USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 46
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RICHARD F. PAASCH, well known in Contra Costa County, who is now serving as captain of the Point Richmond fire department, was born in Ger- many on August 1, 1874. He acquired his education in Berkeley, where his parents settled on their arrival from their native land. Mr. Paasch's father, Theodore Paasch, is a tailor by trade, having learned his business in the old country, where he followed this vocation for many years. On his arrival in Berkeley he engaged in business and continued for some years before retir- ing from active life. He is now in his eighty-eighth year. Mr. Paasch's mother died in March, 1912. There were ten children in the parents' family. After finishing his schooling, Richard F. Paasch learned the blacksmithing trade, and continued in this line faithfully for fifteen years. He served in this capa- city with the Standard Oil Company for some time, and on May 1, 1912, he was appointed by the city council as chief of the volunteer fire department. He served in this capacity in a most able manner for eight years, and when the paid department was inaugurated he was appointed captain, which office he still holds. Politically, Mr. Paasch is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias of Richmond, and a member of the military rank. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. of Richmond. On September 5, 1900, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burcher, of Berke- ley, a native daughter. To this union there have been three children-Walter T., born February 23, 1902; Richard Albert, born February 20, 1904; Robert W., born May 19, 1905. The family attend the Methodist church.
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CHARLES G. BACON .- One of the commanding figures of the business life of Contra Costa County is Charles G. Bacon, who is at the head of the Richmond Abstract & Title Company. His career is one of distinct useful- ness and a benefit to the community in which he lives. He has many im- portant interests that under his leadership have grown and expanded. He was born at Columbia, Tuolumne County, California, March 25, 1868, son of Pyam Bartlett and Marion Helen (Bowne) Bacon. Mr. Bacon's father was a native of Ohio, and his mother was from Michigan. In 1853 they came to California and settled in Tuolumne County, where they always resided. The mother passed away in 1899. The father is living a retired life at the old homestead, one of the most influential and representative citizens of his lo- cality. He has always taken a keen interest in political matters, serving his county in the State Assembly, and for many years was postmaster in Colum- bia. He had the distinction of installing the first hydraulic mining machinery in that county. The subject of this review acquired his education in the pub- lic schools of his county. Laying aside his books, he became identified with ranching and the wood business, and this he followed for five years. For the past twenty years he has been engaged in searching records. In 1907 he re- moved to Martinez, where he opened an abstract office. Here he soon had an extensive business. In this connection he became familiar with conditions and the need of a similar business in Richmond, and in 1914 the Richmond Abstract & Title Company erected its present commodious brick building on Twenty-second Avenue, where he is now located. Mr. Bacon has displayed extraordinary executive ability, and has succeeded in building up one of the most successful systems in the State for handling his work. In this connec- tion the Richmond company has installed the only photographic plant in California. Careful of his own interests in Martinez, he has always consid- ered those of others who are identified with him in the company. The Rich- mond Abstract & Title Company is composed of the leading real-estate men, bankers, and attorneys. Politically, Mr. Bacon is registered as a Republican, and has served four years as city trustee of Martinez. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond and the I. O. O. F. of Sonora. On June 22, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Irene Hall, a daughter of Josiah and Sarah Hall, of Sonora, Tuolumne County. Her father was en- gaged in the mercantile business, and at one time owned many of the valu- able mines in Tuolumne County. Mrs. Bacon is actively engaged in the club and social circles, and is a member of the Women's Improvement Club of Martinez. She is also an active member of the Episcopal church.
CHARLES JOHNSON .- Prominent among the representative men of Richmond, and one whose ability is recognized as a contractor, is Charles Johnson. He is a native of Sweden, and was born March 28, 1875. He received his education in his native land. Laying aside his books, he started to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time. He saw the possibil-
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ities of the New World, and came to this country in 1896, at the age of twen- ty-one, locating in Chicago. There for one year he followed his trade, and then removed to Cadillac, Michigan. Later he heard the call to the West, and went to Washington, locating in Spokane County, where for four years he was connected with the Great Northern Railroad in its car department. In March, 1902, he removed to Richmond, where he readily found employ- ment with the Santa Fe Railroad, remaining with that company eight years. In the spring of 1911 he began contracting with gratifying success. Political- ly, Mr. Johnson is a Progressive. He was united in marriage to Miss Nanei C. Westman, a native of Michigan, December 2, 1903. Their one child, Axel Fairchild, was born September 18, 1907. Fraternally, Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife is an active mem- ber in the sister lodge, the Rebekahs. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have made many friends in Richmond and are popular in lodge work.
