San Francisco County
HON. ANDREW J. MOULDER
HON. ANDREW J. MOULDER. – A busy and eventful life as always one of interest if it has likewise been devoted to useful ends and aims, and has felt the broadening influence that comes only to him “who works not for himself alone,” its study becomes a subject of the highest value, and its example counts for much in the scale of advantage. In all lands, instances such as described may be found, yet nowhere, we think, in such abundance, nor so forcibly presented, as here in California, with its records of the stirring early days, and the rapid advancement of later times. Consequently, biography in California assumes an importance and possesses a value not always presented elsewhere, and the duty of presenting it fully is one that should not be neglected.
Hon. A. J. Moulder was born in the city of Washington, District of Columbia, March 7, 1825, his parents being John N. and Mary Moulder, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In boyhood he removed to Virginia where he, the young Andrew, spent the larger part of his youthful days. Even in these early years he showed the stuff of which he was made, exhibiting a diligence and aptitude for individual effort that advanced him rapidly in his studies. Already, at an age when boys are usually wholly given up to sports and play, he had attained such a knowledge and proficiency in general subjects, and especially in mathematics, which was his favorite, and in which he excelled, that he was enabled to fill with efficiency positions of trust and emolument. At the unusually early age of twelve years he entered Columbian College, Washington, District of Columbia, now Columbian University, graduating, with distinction when but sixteen years old, and possessing a learning and reputation that gave him, during the following year, the assistant professorship of mathematics in the leading academy at Alexandria, Virginia. When eighteen years of age, Mr. Moulder became a teacher in a private family in Virginia, remaining in that family for several years.
In 1850 he determined to come to California, and formed one of a party of eight known as the Washington company, who carried with them a quartz-mill and other mining machinery, the first of its kind ever brought to the coast. Considerable difficulty was experienced in transporting this machinery, as the steamship company declined to receive it as freight. They, nevertheless, carried it with them, although compelled, in a sense, to smuggle it through. The voyage to Chagres was made on the steamship Philadelphia, on the Tennessee up to San Francisco, which city was reached June 20, 1850. They remained but a short time in San Francisco, going almost immediately to the mines in Mariposa county with the machinery. There they stayed only until November of that year, for the machinery proved an utter failure, notwithstanding the trouble and expense with which it had been brought along. Mr. Moulder returned to San Francisco, and in spite of the fact that the cholera was then raging fiercely there, he determined to remain and push his fortunes. He shortly became a reporter upon the old San Francisco Herald, then the leading daily newspaper, and displayed such a marked ability that he was promoted rapidly from post to post until he became the managing editor, a position he held with vigor and appreciation until, in the troublous days of the Vigilance Committee, the paper was forced to suspend on account of its decided stand for law and order. In 1885 Mr. Moulder was elected City Comptroller of San Francisco, and became Chairman of the Board of Fund Commissioners, a most important body.
In November, 1856, he was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, filling that most onerous and important office so effectively for his first term of three years that he was retained for a second term; and had he permitted his nomination again he would have held the position for the third time. This was the exciting time of the Comstock furor, and Mr. Moulder became a member of the San Francisco Stock Exchange. Taking a trip to Europe, after a time, he reached New York city, on his return in 1865, and while there was offered and accepted the position of cashier of the New York Associated Press, being intimately associated in this with the late J. M. Simonton. There he remained for two years, being active manager during all of the absence of Mr. Simonton in Europe and elsewhere. While in New York he was elected again a member of the San Francisco Stock Exchange, and consequently resigned his position in New York and returned here.
This was in 1868, and from that time for many years Mr. Moulder remained an active member of the Exchange. In that same year, 1868, he was appointed by Gov. Haight a member of the Board of Regents of the University of California, of which institution he has always been a warm friend and ardent supporter. The Board of Regents found it impossible to unite upon a suitable man upon the outside to fill the important and responsible position of secretary of their body, and finally, by the unanimous vote of the Board, the duties of the position were urged upon Mr. Moulder. In the end, he gave way to their urgency, and accepted the office, and for eight years no one participated more actively in the organization, establishment and conduct of the noble State University. During this period he was also land agent for the University, for the sale of lands, etc.
Afterward Mr. Moulder became the Secretary and Financial Agent of the Pacific Stock Exchange, holding that responsible post for several years. While occupying this, he was appointed a Trustee for the Free Library, and was at the same time strenuously urged to resign his connection with the Exchange and accept the Secretaryship of the Board of Trustees. In this capacity he served for two years.
In 1882, however, having been elected Superintendent of Public Schools in San Francisco, he gave up the prior position, and held the office of Superintendent for four years. In 1887 he was appointed private secretary to Mayor Pond, a position which he holds at time of writing. Mr. Moulder has had an unusual record as a public man. In every one of the honorable and responsible positions held by him, he has filled the post efficiently and well, and when he has stepped down it has always been with a name untarnished even by the suspicion of a job, or the use of office for private ends. It must be a source of gratification to him, also, to know, and the records fully bear out the statement, that in no single instance was he compelled to give up place. He has always resigned, and that voluntarily, from the positions held, and always followed by the regrets and votes of thanks of associates or appointing bodies. In every position he has been thoroughgoing, earnest, energetic and single-hearted, always outspoken and business-like and always commanding to the full the confidence and esteem of the public as well as of parties more directly interested. He is regarded as one of the best instances of our truly honorable and public-spirited public men, one who will fill energetically and well any position he may accept.
Transcribed by Joyce
and David Rugeroni.
Source: “The Bay of
San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Pages 358-360, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2006 Joyce & David
Rugeroni.