John M. Best. - Numbered among the successful and
enterprising business men of Richmond is John M. Best, now the manager,
secretary, and treasurer of the Home Laundry Company. His laundry experience
extends over many years. The institution with which he is associated is one
of the best in the Bay cities. Mr. Best was born on January 22, 1874, in
Shasta County, California, where he acquired his early education. He is the
son of John C. Best, a native of Missouri, who came west and located in
Carson City, Nevada. Here he operated a store and hotel for many years
during the pioneer days. He then removed to Shasta County. The subject of
this sketch removed to Seattle, where he engaged in the laundry business,
and continued in that calling for eighteen years. Here he mastered the
laundry business in principle and detail, and his knowledge, combined with
the spirit of enterprise which actuates him in all that he does, has brought
him success. Mr. Best came to Richmond in August, 1911, and immediately
started the Home Laundry Company, and was one of the prime movers
in this organization. Politically, Mr. Best is affiliated with the
Republican party, but has never aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a
member of the B. P. O. E., and the Woodmen of the World. He was united in
marriage to Miss Ethel A. Nellie, of Seattle, Washington, October 16, 1897.
To this union have been born Myrtle, Mildred, Jack, and Roy.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 462.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
James Demings, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading
and enterprising business men of Richmond, has won merited success as one of
the proprietors of the Richmond Feed & Grain Company, the largest concern of
its kind in Contra Costa County. His birth occurred in San Francisco,
January 15, 1874. He was the son of Peter and Barbara (Melville) Demings.
His father was of English descent and his mother came from Scotland. Mr.
Demings' father came to America and settled in San Francisco in 1865, and
controlled a line of boats around the Bay district. The subject of this
sketch acquired his education in the public and high schools of San
Francisco, after which he took a business course. Following his schooling he
became associated with Eppinger & Company, where he learned the milling
business, continuing with this firm for a period of fourteen years at
Crockett, California. In June, 1911, Mr. Demings, with George Prytz, erected
the present commodious and up-to-date flouring and feed mill at Richmond,
which has a capacity of one hundred tons a day. The warehouse, which is
located directly aside of the Santa Fe tracts, gives them the best of
transportation facilities. Here they conduct a wholesale and retail
business. Mr. Demings is affiliated with the B. P. O. E., of Richmond, and
is a member of the Native Sons, of Crockett. He was united in marriage on
November 17, 1896, to Miss Mary Hunter, of Crockett, a Native Daughter. To
this union have been born two children, James, born in 1898, and Richard,
born in 1900.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp.462-463.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
Edward E. Grow. - Occupying a position of distinction among
the representative men of Contra Costa County is Edward E. Grow. He has been
a resident of Richmond since 1907, and followed surveying as a vocation.
During the long period of his residence here he has taken an active interest
in all community affairs. Mr. Grow was born in Iowa, on December 18, 1871.
He acquired his education in the public schools. At an early age he removed
with his parents to California. Here he continued his higher studies by
attending Stanford University, graduating from the English department in
1898. In 1900 he removed to Pinole, and in 1907 took up his residence in
Richmond, where he has since remained. Politically, Mr. Grow is affiliated
with the Republican party. While a resident of Pinole he served on the local
school board of Pinole and Hercules, as president of the board. Mr. Grow is
a Spanish War veteran. He was a member of the First California Infantry, and
was sent to the Phillipines, where he served his country in a creditable
manner. He received an honorable discharge in Manila in September, 1899. On
April 8, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline E. Zehringer, of
Philadelphia. To this union have been born two children - Blanch Anna, born
in 1902, and Edward E., born in 1907. Mr. Grow had charge of all
construction work for the Du Pont Powder Company while a resident of Pinole.
He is active in politics at the proper time, but concentrates his attention
upon his chosen profession, of which he is today a leader in this field.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p.463.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.