INTHUS EMLEN MARSHALL, the present tax-collector and assessor of Richmond, is one of the well-known, popular, and representative men of this community. He was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, July 5, 1848. His father came to California in 1852, during the gold excitement, and settled in El Dorado County. Here he followed gold mining, and in 1855 the mother and her two children, Florence (now deceased) and our subject, made the trip across the continent. In 1858 the family located in Solano County, where the father became interested in agricultural pursuits until his death, which oc- curred in 1894, the mother having died in 1874. In 1880 the subject of this sketch removed to Contra Costa County and settled in Martinez, where he filled the office of deputy assessor in an efficient manner for eight years. In 1901 he moved to Richmond, where he became a prominent contractor, and in 1909 he was appointed tax-collector and assessor, which office he has since capably filled. Mr. Marshall was united in marriage in 1884 to Mary Bent, of Martinez. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, being a mem- ber of the blue lodge and chapter. He is also a member of the Red Men and the W. O. W. Mr. Marshall has proved himself eminently well qualified to fill the office which he holds. His record is above reproach, and the long pe- riod of his residence in the county has been fruitful and of great good to the community in which he resides.
HENRY L. PENRY has been actively and successfully identified with the business interests of Contra Costa County as a contractor, and he is today one of the leaders in his chosen field. Mr. Penry is a native son, and was born in Santa Barbara, November 15, 1872. He is a son of Henry Thomas Penry and Annie (Davis) Penry. His father was a native of Cleveland, Ohio, while his mother came from Pennsylvania. Mr. Penry's father was a brick con- tractor, and after Henry L. finished his education he took up this vocation under his father and thoroughly mastered the trade, and has followed it all
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his life. From 1898 to 1901 Mr. Penry resided in Washington and British Co- lumbia, where he followed his chosen trade. In 1903 he came to Richmond, and in 1904 he removed his family to this city, where he has since resided. He is public-spirited and readily endorses any public measure for the better- ment of Richmond and public generally. Politically, Mr. Penry is a Repub- lican. He was elected city councilman in May, 19II, and is serving his fourth year in this capacity. Fraternally, he is a Mason and a member of Mckinley lodge. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen. He was united in mar- riage to Miss Emily A. Blanchard, of Madera County, California, in Decem- ber, 1901. To this union there have been five children-Harry Roswell, born September 26, 1902; Erwin L., born April 8, 1904; Muriel Elizabeth, born No- vember 13, 1905; Kathleen Avis, born May 12, 1909; Ruth Emily, born Janu- ary 6, 1913. The family are members of the Christian church of Richmond.
OTTO A. POULSEN .- Among the men who by reason of their personal integrity, ability, and business enterprise have come to be regarded as repre- sentative citizens and leading business men of Contra Costa County is num- bered Otto A. Poulsen, who has been engaged in Richmond since 1906, in the retail jewelry business. He was born in San Francisco on December 5, 1876, son of Hans C. and Johanna Poulsen. His father, a cabinetmaker, came to America in 1868. He located in various places in the East, and removed to California in the early '70s. He died in 1899. The mother still survives and makes her home with Otto A. There were six children in the parents' family. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools. Lay- ing aside his books, he took up the trade of jeweler and silversmith, at which he became very proficient. He followed his trade for seven years, and then enlisted in the First Battalion, California Heavy Artillery. He was attached to Battery A, and was sent to the Philippines, where he served sixteen months. He was discharged in San Francisco in September, 1899. Following his army career, he became identified with a wholesale and retail jewelry house in San Francisco, where he remained for seven years. In 1906 he re- moved to Richmond and established a retail jewelry store at 703 Macdonald Avenue, and in 1911 he removed to his present commodious store. Success has steadily attended his well-directed labors since that time, and his bus- iness has expanded yearly, the entire credit for its rapid growth being di- rectly due to Mr. Poulsen's enterprise and progressive spirit. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Richmond, the Royal Arch chapter, and Scottish Rite of Oakland. He is also a member of the B. P. O. E., the Red Men, the Native Sons, the Moose, and is an active member of the Shell- mound Rifle Club. In politics Mr. Poulsen is a Republican. In May, 1910, he was elected on the Richmond school board, taking office July 1, 1910, and serving until July 1, 1914. He was married to Miss Ottoline M. Williams, a native of San Leandro, July 14, 1907. To this union there have been four children-Alexander W., born May 17, 1908; Esther F., born March 14, 1910;
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Stanley A., born December 30, 1911; Clarence R., born June 28, 1914. Mrs. Poulsen is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Spanish-American War Veterans and of the Eastern Star.
