davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

Co. IN Sacramento, and was admitted as
a partner in 1858. In 1860 the firm name
became Lord, Holbrook & Co. In 1864 it
changed again to Holbrook, Merrill IL Co.
By a consolidation OF two firms in 1869 the
name became Britain, Holbrook 81 Co.
Finally, in 1878, it took the present name
OF Holbrook, Merrill q Stetson. In 1882
the firm was incorporated. with stores in
this city and Sacramento. In 1863 Mr..
Holbrook went TO Austin, New, and
opened branch store there.
He was elected first Mayor of that city
on the Republican ticket, though he had
opposed to him on the Democratic ticket
David E. Buell., who had laid out the
town. This election took place during the
war times, and Mr. Hobrook was elected
as the representative of the loyal people.
In 1867 the managers of the firm Of Hol-
brook, Merrill & Co.. acting on the advice
OF Mr.. Holbrook, started store in this
city. 1t rapidly grew in size until it be-
came the largest of its kind on the coast
MI Holbrook is president of the present
corporation.
| County, New Hampshire, August 81, $780,
After passing through school he learned
the machlnists' trade at the American
| Iron Works In Massachusetts, and at the
| age OF 10 he came to California. Mr.. Hol-
| brook has been interested in different in
| dustrles OF this State, and is at present
! striving hard to advance the interests of
| the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley
| Railroad. He owns great deal of prop
erty in this city. He is married man and
has home of which he is Justly proud,
and owns country place at Menlo Park.
! He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow and a
! trustee of the Pacific Theological Seminary
| in Oakland, and of the Belmont School for
! Boys at Belmont
| Mr.. Holbrook is strong believer in the
Republican principal of protection. He
travelled extensively on the continent and
in England, where the large factories are
located, and the result of his investigations
has been to make him firmer in his belief
in protection to American industries.
Charles Holbrook is the wealthiest man
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

California in 1852 and Immediately en-
gagged in the general merchandise business
in Benicia. In 1870 he came to San Fran
cisco, and just quarter of a century ago
he opened a warehouse at the corner of
Battery street and Broadway, where he has
been located ever since. The firm was at
first Scott & Danforth, but Mr.. Scott died
in 1873.
He is also partner in the firm of G. H.
Gilman IL Co., which conducts the Atlantic
free and bonded warehouses and the
way bonded warehouse is conducted by
next Mr.. Danforth will have been in active
business for fifty consecutive years.
Mr.. Danforth has been prominent in
Republican politics for many years. In
1873 he was elected Supervisor by large
vote, but has always declined further Of
fees. E. p. Danforth, his son, was Naval
Officer under President Harrisons admin
istration. Mr.. Danforth is a Mason and a
member of the Ancient Order OF United
Workmen, being past grand master OF
the latter order.
Mr.. Danforth is assessed for the follow
ing property:
Lot on the southwest corner of Broadway
and Battery street, assessed value $12 900; i'm
provements, $4,000; total assessed value, S21, )
800 Subject to a mortgage of S24 900; taxes,
1922 Do. A lot on the south side of Broadway,
provements, $500; total assessed value,
$500 Subject to mortgage OF $1,000; taxes,
Sl07 90. Mr. Danforth also pays S24 80 taxes
on 1854 worth OF personal property.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
JOSEPH BRITTON.

Joseph Britton has been known to al
most all prominent San Franciscans. His
life for the last forty-ive years has been
spent in this city. He is English by birth
and is 20 years of age. He arrived in New
New York when 10 years of age and came
to San Francisco in 1919. Like all the
pioneers he first went to the mines, but as
turned to his trade that of a photographer.
In 1852 he started the lithographing
house of Britton e. Rey, which has existed
until the present day. Mr.. Britton was
one OF the four men who revolutitoInizeGd d, the
streetcar busin ess of the world. With
Hallidie, Davis and Moffatt he was con-
nected with the building of the Clay-street
cable road, the first of its kind in the world.
Joseph Britton was an earnest sympa-
thizer of the Vigilance Committee, though
not member of that body. He was a
prominent member of the political organ
ization known as the Peoples party, which
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

