California

Biographical Sketch of Horace H. Walling

Horace H. Walling has been a resident of San Mateo County since October, 1905. He was born in Kirkville, Iowa, on December 5th, 1869. In 1882 his parents came to California, locating in Woodland, Yolo County, where he finished his education in the public schools. Upon leaving school he entered the office of the Woodland Mail to learn the printing trade and journalism, and for a number of years followed the printing and publishing business. During his newspaper experience he was the founder and owner of one of the principal papers of Placerville, El Dorado County. In 1901 he became … Read more

Biography of Edward Plummer Paige

Edward Plummer Paige, a former legislative Representative of the town of Dunbarton, was born in Bradford, N.H., in 1857, son of Bayard P. and Louisa S. Paige. The father of Edward Plummer, who was born in Dunbarton, subsequently removed to Hopkinton, N.H., where he acquired his education. At the age of fourteen years he returned to Dunbarton, and entered the general merchandise store of his brother Jeremiah as clerk. Three or four years later they moved the business to Bradford, where he continued to work for some time. He next engaged in stove-making, turning out some of the first stoves … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George H. Wallace

G. W. Wallace, hotel owner and city trustee of South San Francisco, has been a resident of California for eighteen years; and all of that time he has spent in San Mateo County. Mr. Wallace was born in Chicago on November 22, 1873 and he spent the early part of his life in the Windy City. He had a very responsible position with the firm of Oppenheim, Case & Co., a big butcher supply house. It was while he was representing this house that he was sent out to South San Francisco. Although this was eighteen years ago when South … Read more

Biography of W. F. Turnbull

Mr. W. F. Turnbull occupies a place of undisputed prominence in the history of San Mateo County, not only because of his present position as Superintendent of the San Mateo Water Company, but by virtue of his successful enterprises in the lumber business-undertaken recently, as well as his achievements in the field of landscape gardening. To tell the story of Mr. Turnbull’s life aright, it is necessary to start from the first chapter of his life which opens in the month of March in 1847, when he was born in the town of Alva, Scotland. His first business experience was … Read more

Biographical Sketch of H. C. Tuchsen

It is probably true that the real estate operator has the opportunity as well as the responsibility of doing more actual good ‘for the county that he represents than any other profession. He brings settlers and home seekers and builds up the county in more ways than one. This is particularly true of Mr. Tuchsen whose election to serve as President of the Redwood City Board of Trade and San Mateo County Development Association as well as City Trustee of Redwood City, amply testifies. Mr. Tuchsen was born on February 11, 1864 in Germany. He came to America when comparatively … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Frank S. Towne

The lesson of the opportunities San Mateo County holds for its young men is taught by the life of Frank. K. Towne, assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Redwood City. Twenty-five years ago when Mr. Towne was still in his teens, he went to work for this bank as a clerk. This was on September 1, 1891. He has continued in its employ ever since, his advancement keeping pace with the growth of the institution. Mr. Towne is now assistant cashier and cashier of the San Mateo County Savings Bank. Mr. Towne has played a leading part in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William H. Toepke

Mr. Toepke has been identified with the profession of architect for the last eighteen years both in San Francisco and in San Mateo County. He drew the plans for the San Mateo Union High School, the San Mateo central fire station, the Elk’s Club,. and numerous residences of Burlingame, San Mateo and Redwood City. Among the many edifices for which Mr. Toepke has drawn plans in San Francisco might be mentioned the Flatiron Building at Market and Sansome Streets, an apartment for the Cuneo Estate and the Doe Estate, the Mission High School and the Maskey Building, where Mr. Toepke … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Stephen Edward Throwell

Stephen Edward Throwell is one of San Mateo county’s citizens who testifies to his loyalty by having lived here from the time of his birth. Born here 45 years ago Mr. Throwell has turned a deaf ear to flattering offers to leave his native home, and preferred to stake his lot with this community. Mr. Throwell is one of Lomita Park’s energetic residents. When this district was covered with large ranches, and the few residents were the inhabitants of the houses on those large undivided tracts, Mr. Throwell saw a future in the present Lomita Park where the man of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Clarence Victor Thompson

The subject of this sketch was born in Eureka, Humboldt County, California, October 27, 1881. He received his education in the grammar and high schools; and attended business college until he decided to study medicine. He entered the Cooper Medical College, and after he graduated, immediately entered the City and County Hospital at San Francisco as house physician. He then removed to Eureka and became acting assistant surgeon and officer in command of the station. After two years he left for Alaska, practicing there for two years before locating in Pescadero, where he has been more than successful. Two years … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Vincent Swift

James Vincent Swift, postmaster of Redwood City and editor and proprietor of the Redwood City Democrat, is one of the county’s best known and respected citizens. Born in January 1862 at West Union, a few miles from Redwood, Mr. Swift has lived and wrought his career in San Mateo County. After receiving his early education in the Redwood schools Mr. Swift entered the printing office of the Times-Gazette at the early age of seventeen. He soon mastered the mechanical and editorial ends of the paper and in 1898 he had advanced sufficiently to buy a half interest in the Democrat. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Franklin Swart