CHARLES F. DONNELLY is superintendent of the street-car system at Richmond, and is a railroad man of experience, who has won this position entirely on his own merits. He was born in Cairo, Illinois, July 15, 1874. He is a son of Leonidas and Mary Donnelly, both natives of Ohio. His father served in the Civil War from Ohio, was made prisoner and confined in Libby Prison, and died from its effects in 1876. His mother died in 1895. Mr. Don- nelly acquired his education in the public schools in the middle part of Ohio. After his school days he followed various occupations. In 1892 he came west and located in San Francisco, where he became identified with the Market- Street Railway, as gripman on the Valencia-Street line. He is a thoroughly able man, and knows all details of railroading from the ground up. His ex- ecutive force was soon recognized, and his managerial ability was largely the cause of his rapid advancement. He served as inspector in San Francisco for the United Railroads. He came to Richmond in the capacity of dispatcher, and was promoted to superintendent on January 1, 1912, which office he now holds. In the estimation of his superiors he stands high, and is popular with his associates and men who work under him. Mr. Donnelly was united in marriage in April, 1894, to Miss May H. Cain, a native of Maine. To this union was born Harold C. Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly enjoy an extensive ac- quaintance in Richmond and the Bay cities. Mrs. Donnelly is a member of the Pythian Sisters and the Richmond Club. Fraternally, Mr. Donnelly is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. On April 8, 1915, he was elected dictator of the Richmond lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose.
JOHN RICHARD NYSTROM .- The late John Richard Nystrom, who died on December 24, 1913, was for many years numbered among the prominent and valued citizens of Richmond, where he was regarded as a pioneer set- tler, his residence there dating from the year 1871. From that time on he was active in the real-estate business as a developer of several subdivisions and tracts, and took a leading part in public affairs, lending the weight of his in- fluence to all projects for the advancement and growth of the community. He was a native of Finland, his birth having occurred on August 24, 1848. His parents, John and Johanna (Kallis) Nystrom, died in their native country. In their family were eight children, of whom the subject of this review was the eldest. John Richard Nystrom acquired his very early education under the instruction of his mother, and later entirely by his own efforts in private study. When he was twenty-three years of age he emigrated to America, making a permanent location in California. Previous to this, however, he traveled over a large portion of the world, visiting the Land of the Midnight Sun, and then journeying far enough south to see the Southern Cross. Hav-
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ing heard a great deal of the wonderful resources and matchless climate of California, he finally decided to locate in this State, and after his arrival was first employed in boating on the bay. He had been a sailor before the mast, and in his new work took charge of the vessel of his former captain, for whom he carried on a freighting business for nine years. In the meantime he had purchased seventy acres of land in what is now Richmond. After retiring from boating he farmed this tract until 1903, when he subdivided the property and sold it for building lots, retaining a piece for his own home. All of the land is within the corporate limits of Richmond. It is now fully de- veloped, and on it many houses are built. In addition to this, Mr. Nystrom had an interest in seven other subdivisions in Richmond, and did some im- portant work in the line of land development. He was a member of the Richmond Industrial Commission and a director of the Mechanics Bank of Richmond. In 1881 he was married to Miss Mary Griffins, a daughter of Owen and Kate (Evans) Griffins, both of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Nystrom became the parents of twelve children-Alfred, John, Edwin, Mary E., Mabel, Alice, William, Louise, Hazel, Edna, Raymond, and Richard. The last-named has passed away. Mr. Nystrom was a member of the Masonic fraternity, having become a Royal Arch Mason at Berkeley, and a Knight Templar at Oakland. He was a trustee in the Presbyterian church of Richmond. He gave his political allegiance to the Republican party, hav- ing served for fifteen years as school director, and for a long period as a member of the city council.
