USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 63
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ZEB. KNOTT, one of the representative business men of Richmond, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, October 9, 1878. He acquired his education in
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the schools of Knoxville, after which he learned the painting and decorating trade. He has always been identified with this business and has worked in many important cities. He came to Richmond, Contra Costa County, in 1910. He has had many important contracts, among which was the contract for the Pullman shops from R. & S. Solitt Company. In 1913 Mr. Knott estab- lished his present store, and carries a complete line of wall-paper, paints, etc. He was married to Amanda Fellwock, a native of Illinois, in 1907. Mr. Knott was chosen by the people of Contra Costa County to represent them as supervisor in 1914 for the four-year term. He is a progressive and enter- prising business man, and gives his support to any movement for the better- ment of conditions in Richmond and Contra Costa County.
MANUEL J. PIMENTEL, one of the representative men of eastern Contra Costa County, was born in Portugal on March 17, 1868. He acquired his edu- cation in the schools of his native land, and at the age of sixteen he came to America. He located in Fresno, where he readily found employment. Later he removed to Madera, where he engaged with a sheepman for a period of one year. He then bought sheep, and has always been engaged in this busi- ness. He was identified with this business in Contra Costa County, while he was a resident of Madera for some years. Mr. Pimentel was married to Mary Lawrence, and her death occurred in 1904. His second marriage was to Anna Ramos, of Santa Rosa, California. To this union was born one daughter, Josephine E. Mr. Pimentel gives his political support to the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. D. E. S. and the U. P. E. C. He deals extensively in sheep, and is one of the prominent men of Byron.
WILLIAM A. HALE .- A native-born citizen of Contra Costa County, and a son of a pioneer of prominence, William A. Hale, cashier of the Bank of Martinez, has taken a great interest in the welfare of the county in which he was born, and especially in Martinez. He has been actively identified with the promotion of its industrial and business growth, and as a man of ability and energy he is highly esteemed. Mr. Hale was born in Pacheco in this county. His father, William Morrell Hale, was a native of Ohio, and came to California and located in Placerville, later removing to Pacheco, where he and his brother Henry engaged in mercantile business for many years. Wil- liam A. Hale, the subject of this review, was born on December 31, 1864. He received his education in the public schools of this county, after which, in 1883, he became associated with the Bank of Martinez. In 1899 Mr. Hale was made cashier, which office he has filled continuously since. He gives his political support to the Republican party. He has served as trustee of Mar- tinez for some twelve years, and was chairman of the board. Mr. Hale was married to Miss Jennie Ipswitch, a native of San Francisco, October 12, 1887. They have two children-William Morrell, born June 27, 1893, and Ida May, born October 27, 1891, the wife of E. C. Livingston, of Los Angeles.
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Fraternally, Mr. Hale is very prominent in the Masonic fraternity and has done much to promote the good of the order. He is a member of Martinez Lodge, F. & A. M., Martinez Chapter, R. A. M., a Knight Templar, and a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Hale is popular with his business asso- ciates, and has the good-will of all who know him.
WILLIAM MORRELL HALE (deceased) .- Among the influential men of Contra Costa County who occupied a position of prominence was William Morrell Hale. He was born on September 20, 1831, at Milford, Union County, Ohio. His father was a farmer and settled in that locality in the very early days and assisted in settling the country. William M. Hale was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education, after which he attended an academy for boys. Finishing his schooling, he worked at the mercantile bus- iness in Columbus, Ohio, and in 1853 he came to California and located in Placerville, where he was prominently identified with the business interests of that flourishing town during the boom days. Mr. Hale and N. C. Fasset operated a mercantile store for some time, when they removed to Pacheco in 1858 and opened a store here under the firm name of Hale & Fasset. Later Mr. Fasset resigned from the business and Henry M. Hale, a brother of William M., came on from Ohio, secured an interest in the business, and the firm then became Hale Brothers. They were potent factors in the upbuilding and promotion of Pacheco. Hale Brothers started a bank at Pacheco, which was operated in connection with the general mercantile store for a long time. Eventually they disposed of their holdings and removed to Martinez, and in connection with Lafayette I. and Charles Fish and others, started the Bank of Martinez, William M. Hale becoming cashier. Mr. Hale was married to Mary Lyon, a native of Detroit, Michigan, in 1863. She was reared in Illinois. There were four children to this union, two of whom died in infancy. Ida May died at the age of nineteen, and William A. succeeded his father in the bank as cashier. In politics William M. Hale was a Republican, but never aspired to public office. He served as chairman of the Republican Central Committee at different times and was a school trustee many years in Martinez. His death occurred on August 20, 1883, and his brother Henry died on January 6, 1899. Hale Brothers were men of unswerving integrity and of high general standing in Contra Costa County, and their noble aims in life secured the confidence and respect of all who knew them.
