Frank W. Frost holds important offices with a number of transportation and public utility companies, being particularly known in connection with the San Francisco-Oakland Terminal Railway, of which he is assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. He was born in San Francisco, California, April 29, 1867, and is a son of Horatio and Mary Frost, the former born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in October, 1821. The father was educated there and later went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he was engaged in painting and contracting until the spring of 1850. Being attracted to San Francisco by the stories of great riches which were to be gained in California, he made his way to the Golden Gate via the Isthmus of Panama and engaged in mining at Placerville until 1852. He then returned to San Francisco and again devoted himself to painting and contracting, being very successful along that line of business until he retired in 1887. He was actively interested in the vigilantes movement. He died in 1889. He was a charter member and one of the founders of the Mechanic's Institute of San Francisco. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and his religious faith was that of the Unitarian denomination. He was one of the founders of Star King church and was deeply interested in its work. Mr. Frost, Sr., married in San Francisco Miss Mary L. Wadhams. They had three children: Charles H., Frank W. and Horatio T.
Frank W. Frost attended the public schools until seventeen years of age, when he entered upon his active career, becoming an office boy with Sullivan & Ravekes, wholesale paint and oil dealers. He subsequently was shipping clerk for this firm, remaining with them for four years. He then held a similar position with the Overland Packing Company for three years. Resigning this position, he was, until 1893, teller in the money order department of the San Francisco postoffice and then removed to Oakland, accepting a position as receiving teller and assistant secretary for the Oakland Consolidated Street Railway Company. He remained as such until the latter company consolidated with the Alameda, Oakland & Piedmont Electric Railway and the Central Avenue Railway under the name of Oakland Transit Company on March 21st, 1898. Mr. Frost became assistant secretary, which office he held until March 21, 1912, when this firm consolidated with the East Shore & Suburban Railway Company and the California Railway, the new company becoming the San Francisco-Oakland Terminal Railway, of which Mr. Frost became secretary and treasurer, retaining these offices until January, 1914, when the property was taken over by other interests, he being given the offices of assistant secretary and assistant treasurer. He has since held these important positions and is one of the important factors in the successful operation of this road. His long and varied experience makes him valuable to his company, and he is recognized as one of the most expert men in transportation matters on the coast. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Union Water Company, secretary of the United Properties Company, secretary of the United Light & Power Company, secretary of the Oakland Railways and secretary of the Oakland Terminal Company.
On the 26th of February, 1895, Mr. Frost married Aletta Garretson, and to them were born three children: Harlan G., eighteen years of age, who is attending high school; Dudley, fourteen, and Phyllis, both attending the public schools. Mr. Frost is a member of the Transportation Club of San Francisco and the Oakland Commercial Club. He is deeply interested in the growth and trade progress of his city and county and stands in the front ranks with those men who have at heart the expansion and advancement of their city. Politically he is a republican, and his religious adherence is given to the Unitarian church. He is connected fraternally with the Woodmen of the World and is very popular in social circles of his city. As a business man he ranks high and, while he has attained individual success, he has also been a factor in the upbuilding of Oakland.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 250-252
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 6/09/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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