USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 50
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DAVID FRANKEL .- The history of David Frankel, of Pittsburg, Califor- nia, is that of a representative business man of the West, alert and energetic.
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He has certainly won a place among the leading and progressive business men of Contra Costa County. Mr. Frankel was born in Germany, October 10, 1874. He acquired his education in the old country, and after coming to America he pursued his studies in the public schools of San Francisco. Early in life he learned the painting and decorating trade in his native land. He followed this business for about fourteen years. In 1904 he removed to Con- tra Costa County. Previous to coming here he operated a store in Mariposa County, which he conducted with gratifying success. On taking up his resi- dence in Pittsburg he engaged in business to a successful degree. Politically, Mr. Frankel is affiliated with the Republican party. He was elected April 10, 1916, as one of Pittsburg's city trustees for the four-year term. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 18, of Pittsburg. He is also a member of the Foresters of America, Golden West Court No. 20, of San Francisco. Mr. Frankel was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Olander, a daughter of Isaac and Minnie Olander, January 12, 1902. To this union have been two children-Minnie, born in San Francisco, January 22, 1903, and Bessie, born in Pittsburg, California, November 13, 1906. Mrs. Frankel is also known in club circles and holds membership in the Pythian Sisters. Mr. Frankel has been an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and has held the office of inside guard, at present acting as outside guard. He has shown himself able and faithful in the discharge of public duties, and has gained the indorsement of the people of his locality, both in a business and political way. Both daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Frankel are popular, and are musicians of considerable ability.
JOSEPH PAZZI is one of the prominent and well-known business men of Bay Point. His record is that of a self-made man who has won success in the business world entirely by his own efforts. He was born in Italy on Jan- uary 1, 1881. He received a limited education in the old country. He came to America on April 17, 1906. At the age of fifteen he went to England and re- mained in that country until he was twenty-five years of age. He was iden- tified with the confectionery business in England, and coming to the United States, he located at Jerome, Arizona, where he remained for a few months. He removed to Contra Costa County and operated a meat market at Point Richmond, and then entered the same business in Bay Point. He then went into the general merchandise business at Bay Point. He has many friends in the county and among the business men, and is trusted by all because of his high principles. Mr. Pazzi was united in marriage to Ernestine Miller, a native of France. To this union have been born three children-Marguerite, Florence, and Ernestine. Mr. Pazzi is public-spirited and interested in all matters that are to the interest and for the welfare of the community in which he lives.
CAPTAIN JOHN B. TURNER was one of the oldest residents of Antioch. In early days-the '50s-he was captain of a steamboat called the "Antioch"
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which plied between Antioch and Collinsville. It was his delight to relate incidents of early California history in which he took part and tell anecdotes of the prominent men of that time, with most of whom he had a personal acquaintance. The bell in the belfry of the Antioch Methodist church was once on the old schoolhouse, then opposite the present school, and was at one time his property away back in the '50s when the bell was used on steam- boats instead of a whistle. He left a large family that was his particular pride. He taught his family one principle that is frequently overlooked. They have the true family affection and love for each other. They are as closely knit by the bonds of love and affection, due to the family tie, as any family we have known. His father, Thomas Turner, was a pioneer of the great West, and built the first fort in Missouri, during the Black Hawk War. The decedent, John B. Turner, came to California in 1849, and settled on the San Joaquin, where, with his two brothers, he was connected with the cattle business. In 1863 he moved to Antioch and engaged in the steamboat busi- ness in company with his brother, Captain Abe Turner. His wife, who was Miss Maria Fleming, was born in Dunsmore, Galway County, Ireland, in 1847, and sailed for San Francisco with friends in 1869. A short time after- ward she came to Antioch, where she met Captain J. B. Turner, of the ferry steamer "Antioch," and following a short courtship was married to the prominent river man. Never was there a more devoted mother, whose every thought was for her children, while the latter always considered her com- fort. They left a large family to mourn them-eight boys and three girls: Thomas, John B., George A., James T., Lillie E., William G., Frank M., Bert, Ruth, Ben, and Sadie.
