davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning call., 1892-08-14
WILLIAM +. HUMPHREYS.
A Pioneer Citizen, Civil Engineer and
Popular Official.


II is seldom indeed that an engineer OF
prominence becomes also conspicuous fig
ure In the political world, but In William p.
Humphreys the combination is found to
marked degree. In this city, of which he
has been a resident almost continuously
since 1S49, the name of Mr.. Humphreys Is a
household word, and the esteem in which he
10 held by his fellow citizens needs no
stronger proof than the fact that during the
greater portion Of his long residence here
he has been an official. OF the several Of
fees which he has filled the duties were al
ways discharged during his incumbency with
ability and conscientious attention to the
needs and requirements of the people. So
faithful was he In doing what he undertook
10 do that he was elected time after time nv
handsome ma1orities and one office that of
City and County Surveyor, he held for 20
years continuously During that time,
which extended from the early fifties mn
into the seventies, he plated nearly all the
streets Of the city and officlated as chief or
consulting engineer in the largest engineer
ing schemes affecting the State and its
progress. In all he showed an industry and
ability which raised him far above his ordi-
nary associates and stamped him as a man of
remarkable talent. In the profession. per
haps, no man was regarded more highly
than he among all the able men of the coast.
anu IL hds scWOul tndl any engineering
scheme was undertaken without Consulting
him as to It's feasibility, and his opinion once
given 1t was respected as no other mans
was. Whenever he declared project prac
tlcable, whether 10 was the building of
line OF railroad or the running of a great
tunnel, little doubt was left In the minds of
those in charge.
MI Humphreys was born In New York.
ana when the gold fever began to attract
the dauntless spirits of the country TO the
racine shores he was q member of the first
expedition party organized to come to Cali
lornla. Prior to his coming he had studied
engineering In the best schools of the East
ana aithough young man, ranked high in
his chosen profession. Besides this he was
| sturdy young man of sound principl
ana possessed OF untiring energy and in
unstry. These qualities combined made
| MN conspicuous figure in the young city
oil pan francisco, and marked him for
pubic Advancement soon after his arrival.
Ills record as city official is so well and
SO 1avorabiy known that 1t needs no further
comment than the passing notice which has
already been given IT, II is merely the his
tory of duties efficiently and carefully per-
formed, and the public verdict has been all
| In his favor ~
subsequent TO his retirement from the
once Oh city and County Surveyor. Hum
| phreys was chosen as Railroad Commits
sloner, and acted as chairman of that body
! Tor four years. Here rs before hs con-
Quoted himself with entire satisfaction To
| bis constituents and retired with credit to
| himself. Those were the stormy anti-rail-
road days in California, when the senti-
| ment against the great corporation was at
! It's height. ana In spite Of this Humphreys
The morning call., 1892-08-14
JOAN M.KLEIN

capacity will accomplish. Mr.. Klein was
educated in the public schools of his native
city. and, after graduating from the acad-
emy at that place, commenced his business
career as a messenger-b boy for the Western
Union. There seemed to have been some
affinity between the boy and the business,
for he soon developed faculties which pro-
NOTED him from the lowest place in the
company's employ TO higher ones. He be-
came familiar with the mechanical oper-
atlons of talegraphy and mastered all the
details of electrical science. lie came TO
California In 1874 with but a few hundred
dollars which he had saved by thrift,
and, after various experiences, includ-
ing matrimonv, he started in
small way business which has
rapidly grown to It's present large proper
tlOns. Mr.. Klein is also an inventor in
electric mechanics and has patented improve
ments in pins. insulators and fixtures which
have been adopted by the great telegraph
companies, and are the source OF a c0nsid-
eTable income. Mr.. Klein is a man who
instinctiyely inspires confidence. His bust
ness requires a large warehouse at 720
tory in the Mission, where a large number
Of hands are constantly employed His
trade is bounded only by the Pacific, and
from Central and South America. Homo
lulu, China and Japan, besides British Amer
lea and Oregon, the demands for the arti-
cles which he manufactures are constant
aud increasing. In local business circles
Mr.. Klein enjoys distinguished position.
Ali Of the local electrical companies are his
customers, aud with them he enjoys a credit
financially and personally of the first class.
The morning call., 1892-08-14