Few if any officials of San Mateo county enjoy more public confidence than Franklin Swart who is serving his second term as district attorney. District Attorney Swart is a self made man. He was born at New Paris, Indiana, on June 25, 1878. He came to California eighteen years ago to attend college. By digging ditches during his vacations and doing odd jobs during the school term, Mr. Swart managed to work his way through Stanford University where he received A. B. and Juris Doctor degrees. Swart has practiced law in San Mateo County since his graduation. In 1910 he … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Richard Charles Stickle

The career of Mr. Richard Charles Stickle, particularly since he settled in San Mateo county, is well worth reading and points a moral. Nine years ago he came to San Bruno practically without a penny in his pocket, and went into business for himself carpentering and contracting. For quite a time he labored under considerable difficulty, as he was without capital. Being an exceptionally good carpenter and thoroughly conscientious, business came his way-and it was not so very long before he had plenty of money to swing his contracting operations. Perhaps Mr. Stickle’s success can better be portrayed by a … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Jesse O. Snyder

In charge of the great plant of the Western Meat Company at South San Francisco which employs hundreds of men and turns out thousands of dollars worth of products monthly, is Jesse O. Snyder, a resident of South San Francisco for the past twenty years or more and one of its leading boosters. Mr. Snyder is a native of Pennsylvania and it was in Chicago that he gained his fundamental knowledge of the packing business. Before coming west he was with Swift & Co. He worked himself up to a responsible position with these interests who sent him out to … Read more

Biography of Dr. F. Holmes Smith

Dr. F. Holmes Smith is a comparatively young man, yet he has already passed through a most interesting career, one phase of which was a stirring trip up into the frozen north where he faithfully followed the call of medical duty in Alaska, upon the shores of the Behring Sea, as the company doctor for the North American Commercial Company. Upon his return to civilization he took up the less arduous duties of a practicing physician and surgeon at San Bruno in 1909. Dr. Smith was born at Lake City, Minnesota, on October 29, 1879, and received his college education … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Frank P. Simmen

Mayor Frank P. Simmen stands out as one of the most progressive and constructive executives San Mateo has ever had. Being a sound business man of the highest type, Mr. Simmen set out not to play to a political gallery but to give San Mateo a clean-cut businesslike administration. The condition of the city finances, the completion of the new city hall, the extensive street improvements, the proposed municipal baths and a dozen other matters bear out the success of Mayor Simmen’s policies. Mayor Simmen is a man of many responsibilities; and San Mateo is to be congratulated on securing … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Miss. Mercedes Silvia

Belonging to one of the oldest and most representative families of the county, Miss Mercedes Sylvia has much to remember and to be justly proud of in the part that her forbears took in the settlement and upbuilding of San Mateo County in the early years when there were hardly any settlers, inadequate transportation and no conveniences to speak of. She was born in San Bruno, July 23, 1887, educated in San Mateo county, and has continued to live here ever since. Provided with ample means that would enable her to live anywhere she chose, she has nevertheless elected to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John J. Shields

San Mateo county is to be congratulated that the office of auditor, one of the most important functions in the county government is in the hands of such a competent person as John J. Shields who was elected by a handsome majority. When Mr. Shields began his duties he revolutionized the auditor’s office. The latest and most up-to-date systems of bookkeeping were installed and sweeping changes and improvements made, with the result that Mr. Shield’s office has been paid many flattering compliments by expert accountants. Before being elected county auditor, Mr. Shields was under sheriff for Sheriff J. H. Mansfield. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Michael Sheehan

Few police officers in California can boast of the record of Michael Sheehan, sheriff of San Mateo county. A list of the important captures made by Sheriff Sheehan in the sixteen years he has been a peace officer, would include some of the most desperate men who are in the State Prisons today serving for daring crimes not only committed in this county but in every county of the state. Sheriff Sheehan was constable of the Second Township for twelve years and refused to again become a candidate although urged by the residents to enter the race for Sheriff. In … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George E. Seely

George E. Seely, justice of the peace in the third township was elected to office two years ago. This was his first experience in public life and since first taking his oath of office he has by fairness, thoroughness and soundness of his decisions, attracted county-wide attention as a magistrate. Mr. Seely is a machinist by trade and has worked at his profession in Redwood City for nine years. Being an able mechanic and of an inventive turn of mind, Mr. Seely has several patents which in time bid to make him famous. Justice Seely’s modesty has made these almost … Read more

Biographical Sketch of P. G. Schneider

P. G. Schneider, vice president and general manager of the Pacific Car & Equipment Co., which has one of the largest plants of the South San Francisco Industrial district, is a native of California, having been born in San Francisco forty-five years ago. He was educated in the San Francisco schools and started the business career which launched him into his present position of prominence in South San Francisco. As general manager of the Pacific Car & Equipment Company, Mr. Schneider has built up one of the largest and best equipped industrial plants in the county. The big orders and … Read more