The leaders are few. The majority of men are content to remain in positions where circumstances or environment has placed them, lacking the ambition and the determination which would enable them to advance and become active in control of business enterprises or important interests. Contrary to the general rule and, therefore, standing as a central figure on the stage of activity among his fellows is H. C. Capwell, to whom Oakland owes much for the development of her commercial interests, for he stands at the head of the H. C. Capwell Company, owners of the largest and most important department store in Alameda county. Moreover, he has been deeply and actively concerned in municipal affairs, especially along the line of improving and beautifying the city, and whether in business or public connections is actuated at all times by the spirit of modern progress.
Mr. Capwell is a native of Michigan, his birth having occurred in Grand Ledge in the year 1858. His father, William Capwell, was born in New York, but in early life removed westward to Michigan, establishing his home near Grand Ledge, where he engaged in stockraising, being one of the pioneer settlers of that section of the state. At the usual age H. C. Capwell became a pupil in the public schools near his father's home and afterward had the benefit of instruction in Wheelock Academy of Grand Ledge. He has been identified with the western coast since 1880, in which year, as representative of several eastern mercantile firms, he took charge of a San Francisco office, spending two years in that connection. In 1889 he removed to Oakland, where he established a small store that formed the nucleus of his present gigantic and attractive establishment. His business grew steadily from the beginning and something of the extent and importance of the enterprise is indicated in the fact that the H. C. Capwell Company now employs a sales force of five hundred people. Moreover, he has ever held to the highest standards in the character of goods carried, in the personnel of the house and in the treatment of patrons. Courtesy as well as straightforward dealing is demanded from all of his employes, and the attractive trade methods insure a continuance of the liberal patronage that has long been accorded the house. The company has erected a magnificent business block, which adds much to the architectural adornment of Oakland. Mr. Capwell remains as president of the company and its chief stockholder, and the business is a monument to his enterprise, keen sagacity and initiative spirit. He is also the president of the Security Bank & Trust Company of Oakland, which is likewise one of the visible evidences of his ability, industry and integrity. He was very active in the founding of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and has been one of its moving spirits. It was when he was president of the old Board of Trade that, in 1905, he circulated the petition for the formation of the present Chamber of Commerce, of which he became president.
In 1890 Mr. Capwell was united in marriage to Miss Edwards, a daughter of a prominent capitalist and bond broker of San Francisco. The family now numbers a son and two daughters. That Mr. Capwell is descended from one of the old colonial families is indicated in the fact that he is entitled to membership with the Sons of the American Revolution, for among his ancestors were those who fought for independence. Using his prerogative to become identified with the patriotic organization of the present day, he has taken active part in its work, has held the office of director and has been honored with the position of state president. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar and also a prominent Elk. He is a past exalted ruler of the Elks lodge of Oakland and was its chief official at the time of the erection of the new Elks building. He belongs to a number of the leading clubs and social organizations of the Bay cities, including the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, the Claremont Country Club, the Sequoia Country Club and the Nile and Athenian Clubs of Oakland.
He is perhaps best known, outside of business circles, by reason of his connection with those agencies which work for civic betterment. He has been identified with many projects which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride and his labors have been an effective force in advancing the welfare of his city. A contemporary writer has said of him: "A shrewd business man, a logical thinker and a convincing advocate, combined with his unswerving loyalty, has made him a potent factor of conceded leadership in all enterprises initiated for the development of Oakland and Alameda county. Generous and responsive, he has given with a free hand to many worthy causes and may well be regarded as one of Alameda county's foremost merchants. Mr. Capwell is a very pleasing and forceful speaker and his personality captivates his audiences. His humor is ever-ready and infectious." There has been nothing esoteric inn his entire life history, nor have there been any unusual circumstances or advantages. The opportunities which he has recognized and utilized are such as are open to all, and it is because he has had the ability to persevere in the pursuit of a persistent purpose that he stands today where he does, as a leading representative and honored citizen of Oakland, prominent in business and equally prominent in civic and social affairs.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 283-285
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/11/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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