Jonathan F. Chambers is engaged in the real-estate business in Oakland and has found opportunities which he has utilized and which have brought him success. His birth occurred in County Cork, Ireland, January 31, 1883, his parents being Michael and Catherine (Moynihan) Chambers, both natives of the same county. The father came to America in 1884 and the mother in 1885 and established their home in Buffalo, New York, where they passed away.
Their son, Jonathan F. Chambers, remained in Ireland, where he attended the public schools until he was eleven years of age and in 1894 came to this country, making his way to Buffalo, where he immediately began work at the printer's trade. In 1901 he went to Cleveland as inspector for the Empire Typesetting Machine Company and there he remained for over a year. He engaged in printing and newspaper work in New York city for several years and then went to Washington, D. C., where for two years he held the responsible position of superintendent of typesetting machines in the government printing department. This department is one of the best managed enterprises under government control and the fact that he held a position of authority therein is proof of his efficiency and reliability. During the time he spent in Washington he took a two years' course in the evening classes of the National University Law School.
In 1907 Mr. Chambers came to California as coast representative for the Lanston Monotype Machine Company, opening offices on New Montgomery street, San Francisco, and continuing in that line for four years. His practical knowledge of printing and of the good points of a type-setting machine enabled him to make many sales for the firm, but in August, 1911, he entered the real-estate business in Oakland, as he saw wonderful opportunities in that line. He specializes in the building of houses and bungalows and the easy terms which he offers have enabled many families of limited means to secure homes when they would otherwise pay rent year after year and in the end have no property of their own. He is aggressive and enterprising and has followed a well planned campaign which has made the merits of his proposition known to those whose needs it is his design to meet. His houses are good value for the money received and as his terms are liberal he is doing a fine business and has not only gained financial success for himself, but has helped to build up the city of Oakland as well.
Mr. Chambers was married in Buffalo in September, 1905, to Miss Rachel McCabe, a native of that city. Both are well known in social circles of Oakland and the hospitality of their home is always accorded to their friends. Mr. Chambers is a republican in his political belief, but has not taken an active part in politics as his business affairs have dominated his entire time and attention.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 483-484
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 7/22/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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