Alameda County
Biographies
CHARLES H. WEVER
CHARLES H. WEVER. A
worthy representative of the type of citizen which has made California a great
state is Charles H. Wever, whose strong and earnest
manhood, forceful character, business sagacity and executive ability have been
given in the past few years toward the development of the resources of Alameda
and vicinity. It was, apparently, a misfortune that brought Mr. Wever to California, ill-health driving him away from New
England and a lucrative position, first into the business activities of the
great commercial mart of Chicago and afterward to California. For many years a
demonstrated success in his eastern home, he had yet to build up for himself a
place of honor and competence in his new location; had yet to evidence the
ability which was to win for him those honors which belong to right living and
undivided effort. That he has successfully accomplished his object no one who
knows him as the head of the undertaking business at No. 1502 Park street,
Alameda, can have the slightest doubt, and great credit is given him for the
success so early won.
A native of Coventry,
R. I., Mr. Wever was born February 27, 1850, a son of
Daniel R. Wever, who removed with his family to
the state of Connecticut in 1860, there following farming during his active
career. In 1893 he came to California with his son, C. H. Wever, but while in Chicago enjoying the World’s Fair he
had contracted a cold, and a week after his arrival in Alameda he died of
pneumonia. C. H. Wever was reared to manhood
upon the father’s farm in Connecticut, where he took up and mastered the
carpenter’s trade. On entering business, however, he became connected with a
mercantile life, in the course of time becoming secretary and treasurer of a
wholesale mercantile firm. This position he retained until 1880, in which year
his health failed him and his physician advised outdoor life. He came to
Chicago, Ill., but, finding the lake winds too strong for him, continued
westward to California. After visiting various localities in the state he
settled at San Luis Obispo, where he rapidly regained his health, after which
he began contracting and building as a means of livelihood. He continued but a
short time in this work, however, when he purchased the undertaking business of
William Rogers, which he conducted with success until 1890. Disposing of his
interests in San Luis Obispo in that year and coming to Alameda, he purchased a
one-half interest in the business of J. C. Ross, the pioneer undertaker of
that city. The partnership continued successfully for five years, when, in
1895, Mr. Wever succeeded Mr. Ross as the
sole proprietor, and has since conducted the business alone. At the location
before mentioned Mr. Wever has for his business
not only a fine office, but modern funeral parlors, handsomely furnished, and a
thoroughly equipped embalming room. He has built up a lucrative custom and a
business which adds to the credit of the city, and in so doing has won the
esteem and confidence of all with whom he has come in business or social
contact.
The marriage of Mr. Wever united him with Etta F. Fowler, a native of Hartford,
Conn., and to them has been born one son, Carl R., now a student. In
fraternal circles Mr. Wever is one of the most
prominent men in the state, being active in the promotion of various fraternal
interests. He is a member and past master of Oak Grove Lodge No. 215,
F. & A. M., of Alameda; past king of the Royal Arch Masons;
past thrice illustrious master of Oakland Council No. 12,
R. & S. M.; a member of Oakland Commandery
No. 11, K. T.; of Islam Temple
A. A. O. N. M. S., and the Eastern Star; member and
past grand of Columbia Lodge No. 40, Independent Order of Odd Fellows;
past chief patriarch of Sunset Encampment No. 25, and past grand patriarch
of the Grand Encampment of California, and is now grand representative of the
state of California to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and has served five years as
colonel of the Second Regiment, P. M. While attending the Sovereign Grand
Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Baltimore in 1903 he was
honored with the grand decorations of chivalry by request of the Military
Council of California. He is also member and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias; member of the Improved Order Red Men; Ancient
Order of United Workmen; Knights of the Maccabees;
Royal Arcanum; Order of Pando; and Fraternal Brotherhood. Always taking an
active interest in all public measures, Mr. Wever
has given every effort toward the support of good government, and has sought in
every way to advance the interests of his adopted city.
Transcribed by Marie Hassard 14 August 2014.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 422-425. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2014 Marie Hassard.
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