USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 52
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May II, 1898, and Norine, born October 28, 1900. Mr. Buchanan is a stock- holder and vice-president of the Contra Costa Bank of Pittsburg. Mrs. Bu- chanan for fourteen years was postmistress of the Black Diamond post- office, and she obtained the highest reputation for ability and faithfulness during her long term in office. Mr. Buchanan served as Wells Fargo agent here for sixteen years, thus showing the interest he took in his company who entrusted its affairs to him.
LEE D. WINDREM, a man of forceful personality and effective ability, is numbered today among the most able lawyers of the Bay counties. He has been active in various movements and projects designed to promote the per- manent interests of the community where he resides. He was born in Lan- caster County, Nebraska, December 25, 1870, the son of Samuel and Nettie E. (Cooper) Windrem. His father was a pioneer settler in Nebraska and was active in political and financial matters in his State. He died in 1903. Mr. Windrem's mother was a native of Iowa, and now makes her home in Rich- mond. There were eight children in the parents' family, only three of whom are now living-Nettie, a teacher in the Richmond public schools for nine years; Guy Windrem, a traveling salesman, and formerly manager for No- lan Bros. Shoe Company, with headquarters in Madera, California; and our subject, Lee D. Windrem, who acquired his education in the public schools of Nebraska. At the age of twelve he became identified with the merchandise business, which he followed for fifteen years. He studied law under Miles Wallace, of Madera, was admitted to the bar in August, 1895, and practiced in Madera one year He removed to San Francisco, where he practiced his profession seven years, and in 1902 he came to Richmond, where he has since resided. Mr. Windrem is counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad, transacts much work for the Standard Oil Company, and is legal adviser of some of the banks in Richmond. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank and the Richmond Savings Bank, and being one of the incorporators of both banks. While residing in Madera he served as chairman in the County Democratic Committee during the first campaign of W. J. Bryan. In 1903 he served as chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Contra Costa County, and was appointed chairman of the Contra Costa County Democratic conven- tions three times. His activities in Democratic politics were recognized by his appointment as a member of the executive committee of the Democratic State Central Committee. During the three years he served as city attorney in Richmond, he handled the legal proceedings for the bonds for the Tunnel & Harbor Improvement, amounting to $1,170,000. While he has always taken a keen interest in politics, he has refused to accept any political office. He has been repeatedly asked to run for State Representative in Congress, dis- trict attorney, and superior judge. He has always declined the nomination owing to his large practice. Fraternally, Mr. Windrem is identified with the I. O. O. F. and the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. He was united in marriage to
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Miss Marjorie D. Rickabaugh, a native of Lake County, California, July 23, 1903. To this union have been born two children-Marion Lee and Philip Douglas. Mr. Windrem has the distinction of being one of the seven ap- pointed by the League of Pacific Municipalities at its meeting in 1910, held at San Diego, to draft the "Improvement Act of 1911," which act was passed the same year, and under which all of the street work of California is being done at the present time. While a resident of Richmond Mr. Windrem en- joyed a trip around the world in 1905, visiting the principal cities of Europe and the Orient.
BERT CURRY needs no introduction to the people of Contra Costa County. He has become widely and favorably known as a man whose high integrity and excellent business ability constitute him a prominent factor in com- munity advancements and progress. He is a native of Contra Costa County, and is a representative of one of the time-honored families of this county. Mr. Curry was born June 1, 1882, and is a son of James R. and Ellen Curry, who settled in Clayton, Contra Costa County, during the early days. His fa- ther engaged in teaming and the livery business, and also established and conducted stage-lines from Oakland to various parts of his home county, continuing his various enterprises until 1903, when he sold out and removed to Martinez. Bert Curry received his education in the public schools of this county, after which he took a business course. He learned the undertaking business with his brother, Henry J. Curry, at Martinez, and remained with him for a period of seven years, when he removed to Point Richmond, where he became identified in the same business in 1908. Mr. Curry has served as deputy coroner for five years. Fraternally, he is connected with the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, I. O. O. F., Eagles, Rebekah lodge, and Yeomen. In politics Mr. Curry is affiliated with the Democratic party, and is an active worker. His attention, however, is concentrated upon his business affairs, in which he has met with well-deserved success.
