Biographical Sketch of Frank L. Eksward

Frank L. Eksward, the Secretary Manager of the San Mateo County Development Association, has taken a leading part in the recent development of the county. Many of the notable promotion projects of this community have been successfully launched and carried to a satisfactory conclusion under his leadership and co-operation. Mr. Eksward was born in Brooklyn, New York. in 1870. He has traveled all over the United States and visited portions of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. He has been identified with San Mateo County for the last seven years, five of which he has been engaged actively in promotion work. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Frank Clair Wyckoff

Frank Clair Wyckoff is one of the many newcomers in Burlingame who has been attracted by the splendid opportunities that the rapid development of that town offers. Although Mr. Wyckoff came to Burlingame as a stranger just a year ago, he has risen to a high place in the esteem of his fellow business men and has established one of the most up-to-date undertaking and embalming establishments on the peninsula. Mr. Wyckoff is a native son, having been born in Sierra Valley, near Sierraville, Sierra County on June 1, 1872. After completing his education, he tried rubbing shoulders with the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Frank B. Bettencourt

With a record of having shown over 14,000,000 feet of film, Frank B. Bettencourt, operator at Hart’s Peninsula Theatre in San Mateo, lays an easy claim to being the leading moving picture operator in the county. Mr. Bettencourt went into moving picture business when it in its infancy. He began in San Mateo with Charles Hart. In the eight years that he has operated the cameras in Mr. Hart’s theatre, Mr. Bettencourt has projected over 14,000 reels which include all the important pictures that have been manufactured. During his spare time Mr. Bettencourt has conducted extensive investigations and experiments. He … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Francis T. Rapp

One of San Mateo’s hustling young men who stands high in the business circles of the county is Francis T. Rapp. insurance broker and chief probation officer of San Mateo County. Mr. Rapp was born in San Mateo and has spent the twenty-six years of his life in the county. After graduating from the San Mateo schools he attended Santa Clara University where he took a leading part in athletics and student activities. He played right field on the famous Santa Clara team of 1908 which won the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate championship. Since finishing college Mr. Rapp has been prominent … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Fernand Levy

Mr. Fernand Levy, well known in San Mateo business ‘and social circles not only as the president and founder of Levy Brothers but as a man who takes a sincere interest in all matters of public importance. The firm of Levy Brothers exemplifies the saying that “Rome was not built in a day.” It grew to its present magnitude and prosperity from a small beginning. In 1872 Levy Brothers was established – not in San Mateo, strange as it may seem – but in Halfmoon Bay. In 1892 it was incorporated. Similar stores at this time also belonging to Levy … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Ferguson Owen

One of San Mateo County’s most efficient peace officers is Ferguson Owen, constable of the 2nd Township. As well as the important part Owen has played in the suppression of crime in his township, he has figured in many important criminal cases. One of the best known is the capture of Nick Greelish (James C. Greelish), the highwayman, who assaulted Mrs. L. Guggenheim in the Home of Peace Cemetery. While a thousand officers were in pursuit of this criminal, Constable Owen cleverly worked out his own set of clues and tracked him into a saloon on the state highway. Working … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Ernest L. Norberg

Architect Ernest L. Norberg and his associate, Architect Thomas M. Edwards, with offices in the Phelan Building, San Francisco, have through their branch office in the Bank Building at Burlingame established a thriving clientele in this community. Judging from the number of public and private buildings already constructed from their designs and under their supervision, the future prominence of this firm is assured. Mr. Norberg’s early architectural training was obtained at Hopkins Art Institute, and later under the American Society of Beaux Arts. He was afterward associated with the most prominent architects of San Francisco, including Willis Polk, whom he … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Eric Wold

Eric Wold who has been city engineer of Burlingame for the past four years and at present is also acting in the same capacity for the infant municipality of San Bruno, has been engaged in engineering work the greater part of his life. His college training and wide experience has splendidly fitted him for the important work that he is now doing; while Burlingame’s streets, the water system and other municipal improvements well bespeak Mr. Wold’s ability. Anxious to have their municipality profit from the same competent engineering that Burlingame did, the San Bruno citizens retained Mr. Wold. He is … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Ellis C. Johnson

Mr. Ellis C. Johnson is one of Daly City’s most influential citizens as well as having the distinction of being that city’s first Postmaster, and City Recorder ever since that municipality was incorporated. He is also serving as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Johnson was born in Philadelphia, July 1860. He has been a resident of California since 1881, while San Mateo County has claimed him only since 1907. Before coming to Daly City, Mr. Johnson was located in Stockton, being the superintendent for the Haggin and Tevis Ranch.

