Andrew Wilkie

Andrew Wilkie, manufacturer of mouldings, brackets, window frames, sashes and general wood finish, occupies one floor, 60 x 120 feet, in Mechanics' Mill, corner of Mission and Fremont streets.  He is a native of Fifeshire, Scotland, where his ancestors have lived for centuries.  When a boy Andrew Wilkie was occupied in the shop of his father, and subsequently went to Edinburg, where he completed his trade of carpenter and joiner.  December 19, 1866, he left Scotland for New York, and thence by the Panama route he arrived in San Francisco in February, 1867.  To join his uncle, Andrew Kinninmouth, he went to the mines at Garden Valley, near Coloma, and began placer mining, but not liking the occupation he soon returned to Sacramento, and a little later to San Francisco and resumed his trade.  In 1873 he began general contracting in house building, and in 1876 joined the copartnership of Moore, Wilkie & Gray in the milling business at the present location.  After about three years the firm failed, Moore and Gray leaving for other parts, and Mr. Wilkie remaining to close up the business, to accomplish which he sacrificed his home and lost everything.  The mill was then sold at sheriff's sale to C. F. Doe, with whom Mr. Wilkie arranged to buy it back, and after two years of hard work and close application he paid for the mill, besides meeting other obligations.  He employs an average of twenty-five hands, and manufactures all kinds of house finish, and also does a general contract business.  He completed the Pioneer Building, mill-work for the New California Theatre and a large part of the hotel, and the Maribean Hotel, but his chief work is among residences.  He also built the University Mound College, which has since been converted into an old people's home.

     Mr. Wilkie is a member of the Templar Lodge, I.O.O.F.; Pacific Council of Chosen Friends; California Lodge, F.&A.M.; St. Andrews Society and the Alameda County Sportsmen's Club.  He has been a member of the Mechanics' Institute since 1875, and was elected a member of the Board of Trustees in February, 1891.

 

Transcribed 9-10-04  Marilyn R. Pankey