ROY LEMOIN .- One of the most able, progressive, and enterprising young men in public life in Contra Costa County is Roy Lemoin, of Richmond, now creditably serving as chief of the Richmond fire department. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 30, 1876. He came from a family of fire-fighters. His father, Henry W. Lemoin, was a prominent factor in the Grand Rapids fire department, and has served as chief for thirty-seven years. He is still living in Grand Rapids, is an active member of the department, retaining his position of chief, and has the distinction of being one of the oldest volunteer members in the State. The subject of this sketch since his appointment as chief has discharged his important duties to the entire satis- faction of the people of Richmond. He received his education in the public schools of his native town. At an early age he learned the plumbing trade and later became identified with telephone work, having charge of cable con- struction work for some years. He then entered the fire-alarm service in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he remained for nearly three years. In Oc- tober, 1905, he removed to Oakland, where he followed his trade as plumber for two years. He then became identified with the city of Oakland, in the city fire bureau, for nearly three years. Mr. Lemoin then accepted a position with the Gorham Engineering & Fire Apparatus Company, as salesman and dem- onstrator of motor fire apparatus. He resigned this position later to accept a
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better one with the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company, the pioneer fire-alarm telegraph company of the world. During his stay with the latter company he acted as salesman and superintendent of construction, and on August II, 1913, sold to the city of Richmond its present fire-alarm system, for $28,500. Chief Lemoin took charge of the construction work, and had the system installed July 1, 1914. Mr. Lemoin's record is that of a self-made man who has won recognition and success entirely by his own efforts and wisely directed energy. He was united in marriage to Miss Ethel H. Wells, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 28, 1898. Their children are Howard, born January, 1901; Wells, born October 20, 1904; Jack, born January 26, 1908. Fraternally, Chief Lemoin is a member of the B. P. O. E. and K. of P. of Richmond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lemoin have an extensive acquaintance in the Bay cities. Mrs. Lemoin is a soloist of ability, and leads the choir at the Christian church at Berkeley.
SAMUEL F. JENKINS, a highly respected and representative citizen of Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of postmaster of Richmond, having been appointed to that office on April 10, 1910. His birth occurred February 4, 1873, at Elmira, New York. He acquired his education in the public and private schools of New Mexico and Kansas. He read law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with R. W. D. Bryan, and was admitted to the bar in 1894. He removed to Larned, Kansas, where he prac- ticed his profession for two years, and in 1900 he located in Richmond, where he became prominently identified and followed contracting. In April, 1910, he was appointed postmaster. In July, 1912, the Point Richmond postoffice was consolidated with the Richmond office, and both offices are now under the supervision of Mr. Jenkins. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republi- can party. Fraternally, he belongs to the B. P. O. E. and the Modern Wood- men of America. Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Daisie McCrea, of Ogden, Utah, September 12, 1894. To this union have been born two chil- dren, Merle and Stanley. Mr. Jenkins is a man of exemplary habits, strict in- tegrity, and strong personality, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
IRA RAYMOND VAUGHN was made city treasurer of Richmond on April I, 1913, and this important position he has held ever since, discharging his duties in a prompt, capable, and reliable manner. Previous to taking this of- fice he held a position of trust and responsibility for four years with the Standard Oil Company, in the auditing department. Mr. Vaughn was born in Eagleville, Modoc County, California, April 16, 1885. He acquired his edu- cation in the public schools, and attended high school in Santa Rosa, later taking a business course in Oakland. He then became identified with the Santa Fe Railroad at Richmond, and later went with the Standard Oil Com- pany. On July 1, 1910, he was appointed city clerk, which office he filled to