ALVA SHERMAN SHERLOCK, a practicing attorney of Concord, has won success at the bar and is numbered among the able representatives of the legal fraternity in Contra Costa County. His birth occurred in Zanes- ville, Ohio, September 26, 1869; his parents being Abraham and Adeline (Sandel) Sherlock. Alva S. attended grammar school in Poneshiek County, Iowa, where his parents removed in 1875. His father was a farmer and died in 1882. The mother is now residing in Chicago. There were seven children born in the parents' family, and all are living. Hugh, a rancher, at Madrone; Lewis F., a rancher, residing near San Jose; and Roy W., a resident of San Francisco, identified with the S. P. R. R., are the only ones residing in Cali- fornia. The subject of this review studied law under H. A. Haines, of Chi- cago, and was admitted to the bar in Chicago and admitted to practice be- fore the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1897. He was united in marriage to Miss May B. Kent Mcleod in Chicago, September 26, 1901. Mr. Sherlock practiced his profession in Chicago for a period of nine years. In 1906 he re- moved to Newport, Washington, and represented many large mining inter- ests of that State. He was admitted to practice in that State on motion or license from Illinois. He served in the Spanish-American War and was a
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member of Troop F. of the First Illinois Cavalry. He served from April 26, 1898, to October II, 1898. He went to Chickamauga Park, Georgia, a training camp, and was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan October II, 1898. He served as city attorney at Newport, Washington, from January, 1908, to Jan- uary, 1910. He also served as city attorney at Deer Park, Washington, from February 5, 1910, to February 7, 1911. He incorporated the town of Ione, Washington, and rendered legal services to many towns and corporations during his stay in Washington. Mr. Sherlock gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party. He was a candidate for the House of Representa- tives from the sixtieth district, Washington, in 1912. He removed to Spokane in June, 1913, and remained in that city until May, 1915, when he came to Cal- ifornia. Mr. Sherlock was admitted to the bar of this State on June II, 1915, and admitted on motion August 1, 1915. He opened an office in Concord, in the Bank of Concord building, where he has done a general law business with gratifying success, and on April roth he was appointed city attorney. Fraternally, Mr. Sherlock is affiliated with the Royal Arcanum No. 1622, of San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock have one daughter, May Ruth, born in Chicago, August 15, 1902. Mrs. Sherlock's father, Frederick Kent, was a native of New York State and died there. Her mother was Jennie (McLeod) Kent-Tresham, a native of Ohio, who died in 1913. Both parents of Mrs. Sherlock were well-known theatrical people of the early days and made a success all over the United States. They had the respect and esteem of all who knew them, and they used to tell of their many reminiscences of the early days.
EUGENE BLYTHE ANDERSON has for a number of years been con- nected with educational work in Contra Costa County. He was born on January 25, 1857, at Petaluma, California. His parents were William L. and Emma R. (Ferguson) Anderson, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky. After pursuing his studies in the public schools Mr. An- derson attended and graduated from Christian's College of Santa Rosa. At an early age he began to teach school, and followed this vocation for over seventeen years in Sacramento, Contra Costa, and Lake counties. He be- came one of the eminent educational authorities in this county, and for many years served on the county educational board. In 1898 Mr. Anderson en- gaged in fruit-growing extensively, and owns ninety acres of fruit adjoining the town of Walnut Creek, which he has brought up to a high state of cul- tivation. He specializes in prunes and pears, and handles five hundred tons of dried fruits annually. He has two drying plants and uses ten thousand drying trays in order to dry his fruit. He is a large realty dealer in Rich- mond, having $50,000 invested in real estate. He is proprietor of the Ander- son Hotel, located at Point Richmond, and is recognized in business circles as a resourceful and discriminating man, whose integrity is beyond question. Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat, but he has never been active along
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party lines, and has never aspired to any political office. He represented Contra Costa County for fifteen years on the California Development Board, which was an honorary position. On June 14, 1888, he was united in marriage to Lena C. Jones, a native of Contra Costa County, and daughter of John M. Jones of Alamo. Their one adopted daughter, Rosalie, was born in 1900. Mrs. Anderson, previous to her marriage, was connected with educational work in this county. She taught school in Walnut Creek district for twenty years; she served on the board of education for some years after her resig- nation. Mr. Anderson is identified fraternally with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Alamo Lodge No. 122. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the Eastern Star, and has held the office of worthy matron of her lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are held in high esteem in the community by all who know them.
