The bar of California numbers among its progressive, able and successful representatives Fred L. Button, of Oakland, who is not only in control of a large and lucrative private practice but has also rendered valuable public service along professional lines. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in March, 1856, and came to California with his parents in 1863. The family settled in Oakland and Mr. Button acquired his early education in the public schools of this city. He was afterward for a time employed in the office of the Daily Transcript, learning the printer's trade, and he also attended Brayton College. He later entered the State University, from which he was graduated with high honors in 1876, receiving the university gold medal for excellence in scholarship and also a prize for the most meritorious scientific essay. Having at that time served one year as assistant instructor in mathematics under appointment by the regents, he continued in that position during the succeeding year.
Mr. Button studied law in the office of Vrooman & Davis and in 1879 was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of California, after which he remained with Vrooman & Davis until 1881 and then established an office in Oakland, where his ability has brought him a large and representative clientage. Mr. Button stands in the front ranks of the legal fraternity in this part of the state and his professional opinions are considered authoritative. In 1888 he rendered the city valuable service as secretary of the Board of Freeholders, who drafted the charter of the city of Oakland, and he later three times codified the city ordinances for publication. He is also the author of the second edition of "Harlow on Sheriffs," a standard law text-book. Mr. Button has a comprehensive and exact knowledge of the law and is a strong and forceful practitioner, possessed of the insight, coolness and resourcefulness necessary to success in this field.
On November 5, 1899, he was appointed by the board of education as school director for the second ward, an office to which he was afterward elected and filled for one term with credit and ability. His attention is given largely to a general office and probate practice, and in a field where success is largely the result of individual merit and ability, has made rapid and steady advancement, standing today in the front ranks of progressive and successful attorneys. He gives his political allegiance to the progressive republican party.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 187-188
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/02/2008,
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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