USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 47
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CHARLES R. BLAKE, M. D., in the practice of his profession, having spe- cialized to a great extent on the eye, ear, nose, and throat, is acknowledged today as one of the most skillful and successful practitioners in the Bay cit- ies. At the present time he is acting as health commissioner of Richmond, having been appointed by the city council in 1907. He was born in Visalia, California, September 9, 1869. He acquired his education in the public schools and colleges of California. He attended the medical department of the Uni- versity of California, graduating with his class in 1891. Upon completing his course he immediately started to practice his profession, and in 1903 he re- moved to Richmond, California, where he has since resided. The Doctor is progressive in thought, as well as active, and believes in keeping abreast with the latest ideas and discoveries in his profession. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and has taken the Royal Arch degrees. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., and the Woodmen of the World. Socially, he is a member of the University of California Club. Politically, he believes in the doctrines of the Republican party. Doctor Blake was united in marriage to Miss Lillian M. Hoogs, of Oakland, California, in 1898. Their one son, Herbert, was born December 30, 1900. Doctor Blake has made many friends since coming to Richmond, and all admire him for his steadfastness
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of purpose, his determination, his industry, and his business and professional ability.
ALFEUS ODELL .- In all the Bay cities no man is more conspicuous for progress and fair dealing, nor no man has done more for the development of the educational, religious, and commercial interests of Richmond, than has the subject of this sketch. Mr. Odell is a native of Thorntown, Indiana, where his birth occurred on February 7, 1836. He was educated in the Thorn- town Academy and Asbury University. After the completion of his educa- tion, he took up teaching with gratifying success, and followed this vocation most of his life. He came to San Pablo in 1898. In 1900 he removed to what is now Richmond, and established a residence in 1901. He has the distinction of teaching the first school in Richmond, which position he filled in a most satisfactory manner. He saw the possibilities of Richmond, and engaged in the real-estate business with his son. Mr. Odell was the first agitator in ref- erence to incorporating the town, and wrote and circulated the first petition, and led the fight before the Supervisors. He also wrote the petition for an- nexation, and fixed the boundaries of the city, which continued until the last annexation was made, in 1913. He was very active, and one of the first to ad- vocate the tunnel through the mountain for a municipal wharf. He gave a great deal of time and attention and called the first meeting to institute a Masonic lodge, and was one of the prime movers for the erection of the Methodist church, serving as its first Sunday-school superintendent. Frater- nally, Mr. Odell is a Mason, and a charter member of the Eastern Star. He was united in marriage to Miss M. Julia Archer, of Spencer, Indiana, Novem- ber 29, 1862. To this union have been born six children- Clarence A., an at- torney of Richmond; Lola, wife of C. Mackay, of Richmond (deceased); J. Winifred Stidhman, of Richmond; Stella W. Logan, of Salinas, California; and two who died in infancy. Mr. Odell is a man of energy, resource, and ca- pacity, and whether in business or social relations holds the good-will and confidence of all who are associated with him.
VIRGIL AUGUSTUS PHILLIPS, inspector of the bureau of identification of Contra Costa County, residing in Richmond, is a man well qualified for the important position which he holds. When Mr. Phillips assumed his du- ties he took hold of the office with the firm resolution of keeping the detec- tive bureau up to a high standard of efficiency. During his administration many important and intricate cases have come under his supervision. He is a native of Boone County, Missouri, and was born on December 10, 1877. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native State. At an early age he became associated for some years with the Kansas City Southern and the Missouri Pacific railroads out of Kansas City. He removed to Richmond in 1906, where he became associated with the Standard Oil Company for a period of five years. In October, 1911, he was appointed on the Richmond
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police force, and on July I, 1914, was promoted to inspector of the bureau of identification, which office he now holds. Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Lena La Force, a native of Missouri, March 8, 1907. She is of French ancestry and a descendant of one of the oldest families of Missouri. Their one son, Donald, was born January 31, 1910. Mr. Phillips is a member of Mc- Kinley Lodge, F. & A. M., of Richmond. His great-great-grandfather was one of the representative men of Missouri, and was one of the founders of the Missouri State University.