AARON E. DUNKEL is one of the most progressive and capable men in Contra Costa County. He was born in Angels Camp, Calaveras County, Cal- ifornia, October 20, 1862. He acquired his education in the public schools of San Francisco. He followed various occupations and vocations during his early career, and in January, 1878, removed to Contra Costa County. In 1885 he accepted a position in the county recorder's office, and filled the office of deputy for a period of nine years. He was elected recorder, and in this office he did efficient work for twelve years. He always discharged all of his duties in a thorough and businesslike manner. While county recorder, Mr. Dunkel was interested in the Contra Costa Abstract Office. The Contra Costa Abstract Office was established in 1887, this being he oldest abstract office in the county. Politically, Mr. Dunkel is a Republican; he voluntarily retired from public office to put all of his time and attention into the abstract
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office, owing to the increasing business, and he has realized his ambition of making the Contra Costa Abstract Office one of the best in the State. Mr. Dunkel was united in marriage to Eva Hathaway, a native of Contra Costa County, June 10, 1891. To this union was born one son, who is identified with the Shell Oil Company of Martinez. Mrs. Dunkel's father, R. B. Hathaway, was one of the respected and time-honored citizens of this county. He served as county treasurer for eight years. Fraternally, Mr. Dunkel is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, the I. O. O. F., and is a member of Mount Diablo Parlor of the Native Sons of Martinez. He is one of the best-known men around the Bay cities, and his substantial traits in business have gained for him the warm regard from all with whom he has been associated. He is also vice-president of the Bank of Martinez, the oldest and largest bank in Contra Costa County.
JUDSON EDMUND COLTON .- One of the commanding figures of the business life of Martinez is Judson Edmund Colton. He has made steady progress toward prominence, and is today largely connected with the man- ufacturing interests of the Bay counties of California. He has important financial interests, and has been and is today in a large measure instru- mental in making Martinez what it is-one of the most flourishing cities on the Pacific Coast. Mr. Colton is a native son, being born in Sacramento County, April 7, 1863, a son of Louis Colton, a native of New York State. His mother was a native of Erie County, Pennylvania. The parents removed to Illinois, where they resided for a period of five years. In 1852 Mr. Col- ton's parents came overland to California, taking six months to make the trip, and settled in Sacramento County. The father was a millwright by trade, and erected many of the quartz-mills in the mountain counties. He operated mills himself, and later took up ranching, which he followed for twenty years. There were six children in the parents' family. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Sacramento. At the age of twenty-three Mr. Colton came to Contra Costa County and located in the Alhambra Valley, where he engaged in the growing of grapes and the manufacture of wine. He has been identified with Martinez for the past twenty years. In 1908 he erected his present establishment. In his winery he produces one hundred and fifty thousand gallons of the finest dry wines that can be produced in any country, and his goods find a ready sale. He owns and operates a fine fifty-acre vineyard, one-half being devoted to table and the balance to wine grapes. The Colton winery is the largest in- dependent winery operating in Contra Costa County. Politically, Mr. Colton is affiliated with the Republican party, and has always taken a keen interest in matters pertaining to the beautifying of the county seat. He is desirous of seeing a city park along the water-front, and is especially interested in a children's playground and municipal bath-house. It is but natural that he was elected a member of the town trustees on April 10, 1916, for a two-year
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term, and on April 12, 1916, at the regular board meeting, he was chosen mayor. Mr. Colton was united in marriage to Miss Sadie L. Jones, a native of New York State, October 16, 1888. To this union there are two children- Hattie, wife of Fabian Joost, of San Francisco, born September 29, 1889, and Judson Edmund, Jr., born June 13, 1908. Mr. Colton is a stockholder in the Bank of Martinez, in the Contra Costa Gas Company, and in the Martinez & Benicia Ferry Company. In the advancement of his individual success he has contributed also to the commercial advancement of Martinez, where he makes his home, and where he is held in high regard by his business asso- ciates by reason of his enterprise, integrity, and sterling personal worth.
