USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 51
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Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to classical studies he had completed a course in mining engineering. Later he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for three years in Candelaria, Nevada, and for four months at Wadsworth, where he was principal. In 1894, while teaching there, he was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, which position he filled for four years, during which period he studied law and was admitted to the bar. During this period he wrote what is the basis of the mining laws of Ne- vada, after which he gave to the State its first compilation of mining laws, and these the legislature adopted. In 1899 the legislature named him as com- piler of the statutes of the State, which had not been compiled previously for fifteen years. He accomplished the work in a most satisfactory and effi- cient manner within the next year, after which he turned his attention to prospecting, in order to regain his health, and was one of the first men in Tonopah, Nevada. In fact, it was Mr. Cutting that advertised that place to the world. He was not only associated with the development of the mineral resources of that section, but was active in almost every line of endeavor leading to the organization, upbuilding, and development of a new com- munity. He built the first telephone line, opened the Wells Fargo Express offices in Tonopah, Goldfield, and Manhattan, and has a record for having handled more money with a smaller percentage of loss than any other fron- tier agent. He established several large mercantile stores and operated big freight teams, besides carrying on extensive mining operations. Besides do- ing all the legal business of the community, he preached the first two burial sermons in Tonopah, and on the occasion of the second acted also as under- taker and leader of the choir, following which he administered the estate. He was also the first notary public in Tonopah and granted a couple a di- vorce, being probably the only notary public who has ever performed such a service. On leaving Nevada Mr. Cutting came to San Francisco for the pur- pose of advertising Tonopah to the world. When the San Francisco Mining Exchange refused to list the Tonopah stocks he immediately gave his atten- tion to establishing a mining exchange where the Tonopah stocks would be handled, and in less than two weeks organized the San Francisco & Tono- pah Mining Exchange, of which he was president for the first two years, when the two exchanges merged. One feature of his success is the thorough- ness with which he masters every phase of a business with which he is con- nected, not only in its direct, but also in its subsidiary interests. He learns what may be gained by reading, and adds to this thorough practical experi- ence and investigation, and, with thorough understanding of the situation, he is often able to utilize and improve opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by. In 1904 he became interested in the development of the town of Richmond, California, and is now president and practical owner of the Point Richmond Canal & Land Company. He originally conceived the idea of the inner harbor at Richmond, advocating the project, and has been so successful in his efforts to bring it before the public notice that the city
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of Richmond has voted $1,170,000 for carrying out the project, and the long- est and widest street in Richmond, Cutting Boulevard, is named after him. He is known as the father of Richmond's inner harbor project. He has his offices in the Monadnock Building in San Francisco, and he has been a stal- wart champion of the interests of that city, ardently advocating the cause of Greater San Francisco, having been a vice-president of the Greater San Francisco Association since its organization. Mr. Cutting was at one time an officer in the Nevada State militia. He is prominent in Masonry, belong- ing to Occidental Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M., California Chapter No. 5, R. A. M., Golden Gate Commandery No. 16, K. T., and Islam Temple. He belongs also to the Union League Club and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, and is a life member of the Elk Lodge No. 597, Reno, Nevada. Pleasantly situated in his home relations, he was married April 19, 1903, to Minetta Chesson, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Chesson, of Benicia. The chil- dren of this marriage are Helen E., George C., Jean, Clara, and Daisy. Such in brief is the history of Henry Colman Cutting, but it tells comparatively little, except to those who read between the lines, of the intense energy, the strong purpose, and the indefatigable perseverance of the man. He has al- ways been a student, but nothing of the dreamer. He has had visions, but is not visionary, for he has proceeded to put into execution the plans and theories which have arisen before his mind, seeking out practical methods to materialize these and make them forces in the country's progress and de- velopment as well as sources of individual gain. Mr. Cutting's latest accom- plishment is the writing and publication of a book entitled "Financial In- dependence and How to Attain It," which gives a solution of our financial troubles and incidentally our tax problems as well as an uplift to our busi- ness morals and integrity. The avowed purpose of the book is to give to the country a new and better financial system. The courage to attempt such an enormous task calls for universal admiration. It is well known that he ac- complishes what he undertakes, that he is a broad-minded, enterprising man, and one whose efforts have been of great value in shaping the history of the West. His latest effort is of nation-wide importance. A later history will have to record the measure of its success.
