Santa
Clara County
Biographies
PATRICK F. MCGETTIGAN
A young man of exceptional business ability,
Patrick F. McGettigan has combined with this trait an energy and perseverance which are always rewarded with
success. Throughout his work in San Jose in connection with the Star Bakery he
has exercised the qualities which have distinguished his manhood, building up a
large and lucrative custom and at the same time winning the esteem and
confidence of all who have come to know him either in a business association or
in a social way. A native of Philadelphia, Pa., his birth occurred October 16,
1850. His father, Charles McGettigan, was a native of
County Donegal, Ireland, whence he immigrated to the United States with his father,
Patrick McGettigan, settling in Philadelphia, where
Grandfather McGettigan died when nearly one hundred
years old. Charles McGettigan became a baker and
worked at his trade in Philadelphia until 1854, when he came to California via
Cape Horn. On his arrival in the state he followed his trade for several years,
but finally returned east, and upon coming to the coast again in 1864 brought
his two sons with him. Until 1866 they resided in Umatilla, Ore., when he came
south to California and located in San Jose, establishing a bakery on the
corner now owned by his son. He is still a resident of San Jose, a landmark of
the pioneer days, an honored and much esteemed citizen. He is prominent in
financial circles of the city, as he owns much valuable property here. His
wife, formerly Fannie Hughes, also a native of Ireland, died in Philadelphia in
1854, leaving three children: Patrick, of this review; Annie, now the wife of
John Quigley, of San Jose; and William, also a resident of this city.
Patrick F. McGettigan
remained in his home in Philadelphia until he was fourteen years old, receiving
his education through the medium of the schools of that city. His father again
deciding to locate in the west, he came with him and his brother by way of the
Isthmus of Panama and made his home in Umatilla, Ore., for two years. On
locating in San Jose he learned the baker’s trade with his father, and in 1879
started this business in West Oakland, known as the Pioneer Star Bakery. He
continued successfully in business until 1884, when he sold out and engaged in
operating a restaurant in San Francisco for the ensuing two years. At the close
of that period he returned to San Jose and became connected with his father in
the bakery business. In 1892, in partnership with Fred Coe, he purchased his
father’s business. The partnership lasted only a few years, however, and since
its dissolution Mr. McGettigan has successfully
managed the work alone. In 1896 he bought the lot which he now occupies and put
up his present commodious building, two stories in height, and 150x100 feet in
dimensions, and has also bought three residences adjoining. He engaged in both
the bakery and grocery business until 1902, when he rented his grocery store
and now gives his whole time and attention to the successful management of the
bakery. He supplied the county almshouse, county infirmary, and county jail
with bakery products for many years. His bread is especially noted for its fine
quality, and he has a large family trade. His equipment for doing the work is
in every way modern and up-to-date, two large ovens supplying a baking capacity
that is quite extensive and easily fulfills all demands.
In his fraternal relations, Mr. McGettigan is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Young
Men’s institute. (sic) In the interests of his work he
is a charter member of the Master Bakers’ Association, of which organization he
is now serving as treasurer. He belongs to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and is
a member of the St. Joseph Sodality.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: History of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast
Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 1210-1213. The
Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Cecelia M. Setty.