Santa Clara County
Biographies
ROBERT THOMAS THWAITS
ROBERT THOMAS THWAITS. As proprietor of the Eureka hotel
at San Jose, Robert Thomas Thwaits is conducting a substantial business, and is
widely known as a genial and popular host. He has successfully managed this
house for many years, by his straightforward and upright business methods
winning an extensive patronage and gaining the respect and esteem of the
community. A son of Thompson Thwaits, he was born in Durham county,
England, March 1, 1847.
A native of England, Thompson Thwaits was engaged in
agricultural pursuits in the old country during his earlier life, but was not
content with his financial prospects. Hoping to better his material prosperity
he emigrated with his family to the United States in
1852, taking up his residence in Louisville, Ky. Subsequently securing a
position as roadmaster with the Louisville &
Nashville Railroad Company he continued with that company during the remainder
of his active career. He died, at the age of seventy-three years, at his home
in Louisville. He married Mary MacGeorge, who
was born in Scotland, the descendant of a family of prominence, and died in
Louisville, Ky. Two sons and two daughters blessed their union, and one son and
both daughters are now living, Robert Thomas, the subject of this sketch, being
the third child in succession of birth.
Having completed his early education in the public
schools of Louisville, Ky., Robert T. Thwaits, at the age of sixteen
years, entered the employ of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company as
a brakeman. He was subsequently made fireman, and in 1869 was promoted to the
position of engineer, in which capacity he served for six years. Coming to San
Francisco in 1875, Mr. Thwaits became associated with the Southern Pacific
Railroad management, and ran as engineer on the Coast Division until 1886, when
he resigned the position. Locating then in Monterey county
he was engaged in the hotel business in Castroville for nearly two years. Removing
to San Jose in the fall of 1887, Mr. Thwaits purchased the old Eureka
hotel, which was located just across the street from his present house.
Succeeding finely in its management, he subsequently bought the large lot on
the southwest corner of Market and Basset streets, and erected the new Eureka
hotel, which is one hundred and eight feet long by ninety-six feet wide.
Mr. Thwaits married, in San Jose, Mary Humburg, who was born in San Francisco, being the oldest
daughter of Valentine Humburg, and they have one
child, namely: Thomas F. Thwaits, who is in business with his father.
In his political views Mr. Thwaits is a sound Republican, invariably
casting his vote with that party. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
Transcribed by Marie Hassard 11 November 2015.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages
861-862. The Chapman Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2015 Marie Hassard.