RALPH R. ARNOLD .- On the roster of county officials of Contra Costa County is numbered Ralph R. Arnold, who is serving with credit and ability as county surveyor. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Clear- field County on March 26, 1874. In 1877 his parents removed to Kansas, where he received his public school education. Mr. Arnold began his inde- pendent career in Colorado, where he followed engineering and surveying. Since engaging in this vocation he has worked in California, Utah, Wyo- ming, and Nevada. During this time he established a record for honesty, re- liability, and efficiency. In April, 1913, he came to Martinez, Contra Costa County, where he has met with gratifying success. He was chosen by the
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people of his county as county surveyor in the fall of 1914, and the voters of the county can rest assured that Mr. Arnold will conduct his office along the most approved and businesslike lines. He is affiliated with the Republi- can party. He was united in marriage to Miss Winifred Stuart on October 3, 1907. To this union have been born Mary and Ralph James. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are popular among a host of friends in Contra Costa County.
SAMUEL HOFFMAN has been engaged in the manufacturing and retail cigar business in Martinez for the past seventeen years, and the many years he has been identified in business have brought him increased patronage and the absolute confidence of his customers. He has been a valued factor in business progress in the community in which he has made his home so many years. He was born in Hungary, December 12, 1872. He received his educa- tion in the public schools of his native land. In 1889 he came to this country and located in New York City, where he worked at the manufacturing jew- elry trade. On May 1, 1899, he removed to San Francisco, where he remained for three years. He was united in marriage to Miss Celia Lichtensten, a na- tive of New York State, August 19, 1894. To this union have been born five children-Harry, Morris, Joseph, Henry, and one son who died in infancy. Mr. Hoffman is registered as a Republican, but he can always be counted upon to support the best man, irrespective of party lines. He has served on the Republican County Central Committee, and has been a delegate to vari- ous parties of the county. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., the Red Men, the Eagles, the Woodmen of the World, the Moose, and the Royal Arch. Mr. Hoffman engaged in his present business seventeen years ago in Martinez, and has been in his present location since 1906. He placed on the market his famous brand of cigars, "Hoffman's Blue Buds," seventeen years ago, and he also makes the Flor de Martinez. These high- grade cigars have stood the test for many years. Mr. Hoffman's life has been fruitful of good results, not only in the attainment of success, but in his sup- port of progressive public measures which are of benefit to the community.
COLONEL ERNEST A. PREBLE is one of the most prominent men of Richmond and has contributed a notable share to the material progress of this substantial city. He was born in Lincoln County, Maine, July 27, 1864, a son of Lieut. A. H. Preble, a Civil War veteran, and Eglantine (Turner) Preble, both of English descent. The Turner family were among the first and most prominent settlers in Maine. Colonel Preble acquired his educa- tion in the schools of his native State, after which he attended the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, at Redfield, Maine. At an early age he came to this coast and located in Tacoma, where he became identified with the commer- cial activities of that city. In 1913 he established the Preble Grocery Com- pany at Monterey, and continued until 1907, and while a resident of Mon- terey Colonel Preble was one of the organizers of the First National Bank.
