California

Biographical Sketch of Rev. Bradford Leavitt

Rev. Bradford Leavitt, born in 1868 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a minister who has uniquely combined his roles as a clergyman and funeral director, easing the grief of bereaved families. A resident of Woodside for ten years, he previously served as pastor of the First Unitarian Church in San Francisco from 1900 to 1914. Married in 1893, he now holds a significant position at N. Gray and Company and is involved in various clubs and organizations, reflecting his community engagement and leadership.

Biographical Sketch of John Edward Layng

John Edward Layng, born in San Francisco on January 15, 1884, is a respected figure in Redwood City as one of the proprietors of the Redwood City Undertaking Parlors. Since establishing himself in the area, he has become an active member of the community, promoting local business and attractions. His prior experience in undertaking and professional training has contributed to the success of his establishment. Layng is also influential in fraternal organizations and is a member of the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce.

Biographical Sketch of Charles George Landscheit

Charles G. Landscheit, manager of the Redwood City Realty Company, is a prominent real estate figure in San Mateo County, having worked in the industry for over twenty-one years. His contributions include the establishment of the Hotel Sequoia, enhancing Redwood City’s amenities. Born in England on January 17, 1872, he served in the Grenadier Guards before moving to California. A dedicated civic leader, he has held various positions in fraternal organizations and is a respected member of the Chamber of Commerce. He married in 1898.

Biographical Sketch of Porter Emerson Lamb

Porter Emerson Lamb, born on May 29, 1879, in Milford, N.H., is renowned in San Mateo County for his athletic prowess and public service. A standout athlete at Stanford, he set a lasting record in the 220-yard dash and previously held the world record for the fifty-yard dash. After graduating, he entered the real estate and insurance business in Burlingame and served as Justice of the Peace. Active in civic affairs, he helped establish the Burlingame Commercial Club and is affiliated with several fraternal organizations.

Biography of Charles N. Kirkbride

Charles N. Kirkbride, a prominent figure in San Mateo since 1889, began his career as a journalist before pursuing law. He graduated from Northwestern University College of Law in 1893, receiving his diploma from Theodore Roosevelt. Establishing a law practice in 1894, he has served as City Attorney since 1895. A founding member of the League of California Municipalities, he played a crucial role in establishing the San Mateo Public Library and advocating for a high school. He remains active in local organizations and holds a military position in the Coast Artillery Corps.

Biography of George E. Jones

George E. Jones has served as Chief of Police in Burlingame for many years, enhancing the department’s efficiency and upholding high moral standards. His leadership has significantly reduced traffic accidents and aided in capturing criminals. Besides his police duties, he has also held roles such as Health Officer and Superintendent of Streets when the city was incorporated. Born in San Francisco in 1869, he moved to Burlingame a decade ago and is active in local organizations. Jones has been recognized for his service with a gold badge.

Biographical Sketch of Ellis C. Johnson

Ellis C. Johnson, born in July 1860 in Philadelphia, is a prominent figure in Daly City, serving as its first Postmaster and City Recorder since its incorporation. Additionally, he holds the position of Justice of the Peace. A California resident since 1881 and a San Mateo County inhabitant since 1907, Johnson previously worked as the superintendent for the Haggin and Tevis Ranch in Stockton. His contributions have significantly shaped the administration of Daly City.

Biography of Major Bert Johnson

Major Bert Johnson of Montara has played a pivotal role in the development of San Mateo County over the past three years as president of the San Mateo County Development Association and chairman of the advisory road commission. He has devoted himself to civic duties, temporarily sidelining personal interests to advance county projects. His leadership has gained recognition, and he has overseen significant infrastructure funding. Born in Iowa in 1874, Johnson has resided in San Mateo County for eight years and is actively involved in various business ventures.

Biographical Sketch of August D. Jenevein

August D. Jenevein, born February 15, 1851, in Lorraine, France, became a prominent figure in San Mateo County after moving to California at twenty-four. He gained renown as the proprietor of Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1878 for fourteen years, hosting notable visitors. Married to Amelia Schnell in 1883, he thrived in the hotel industry, acquiring valuable properties in San Bruno. A committed community member, he served as a School Board trustee from 1908, emphasizing the importance of education for his large family.

Biographical Sketch of Asa Edward Hull

Asa Edward Hull, born in San Carlos on July 1, 1870, is a respected figure in San Mateo County. The son of a pioneering brick maker, Hull received his education locally and excelled in dairying and farming, later transitioning to the hardware business. He is currently the President of Hull Bros. Hardware Company and a director of the San Mateo County Building and Loan Association. Hull is known for his commitment to quality in dairy farming and maintains the largest tested Holstein herd in the county. He is also active in fraternal organizations.

