Biographies
ROBERT McELWAINE
Noteworthy
among the industrial plants of Sacramento may be mentioned the one founded by
Mr. McElwaine and promoted through his intelligent,
capable efforts as secretary and treasurer. This organization, incorporated
under the title of the Sacramento Pump Manufacturing and Supply Company, is a
somewhat recent acquisition to the commercial institutions of the capital city,
but already it has proved its value to the locality and has given promise of
important future development. The plant is located at No. 1800 R street, where machine work of all kinds and also foundry
work may be done expeditiously and with thoroughness. With H. I. Seymour as
president and with other capable business men and engineers connected with the
foundry and machine shop, all contracts receive prompt attention and the
business is promoted by sagacious supervision. A specialty is made of
centrifugal pumps for all purposes, also of refrigerating plant supplies and in
these lines the firm has established a wide and excellent reputation.
A
son of W. J. McElwaine, for many years a citizen of
Northern California, R. McElwaine was born March 19,
1874, in the mining town of Oroville, in Butte county, so that he is eligible
to membership with the Native Sons of the Golden West. At an early age he
accompanied the family from Butte county to Solano
county, where he attended the grammar school at Dixon and later became a
student in the Dixon high school. Upon the completion of the studies in local
schools he began to earn his own livelihood, but there remained with him a
desire for further educational advantages, and to gratify this ambition he
entered the Leland Stanford University in 1896, continuing a student in that
institution for two years. From 1898 until 1900 he was connected with the
United States navy in the transport service. Upon his return to Dixon he
acquired land near that village and became interested in farming, which
occupation engaged his attention until December, 1910, the time of his removal
to Sacramento. In this city he helped to organize the company of which he since
has been secretary and treasurer and whose success he has promoted by personal
efforts. Ever since attaining his majority he has voted with the Democratic party and has maintained a warm interest in public affairs,
although he has not solicited official honors for himself, nor has he exhibited
partisan spirit in local issues. In fraternal relations he holds membership
with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 901-902. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.