The success which marks the career of Alfred L. Bovo has been
the result if his own unaided efforts, the concentration of his energies and
ability in the one time that meant for him a competence for the future. He
is well known in banking circles in eastern Contra Costa County, and has
been identified with the Bank of Byron since its organization, which was in
May, 1911. Mr. Bovo was born in San Francisco, December 23, 1886, son of
Gabriel and Marie (Silveria) Bovo. His father died in 1902. Alfred acquired
his education in private schools and at St. Ignatius College, San Francisco,
after which he studied abroad and took a course in the College of Languages
and Commerce at Turin. He remained in the old country nearly three years,
becoming an accomplished linguist, speaking no less than five different
languages. Returning to San Francisco, he became identified with the Central
Trust Company, now the Anglo-California Trust Company. He remained with the
institution for over six years. Mr. Bovo started with this bank as a
messenger, and by his ability he rose to the position of receiving teller.
He then associated himself with the Nevada County Bank, of Nevada City,
California, where he remained as acting cashier for nearly three years, and
served as interpreter in the Superior Court of Nevada County. He removed to
Tracy on April 1, 1911, and accepted a position as acting cashier of the
Bank of Tracy for a brief time. When the new bank building at Byron was
completed Mr. Bovo was made cashier of that institution, later becoming
manager, and has filled that position to the satisfaction of all concerned.
His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but he has never
aspired to public office. He has served three years as a member and clerk of
the Byron school board. On April 6, 1906, Mr. Bovo was united in marriage to
Miss Grace L. Marron, a native of San Rafael, and a daughter of Frank M.
Marron, one of the best-known and respected financial men of the Bay
section. Mr. Marron's death occurred in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Bovo have one
daughter, Pauline, born in Berkeley, July 25, 1907. Mrs. Bovo is past
president of Donner Parlor, Native Daughters, of Byron, while her husband is
secretary and treasurer of the Byron Improvement Club. Mr. Bovo also
organized the Byron Chamber of Commerce, which has its rooms in connection
with the Byron bank. He is recognized as one of Byron's substantial,
esteemed, and respected citizens.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 468-469.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
Energy, ability, and well-directed ambition, guided and
controlled by sound judgment, have constituted the foundation upon which
Henry Johnston of Giant has built his success. These qualities have brought
him success. He was born in Brant County, Ontario, December 27, 1835. He
came west and located in San Francisco in October, 1872. Here he remained
for some time. In 1873 he purchased from Treadwell & Co. two hundred and
thirty-five acres of land in Contra Costa County. He was at this time a
traveling man for various concerns on the coast. While holding his position
he was far-sighted enough to buy this ranch and have something for a rainy
day. Two railroads cut through Mr. Johnston's farm, so that he only has
one-hundred and eighty acres left. He was married in 1860 to Galetsa F.
Page, a native of Canada. To this union nine children have been born, five
of whom are now living. In politics Mr. Johnston is a Republican. He has
acted as road-master for a number of years. He has rented his ranch, and is
now retired. Mr. Johnston is a public-spirited man and gives his support to
any movement that will promote the best interests of Contra Costa County.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 469.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.