CHARLES G. YONCE, identified with the business interests of Richmond, California, is a native of eastern Tennessee. He was born on October 16, 1879, son of Calvin and Mary M. (Jackson) Yonce. Mr. Yonce's mother is a great-granddaughter of General Jackson of the Confederate Army. Three children have been born in Mr. Yonce parents' family-Nora, Eugenia, and Charles G. The subject of this review acquired his schooling in Kings Col- lege, Bristol, Tennessee, while his sisters received their education at Sullins
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College in the same town. Completing his education, Charles G. Yonce en- listed in the Spanish-American War and went to Cuba, where he remained one year. He was with the Fourth Tennessee regulars and served on de- tached duty. He received his discharge at Savannah, Georgia, in 1899. He then removed to Richmond, Virginia, where he became identified with the gentlemen's furnishing business. He went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Hous- ton, Texas, and Washington, D. C. In the latter city he remained eight years, and was associated with the same business. Mr. Yonce came to Oakland, California, where he spent nearly two years, when he then settled in Rich- mond, Contra Costa County. He purchased the clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods store of Linville Brothers, near Sixth Street, in 1912. He moved into his present commodious store on May 22, 1913. Fraternally, Mr. Yonce is a member of the B. P. O. E., the Moose, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, the Yeomen, and the Red Men. He is also a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans. On November 8, 1909, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gertrude Culp, of Washington, D. C. Mrs. Yonce is a daughter of John and Catherine Culp. Her father for many years had charge of the gun-carriage shop at the Washington Navy Yard. His death occurred in April, 1914. Her mother resides in Washington. Mrs. Yonce takes an active part in the social duties of Richmond.
MADISON RALPH JONES .- Characterized by the same energetic activ- ity, mental vigor, and business foresight that distinguished his father, Mad- ison Ralph Jones, holds a high position among the leading attorneys of San Francisco and the Bay counties. He was born in Martinez, California, De- cember 15, 1872, the son of Hon. Joseph P. Jones, who was a native of Owen County, Indiana, and was born on January 27, 1844. When he was nine years of age his parents removed to Marion County, Oregon, where he attended the public schools and afterwards entered the Willamette University at Sa- lem, graduating in 1864. In 1865 he returned to his native State and attended the State University at Bloomington, where he graduated from the law de- partment in 1867. Returning to Oregon, he remained for a time, and then located in the mining section of northern California, where he resided until December, 1869. In that year he came to Martinez and entered upon the prac- tice of his profession and achieved success. He was appointed deputy district attorney under H. Mills, and continued in this office until the fall of 1875, when he was nominated and elected on the Republican ticket to the office of district attorney, which office he held until March, 1878. In the fall of 1880 he was elected to the Assembly and served at the general and extra sessions of the legislature, being a member of the judiciary committee, as well as chair- man of the committee on federal relations. Mr. Jones practiced his profes- sion in Martinez with H. Mills under the firm name of Mills & Jones for a long period. Mr. Jones was elected by the people of Contra Costa County to represent them as superior judge, and he served in this capacity for thir-
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teen years. His death occurred in January, 1900. Madison Ralph Jones, the subject of this review, acquired his education in the public and high schools, after which he attended the University of California, graduating in 1895, re- ceiving the degree of A. B. He graduated from the Columbian Law School, Washington, D. C., with the degree of B. L. L. in 1897. In 1900 he returned to Martinez and practiced law until he removed to San Francisco, when he entered the law firm of Titus, Creed, Jones & Dall. Mr. Jones served as a member of the State legislature in 1911. He was married to Carolyn L. Oli- ver, of Oakland, February 12, 1908. To this union have been born Madison Ralph, Jr., Oliver Randolph, and Carleton Letts. Politically, Mr. Jones ad- heres to the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party.
