San Francisco County

Biographies

DAVID JOSEPH TOBIN

DAVID JOSEPH TOBIN was born in the State of California, May 6, 1862, and is a son of Patrick Tobin, a native of the “Emerald Isle.” His father emigrated to the United States in 1844, and was married in New York city to Miss Ann O’Kief, who came from his birth-place, Waterford, Ireland. They had one child born in New York, and after they came to California, in 1849, eleven more were added to the family. Davis Joseph is the seventh-born. He received his education in the public schools and at St. Ignatius College. After leaving school he went to learn the machinist’s trade, and when he had been thus employed for about six months he was caught by a revolving shaft and was severely injured; being of a fine constitution he recovered his usual health and for a year or more was engaged in buying and selling horses. His next vocation was advance agent for the Jack Wilson Circus, and later he became a professional rider. At the end of two years he returned to San Francisco., where he resided six years. From San Francisco he went to New York city, where he was employed in various pursuits; he was appointed policeman on the Brooklyn Bridge, a position which he filled some time. He again wended his way to California, and in San Francisco opened a grocery store, which he conducted successfully for one year; he was then burned out and barely escaped with his life, as he was sleeping in the building. During the boom in Los Angeles he was in that city engaged in buying and selling real estate. Thence he went to Santa Monica, where he opened and managed the base-ball grounds. Portland, Oregon, was the next scene of his operations, and from that point he returned to Los Angeles, and in 1888 he came back to San Francisco; he opened Tobin’s saloon at 214 Post street, where he has since continued the business. He is courteous and capable, and is meeting with his usual success. He is one of the exceptions to the rule that “a rolling stone gathers no moss,” as he has been engaged in a great number of enterprises and has always prospered.

In 1889 he was married to Miss Mary McDonald of Quebec, Canada. He has built a delightful residence on Jackson street, where he is surrounded by all the comforts which his years of steady application to business have secured. In 1887 he joined the Elks, and in 1888 he united with the Native Sons of California, Parlor No. 1. In 1890 he joined Crockett Lodge, No. 139, F. & A. M., and he is also a member of California Drill Corps, No. 1, N. S. G. W., and while a resident of Los Angeles he was a member of the County Executive Committee. He owns a considerable amount of city property, and is an ardent supporter of home interests. He is a man of generous, liberal impulses, and makes hosts of friends.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker.

Source: “The Bay of San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Pages 659-660, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.

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San Francisco County

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