Men of affairs in the state of Utah (biographies), Part 11

Author: The Press Club of Salt Lake
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: [Salt Lake City]
Number of Pages: 426


USA > Utah > Men of affairs in the state of Utah (biographies) > Part 11


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27


He received the common school education which the state afforded, and made the most of it, carving out for himself a suc- cessful career. He did not go to college, but early took up his life work.


He came to Salt Lake City in August, 1899, and has lived here ever since that date. He is married, his wife's maiden name being Elizabeth J. Hammond. They have four children : Jane, 25 years of age; Robert E., 22 years of age; Earl M., 20 years of age, and John H., 18 years of age.


The Wilson home life is ideal and the many friends of the family love to gather within the hospitable doors of this dwell- ing.


Mr. Wilson belongs to Salt Lake Lodge No. 85, B. P. O. E., and is an energetic and enthusiastic worker for that order.


One of the best known hotels in this city and state, the Wilson hotel, is owned by him. He had this hostelry remodeled and furnished in an up-to-date manner throughout and it is well known to the traveling public throughout the west gener- ally. He also owns quite a number of mining properties.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


L. R. WOOD


ROM stenographer in a general freight office at Omaha to auditor of the Oregon Short Line Rail- road company at Salt Lake in the short space of 16 years is the record of L. R. Wood, considered one of the most capable railroad men in the state. He was born at Denison, Iowa, November 20, 1875, and is the son of Josephine S. Marks-Wood and Charles Taylor Wood. A brother, Henry Wood, is European correspondent for the United Press association.


The subject of this sketch took a business course, including shorthand and typewriting, at Fremont, Nebraska, and this was completed in 1890. His railroad career began February 10, 1899, when he became stenographer for the general freight department of the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Rail- road company at Omaha. On February 20, 1900, he became stenographer for R. Anderson, auditor of disbursements, Union Pacific Railroad company, Omaha. On July 1, 1905, he became general clerk for Erastus Young, general auditor, Union Pacific and Southern Pacific lines, and on January 1, 1910, hecame chief clerk to C. B. Seger, general auditor of the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, Chicago and New York. Mr. Seger now is vice-president and controller of the Union Pacific system.


Mr. Wood was appointed chief clerk to the auditor of the Oregon Short Line at Salt Lake March 1, 1912, and on April 11, 1914, was named assistant auditor. Just about a year later, April 15, 1915, he was promoted to his present position, auditor of the Oregon Short Line.


Mr. Wood is married, his wife's maiden name being Jessie Maud Azhill. One son was born to this union, Robert, aged four years.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


EDWARD BENJAMIN CRITCHLOW


OSSESSING a deep knowledge of the law and great ability in the unraveling of perplexing legal points, Edward Benjamin Critchlow is considered one of the most brilliant lawyers in the State of Utah. He is a member of the firm of Pierce, Critchlow & Bar- rette, which firm has a large and constantly growing clientele. He was born in Mississippi in 1858, and is the son of John J. Critchlow and Mabel H. Ayer-Critchlow.


After obtaining a good common school and high school edu- cation, he attended Princeton university and later became a student in Columbia Law school, from which institution he was graduated as lawyer. He has been a resident of Utah since 1873.


Mr. Critchlow has been uniformly successful in the practice of law in the State. He is especially well informed on corpora- tion law, and his services have been retained by numerous large corporations in important cases.


Mr. Critchlow was married to Mary W. Martin, and to that union were born Elizabeth Y., Francis B., George A., Maurice M., Anna J., Margery W., and Walter M. Critchlow.


Mr. Critchlow belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the Alta, University and Country clubs. He is one of Salt Lake City's most influential men of affairs and is inter- ested in any movement for the betterment of conditions gen- erally in the State.


In politics, he is a Republican.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


WILLIAM G. PATRICK


ELL known among the business men of Salt Lake and the whole state is William G. Patrick, member of the firm of Decker-Patrick company, wholesale dry goods. He is the son of Rachel Baird-Patrick and Robert Patrick, and was born in Salt Lake April 29, 1869. His parents came to Utah from Scot- land in 1863. His residence is at 283 Sixth avenue, Salt Lake.