great renown In Holland. Its members have
occupied the most distinguished positions in
Europe and America. and the grandfather
OF Lawrence Kip is the present Bishop of
the Diocese of California, gentleman of
remarkable scholarship, whose literary pro-
ductions are standard works in this country
and abroad. Among the leading creations
of the Bishops genius NAV be enumerated
THE Double Witness" christmas Holi-
days in Rome" "Catacombs in Rome'' and
Early Days of My Episcopaey"
The Bishops residence in this city resem-
bles the mansion of an English nobleman.
The walls are adorned with ancestral por-
traits by the old masters. The house con-
tains q magnificent library of over 5000
volumes. and among these books Mr.. Law
renee Kip does his literary browsing In a
niche stands splendid marble bust of the
Bishop, the work of an Italian sculptor. and
bearing striking resemblance to the statue
of the Emperor Hadrian in the Metropoli-
tan Museum of New York.
Although such young man, the subject
Of this sketch is profound and accurate
thinker. he is a brilliant conversationalist
and when talking treats his auditor to a
series of surprises by the originality, bright
ness and solidity of his ideas. Although he
possesses an accurately trained legal mind
The morning call., 1892-08-14
DIR. FRANK III. TITUS.
A Physician Possessing Rare Skill a
Executive Ability.

A Physician Possessing Rare Skill and
Executive Ability.
Powellsville, Ohio, was the birthplace of
DR.. Frank II. Titus, Superintendent of
ST. Luke's Hospital. His father. DR.. Arthur
Titus, is one of the most prominent ply
sicians of Ohio, and has distinguished war
record as an army surgeon in both field and
hospital service.
The son, DR.. Frank Ii. Titus, received
his earlier education at home, aud then
entered the. State University at Athens,
Ohio. He completed his collegiate course
at Hillsdale College, from which he was
graduated with the degree of B. "A. He then
entered as student at the Medical College
of Michigan in Ann Arbor, but came to
California in the middle of his course and
received his degree of MD. from the Cooper
Medical College of this city.
Shortly after his medical graduation DR..
Titus was appointed physician and sur
geon In the naval service, serving la that
capacity with great acceptance for three
years. He then received diplomatic ap-
pointment from the Government, going to
Central America In a capacity which Is now
styled secretary of the legation, TO the Gen.
tral American States and Consul General
to Guatemala. with headquarters at the city
of that name Here. as in the navy, he
served his country with zeal and fidelity,
securing the unvarying commendation of
MS superior omcerS.
At the termination OF his consular CON-
mission, Dr. Titus returned TO San Fran
cisco. and was soon leading busy life as a
general medical practitioner, In short
time he had attained leading position In
his profession, his skill and marked ability
securing geneiaI and deserved recognition.
His unusual qualifications were somehow
brought to the attention of the board of
managers OF st. Luke's Hospital, of witch
ne was appointed superintendent and
resident physician. AT that time the hos
pital was not specially prominent and had
few patients. In the three years OF Dr.
Titus management he has devoted his ener-
gies to his practice and his official duties at
the Institution over which he presides. The
result of his rare executive ability is wit
messed In the growth OF the hospital under
bis regime. In 1889 the average attendance
was q patients, and this number has now
beon increased to 90. IN the former year
the monthly earnings averaged S762, white
they are now over $1,000 per month.
These figures eloluently tell the story OF
DIR. Titus unqualified success as skillful
physician and careful and competent
manager.
The morning call., 1892-08-14

never allowed himself to be swerve fir m
what he reg ,rded as his duty, regardless OF
popular elamor. Conservative ana lnst
always, he brought to his work OF dealing
with the transportation problem the same
high ability which characterized INN IN
other fields, and the result was that he went
out of Office respected by all elements. HIS
task had been a difficult one. but re had
carried it out faithfully and well.
After retiring from the board Mr.. Hum
phreys went East and engaged in a big en-
gineering scheme under the control of The
Government. Owing TO failing health he
was compelled to return 10 this city about
a year ago. Although Democrat. the
present Republican Board of Supervisors
unanimously appointed Mr.. Humphreys
chief of the commission TO provide data for
a complete new sewerage system.
In dealing with Humphreys character
one trait must not be overlooked, and that
is his great charity ard kindness for those
in distress. No man perhaps in the city
has kinder heart, and il can be said of
him with truth that he would divide his
last loaf If by so doing he could relisve the
distress OF another. And yet In all his acts
he does nothing ostentatiously, and his
right hand never knows what his left is
doing.
The morning call., 1892-08-14
GEORGE Ii. sPERRY.
Distinguished characteristics OF an Ii
dustrfaI Magnate.

