A man who has by his own energy, ambition and enterprise, guided and controlled by sound and practical judgment, worked his way upward to a place among the representative men of Oakland is John Forrest, prominently connected with the municipal government as commissioner of revenue and finance and ex-officio member of the board of education. He was born in Ireland in 1858 and came to America in 1872, arriving in Oakland three years later. He has been dependent upon his own resources from an early age, beginning his active career in this city as a member of a construction gang on the old San Pablo cable road. Following this he was connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for many years as car repairer and inspector of air-brake equipment. He left the employ of the Southern Pacific and became identified with the gas company, serving for a number of years in various capacities. Under Governor Pardee's administration he secured the position of water front paver and was later appointed to the office of trench inspector in the city of Oakland, this position involving the duties of examining and passing upon all trenches or openings in the city streets or elsewhere made by the various utility companies for water pipes, gas mains, telephone conduits and sewers. In this position Mr. Forrest did the careful, thorough and conscientious work which has come to be recognized as characteristic of him, bringing himself prominently before the public as a man upon whom public honor may safely rest. In view of his efficient and intelligent service in positions of trust and responsibility he was nominated a member of the Freeholders of Oakland, who framed the new charter, and served as chairman of the board during nearly all its sessions.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 360-361
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/28/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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