davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
ATTORNEY E. F. PRESTON
One Of the Brightest and Most
Successful OF Local


San Francisco is distinguished in
many respects, but in nothing more
than in the number of attorneys whose
forensic eloquence and legal learning
have made the bar of this city celebrat-
ed throughout the Union. In the front
rank of local lawyers Z. T. Preston oc-
cupies a leading place. Although still
comparatively a young man, Mr.. Pres
ton has achieved a success in his call
ing which is vouchsafed to but few.
His advancement has been due to con-
scientious effort, answering integrity
and the possession of legal talents
which have been Of inestimable value
to those whose affairs were intrusted to
his care.
Mr.. Preston is a native of Louisiana,
where he was born about 40 years ago.
While he was yet an infant his par
ents removed to California and finally
located in this city, where he was edu-
Gated in the grammar and high schools.
He early showed preference for the
law, and finally decided to make that
his profession. He accordingly en-
tered the law office of w. C. Burnett,
where for several years he applied him
self with assiduity to the requirement
Of the rudiments of law. His studious
nature prompted him to study while
other men slept or wasted their time or
substance in convivialities, and in 1872
he was admitted to practice in the
State Supreme Court. He at once
established himself in practice, and by
a careful attention to the multitude
nous details of his business succeeded
in building up large and most desir-
able practice, which has yielded him a
considerable fortune.
Mr.. Preston is recognized as one of
the most accomplished. forceful and
eloquent orators in California. His
voice is heard in every campaign in ad-
vocacy of the principles of the Repub-
lican party, of which he is a shining
member. He opened the Blaine cam
paign IN San Francisco with one of the
most brilliant, as well as thoughtful,
speeches on the issues of the day ever
delivered by any public speaker in the
city. His political services were rem
dered purely in the interests of his
party, without pay or emoluments of
any kind. In this, as in everything else
undertaken by him, Mr.. Preston was
actuated by pure, high and unselfish
motives.
The offices on the tenth floor of the
Claus Spreckels building in which Mr..
Preston is now established are as
handsome as any in the structure. AL
though his large practice commands
most of his attention, Mr.. Preston finds
time to superintend his magnificent
farm in San Mateo County, or
which he resides. He took an ac-
tive part in the Incorporation OF
the San Francisco and San Joa-
quin Valley Railroad, and is the
chief counsel for that corporation. AL
though long connected with State and
municipal politics, Mr.. Preston has
| never sought after or accepted nomi-
nations for any public office. In 1894
his name was prominently mentioned
for Governor, and his popularity among
all classes is such that his friends are
certain that his nomination would have
been equivalent to an election.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
w. E. Wilson, Plumber.

The sanitary plumbing in the Power
House" was the work of William f.
Wilson, the well known plumber, at 204
Stockton street. Mr.. Wilson has been
in business in this city for many years
and examples Of his efficient work may
be seen in many of the best office build
ings and private residences erected
here in past years. His stock, which is
very extensive, is made up of the finest
plumbing material that can be pro-
cured and he is familiar with all the
latest sanitary appliances. Mr.. Will
son is up to date in his business, ana
his ideas backed by the experience of
years have been found exceedingly val
able to many whom he has had occa-
sion to serve in the past.
Sanitary plumbing for residences is a
speciality which has made Mr.. Wilson's
name a power among property owners.
He employs only the most skilled me-
chanics, all of whom are in sympathy
with his artistic taste, the result being
a class of work which is not excelled
by any other plumbing firm in the city.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
E. S. PiIIShuru.

