Santa Clara County Biographies


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



W. W. Gillespie
 
W. Gillespie, Secretary and Manager of the San Jose Brush Electric Light 
Company, is a native of California, born in January, 1859, in the city of San 
Francisco, both of his parents being Scotch. His father, Arcibald Gillespie, 
came to California in 1849, during the early mining excitement, pursuing his 
trade as a blacksmith in the mines, also in San Francisco, but is now retired in 
San Jose.
W. W. Gillespie served an apprenticeship at the machinist�s trade, and worked at 
it a number of years; but when the science of electricity began to develop, his 
attention was turned in that direction, and he began the study of that branch of 
the science which deals with the practical uses of electricity. He became 
associated with the Electric Light Company at San Jose upon its organization, 
which was among the first companies in California to take up the business. He 
assumed charge of the engines and electrical apparatus for about two years. In 
1884 he severed his connection with the company, but in 1885 he again became 
associated with them, assuming the position of secretary and Manager, the 
position which he now holds. Anyone visiting the office and machinery buildings 
at No. 52 North Fourth Street, and inspecting the splendid equipment and the 
perfection of its workings, are forced to the conclusion that Mr. Gillespie is a 
thoroughly practical man, and master of the situation. This company has one of 
the largest and most complete plants on the Pacific Coast. 

Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, 
Illustrated. - Edited by H.S. Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 
1888. 
Transcribed by: Letisha Oddo
Pg. 400