BINGHAM C. BRIER

Sacramento County

Biographies

BINGHAM C. BRIER

BINGHAM C. BRIER.--The extraordinary efficiency of the leading California courts is undoubtedly due in part to the proficiency of the California official reporters, prominent among whom is certainly Bingham C. Brier, of Sacramento, who resides at 1116 Thirteenth Street, in the capital city. A native of Hawkeye, he was born in Fayette County, Iowa, on May 20, 1856, the son of George and Jemima (Templeton) Brier, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Indiana. Both are now deceased, and their memory is cherished by all who knew and esteemed them for their industrious, influential and useful lives.

Mr. George Brier, with his family, crossed the great Plains by ox-team in 1862, and arrived in Sacramento the year of the big flood. He followed his trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker, and was an assistant architect at work on the plans and construction of the State Capital. Later, he was employed in the shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He belonged to the Odd Fellows, and also to the Veteran Odd Fellows Association. The worthy couple had eight children, and four are still living: Charles B., Nora S., Bingham C., and Mrs. Catherine Veach.

Bing Brier, as he is familiarly known by his numerous friends all over the state, attended and graduated from the Sacramento grammar and high schools and Atkinson's Business College, after which he farmed for two years. During this time he took up the study of stenography, studying at night with E. B. Willis; and stenographic work he has followed ever since. His first position as official reporter was in Placer County under Judge E. B. Myers. He continued there as official reporter of that county for several years, after which he returned to Sacramento as official court-reporter. He is also official reporter for the coroner of Sacramento County. His accomplishment with respect to both accuracy and celerity, together with his affability and culture, have made him a general favorite. He belongs to Eureka Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F., at Sacramento, of which he is past grand, and also to the Veteran Odd Fellows Association. For many years he was a member of the Encampment and Canton, in which he served as captain under General Sherburn. Mr. Brier is enthusiastic for the preservation of California history and pioneer landmarks. So it is but natural that he became an active member of the Sacramento '49 Whisker Club, that put on the '49 celebration in May, 1922, which has done much to spread the fame of the capital city all over the United States, and throughout the world.

At Jackson, Amador County, Mr. Brier married Miss Mary C. Bogardus, now deceased, who was born in San Francisco, the daughter of J. P. Bogardus, a California forty-niner, and a printer by trade. He conducted a restaurant on Twenty-sixth Street, Sacramento, in 1850. Later he removed to San Francisco, and while there printed and published the first almanac put out in California, sending it forth in 1857. A copy of it owned by the family is still in a good state of preservation, and is a very valuable heirloom. Two children do honor to their worthy parents. One is Mrs. Hazel Thompson, who presides over the home; and the other is Charles Jack Brier, engaged in the automobile business.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 758. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.