This attorney likely has professional
relations with as many corporations as
any lawyer in the State. He has been
for several years the chief counsel OF
Wells, Fargo & Co. and the general
counsel of the Pacific and Sunset Tele-
phone Companies and has also repre-
sented the Santa Fe railway system in
this city. Besides these. he has been
employed by various other corporations
for banking, mining, manufacturing,
supplying gas and water and the like.
He has also been engaged in important
suits growing out of the Lux estate,
the action of the railroad commission
in fixing rates and similar litigation.
When asked by a representative of The
Call as to what he would say about his
career in the legal profession he replied
that ne only claimed one merit for any
moderate success which he might have
attained, and that was hard, untiring
labor; that for thirty years he had
worked day and night and Sundays
and hoped to do so for many years to
come.
Mr.. Pillsbury came to the State in
1865. He was q soldier in the civil war.
having entered the service in 1851 in
his native State as an officer of the
First Maine cavalry. The colonel of
this regiment was the father of Frank
S. Douty, secretary of the Pacific I'm
provement Company He was killed
in 1853. Mr. Pillsbury acted as adju-
tant of the regiment under Colonel
Douty, having left Bowdoin College for
the greater attraction of military pur-
suits
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
The ScuIpturaI Work.

The crowning ornamental feature Of
the building is assuredly the sculpturaI
work that adOrns the entrance on Mar
ket street. Wide latitude was given
the artist in this work and while credit
is due the architects for the original
and unique arrangement of the design,
yet to the genius of Mr.. Rupert Schmid,
the local sculptor, is entirely due the
credit for originating and producing
this most effective and harmonious
work devoid of conventionality or mo-
nOtOnous symmetry of detail. 1t viii
stand for generations as a sample of
sculptural achievement.
The two Victories over the great arch
Of the entrance fill the spandrels in
most pleasing and easy composition;
the relief is bold and the effect most
artistic, while the pose and drawing
show that the work is the result of a
close and accurate study of nature.
The figures are heroic in size, being
about eight feet in height, and are
carved entirely from one block of stone.
The arrangement of the allegorical
representation on the shaft of columns
at the sides of entrance is most novel
and artistic. There are five female fig
ures on each column, heroic in size and
strong in drawing and relief. Indus
try, Agriculture, Art, Commerce and
Architecture with their appropriate
attributes are represented.
The pose of the figures is fitting fol
the subjects and careful study is shown
IN every detail
The carved ornaments on archway
and suffit, two bases with griffins,
which carry the candelabras, were exc
cuted under Mr.. Schnid's supervision
and do credit to his skill and genius.
Mr.. Schmid's name as an artist is
well known and he ranks foremost
among the sculptors of America. He
has awakened interest here in scuIp-
ture and has inspired confidence in
home talent by his many masterful
productions that ornament the resi-
dences and public and private Offices
of the city. Especially in portrait
sculpture is he without a rival in the
State. Mr.. Schmid is the recipient OF
many compliments for the artistic sue.
cess Of his work in the Claus Spreckels
building.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
A Noted Stone Carver.

One of the best known stone carvers
in the city is A. LIE Jeune, whose studio
is at 431 Valencia street. Mr.. LIE Jeune
is an artist of taste and experience,
whose work in this city has received
the highest Communications. A fine
specimen of his skill is exhibited in the
figure carvings which grace the en-
trance to the Claus SpreckeIs build
ing. Others may be seen at the Pabst
Cafe and in Golden Gate Park, where
they have found many admirers.
Mr.. LIE Jeune resided for years in
Chicago, where his services We're in
constant demand. The stone carving
and plastic decoration of the Chicago
court house and city hall were done
under his supervision, and the models
for the United States custom house
and postoffice in that city were fur
nished by him. A notable work of his
which attracted wide attention was the
statue Of Cardinal Richelieu for the
Richelieu Hotel in Chicago. He has
done some notable work here, which
has served to place his name as among
the most skilled of his craft.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
All Are Representative Mercan-
tile and Professional Men
Of This City.
Interesting Information Concerning Well
Known People With Whom the
Public Comes in Contact Daily.