HON. WARREN BROWN (deceased) was born in Morgan County, Illi- nois, June 19, 1826. His parents removed to Platte County, Missouri, where he received his education. Mr. Brown, with his father, the Hon. Elam Brown, started from Missouri for California in the latter part of April, 1846. Elam Brown was appointed captain of the train, and all went well en route until the north fork of the Platte River was reached, when typhoid fever broke out and Warren Brown was stricken. He was taken to Fort Bridger, where he was compelled to remain, while the train proceeded. Mr. Brown's recov- ery was slow, but his health was restored, and he took his departure from the fort on October 12th, and arrived in Portland on December 9, 1846. Here Mr. Brown engaged in the cooperage business until September of the fol- lowing year, when he joined his father in the San Antonio redwoods, where he remained until June, 1848. On the discovery of gold Mr. Brown was one of the first to go to the mines. After mining successfully on the American River, he returned to Contra Costa County and, with his brother, the Hon. T. A. Brown, and N. B. Smith, opened a general merchandise store in Mar- tinez. In 1850 Warren Brown was elected county surveyor. He resigned in 1853, and in 1854 he was elected to the State Assembly. In 1869 he was elec- ted sheriff, and served until 1871. For four years he farmed near Martinez, and then purchased five hundred and fifty acres adjoining his father's place at Lafayette. The Hon. Warren Brown was married to Laura A. Hastings, a native of Ohio, October 16, 1854, and her death occurred April 9, 1914. Warren Brown's death occurred on May 14, 1889.
HENRY TOLER BROWN .- One of the representative and highly re- spected citizens of Lafayette is Henry T. Brown. His birth occurred on July 3, 1859, in Los Angeles, California. He acquired his education in the public schools of Contra Costa County, after which he graduated from the Pacific Business College in San Francisco. Early in life Mr. Brown learned the printer's trade and followed this vocation for about three years. He then re- turned to Lafayette, where he took up ranching. After remaining in Lafay- ette for some time, he removed to Berkeley, where he resided for two years,
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while his son attended the university. Aside from the brief stay in Berkeley, Mr. Brown has always been identified with agricultural pursuits. He has one of the prettiest home places in Lafayette, and has about five hundred acres of choice land. Mr. Brown was united in marriage on December 18, 1879, to Miss Annie Willebrands, of Oakland, a daughter of J. H. and Margaret Willebrands. Four children have blessed this union-Laura Estella, born September 3, 1880, wife of J. H. Mulliken; Lloyd Lansford, born July 29, 1886, died July 19, 1914; Chester Warren, born September 28, 1889, died Oc- tober 17, 1900; and Sybil Erminia, born May 4, 1893. During his long term of residence in Contra Costa County Mr. Brown has witnessed the growth and development of his section with pride, and in many ways he has assisted in advancing the interests of his immediate locality. In his political convic- tions Mr. Brown is a staunch Republican. For several years he has served as school trustee, always taking a deep interest in educational affairs.