JOHN DUANE needs no introduction to the people of Contra Costa County, for during his years of residence in Martinez he has become widely and favorably known as a man of excellent business ability. He was born in Canada on May 23, 1859. His parents removed to Batavia, New York, when he was but three years of age. His parents, Patrick and Margaret, were the parents of six boys. John Duane, the subject of this sketch, came to Contra Costa County in October, 1886. He received a limited education as he started out in life at the age of twelve years, and went to work at the nursery business at Batavia, New York, for Bogue Brothers. He remained here four years. He then worked two years for M. Dailey of Batavia, who was in the furniture and undertaking business. He then returned to the home place and remained several years, and at the age of twenty-seven he came to Martinez, where he has since resided. He, with his brother, engaged in the nursery business. They planted many of the first elms in Martinez. In politics Mr. Duane is registered as a Republican. He served as town trus- tee for four years. He was married to Rose Mary Rogers, a native of Cali- fornia, January II, 1893. To this union are seven children-Agnes Mary, born August 27, 1896, a graduate of the Martinez High School; Rometa Margaret, born February 28, 1897; John Lawrence, born March 16, 1898; Rose Helena, born February 2, 1900; Clarence Haven, born November 7, 1903; James Aloysius, born February 10, 1905; Frances Rogers, born April 2, 1909. Mr. Duane is a member of the W. O. W. The father of Mrs. Duane came to the coast during the gold excitement in 1849 from Philadelphia via the Istlimus route. Mr. Duane owns nineteen acres just outside the city of Martinez, and has it planted to trees and vineyard.
JOHN MARCHI is a man who has, by his own energy, ambition, and enterprise, guided by sound and practical judgment, worked his way upward to a place among the representative men of Martinez. He is prominently connected with the city government as trustee. He was born on May 7, 1881, in Switzerland. Mr. Marchi acquired his education in the public schools and later attended college for two years in his native land. In November, 1897, he came to America, locating in New York City for a period of three
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years. While a resident of the metropolis he was connected with some of the large dairy firms in New York and Brooklyn. In 1890 he came to San Francisco and engaged in the restaurant business for six years. He then came to Martinez, where he has resided since. For nearly eleven years he was identified with the business interests of Martinez. In July, 1915, he dis- posed of his interests and engaged in the real-estate business, and is now associated with Schapiro & Company. Mr. Marchi has always used his power and influence toward promoting the good of Martinez. He was elect- ed on April 10, 1916, as city trustee for the four-year term. He was married in Martinez, California, to Clara Righetti, a native of Switzerland, January, 1905. To this union there are three sons-Alfred, born January 29, 1906; Leo, born December 21, 1906; Ernest, born May 21, 1910. Mr. Marchi is affiliated with the following lodges: The Moose, the Eagles, the U. P. E. C., and the I. D. E. S., all of Martinez. The family attends the Catholic church. He has many friends in these organizations and among the business men of the city, and is trusted by all because of his high principles.
CHARLES H. WALKER, present chief of police of Richmond, is a highly trained, well-informed officer, who is eminentiy fitted for the important po- sition which he holds. He was born in Kentucky on April 18, 1880, and acquired his education in the colleges and public schools of his native State. He joined the army and served in the Philippines, holding the position of acting sergeant. He served three years and received an honorable discharge on April 1, 1904. Mr. Walker remained in San Francisco for a time and removed to Richmond in July, 1905, where he filled various positions of trust and importance. He became connected with the East Shore & Suburban Street Railway, remaining until November, 1907, and on April 1, 1908, he assumed the duties of police officer of Richmond. He was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff R. R. Veale in July, 1905, was made sergeant in July, 1912, and on July I, 1914, was appointed chief of police, to succeed J. P. Arnold, which office he now holds. Mr. Walker has shown himself adapted to this work and ably handles all cases entrusted to him. He was united in marriage to Miss Ruby Bullock, of Oakland, March 5, 1914, a daughter of John C. Bullock, one of Oakland's representative business men. In politics Chief Walker is a Republican, and takes exceptional interest along party lines. He is affiliated with Eclipse Lodge No. 403, I. O. O. F. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker take active interest and give their ready support to movements which have for their purpose the advancement of the community.