good success. One of his most profitable
speculations was in extreme Western Ad-
dition lots, which he sold during the time
of the high prices that prevailed few
years ago.
Mr.. Pease was born in Albany, n. Y,
about As years ago. He entered the en-
ploy of the Goodyear Rubber Company
after securing an education, and came to
this city about 1868 and took charge of the
agency the firm had here. At the present
time he is vice-presidnt and Pacific Coast
manager of the corporation.
Mr.. Pease owns all the eastern end of
the block bounded by Pacific avenue
Pierce, Broadway and Scott streets. Mr..
Pease is a married man and resides on the
northwest corner of Pacific avenue and
Pierce street. The assessment roll shows
the following property interests of Mr..
Pease:
Lot on the northwest corner of Pacific ave-
nue. and Pierce street; assessed value, $4,000;
improvements, $4,000; total assessed value,
$14 900; taxes, 1919 SO. Lot adjoining on
Pierce street; assessed value, S1720; taxes,
$26 80. Lot adjoining on Pierce street; assessed
value, $500; Improvements, $4,000; total as
sessed value, 1920; taxes, $50 20. Lot on
southwest corner OF Pierce and Broadway
total assessed value, 1920; taxes, S5S 80. Lot
on Forty-eighth avenue, near street; total as
sessed value, $500; taxes, 81 "a. Lot on the
north corner of Virginia street and California
avenue; assessed value, $500; improvements,
$1400; total assessed value, $500; taxes,
$4S 81. Mr.. Pease pays So 40 taxes on per-
sonsl property assessment of 5000.
Mr.. Pease also owns a fruit farm near
San Jose, in partnership with James d.
Phelan and others.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

of Ireland, 40 years of age. He came from
his native country to San Francisco in 1868
and Immediately entered into the tea and
coffee business. Since 1877 he has been
engaged, with his brothers, in a large
wholesale trade.
Mr.. Mccarthy laid the foundation to a
comfortable fortune by making some prof
liable investments in coffees, having made
trips to Central America to carry on some
big deals when coffee was low and he fore
saw rapid rise in prices. He is reputed to
be worth between $250,000 and $500, 000
Besides his house property at 1910 Suffer
street, he owns some San Francisco lots
but the most valuable of his possession are
in the country. Together with his brothers,
he owns 5000 acres at Coils, six miles from
Fresno; 1000 acres in San Benito County,
and a large ranch in Santa Clara County.
Mr.. Mccarthy has been prominent in
Democratic politics, though always con-
sentative and respected man. He is at present
president of the new Occidental Club, the
outcome of the reorganized Business Mems
Democratic Association, of which he was
also president. He is a married man and
has a handsome residence at 1910 Suffer
efraet
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
S. c. BIGELOW.

S. G. Bigelow, president of the Savings
and Loan Society, is one of the best-known
men in financial circles in this city Mr..
Bigelow was born in 1924 in Cambridge,
Mass, in the house in which General
Putnam made his headquarters before
going to the battle of Bunker Hill, After
receiving an excellent education as an at
torney he came to California, as his health
failed him. He reached San Francisco in
1858. Mr.. Bigelow became the trusted
agent of several wealthy people, and for
ten years had full charge of the Hicks, the
Josiah Belden and the Thomas o. Larkin
and other estates. From 1866 to 1876 Mr..
Bigelow travelled. He returned to San
Francisco and engaged in the banking
business.
He has been a director of the Savings
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

Henry L. Davis is native of Rhode ISL
and, 68 years of age. After passing
through the Mexican War, he came to San
Francisco in the spring of 80, and has
since been identified with various business
interests in this city. Mr.. Davis left his
home in Rhode Island at the age of Ii to
strike out for himself. He first went to
South Carolina. On his arrival in San
Francisco he went to the mines, but being
unsuccessful he returned to San Francisco
and engaged in the shipping and commits
sion business. In 1857 he became a Deputy
Sheriff and in 1864 he was elected Sheriff
and served four years in that position. He
was one of the organizers of the National
Bank and Trust Company and was presi-
dent of it during its existence.
At the present time Mr.. Davis is presi-
dent of the California Optical Company,
which he started in 1888. He is secretary
and treasurer of the California Wire
Works, and has held this position since
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