Mr. Patrick started to work for Zion's Co-operative Mer- cantile Institution in the wholesale dry goods department 26 years ago. His ability attracted the attention of other firms and eleven years ago he accepted an offer from Jolin Scowcroft & Sons company of Ogden to take charge of its dry goods de- partment. He was with this firm a little more than four years. The possibilities of the dry goods business in the west appealed to him and he associated himself with Joseph Decker in the or- ganization of the Decker-Patrick company. This was just six and a half years ago and today the firm is considered by the dry goods trade of the country to be one of the leading dry goods concerns of the west.


Mr. Patrick is an ardent booster for his native city and state and never overlooks an opportunity to tell people on the ontside about its sterling advantages. He is an active member of the Commercial club and a strong component element in the business fabrie of the community.


Mr. Patrick claims no political party as his own. He is in- dependent and votes for the man, not the party.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


ANDREW SMITH, JR


LECTION to the office of sheriff in a county of more 6 than 125,000 population, comprising in its area many mining and smelter camps and a large floating and foreign population, bring unusual responsibilities. The people of Salt Lake county, looking over the record of Andrew Smith, Jr., who has served for many years as a policeman and as a deputy sheriff, had confi- dence in his ability to handle the civil and criminal affairs of the county, and elected him as sheriff. His office has made its record in the matter of keeping order and preventing crime, and in punishing those criminals that are caught and brought to face the courts. Securing sufficient evidence, and of the right kind to secure a conviction is as essential as arresting the male- factor, and this Sheriff Smith and his deputies have done in many cases.


Andrew Smith, Jr., was born in Salt Lake March 24, 1864. He was a son of Andrew Smith and Jane MeKay Smith. His father was a native of Scotland and his mother of Ireland. His parents came to Salt Lake with the hand cart party of pioneers.


In his early manhood Mr. Smith was a carpenter and builder, later becoming a policeman. He married Miss Hen- rietta Mitchell, after he had attended the common schools of the state and the state university. He is a member of the Com- mercial club and of the Native Sons of Utah.


During all his life Mr. Smith has been an earnest worker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in various ecclesiastical capacities.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


EUGENE L. WILLE.


UGENE L. WILLE, the genial and popular manager of the Wilson cafe, was born in France November 30, 1867. His father, Benjamin Wille, was a caterer in some of the principal cities of France and Alsace- Lorraine, and has been employed as manager in some of the finest cafes in these metropolitan cities. Gene, as he is familiarly known by his many friends in this city, nat- urally followed in the footsteps of his father, and since coming to this country has been at the head of many of the country's most popular cafes.


In addition to being manager of the Wilson cafe, Mr. Willie has held the same position in the Maxim cafe, Semlol Louvre, and one or two other cafes which have become popular because of his association with them. He was a member of the Kenyon Hotel Cafe Co. and is a prominent Elk.


Mr. Wille came to the United States August 2, 1886. He spent a few years in New York, where he was employed in many of the best hotels. For three years he was manager of one of Buffalo's most famous cafes and later held similar positions in Niagara Falls. In 1897 Mr. Wille married Miss Fay E. Black.


At the time of the Alaskan gold rush, Mr. Wille left for the gold fields. In Dawson and Nome he entered the hotel business and operated some of the best dining rooms that Alaska has ever known. He later returned to San Francisco, where for ten years he was associated with the best cafes in the Paris of America.


Mr. Wille came to this city from Denver in 1897, and with the exception of one year that he spent in Denver as manager of the Lynhaven, has lived here ever since.


The fact that Mr. Wille has risen in the cafe business from the position of assistant pastry cook to his present capacity demonstrates his complete knowledge of the cafe business. His good fellowship has made for him a host of staunch friends in this city.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


BERNARD O. MECKLENBURG


ERNARD O. MECKLENBURG, young in years and old in experience, ranks among the leading architects of the intermountain country. He is a member of several fraternal orders and clubs, a progressive cit- izen, a consistent booster for a greater city and State, an ardent patron of baseball and other sports, and stands very high socially in the capital city of Utah. He was born August 1, 1878, in Fremont, Nebraska, and during his boy- hood and early youth had the advantages of an excellent educa- tion. He came to Salt Lake about fifteen years ago.


Mr. Mecklenburg is an architect who has made good with a big G. As superintendent of construction for buildings of his own design he has won an enviable reputation for executive ability, efficiency and dispatch in operations.