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the credit of Richmond until April 1, 1913, when he was made city treasurer. Politically, Mr. Vaughn is affiliated with the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, the Moose, and the Modern Woodmen of the World. He was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Eleanor Mitchell, of Tulare County, California, June 24, 1906. Mr. Vaughn has many friends in Richmond, by all of whom he is respected and highly esteemed. He stands for progress at all times, and seeks his own success and the city's advancement along lines of activity which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
BETHOLD SCHMIDT, engaged in the merchant tailoring business in Richmond, is a native of Germany, and since his residence in Richmond, dating from May, 1914, he has gained wide prominence in his chosen field. He was born at Weimar, Germany, March 26, 1876. He acquired his education in the old country, and at an early age he learned the ladies' and gentle- men's tailoring business. Mr. Schmidt has held responsible positions in the various tailoring establishments in France. He came to America in 1911 and located in Merced, California, where he remained for a time, and then re- turned to Germany, where he remained for three years. Again he came to this country and located in Richmond, where his establishment has advanced from an humble beginning to its present large proportions. Mr. Schmidt was married in Germany in 1905, to Miss Helen Legue, a native of Holland. To this union there have been three children-Anna, born August 8, 1906; Wolf- gang, born August 5, 1908; Lucy, born August 1, 1911. Mr. Schmidt served for a period of two years in the German army. Since his residence in Rich- mond he has won a place among the substantial citizens of his community.
ARTHUR C. FARIS .- Among the men who, by reason of their personal integrity, ability, and business enterprise, have come to be regarded as rep- resentative citizens is Arthur C. Faris, the present city clerk of Richmond. He is a native of Aurora, Nebraska, born August 29, 1878. His parents moved from Nebraska to southern Oregon in 1888. His father died when Arthur C. was a lad of thirteen years of age. His father was numbered among the highly esteemed men of Medford, Oregon, and held the office of city recorder for some years. The subject of this sketch at an early age entered the gro- cery store of Davis-Pottenger Company and acted as bookkeeper and clerk for two years. He then attended business college and removed to Fresno in 1897, entering the grocery store of John C. Nourse as clerk. Later he went with the Hughes Laundry, of Fresno, and there he became connected with the Fresno fire department. He removed to Richmond in August, 1901, and was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad as brakeman. He was afterward promoted to freight conductor, and in 1908 again promoted to passenger conductor. In October he was injured by a piece of steel entering his eye, which impaired his sight. He was appointed city clerk on April 1, 1913, which
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position he has since held. Politically, Mr. Faris is a Republican. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. and the Moose lodge of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Carpenter, formerly a teacher in the Fresno High School, September 26, 1906. To this union was born one daugh- ter, Elizabeth Maradean, December 22, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Faris manifest at all times a public-spirited devotion to the general good of Richmond.
JAMES A. McVITTIE, a man well known in Contra Costa County for his public spirit, his broad views, and his excellent business ability, is now acting in an efficient manner as city auditor of Richmond. He was born in Parkers- burg, West Virginia, February 5, 1885. He acquired his education in Hamil- ton, Ontario, in the public schools and business college of that city, gradu- ating from the latter in 1903. He removed to Richmond and became asso- ciated with the Standard Oil Company as clerk, and filled the position in a most efficient manner for seven years. On July 1, 1910, Mr. McVittie was ap- pointed city auditor of Richmond, which office he has since filled. Fraternal- ly, he is affiliated with Mckinley Lodge No. 374, F. & A. M., Twilight Lodge No. 119, I. O. O. F. of Richmond, Contra Costa Encampment No. 99, I. O. O. F., and Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E. Politically, he is a standard- bearer of the Republican party. Mr. McVittie's father, George McVittie, has been identified with the Standard Oil Company for many years, starting in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and has filled positions of trust and responsibil- ity all over the United States. The mother of our subject was Florence Mc- Vittie, a native of West Virginia. She passed away in Parkersburg in 1888.
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