San
Joaquin County
Biographies
ALEXANDER C. OULLAHAN
A splendid example of what a man may
accomplish who follows an intelligent, honorable and persistent course is shown
in the career of Alexander C. Oullahan, managing secretary of the Stockton
Chamber of Commerce and ex-mayor of the city.
A native son, he was born in San Francisco, December 17, 1871, a son of
the late pioneer couple Denis J. and Julia (Baine) Oullahan. The former
was a pioneer of the state and served as state treasurer under Governor Stoneman. He became
prominent in business circles in the state and died in San Francisco in
1889. The grandfather, Robert Oullahan,
was a civil engineer and was attached to the Royal Engineers Corps of the
British Army.
Alexander C. was educated in the
public schools of Stockton, whither his parents had moved in 1873, and at St.
Mary’s school of this city; then he took up the study of law and after
mastering the rudiments of the profession, he became associated with J. D.
Peters and thereafter devoted his time and attention to water transportation
and the grain industry in this county.
Later he represented G. W. McNear, the well-known grain exporter.
On February 1, 1916, Mr. Oullahan
was appointed to the office of mayor of Stockton by the city council to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of Mayor R. R. Reibenstein. So well did Mr. Oullahan administer the
city’s affairs that the following October he was unanimously elected to the
responsible position, serving under the charter which he helped to
prepare. During his administration the
city of Stockton enjoyed the greatest period of growth in its history and many
of the big movements looking towards greater prosperity and progress were
started. One of the achievements of his
administration was the acquisition of Oak Park by the city, consisting of 30.6
acres and formerly known as Goodwater Grove by the old settlers. In 1905, Mr. Oullahan had been elected to
serve as a member of the city council and was thus well prepared to discharge the
duties of the office of mayor, and it has been repeatedly said that he was one
of the best-liked and most popular mayors that Stockton has ever had. He was mayor during the War period and named
the exemption board, and was active in all war services.
When the chamber of commerce was
organized Mr. Oullahan was among the most ardent supporters of the movement and
has ever taken a keen interest in all public activities since reaching early
manhood. His appointment as managing
secretary of this important body was a most wise choice, as he is undoubtedly
the right man for the position, both by training and education. His foremost positions in the city places him
in the front rank of the upbuilders and builders up of city and county, and
Stockton recognizes in him a worthy and honorable citizen. Politically he is a Democrat in national
affairs but is so broadminded that in local matters he considers men before
party. Wherever he has been most needed
there he is to be found at all times and as managing secretary of the most
important body of citizens of Stockton he has continued the good work and been
the means of making the city of Stockton known all over the United States. During his busy years Mr. Oullahan has been a
contributor to the press of California, and while in the employ of J. D. Peters
he published a monthly magazine called the Buzz. Besides his ability as a writer he has
distinguished himself as a public speaker.
He served seven years as a member of the library board, resigning after
being appointed mayor.
When Mr. Oullahan married in San
Francisco on November 23, 1897, he chose for his wife Miss Catherine V. River
of San Francisco, a lady well qualified to be the helpmate of just such a
public man and who shares with him the good will and confidence of their host
of friends. They have three
children: Leanore
J., Alexander C. Jr., and Catherine M.
Transcribed by Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham, George
H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Pages 347-348.
Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic Record Co., 1923.
© 2011 Gerald Iaquinta.
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