Contra Costa County
Biographies
JOSEPH FRANKLIN BROOKS,
a highly respected and representative citizen of Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of assistant superintendent of the Standard Oil Company of California. Mr. Brooks was born at New Bedford, Mass., March 18, 1872. He acquired his education in the public schools of Oakland, where his parents removed when he was ten years of age. He graduated from the high school, after which he became identified with the Arctic Oil Works of San Francisco. He continued with this corporation for ten years, as assistant superintendent, and when it was taken over by the Standard Oil Company he removed to Richmond. This was in 1902. Mr. Brooks has filled many positions of responsibility and trust with his company. That he was capable and reliable is indicated by his rapid promotion, until he now holds the office of assistant superintendent. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Richmond Public Library, member of the board of education, and an ex-member of the board of health. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E., and a valued member of the Woodmen of the World. He is the president and one of the organizers of the Pioneer Club. Mr. Brooks was united in marriage July 14, 1897, to Miss Catherine S. Hambright. Their one son, Franklin, was born March 14, 1900. Mr. Brooks is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Richmond, and a stockholder in the B. Schapiro Real Estate Company. He is also one of the organizers of the Richmond Building & Loan Association. The parents of Mr. Brooks were Joseph Franklin and Elizabeth (Baxter) Brooks. His father was a sea-captain and followed this vocation for many years. He died and was buried in Alaska. Both parents were natives of Massachusetts, and come from French ancestry. The subject of this sketch is a man of broad culture, progressive, has high ideals, and is well and favorably known in the business and social life of the Bay cities.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 457-458
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.
ERNEST NAVELLIER,
a man of genial personality and keen business ability, is numbered among the representative and enterprising business men of Contra Costa County. His birth occurred February 1, 1864, and he is a native of France. He acquired his education in the schools of his native land, graduating at the age of fifteen. His first work after completing his education, at the age of sixteen, was to teach school. He continued teaching for two years, when he came to America, and located in San Francisco. Here he engaged in the laundry business, in which he continued for ten years. Later he removed to Seattle, where he became identified with the laundry business for three years. In 1892 he removed to Stege, where he operated the first laundry established in Richmond. About this time Mr. Navellier purchased five acres on the hillside near Stege, where he erected an imposing home. He disposed of his interests in the laundry and became identified with the California Cap Company for nine years, in the capacity of shipping clerk and foreman. He purchased land on San Pablo Avenue, and was the founder of Lafayette Park, which is considered one of the finest picnic grounds on the bay. He has contributed in no small degree to the growth and success of Richmond as a manufacturing center. His most recent success has been in the establishing of a factory for the manufacture of rustic furniture and art ware, which products have been sold in large lots all over the United States. Politically, Mr. Navellier is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never aspired to public office further than to act on the local school board for three years, and on the sanitary commission. He has been instrumental in establishing two schools in the Stege district. Fraternally, he is a member of the Eagles lodge and Foresters of America. On December 28, 1889, he was united in marriage to Josephine Pontacq, a native of France. To this union have been born five children—Victor, at present shipping clerk for the California Cap Company; Lucy, now postmistress at Stege; Louis and Ida, residing at home; and Mary, who died at the age of six years.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 458
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.
EDWARD C. HOFFMAN
holds the important position of superintendent of the Metropolitan Match Factory, at Stege, Contra Costa County. A spirit of enterprise and progress has actuated him in all that he has done through life, and success has attended his well-directed efforts. Mr. Hoffman was born at Badelster, kingdom of Saxony, Germany, on February 5, 1865. Here he received his early education, and in 1888 he came to America, locating in San Francisco. He was employed as a machinist at the Union Iron Works, and had the distinction of working on the battleship "Charleston," in 1889, remaining here for two years. He then became identified with the Metropolitan Match Company, San Francisco, in 1891, where he has since remained. Mr. Hoffman has, owing to his executive ability, been promoted until now he holds the position as superintendent of the Stege factory. He is a member of the high-school trustees, and has served on the Stege board of education. He is a member of Hermann's Sons. On April 25, 1891, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to Miss Emilie Wacker, a native of Germany. To this union have been born three children—Alma Emilie, wife of Roy Dubbers, an engineer in the employ of the United Railroads of San Francisco; Edward Adolph, a student at the University of California; Walter, a student attending high school. The family are members of the Presbyterian church of Stege.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 459
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.