The question of location Is matter
of vital Importance to business and
professional men who depend upon the
patronage of the public in order to
enjoy the profits to which their toll
is entitled. The lawyer, dentist, tailor,
agent for mercantile enterprises, con-
tractor, in fact every one whose affairs
require the institution of permanent
headquarters, must, if he hopes to win
success, settle in a building centrally
located and which, by reason of its su-
perior finish and equipment, will attract
people to it's portals. such structure
is the new Claus Spreckels building,
within whose walls many of the lead
ing business and professional firms OF
the city are comfortably if not luxu-
riously installed.
In the succeeding sketches will be
found some interesting information
concerning the principal tenants of the
Claus Spreckels building. They are
representative men in their particular
lines, and the information concerning
them given herewith is not without it's
value TO the public with whom they
come in daily contact.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
w. G. Witter. Attorney

Willis G. Witter, the well-known at
torney, occupies splendidly equipped
quarters on the thirteenth floor of the
Claus Spreckels building Mr.. Writer'S
reputation rests not only upon his sue
cess as an attorney but upon his
achievements as an educator He is a
native of Wisconsin and a graduate of
the university of that State Of the class
of SO. Later he graduated from the
law department Of the university. Two
years after his graduation he became
superintendent of Public Schools at
Warsaw, twenty-seven departments
being in his charge. Subsequently he
became Superintendent of Public
Schools of Menominee. After the ex-
piration of his term of office in 1891 he
came to California and was appointed
Assistant United States Attorney in
this city by President Harrison. He
retired from that office in 1895 to de-
vote himself to the practice of law, in
which he has met with unusual sue
cess. Aside from the law he is con-
nected with several business enter
prises, being president of the Golden
Gate Dredging and Reclamation Com
pany and the California and Nevada
Land Company. His talents as attor-
ney find expression in a large corpora
ton practice,
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
The Window Shades.

Four hundred window shades aver
aging six feet in width and nine feet
in length have been required to prop
erly furnish the building. They have
been made of the best Opaque cloth,
manufactured especially to order. This
contract has been performed by the
firm of Schlueter & Volberg, No 7O9
Market street, one of the Oldest mer-
camille firms of San Francisco. For
thirty-one years they have been estab-
lished, and for the past twenty-five
years have occupied their present loca-
ton. In addition to the curtains, this
firm fitted the main and mezzanine
floors of the business office of The Call
with tile linoleum and the suite of Of
fees occupied by the proprietor and
manager respectively with a beautiful
pattern Of Wilton" carpet They have
also supplied the carpets and window
shades for the editorial department on
Stevenson street.
Schlueter & Volberg carry full line
of well selected carpets, linoleums. rugs
and lace curtains; in brief everythine,
that equips a modern and up-to-date
carpet house.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
ATTORNEYS OF STANDING.
Well Known Legal Firm OF
johnson, Linforth & Whit
akeP.

Among the attorneys of California
who have achieved success in their pro-
fession, none enjoys wider or more fa-
vorable publicity than Grove L. John
son, senior member of the firm of John
son, Linforth & Whitaker, whose Of
fees are on the seventh floor of the
Claus Spreckels building. Mr.. john
sens fame is not confined to his
achievements as an attorney, but he
has won distinction in Congress and
the Legislature of California. Com
bining with his shining talents a most
affable disposition and courteous de-
meanor, he possesses a host of friends
all over the Pacific Coast.
Mr.. Johnson is q native of Syracuse,
N. Y, where he was born in 1S41. He
graduated from a law college in that
city and came to California in 1868,
and two years later settled at Sacra-
mento, where he began the practice of
the law in 1874. During this interim he
was engaged in mercantile pursuits,
continued i'll health preventing him
from actively pursuing his chosen call
ing. Associated with him were his two
sons, Albert M. and Hiram W., the
three constituting the legal firm of
Johnson & Johnson. The practice of
the firm enjoyed steady growth both
in volume of business and reputation.
Mr.. Johnson remained in Sacramento
until the early part of the present year.
when he removed to this city to en-
gage in a wider field of practice.
AS a criminal lawyer of astuteness
and keen perception, Mr.. Johnson is,
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
AN ARTISTIC CONCERN.
The California Art Glass, Bend.
ing and Cutting Works.

