San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1383
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 3/6/2010
JOSEPH LEAL
The proprietor of a men's furnishing store in Tracy, Joseph Leal is a native son of the Golden State, born at San Jose, Cal., on September 28, 1896, a son of Jesse and Annie (Spangler) Leal, the former a native of the Isle of Pico, Azores, the latter of San Jose, Cal. The father, Jesse Leal, came to California in 1890 and located at San Jose, where he married Miss Spangler, a daughter of the late James Spangler, who was a prominent pioneer of Saratoga, Cal., and who became a well-to-do rancher. The property which he acquired in 1850 has, since his death, been divided among his heirs. The senior Leal has followed the merchandise business most of his lifetime and has conducted a men's furnishing store at No. 34 North Market street, San Jose, since 1895.
Joseph Leal was reared and educated in the San Jose schools, and later was graduated from St. Joseph's Academy at San Jose. Upon leaving school he entered the Adler Shop on South First street and this position covered a period of five years; then in 1916 he entered the employ of the Koehbler, Holman Tobacco Company as traveling salesman, and was thus employed at the time of his enlistment on June 28, 1917, in the 115th Ammunition Train, Headquarters Company. He was sent overseas, where he served as a first-class private for fourteen months. Returning to the United States, he received his honorable discharge at the Presidio, San Francisco, on May 17, 1919. He then returned to San Jose and entered his father's store, remaining there until February, 1921, when he decided to enter business for himself. Removing to Tracy, he opened up a first-class shop, and as his business has grown, his stock has been increased until he now carries a full and complete line of the very best furnishing goods.
The marriage of Mr. Leal occurred on October 17, 1921, and united him with Miss Cecelia Mendia, a native Californian born at Watsonville, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raphael Mendia, now residing in San Jose. Mr. Leal is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of San Jose.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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