Biographies
RUDOLPH M. BETTENS
A son of Philip and Clara Bettens, R. M. Bettens was born
at Vevay, Ind., May 10, 1874, and there he was reared
until he was about thirteen years old, acquiring his primary education in the
public schools. Then he was brought to California by his parents, who settled
at Escondido in 1887, and it was in the high school there that the succeeding
two years were passed.
In 1889 young Bettens
began his business career as a clerk in a general merchandise store, where he
was employed, with increasing responsibilities and increasing earnings, five
years. Subsequently, with his brother, Albert, as a partner, he took up hotel
work at Byron Springs. There they remained until 1901, when they leased the St.
James Hotel at San Jose, Cal., catering to the public successfully, with
increasing knowledge of and liking for the business, until July, 1909, when
they took over under lease the Sacramento Hotel, at Sacramento. Since then they
have successfully operated both hotels. Their management of these two fine
public houses has been of such a character as to commend them very approvingly
to the traveling and wheeling people of Northern California, and it is probable
that no hotel man in this part of the state is more widely or more favorably
known than is Mr. Bettens. It may be added that his
acquaintance has been extended and made permanent by his helpful membership of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1022-1023.
Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.