Contra Costa County Biography

LEE D. WINDREM

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

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

 
Lee D. Windrem, a man of forceful personality and effective ability, is numbered 
today among the most able lawyers of the Bay counties. He has been active in 
various movements and projects designed to promote the permanent interests of 
the community where he resides. He was born in Lancaster County, Nebraska, 
December 25, 1870, the son of Samuel and Nettie E. (Cooper) Windrem. His father 
was a pioneer settler in Nebraska and was active in political and financial 
matters in his State. He died in 1903. Mr. Windrem's mother was a native of 
Iowa, and now makes her home in Richmond. There were eight children in the 
parents' family, only three of whom are now living - Nettie, a teacher in the 
Richmond public schools for nine years; Guy Windrem, a traveling salesman, and 
formerly manager for Nolan Bros. Shoe Company, with headquarters in Madera, 
California; and our subject, Lee D. Windrem, who acquired his education in the 
public schools of Nebraska. At the age of twelve years he became identified with 
the merchandise business, which he followed for fifteen years. He studied law 
under Miles Wallace, of Madera, was admitted to the bar in August, 1895, and 
practiced in Madera one year. He removed to San Francisco, where he practiced 
his profession seven years, and in 1902 he came to Richmond, where he has since 
resided. Mr. Windrem is counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad, transacts much work 
for the Standard Oil Company, and is legal advisor of some of the banks in 
Richmond. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank and the Richmond 
Savings Bank, and being one of the incorporators of both banks. While residing 
in Madera he served as chairman in the County Democratic Committee during the 
first campaign of W. J. Bryan. In 1903 he served as chairman of the Democratic 
County Committee of Contra Costa County, and was appointed chairman of the 
Contra Costa County Democratic conventions three times. His activities in 
Democratic politics were recognized by his appointment as a member of the 
executive committee if the Democratic State Central Committee. During the three 
years he served as city attorney in Richmond, he handled the legal proceedings 
for the bonds for the Tunnel & Harbor Improvement, amounting to $1,170,000. 
While he has always taken a keen interest in  politics, he has refused to accept 
any political office. He has been repeatedly asked to run for State 
Representative in Congress, district attorney, and superior judge. He has always 
declined the nomination owing to his large practice. Fraternally, Mr. Windrem is 
identified with the I. O. O. F. and the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. He was united 
in marriage to Miss Marjorie D. Rickabaugh, a native of Lake County, California, 
July 23, 1903. To this union have been born two children - Marion Lee and Philip 
Douglas. Mr. Windrem has the distinction of being one of seven appointed by the 
League of Pacific Municipalities at its meeting in 1910, held at San Diego, to 
draft the "Improvement Act of 1911," which act was passed the same year, and 
under which all of the street work of California is being done at the present 
time. While a resident of Richmond Mr. Windrem enjoyed a trip around the world 
in 1905, visiting the principal cities of Europe and the Orient.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California", Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 520-521.