California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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


P. D. TANGNEY. � An experienced machinist who understands the prin- 
ciples of machinery so that he is careful of every detail of responsibility, is 
P. D. Tangney, who was born in New York City on December 2, 1864, the 
son of John Tangney who was a mechanic and a tanner. He married Adelia 
Darcey; and both lived their useful lives and died in "York State." 

The second oldest of three children, P. D. Tangney was reared in New 
York State where he received a good schooling in the public system and at 
the Franklinville, N. Y,, high school ; and after completing the course in the 
latter institution, he was apprenticed as a machinist with the New York 
Steam Engine Company, where he became a journeyman. He then went 
to the Pennsylvania oil fields and learned the oil business, beginning with 
tool dressing and finally becoming an oil operator in the Bradford district. 
He was also an oil operator in the McKean field in Pennsylvania. Next he 
was active in West Virginia, and later in Ohio, and then he spent a while in 
Indiana. Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas and Kentucky, in each case working 
in the oilfields. 

In 1885 Mr. Tangney made a trip to England and spent almost two 
years in that country working in Manchester, Bolton, Liverpool, and York- 
shire. The experience was broadening, and particularly satisfactory, on ac- 
count of the favorable way in which his methods and work were received by 
the English. 

As a gold-mining engineer, Mr. Tangney, in 1907, made his way to Jack- 
son County, Ore., and for a year engaged at Gold Hill, on Rogue River, as 
the superintendent of a mine. In 1908 he came to Oilfields and entered the 
employ of the California Oilfields Limited, as foreman of their machine 
shops, and in August, 1913, when the Shell Company purchased the Oilfields 
holdings, he continued with the new owners in the same capacity, being in 
full charge of the mechanical department, a place of responsibility he fills to 
everyone's satisfaction. His years of experience with different companies, 
and knowledge of human nature and the world in general, make his services 
everywhere appreciated. 

At Parkersburg, W. Va., Mr. Tangney was married to Miss Helen Gil- 
bertsen, a native of New York State, and a lady who has likewise endeared 
herself to all who know her. He is an active member of the Oilfields Club. 
of which he has been both a trustee and its president.