JOHN H. GREGORY, of Richmond, was elected constable in 1910, and his labors in this connection have since been of incalculable benefit in the work of moral uplift in his locality. He was born in Nashville, Lee County, Iowa, May 9, 1850. He came to California with his parents overland with an ox- team, taking six months to make the journey. The family landed in Ione, California, September 15, 1853. His father died in Ione in 1883, and his mother still resides on the old homestead, and has reached the age of eighty- eight years. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the com- mon schools of Amador County. He followed harnesswork for one year, then took up carpenterwork, which he followed for nine years, and then worked four years at blacksmithing. He was identified with the Ione Coal & Iron Company for fourteen years, and during that time had charge of twenty-two thousand sheep for his company. In 1902 he removed to Rich- mond and associated himself with the Standard Oil Company from June, 1902, until June, 1906, at which time he was elected city marshal. He served in this office two years, and was re-elected and served one year up to the time the charter was established, when he was elected constable, which office he has held in a most gratifying manner. Mr. Gregory has achieved success in his official positions. Under him lawlessness in Richmond has been kept down. Politically, he is a Republican, but of late he is a non- partisan. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Richmond, the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias, the Pythian Sisters, the Macca- bees, Palm and Shell, the Eagles, the Odd Fellows, and the Knights of the Acerian Cross. Mr. Gregory has been identified with the Masons for forty years, and with the Odd Fellows for thirty-five years, and has held various offices in the different lodges of which he is a member. On June 10, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Eleanor Kirby, a native daughter, of Ione, California, who died November 10, 1914. Four children have been born to this union.
ROBERT L. FERNALD, a highly respected and representative citizen of Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of city councilman, having been elected to that office in April, 1913, for a six- year term. He was born near Lafayette, Indiana, January II, 1859, and was educated in Topeka, Kansas, where his parents removed in 1866. He gradu-
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ated from the Topeka High School in 1875. Mr. Fernald learned the car- penter trade with his father, and later took up the marble-cutting trade. He engaged with his brothers, W. H. and C. H., in the marble business in To- peka, where he remained two years. He sold his interest and removed to New Mexico, where he remained one year. He then returned to Topeka and engaged in the marble business for himself for two years, and removed to Dodge City, Kansas, and engaged with the Santa Fe Railroad. He then went to Los Angeles for a time, but returned to Topeka, where he operated a grocery store for five years. This he sold and returned to Los Angeles and engaged in the grocery business there. Three years later Mr. Fernald was again employed by the Santa Fe Railroad, and was transferred to various places. In July, 1900, he came to Richmond as car foreman. He later went to Oakland in the planing-mill business for one year. Returning to Richmond, he was interested for five years with Tilden & Eakle. Owing to his health, he disposed of his interest and went to Los Angeles. Returning to Rich- mond, he has since been engaged in contracting. He served one year as street superintendent, and in April, 1913, was elected councilman. Mr. Fer- nald is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 13, K. of P., and has served as master of finance since the lodge started, eleven years ago. He is president of the Richmond K. of P. Hall Association, and a member of the Brother- hood of American Yeomen. He was married to Miss Eva Estella Wild, a native of New York State, March 14, 1883. Their two children are Grace, wife of B. C. Dailey, of Berkeley, born June 9, 1884, and Roy C., born No- vember 19, 1889, at present deputy assessor and tax-collector of Richmond, also worthy patron of the Eastern Star and holds, membership and office in Mckinley Lodge, F. & A. M., of Richmond.
JOHN ROTH, the efficient justice of the peace of Richmond, is popularly and widely known in Contra Costa County. The width of the continent sep- arates him from his birthplace, for he is a native of Pennsylvania, born De- cember 17, 1846. He attended the public schools of his native place, and when a mere boy became identified with the Western Union Telegraph Company, filling positions at various points in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He came west in 1865 and located near Cache Creek, Yolo County, California, where he became interested in agricultural pursuits. In 1901 he removed to Richmond, where he filled various positions of trust. He represented Tulare, Kern, and Inyo counties in the State legislature for one term. In 1906 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he has held ever since. In political matters Judge Roth is a staunch Democrat, and he has a well- earned reputation for unfailing good-nature, thus enjoying wide popularity. He is, moreover, regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of Contra Costa County, his record at all times being an honor and a credit to the peo- ple of Richmond that honored him with his present office. Judge Roth was united in marriage on January I, 1887, to Johanna A. Henry, a native of
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New York State. To this union has been born five children, all living- George, who resides in Los Angeles, California; Ruby, wife of John Gal- braith, of Richmond, California; Elizabeth, wife of William Sutherland, re- siding at Brea, California; Barbara, who has been identified with the Me- chanics Bank of Richmond for over eight years; Walter, an electrician, of Richmond. Judge Roth is affiliated with the Masonic and the I. O. O. F. lodges of Richmond.