that city and also of San Francisco after he
moved here in 1874. Later on he studied
at St. Matthews Hall. After finishing his
education he entered the employ of Sisson,
Wallace d Co. of Truckee in 1879. The firm
afterward became Sisson Croker d Co,
In 1880 Mr.. Croker went to Europe and
spent fourteen months abroad. BE then
returned and remained with SlssOn
Croker & Co. until 1884 In 1885 he got an
interest In the firm of H. S. Croker d Co.,
wholesale stationers and printers, on Bush
street, and on the incorporation OF that
firm three years ago he was elected vice
president, which position he has held since.
During the last few years he made two
more trips to Europe.
10 Mr.. Crocker may be given the credit
of saving the Olympic Club from ruin.
His, ability as a financial manager was
made best known when he was elected
president of the Olympic Club in 1891,
when it was in great distress. BY his able
| management the club was put on solid
footing.
His ability in this line was also mani
tested at the recent horse show. Every
one predicted heavy financial loss. but
he, almost unaided, so conducted the affairs
of the show that it proved big success
| financially and in every other way.
| Mr.. Croker has taken an important part
| in many large enterprises. He has given
| considerable assistance to the Nicaragua
| canal project and favors the advancement
of the San Francisco and San joaquin
| Valley railroad.
Mr.. Croker is prominently connected
with many business enterprises and social
orders. He is president of the Central
Gaslight Company, director of the South
San Francisco stockyards, director of the
| Art Association. is a Mason. Knight
Templar, Native Son, an honorary mem
Der OF California Garrison No. 1, Army and
Navy Union, and member of all the lead
ing social clubs.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

a salesman for his uncle When he returned
to San Francisco in 1888 he entered into
the newspaper business and for nearly ten
years was a reporter. Most of his work was
in the Superior courts and in connection
with the Police Department, and this
was where he got the experience that so
well fitted him for the position of foreman
of the Grand Jury. Three years ago Mr..
Gagan gave up the newspaper business and
opened drugstore at the corner of Cali
fornia and Hyde streets under the firm
name of w. H. Gagan & Co.
Mr.. Gagan is secretary OF the Home In
vestment Building and Loan Association.
He is a married man. He is not an owner
of real estate, but pays 70 cents taxes on
$50 worth of furniture and $40 10 taxes on
$3.50 worth OF stock and fixtures in his
drugstore
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
Review Of the Most ImpOr-
tant Officials Now Be-
fore the Public.

the southwest corner of Twenty-second
and Bartlett streets, which is assessed at
$500 and on which there is a $4,000 mort
gage. He pays $23 % taxes on this piece of
property, besides the $50 Y paid by the
holder of the mortgage, a total of $S3 o..
Mr.. Hendy pays $40 So taxes on 500 per-
sonal property. Besides a half interest in
the Joshua Hendy Machine Works, which
is subject to decision of the courts, and
his home property, Mr.. Hendy owns half
interest in the lot on which the large plan
ing mills of Wells, Russell & Co. are sit
mated, at the corner of Mission and FIRE.
mont streets. He is also president of and
owns a half-interest in the ranch and prop
erty of the Westwood Orchard and Vine
yard Company in Tulare county.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
PERSONNEL Of SAN FRANC|SCO'S GRAND JURY.

on the Grand Jury, as shown by the assess
ment roll. He is assessed for the following
described property:
A lot on Bush street, 1926 feet east of Bat
terry, which is assessed at S59, 900, with $4,000
improvements: total, $67 900; taxes, 81 ,049 50.
A lot on the northwest corner OF Bush and Mar
ket streets; assessed value, S63 500; improve
ments, $500; total. S72, 100: taxes, SLID -.
A lot on the east side of Montgomery street.
81 IS feet north from Post: assessed value,
$50 200; improvements, $4,000; total, 81, :
700; taxes, $1123 SO. Three lots on the east
corner OF Market and Beale streets; assessed see
value, $I76.S $50; Improvements. $73,5Oo;
total, $3.50 $50: taxes, 1922 81. a lot on the
northwest corner of Van Ness avenue and
Washington streets, his residence property
assessed value, $40; improvements, 800
900; total. $35 $40; taxes, 1888 %.
Mr. Holbrook pays $92 IA taxes on per-
sonal property assessed at $685.. AS a
member of the firm of Holbrook, Merrill
& Stetson he pays his proportion of the
firms taxes of $4073 81 on 1888, 325 worth
of personal property. The total taxes OF
Mr.. Holbrook. not counting those OF the
firm, are S7871 10.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
w. Ii. GAGAN.