HARVEY ABBOTT SELLERS .- The majority of men are content to re- main in positions where circumstance or environment has placed them, lack- ing the ambition and the determination which would enable them to advance and become active in control of business enterprises or important interests. Contrary to the general rule, and therefore standing as a central figure
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among his fellows, is Harvey Abbott Sellers. Mr. Sellers is a native of Contra Costa County, and was born at Black Diamond (now Pittsburg) in 1890. His father, Stephen Abbott Sellers, is a native of Brentwood, this county, and his mother, Mary Louise (Wight) Sellers, is a native of Contra Costa County. Mr. Sellers' father followed agricultural lines for many years, and is now retired and resides in Berkeley. He still owns two ranches, con- sisting of four hundred and eighty acres. In the parents' family there were three sons-the subject of this sketch, Eugene, an employee of the Alham- bra Mineral Water Company, of San Francisco, and Martin, who is attend- ing school. Harvey A. Sellers was educated in the public schools of Pitts- burg; graduating from high school he took up the automobile business and became connected with the Mount Diablo Garage in 1910. Here he remained for three years. He then engaged in the garage business for himself in Kingsburg, California, where he remained for one year. In January, 1915, he located in Richmond, this county, and became connected with the business interests of this city, engaging in the automobile business. He has had a rapid rise, and is considered among the substantial and representative busi- ness men of the county. He has the agency of the well-known Dodge and Hudson automobiles, besides having a well-equipped and modern garage in connection. Fraternally, Mr. Sellers is affiliated with Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E. On May 29, 1914, he was united in marriage to Miss Rose Ginnelli, of Richmond. Mr. Sellers' grandfather, Randolph H. Wight, crossed the plains in 1849 with an ox-team, taking six months to make the journey. He mined in and around Placervile. Returning to the East, he mar- ried Orpha Durfee, and the couple made the trip to the coast via Cape Horn. The grandfather is still living, and is now residing in Berkeley. The subject of this sketch is prominent in business and equally proficient in civic and social affairs.
HENRY A. JOHNSTON is a man of enterprise and discrimination, and in the course of a long and successful business career has been connected with a number of important interests on the Pacific Coast. For a number of years he has been identified with the real-estate business of Richmond, and con- trols a large representative patronage. Mr. Johnston was born in Canada on December 5, 1862. His parents, Noble and Letitia Johnston, removed to Cal- ifornia in 1869 and located in Marin County. The father passed away in 1914, and the mother in 1871. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Sonoma County. Much credit is due him for the suc- cess he has made in life. He left home when a mere boy of eleven years, working for his board for some time, and later employed by S. W. Martin, near Petaluma, on a ranch. At the age of seventeen he rented Mr. Martin's ranch, and owing to his executive ability he made a success of the venture. After giving up the ranch he removed to San Diego, California, where he remained for two years. While a resident here he was identified with and
1
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handled the coke output of the San Diego Gas Company. He attended night school and graduated from the San Diego Business College. From San Diego he removed to Rio Vista, where he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness for eight years, and in November, 1901, he disposed of his store inter- ests and removed to Richmond, California. Here he engaged in the real- estate business as agent, and later subdivided the Richmond Park Tract. He has developed a large business in real estate, and is one of the owners of the Richmond Traffic Center Tract. On December 16, 1912, he formed a co- partnership with Mr. Baine, and engaged in the fuel, feed, grain, and ware- house business. Mr. Johnston has risen steadily, and by merit only, and there is great credit due him for what he has achieved in the business world. During the pioneer days of Richmond, Mr. Johnston erected the first brick building on Macdonald Avenue. He is a director and stockholder in the Mer- chants' Bank. Fraternally, he is a member of the Mckinley Lodge, F. & A. M., of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Christie, a native of San Francisco, June 6, 1906. Their children are George Henry, born September 6, 1908, and Helen C., born October 1I, 1910. Mr. Johnston has been actively concerned in municipal affairs of Richmond, and he is actuated at all times by the spirit of modern progress.
CHARLES H. LIND, head of the De Luxe Studio in Richmond, is one of the well-known and representative young business men of the county. He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, February 8, 1890, and is a son of Thomas H. and Matilda Lind. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of California. After his schooling he took up the study of photography, and has been identified with many leading men in his chosen field. Mr. Lind removed to Richmond in October, 1912. He has one of the finest-equipped studios in the county, and he keeps in touch with the most advanced ideas in his chosen profession. He makes his business duties his first interest, and is one of the most enthusiastic and capable photographers in the Bay counties. Mr. Lind is affiliated with the Republican party, and holds membership in the Moose Lodge of Richmond.