Biographical Sketch of Edward T. McGettigan

About five months ago a new Chamber of Commerce sprang into existence in Redwood City that has already done as much for the advancement of its chosen field, as any similar promotion organization in the entire State. The creator and moving force of this association is Mr. Ed. T. McGettigan who has made community building, trade-development and trade-protection a life study. Mr. McGettigan was born in Vallejo, California, March 3, 1875. Early in life he attended the “College of Hard Knocks,” obtaining his education in a life of practical experience, including in his curriculum, salesmanship, government clerkship; and finally taking … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Edward Rucker Dixon

One of the most popular young men in the banking circles of San Mateo County is Edward Rucker Dixon, who was born at Merced, California, March 21, 1883. After leaving high school, he secured a position with the bank of Newman, California, where he remained for twelve years, serving faithfully in every branch of the banking business. It is partly due to his efforts that this bank has been developed to one of the most influential banks of the great San Joaquin valley. Mr. Dixon came to the National Bank of San Mateo, January 10, 1916, to fill the position … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Edward Buchmann

Edward Buchmann is one of San Mateo’s oldest merchants, having been in business in that city for more than a score of years. He was founder of Buchmann’s Hotel and the San Mateo Bakery, both of which have become old landmarks and have kept up with the pace of the times. For many years Mr. Buchmann was the proprietor of a wholesale liquor store. In 1914 he bought out the San Mateo grocery and combined it with his liquor business. He now operates them both under the name of “E. Buchmann & Co., Wines and Groceries.” Mr. Buchmann has been … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Ebenezer E. Cunningham

Ebenezer E. Cunningham was born April 6, 1839 in Marion County, Missouri. He received his education in the public schools of Iowa. At the age of 18 years he emigrated to the Territory of Nebraska. He enlisted in the Civil War and served as 2nd Duty Sergeant in Co. C, 2nd Nebraska Cavalry and in the 48th Missouri Infantry as 1st Lieutenant of Co. K. In 1868 Mr. Cunningham was elected to the Nebraska State Senate from the first district (Richardson County) and re-elected in 1870, was elected President of the State Senate and presided at the impeachment trial of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of E. W. Florence

Mr. E. W. Florence who holds a responsible position with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in the county, is one of its foremost men. Mr. Florence is a native son, being educated in the public schools of Chico, and then graduating from Heald’s Business College in San Francisco. On February 2, 1901 he entered the employ of the P. G. and E. Company. He represented this Company in Chico for eight and a half years; and was then transferred to Fresno as their representative where he remained for two years. From there he came to Redwood City where he … Read more

Biographical Sketch of E. I. Woodman

Mr. Woodman is one of the leading newspaper men of the county, his sphere of activity being South San Francisco where he is the editor and manager of The Enterprise. He is also secretary of the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, a body that has been instrumental toward the substantial up-building of its city, in which Mr. Woodman in his two-fold capacity as newspaper man and civic booster, has taken no small part. Mr. Woodman has been in the newspaper business for over forty years, coming from Sacramento in June, 1907 where he was also engaged in the newspaper … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. William C. McLean

It is safe to say that it would be hard to find any city or county official in San Mateo County whose duties keep him busier than do those of Dr. William C. McLean, Health Officer and Dairy Veterinarian for the city of San Mateo. Dr. McLean was born in Palo Alto and came to San Mateo when a boy. Since then, up to the present time he has resided in the county almost continuously. He began his education in his chosen profession, in the Veterinarian Department of the University of California which was located at Post and Fillmore Streets, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. William Ansyl Brooke

Dr. Brooke was born 52 years ago at Dranion Springs, a little town near Placerville in El Dorado County. He studied medicine at Cooper Medical College in San Francisco, and practiced first in Sacramento, as intern in the City and County Hospital, later moving to Alameda. He came to Halfmoon Bay, eleven years ago, and has resided there ever since. He is a member of the San Mateo Medical Society, State Medical Society and American Medical Association. He was appointed Coroner and Public Administrator on April 7, 1915, which term he is now serving. His personal popularity and professional ability … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Norman D. Morrison

Because of his extended practice and prominence in public affairs, Dr. Norman D. Morrison is one of San Mateo’s best known physicians. Dr. Morrison came to San Mateo eleven years ago. From the day of his arrival he has been successful as a practicing physician and surgeon and his clientele of patients includes some of the peninsula’s most prominent families. Dr. Morrison has unselfishly devoted his time to civic service. During his years of residence here he has served many terms on the Board of Health and for the splendid sanitary conditions of San Mateo, few men share more in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Leo J. Flanagan

Dr. Leo J. Flanagan, one of the county’s well-known physicians and surgeons, is located in South San Francisco where he has been practicing for the past year. Before moving into this county Dr. Flanagan had a large practice in San Francisco. Dr. Flanagan is another of the young professional men who has been attracted to San Mateo County by the wonderful opportunities that the future holds. He sees a great period of growth and prosperity ahead for South San Francisco and his confidence in this era of development was such that he gave up a flourishing practice in San Francisco … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. J. E. Chapin

An important addition to the medical fraternity in San Mateo county is Dr. J. E. Chapin who came to Redwood City three years ago to practice medicine. Dr. Chapin came to Redwood after an extended practice in several large cities and a vast experience in his ‘profession. Since taking up his residence in Redwood City, Dr. Chapin has become intimately associated with the social and business life of Redwood City. His engaging manner and charming personality have drawn many people to him and the small circle of friends that surrounded him when he arrived, has gradually enlarged until it now … Read more