Redwood City California

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 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 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 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 Mark E. Ryan

Mark E. Ryan, electrical contractor and proprietor of Ryan’s Electrical Store in the Sequoia Hotel Bldg., Redwood City, arrived in that city seven years ago, after lie had traveled in all parts of the United States. The climatic advantages and business opportunities quickly appealed to Mr. Ryan, and lie decided to establish himself in business in Redwood City and make it his home. Mr. Ryan has had a wide and varied experience in electrical work which he has followed since boyhood. After completing his education in -New York City, he worked as a lineman in New York and large cities … 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

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 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 Harry H. Putnam

After months of travel in the United States looking for a business opening, Harry H. Putnam, contractor and builder of Redwood City, chose California as the state offering the most to the newcomer. He then spent two years deciding beyond a doubt that the peninsula offered him more opportunities than any other place in the state and that for one in his line, Redwood City was the logical place to locate. Since coming to Redwood City, Mr. Putnam has developed a large contracting and building business. He has erected 10 homes in the Redwood Highlands district alone and his contracts … 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

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

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 Dr. George Borden Yount

Dr. George Borden Yount is one of the few professional men of the county who was born and reared here. Dr. Yount spent the early part of his life and received his preliminary education within a stone’s throw of the office where he now attends to his large and growing practice. Dr. Yount was born on September 28, 1882. After passing his childhood days in Redwood he entered the Redwood grammar school. After graduating he prepared himself for college at the Sequoia Union ‘High School. After more preliminary study Dr. Yount entered the dental department of the College of Physicians … 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 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

Biography of George A. Wilbur

George A. Wilbur, an enterprising citizen of Chino, is the founder and sole proprietor of the Chino Store, opened to the public in February, 1888, since which time he has conducted one of the most prosperous enterprises in that section. His large and commodious store is well appointed in all respects, and is well stocked with a choice selection of goods. He deals in provisions, groceries, dry goods and everything in the general merchandise line, furnishing goods, boots and shoes, crockery, tin-ware, hardware, cigars, tobacco, etc. He is thoroughly competent in his business, and justly merits the liberal patronage bestowed … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Clarence M. Doxsee

The abstract of title business is one of the most important lines of activity in Redwood City, county seat of San Mateo County, and many of Redwood’s most reputable residents are engaged in this work. Standing out among them is Clarence M. Doxsee, manager of the George H. Rice Abstract Company, who has directed this pioneer firm for the last ten years. Mr. Doxsee came to California from Iowa where he had considerable experience in abstract work and since then he has been associated with the George H. Rice Abstract Company. Under his competent management this firm which was started … Read more

Biography of Mrs. George C. Ross

There is not a resident of San Mateo County whose life history is more closely woven into the fabric of the chronology of this county than Mrs. George C. Ross. Having lived here the best part of her life, she has the added distinction of being the second white child born in San Mateo – Mrs. Frank Miller, now a resident of Berkeley, being the first. Possessed of sufficient wealth to live in any part of the world, San Mateo County has nevertheless always been her first choice. When married, on December 24, 1877, in San Mateo, she went with … 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