Biography of Edward W. Howard

Edward W. Howard, after graduating from college, became executor of his father’s estate, managing vast properties in California. In 1905, he founded the Howard Cattle Company, earning national acclaim in the livestock industry. A passionate polo player, he established the San Mateo Polo Club and was influential in pony breeding. He served on the California State Board of Agriculture and was involved in various agricultural and banking organizations. Tragically, he died at thirty-six, leaving a legacy of integrity and significant contributions to California’s development.

Biography of Thomas L. Hickey

Thomas L. Hickey, a prominent figure in San Mateo County, was born on September 17, 1871, in Chicago. He began his career with Armours before moving to California in 1892 to manage the killing department at Western Meat Company. After 16 years, he transitioned to the Equitable Life Assurance Society as an insurance representative. Actively involved in local governance and civic initiatives, he served as a City Trustee and was a board member of the San Mateo County Development Board. A family man, he is also engaged in various fraternal organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Michael F. Healy

Michael F. Healy, a notable figure in San Mateo County, has resided in South San Francisco for 24 years, where he established a successful grocery business. Formerly a lumberman, Healy actively engaged in various business ventures before retiring from the lumber industry. He has played a significant role in civic affairs, having recently completed a term as city trustee. Born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1852, Healy emigrated to America, later settling in California with his wife. He remains a member of the Eagles.

Biographical Sketch of Rufus H. Hatch

Rufus H. Hatch, born on September 22, 1829, in South Reading, Vermont, moved to California in 1853, drawn by the promising agricultural land amid the gold rush. Settling near Halfmoon Bay, he cultivated 320 acres for approximately twenty years while also engaging in stockraising and timber operations. He married Martha Schuyler, with whom he had three children. Following his wife’s death in 1888, Hatch remained active in his community and was affiliated with the Odd Fellows and Freemasons in San Mateo.

Biography of Mrs. E. S. Hunt

Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Hunt are prominent figures in San Mateo’s history, having settled in the area over 25 years ago, originally from New Jersey. They purchased their home on Ellsworth Avenue from the Howards and constructed two log cabins, one of which remains a local landmark. Mr. Hunt, a retired dry goods and wholesale millinery merchant, and Mrs. Hunt, descended from the Biddle family known for longevity, enjoy a wide circle of friends in the community and are involved in local organizations.

Biography of Charles E. Hart

Charles E. Hart, born in London on December 15, 1869, was the esteemed owner and manager of Hart’s Theatre in San Mateo, which he built into a successful community playhouse. After moving to the U.S. eighteen years prior, he became a local figure, investing in the town’s cultural life. A trained musician, Hart directed an orchestra that provided music for various events. His sudden death in February shocked the community he had greatly influenced and served.

Biographical Sketch of Kenneth Milton Green

Kenneth M. Green, born on July 25, 1887, in Oakland, California, is a prominent attorney based in San Mateo with a substantial legal practice. A local product, he graduated from San Mateo Grammar and Union High Schools, later attending Stanford University before studying law in San Francisco. Admitted to practice in 1909, he holds various leadership positions in fraternal organizations and is passionate about poultry, serving as President of the San Mateo County Poultry Association. He is the eldest son of the late Milton J. Green.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph B. Gordon

Joseph B. Gordon, a prominent San Mateo attorney, achieved success through determination and hard work, overcoming challenges that marked his path. Starting as a law clerk in 1904, he pursued a law degree while serving as San Mateo’s city clerk. After completing his studies, he partnered with Charles N. Kirkbride to establish the law firm Kirkbride Gordon in 1912. Active in public affairs, Gordon participated in various community organizations. Born on July 12, 1887, in San Jose, he married in 1914 in Watsonville.

Biography of Dr. Isaac R. Goodspeed

Dr. Isaac R. Goodspeed, born on May 30, 1831, in China, Maine, was a prominent figure in San Mateo County for over fifty-six years. After graduating from Bowdoin Medical College in 1854, he practiced medicine in various locations, eventually settling in Pescadero, where he engaged in multiple business ventures and held local offices. He played a significant role in Pescadero’s incorporation into San Mateo County and later became a respected doctor in San Mateo. Goodspeed’s contributions included serving as Coroner, postmaster, and as a surgeon for the County Hospital. He celebrated sixty years of marriage in 1916.

Biographical Sketch of W. L. Glascock

W. L. Glascock is the principal of the San Mateo Union School and has dedicated much of his life to education. Born in Indiana, he has lived in California for seventeen years, four of which were spent in San Mateo. A graduate of the University of Indiana with an A.B. degree, he later earned a master’s degree from Stanford University in 1906. Glascock holds several leadership positions in educational organizations and is affiliated with various fraternities and lodges.