Chauncey M. Brewer, serving in a creditable manner as manager
for the Western States Gas & Electric Company, has demonstrated his ability
in public service along this line. His record entitles him pre-eminently to
the distinctive title of one of the "builders" of Richmond. Mr. Brewer was
born at Marshall, Michigan, August 5, 1882. He received his education in the
public schools of his native town, after which he attended the law
department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He then entered the
employ of the Commonwealth Power Company, at Jackson, Michigan, where he
remained one year. Removing to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he became associated
with the Grand Rapids & Muskegon Power Company. Later he occupied a better
position with the H. M. Byllesby Company, of Chicago, and was sent to
Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he assumed the business management of his company.
Recognizing Mr. Brewer's substantial qualities, his company then transferred
him to Minnesota, where he had the business management, and later he was
again transferred to Everett, Washington, and Sandpoint, Idaho, where he
filled positions of importance. In 1912 Mr. Brewer removed to Richmond.
Fraternally, he is identified with the B. P. O. E. lodge, and in politics he
is a Republican, and stands at all times for advancement in every relation
of life, and is a man well liked and esteemed.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 469.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
Frederick E. Beck, prominently connected with the Pullman
works at Richmond as general manager, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, May
29, 1875. He acquired his education in the public schools. Completing his
studies, he entered the employ of the Pullman Company at Willmington as
office boy. He later entered the mechanical department, and was soon
transferred to Chicago, where he was identified as mechanical inspector. He
was transferred to Wilmington again as assistant manager of mill-shops for
one year, when he was again sent by his company to Denver in 1902, where he
filled the position of assistant manager for five months, and was there made
manager of the Denver shops in 1903. Mr. Beck remained in Denver until 1910,
when he was transferred to Richmond, where he took the management of the
Pullman plant. He has achieved remarkable success in the various positions
he has taken with his company. He is well known in Masonic circles, being a
member of the blue lodge, Shrine, and is a Knight Templar. He was united in
marriage to Miss Elizabeth H. Day, a native of Pennsylvania, in September,
1903.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 469-470.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
One of the most prominent, able, and representative
agriculturalists in Contra Costa County is Michael J. Curtain. He was born
on July 1, 1866, in Ireland, where he received his schooling. In June, 1887,
he came to America, and in October, 1904, located in Contra Costa County.
Here he turned his attention to the dairy business, and has always followed
this occupation. He is an expert stockman, and during his early days in the
county he had as high as two hundred head of cattle. On August 1, 1914, he
disposed of his dairy interests and retired. Mr. Curtain has gained the
friendly regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated
through life, either in business or social relations, and he is well
entitled to a foremost place among the respected men of the county.
Politically, he is a Democrat. In 1906 Mr. Curtain was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Elkson.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 470.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.