Alameda County Biographies

FRANK C. FABENS

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

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

	Throughout the years of an active business career Frank C. Fabens of Alameda has given 
all of his time and attention to the railroad business and is today one of the most trusted and 
valued representatives of the Southern Pacific Railroad in California, rising through the 
various departments to be manager of the pass bureau, a position which he has filled with 
credit and distinction since July 28, 1913. He was born in San Francisco, July 7, 1874, and is 
a member of one of the well known California pioneer families, his father, George C. Fabens, 
having come around the Horn from Salem, Massachusetts, in 1864. He also was a prominent 
railroad official, spending many years of his active life in the employ of the Southern Pacific 
Railroad and holding the position of claim adjuster at the time of his death in 1905.
	Frank C. Fabens was three years of age when his parents moved to Alameda in November, 
1877. In the public schools of this city he acquired his early education and after completing 
the grammar-school course entered the Alameda high school, from which he was graduated in 1891. 
He was afterward a student in the Aydelotte Business College of Oakland, completing the course 
there in 1892. In the following year he became connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad, 
entering the claim adjusting department on January 1, of that year and giving immediate evidence 
of unusual ability along  this line. Advancement came rapidly but only in recognition of superior 
merit and accomplishments, and he was soon transferred to the operating department as private 
secretary to the general superintendent and general manager. After the San Francisco fire he was 
made chief clerk to the general superintendent and as such acted until July 28, 1913, when he was 
made manager of the pass bureau at San Francisco. This position calls for executive ability, 
business discrimination and tact of a high order and upon his possession of these qualities Mr. 
Fabens has based a success which places him among the leading railroad men in the state.
	In April, 1910, Mr. Fabens was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Haviland Bates, and both 
are well known in social circles of Alameda. Mr. Fabens belongs to the Unitarian Club of Alameda 
and the Transportation Club of San Francisco and fraternally is identified with the Oakland lodge 
of Elks and Halcyon Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. His many sterling qualities of mind 
and character are well known in Alameda, where he has so long resided, and they have gained him 
the respect and confidence of his business associates and of all who are in any way connected 
with him.

Past & Present of Alameda County, California � Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914, p. 419