William J. Baccus, serving in a creditable and able manner as commissioner of streets of Oakland, has demonstrated his ability during a period of nearly ten years in the public service, rising rapidly to his present place in official circles. He was born in San Francisco, November 17, 1869, and is a son of Benjamin Baccus, one of the pioneers of California, who came overland by team to the coast in 1851. The father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and was afterward engaged in the plumbing business in San Francisco.
William J. Baccus came to Oakland when he was ten years of age and acquired his education in the public schools of this city. Following the completion of his studies he engaged in the teaming business with W. H. Parrish and later learned the bricklaying trade, which he followed for several years. Recognizing, however, the greater opportunities which were to be found in the contracting business, he turned his attention to this line of work and soon met with excellent success in it, for he had a thorough knowledge of general construction work, acquired through practical experience, and the insight, integrity and ability necessary for success in any field. By virtue of these qualifications and his thoroughness and promptness in filling his many large contracts he has now become one of the foremost men engaged in this line of work in Oakland, many of the most important structures in the city being built by him. His most recent contract was for the reconstruction of the Syndicate building and he was also identified with the reconstruction of the Kahn Brothers building.
Mr. Baccus began his public career in 1903, when he accepted the nomination on the republican ticket for member of the city council, receiving the indorsement of the union labor forces, with whom he is closely affiliated. He was elected by a large majority and afterward served four terms by reelection, during four years of which he was chairman of the street committee. He has always been a hard and consistent worker for better streets in Oakland and has accomplished a great deal of valuable work along this line, as it has been largely through his efforts and influence that the number of paved streets has been so greatly increased. So acceptable was Mr. Baccus' record on the city council that when the primary law went into effect he was nominated by direct primary vote for the office of commissioner of streets under the new charter and was elected by a large majority. He has continued his intelligent and constructive work in this office and is regarded today as one of the most able men in the service of the municipal government.
In San Jose, California, in 1896, Mr. Baccus was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Muir, daughter of an early pioneer in this state. They have become the parents of three children: Volma, William J., Jr., and Robert. Mr. Baccus is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West; Council No. 7, I. O. R. M.; the Loyal Order of the Moose, and other fraternal orders and clubs. In all essential respects he is a self-made man, the foundation of his success being plain, honest hard work. Most of his opportunities he has himself created, and he has utilized them in an intelligent and capable way, being ranked today among the men of worth and substance in the city where he makes his home.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 5/21/2008, Pages 19-20
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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