The new Holy Cross hospital is among the latest efforts of Mr. Mecklenburg in the building line. The structure is thor- oughly modern in every particular, and the plans as drawn by him embrace the best ideas in hospital construction. Many buildings in Salt Lake and other cities, including church edifices and business blocks, stand as tributes to his ability as an archi- tect. In addition, he has received commissions for big jobs throughout the whole intermountain country.


Mr. Mecklenburg is a heavy realty owner, big tax payer and is interested in all movements tending to the upbuilding of Salt Lake. He is owner of and lives at the Mecklenburg apartments. L and South Temple streets, considered one of the most modern electrically equipped apartment houses in the country.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


GEORGE C. LAMBERT, JR.


EORGE C. LAMBERT, JR., was born in Salt Lake City December 10, 1873, being the eldest son of George Cannon Lambert and Mary Alice Needham Lambert. His grandparents on both sides were early pioneers of Utah, and of English birth, and have figured prominently in the community in a busi- ness way, as well as religionsly, all being devout and consistent members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


He started life with all the advantages of honorable ances- try, but without the enervating influence of wealth. His father previous to his birth had been manager of the Deseret News, the leading newspaper of the west, but resigned from that position and undertook the management of the only paper mill in the State when George was 19 years of age. The accidental burn- ing of the paper mill six months later changed the current of the family. The father decided to continue in the paper business, and organized the Lambert Paper company, his sons being asso- ciated with him.


George has now actively devoted himself to this business for the past twenty-two years, during the past two years as manager. He has had a broad and varied experience in busi- ness, and is noted for his steady habits, sagacity and poise.


He was married June 23, 1898, to Kate Young Clawson, daughter of General H. B. Clawson, and granddaughter of Brig- ham Young, who, after bearing him four children, died. He married again September 11, 1914, to Avery Clark, grand- daughter of Ezra T. Clark, pioneer of Davis county.


In connection with his father and brothers he has also helped to organize and conduct successfully the Lambert Manu- facturing company, the Lambert Roofing company, and the Lam- bert Calendar & Novelty company, of which corporations he is also an officer, as well as being treasurer of the Utah Printing Ink & Roller company.


He is a member of the Commercial club and the Rotary club, in both of which organizations he has taken an active part.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


EDWARD GALLAGHUE O'DONNELL


DWARD GALLAGHUE O'DONNELL, well-known Salt Lake undertaker, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, March 1, 1863. His father was John O'Don- nell, and mother, Margaret Gallaghue-O'Donnell. The O'Donnells and Gallaghues belong to two of the oldest families in the southern part of Ireland. The sub- ject of this sketch attended the National School at Galbally, Limerick county, and the Albert Model School at Clonmell, County Tipperary, and was graduated from the latter school in 1879. He came to the United States in 1885, taking up his resi- dence in Chicago, where he was in the coal business until 1889. Leaving Chicago in 1889 he passed through Salt Lake City on his way to San Francisco. He stayed in San Francisco two years and then came to Salt Lake to make his permanent home.


Mr. O'Donnell made friends on all hands by his ready wit. He was elected city councilman for two terms, but served only six of the eight years, going out of office when the commission form of government was inaugurated. Among the fraternal orders of which he is a member are the following: Elks, Eagles, Odd Fel- lows, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Columbus and Woodmen of the World. He is an active member of the Commercial club, and is president and general manager of the Eutonia Mining & Milling company.


Mr. O'Donnell was married to Miss Mary A. Miller and to them were born, John E., Margaret Mary, Cornelius F., Mary A., Edward J., and Catherine O'Donnell.


In national politics Mr. O'Donnell is a Republican.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


DR. E. D. WOODRUFF


R. E. D. WOODRUFF has carved out an enviable name for himself in the business world. He was recently chosen as president of the Salt Lake Security & Trust company, in which concern he has acted as chairman of the board since its organization in 1903. He is also president of the Brown, Terry, Woodruff company, owners of the Troy Laundry.


Dr. Woodruff was born in Illinois, September 24, 1850. He is the son of John Woodruff, farmer, and spent his youth on the farm in Illinois. He obtained his education in his native town and afterwards graduated as physician and surgeon from the Chicago Homeopathic Medical college. After his graduation, he settled in Chicago for ten years, after which he acted for a period of over ten years as surgeon to Union Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Coal company at Rock Springs, Wyoming. He came to Utah in 1890 and retired from active practice of his profession. Since coming here, in addition to his high profes- sional standing, he has ocenpied a prominent place in the busi- ness world, and is looked upon as one of Utah's most substantial citizens.


