Alameda County Biographies

JAMES P. EDOFF

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

	James P. Edoff, one of the most prominent and progressive citizens of Oakland and one 
whose labors have been effective forces in the city's development, was born in Laporte, Indiana, 
on the 1st of January, 1856, a son of Louis and Sarah Edoff, who became residents of New York 
city in 1857. The father was a captain in the Union army during the Civil war and was killed in 
battle before Richmond.
	It was during his infancy that James P. Edoff was taken by his parents to New York city, 
where he acquired his early education, and later he attended the public schools of Oakland, the 
family having come to this city when he was fourteen years of age. For one year he was a student 
at Brayton's Academy and at the end of that time went to Elko, Nevada, where he began his 
business career as a clerk with the Diamond R Mercantile Company. He gradually gained influence 
with the company and soon was in charge of their entire transportation of ores and machinery and 
the general operation of mines at that point. At the age of twenty he became a partner in the 
concern and continued his connection with it until 1883, when he sold his interests and returned 
to Oakland. He then embarked in business in San Francisco, carrying on operations there until 
1898. He became quite extensively interested in realty and in mercantile concerns and also became 
prominent in local industrial circles, promoting the interests of the city while advancing his 
private affairs.
	Selling out in 1898, Mr. Edoff retired from active business, but in 1906 took a very 
prominent part in the relief work organized the day after the great earthquake and fire, 
continuing to aid for a year and a half in the housing, feeding and support of those left 
penniless by the disaster. He handled all the relief funds collected in this locality. It was 
during this time that he was appointed receiver of the California Bank of Oakland, which had 
closed its doors, and he still continues to act in that capacity, his wise management, 
discrimination and business ability having placed the affairs of the institution in an excellent 
condition, the creditors receiving their claims almost in full. Mr. Edoff is interested in the new 
Hotel Oakland and in 1909 contributed substantially to the building of that magnificent structure, 
which has done so much to beautify the city. He had the financial management during its erection.
	Mr. Edoff was married in Oakland to Miss Florence Jones and they have three children: 
Frank J., a prominent young business man of Oakland; Florence, the wife of George P. Baldwin; and 
Aileen.
	Politically Mr. Edoff gives his allegiance to the republican party and although not an 
office seeker he was appointed and did most creditable work as chairman of the board of park 
commissioners from May, 1909, to 1911, and he worked untiringly to make of Oakland a city 
beautiful. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He also belongs to the Athenian and Country Clubs and takes an active and helpful part in 
the work of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. He is regarded as one of the leading business men of 
the city and has done much to promote its interests.

Past & Present of Alameda County, California � Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914, p. 495