Sacramento County
The late William E. Souza, who was
one of the best known contractors in central California, was also equally well
known among his friends as a man of sterling character and commendable attributes,
well worthy of the high place which he held in public esteem. He was born in
Santa Barbara, this state, on the 11th of April, 1864, and was a son
of William and Marcella (Robles) Souza. In that early day, when the present
populous cities were but frontier towns, the Souza family ran a public house, a
combination of hotel, state terminal, store and post office. The Robles family
for a number of generations were residents of the Santa Clara valley and they
are therefore the real sons and daughters of California.
In the somewhat primitive schools of
what was then the village of Santa Barbara, William E. Souza acquired his
education and in young manhood started out to make his own living, obtaining
his first regular job on the river, where he was employed in loading and
unloading boats. After spending a number of years in that work, he engaged in
the contracting business under George Murray, whose son now owns the Maydestone
apartments. About ten years after Mr. Souza had begun business as a contractor
occurred the great earthquake and fire in San Francisco. Going to that city to
help in its rebuilding, he decided that it was a profitable field in which to
operate, for the city has a steady and continuous growth, consequently he
remained in that locality, carrying on contracting and building, to the time of
his death, which occurred December 20, 1920. The family for the most part
occupied their home in Sacramento, while he remained in San Francisco for
periods at a time, although he was frequently at home and oftentimes the family
would spend a while with him in San Francisco. His death was deeply deplored
among his acquaintances, for he was not only a competent and practical builder,
but his business policy was such as gained for him the respect and confidence
of the public.
Still clinging to the Spanish
traditions and spirit, Mr. Souza was united in marriage to Miss Emma Rodriguez,
whose parents, James and Frances (Durant) Rodriguez, of Marysville, were
members of one of the oldest Spanish families this section of the state. Mrs.
Souza was born in Santa Clara county and was taken to Marysville in babyhood.
Her father, who was an engineer and bridge builder, constructed the first
bridge across the Feather river. To Mr. and Mrs. Souza were born three children,
William, John, and Natalie, who is the wife of Louis Vinagre of San Francisco.
William Souza is the agent for and a wholesale distributor of magazines in San
Francisco. He married Miss Adela Josen and they are the parents of thirteen
children, Ernest, George, Clarence, William, John, Robert, Eddie, Norman,
Raymond, Isabel, Madeline, Anita and Frances. In his political views Mr. Souza
was a strong republican, but was too busy a man to devote much time to
politics. He was a man of earnest purpose, good business ability,
straightforward in all of his personal relations and genial in disposition and
friendly in manner, so that all who came in contact with him held him in the
highest respect.
Transcribed by Debbie Walke Gramlick.
Source: Wooldridge, J.W. Major History of the Sacramento Valley California, Vol. 2 pgs. 66-67. The Pioneer Historical Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2005 Debbie Walke Gramlick.