WILLIAM LINDSEY .- Among the men whose enterprise and ability have been active factors in promoting the remarkable growth of Richmond is numbered William Lindsey. He was born in England, April 22, 1839. His father, Edward Lacklin Lindsey, was the owner and captain of the ship "Palmyra," and he had the distinction of carrying the first prisoners from England to Botany Bay, Australia. Mr. Lindsey's father came to America from England in his own ship, and located in San Francisco, where he en- gaged in the lumber and brick business. He was a well-known and represen- tative business men of that city for many years, and died in 1852. The moth- er of Mr. Lindsey (Virginia) died in 1900. The subject of this sketch is the last of seven children. He was educated in San Francisco. In 1865 he entered the real-estate business in San Francisco, following this vocation for many years. Owing to poor health, he removed to Belmont, San Mateo County, where he remained for two years, and in 1899 engaged in the real-estate bus- iness in Richmond for a time. Later he was elected justice of the peace on an independent ticket, and was afterward appointed police judge, which of- fice he has had for three terms. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republi- can party, and in matters of citizenship he manifests a progressive and pub- lic-spirited interest. Mr. Lindsey was united in marriage to Augusta Anna Batchelor in 1867, and they became the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living. His wife died on September 6, 1913.
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WILLIAM F. RUST .- The life record of William F. Rust entitles him pre- eminently to the distinctive title of one of the "builders" of the town which bears his name, and he has contributed a notable share to the material pro- gress of Contra Costa County. He has been a resident of the county since 1883, has been a substantial influence for the upbuilding of Rust, and pos- sesses the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. Mr. Rust was born in Ger- many, November 27, 1854. He acquired his schooling in the old country, and at a comparatively young age learned the blacksmithing trade in his native land. He followed this for some time, and in 1880 he migrated to America and located in Chicago, where he readily found employment at his trade. He remained in Chicago for one year. He then went to Wyoming for the United States Government, in the quartermaster's department. He remained in Wyoming for some time, and was transferred to Arizona, where he worked at his trade for the Government, remaining there one year. He then re-
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moved to California and located in San Francisco, following his trade for three years. His good business judgment prompted him to locate in Contra Costa County in 1883, where the town of Rust is now located. Here in 1889 he established a blacksmith-shop, which he continued until 1901. He then disposed of his shop and erected the most imposing block in Rust, engaging in the hardware business. A post-office was established here and Mr. Rust was appointed the first post-master. He continued to operate the hardware store until January 1, 1914, when he disposed of his interest and retired. Politically, Mr. Rust is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. Fraternally, he has been affiliated with the Independent Order of United Workmen for twenty-six years. He is also a member of Hermann's Sons, and has been honored with the highest office in that order, grand president. In 1886 Mr. Rust was united in marriage to Lina Wagner, a native of Ger- many, and two children have blessed this union, William G., a plumber, and Herman, an electrician. Mrs. Rust passed away on June 13, 1914, in her fifty- sixth year. She was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends won in the course of a long and useful life. Her funeral was largely attended, and among the many floral tributes laid upon the casket were some from those in hum- ble positions who had found in her a true and loving friend. She had always been active in the social and church work of the German faith. She was for many years a member of the sister lodge of Hermann's Sons.
