Contra Costa County Biography

EDWARD J. RANDALL

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.

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

 
one of the successful and prominent business men of Martinez, whose interests 
extend to many fields, was born in Napa County, California, on October 6, 1863. 
His father, Edmund Randall, was a native of England, and came to America in 
1850. He resided in Illinois for a time, when he came to the Golden State via 
the Isthmus route. Remaining in San Francisco for a brief period, he afterward 
located in Napa. Later he had large interests in Stanislaus County, where the 
town of Newman is now located. In 1879 Mr. Randall's father removed to Contra 
Costa County and settled in Ignacio Valley, where he was identified along 
agricultural pursuits. He farmed seven hundred acres, provided his place with 
substantial barns and outbuildings, and engaged largely in the live-stock 
business. He passed away in 1901. Mr. Randall's mother's maiden name was Mary 
Tormey, a native of Ireland. She was the mother of seven children, only four of 
whom are now living, The subject of this sketch was educated in the public 
schools of Contra Costa County, and at St. Mary's College in San Francisco. His 
further education has been that acquired in the school of experience. He has 
never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way, and his 
ability and energy have brought him into prominent relations with the financial 
affairs of his chosen county. After his schooling he farmed for five years. He 
then engaged in mercantile business in Concord with his brother Samuel, under 
the firm name of Randall Brothers. Here he continued until 1909, when he sold 
his interests. Some years ago he assumed the management of the L. Anderson 
lumber business, which was started in 1859 and incorporated in 1899. This 
business has grown under his leadership, and today is one of the best-equipped 
plants in the country. His initial step toward the banking business was when he 
and four others subscribed and started the First National Bank of Martinez. He 
has been one of the bank's directors ever since, and has held the position of 
cashier since 1910. In politics, Mr. Randall is affiliated with the Democratic 
party. He has been supervisor for eight years, and is now acting as trustee for 
the town of Concord. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, 
Woodmen of the World, Redmen, and Native Sons. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Nora Anderson on October 30, 1888, and she died December 6, 1900. Mr. Randall's 
second marriage was to Marguerite Anderson, a sister of his first wife, on 
October 29, 1904. There were five children born of the first union and one to 
the second.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1918, 
pp. 449-450