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In 1907 he removed to San Francisco and engaged in the wholesale cigar business until 1912; he then came to Richmond and engaged in the lumber and building business. He erected the modern plant at the corner of Tenth and Ohio streets, and, owing to his health, he disposed of the plant, engag- ing in the land business. While residing in Monterey Colonel Preble was appointed a member of ex-Governor Gillett's military staff. On January I, 1915, he again engaged in the lumber and mill business, and merged his in- terests with Burg Bros., and the new firm was known as the Burg Bros. Lumber & Building Company, of which Colonel Preble was vice-president and manager. Politically, Colonel Preble is affiliated with the Republican party. Particularly on account of protective tariff, he has always declined any public office. He was united in marriage to Emma H. Bowers, of Ala- meda, in 1910. Colonel Preble has always taken a keen interest in matters pertaining to Richmond and has been a valued factor in its development, having sold several of the largest tracts for subdivision around the Bay sec- tion, among which was the north half of the million-dollar Nicholl ranch, to Burg Bros. This tract of land is most ideally situated in Richmond, and the deal was written up in one of the New York financial papers; it was said that this land brought the highest price ever paid in the United States for a piece of unimproved land of that size. There were over one hundred and eleven acres, and the purchase price was fully five thousand dollars an acre. Colonel Preble is at present identified with many financial men on the coast in promoting a railroad and breakwater, known as the Monterey & Fresno Railroad. He has been connected with many large and important projects, and his energy and ambition entitle him to credit which he has achieved. He has won his way upward to success, and is known among his associates as the man who always calls a spade a spade, and knows which is which.
CHARLES LUDDEN is one of the foremost, and in point of residence one of the oldest, contractors and builders in Contra Costa County. He was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, on September 16, 1853, and is a son of Ben- jamin and Elizabeth (Woodbury) Ludden. His father was of Welsh descent, and located in the State of Maine, and died July 4, 1897. His mother was of English birth, and died in 1907. Mr. Ludden's grandfather was one of the pioneers of Beverly, Massachusetts, and a butcher by trade. During the gold excitement in California he came to the coast during the rush in 1849, but finally located in San Francisco and conducted a butcher-shop in Stockton Street from 1850 to 1852. The subject of this review received a limited edu- cation in the public schools of his native State, and at the age of fifteen he started to learn the carpenter's trade with an uncle. He has followed this vocation for forty-eight years continuously. He left home August 14, 1876, in company with two friends, and continued westward until he reached Oakland. Here he remained for a few months and then removed to Mar- tinez in 1877, where he has since resided, and has been active in his occupa-
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tion. He has erected many fine buildings in Martinez which have added con- siderably to the beautification of the city. Among these structures are the Curry bulding, the Library, Gazette building, and the National Bank, be- sides many of the finest houses and store buildings in the county seat. On September 16, 1879, Mr. Ludden was united in marriage to Miss Eudora Smith, daughter of Captain John R. L. Smith, of New Bedford, Massachu- setts, formerly a whaling captain, who followed the seas for many years and was one of the respected citizens of his community. To this union were born three sons, and one daughter-Everett, who is identified with the United States Mint at San Francisco; Harris, a carpenter residing in Oakland; Ray- mond, a chemist, with the Mountain Copper Company of Martinez; and Elizabeth, wife of James F. Hoey, deputy tax collector, a resident of Mar- tinez. Mr. Ludden is a Republican, and he has served as town trustee for eight years. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O.F., having joined this order in Massachusetts in 1876, and in July, 1882, was one of the charter members of Martinez Lodge No. 297. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. He has gained for himself a posi- tion of prominence in the building line and his influence is always given in support of whatever he feels will promote the best interests of the commu- nity.
JANCE J. ANDERSON, a native son and popular business man of Mar- tinez, devoted his attention to the duties devolving upon him as owner and manager of the warehouse and wood and coal business. He was born in Contra Costa County on March 5, 1870. His father came to the coast via the Isthmus route on the steamer "Oregon," and settled in this county. He op- erated boats on the bay and river for many years. He was a native of Den- mark, and died in 1910. Mr. Anderson's mother was a native of Ireland, and makes her home with her daughter in Pacheco. Jance J. acquired his edu- cation in the public schools and St. Mary's College of San Francisco. He afterward assisted his father in the lumber business at Pacheco and Mar- tinez. The Pacheco yard was one of the first lumber yards to start in Contra Costa County. In 1909 the subject of this review engaged in the warehouse and wood and coal business in Martinez. He is also identified with the in- terests on the bay. Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat. He has served as town trustee for a period of four years. Fraternally, he is a member of the W. O. W. He was united in marriage October 5, 1895, to Minnie Loring, of Concord, a daughter of one of the representative business men of Con- cord. To this union have been born three sons-Jepson D., Cecil A., and Loring L. Mrs. Andesron holds membership in the Women of Woodcraft and is a member of the grand board of directors of the Young Ladies' Insti- tute of California and has served as president of the Women's Improvement Club of Martinez. Mr. Anderson is a man of enterprise and ambition, and is numbered among the representative business men of Martinez. He received
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the appointment as postmaster of Martinez from President Wilson, and took office in the fall of 1916.
