Evening star., 1901-06-01

N. H.. over eighty years ago. Their ma
ternal grandfather. Matthew Gauit. en-
listed in the patriot army when he was
nineteen years old and served four years
six of the Emery boys. and Matthew. Jo-
seph and Samuel came south. Matthew.
who was born September .. 1918. had
been prepared for college in the lead
Ing schools Of his native town and was
about to be fitted for one Of the learned
professions. when he determined to strike
out for himself. His father was bitterly
opposed to this. but the youth of eighteen
years was resolute and he went to Balti-
more, where he apprenticed himself to
stonecutter in order to equip himself for
becoming master mechanic. Four years
later, in 1910, he secured his first govern
ment contract, which was for cutting in
the quarry and supplying the stone used in
the construction of the United States Post
Once Department building.
Moved to Washington.
He removed to Washington and took up
permanent residence in 1912 He did much
of the stone work on the extension of the
United States Capitol building, and cut and
laid with his own hands the corner stone
of the extension. He also cut, squared and
laid on July 4, 1913, the corner stone of
the Washington monument. and when the
cap stone was placed upon it thirty-six
years later he was one of the guests In
vited to be present. In 1851 he organized a
military company here and possesses a
commission appointing him captain signed
by A. Lincoln as President and Simon Cam
eron as Secretary of War. The company
did excellent patrol service in protecting
property until the arrival of the volunteer
troops. He then took charge and cared for
the sick and disabled soldiers from his
native state, New Hampshire. and gave to
the army the use of his handsome country
residence at Brightwood, which was made
an important signal station by reason of its
high situation. After the war he became
a member of the board of aldermen, and
in 1870 was elected mayor of Washington,
and served as such until the territorial
form of government was established for
the District and the office of mayor elimi-
mated.
When Mr.. Emery entered upon his busi-
ness career in Washington in 1912 he an
nounced his intention of retiring from 1t
when thirty years elapsed and In 1872 he
carried this out by dlsposlng of his inter-
eSts to his brother, Samuel. Since then ne
has devoted himself to his private business
interests, which are of great magnitude.
He has been identified with all progressive
movements and with many capitalistic
efforts, and has been president of the Sec
ond National Bank for a number Of years.
His residence is a historical one. 1t is
situated on street near 3D. and was first
occupied by John c. Breckenridge. After
ward it was the house of Gen. Grant, who
vacated 1t to enter the White House. 1t
was then bought and presented to Gen.
Sherman, and then after several years was
purchased by Mr.. Emery.
Mr.. Joseph Emery's Success.
While Mr.. Matthew Emery was thus
making fame and fortune In Washington
Mr.. Joseph Emery was doing the same
thing in far-off California. He constructed
many substantial buildings during his early
career there. and then turned his attention
to mines and mining. Amassing a COM
potency in these directions and perceivng
the growing necessities for transportation
facilities. he began building railroads and
has constructed numerous steam and street
lines. He resides at Emeryville. a beautiful
town named in his honor. which is situated
about two miles from Oakland opposite
San Francisco. and there is also street in
San Francisco named after him. He is
identified with many of the large financial
corporations of San Francisco. and is high
ly regarded throughout California as one
Of the foremost citizens of the state.