CHARLES DUNN is an active and enterprising representative of business interests of Concord, being identified with the wholesale and retail butcher business. His birth occurred in Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California, October 14, 1867, his parents being Lemuel J. and Asenith (Millard) Dunn. Mr. Dunn's father crossed the plains during the pioneer days of California, and his mother, accompanied by her father, came to this State via the Isth- mus route. His parents were married in Contra Costa County and had five children; his brother, Davis, died in 1906. The subject of this review ac- quired his education in the public schools of Contra Costa County, after which he took a business course at Heald's Business College. Laying aside his books, Mr. Dunn became identified with agricultural pursuits. This he followed up to 1900, when he removed to Concord and worked for Randall Brothers for a period of ten years in the warehouse. He held the position as bookkeeper in Randall Brothers' general merchandise store for two years, and then became identified with Foskett, Elworthy & Keller, in the meat business. Mr. Dunn, with H. P. Brubeck and Joseph Levada, bought out this firm in May, 1911, and they have since continued in the wholesale and retail meat business. Mr. Dunn is progressive and he has succeeded in life for the reason that he has always ceaselessly applied himself to his busi- ness. The firm follows the most honorable methods, and its members are well worthy of the confidence and respect which they enjoy in their com- munity. The father of Mr. Dunn died in 1870; his mother is still living; she was twice married, the second union being to Austin Dorman, of Concord. The subject of our review was united in wedlock to Laura E. Jaquith, of Concord, in 1895, and her death occurred in 1900. Mr. Dunn's second mar- riage was to Victoria M. Railsback, a native of Indiana. To the first union there were two children-Lemuel, born in March, 1897, and Laura E., born September, 1898. By the second marriage there were four children-Ruth E., Ellen G., Esther B., and Mildred Pearl. Mr. Dunn gives his political al- legiance to the Democratic party. He is now serving as town trustee, being
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elected to that office in April, 1914, for the four-year term. Fraternally, he is a member of the Red Men, the Native Sons, and the Woodmen of the World. The grandfather of Mr. Dunn came to California and located in Sacramento in 1852, where he died of cholera. His wife and two sons removed to San Jose. All the worldly possessions they had consisted of two yoke of oxen. With no money or food, the boys started out and found employment at freighting. Mr. Dunn's father was one of these boys. By his determination to win, he saved up some money and removed to Lafayette, where he even- tually bought land. He was a man of culture and progressive views, and was recognized as one of tried integrity and worth.
FRED J. WEBER is an active representative of business interests in Con- tra Costa County, being located at San Pablo. His father, Frank Weber, was a native of Germany, and died in 1896. Mr. Weber's mother was Julia (Wil- lem) Weber, also a native of Germany. In 1856 Mr. Weber's father came to America and located in San Francisco. The parents were married in San Francisco, and six children were born to this union. A brother, Frank J. Weber, is associated with our subject in the meat business. Fred J. Weber was educated in the public schools, after which he assisted on the home ranch until 1902, when he and his brother Frank engaged in the meat busi- ness, and by straightforward and honorable business methods have now a place among the prominent and well-to-do business men of the county. They have a well-equipped market, and operate their plant for handling and killing stock. There are four sisters-Reca, Julia (wife of Frank Schrick, of San Francisco), Lillie (wife of James Murphy, of Sacramento), and Louisa. Mr. Weber's father owned one hundred acres of general farming land, which has since been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Fred J. Weber is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never aspired to any political office. He has served on the local school board, and is interested in matters for the betterment of local conditions. He is a member of the Foresters, the Odd Fellows, and the Native Sons. His brother, Frank J. Weber, is also a member of the Foresters and the Native Sons.
