Ralph Dobson, deceased, was numbered among the representative
agriculturalists of Contra Costa County. He was born March 16, 1862, and was
a native of this county. His death occurred on December 8, 1915. He acquired
a his education in the public schools at San Ramon. His father, Edward
Dobson, was a native of Scotland. At the age of seventeen Ralph Dobson laid
aside his school books and began ranching. He assisted on the home place for
some years and then worked out for a time. At the age of thirty he returned
home, where he always remained. He was united in marriage to Emma Horan,
daughter of J. D. and Annie (Norris) Horan. Her father was a native of
Missouri, and crossed the plains with his parents, taking six months to make
the journey. Mrs. Dobson's mother crossed the plains with her parents, and
they settled near Mission San Jose during the early days, when elk and other
wild animals were plentiful. Mrs. Dobson's father died in June, 1903, and
her mother passed away in November, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dobson after
their marriage rented various ranches and in 1909 purchased twenty acres
that was part of the home place. The subject of this review was affiliated
with the Democratic party and served as roadmaster for eight years.
Fraternally, he was a member of the I. O. O. F., the Foresters, and the
Native Sons. Mr. Dobson gained many friends during the period of his
residence in the county. He was held in the highest regard by all who knew
him, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends. John B. Horan,
a brother of Mrs. Ralph Dobson, died August 16, 1916. There was one son,
Edwin, born to Mr. and Mrs. Dobson on February 24, 1895, and he died April
23, 1916. He was educated in the public and high schools of San Ramon and
Danville. He accepted a position after graduation as bookkeeper in the San
Ramon Bank, which he held until his death. His demise caused sincere sorrow
to his many friends, all of whom esteemed him for his good qualities of
character. He was courteous and obliging, and his genial manner won him the
friendship of many in this county.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 528-529.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, September, 2006.
Henry Bruns is numbered among the substantial and progressive
ranchers in eastern Contra Costa County. He was born in Germany on August
28, 1853, the son of John and Geshe Bruns. The parents had eight children,
two girls and six boys. Henry, the subject of this review, was educated in
the old country. After school he worked out for a time. In 1875 he came to
America and located in New York City, where he found work for two years. In
1877 he came to San Francisco and worked at various vocations. In 1880 he
went to the San Joaquin Valley and rented one hundred acres, following
general farming for over two years. He removed to the Bethany district and
farmed for two years. He then ranched near Haywards for a time. Later he
located in the Mountain House section for three years. In the fall of 1891
he removed to Eastern Contra Costa County and rented six hundred and forty
acres from the McLaughlin estate, operating this place for two years. He
then brought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres four miles from
Byron. Mr. Bruns was married on November 12, 1886, to Ida Helena Lindeman, a
native of Germany. She came to America in 1882. Two sons and two daughters
were born to them. The elder daughter, Bertha is the wife of John Hensen, of
Patterson, California. William married Lottie A. Petterson, and they have
one daughter. Henry married Martha Mehrtens, and they have one daughter.
Helena, the younger daughter of Mr. Brun's family, resides at home.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 532.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, September, 2006.
Charles A. French serves in a creditable and able manner as
postmaster of Brentwood. He was born in Tennessee on October 29, 1875, the
son of Peter and Malinda French, both natives of Tennessee. His father died
in 1902, and his mother passed away in 1909. The grandfather of Mr. French
was one of the highly respected pioneers of Knox County, Tennessee. The
subject of this review acquired his education in the public schools of his
native State, after which he attended college. In May, 1903, he came west
and settled in Brentwood, California. He found employment on a ranch with
Mr. Grigsby for a time, after which he bought a lease on the Marsh grant. He
continued farming for one year. He then took up his abode in Knightsen,
where he farmed, and later removed to Brentwood again, where he followed
agricultural pursuits for three years. He entered the mercantile business,
and owing to his ability he managed the general store for R. E. LaMoine &
Co. for two years. He has been associated with the East Contra Costa
Mercantile Company since its incorporation. Mr. French was appointed
postmaster in 1915. He was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Anna LaMoine on
October 18, 1905. There have been two children to this union - Bertha Annam
born May 15, 1909, and Floy Elsa, born August 21, 1912. Mr. French gives his
political allegiance to the Republican party. He enjoys a reputation as a
reliable business man and has served on the grammar-school board for two
years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters,
and locally he can be depended upon to co-operate in all movements that tend
to the upbuilding and substantial improvement of his town.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 532-533.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, September, 2006.