W. H. Gagan, the foreman of the Grand
Jury, is one of the youngest members of
the body, but he was selected as the head
on account of his general knowledge of the
duties of his position. The older members
on account OF the ability he has shown are
we'll pleased with Judge Hebbard's selec-
ton. Mr.. Gagan was born in Massa-
chusetts in December, 1852, but came 10
California about 1870. He began life as a
clerk in a wholesale drugstore and studied
the business for number OF years. He
then travelled through the Eastern States as
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

often offered prominent prositions in po-
litical life he has always preferred to give
his whole time to his business and his
family. He is As years of age, is married
and has two children. He was born in
Richmond, Va, in 1s49. He arrived in
this city in 1876, and became one of San
Francisco's substantial citizens. Almost
Immediately on his arrival he formed the
firm of III. t. Tatum & Co., which engaged
in a general machinery business. A year
later the firm changed its name to that of
Tatum & Bowen, and it has so remained
at "a and SO Fremont street to this day.
Mr.. Tatum has pleasant residence at the
corner of Pacific avenue and Pierce street:
His firm pays $191 46 taxes on $4,000
worth of personal property.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

borough public school education, and
after graduating we Mt into the coal bust
ness. He first entered the employ of the
old firm of Lindsey & Church, which
changed its name several times until it
finally became known as Wainwright q
Easton, of which Mr. Wainwright is the
senior partner. Mr.. Wainwright struggled
recently succeeded in combining the bust
ness of his old firm with the Renton Coal
Company. Mr. Wainwright's worldly pos
sessions are limited to his business. He
owns no real estate, but pays So 20 taxes on
500 worth of personal property. The firm
of Wainwright q Easton pays $S4 10 taxes
on property assessed at $5572.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

ward succeeded that house in business
under the firm name of En-. Meyer q 20.
Mr. Meyer has conducted genera I'M !.
i047 Market street for some years. Mr..
Meyer has been prominent in several socie-
ties and business connections; He was
president of the White Horse Valley. Mil Mill
and Lumber Company, director OF the
French Savings Bank, president OF tne
Cercle Francais worshipful master OF tne
Parfaite Union Lodge No. II, +. and A. M. !;
vice president of the French BeneyolenTT
Society, treasurer of the French National
League, president and speaker of 18th OF
July celebrations, and was member OF
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
TAX LISTS ARE IN
SPECIFIED.
The Financial Standing
of These Gentle
men.
SOME VERY HEAVY AS.
SESSMENTS.
Nineteen Representative Citi-
zens Who Are Investigating
Municipal Affairs.

The most important organization en-
gagged in matters pertaining to San Fran
cisco's welfare at the present moment is
the Grand Jury. This body is composed
of nineteen citizens, who were chosen upon
the proposition that they represent the in
telligence and worth of the community. A
brief review OF the personnel of this organ
ization will therefore be a matter OF inter
est to readers OF the CALL.
From public records and trustworthy
sources of information, statistics touching
this subject have been gathered. The re-
suit is herewith presented to the public.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
CHARLES HOLBROOK.

Charles Holbrook of the firm of Hol-
brook, Merrill & Stetson is one OF the most
successful business men of this State. He
came here in 1850, and with the exception
of year and half spent in mining he
has been constantly engaged in business
enterprises. Through his excellent tinan-
cial management he has amassed for
tune, without having once engaged in
speculation.
Mr. Holbrook started in the iron bust
ness in Sacramento in 1852. In 1854
he secured a position in the store
and metal house of J. D. Lord &
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
r. II. PEASE.

R. II. Pease, the manager of the Good
year Rubber Company, is a man who has
devoted himself closely to his business
without taking prominent part in public
events. He came to San Francisco a little
over a quarter of a century ago, and has
been successful in business, both for his
firm and himself. He built up the Goodyear
Rubber Company's trade from small be-
ginning to big business. Mr.. Pease has in
vested III San Francisco real estate with
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

had machine-shop with only two lathes
running. In time he became salesman,
and in 1882 was made president of the cor
poration known as the Joshua Hendy
Machine Works. Joshua Hendy died in
1891, willing the business to Samuel J.
Hendy and bis brother, John ID. Hendy.
For the past two years Samuel ]. Hendy
has acted as president and manager OF the
corporation.
Mr.. Hendy is president of the Fidelity
Building and Loan Association and a mem
Der Of the Odd Fellows, knights OF Honor,
Union League Club and the Olympic Club.
For eight consecutive years he was a
director of the Mechanics Institute, but
retired two years ago. Mr.. Hendy is a
business man who has never become
prominent in politics. He is married
man and has four children.
Personally Mr.. Hendy is not under
heavy assessment. He owns his house at
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