uustrlat HtaSnates
The firm of Sperry & Co. of Stockton is
familiar wherever the fame of California
cereals and California flour is known. and
that is throughout the civilized world. The
giant plant at Stockton, which has grown to
its present mammoth proportions from the
most moderate beginning. is the largest
f0urmill in the State, containing the great
est quantity of wheat, and producing the
largest number of barrels of -four per day.
The subject of this sketch Is the president
OF this vast concern, and under his manage
ment and practical oversight the Sperry
mill has attained its present high celebrity,
Mr.. SperTy was born in Ogdensburg n. Y,
in the year 1851, and brought to this State
In 1856 at the early age Of 8 years. The
parents OF the Sperry family decided upon
Stock ton as home. and the same year that
landed them in California found them domi-
cied in the prosperous city which has been
the scene of their future successes. The
senior Sperry acquired an interest in the
small flourmill that was running in Stock
ton in those early days, but afterward sue
ceeded in purchasing the entire plant,
which has since been continually added to
and enlarged. George Is. Sperry, the sub
ject of this sketch, learned all that the
schools of the young city could teach him,
and. at comparatively early age, was ad-
mitted to Racine College, in the State of
course On lis return from college young
SpeTTy went into the mill to learn the mys-
teries and practice of making flour, and so
successfully did he master tue details of
the business that to-day he is Acknowledged
to have no superior in the practical knowl-
edge of all the ins and outs of that impor-
tant trade. Mr.. Sperry's devotion to
the management and extension of the
business engrosses almost his entire
time and attention. Fer years he
has permitted himself but the slightest of
relaxation, though lie is largely interested
in the political fortunes of the Republican
party, and is an enthusiast in quiet way
of the State National Guard. lie is one Of
the candidates for Presidential elector of
the present year, and is a member Of the
Governors staff, and as such visited the
camp at Santa Cruz last week. He is the
secretary of the Farmers and Merchants
Bank OF Stockton aud a large stockh older,
and a member of the Masonic order and Of
high degree.
Absorbed in business, as Mr.. Sperrv is, he
Is ayerss TO accepting public office, though
the citizens of Stockton, aud even those of
wider range, would delight TO honor man
whose integrity, enterprise. push and pub
lie spirit has done so much for the city in
which he dwells. DOmestically, Mr. Sperry
is cited as a most devoted and affectionate
husband aud father, and is esteemed aud be-
loved by many warm and admiring friends
The morning call., 1892-08-14
CHRIS WALLER.
a Conservative and Prosperous Citizen
of the Twelfth Ward.

A Conservative and Prosperous Citizen
OF the Twelfth Ward.
Chris Waller, who is now most promi-
nently mentioned as candidate for Super.
visor of the Twelfth Ward, is so we'll and
favorably known that 10 expatiate upon his
capabilities for the Office is almost super
huous. The office Of Supervisor of a great
municipality like San Francisco involves
heavy responsibilities and requires a man
of large experience in business affairs, as
well as qualities involving public spirit and
conscientious service. The expenditure
and disposition of the millions raised by
taxation is part Of the duties of Super
visor and the good name and prosperity of
the city largely depend upon their
decisions. In all the responsibilities of the
office Mr.. Waller would be fully equal. A
successful business man all the time that
he has lived in the city attests his capacity
IN that respect. Though not a millionaire
In any respect his thrift and economy has
placed him in position of wealth far be-
yond the average. Conservatism is one OF
the prominent elements Of his char
acter He is not led away by ex-
eitement OF the moment but Judges
OF events with deliberation, aud is
rarely mistaken in his judgments. Mr..
Waller believes in the future OF San Fran
cisco. and declares that the management Of
pubic affairs now will have great influence
Ia bringing prosperous condition in the
future. lie believes in liberal but Judi
clous expenditure of public moneys. Pub
Tic office with him would be public trust,
ana II CHOSEN as Supervisor his most stren-
uous efforts would be toward an econOm-
ical administration Of public funds consist
ent with the legitimate demands of the Cit
lZens. No man in the Twelfth Ward enjoys
higher respect from all classes of residents
than Mr.. Waller. He is a close and conf
Dental friend of CONGRESSMAN Loud, and il
deep in the latter's plans and projects. He
conducts business at Eighth and Market
streets as well as house on East street.
and receives the patronage of an influential
class As choice for Supervisor the
Twelfth Ward would be sure to make no
mistake If Mr.. Waller is chosen
The morning call., 1892-08-14
DIR. H. Il. BROWN,
The Cempetent and Popular city Physl-
clan of San Francisco.