FRANK R. JONES, one of the representative young men of Martinez, is a native son, his birth having occurred at Martinez, California, June 19, 1886, a son of Rees and Margaret Jones. His father was born in Wisconsin on April 15, 1860, and when quite young came to California with his parents to settle in Stewartsville, Contra Costa County, where he grew to manhood. In the year 1885 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hughes, and since his marriage has resided in Martinez. To this union there are three children -Frank, the subject of this review; Raymond, born February 13, 1892; and Mildred, born April 27, 1902. During his residence in Martinez Mr. Jones filled the responsible positions of constable and town marshal and deputy sheriff, and during his incumbency in these offices was noted for his fearless- ness and determination in the pursuit of criminals. For many years he was identified with Henry Curry in the livery business, and was a partner in the Bay View Pavilion property. Politically, he was a strong Republican and took an active interest along political lines. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. for many years. Rees Jones was a public-spirited and patriotic citizen and was well liked by all who knew him, and he was a courteous and painstak- ing official. His death occurred October 12, 1908. Frank R. Jones, the subject of our sketch, was educated in the public schools of Martinez and the busi- ness college of San Francisco. Laying aside his books, he engaged with the Bank of Martinez, the oldest banking institution of Contra Costa County. He entered the employ of the bank at the age of eighteen, and has, through his energy and persistent purpose, been promoted until he now fills the import- ant position of assistant cashier. He was united in marriage to Miss Hattie M. Osborne, a native of Illinois, February 12, 1914. To this union there is one son, Frank R., Jr., born November 26, 1915. Frank R. Jones was elected a member of the town trustees on April 10, 1916, for the four-year term. He is a member of the Native Sons, Woodmen of the World, and Knights of Pythias. He has the good-will and confidence of all who are associated with him.
WARREN H. McBRYDE .- Ambition, energy, and progressive spirit have brought Warren H. McBryde to a position of prominence and distinction among the representative men of Contra Costa County. He was born in Mo- bile, Alabama, January 20, 1876, a son of Thomas C. and Julia (Horton) Mc- Bryde. Both parents were natives of Alabama. Warren H. McBryde received his education in the public schools of his native State, after which he spent four years in the State Polytechnic Institute at Auburn, Alabama, where he graduated from the electric and mechanical engineering department in 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He at once began his active career with the Electric Lighting Company of Mobile, Alabama, where he remained
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for one year. He then became connected with the Government in the En- gineering Department and had charge of the submarine mines at Fort Mor- gan, at Mobile Bay, during the Spanish-American War in the summer of 1898. He then became identified as chief electrician with the United States transport "Sheridan" for a period of one year, and made the first trip through the Suez Canal to Manila from New York and on via Japan to San Fran- cisco. In 1899 he served as assistant resident engineer for the Colgate Hydro- Electric Power Plant, which was the first of its kind in the State, and which was erected for the Yuba Power Company, now the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. He was assistant superintendent for the Peyton Chemical Com- pany, of Martinez, for the first two years of its existence. He then went to San Francisco and engaged in the engineering department for the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. In 1903 Mr. McBryde went East and located in New Jersey and had charge of the construction work for eighteen months for the Dupont Powder Company. He left the East and returned to Contra Costa County, where he became resident engineer for the Hercules Powder Company, having charge of all engineering and construction work for two years. In 1909 he was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent, which position he now holds in a most efficient manner. Politically, Mr. Mc- Bryde is affiliated with the Progressive party. He was chairman of the coun- ty committee when Governor Hiram Johnson was elected. No progressive public movement and no project instituted for the benefit or welfare of the county lacks his co-operation and hearty support. He was president of the first good roads organization in the county, and has always been an enthusi- ast for better roads. He served in a capable manner as county supervisor during 1913 and 1914. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of Rich- mond. He served on a committee which went to Washington, D. C., in the interests of securing the inner harbor appropriation for Richmond, and de- livered a speech showing the advantage to the outlying districts of Rich- mond and the county. He is a director in the First National Bank of Rich- mond and the Richmond Savings Bank. Mr. McBryde was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Ford White, of Philadelphia, February 15, 1905. To this union there are three children-Lucile, born January 29, 1906; Warren, Jr., born July 16, 1914; and Janet, born November 6, 1915. For ten years Mr. Mc- Bryde has been and is still a member of the executive committee of the Her- cules Club. He organized and has been president of the Hercules-Pinole Hospital Association for the past eight years. He is a trustee and clerk of the Pinole-Hercules school board and is president of the board of trustees of Hercules, where he resides.
