Contra Costa County
Biographies
WILLIAM E. DE LAND
is numbered among the representative business men of Richmond. His activities have been a force in progress and his citizenship a valuable municipal asset. Mr. De Land resides in North Richmond, San Pablo District. He is one of the leaders in the promotion of construction and progress in the community's advancement. He was born in Connersville, Indiana, on September 23, 1872. His parents were Lyman W. and Anna (Thompson) De Land. His father was a native of Broome County, New York, and for many years he was identified with Wannamaker & Brown, of Philadelphia, as traveling salesman. His death occurred in 1901. The mother of Mr. De Land was a native of Pennsylvania, and her death occurred on October 5, 1900. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools, graduating from the high school of New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Yale College and took up the engineering and millwright course. After leaving college he became identified with the well-known contracting firm of John Metcalf Company, of Chicago. For many years his advancement was steady, and, owing to his ability, he was promoted to many important positions. Mr. De Land came to California in 1912, locating in Bakersfield for some months, where he followed contracting. Later, in 1912, he removed to Richmond, and bought large holdings of land in North Richmond, which he has subdivided. Mr. De Land erected a large hotel and business place in this locality. He also has business interests in Richmond. He operates a moving-picture theater, has a transfer business, and has the contract for the sprinkling of the streets in Richmond. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. This reputation has made him a person on whom his associates can always depend, and he is known for his upright character and his straightforward dealings in business circles. Since taking up his residence in Richmond, he has been particularly active in the good roads improvement and has done much to stimulate interest along those lines. On December 9, 1891, Mr. De Land was united in marriage to Miss Linna M. Perkins, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of Albert A. and Melvina Perkins. Her father was one of the prominent oilmen in his locality. The great-grandfather of Mr. De Land came to America with Lafayette and fought in the Revolutionary War. Mr. De Land's father during the Civil War enlisted in the thirty-fourth New York Infantry, and was discharged owing to disability. He served under Captain Baldwin and received seven gun-shot wounds, which incapacitated him for further service. Politically, Mr. De Land is affiliated with the Republican party, but he has never aspired to office. There have been two children born to Mr. and Mrs. De Land, namely, Bernice, born in Chicago, November 20, 1892, and William A., born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, May 7, 1895. Mrs. De Land is a member of the Womans' Relief Corps of the G. A. R., and holds membership in the Baptist church of Richmond. Mr. De Land concentrates his attention upon his business affairs, in which he has been very successful, and much credit is due him for the position he has attained among the substantial men of Contra Costa County. William A. De Land is identified with his father in his various business interests in and around Richmond.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 448-449
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.
EDWARD J. RANDALL,
one of the successful and prominent business men of Martinez, whose interests extend to many fields, was born in Napa County, California, on October 6, 1863. His father, Edmund Randall, was a native of England, and came to America in 1850. He resided in Illinois for a time, when he came to the Golden State via the Isthmus route. Remaining in San Francisco for a brief period, he afterward located in Napa. Later he had large interests in Stanislaus County, where the town of Newman is now located. In 1879 Mr. Randall's father removed to Contra Costa County and settled in Ignacio Valley, where he was identified along agricultural pursuits. He farmed seven hundred acres, provided his place with substantial barns and outbuildings, and engaged largely in the live-stock business. He passed away in 1901. Mr. Randall's mother's maiden name was Mary Tormey, a native of Ireland. She was the mother of seven children, only four of whom are now living, The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Contra Costa County, and at St. Mary's College in San Francisco. His further education has been that acquired in the school of experience. He has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way, and his ability and energy have brought him into prominent relations with the financial affairs of his chosen county. After his schooling he farmed for five years. He then engaged in mercantile business in Concord with his brother Samuel, under the firm name of Randall Brothers. Here he continued until 1909, when he sold his interests. Some years ago he assumed the management of the L. Anderson lumber business, which was started in 1859 and incorporated in 1899. This business has grown under his leadership, and today is one of the best-equipped plants in the country. His initial step toward the banking business was when he and four others subscribed and started the First National Bank of Martinez. He has been one of the bank's directors ever since, and has held the position of cashier since 1910. In politics, Mr. Randall is affiliated with the Democratic party. He has been supervisor for eight years, and is now acting as trustee for the town of Concord. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, Woodmen of the World, Redmen, and Native Sons. He was united in marriage to Miss Nora Anderson on October 30, 1888, and she died December 6, 1900. Mr. Randall's second marriage was to Marguerite Anderson, a sister of his first wife, on October 29, 1904. There were five children born of the first union and one to the second.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 449-450
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.