JAMES HOEY, one of the highly esteemed and respected citizens of Con- tra Costa County, engaged in the grocery business in Martinez for thirty- seven years. To him belongs the title of self-made man, for, starting out in life without experience or resources, he has through his own energies risen to be one of the leading business men of Martinez. He was born on March 2, 1856, in Ireland. He received a limited education in the old country, and when a young man he came to America alone and went directly to Martinez, where his uncle, John Colman, was engaged in business. Here he remained in the employ of his uncle for five years. He then engaged in the grocery business and has remained in this business, with the exception of four years, when he went to San Francisco and took a position in the United States Mint under President Cleveland's administration. Politically, Mr. Hoey is a Democrat. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs in county, State, and national matters. For years he has loyally upheld his party, and has taken up many arduous duties in its support. He has served as secretary of the county committee for twenty years, and has been a delegate and at- tended every county convention and many State conventions since he was old enough to vote, but has never aspired to political office. He is a member of the K. of C. and the Y. M. I. He was united in marriage on November 9, 1881, to Mary Tormey. To this union have been born five children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are Mary Agnes, a teacher in the Con- cord public school; Hilda Genevieve, a high-school teacher at Gustine, Mer-
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ced County; and Villani Rosemond, an employee of the abstract office in Martinez. The family are members of the Catholic church.
MICHAEL HENRY HURLEY, a representative and esteemed citizen of Martinez, has held the office of county recorder since 1906, and has made a most creditable record in that connection. He was born in Lowell, Massa- chusetts, September 29, 1868, son of Michael and Margaret Hurley. His father died in 1886, and his mother died in 1902. There were eleven children born of this union, only three of whom are now living-John, of Martinez; Rose, wife of F. A. Milliff, of Kern County; and Michael Henry, the subject of this sketch. He acquired his education in the public schools of Martinez, where his parents removed in 1878. Mr. Hurley, after finishing his education, learned the printer's trade. Later he became identified with various business firms of Martinez and Oakland, where he occupied positions of trust. He was elected to the office of public administrator in 1902, serving one term, dis- charging his duties in such a satisfactory and commendable manner that he was elected to fill the office of county recorder in 1906, which position he now holds. He also filled the office of town clerk from 1892 to 1907. He was united in marriage to Miss Flora Irene Morford, a native of California, December 25, 1912. Fraternally he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of Vallejo and vari- ous other orders.
REX LADELL BOYER, who is successfully engaged in the practice of law in Martinez, is a man of clear, logical mind. He was born in Walla Wal- la, Washington, August 5, 1889, and was educated in the public schools of Concord, California. He later took a business course in Oakland and studied law under J. E. Rodgers. On May 1, 1912, he graduated from Kent Law School in San Francisco, and on the day of his graduation he was admitted to the bar. His father, Joel Jerome Boyer, is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother was born in Washington. When Mr. Boyer was but five years of age his parents removed to Lafayette, where his father followed agricultural pursuits and engaged extensively in the chicken business. Mr. Boyer is affili- iated with the Republican party. He was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff R. R. Veale, and while in this office he started and is still connected with the criminal identification known as the "Bertillon System," which is being successfully used throughout the country. He had made a study of this system in the Oakland police department. In May, 1913, he opened law of- fices in the Gazette building, in Martinez, where he has since engaged in general practice. In all social, official, and professional relations he has held steadily to high ideals, and has the confidence and regard of all who know him. Mr. Boyer, during the extra sessions of the Superior Court, acts as official stenographer. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Martinez, also of the K. of P., and has served as chancellor of the Martinez lodge of this order. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World.
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JOHN J. HAUSER has been connected with the business interests of Mar- tinez since January, 1907. He is one of the best-known undertakers in the Bay cities, and conducts one of the best appointed establishments in Contra Costa County. He was born in Napa County, September 27, 1881, and is a son of John and Mary Hauser. His father is a native of Germany; his mother came from Switzerland. His parents came to America in 1875, locating in Napa County, where his father died when John J. was but one and a half years of age, and his mother passed away when he was fifteen. Early in life he started for himself and decided to learn the undertaking business. In this connection he became identified with many of the leading establishments in California. He has won a well-merited measure of prosperity and has gained recognition among the substantial men in Contra Costa County. Mr. Hauser worked three years in San Francisco for leading establishments, and subse- quently filled positions in San Jose, Fresno, Alameda, and other places. He has passed the rigid examinations that qualify one for this work. On Janu- ary I, 1907, he removed to Martinez and became chief deputy coroner under Doctor C. L. Abbott. This position he has since held. He is a member of the State Funeral Directors' Association and the San Joaquin Funeral Asso- ciation, which embraces Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties. In both associations Mr. Hauser has held and is now holding important of- fices. Politically, he is a Republican, and takes an active part in the affairs of that party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows, and holds the office of noble grand in Martinez lodge. He is treasurer of Martinez Aerie, F. O. E., a member of the Mt. Diablo Parlor, N. S. G. W., the Rebekah lodge of Alhambra, Martinez Council, I. D. E. S., the Moose of Martinez, Laurel Camp of Woodmen of the World, and Alameda Tent K. O. T. M. Mr. Hauser was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adeline Pope, a native of Vallejo, Oc- tober 12, 1904. To this union has been born one son, Paul Herbert, who died at the age of two years. Mrs. Hauser is also active in club and social work, being a member and past president of Ramona Parlor, N. D. G. W. She also holds office in the Women's Improvement Club, and is a trustee of the La- dies' Institute.