WALTER A. ROGERS .- Among the men who by reason of their ability and business enterprise have come to be regarded as representative citizens and leading business men of Contra Costa County is numbered Walter A. Rogers, who for many years has been engaged in the hotel business at Wal- nut Creek. He is a son of William B. Rogers, who was born in Ripley Coun- ty, Indiana, June 26, 1827. When fifteen years old William B. Rogers, the fa- ther of Walter A. Rogers, went to Burlington, Iowa, where he attended school during the winter months and farmed in the summer. In 1846 he pro- ceeded to Van Buren County and learned the cooper's trade. The same year he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Shaffer. In 1852 he crossed the plains, arriving in Drytown, Amador County, California, October 20, 1852. He at
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once opened a laundry. In the fall of 1852 he erected the Iowa Hotel at Em- pire City, and a year later he removed to San Ramon Valley. In 1856 he com- menced farming, which he followed until 1867. Mr. Rogers then removed to Walnut Creek In 1861 he went to San Francisco and engaged in the draying business from 1870 to 1878. He served on the San Francisco police force, where he was widely known as an energetic and efficient officer. In 1880 he again removed to Walnut Creek and erected the Rogers Hotel. In 1870 Mr. Rogers was married to his second wife, Elizabeth Anderson. To the first union were born five children, two of whom died in infancy, Mary, who died at the age of sixteen, and William. William served as sheriff of Contra Costa County for three terms, and was succeeded by R. R. Veale. He was after- wards constable of Martinez, and later he became identified with the South- ern Pacific Company, when his health failed and he died in 1913. Walter A. Rogers received his education in the public schools of San Francisco and Contra Costa County. After acquiring his education he followed various vo- cations. In 1881 he returned to Walnut Creek and bought his brother's inter- est in the hotel, and, associated with his father, continued to operate the ho- tel until 1892, when he bought the interest of his father, who retired. The hotel is one of the leading hotels around the Bay district and popular with auto- mobile parties. The hotel contains forty rooms, and has always been kept up to the highest standard. Walter A. Rogers was united in marriage to Anna Buck, a native of Kansas, in 1902. To this union one son, Walter A., Jr., was born on November 9, 1909. Mr. Rogers gives his political allegiance to the Republican party. He served as deputy constable under his brother for some years. He has always co-operated with any movements that tend to the up- building and substantial improvements of his city, and manifests at all times a public-spirited devotion to the general good of the county. Mr. Rogers is the only survivor of his family.
ORVILLE E. HAYWARD began his independent career at an early age and his record furnishes a splendid example of the value of energy, perseverance, and resolution in the attainment of success. He was born in Macoupin Coun- ty, Illinois, in 1852, a son of Ansel and Rebecca (Silsby) Hayward. His fa- ther was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother was a native of Illinois. Mr. Hayward's father died in 1862, and his mother passed away in 1863. The subject of this review acquired his education in the Blackburn University of Illinois and on coming to California he took a course in a business college of San Francisco. His health failed and he removed to Sonora County, where he remained until 1881. The same year he purchased ten acres of land two miles from Martinez. He undertook farming in principle and detail, and his experience and practical methods brought him gratifying results. He now owns thirty acres of the most valuable land in the Alhambra Valley, and is considered one of the leading horticulturists in the county. Mr. Hayward was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Bagge, of Oakland, March 28, 1883.
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To this union were born two children. Mrs. Hayward's father was one of the foremost men of Oakland. He was a large realty holder both in city and country lands. He served as land agent for the San Francisco Savings Union for a period of twenty-five years. He owned much of the land where Elm- hurst is now located. He died on May 17, 1901, and Mrs. Hayward's mother died in 1907. Mr. Hayward is especially prominent and active in the affairs of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in 1896. He is now serving as secre- tary of Martinez Lodge No. 41, the oldest lodge in Contra Costa County. Mrs. Hayward also takes an active interest in Masonic affairs, and has the honor of being secretary of the order of Eastern Star of Martinez, and is a past matron of Los Ceritos Chapter No. 234.
