the mercantile business, and operated a grist mill, remaining three years. He then removed to San Francisco, where another brother resided, and operated a grocery store. He was em- ployed until 1858, when he went to Washoe, Nevada, then the county seat of Washoe County, and where all the business was transacted for the Com- stock mines. He worked in the mines in Virginia City and operated a store for four years. He then went to Montana and worked at mining until 1872, when he removed to San Francisco. Later he went to Alaska and did placer mining for two years. He sold out and returned to San Francisco for a time, and later went to Dakota and Idaho, where he remained for about forty- three years. In 1912 he came to Pinole. Politically, Mr. Ellerhorst is a Demo- crat.
EUGENE A. MARSHALL, prominently connected with the business inter- ests of Richmond, has been a resident of California all his life. He was born at Vacaville on July 9, 1862. His father, Robert C. Marshall, was born in Ohio, and in 1852 came to California. His wife was Sarah McCartney, native of Indiana. The parents of Mr. Marshall came to the coast in the pioneer days, locating in Solano County, where the father followed the army of gold- seekers, after which he took up ranching and later read law. He passed away
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in 1893, and his wife died in 1873. The subject of this sketch acquired his edu- cation in the public schools, after which he learned the painter's trade. This vocation he followed all his life. In 1902 he removed to Richmond, where he has since resided. During the long period of his residence in this city he has attained a wide reputation as a broad-minded, liberal, and public-spirited citizen, and his strict integrity has built up a lucrative business. In politics, Mr. Marshall is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World and of the Royal Neighbors. He was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Mayfield, a native of Colusa, California, April 22, 1887. Their one son, Carroll, was born in Wil- lows, California, February 5, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are numbered among the highly esteemed citizens of Richmond.
ALFRED L. BOVO .- The success which marks the career of Alfred L. Bovo has been the result of his own unaided efforts, the concentration of his energies and ability in the one time that meant for him a competence for the future. He is well known in banking circles in eastern Contra Costa County, and has been identified with the Bank of Byron since its organiza- tion, which was in May, 1911. Mr. Bovo was born in San Francisco, Decem- ber 23, 1886, son of Gabriel and Marie (Silveria) Bovo. His father died in 1902. Alfred acquired his education in private schools and at St. Ignatius Col- lege, San Francisco, after which he studied abroad and took a course in the College of Languages and Commerce at Turin. He remained in the old coun- try nearly three years, becoming an accomplished linguist, speaking no less than five different languages. Returning to San Francisco, he became identi- fied with the Central Trust Company, now the Anglo-California Trust Com- pany. He remained with this institution for over six years. Mr. Bovo started with this bank as messenger, and by his ability he rose to the position of re- ceiving teller. He then associated himself with the Nevada County Bank, of Nevada City, California, where he remained as acting cashier for nearly three years, and served as interpreter in the Superior Court of Nevada Coun- ty. He removed to Tracy on April 1, 1911, and accepted a position as acting cashier of the Bank of Tracy for a brief time. When the new bank building at Byron was completed Mr. Bovo was made cashier of that institution, later becoming manager, and has filled this position to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but he has never aspired to public office. He has served three years as a member and clerk of the Byron school board. On April 6, 1906, Mr. Bovo was united in marriage to Miss Grace L. Marron, a native of San Rafael, and a daughter of Frank M. Marron, one of the best-known and respected financial men of the Bay section. Mr. Marron's death occurred in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Bovo have one daughter, Pauline, born in Berkeley, July 25, 1907. Mrs. Bovo is past president of Donner Parlor, Native Daughters, of Byron, while her hus- band is secretary and treasurer of the Byron Improvement Club. Mr. Bovo
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also organized the Byron Chamber of Commerce, which has its rooms in connection with the Byron bank. He is recognized as one of Byron's sub- stantial, esteemed, and respected citizens.
HENRY JOHNSTON .- Energy, ability, and well-directed ambition, guided and controlled by sound judgment, have constituted the foundation upon which Henry Johnston of Giant has built his success. These qualities have brought him success. He was born in Brant County, Ontario, December 27, 1835. He came west and located in San Francisco in October, 1872. Here he remained for some time. In 1873 he purchased from Treadwell & Co. two hundred and thirty-five acres of land in Contra Costa County. He was at this time a traveling man for various concerns on the coast. While holding his position he was far-sighted enough to buy this ranch and have something for a rainy day. Two railroads cut through Mr. Johnston's farm, so that he only has one hundred and eighty-five acres left. He was married in 1860 to Galetsa F. Page, a native of Canada. To this union nine children have been born, five of whom are now living. In politics Mr. Johnston is a Republican. He has acted as road-master for a number of years. He has rented his ranch, and is now retired. Mr. Johnston is a public-spirited man and gives his support to any movement that will promote the best interests of Contra Costa County.
