Biographies
HUGH M. STRACHAN
The changing experiences that have come
into his existence in a larger measure than into the lives of many have given
to Mr. Strachan a knowledge
of different parts of the world and, being a man of keen mind and careful observation,
he has accumulated a broad and valuable fund of general information. Although
scarcely eight years of age when he left his native Scotland, where he was born
September 2, 1875, he recalls vividly many events associated with that country
and remembers the scenes of picturesque and rugged beauty in the vicinity of
the old home. After he came to the new world he had the advantages of the
schools of Pullman, Ill., and Detroit, Mich., and while acquiring a thorough
education he also was learning much concerning the great middle
west region of America. Subsequent experiences in California filled him
with a deep affection for this great state, the chosen home of his maturity. In
addition he has enjoyed varied experiences as a traveler on the Pacific Ocean
and an employe of the United States government on the
Philippine Islands, with whose material and political condition he has become
thoroughly conversant.
Immediately after the immigration of the
family to America in 1883 the father, Hugh Strachan,
entered the employ of the Pullman Palace Car Company in a suburb of Chicago.
For three years he continued with the same firm, after which he removed to
Detroit, Mich. to enter their shops at that point. The year 1895 found him a
newcomer in Sacramento, where he entered the motive power department of the
Southern Pacific Railroad, having continued with them ever since. Meanwhile the
son, Hugh M., had finished his education in Detroit, Mich., and had entered the
service of the Southern Pacific Railroad as clerk in the motive power
department, where he remained until 1898. This position with its fair prospects
for the future he relinquished in order that he might volunteer for the war
with Spain, enlisting in the Eighteenth Company, U. S. V, Signal
Corps. Ordered to the Philippine Islands early in 1898 he remained there from
July of that year to October of the following year, also participating in the
stirring events leading up to the capture of the second largest island in the
group. Upon his return to the United States in October of 1899
he continued in the government employ, but was transferred to the position
of gauger, continuing as such from 1899 to 1906.
During the following year he served as a deputy collector of internal revenue
for the state of Nevada. The head offices were in Sacramento and the office in
this city was given jurisdiction over the Nevada office in Reno. October 15,
1910, he was promoted to the position of cashier of the internal revenue office
and since then has been stationed at Sacramento, where he makes his home with
his parents. His association with the government service has reflected great
credit upon himself and has evidenced the possession of tact, education and
precision of judgment in the many details over which he has control. While
never exhibiting any partisanship in his views, he upholds Republican
principles and never fails to cast a ballot for the party nominees in all
elective contests. The Sutter Club of Sacramento has his name enrolled among
its active members and he also takes an interested part in the activities of
the Episcopal Church of his home city.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 971-972. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.