Jance J. Anderson, a native son and popular business man of
Martinez, devoted his attention to the duties devolving upon him as owner
and manager of the warehouse and wood and coal business. He was born in
Contra Costa County on March 5, 1870. His father came to the coast via the
Isthmus route on the steamer "Oregon," and settled in this county. He
operated boats on the bay and river for many years. He was a native of
Denmark, and died in 1910. Mr. Anderson's mother was a native of Ireland,
and makes her home with her daughter in Pacheco. Jance J. acquired his
education in the public schools and St. Mary's College of San Francisco. He
afterward assisted his father in the lumber business at Pacheco and
Martinez. The Pacheco yard was one of the first lumber yards to start in
Contra Costa County. In 1909 the subject of this review engaged in the
warehouse and wood and coal business in Martinez. He is also identified with
the interests on the bay. Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat. He has
served as town trustee for a period of four years. Fraternally, he is a
member of the W. O. W. He was united in marriage October 5, 1895, to Minnie
Loring, of Concord, a daughter of one of the representative business men of
Concord. To this union have been born three sons - Jepsen D., Cecil A., and
Loring L. Mrs. Anderson holds membership in the Women of Woodcraft and is a
member of the grand board of directors of the Young Ladies' Institute of
California and has served as president of the Women's Improvement Club of
Martinez. Mr. Anderson is a man of enterprise and ambition, and is numbered
among the representative business men of Martinez. He received the
appointment as postmaster of Martinez from President Wilson, and took office
in the fall of 1916.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 516-517.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
Frank R. Jones, one of the representative young men of
Martinez, is a native son, his birth having occurred at Martinez,
California, June 19, 1886, a son of Rees and Margaret Jones. His father was
born in Wisconsin on April 15, 1860, and when quite young came to California
with his parents to settle in Stewartsville, Contra Costa County, where he
grew to manhood. In the year 1885 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret
Hughes, and since his marriage has resided in Martinez. To this union there
are three children - Frank, the subject of this review; Raymond, born
February 13, 1892; and Mildred, born April 27, 1902. During his residence in
Martinez Mr. Jones filled the responsible positions of constable and town
marshal and deputy sheriff, and during his incumbency in these offices was
noted for his fearlessness and determination in the pursuit of criminals.
For many years he was identified with Henry Curry in the livery business,
and was a partner in the Bay View Pavilion property. Politically, he was a
strong Republican and took an active interest along political lines. He was
a member of the I. O. O. F. for many years. Rees Jones was a public-spirited
and patriotic citizen and was well liked by all who knew him, and he was a
courteous and painstaking official. His death occurred October 12, 1908.
Frank R. Jones, the subject of our sketch, was educated in the public
schools of Martinez and the business college of San Francisco. Laying aside
his books, he engaged with the Bank of Martinez, the oldest banking
institution of Contra Costa County. He entered the employ of the bank at the
age of eighteen, and has, through his energy and persistent purpose, been
promoted until he now fills the important position of assistant cashier. He
was united in marriage to Miss Hattie M. Osborne, a native of Illinois,
February 12, 1914. To this union there is one son, Frank R., Jr., born
November 26, 1915. Frank R. Jones was elected a member of the town trustees
on April 10, 1916, for the four-year term. He is a member of the Native
Sons, Woodmen of the World, and Knights of Pythias. He has the good-will and
confidence of all who are associated with him.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 517.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.