Alameda County
Biographies
ELZEAR R. SIMARD
In commercial circles the Remillard Brick Company holds a position as one of the strongest and largest concerns of its kind in California. The business of the firm is transacted at its main office in Oakland and in the San Francisco office, while at its brick yards in Pleasanton, Alameda county, San Jose, Santa Clara county, and San Rafael, Marin county, the manufacture of common, pressed and stock brick, cement, lime, sand and plaster is conducted upon an extensive scale. The two yards first-named have an annual capacity of ten million, while that at San Rafael has a capacity of six million annually. Notwithstanding this enormous capacity, there are seasons when the three plants are taxed to their utmost to meet the demand for their output. At Pleasanton the company owns one hundred and ten acres valued at $200 per acre, and their properties at San Jose and San Rafael are also very valuable. With a paid-up capital of $100,000 and no indebtedness, the company stands upon an assured financial basis and deservedly ranks among the substantial business houses of the state.
The vice-president of the company, E. R. Simard, who has held that office together with the position of manager of the Pleasanton yards since the death of his uncle in 1902, is one of the most influential citizens of this progressive town of Alameda county. He was born in Montreal, Canada, February 12, 1860, being a son of Thomas and Rosalie (Remillard) Simard, natives of Canada. His father, who was a school teacher, was accidentally killed at thirty-five years of age; and the mother has since remained in Canada. At the time of his father’s sudden death E. R. Simard was a boy of twelve years. A year later he left Canada and came to California with Edward Remillard, his mother’s brother, with whom he made his home in Oakland and San Rafael and who cared for him with all a father’s devotion. After completing the studies of the San Francisco schools he was sent to St. Mary’s College for six years. When his education was completed he went to Oakland, where he clerked in a dry goods store of six years. From there he came to Pleasanton for the purpose of learning the brick business. Under his uncle’s preceptorship he had gained a thorough knowledge of its every detail. Step by step he worked his way through the various departments until he was finally given charge of the yard, and after the death of his uncle, who had been one of the founders of the business, he became general superintendent of the three yards. In the discharge of his duties he travels between San Jose, San Rafael and Pleasanton, but considers the latter town his home and owns valuable residence property here. Since 1896 he has been a director of the company. Through his efficient oversight of the yards he has been instrumental in promoting the financial success of the firm, and in energy, wise judgment and intelligent handling of varied interests he has proved a worthy successor to his uncle.
The marriage of Mr. Simard occurred November 26, 1891, and united him with Miss Helene C Bilz, who was born and reared in Pleasanton. Three children were born of their union, but the eldest was taken from them by death at seven months of age. The two living are Cyril Thomas and Helen M., eight and six years old respectively. The Republican party has a stanch adherent in Mr. Simard, who is pronounced in his allegiance to its principles. In fraternal ties he is connected with the Druids and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Not only through his connection with one of the most important industries of Pleasanton, but through his support of progressive movements and friendly co-operation in beneficial projects, Mr. Simard has long held rank among the most prominent men of the town. Pre-Eminently a business man, finding his greatest pleasure in the management of commercial interests, he nevertheless does not neglect any duty that falls upon him as a citizen, but has ever been in the forefront of those who are contributors to the material development of his home city.
Transcribed
Joyce Rugeroni.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 1030-1031. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Joyce Rugeroni.
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