The Competent and Popular city Physi-
clan of San Francisco.
That ceaseless endeavor Is the price of
success is Illustrated with particular force
and point in the case of Henry Z. Brown.
A. B.. Nj. d., the present City Physician OF
San Francisco. The whole Of his profess
sional career and the years preparatory
thereto have been devoted to continual
study and research into The mysteries OF
medical science. Young as he Is, DR..
Brown is already beginning to reap the
fruits of his industry, and he has attained
position iu this city which other physi-
clans have spent lifetime in an unsuccess-
full attempt to secure.
A native of San Francisco, his earlier
training was received in the public schools
OF this city and the Mcclure Military Acad.
emy oil oakland. lie next became the stu
dent OF Dr. G. I. Stillman of New York.
where he studied for some time. Crossing
the Atlantic, he then visited all the prinei-
pal medical centers of Europe. gaining
much valuable knowledge thereby. He
aiterward spent is months in Paris and
returned to New York, where he graduated
with honors in medicine. DR.. Brown was
Tor some time connected with the New
orK Asylum Tor the Insane where he wa 9
an industrious student. Thus well eouipped
Dy training and experience he returned 10
M; iieneioeo anu commenced practice.
dls record Is composed OF series OF pro-
lesslonal triumphs, In recognition OF which
the present Board of Health appointed him
Glty fhyslelan about three months ago.
his administration of this Office has been
all that could be desired and has popular
lied the appointment.
DR.. Brown stands we'll among his fellow.
practitioners, and Is recognized as a physi-
clan OF rare skill and wise Judgment de
IS member ofsthe County Medical Society.
the Geographical Society, Knight Tenn.
mar ana thlrty-sesond degree Mason.
His Offices are at 217 Geary street and are
equipped with valuable professional appli.
aneeS.
The morning call., 1892-08-14

for the wharyes at the San Pedro harbor.
laid out the tract for the Santa Ysabe
Springs Land and Water Company; the Mill
Valley property, with its 10 miles OF road !:
had charge of the work Of the Belyidere
Land Company at Point TiburoR; laid out
Stanford Heights, ana was engineer Of sew
eral important mining enterprises.
Since he has opened his own Office at 4l5
Montgomery street Mr.. O'Shaugnessy has
been intTusted with the sole management
Oh MANY important engineering feats and in
the development of numerous and valuable
interests: He is now chief engineer OF the
Paso Robles and Cayucos Railroad presi-
dent OF the Pneumatic Supply Company
and surveyor of the commission for the
continuation of Market street to the ocean
and for the extension of Potrero avenue
from TWEEN ty-fith street to the county lire.
The morning call., 1892-08-14

and Is widely read in the law, Mr.. Kip is
not 'cribbed, cabined and confined" by
narrowneSs of mind. His excursions of
thought extend TO the boundaries of human
knowledge, and bis highly cultivated liter
ary tastes prompt him 10 explore the fields
of roetry, philosophy and science.
His career has been brilliant from child
hood up. He was matriculated at the Uni
yersity of California when 16 years of age.
At II he was appointed by the New York
convention as one of the II councilmen in
the United States of the Brotherhood of
st. Andrew, representing that organization
on the Pacific Coast for year, and at the
same time editing its organ, st. Andrews
Voice. In 1889 Mr.. Kip left the university
On account of ill-health. AT the same time
he resigned bis position in the Brotherhood
and commenced the study of the
doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church
under the Very Reverend Father Sasia,
then Superintendent of the Society of
The morning call., 1892-08-14