WILLIAM G. TURNER is prominently connected with the business inter- ests of Antioch, and is regarded as one of the most progressive and enter- prising young men of Contra Costa County. He was born on January 12, 1877, and is a son of John B. and Maria Turner. William G. Turner was edu-
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cated in the public schools, after which he learned the barber trade, which vocation he followed in Antioch for over ten years. He then became identi- fied with Fred Dahnken in the amusement business. Politically, Mr. Turner is affiliated with the Republican party, and successfully held the office of chairman of the town trustees of Black Diamond for one term. He was iden- tified with the business interests of Black Diamond for some time, and in 1908 he removed to Antioch. In 1908 he engaged in the wholesale business and took over the Arlington Hotel and personally looked after the manage- ment of both interests. Mr. Turner is a member of the Native Sons, Eagles, Moose, and the U. P. E. C. On October 17, 1895, he was united in marriage to Ella Calvin, a daughter of Charles Calvin, who is connected with the Navy Yard at Vallejo. To this union there are two children-Harold C., born March 27, 1897, and Ilene E., born June 26, 1898. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Turner is regarded as a reliable and progressive business man.
WILLIAM J. BUCHANAN is one of the representative business men of Contra Costa County and is at the head of one of Pittsburg's business houses that dates its origin from a time when Pittsburg was a mere country village twenty years ago. The general store of William J. Buchanan since its foundation has been in the hands of a progressive, far-sighted, and able man, under whose direction it has advanced to its present large proportions. The store was founded in 1896. Mr. Buchanan was born at New York Landing, now Pittsburg, on September II, 1867, a son of William and Katherine Bu- chanan. His father was a native of Scotland, and came to America in the '50s, locating in Placer County, where he followed mining. He removed to Con- tra Costa County in 1866, locating in Antioch, where he remained for two years. In 1867 he removed to the country near Pittsburg, where he took up farming, which vocation he always followed. He died in 1904. Mr. Buchanan's mother was a native of Scotland. His folks married in Rochester, New York, and came west. His mother died on January 14, 1910. There were two chil- dren in the parents' family, the subject of this sketch and Jennie, born July 16, 1863, the wife of James Syme, a native of Scotland, and who resides on the home ranch. William J. Buchanan received his education in the public schools and the Stockton business college. Finishing his education, he re- turned to the home farm, where he was actively engaged until 1896, when he entered the mercantile business. In 1905 he erected his present commodious building. Mr. Buchanan is affiliated with the Republican party. He has served as supervisor for twelve years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order of Pittsburg, the I. O. O. F. of Antioch, and holds membership in Dia- mond Parlor of the Native Sons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Eagles lodge of Pittsburg. Mr. Buchanan was united in marriage to Nora Carroll, a native of Portland, Oregon, January 4, 1893, a daughter of William and Mary (Keefe) Carroll. To this union there are two children-Warren G., born
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