Rex Ladell Boyer, who is successfully engaged in the practice
of law in Martinez, is a man of clear, logical mind. He was born in Walla
Walla, Washington, August 5, 1889, and was educated in the public schools of
Concord, California. He later took a business course in Oakland and studied
law under J. E. Rodgers. On May 1, 1912, he graduated from Kent Law School
in San Francisco, and on the day of his graduation he was admitted to the
bar. His father, Joel Jerome Boyer, is a native of Pennsylvania, and his
mother was born in Washington. When Mr. Boyer was but five years of age his
parents removed to Lafayette, where his father followed agricultural
pursuits and engaged extensively in the chicken business. Mr. Boyer is
affiliated with the Republican party. He was appointed deputy sheriff under
Sheriff R. R. Veale, and while in this office he started and is still
connected with the criminal identification known as the "Bertillon System,"
which is being successfully used throughout the country. He had made a study
of this system in the Oakland police department. In May, 1913, he opened law
offices in the Gazette building, in Martinez, where he has since engaged in
general practice. In all social, official, and professional relations he has
held steadily to high ideals, and has the confidence and regard of all who
know him. Mr. Boyer, during the extra sessions of the Superior Court, acts
as official stenographer. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge
of Martinez, also of the K. of P., and has served as chancellor of the
Martinez lodge of this order. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the
World.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County,
California", Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 485.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
John J. Hauser has been connected with the business interests
of Martinez since January, 1907. He is one of the best-known undertakers in
the Bay cities, and conducts one of the best appointed establishments in
Contra Costa County. He was born in Napa County, September 27, 1881, and is
a son of John and Mary Hauser. His father is a native of Germany; his mother
came from Switzerland. His parents came to America in 1875, locating in Napa
County, where his father died when John J. was but one and a half years of
age, and his mother passed away when he was fifteen. Early in life he
started for himself and decided to learn the undertaking business. In this
connection he became identified with many of the leading establishments, and
subsequently filled positions in San Jose, Fresno, Alameda, and other
places. He has passed the rigid examinations that qualify one for this work.
On January 1, 1907, he removed to Martinez and became chief deputy coroner
under Doctor C. L. Abbott. This position he has since held. He is a member
of the State Funeral Directors' Association and the San Joaquin Funeral
Association, which embraces Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus
counties. In both associations Mr. Hauser has held and is now holding
important offices. Politically, he is a Republican, and takes an active part
in the affairs of that party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd
Fellows, and holds the office of noble grand in Martinez lodge. He is a
treasurer of Martinez Aerie, F. O. E., a member of the Mt. Diablo Parlor, N.
S. G. W., the Rebekah lodge of Alhambra, Martinez Council, I. D. E. S., the
Moose of Martinez, Laurel Camp of Woodmen of the World, and Alameda Tent K.
O. T. M. Mr. Hauser was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adeline Pope, a
native of Vallejo, October 12, 1904. To this union has been born one son,
Paul Herbert, who died at the age of two years. Mrs. Hauser is also active
in club and social work, being a member and past president of Ramona Parlor,
N. D. G. W. She also holds office in the Women's Improvement Club, and is a
trustee of the Ladies' Institute.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 486.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.