ALBERT LITTLE BANCROFT .- When our country was still in the col- onial period of its existence the Bancroft family became identified with its history and bore an honorable part. During the Revolutionary period Mr. Bancroft's ancestor on his mother's side was a Colonial governor. Albert L. Bancroft was born in Granville, Ohio, May 15, 1841, son of A. A. and Lucy (Howe) Bancroft. Mr. Bancroft's father was identified with the Govern- ment as Indian agent in Washington for some years. After attending the schools of Ohio, at the age of eighteen, Albert L. Bancroft decided to cast his lot with the Golden State, and came to California via the Isthmus route. At an early age he engaged in the book-publishing business with his brother, H. H. Bancroft, and for many years operated the largest book-store and publishing concern on the Pacific Coast. On the retirement of H. H. Ban- croft, Albert L. Bancroft continued in the business, under the firm name of A. L. Bancroft & Company, and while he maintained his office in the city, and also gave his personal attention to that business, he purchased one hundred and eighty-three acres of the choicest land in the Ygnacio Val- ley, and Mrs. Bancroft took charge of all agricultural and horticultural de- velopments. Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft added to their holdings in the valley until they had six hundred acres. With a wise judgment that would have done credit to an experienced man, Mrs. Bancroft took the management of the ranch, superintended its cultivation, gathered in its harvest, and care- fully looked after all details. The A. L. Bancroft place was the second com- mercial orchard in the Ygnacio Valley. It has been set out to the choicest varieties of pears, peaches, apricots, French prunes, and almonds. The value of the property is enhanced by substantial buildings, and through the ener- getic and capable management of Mrs. Bancroft this orchard became one of the best in Contra Costa County. Mrs. Bancroft has acquired a wide repu- tation for her skill along horticultural lines. When Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft took up their residence here they had the land cleared of a great many
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handsome oak trees, although about two hundred have been left for shade. While Albert L. Bancroft led a busy life, he never neglected his duty as a citizen, but was always ready to assist in the promotion of worthy projects. When the Bohemian Club was formed he was one of its first members, and was also a member of and at one time president of the Olympic Club. He was a life member of the Institute of Art and a member of many organiza- tions. He did much good and contributed freely toward charitable works, and educated many boys and girls so they secured profitable positions in life. On January II, 1866, Albert L. Bancroft was married to Miss Fannie A. Watts, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of John S. and Elizabeth Ann (Howe) Watts. To Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft have been born five children- Bert H., Frank W., Alberta (wife of J. S. Reid, deceased), Sarah (wife of Donald H. Fry, residing in southern California), and John S., now in the East. Bert H. Bancroft was manager of Aloha Farm for many years. He planned and carried through successfully the first irrigating system used in this part of the county. Mrs. Bancroft has been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution for many years, and served as regent of Se- quoia Chapter and later filled the chair in the California Chapter. She is a member of the Century Club of San Francisco, and was elected an honorary member of the State Board of Trade. She served as honorary vice-president to represent Contra Costa County at the Panama-Pacific Exposition. She has traveled extensively, making her home in Europe three years. She crossed the Atlantic eight times and during the winter of 1916 visited in Honolulu. Mrs. Bancroft's son, Frank W. Bancroft, was identified with the faculty of the Rockefeller Institute of New York City, and resigned to take charge of his mother's interests. "Aloha Farm," as Mrs. Bancroft's estate is known, is ideally located and is unexcelled for fruit-growing. Twenty-two thousand boxes of fruit was shipped during the season of 1916, and a dam has been built that will irrigate about five hundred acres of land, with a capacity of 653,445 cubic feet. Bancroft Station is situated on the property, and a modern packing-house was erected during 1917. Albert L. Bancroft passed away Oc- tober 14, 1914. He was an upright and generous man, contributing to worthy causes, and his death was mourned by all who knew him.
ELY I. HUTCHINSON, a pioneer rancher and orchardist, holds a promi- nent place among the most representative citizens of Contra Costa County. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, August 22, 1847, son of Champion I. and Catherine L. (Hatch) Hutchinson. His father was a native of Con- necticut, and his mother was from Virginia. Mr. Hutchinson acquired his earliest education in the public schools of Sacramento, after which he at- tended the old College of California, in Oakland, the predecessor of the Uni- versity of California. Afterward he attended Yale College, graduating with the class of 1869. He was admitted to the bar of California in 1873, and be- gan the practice of law in San Francisco, in which he continued for ten
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years. Mr. Hutchinson before coming to Contra Costa County resided in Sacramento, in Yolo County, near where Davis now stands, and in San Francisco. He gave up the practice of law and moved to Ygnacio Valley, where he purchased six hundred acres of the Munson Gregory ranch. This property is now one of the most valuable in Contra Costa County, and is set out largely to apricots and walnuts. Mr. Hutchinson might fairly be termed the pioneer in walnut-growing extensively, by grafting foreign vari- eties on the California black walnut trees. He was united in marriage in 1885 to Helen J. Woodward, a daughter of Robert B. Woodward, a well- known pioneer, and the founder of the once celebrated Woodward's Gardens of San Francisco. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have been born three daughters-Ruth, now the wife of Martin W. Joost, of Martinez; and Cath- erine and Mary, residing at home. Fraternally, Mr. Hutchinson is a Mason, being a member of lodge, chapter, and commandery of San Francisco. He is past master of Oriental Lodge, F. & A. M., and also an honorary member of the I. D. E. S. and the U. P. E. C., Portuguese societies. Mr. Hutchinson's father was several times mayor of Sacramento, president of the State Agri- cultural Society in the fifties, and a leading organizer of the first company to make beet sugar in California.
