Timothy C. Coughlin, newspaper writer and well known Alamedan, took up his residence in that city with his parents in 1892, moving from Santa Cruz county. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, February 17, 1872, his parents being Michael C. and Margaret M. (O'Brien) Coughlin. His father, a native of Ireland, was brought to the United States as a child and was educated in the schools of the old Bay State. In 1868 he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama and assisted in the building of the first transcontinental railroad into Alameda county, via the Altamont pass. In 1874 he went to Santa Cruz, becoming one of the pioneer lumbermen of that section of the state. He later directed large lumber industries in Humboldt and Shasta counties. His death occurred in Alameda in 1903. His wife, a daughter of the late William and Margaret O'Brien, of Springfield, Massachusetts, followed him to the grave the same year.
Timothy C. Coughlin obtained his early education at Notre Dame Convent, San Jose, and in the public schools of Santa Cruz county. He continued his studies at St. Mary's College, Oakland, from which institution he was graduated with high honors in 1893, taking the degree of Bachelor of Science. Following two years' connection with the San Francisco commission house of Henry Doyle & Company, Mr. Coughlin took up news writing, joining the editorial staff of the Examiner. After two years with that paper he went to the Morning Call, with which he continued for nearly fourteen years, also doing work at various times during that period for the Oakland Herald, Tribune and Enquirer. He retired from the Call editorial staff April 19, 1913, and two days later was appointed city clerk of Alameda, the first political position he ever accepted and one to which he did not aspire. As city clerk he won an enviable name for himself by reason of his sterling, rugged honesty, fair dealing, all around competency and incorruptibility.
Mr. Coughlin was married in San Francisco, February 17, 1909, to Miss Mary C. O'Brien, daughter of the late John and Mary O'Brien of Altamont. Two children, a son and daughter, have blessed the union. Mr. Coughlin is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being a member of Oakland Lodge, No. 171. The high principles that have consistently actuated his life have been such as to win for him the respect and esteem of all who know him well.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 215-216
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/05/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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