BENJAMIN O. CURRY- Miner, Horticulturist, Banker, Real
Estate
Native of Norway-----
Bio-Sawyers
SURNAMES: Hakemoller
-Foremost among the enterprising and progressive men of affairs in
Santa Clara County, where he is a successful horticulturist, banker and
realty operator, in Benjamin O. Curry, who came to California nearly a
half century ago. He was engaged in mining for about twenty years, when
he purchased land at Campbell, which he improved and during these
years, he also built up a large clientele in the realty business, in
all of which he has attained signal and splended success.
A native of Norway, Mr. Curry was born May 7, 1852, being reared on a
farm and in that healthy atmosphere grew up to be a strong athletic
young man, at the same time receiving a good education in the public
schools of his native health. Not satisfied with the the narrow
confines of that country, he resolved to cast in his lot with the land
of the Stars and Stripes, of which he had heard, as well as read, good
reports. Arriving in New York City in 1872, he made his way to
Marquette County, Mich., where for a period of about two years he
followed mining. In March, 1874, he came to California and proceeded to
Eureka County, Nev., where he propected and mined for ten years. During
these years he studied the English language, completing a course at the
Eureka Business College. In his prospecting he became one of the
discoverers of the Black Rock mining district in Nevada, which in time
proved a valuable mining field. His operations included both Eureka and
white Pine counties. In 1884 he came to Elderado County, Cal., engaging
in mining on gold mines as well as timber lands in the high Sierras,
where he spent the summers.
Mr. Curry was married in Eldorado County in 1891 being united with Miss
Carrie Hakemoller, a native daughter of Eldorado County, where her
parents were very early pioneers, a union that has proven a very happy
one. During his years of mining Mr. Curry's vacations were spent in
different parts of California looking for a permanent location. One
vacation was spent in Santa Clara Valley and his admiration was so
great he decided on it for a permanent home. In 1891 he purchased land
near Campbell and began improve-ments by setting out an orchard and
building a residence and other neces-sary buildings. While his orchard
was growing he saw the possiblities in the real estate business and
started dealing in farm and city property at Campbell, and he is now
one of the prominent real estate men in the county. After several years
of successful business, the town grew with the surrounding country and
he saw the need of a business building; he planned and erected the
Curry Building, a modern two-story brick and concrete business block.
It is centrally located on a corner and artistically designed after the
mission style so as to present a beautiful appearance to either street.
In this building are located some of the most important offices of the
city, among them, the post office, a drug stroe, and his own real
estate office, and a number of other on the second floor. A few years
ago Mr. Curry bought eighty acres on Union Avenue, known as the
Fountain Farm, there being forty acres in vineyard and forty acres in
French prunes. He also had a ten-acre orchard in the foothils near Los
Gatos, so for years he operated 100 acres of orchard and vineyard. He
has since disposed of all but his home place on Park avenue. He has
been the preident of the Improvement to the city and he also served as
school trustee for nine years. He was the pro-moter of a new busiiness
block in Campbell, now occupied by the Growers' National Bank, a moving
picture theater, and three stores. This building cost more than
$60,000, a great improvemnet to the city--it not only made a bea-utiful
office building, but lends to atmosphere of properity that makes an
impression on travlers looking for locations. In 1920 Mr. Curry was one
of the principal organizers of the Grower's National Bank, which has
been a success and fills a local long felt want and he has been the
president since its organization.
Mr. Curry, with his wife and three children, resides on the old home
place. Myrtle was educated at the Conservatory of Music of the College
of the Pacific, afterwards studying under celebrated violinists, and
has become an accomplished musican. Olva and Ethel graduated from the
San Jose State Normal and for several years were engaged in educational
work. The Curry home is attractive, showing much culture and refinement
and here they make their numerous friends welcome with a true
California hospitality. Politically Mr. Curry is a Republican and cast
his first vote for Gen. U. S. Grant. He is a member of the San Jose
Chamber of Commerce, as well as a charter member of the San Jose
Commerial Club. He is also a member of the State Real Estate
Association. As stated above, he is an expresident of the Campbell
Improvment Club and has been an Odd Felllow since 1876; he was one of
the organizers of Morning Light Lodge No. 42, I.O.O.F., Campbell. The
California Automobile association also numbers him among its members
and he has always been a strong advocate of good roads. Mr. Curry has
always been a booster for cooperation, believing it is the only way to
make a success of the marketing of fruits, thus he has been a member of
every cooperative fruit organization in the valley, at present being a
member and ardent supporter of the California Prune & Apricot
Growers, Inc. With his wife and daughers, Mr. Curry is a member of the
Congregational Church at Campbell, and he is a liberal contributor to
its bene-volences. A man of pleasing personality, Mr. Curry is liberal
and kind-hearted and has ever been ready to assist those less fortunate
than himself, and all movements that have for their aim the upbuilding
of the town and county receive his hearty support.
Transcribed by Marie Clayton, from Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California,
published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 404
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