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