CHARLES H. GUY, a representative and esteemed citizen of Concord, and who is now holding the office as postmaster of that town, has made a most creditable record in that connection. Under his management the post-office has had a substantial growth. Mr. Guy was born in Nortonville, Contra Cos- ta County, December 22, 1879. He is a son of John W. and Lavinia T. (Mc- Cain) Guy. His father was a native of Alabama and a Civil War veteran. He died in 1910. Mr. Guy's mother was a native of Tennessee. The parents re- moved to Contra Costa County in 1870. The father of Mr. Guy was a car- penter and contractor and was identified with the coal mines of this county, and was timber boss for many years. He later served as county coroner and conducted an undertaking business. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Concord; finishing his education, he be- came associated with the United Railroads and the gas company of San Francisco for a period of four years. In 1908 he returned to Contra Costa County and learned the undertaking business with his father. At the time of his father's death Mr. Guy took in two partners, and the firm name became Guy, Palmer & Ford. Mr. Guy was appointed postmaster by President Wil- son on July 8, 1914, and took office on September I of that year. He served as town clerk for two years and resigned, owing to the duties connected with his office as postmaster. Fraternally, Mr. Guy is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E., a member of Concord Parlor No. 245, Native Sons, the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the I. D. E. S., and the U. P. E. C. He was united in marriage on April 19, 1910, to Miss Amelia Ga- lindo, of Concord. Mrs. Guy holds membership in the Women of Woodcraft. Mr. Guy is a useful and valued citizen, and his appointment to the position of postmaster of Concord was met with the ready approval of all the residents of his town. Those who know him personally find him a genial and courteous gentleman and value his friendship most highly.
EDWARD P. JACKSON is a man of culture, progressive views, and high ideals, and is well and favorably known in the community around the Bay cities. He now occupies a formal position in the business world. He has one
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of the most modern and best-equipped furniture stores in Contra Costa County. Much credit is due Mr. Jackson for the success he has made in the business world, for he started out in life without funds and in a strange coun- try. He has always been an obliging and courteous man and ever ready to render a service to those in need, and to extend a helping hand. Mr. Jackson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 12, 1873. His parents were Charles J. and Mary E. (Parris) Jackson, and both parents were natives of Ohio. The parents removed to Newton, Kansas, when Edward P. was a mere lad of ten years. He acquired his early schooling at Newton, Kansas. He entered the employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company at an early age as messenger on the road and in office work. In January, 1895, he came to Concord and opened an upholstery shop, which he followed for one year. He then re- moved to San Francisco and followed the same vocation for a time. He re- turned again to Concord and was acting constable for three years; resigning in 1902, he established his present furniture business, which was in February, 1907. Shortly after he was married he went to Livermore, where he engaged in the purchasing-agent business, which he continued for five years. After the San Francisco fire he returned to Concord, where he has since resided. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1911, and in 1914 he was elected to the same office for a four-year term. He served as town clerk up to the time of his election as justice of the peace. He is an ardent Republican, and takes a keen interest in the welfare of his party. Mr. Jackson was united in mar- riage August 4, 1902, to Jettie Jaquith, a native of Canada. To this union there is one son, Loyde E., born January 10, 1905. Fraternally, Mr. Jackson is affiliated with the Red Men, the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, and the I. O. O. F., the I. D. E. S., U. P. E. C., and the Rebekah lodge. He has served as treas- urer of the Red Men lodge of Concord for six years. He also served for many years as secretary of the I. O. O. F. lodge of Concord. Mrs. Jackson is a member of the Rebekah lodge, and both have the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.
HENRY COLMAN CUTTING can indeed be numbered among the builders and promoters of California's growth and greatness. His efforts have found tangible result in the development of Richmond, and he is now president and practical owner of the Point Richmond Canal & Land Company. Pre- viously he was the real builder of Tonopah, Nevada. He seems to possess almost an intuitive perception in recognizing opportunities that others pass heedlessly by, and in utilizing such opportunities he has advanced to a prom- inent position among the citizens of central California. He was born in Iowa on April 3, 1870, and is a son of George and Jean McGown Cutting. The family moved to Nevada in 1873, and the son, making his own living since he was twelve years old, pursued his education in the public schools of Reno and in the Nevada State University, being a member of the first class grad- uated from that institution, in June, 1891, on which occasion he won the
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