STANDEFORD, David W (Major) - Putnam

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STANDEFORD, David W (Major)

Source: Oakland California Tribune Mon 24 Feb 1879 p 1

Major David W. Standeford, candidate for the Mayorality of this city on the Citizens’ Ticket and the subject of this sketch was born in the year 1833 in Green Castle (sic), Putnam County, Indian and is, therefore, 49 years old. He lived in the place of his nativity until his 19th year. He emigrated to this state in the year 1843, coming across the plains, Previous to his advent to this coast, he had been a professional druggist, but on his arrival here he changed his occupation and engaged in ranching. He remained in this state over five year, following ranching, mining and stock raising at the end of which time he returned to Indiana, where he remained until 1859 when he made a second journey to this coast, crossing the plains again and locating in El Dorado County where he had previously resided. At one time he was engaged in railroading and was Superintendent of the Eureka Canal. He took an active interest in the affairs of El Dorado County and served a term as County Clerk. He was well acquainted with all parts of the county and was one of four who organized the first Republican club of that locality. At the time of the Rebellion, a military company was organized in El Dorado County for the home defense of which he was Major, receiving his commission from ex-Governor Low. Major Standeford has three daughters residing with him in this city, his wife having died some 14 years ago.  His participation in political affairs, has been that simply of an upright and patriotic citizen alive to the interests of the community in which he lived. He has resided in this city about 10 years, during which time he has been engaged in the planning-mill business. The firm of which he is a member built the mill where his business is now located, shortly after his arrival here and the present site of the mill was then a marsh, with 8’ of water over it. By Major Standeford’s enterprise the land was drained, solid ground was made and the entire vicinity improved. He owns a third interest in the Planing Mills, a valuable business property, under the firm name of Burnham, Standeford & Co. He also owns property in other parts of the city. He is a self-made man and has earned His present position of confidence and respect by his many sterling qualities. He has been a Republican ever since the part came into existence, and he is a gentleman in whom the utmost confidence may be placed. He is an old acquaintance and friend of Senator Booth, and at one time the Senator was an inmate of the family of Major Standeford’s parents.  The major is well acquainted with the mechanics of this city, who will be glad to learn of his nomination.  In addition to his many commendable qualifications for this office, for which he is now before the community as a candidate, may be mentioned the fact that it required the most persistent effort of friends to persuade him to allow his name to be used on the ticket. As he expressed it himself, it was only a conviction of his personal obligations as a citizen to act in a public capacity, should his services be required, that overcame his strong aversion to public life and caused him to permit the use of his name in the convention that nominated him. - kbz


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