Joseph Clement Bates, Jr., for twenty-five years a resident of Alameda, is known as one of that community's representative and honored citizens. He has left the impress of his work and personality upon the political history of the state and upon the public thought and opinion of the city where he makes his home, and today as cashier of the United States mint occupies a position of distinction which he has won worthily and which he richly deserves. He is one of California's native sons, his birth having occurred in San Francisco, August 10, 1871. His father was J. C. Bates, who came to California in 1863 and who gained more than a local reputation as the author of a book entitled "Bench and Bar of California."
Mr. Bates of this review remained in his native city until 1889 and then moved to Alameda, where he has since resided. A few years later he became prominent and active in local public life, winning election to the state assembly in 1903 and again in 1905. In recognition of his able, beneficial and far-sighted work in the lower house he was in 1906 elected to the senate and served during the sessions of 1907 and 1909. His name figures conspicuously upon legislative records, and he has been a promoter of many projects which have found their way to the statute books of the state. He is a fearless champion of whatever course he believes to be right, and his loyal defense of his honest convictions formed one of the strongest elements in his success in political circles. Mr. Bates left the senate in 1909 to become cashier of the United States mint in San Francisco, a position which he now holds and the duties of which he discharges with ability and conscientiousness.
Mr. Bates married Miss Caroline Williams of Concord, California, and they have two children: Edith, aged nine; and Joseph, six. Fraternally Mr. Bates is well known in the Masonic order, holding membership in the lodge, chapter, Oakland Commandery and the Mystic Shrine. He is identified also with the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Elks and the Woodmen of the World. Few men have done more effective work in the public service, and the record of none has been more faultless in honor.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 309-310
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/18/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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