Redwood City California

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 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 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

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 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 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 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 Mrs. Henry C. Finkler

Prominent in the club life of the county and the State is Mrs. Henry C. Finkler, president of the Redwood City Woman’s Club. Although one of the most active club-women of the county, Mrs. Finkler has devoted her energies to many other good causes which has placed her in the front rank of the county’s leading women. Mrs. Finkler has lived in California almost all her life. The last eight years she has spent in Redwood City. Her first work after taking up her new place of residence was to take a leading part in the organization of the Redwood … 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 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 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 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 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 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 Alphonsus S. Liguori

Few men are better and more favorably known in the fraternal circles of the county than Alphonsus S. Liguori of Redwood City. In the business world Mr. Liguori is a salt manufacturer and superintendent of the Redwood Water Company. In the fraternal world he is the prince of good fellows, and is pronounced one of the leading spirits in every organization to which he belongs. Mr. Liguori was one of the leaders in the movement to bring the 1916 convention of the Foresters to Redwood City, which is one of the greatest fraternal honors ever accorded a San Mateo town. … 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 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 Daniel Hedge

The name of James Daniel Hedge has been only comparatively recently inscribed upon the scroll of names which includes some of the brainiest men of the countyits newspaper proprietors and editors. Although Mr. Hedge was born in Redwood City, he has been permitted by circumstances only recently to throw in his lot permanently with that city, where he is now the Managing Editor of the Redwood City Democrat. Mr. Hedge received his early education in the Redwood City grammar school and Sequoia Union High School, from which he went to Stanford University, finally fitting himself for a business career by … 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