DANIEL W. McLAUGHLIN (deceased) was one of the representative business men of Contra Costa County. He was one of the foremost in Rich- mond's activities along real-estate lines. He was both forceful and resource- ful, recognized possibilities and utilized them, and he planned big things and accomplished them. He was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, June 27, 1867. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native State. He attended college and taught school in Dakota during the territorial days. He rode the plains and lived among the Indians. In 1888 he removed to Cali- fornia and located in Berkeley, where he was identified with the planing- mill business for a period of eight years. He then became actively engaged in the life-insurance business, and traveled extensively for six years. Mr. McLaughlin's wide acquaintance and experience among all classes of people gave him exceptional opportunities. He embarked in the real-estate business in Berkeley for a time. In 1907 he saw the possibilities of Richmond and re- moved there, confining his interests to this locality largely. He became one of the most progressive men of that city, controlling large and important interests. He was vice-president and manager of the East Richmond Heights Land Company, which controls five hundred acres in five tracts. He was also identified with the Richmond Boiler & Machine Works. Politically, he was affiliated with the Republican party. He served on the Berkeley library board for several years. Fraternally, Mr. McLaughlin was a member of the B. P. O. E. of Berkeley, and the I. O.O. F. He was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Maloney on December 28, 1893. To this union were born four children-Margaret, Nell, Daniel, and Linwood. Mr. McLaughlin was ever
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enlisting his powers and abilities in the support of any movements that made for the betterment of conditions in Richmond.
THOMAS B. SWIFT .- No greater evidence of popularity or eminent fit- ness for the important responsibility is required of Thomas B. Swift than the fact that he is successfully filling the position of superintendent of the Mountain Copper Company at Martinez. He was born on April 29, 1872, at St. Louis, Missouri, son of Benjamin S. and Carrie A. Swift, both parents being natives of Maine. Thomas B. Swift received his education in the New York public schools, the College of the City of New York, and graduated from the chemical department of the New York City night school. He be- came identified with the chemical and metallurgical laboratories of New York City for three years. He then became connected with the Mountain Copper Company, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, for a period of ten years. In 1906 Mr. Swift came to Martinez, where he holds the position as superinten- dent of his concern. He was married on February 1, 1896, to Miss Nellie B. Smith, of New York City, and their three children are Thomas Brewster, Margaret B., and Eleanor C. Mr. Swift has served as clerk of the Martinez grammar-school board for a period of four years, and he has also served on the grand jury in Contra Costa County during 1916-17. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Martinez and is master of his lodge. He is a broad-minded and public-spirited man, and has won success and is liked by his fellow-man.
EDWARD B. SMALLWOOD .- The name which heads this review is one of Richmond's representative business men and is well known throughout Contra Costa County. He was born in Missouri on December 20, 1856, and acquired his education in the University of Missouri, at Columbia. In 1876 Mr. Smallwood came west, locating in Santa Rosa, and there learned the undertaking trade. He remained in that town five years, and then removed to Oakdale, California, where he engaged in the undertaking business until 1891, when he went to Los Banos, where he was identified with the business for ten years. In 1904 Mr. Smallwood located in Richmond, engaging in the furniture and undertaking business. Afterward he disposed of the furniture business to L. H. Schrader, and continued in the undertaking business ex- clusively. In politics Mr. Smallwood is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masons, the B. P. O. E., the Red Men, the Moose, the Druids, and the I. O. O. F. Mr. Smallwood was married to Nellie Ingalls, of Iowa, and to this union was born one son, Walter.
ALVARADO J. SOTO (deceased) is remembered throughout Contra Costa County as a representative of the best type of citizenship. His name is wide- ly known and carries with it an influence and power toward the betterment of the community in which he lived. Alvarado J. Soto was a son of the late Silverio I. C. Soto. The pioneer history of California is replete with inter-
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