Jesus. He qualified for the bar In the
office Of Hon. ID. Nj. DeImas and was ad-
mttted to practice in November, 1890. In
his legal undertakings he has attained an
excellent reputation as an astute and able
criminal lawyer. Latterly he has turned
his attention to the civil side of the profes-
sion, and IN this branch of the law has met
with unusual success.
Mr.. Kip is member Of the Philosophical
Society OF Berkeley, Cal. and of the
geographical Society of San Francisco.
he IS at present engaged in the preparation
OF a literary work which promises upon
publication to win for its author no little
distinction.
Personally Mr.. Kip is gentleman of the
most engaging manners and is exceedingly
popular in society. His brother has re-
Gently been ordained by his grandfather.
the III. Rev William Ingraham Kip. ID. d,
LID. to the office of deacon, and is about
to commence his labors among the poor and
the working classes in the lower part of the
city. Mr.. Kip's mother is the daughter of
Hon. William B. Kinney, who was formerly
United States Minister to Turin. She is
also cousin of Bishop Coke of New York,
OF ex-President Cleveland, and is also a
relative OF Edmund Clarence Stedman. the
well-known literary critic of New York
The morning call., 1892-08-14
JOHN ID. sIEBE.
An offcial Who Enjoys the Highest
standing.

An onfcial Who Enjoys the Highest
standing.
The triumphant vindication which City
and County Assessor John ID. S!ebe has just
sustained in Judge CARRIERS court again re-
calls public attention to an official whose
acts have been most severely criticized by
his political opponents. Judge CARRIER, In
his summary disposition of the complaints
which had been so actively presented in his
court, paid an unusual compliment to Mr..
Siebe, ana declared that both in act and iu-
tention he had lived up to the law govern
ing his office and had exercised his functions
with the highest ability and with the purest
intention. The fierce light which has been
thrown upon Mr.. Siebe's official actions by
those prosecutions has only had the effect
TO bring into greater prominence the con-
spicuous abilities with which Mr.. Siebe has
performed his multifarious and responsible
duties. Undoubtedly he will be candi-
date for the position at the coming election,
and the Republican party will be greatly
Strengthened by his reelection. The office
The morning call., 1892-08-14

District and for its object opposition 10 the
bossism of the late William 4. Higgins.
Under Days leadership Higgins was not
only routed in the old Thirteenth District,
but the work of the anti-boss faction ex-
tended over the city, and won large share
tions of the party. Mr.. Daily was re-
warded for his vigilance and vigor by being
nominated for the Office of Assessor. His
opponent on the Democratic ticket was j.
which fact, together with the further one
that coalitions were formed TO defeat him
by the bosses and their following, fore
stalled his election. Be it said, however,
that Mr.. Daily is as active as of yore in his
party's Welfare, aud his just claims to con-
spieuouS recognition are certain OF reward.
He is proprietor of the famous San Mateo
Dairy, and really public affairs would be
of no great pecuniary advantage TO one of
h is large business affairs.
The morning call., 1892-08-14

been particularly successful In the subdi-
vision and sale of large tracts, both of lots
and acreage properties as well as In CO.
operative enterprises. he having organized
companies for planting orchards and
vineyards In Fresno and other coun-
ties. Mr. Laymance is self-made mau
who has his own energy and grit to thank
for all the successes he has won. In Oak
land he is one of the leaders OF the Demo-
cratic party, the principles of which he
vigorously upholds. He is chairman of the
Democratic County Central Committee,
where his fine executive abilities vastly
help his party. He attended the recent
Democratic convention at Fresno as dele
gate and also the Democratic national con-
vention at Chicago as secretary of the Cali
fornia delegation. Mr.. Laymance is des-
tined to be advanced to high public place
as men Of his stamp are picked out for
winners. In connection with his brother,
j. w. Laymance, he formed the real estate
firm Of Nj. j. Laymance & Co., which en-
joys in large degree the confidence of the
real estate community.