JASPER HENRY WELLS .- One of the most valued and representative citizens of Martinez is Jasper Henry Wells, well known in official circles in Contra Costa County from his many years in continuous service as county clerk. He was born in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, January 27, 1871. He is the son of Philip and Margaret Wells. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother was from Illinois. There were six children born of this union -Eva, wife of C. A. Tarwater, of Concord; Lillie, of Concord; Myrtle, wife of John Sutton, of Berkeley; Ernest, who resides in Portland, Oregon; Sam- uel, of Martinez, who is deputy county clerk; and Jasper H., the subject of this sketch. He received his education in the public schools, after which he at- tended the San Francisco Business College, graduating from the latter in
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1898. After the death of Mr. Wells' father, which occurred in 1890, Jasper managed the ranch in a capable manner for the next eight years. He then completed his business course and entered the county clerk's office in the ca- pacity of deputy under J. E. Rodgers, serving until November 21, 1908, when he was appointed to fill the office of county clerk, owing to the resignation of Mr. Rodgers, who had taken up the law business as a profession. Mr. Wells has held the office continuously, and has made a conscientious and capable official, holding the confidence and good-will of all who are in any way associated with him. In politics Mr. Wells is affiliated with the Repub- lican party. Fraternally, he is a member of Pacheco Lodge No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Concord; Mount Diablo Parlor No. 101, Native Sons of the Golden West; Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E .; and Rebekah lodge of Con- cord. Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ardelia Webb, a daughter of Frank and Phoebe Webb, of Walnut Creek, January 8, 1902. To this union was born Melvin Thomas Wells, July 4, 1903. Mrs. Wells has won a wide circle of friends in Contra Costa County and throughout the State, as she is an active worker in the Congregational church and the Rebekah lodge of Concord. She is a graduate of the San Jose Normal School, and taught in Concord nearly seven years. Mr. Wells' mother was from one of the sturdy pioneer families who crossed the plains in an ox-team when she was but two years of age. Her parents settled in Contra Costa County, on what is known as the Government Ranch, which they later found was grant property; they then proceeded to Sonoma County.
HON. R. H. LATIMER .- Among the prominent and representative men of Contra Costa County, none stands higher nor posesses a wider circle of friends than the Honorable R. H. Latimer, superior judge of Contra Costa County, a self-made man who, by his natural leadership, initiative and un- swerving principles of honor, has risen from humble station through the sev- eral positions he has held from drug clerk to the office of superior judge of his adopted county. Judge Latimer is broad- and liberal-minded, absolutely fair and impartial in his judicial actions, and ever ready to mete out justice to the poor and needy. His record on the bench is one that any man might well feel proud to possess. His rulings have never been reversed. Judge Lat- imer was born near Miami, Missouri, January 28, 1854. He is the son of Ran- dalph Latimer, a pioneer farmer and surveyor, and a native of Virginia, born in 1800, and died August, 1861. He was a self-made man, beloved by all who knew him. He removed to Missouri, took up farming, and was numbered among the prominent men of that State. He served two terms in the State legislature of Kentucky, and the year of his death was nominated in Mis- souri to run on the legislative ticket, but owing to ill health he was obliged to decline. Judge Latimer's mother, Nancy Latimer, was a native of Virginia and reared in Kentucky. The parents of Judge Latimer were married in Ken- tucky, and had fourteen children, only two of whom are now living, the sub-
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