CHAUNCEY M. BREWER, serving in a creditable manner as manager for the Western States Gas & Electric Company, has demonstrated his abil- ity in public service along this line. His record entitles him pre-eminently to the distinctive title of one of the "builders" of Richmond. Mr. Brewer was born at Marshall, Michigan, August 5, 1882. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, after which he attended the law depart- ment of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He then entered the em- ploy of the Commonwealth Power Company, at Jackson, Michigan, where he remained one year. Removing to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he became as- sociated with the Grand Rapids & Muskegon Power Company. Later he oc- cupied a better position with the H. M. Byllesby Company, of Chicago, and was sent to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he assumed the business manage- ment of his company. Recognizing Mr. Brewer's substantial qualities, his company then transferred him to Minnesota, where he had the business man- agement, and later he was again transferred to Everett, Washington, and Sandpoint, Idaho, where he filled positions of importance. In 1912 Mr. Brew- er removed to Richmond. Fraternally, he is identified with the B. P. O. E. lodge, and in politics he is a Republican, and stands at all times for advance- ment in every relation of life, and is a man well liked and esteemed.
FREDERICK E. BECK, prominently connected with the Pullman works at Richmond as general manager, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, May 29, 1875. He acquired his education in the public schools. Completing his studies,
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he entered the employ of the Pullman Company at Wilmington as office boy. He later entered the mechanical department, and was soon transferred to Chicago, where he was identified as mechanical inspector. He was trans- ferred to Wilmington again as assistant manager of mill-shops for one year, when he was again sent by his company to Denver in 1902, where he filled the position of assistant manager for five months, and was there made man- ager of the Denver shops in 1903. Mr. Beck remained in Denver until 1910, when he was transferred to Richmond, where he took the management of the Pullman plant. He has achieved remarkable success in the various posi- tions he has taken with his company. He is well known in Masonic circles, being a member of the blue lodge, Shrine, and is a Knight Templar. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth H. Day, a native of Pennsylvania, in September, 1903.
MICHAEL J. CURTAIN .- One of the most prominent, able, and represen- tative agriculturists in Contra Costa County is Michael J. Curtain. He was born on July 1, 1866, in Ireland, where he received his schooling. In June, 1887, he came to America, and in October, 1904, located in Contra Costa County. Here he turned his attention to the dairy business, and has always followed this occupation. He is an expert stockman, and during his early days in the county he had as high as two hundred head of cattle. On Au- gust 1, 1914, he disposed of his dairy interests and retired. Mr. Curtain has gained the friendly regard and good-will of all with whom he has been as- sociated through life, either in business or social relations, and he is well entitled to a foremost place among the respected men of the county. Politi- cally, he is a Democrat. In 1906 Mr. Curtain was united in marriage to Eliza- beth Elkson.
JAMES T. NARBETT .- Among the men whose enterprise and ability have been active factors in promoting the remarkable growth and prosperity of the city of Richmond is numbered James T. Narbett. He is a native of that far-off country, India, he being born aboard a ship at Rangoon, British Bur- mah, August 31, 1874. He is the son of William and Eleanor Narbett. At the age of two years he was brought to America, his parents locating in Wash- ington. His father conducted a summer resort at Fort Canby, remaining there for some time. He later removed to San Francisco, and then to Oak- land, where he followed contracting. In 1879 the parents went to Benicia. In 1880 they removed to near Crockett, this being the year before the laying out of the town. Here in the public schools James T. Narbett received his pre- liminary education, afterward attending the Vander Naillen School of En- gineering. In 1896 Mr. Narbett took up contracting. In 1898 he spent one year in Alaska. Returning to Crockett, he entered school again, and graduated in 1900. In 1904 he removed to Chico, Butte County, and was awarded the con- tract for the addition to the State Normal School. He erected the Colonial Hotel at Biggs, and the Shotover Inn at Hamilton City, in Glenn County.
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Mr. Narbett also had many large contracts in various parts of the State. On January I, 1907, he discontinued contracting and took up special studies from eminent architects. He shortly passed the State examination, becoming a licensed architect. He designed the Masonic temple at Oroville and Chico and many other large buildings in Chico, Orland, Willows, Dunsmuir, Sacra- mento, and other parts of California. In 1910 he opened offices in Sacramento in connection with his Chico office. In 1911 he removed to Richmond, where he established offices in the La Selle Building, which was one of the first de- signed by Mr. Narbett after locating in this city. He designed the Elks' temple, which cost seventy thousand dollars, the new city hall, the fire houses, and many other handsome buildings in Richmond. In politics Mr. Narbett is a Progressive, and previous to 1913 he cast his lot with the Re- publican party. He is prominently identified with various fraternal and social organizations, being a member of Masonic blue lodge, Royal Arch chapter, Commandery, Aahmes Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Oakland, and the Eastern Star. He is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, I. O. O. F. of Crockett, and the Eagles' lodge of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss Gussie McDowell, of Alturas, California, February 2, 1902. Their one son, Keith Oliver, was born November 5, 1905. Mrs. Narbett is a progressive member of the Richmond Improvement Club, Eastern Star, and at one time held the office of State Secretary of the Christian Endeavor Society.
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