San Francisco
County
Biographies
CHARLES
W. NEVIN
The life of C. W. Nevin
is a striking example of push, industry and perseverance. Commencing at an
early age the battle of life, he has passed through adversity and vicissitude,
steadily advancing until he has amassed wealth, gained honor and esteem, and is
now a leading business man and proprietor of a large printing-house. He was born
in Iowa in 1849, received a common school education, and at the age of fourteen
years left home and parents. At the age of sixteen years found him in
California, a “devil boy” in a printing-office in the country. He served as an
apprentice on the San Francisco Examiner
two years and eight years with Francis & Valentine, and became master in
the art.
He joined Myrtle Lodge Knights of Pythias, served in all chairs, was elected Grand
Representative in 1882, and has been re-elected each year to that position, and
served on various committees in the Grand Lodge, being Chairman on Laws and
Supervision for 1887. In 1882 he was elected Vice-President of the K. of P.
Library, and the following month was elected president, and has served in that
capacity since.
To his tact and administrative
ability the success of Knights of Pythias Library
(one of the best in the State) is largely due. In 1882 he became a member of
California Lodge, No. 12, B. P. O., Elko, served in various official positions,
became a member of the Grand Lodge, by service, and is now Treasurer of two
consolidated Lodges---Golden Gate, No. 6. In 1885 he took a leading part in
forming Memorial Lodge, No.6, United Endowment Associates, was the first
presiding officer, and first Representative to the Grand Lodge. He is also a
member of the Workmen’s Guarantee Fund, and several other benevolent
Associations.
In his association with these
benevolent orders he has been selected as a counselor and leader, and there is
no person who has more influence among his fraters. In the management of
several projects for raising money for benevolent purposes he has shown
sagacity, tact and great executive ability, notably the Carnival for the
benefit of the Elks last year, and the coming one for this year to be held at
the Mechanics’ Pavilion on Thanksgiving day. Blessed in his marital relations,
highly respected among his associates, his life and career has been one of
usefulness and benefit to his fellow-men.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast, Page 218, Publ. Bancroft
Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.
San Francisco County Biographies