Alameda County
Biographies
TOM CARPENTER, V. S.
As a veterinarian, Dr. Tom Carpenter, of Alameda, stands high in the estimation of those who have benefited by his exceptional ability and training, throughout the entire state of California, having been a recognized authority on this subject for some years, in the mean time accomplishing much in his efforts to stamp out contagious diseases among live-stock. He is at present filling the position of veterinary and food inspector of Alameda, discharging the duties incident to his office in an efficient manner, and inspiring the confidence of all about him. He enjoys a wide popularity and a large practice throughout the state.
While not a native of California, where he spent his boyhood days and has practiced his profession for the past fifteen years, Dr. Carpenter has still proven his loyalty and devotion to the interests of the state as a broad-minded and public-spirited citizen. His birth occurred in England June 19, 1862. His father, William Henry Carpenter, was also born in England and was there well known as a veterinary surgeon to the Royal Artillery. With his wife, formerly Harriett Edwards of England, now a resident of Oakland, Cal., and his family he came to California in 1869, locating in San Francisco, where he established a veterinary hospital. He met with a most gratifying success in his profession and remained so engaged up to three years before his death, which occurred in 1896, at the age of seventy-three years, his last years being spent in Oakland. During his life he was very active in horse-racing, owning his own stables and keeping abreast of all movements in that line.
Being but seven years old when he first came to America Dr. Tom Carpenter naturally remembered but little of his native land, but after receiving his preliminary education in the public schools of San Francisco, in 1897, he went to Europe, where he remained for two years, pursuing his studies under English masters. Returning in 1881 to San Francisco, he engaged in commercial pursuits for two years, after which, in 1883, he went to Washington, where he engaged in civil-engineering, locating and examining timber lands. Returning a year later to San Francisco, he became manager of the large veterinary hospital owned by his father and brother, remaining in this position for nearly two years, when, in 1886, he went to Toronto, Canada, to attend the Ontario Veterinary College, from which institution he graduated with high honors in 1888. In the spring of 1889 he opened the Carpenter Veterinary Infirmary in Oakland, at the corner of Eighth and Alice streets, continuing with rare success until 1894, when he accepted a position with the health department of Alameda as an expert to investigate the prevalence of tuberculosis among the dairy cows which supply milk to the inhabitants of that city, where he has resided ever since in the capacity of veterinary and food inspector. He is an established expert on the diseases of cattle and horses and his opinion is constantly in demand by county governments and his extensive clientage(sic) throughout the state.
In 1889, at St. Paul's Church, New York City, Dr. Carpenter was united in marriage with Ann Elizabeth Nix. They have two children, namely: William Harold and Gwendolyn Harriett. In his political preferment he is a Republican and stanchly supports the principles he endorses, being a charter member of the Union League Club of Alameda county.
In 1893 Dr. Carpenter brought about the reorganization of the Oakland Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals of Alameda county, which institution has been actively engaged in its humane work ever since. He has served as a member of its board of directors and as veterinarian since that time, without compensation, he being well known as a devoted friend to the dumb creation. He takes an active interest in public affairs in general, being an active member of the following civic and social organizations, Alameda Advancement Association, The West-End Alameda Improvement Association and the Unitarian Club of Alameda, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, Woodmen of the World and Sons of St. George.
Transcribed
5-20-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 1174-1177. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Marilyn R. Pankey.
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