Dr. Woodruff married Minnette M. Roberts. They have four children: Mrs. Lesley D. W. Riter, Helen M. Woodruff, Edward R. Woodruff and Virginia M. Woodruff.


Dr. Woodruff is a Mason and a member of the Commercial club, of which he is a past president. He is also active in the affairs of the Sons of the American Revolution, and acted as head of that organization for some time.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


FRANK J. GUSTIN


ENIOR member of the law firm of Gustin, Gillette & Brayton, one of the best known firms in Utah and the west, is Frank J. Gustin. During his residence in Salt Lake City, Mr. Gustin has taken a leading part in all the affairs of the city and state, and is well known and highly esteemed.


Early in his life Mr. Gustin took up the active practice of law. He is always known to be alert and wide-awake and level- headed. His uniform success in handling big cases has brought him a large volume of valuable business, and he is at this time acting for some of the largest financial institutions in Utah.


Mr. Gustin was born July 27, 1877, at Princeton, Illinois. His parents were Marianna Wemple-Gustin and Albert J. Gustin. His early school days were passed in the public and high schools of his native town. His desire being to enter the legal profession, Mr. Gustin entered the University of Nebraska at about the age of 18 years. After attending that institution four years, he received his degree of LL. B. He was graduated from the university in June, 1897, and immediately started on his career as an attorney-at-law.


His first appearance in Salt Lake City was in October, 1898, since when he has been a resident here. He was married to Dora Harley and has three children, namely, Harley W. Gustin, 11 years of age; Adele M. Gustin, 9 years of age, and Frances J. Gustin, 8 years of age. While at college he was honored by being elected a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Mr. Gus- tin is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees in the various branches. As a member of the Alta club, the University club, the Country club, and an associate member of the Press club of Salt Lake City, Mr. Gustin is widely known and highly respected. Mr. Gustin is also a mem- ber of the Sons of the American Revolution, of the Utah State Bar association and the American Bar association.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


: ***


DR. HUGH B. SPRAGUE


HE name of Dr. Hngh B. Sprague, assistant health commissioner and police surgeon of Salt Lake City, is known to every reader of daily newspapers in the state. Dr. Sprague has extended valuable aid to his chief, Dr. Samuel G. Paul, head of the health de- partment, in making the capital city of Utah one of the most healthful places in the United States. Hundreds of patients who were treated at the emergency hospital at police headquarters remember him for prompt services given when speed and efficiency meant the saving of human life.


Dr. Sprague is a native of Utah, having been born in Salt Lake on August 16, 1879. His father was Sam L. Sprague, and his mother Marian Sprague.


The subject of this sketch obtained his early education in the public schools of Salt Lake. Following a high school course, he attended Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, from which he was gradnated as physician and sur- geon in 1904. Since that time Dr. Sprague has practiced his pro- fession in his native city. Much of his time, however, has been devoted to the public health service during recent years.


Dr. Sprague belongs to the Masons, Eagles and Moose, and is a member of the University club. He has a large circle of friends and is a wikeawake booster for his home city and state.


Dr. Sprague is vice-president of the Rocky Mountain In- surance agency. In politics, he is Republican. He is married. his wife's maiden name being Lillian Eaken. They reside at the Eagle Gate apartments.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


RICHARD A. JOHNSON


LL the world loves a well-tailored man," said one of rare wisdom. Whatever may be said or believed con- cerning the philosophy of clothes, it is a fact that the man whose attire is neat and in vogne wins his way in business and in love, more easily than the sar- torially careless. It is appreciation of this fact that has won distinction for the firm of Johnson Brothers, of which Richard A. Johnson is the senior member.


Richard A. Johnson was born at Kalmar, Sweden. He there learned the essentials of his trade from his father, Carl August Johnson. Old-country training is proverbial for its thoroughness. Richard A. Johnson served an apprenticeship that made him an artist.


Ambitious to try his fortune in the New World, he came to America. He "Saw America First," and settled after a long tour in Chicago. There he made rapid progress. He added modern, up-to-the-minute ideas to his thorough training.


