Robert L. Fernald, a highly respected and representative
citizen of Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the
capacity of city council-man, having been elected to that office in April,
1913, for a six-year term. He was born near Lafayette, Indiana, January 11,
1859, and was educated in Topeka, Kansas, where his parents removed in 1866.
He graduated from the Topeka High School in 1875. Mr. Fernald learned the
carpenter trade with his father, and later took up the marble-cutting trade.
He engaged with his brothers, W. H. and C. H., in the marble business in
Topeka, where he remained two years. He sold his interest and removed to New
Mexico, where he remained one year. He then returned to Topeka and engage in
the marble business for himself for two years, and removed to Dodge City,
Kansas, and engaged with the Santa Fe Railroad. He then went to Los Angeles
for a time, but returned to Topeka, where he operated a grocery store for
five years. This he sold and returned to Los Angeles and engaged in the
grocery business there. Three years later Mr. Fernald was again employed by
the Santa Fe Railroad, and was transfered to various places. In July, 1900,
he came to Richmond as car foreman. He later went to Oakland in the planing-mill
business for five years with Tilden & Eakle. Owing to his health, he
disposed of his interest and went to Los Angeles. Returning to Richmond, he
has since been engaged in contracting. He served one year as street
superintendent, and in April, 1913, was elected councilman. Mr. Fernald is a
member of Richmond Lodge No. 13, K. of P., and has served as master of
finance since the lodge started, eleven years ago. He is president of the
Richmond K. of P. Hall Association, and a member of the Brotherhood of
American Yeoman. He was married to Miss Eva Estella Wild, a native of New
York State, March 14, 1883. Their two children are Grace, wife of B. C.
Dailey, of Berkeley, born June 9, 1884, and Roy C., born November 19, 1889,
at present deputy assessor and tax-collector of Richmond, also worthy patron
of the Eastern Star and holds membership and office in McKinley Lodge, F.
& A. M., of Richmond.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 481-482.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August 2006.
John Roth, the efficient justice of the peace of Richmond, is
popularly and widely known in Contra Costa County. The width of the
continent separates him from his birthplace, for he is a native of
Pennsylvania, born December 17, 1846. He attended the public schools of his
native place, and when a mere boy became identified with the Western Union
Telegraph Company, filling positions at various points in Pennsylvania and
Ohio. He came west in 1865 and located near Cache Creek, Yolo County,
California, where he became interested in agricultural pursuits. In 1901 he
removed to Richmond, where he filled various positions of trust. He
represented Tulare, Kern, and Inyo counties in the State legislature for one
term. In 1906 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he has held
ever since. In political matters Judge Roth is a staunch Democrat, and he
has a well-earned reputation for unfailing good-nature, thus enjoying wide
popularity. He is, moreover, regarded as one of the most substantial
citizens of Contra Costa County, his record at all times being an honor and
a credit to the people of Richmond that honored him with his present office.
Judge Roth was united in marriage on January on January 1, 1887, to Johanna
A. Henry, a native of New York State. To this union has been born five
children, all living - George, who resides in Los Angeles, California; Ruby,
wife of John Galbraith, of Richmond, California; Elizabeth, wife of William
Sutherland, residing at Brea, California; Barbara, who has been identified
with the Mechanics Bank of Richmond for over eight years; Walter, an
electrician, of Richmond. Judge Roth is affiliated with the Masonic and the
I. O. O. F. lodges of Richmond.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 482-483.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.