The bending, cutting, staining and
manufacture of art glass in vast vari-
ETY. is an art which has advanced to a
marvellous degree of perfection. The
principal firm engaged in this artistic
enterprise in San Francisco is the Cal
ifornia Art Glass, Bending and Cut
ting Works at 103-105 Mission street
This concern, of which William
Schroeder is president and w. ]. Bre-
Uef secretary, practically controls the
coast trade in this line of Industrial
achievement. The manufacture of
memorial windows for churches, as
well as art glass windows for private
residences is a speciality of the firm.
Some of it's best work is seen in St
Brigid's Church and in the chapel of
the Maria Kip Orphanage in this city,
Christ Church in Alameda and in the
fine Bishops Memorial Chapel, Homo
lulu, Hawaiian Islands, just complet-
ed. Among work done in hundreds Of
residences may be mentioned the mag
nificent dome in Mr.. Posada's house
on Sacramento street, the mansion of
Claus Spreckels on Van Ness avenue
and Joe Poheim's new residence,
Washington and Locust streets.
All kinds of Illuminated colored glass
signs made by this firm may be seen
in the principal thoroughfares of this
city. The glass for the two lamps over
the portico and the beveled, bent and
crystalized glass in the Claus Spreck-
els building are products of this firm.
They are now engaged in making the
large embossed plate glass screens for
The Calls new business Office.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
GREAT LIQUOR HOUSE.
| Well-KnOwn Establishment Of
Siebe Bros. & Plagemann.

When at some future day the mer-
camille history of San Francisco is
written, among the foremost firms do
ing business here during the last quar-
ter of century will be found the
names of Siebe Bros. & Plagemann.
For over twenty years they have been
classed among the most solid business
men in the down town" district, and
their reputation for honesty and integ-
rity is second to none in the city. The
firm is composed of John D. Siebe, Fred
c. Siebe and ]. F. Plagemann.
The liquor business under the pres
ent firm name was established in 1876,
its first location being at 500 Sansome
street. Two years later the firm moved
into more commodious quarters at 405
Sacramento street. The growing busi-
ness of the firm made another removal
necessary in 1881, when the present To-
cation, 800 to $50 Sansome street, was
secured. The firm deals in high grade
whiskies and liquors, no inferior
brands finding lodgment in it's store
rooms. The special and exclusive
brands handled by this house are o. K.
Rosedale and o. K. Extra whiskies,
both of which enjoy extensive popular
ity and in consequence wide sale. In
addition to these the house is agent
for the celebrated brand. Belle Of Bour-
bon whisky, manufactured in Ken
tucky and shipped to this coast in cases
The firms business now extends to
all parts of the coast, and in volume
exceeds that of any rival liquor house
in California. Their trade in this city
is especially large, where the indivio-
ual members of the firm are weii
known and highly respected. John D.
Siebe, who holds the responsible office
of Assessor of the City and County of
San Francisco, is especially popular.
He has given many evidences of his
executive ability in the arduous and
responsible position to which he has
been twice called by his fellow citi-
zens. In his private business, Also he
has shown the same high qualities
which have made him so signally sue
cessful as a municipal officer His as
sociates, T. G. Siebe and J. F. PLACE
mann, are affable men of marked busi-
ness ability, and possess many friends
in social and mercantile circles.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19

floor. Mr.. burst is a native of Colusa,
where he was born in 1859. His prelim-
mary education was had in the public
schools. When Is years of age, in
1874, he entered the State University,
from which he graduated in 1880.
Prior to that time, however, he spent
two years in teaching school, and after
his graduation he continued teaching
for eighteen months longer. In 1882 he
entered the Hastings Law College and
graduated therefrom in 1888. Since
that time he has pursued the practice
of the law in this city, with the ex-
ception of six months spent in Oroville
as the partner of Senator Jones' In
1890 he was elected City and County
Attorney for San Francisco, the duties
of which office he performed for two
years in a brilliant manner.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
Messrs. Price & Brann.