EDWARD HOWE HARLOW holds an important position with the Atch- ison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as master mechanic, with headquarters at Richmond, California. There is great credit due Mr. Harlow for having at- tained this position, as he succeeded entirely through his own efforts, rising from a humble positon as water-boy to one of foremost importance. Mr. Harlow was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, September 1, 1856. He acquired his education in the public schools of Janesville and the Episcopal parish school. Early in life he went with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad as water-boy. He then entered the shops in March, 1871, to learn the mechanic's trade, remaining until the summer of 1873, when he was laid off on account of panic. He then went to Fairbury, IlInois, and secured a position as hotel
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clerk. In January, 1874, he returned to West Chicago, at that time called Cicero, and entered the shops, later completing his trade as machinist. His next rise was to the position of gang foreman, and later was promoted to assistant roundhouse foreman, when he was transferred to Harvard, Illinois, where he remained until 1888. He resigned his position with the Chicago & Northwestern to accept a position with George Hackney, then superintend- ent of motor power for the Santa Fe at Chcago. Mr. Harlow was assigned a position at the Topeka shops as floor machinist and gang foreman; here he remained until September, 1888, when he was promoted to division fore- man at Wallace, New Mexico. In 1890 Wallace was disbanded as a division point and all trains were run to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Mr. Harlow was made general foreman of shops at Raton, New Mexico. Here he re- mained until April, 1891, when he was transferred to the Topeka shops, later resigning and accepting a position under George A. Hancock at Albuquer- que, July 31st, with the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, serving as gang and gen- eral foreman until 1893, and in March of that year he was transferred to Gallup, New Mexico, as division foreman, where he remained until August, 1900. Mr. Harlow was then made master mechanic of the Valley Division of the Santa Fe, with headquarters at Stockton, California. On January 26, 1901, he removed to Richmond, resuming the duties of master mechanic. On February 1, 1907, he was transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the same capacity, remaining at this point until September, 1908, when he re- turned to Richmond as master mechanic. In politics Mr. Harlow is a Re- publican. He has served on the high school board of Richmond for three terms. Fraternally, he is a member of the F. & A. M., chapter, commandery, and shrine, serving as master of his lodge for four years while a resident of Gallup, New Mexico, and for three years he served as grand lecturer in New Mexico. Mr. Harlow was married to Miss Anna Cummings, a native of Janesville, Wisconsin, July, 1891. Five children were born to this union: Philip L., Edward George, Archibald Page, and two who passed away in infancy. Mrs. Harlow takes an active part in Episcopal church and social matters of Richmond.
WALTER B. TRULL began his independent career at an early age and his record since that time furnishes many splendid examples of the value of energy, perseverance, and resolution in the attainment of success. Mr. Trull was born in Brenham, Texas, September 26, 1862. His parents removed from the State of Illinois to Texas previous to the Civil War. His father began railroading and was the agent at Harrisburg, Texas, for the G. H. & H. R. R., and was superintendent for the C. & N. W. Ry. for many years. He died in 1914. After the war the parents of Mr. Trull returned to Illinois, and made their home in West Chicago, where Walter B. Trull acquired hs education in the public schools. Laying aside his books, he became associated with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for a time. He then went with the Santa
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Fe system, and was sent to Deming, New Mexico, where he was identified with the operating department. Here he remaned three years and was then transferred to San Bernardino, California. Like most successful railroad employees, he occupied various positions of importance and trust along dif- ferent divisions of the road, and in 1901 he was transferred to Richmond, Contra Costa County, where he holds the important position as agent. Mr. Trull has charge of this terminal on this side of the Bay, handling all the freight and passenger business. He has held this important position since 1901. His long and varied experience makes him valuable to his road, and he is recognized as one of the most expert men in transportation matters on the coast. On June 16, 1890, Mr. Trull was united in marraige to Miss Carrie McDonald, of San Bernardino, California. To this union there have been two children-Muriel, born May II, 1891, the wife of Chas. W. Claudius, of Oakland, California, and Laura, born May II, 1895, wife of A. F. Rice, who is identified with the traffic department of the Santa Fe Railway at San Fran- cisco.
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