Thomas P. Emigh, engaged in the general insurance business in Oakland, has been continuously identified with that field of endeavor here since January, 1907, and is the county insurance expert. He was born in Rio Vista, Solano county, California, in December, 1878, a son of Thomas P. and Rachel (Lawhead) Emigh, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. The father came to California as one of the gold seekers of the '60s, but instead of spending his time in the mines he saw that there were good opportunities in the field of business and engaged in the mercantile and warehouse business at Rio Vista, Solano county, in which he continued for many years, becoming one of the best known men of that county, where he built up a business of large and profitable proportions. He afterward removed to San Francisco, where he continued in business for fifteen years and then retired from active commercial life in 1902, having acquired a handsome competence which enabled him to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest and enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. From 1874 he made his home in Oakland, there continuing until his death, which occurred in September, 1909, when he had reached the age of seventy-two years. He was a valued and highly respected citizen of Alameda county, where his memory is yet cherished and honored. His widow spends much of her time at Ben Lomond, where she has a summer home.
In his political views Mr. Emigh was a stalwart republican, always active in support of the principles of the party yet never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He was equally prominent in Masonry, holding membership in the craft for many years. He was a past master of Rio Vista lodge and held membership in the Knights Templar Commandery at Oakland. In all of his business affairs he displayed sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise, and his financial interests were varied and extensive. His opinions were highly valued by other business men, and he commanded the high regard and confidence of all with whom he came in contact.
Thomas P. Emigh, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the graded and high schools of Oakland until the time of his graduation in 1899. Subsequently he spent three years as office man in the service of the British American Insurance Company in San Francisco and then became country man in the San Francisco office of the American Central Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri, holding the latter position until January, 1907. At that time he came to Oakland and embarked in the local insurance business on his own account, representing the Continental Fire Insurance Company and the Globe Indemnity Company, both of New York. He has since won a gratifying measure of success in this connection, writing a large amount of insurance annually.
In June, 1902, in Oakland, Mr. Emigh was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Holmes, by whom he has one child, Weldon, who is nine years of age and a public-spirited student. He is a republican in politics and a Protestant in religious faith, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, of which order he is a worthy exempler. He is likewise a charter member of the Oakland Commercial Club. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes part in all movements undertaken in the interests of the city and is ever ready to participate in the promotion of worthy public enterprises.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 320-321
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/20/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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