Redwood City California

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 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

Biography of George Carl Plump

George Carl Plump is one of Redwood City’s citizens who can really say that he grew up with the town. Born in Redwood City 45 years ago when Redwood City was a scant settlement, Mr. Plump has watched a full-fledged city gradually unfold and cover the green fields and pastures that he used to romp over as a boy. Mr. Plump never wavered from his belief that the town of his birth was destined to become a thriving commercial city. After receiving his education in Redwood schools, Mr. Plump’s business activities over several years finally focused on Plump’s Grocery store, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of L. P. Behrens

Few men have brought more honor and recognition to San Mateo county then L. P. Behrens, cashier of the First National Bank and president of the San Mateo County Savings Bank of Redwood City. As a banker and financier Mr. Behrens has become known throughout the state so favorably that the honor of being president of the California Bankers’ Association fell to him. This was a rare distinction to come to a man from a county which had so few members of ‘the Association and was so unimportant compared with the great financial centers of the state. As a recognition … Read more

Biography of John Francis Johnson

After living in San Mateo County for fifty-nine years and holding public office for over twenty-five years, John F. Johnson takes a place among San Mateo County’s leading citizens. Few men, can boast of a longer residence and a better knowledge of the growth and development of the peninsula than Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson spent the first part of his life in Halfmoon Bay when that was the most important town In the county. Later he came to Redwood City where after many years of service in public office he started the J. F. Johnson Abstract Company of which he … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Judge George H. Buck

Few names stand out more prominently in the history of California jurisprudence than that of George H. Buck, Superior Judge of San Mateo County, who is completing his twenty-fifth year on the bench and his thirty-third year in public office. As a jurist Judge Buck is one of the most eminent in the State. In addition to sitting on the San Mateo County bench, Judge Buck has been called many times to preside for other judges, and three years ago Governor Johnson appointed him to fill Judge Dooling’s unexpired term when he left the San Benito county court to become … 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

Biography of Robert W. Mantz

Robert W. Mantz is now entering on his fifth year as the first supervising principal of the Redwood City public schools. Beginning with about 300 pupils under his supervision the schools have now nearly 600 enrolled. On the initiative of Mr. Mint is the first public school playground in San Mateo County was equipped at Redwood City and a play ground carnival held to celebrate the event. Also on his recommendation sewing, cooking and manual training in all the grades were introduced, this being the first elementary school in the county to adopt these courses. The Redwood City Grammar School … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Roy W. Cloud

As head of the San Mateo County school system, Roy W. Cloud, Superintendent of schools, is known in almost every household in the county, and he is known to be fully competent and capable to discharge the responsibility that falls upon one in charge of the county’s future citizens. This is Mr. Cloud’s ninth year of office, having been elected for a third term in 1914. During his incumbency the San Mateo County schools have expanded to one of the finest systems in the state with a teaching corps and a set of buildings that should be a pride to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Richard Frederick Chilcott

Among San Mateo County’s foremost citizens is R. F. Chilcott of Redwood City, secretary of the San Mateo County Abstract Company, who has been intensely active for the past twelve years in the affairs of the county and particularly those of Redwood City. After a thorough training in abstracting and record searching in other counties of the State of California and the State of Washington, Mr. Chilcott came to Redwood City in 1904 to engage in this line of work. Days spent, year in and year out, examining the San Mateo county records has made him an authority on this … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Charles George Landscheit

One of the best known realty dealers of the peninsula is Charles G. Landscheit, manager of the Redwood City Realty Company. Since coming to Redwood City twenty-one years ago Mr. Landscheit has been connected in one way or another with the realty business; and his long experience has made him the county’s leading real estate man. As manager of the Redwood City Realty Company Mr. Landscheit has been connected with many of Redwood City’s large enterprises. Notable among them was the building of the Hotel Sequoia which gave Redwood City the finest hotel now in operation between San Francisco and … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Clarence Decatur Hayward

Mr. Clarence Decatur Hayward was serving his sixth term as Assessor of San Mateo County when his sudden and entirely unexpected death on January 21, 1916, deprived the county of one of its most trusted and highly respected servants. Mr. Hayward was born in 1863, and spent the early part of his life at the home of his parents in Pescadero, San Mateo County. Part of his youth was spent working in his father’s lumber mill where he acquired a knowledge of the lumber business. He was elected Assessor of San Mateo County In 1894, and has held that office … 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

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 Joseph J. Bullock

Of the names connected with the San Mateo County Bar few stand out more prominently than Joseph J. Bullock. Mr. Bullock is still practicing at Redwood City and is finishing the twenty-fifth year that he has been before the courts of this county. Mr. Bullock has also played a leading role in the public life of the county. In 1897 he was elected to succeed H. W. Walker as District Attorney. In 1901 he was elected to succeed himself in that office and in 1905 he was returned to that position for a third time. Being for 12 years in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William Albert Crowell

William Albert Crowell, manager and proprietor of the James Crowe Co., of Redwood City, the oldest undertaking establishment of the county, has made a host of friends since his arrival in Redwood City three years ago. Mr. Crowell has made the interests of his new place of residence his interests and few newcomers have taken a more prominent place in the community than that held by Mr. Crowell. . When Mr. Crowell took over the establishment that was founded in 1868 by the late James Crowe, a pioneer undertaker of San Mateo county, Redwood City gained a man of wide … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Asa Edward Hull

There is a well proven saying that, “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” while on the other hand the career of Asa Edward Hull who was born in San Carlos (San Mateo County) just goes to show that a man who sticks close to his native town and county, not only “gathers moss”, but earns the respect and admiration of his fellow townsmen. Mr. Hull was born in San Carlos on July 1, 1870, his father’s name being Mr. Wm. Whipple Hull, being the pioneer brick maker of this county. He received his education in the San Mateo County schools, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of P. P. Chamberlain

Mr. P. P. Chamberlain came to Redwood City in 1868. He accepted the first position that offered and became grocery clerk for Isaac M. Schlouecker. Soon after this he went into the merchandise business with W. J. Wilcox, and after the withdrawal of his partner, carried the business on alone, under the name of P. P. Chamberlain which firm is still in existence. During early days of the grocery business, Mr. Chamberlain was elected county treasurer which office he has faithfully administered for more than thirty years. Mr. Chamberlain is interested in the Redwood City Building and Loan Association and … 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 Albert Mansfield

San Mateo county’s bar claims many of its best citizens. Among these is Albert Mansfield, city attorney of Redwood City, and son of former Sheriff Joel H. Mansfield, who has spent his lifetime in this county. Mr. Mansfield is one of the county’s most successful young attorneys. Although he opened up offices only eight years ago he has built up a large and growing practice. To care for this business Mr. Mansfield maintains an office in Halfmoon Bay in addition to his offices at the county seat. During the eight years that he has practiced in the county, Mr. Mansfield … Read more