Santa Cruz County Biographies

CHARLES WESTBROOK WALDRON

Submitted by Kathy Sedler

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

 
        C. W. Waldron is one of the proprietors of the Santa Cruz Sentinel. He 
was born February 19, 1850, at Baltimore, Maryland, where he lived until he was 
thirteen years of age, attending the School of the Catholic Brothers. In 1863 he 
came to California with his mother and sister, his father having preceded them. 
He was in Portland, Oregon, for one year, and there attended the academy 
presided over by O. M, Frambes. Mr. Waldron then came to San Francisco, where he 
attended the Lincoln Grammar School, under the tutelage of Ira G. Hoitt, 
ex-State superintendent of public instruction. He practically finished the 
course in this school, but was compelled to stop a month before graduation on 
account of the death of his mother. He stood at this time number three in his 
class, after having made up a year of study.
        At sixteen years of age he came to Santa Cruz, and went to work in the 
Pacific Ocean House, which was then run by George T. Bromley. While working here 
he secured a position from B. P. Kooser, then proprietor of the Sentinel. He 
entered the Sentinel Office, as "printer's devil," and remained here three and 
one-half years. Desiring to complete his knowledge of the printer's art, he 
secured a situation in the job office of the San Francisco Alta, and worked 
three years longer under instruction. Subsequent to that he worked at the case 
on the Morning Alta, Bulletin, and Call.
        In 1876 Duncan McPherson telegraphed for him to come to Santa Cruz, and 
offered him an interest in the Sentinel, which he had just purchased. As Mr. 
Waldron had saved some money, he was able to make the purchase, and on the first 
day of June, 1876, he became identified with the paper and has continued with it 
ever since.
        He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows, and was a conspicuous 
figure in the management of the fireman's tournaments which were held in this 
State a few years ago. He has been identified with the Fire Department of Santa 
Cruz for many years, having served the city faithfully in all capacities from 
that of ordinary fireman to chief of the department.
        Mr. Waldron is descended from colonial stock, Major Richard Waldron, the 
second colonial governor of New Hampshire, in 1681 and 1682, being one of his 
ancestors. He is a large man, of commanding appearance, sociable, and popular.
        He has been twice married, first in 1874, to Mrs. Marion Clifton, who 
died in 1878, of consumption; the last time, July 8, 1878, to Mrs. Harriet A. 
Logan.
 
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.-  E. S. Harrison, 
Pacific Press Publ. Co., San Francisco, 1891