San Francisco County
Biographies
HORACE W.
OREAR
One of the largest and most modern candy stores in San Francisco is that conducted by the firm of Foster & Orear at 216 Stockton street. Horace W. Orear, president, has been in the candy business for many years and has developed his present organization from very meager beginnings. He was born in Downieville, Sierra county, California, and is a son of John W. and
Cecelia (Dutton) Orear. John W. Orear was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and in 1853 came overland to California. He first engaged in mining in Sierra county, and later built the Western Union telegraph lines across the mountains. For many years he was agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company and the Western Union in Downieville. His wife was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In the acquirement of an education Horace W. Orear attended the public schools of Downieville and Goodyears Bar and McClure’s Military Academy of Oakland, from which institution he was graduated in 1878. He then returned to Downieville, where he was associated with his father in the express business. In 1885 he went to Sierra City, where he was identified with the Wells Fargo Company for three years. On the expiration of that period in 1888, he came to San Francisco and entered the employ of the Spring Valley Water Company. In 1892, in partnership with Charles Foster, he established news, fruit and confectionery stands in the Ferry building on the bay, and at the same time took charge of the parcel check concession in this building. In 1907 the partners started in the candy business, with a small factory at 442 Merchant street, and later, as their business increased, moved their factory to 440 Natomi street. Their first retail store was situated at 137 Grant avenue, at which address they remained for fifteen years. On February 12, 1931, they established their store at 216 Stockton street, and here their business occupies the entire building, this being considered one of the finest appointed and modern candy stores in the bay district. Over one hundred people are employed in the making and selling of candy.
Mr. Orear was married to Miss Martha W. Chapman, who was born in Downieville, California, and they are now the parents of three children, namely: Hazel, who is the wife of Major Stewart Stanley, of the United States Army; and Horace and Harold, who are associated with their father in the candy business.
Mr. Orear is a member of Stanford Parlor, No. 76, Native Sons of the Golden West, and Masonic bodies and various clubs. He has always been an ardent sportsman, hunting and fishing being his favorite diversions. He has acted in a public-spirited manner in civic affairs, and in the management of his business has rigidly followed a straightforward policy, always supplying the public with the finest quality of product. His extensive patronage is ample evidence of this fact.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 430-433.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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