Among the bright young attorneys
who are rapidly forging to the front
are Robert NJ. Price and Walter s.
Brann, who occupy handsome offices
on the thirteenth floor of the Spreckels
building, under the firm name of Price
& Brann. The copartnership was en-
tered into less than two years ago. and
in that time it has made rapid strides
in the direction of popular favor. Both
members of the firm are graduates of
the State University and of Hastings
Law College. Mr.. Price is a native of
Wisconsin, while his associate is a ma
tive son of the Golden West. Their
practice is confined to civil work and
especially probate, in which they have
met with marked success Ambitious.
energetic and Industrious, the members
of the firm have a bright future in
store for them.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
THE PHELAN BUILDING.
One OF the Best Located Office
Structures in the GitU

one or the Best Located Once
Structures in the City.
One of the most conspicuous build
ings erected in the city in recent years
is the Phelan block, which occupies the
gore Of O'Farrell and Market streets.
Located in the chief thoroughfare in
the city, and accessible from every
point, it has been for years, and still
is, one of the favorite office buildings
in San Francisco.
The building is five stories in height,
and contains $50 rooms, all of which
are in constant demand. Every room
on the Market street front has a large
bow-window, and has the benefit of the
sunlight throughout the entire day.
The rooms are large, airy and proVid-
ed with all the conyeniences known to
the builders craft.
Mayor James D. Phelan, proprietor of
the building, spares no expense in Sc
curing the absolute comfort of the ten
ants of the building. The main eleva-
tor in use for years has been replaced
by two of the latest construction, so
that the building lacks nothing in this
respect. The elevator so long employed
in the western end of the building has
just UldUe way LOT dn SlSCtIlC i4Al' Il1o
demand for speedy communication
with all the floors being imperative.
The main entrance to the building has
been recently enlarged and provided
with antique brass and glass doors and
heavy gates of iron and brass.
Many of the best known attorneys,
architects, capitalists and professional
men of the city, as well as the United
States army headquarters, have offices
in the building. The street floor is di-
vided into commodious storerooms,
which, by reason of their admirable To-
cation, are always in demand by the
best merchants. Notwithstanding its
superior adaptability for office pur-
poses, the rents are the most reason
able in the city. Its superb location,
within easy reach of the City Hall, and
passed by street cars which traverse
every section of the city, it occupies
one of the most desirable locations in
the city and places ii in the front rank
of local business structures.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19

ern and foreign goods against which
they are put in competition. The firm
of w. p. Fuller & Co, the largest Of its
character on the coast, is too Well
known to require further description.
Busch & WOcker, Decorators.
A large portion of the decorative
work of the interior of the building
was executed by the firm of Busch &
Wocker, whose studio is at 1896 Sac
ramento street. The work they have
done is but another success added to
their long list of artistic accomplish
ments in the way of interior decora-
tions that ornament the clubs,
churches and beautiful homes of this
city.
Both members of the firm are artists,
both by temperament and education,
and though comparatively young men
yet, they rank first in their profess
sion in this city, and are well known
by the important work they have done
in several of the cities of the Continent.
Their ideas are thoroughly artistic and
their work is distinguished for it's
originality of conception and cleverness
of execution.
Both Messrs. Busch and Wocker OBJ
tanned their education in the leading
art centers of Europe, where is con-
tained the worlds art wealth.
A period of residence in Rome, Paris
Copenhagen and Berlin gave them both
opportunity for study as we'll as en-
ployment of their talents. From Berlin
six years ago they came direct to San
Francisco, fresh from their studies and
Untrammeled with the conventional
ideas that are so apt to obtain among
the eXpOnents of art who are far re-
moved from the sources of the latest
theories and methods.
From the first their genius has been
admitted and their efforts have been
appreciated. 1t is a significant fact
that the patrons of art in San Fran
cisco have literally supported these
artists since their advent, for it plainly
indicates that now the highest order of
artistic decoration is finding here the
level and appreciation to which it has
risen in the older centers of civiliza-
ton.
This firm does interior art decorating,
fresCOing, tinting, etc, but makes spe-
cialty of artistic tapestry painting. The
latter decoration has become justly
popular in Eastern cities and is begin
ming to receive merited attention here.
Mr.. Busch is rare figure painter,
while Mr.. Wocker eXcels as a decora-
tive painter of ornamental work. All
of the principal rooms of the Claus
Spreckels mansion on Van Ness avenue
were decorated by this firm.