children. All of his property is in San
Francisco. The assessment-roll shows that
he owns the following property:
Lot on the northwest corner Of Hyde and
Union streets; assessed value, $50; improve
ments $500; total assessed value, SOLO; tax,
SIS 3d. Adjoining lot on Hyde street. to the
north, assessed value, 500; improvem ents,
500; total assessed value, Sl210; taxes
S1S "a. Adjoining lot to the north, assessed
value, $1100; Improvements, $500; total
ing lot to the north, assessed value, $3.50; i'm
pEoyements, 1900; total assessed value, $500
lakes, S12 80. Adjoining lot to the north
assessed value, $3.50; Improvements, $500
total assessed value, $3.50; taxes, S57 20. Lot
on Union, near Hyde, assessed value, $40;
improvements, $3.50; total assessed value, S720
(subject TO mortgage OF $400, original mortgage
$1,000, but covers two other similar pieces of
property; taxes, S11 80; another lot on Union
street, near Hyde, assessed value, $500; i'm
provements, $3.50; total assessed value, $40
Subject TO mortgage of $428 as above; taxes,
$12 0S; another lot on Union street, near
Hyde, assessed value, $1,000; improvements.
$1,000; total assessed value, $500 Subject to
mortgage of $116S, as above); taxes, $32 80;
lot on the southwest corner of Fibert and
Hyde streets, assessed value, $3.50; improve
ments $1100; total assessed value, $1,000;
taxes, S4S %; lot on Hyde street, near Hilbert,
assessed value, 1920; improvements, $1,000;
total assessed value, 1850; taxes $40 81; lot on
Hyde street, near FilDert, assessed value, $3.50
Improvements, $500; total assessed value,
$3.50 Subject to mortgage of 800; original
amount of mortgage, $4,000, similar to other
one mentioned above); lot on Hyde, near Fill
bert, assessed value, $500; improvements,
$50; total assessed value, 1870; taxes, So 80;
lot on Larkin, near Green, assessed value,
$3.50; improvements $1,000; total assessed
value, S4140 Subject to mortgage of $2304.
same as one Immediately preceding); taxes,
$64 Sc; lot corner Leayenworth and Filbert,
assessed value, $500 taxes, So 10; lot on
northwest corner of LeavenwOrth and Ravens,
assessed value, $3.50; taxes, s. 10; lot on
assessed S73O. m
provements, S1400; total assessed value, $213O
taxes, $33 80.
Mr.. Simon is not on the personal-prop-
ertv roll
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

and Loan Society since 1880, and president
OF that bank for nearly ten years.
Mr.. Bigelow has a beautiful home at the
corner CO. OF McAlhster and Steiner streets.
The assessment roll shows the foIlov;Ds
property assessed to him:
lot on the northwest corner of Nro.,,...
ana Steiner streets, assessed value. S13 100.
Improvements, $1,000; total assessed vslna
Slo,.oo: taxes, $246 OF. A lot on McAiistes
faye S HeSp STEINER assessed value, $II, $40;
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

he came to this city, and, still remaining a
partner with Mr.. Block, became manager
of the wholesale trunk and valise store at
127 Sansome street. Mr.. Mandel is a mar
ried man. He lives at the Richelieu. He
is a Mason and a member of the Concordia
Club.
Mr.. Mandel is not a property-owner, but
pays So 90 taxes on $3.50 worth of musical
instruments and his proportion OF $120 4S
taxes on $7730 worth OF property belonging
10 D. Block q Co.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26

devisee Of Charles Mclaughlin. Mr.. and
Mrs. Croker have one of the handsomest
and most modern homes in the city.
Mr.. Crocker's country place is near
Cloverdale. There he has 700 acres of land
laid out in fruit trees and vines. 1t is one
of the finest hunting and fishing resorts in
the State. a large winery is on the place.
Mrs. Croker is interested in 800, 900 acres
of land in this State. The taxes Mr..
Croker pays in this city are confined to
$4,000 worth of personal property, on
which he pays $235 05.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-26
SAMUEL j. HENDY.

Samuel J. Hendy, president and man.
ager of the Joshua Hendy Machine Works,
is a native OF South Carolina, 40 years of
age. He came to San Francisco in 1871
having completed his education in the
South. He began as an apprentice under
bis uncle, Joshua Hendy, when the latter