He soon was made superintendent of one of the largest and finest tailoring establishments in Chicago. "Efficiency" and "Mastery" were the words used by his employers in describing him. He had become a factor in the world of good clothing.


He returned to Sweden after several years of life in Amer- ica to visit his parents. Returning to America he brought with him his brother Arthur, who also had served an apprenticeship with their father. They saw the opportunities of the West and came to Salt Lake, establishing the tailoring firm of Johnson Brothers, tailors, in 1913.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


-


CHARLES ALBERT BIRTCH.


HE term of "Colonel" comes more nearly rightfully to Charies A. Birtch, than to many others, for in the pioneer days he saw six years of frontier work as a government scout, under the command of Wil- liam F. Cody, known to the world as "Buffalo Bill."


Charles A. Birtch is a son of Thomas Birtch, native Ken- tuckian; and Sarah Carl Birtch, native of St. Mary's, Ontario, Canada. He was born at Lonisville, Ky., October 17, 1857. He was a student at the Louisville High school and was graduated from St. Mary's, Ontario, Canada, High school with the class of 1875.


Entering the scont service under "Buffalo Bill" in 1882, he served six years in that capacity in Arizona, New Mexico, California and Oregon. He was involved in many skirmishes and suffered several slight wounds. In Arizona he was detailed to protect small settlements and mining camps from Indian raid- ers. After the Indians had been subdued, he became a horse dealer, handling thoroughbreds. He lived in Seattle from 1888 to 1892 and then went to New York opening a pool room on 29th street between Broadway and Sixth Avenne. Two years later he went to Hot Springs, Ark., and had charge of the Southern ('Inb for eight winters, and was with Canfield at Saratoga for seven summers. Hle managed a club at Chesapeake Beach, Md., for three years and then drifted west again. He located at Colo- rado Springs for a time, and came to Utah with the rush to the Uinta Indian reservation when it was opened.


Colonel Birteh is married, but has no children. He is a mem- her of the Pike's Peak, Country and Driving Clubs at Colorado Springs.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


OTTO E. BRANNING


TTO E. BRANNING was a sign writer. Then he JO went into business for himself. He sold beans at 10 cents a dish, and in twelve years made $84,000 at that occupation, and saved most of it. "The Chili King" was born at Logansport, Ind., in 1860. His parents were Ferdinand and Mary Kiefer Branning. The future chili king lived in poverty in his childhood, and his edu- cation was gained between 1871 and 1873 in a little red school house on a hill.


He left school at the age of 13 years and shifted for himself. He learned sign writing in the school of experience, and came to Utah in 1901. His father, who was a cobbler and shoemaker in Colfax, Indiana, was unable to give the youth financial aid, so he proceeded to help himself, with the result that has built up a splendid business.


Mr. Branning married Miss Lucy Haier, and they have one son and one daughter, Lillian Emma Branning, 26 years of age, and Ralph Ivan Branning, 22 years of age.


As a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Order of Owls, Mr. Branning has a wide fraternal acquaintance. His place of business is at 103 and 105 East Second Sonth street, Semloh Hotel building.


Mr. Branning is a life member of the Don't Worry Club, and says he is an ardent collector of United States coins and cur- rent coins for the reason that most people have them and are willing to part with them. He is not interested in politics.


Men of Affairs in The State of Utah


EDWARD DAIGORO HASHIMOTO


O THE question: "Who is the best known and the most influential member of the Japanese colony in Utah?" the answer undoubtedly is Edward Diagoro Hashimoto, of Salt Lake, merchant and importer of oriental goods. He is the recognized leader of his countrymen in the state and his activities always have been for the betterment of conditions among them. Every- where throughout the intermountain region and in fact the en- tire west, where there are natives of the Flowery Kingdom, he is well and favorably known. He was born in Japan on Novem- ber 24, 1875. His parents are Seki Hashimoto and Tomekichi Hashimoto.


Believing there were greater opportunities for him in the United States, young Hashimoto left Japan in 1890 for this country. Arriving here he made the best of every opportunity presented and within a comparatively short time had acquired a splendid knowledge of English, both spoken and written. He was employed in various positions, principally as office boy and clerk in stores for a number of years, and finally went into busi- ness for himself in Salt Lake. The E. D. Hashimoto company, of which he is president, operates a large general merchandis- ing and importing business at its store on South Temple street.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.