William
P. Dwyer, president of the Sacramento Transportation Company, has given to this
organization the best efforts of his life and he represents a pioneer family
long connected with navigation interests of the Pacific coast. He was born in
the capital city on the 30th of October, 1876, a son of Thomas and
Ellen (Flannigan) Dwyer, and comes of Irish ancestry. Crossing the plains in
1860, the father settled in California’s capital and at once engaged in
shipping on the Sacramento river. He operated a line of boats under the name of
the Sacramento Wood Company, which was formed in 1869, and subsequently this
became the Sacramento Transportation Company. The name Thomas Dwyer was among
the best known in navigation circles here and in San Francisco. In the early
days, before the advent of the railroad, many parts of this region were inaccessible,
except by water, and all freight for Sacramento and the mines came by way of
the river. Consequently there was great rivalry in the shipping business, which
was one of the most profitable fields of activity at that time. In connection
with the development and management of the business Mr. Dwyer had many exciting
adventures. He continued therein until his death in 1892, and he was long
survived by his wife, who passed away in 1906. A native of Ireland, she came to
the United States as a young girl and was married in Sacramento. Of the five
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer, three are now living.
Liberal
educational advantages were accorded William P. Dwyer, who was graduated from
the Christian Brothers College as a member of the class of 1890 and continued
his studies in St. Mary’s College at Oakland, California, where he received the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1892. He then entered his father’s employ,
starting as a clerk and gradually advancing through the various departments as
he gained knowledge and experience. At length he qualified for the
responsibilities of an executive and since 1920 has successfully controlled the
business as its president. Organized
May 1, 1869, as the Sacramento Wood Company, the first officers of this pioneer
institution were Captain Thomas Dwyer, president, and Captain J. H. Roberts,
secretary. The company put on the steamer San Joaquin No. 1 and several barges
to carry freight between San Francisco and Butte City, one hundred and eighteen
miles north of Sacramento. During the ‘70s
three steamers were added, the Verona, San Joaquin No. 2 and San Joaquin No. 3,
and the company extended its route to McIntosh’s Landing, one hundred and sixty
miles above Sacramento. It also operated seven barges and had several traction
engines of the Roberts Doane pattern, running from the foothills on both sides
of the river, carrying grain to the river landings for shipment to tidewater.
Each engine drew a train of from fifteen to twenty wagons. The Sacramento
Transportation Company, organized in 1882, succeeded the Sacramento Wood
Company, starting in business under the same management. It operates several
steamers and barges and is one of the oldest and largest concerns of the kind
in this part of the country. For nearly forty years William P. Dwyer has concentrated
his attention upon business, formulating well devised plans for its growth and
prosperity and never deviating from the high standards instituted by his
father, whose executive force and keen sagacity he was inherited in full
measure.
Mr.
Dwyer was married to Miss Ethel Clare, a native of San Francisco, and they are
the parents of four sons: William P., Jr., Thomas Robert, Richard Collins and
Peter Gilford. A devotee of golf, Mr. Dwyer spends many of his leisure hours on
the links and thus keeps physically fit. Fraternally he is an Elk, and through his membership in the Rotary
Club he manifests his public spirit and devotion to the general welfare. He has
never sought political office, preferring to remain in the background, but his
strength of character and genuine worth are well known to his fellow citizens,
who entertain for him high regard.
Transcribed
by Marla
Fitzsimmons.
Source: History of the
Sacramento Valley California Vol. III J. W. WOOLDRIDGE 1931. Page 262-263.
© 2004 Marla
Fitzsimmons.