William J. Buchanan is one of the representative business men
of Contra Costa County and is at the head of one of Pittsburg's business
houses that dates its origin from a time when Pittsburg was a mere country
village twenty years ago. The general store of William J. Buchanan since its
foundation has been in the hands of a progressive, far-sighted, and able
man, under whose direction it has advanced to its present large proportions.
The store was founded in 1896. Mr. Buchanan was born at New York Landing,
now Pittsburg, on September 11, 1867, a son of William and Katharine
Buchanan. His father was a native of Scotland, and came to America in the
'50s, locating in Placer County, where he followed mining. He removed to
Contra Costa County in 1866, locating in Antioch, where he remained for two
years. In 1867 he removed to the county near Pittsburg, where he took up
farming, which vocation he has always followed. He died in 1904. Mr.
Buchanan's mother was a native of Scotland. His folks married in Rochester,
New York, and came west. His mother died on January 14, 1910. There were two
children in the parents' family, the subject of this sketch and Jennie, born
July 16, 1863, the wife of James Syme, a native of Scotland, and who
resides on the home ranch. William J. Buchanan received his education in the
public schools and the Stockton business college. Finishing his education,
he returned to the home farm, where he was actively engaged until 1896, when
he entered the mercantile business. In 1905 he erected his present
commodious building. Mr. Buchanan is affiliated with the Republican party.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order of Pittsburg, the I. O. O.
F. of Antioch, and holds membership in Diamond Parlor of the Native Sons,
the Knights of Pythias, and the Eagles lodge of Pittsburg. Mr. Buchanan was
united in marriage to Nora Carroll, a native of Portland, Oregon, January 4,
1893, a daughter of William and Mary (Keefe) Carroll. To this union there
are two children - Warren G., born May 11, 1898, and Norine, born October
28, 1900. Mr. Buchanan is a stockholder and vice-president of the Contra
Costa Bank of Pittsburg. Mrs. Buchanan for fourteen years was postmistress
of the Black Diamond post-office, and she obtained the highest reputation
for ability and faithfulness during her long term in office. Mr. Buchanan
served as Wells Fargo agent here for sixteen years, thus showing the
interest he took in his company who entrusted its affairs to him.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County,
California", Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 519-520.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
Lee D. Windrem, a man of forceful personality and effective
ability, is numbered today among the most able lawyers of the Bay counties.
He has been active in various movements and projects designed to promote the
permanent interests of the community where he resides. He was born in
Lancaster County, Nebraska, December 25, 1870, the son of Samuel and Nettie
E. (Cooper) Windrem. His father was a pioneer settler in Nebraska and was
active in political and financial matters in his State. He died in 1903. Mr.
Windrem's mother was a native of Iowa, and now makes her home in Richmond.
There were eight children in the parents' family, only three of whom are now
living - Nettie, a teacher in the Richmond public schools for nine years;
Guy Windrem, a traveling salesman, and formerly manager for Nolan Bros. Shoe
Company, with headquarters in Madera, California; and our subject, Lee D.
Windrem, who acquired his education in the public schools of Nebraska. At
the age of twelve years he became identified with the merchandise business,
which he followed for fifteen years. He studied law under Miles Wallace, of
Madera, was admitted to the bar in August, 1895, and practiced in Madera one
year. He removed to San Francisco, where he practiced his profession seven
years, and in 1902 he came to Richmond, where he has since resided. Mr.
Windrem is counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad, transacts much work for the
Standard Oil Company, and is legal advisor of some of the banks in Richmond.
He is a stockholder in the First National Bank and the Richmond Savings
Bank, and being one of the incorporators of both banks. While residing in
Madera he served as chairman in the County Democratic Committee during the
first campaign of W. J. Bryan. In 1903 he served as chairman of the
Democratic County Committee of Contra Costa County, and was appointed
chairman of the Contra Costa County Democratic conventions three times. His
activities in Democratic politics were recognized by his appointment as a
member of the executive committee if the Democratic State Central Committee.
During the three years he served as city attorney in Richmond, he handled
the legal proceedings for the bonds for the Tunnel & Harbor Improvement,
amounting to $1,170,000. While he has always taken a keen interest in
politics, he has refused to accept any political office. He has been
repeatedly asked to run for State Representative in Congress, district
attorney, and superior judge. He has always declined the nomination owing to
his large practice. Fraternally, Mr. Windrem is identified with the I. O. O.
F. and the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss
Marjorie D. Rickabaugh, a native of Lake County, California, July 23, 1903.
To this union have been born two children - Marion Lee and Philip Douglas.
Mr. Windrem has the distinction of being one of seven appointed by the
League of Pacific Municipalities at its meeting in 1910, held at San Diego,
to draft the "Improvement Act of 1911," which act was passed the same year,
and under which all of the street work of California is being done at the
present time. While a resident of Richmond Mr. Windrem enjoyed a trip around
the world in 1905, visiting the principal cities of Europe and the Orient.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 520-521.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.