Alameda County Biographies

ALAMEDA COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

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	The Alameda County Abstract Company, one of the leading business concerns of its kind 
in this part of California, was established in 1878, Wright and Lynch being the founders and 
owners. After a few years the concern was purchased by William Grier, who conducted it until 
1901, when John McCarthy became the owner. Since that time he has been associated with W. H. 
Waste in the conduct of this enterprise, Mr. McCarthy being its president and Mr. Waste vice 
president. Under its present management the business has had a remarkable growth and is now the 
leading abstract company in Alameda county. When Mr. McCarthy assumed control in 1901 about 
fifty orders a month were received by the house. The monthly average today is five hundred and 
fifty orders and the entire business has expanded proportionately. The Alameda County Abstract 
Company purchased the plant of the Oakland Title & Abstract Company two years ago and is the 
only company in the county that has a complete title plant which enables it to do thorough and 
reliable work. The concern is well managed along progressive and modern lines and is a valuable 
contribution to the business resources of the city and county.
	John McCarthy, president of the Alameda County Abstract Company, came to Berkeley in 
1873, later removing to Oakland, where he now resides, honored and respected by all who know 
him. He has been in the abstract business for eighteen years and understands it in principle 
and detail, his experience and knowledge being salient elements in his success. He has always 
taken an active interest in community affairs, being in hearty sympathy with all movements to 
advance the permanent interests of the city. He has won a wide circle of friends, who hold him 
in the highest estimation for the many sterling traits of character which he has evidenced in 
many ways throughout his long career as a citizen of Alameda county.

Past & Present of Alameda County, California – Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914, p. 8