Contra Costa County Biography

ROY LEMOIN

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

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

 
One of the most able, progressive, and enterprising young men in public life in 
Contra Costa County is Roy Lemoin, of Richmond, now creditably serving as chief 
of the Richmond fire department. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 30, 
1876. He came from a family of fire-fighters. His father,
Henry W. Lemoin, was a prominent factor in the Grand Rapids fire department, and 
has served as chief for thirty-seven years. He is still living in Grand Rapids, 
is an active member of the department, retaining his position as chief, and has 
the distinction of being one of the oldest volunteer members in the State. The 
subject of this sketch since his appointment as chief has discharged his 
important duties to the entire satisfaction of the people of Richmond. He 
received his education in the public schools of his native town. At an early age 
he learned the plumbing trade and later became identified with telephone work, 
having charge of cable construction work for some years. He then entered the 
fire-alarm service in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he remained for nearly three 
years. In October, 1905, he removed to Oakland, where he followed his trade as a 
plumber for two years. He then became identified with the city of Oakland, in 
the city fire bureau, for nearly three years. Mr. Lemoin then accepted a 
position with the Gorham Engineering & Fire Apparatus Company, as salesman and 
demonstrator of motor fire apparatus. He resigned this position later to accept 
a better one with the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company, the pioneer 
fire-alarm telegraph company of the world. During his stay with the latter 
company he acted as salesman and superintendent of construction, and on August 
11, 1913, sold to the city of Richmond its present fire-alarm system, for 
$28,500. Chief Lemoin took charge of the construction work, and had the system 
installed July 1, 1914. Mr. Lemoin's record is that of a self-made man who has 
won recognition and success entirely by his own efforts and wisely directed 
energy. He was united in marriage to Miss Ethel H. Wells, of Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, June 28, 1898. Their children are Howard, born January 1901; Wells, 
born October 20, 1904; Jack, born January 26, 1908. Fraternally, Chief Lemoin is 
a member of the B. P. O. E. and K. of P. of RIchmond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lemoin 
have an extensive acquaintance in the Bay cities. Mrs. Lemoin is a soloist of 
ability, and leads the choir at the Christian church at Berkeley.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California", Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 476-477.