Charles D. Bates (1872–1945): Founder & First President of Peralta Hospital

Sarcophagus of Charles D. Bates

Main Mausoleum

Charles D. Bates was a distinguished civic leader, contractor, and healthcare pioneer in Northern California. Born in 1872 in Oakland, Bates dedicated his life to both community development and public service, leaving an enduring legacy through his contributions to infrastructure and healthcare in the region.Bates had a successful career as a contractor, overseeing major construction projects that shaped Northern California’s landscape. Among his most notable achievements was his involvement in building the University of California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, a landmark project that showcased his expertise in large-scale engineering and construction. His work on such projects reflected his commitment to advancing the region’s infrastructure.

In 1928, Bates founded Peralta Hospital in Oakland, California, and became its first president. Collaborating with local physicians, he played a pivotal role in establishing the hospital as a vital healthcare provider for the community. Under his leadership, Peralta Hospital became a cornerstone of medical care in Oakland, offering essential services and setting the foundation for its future growth and success. Bates’s dedication to healthcare extended beyond administration; he worked tirelessly to ensure that the hospital met the needs of its patients and contributed to the well-being of the community.

Peralta Hospital has undergone several mergers over the decades. In 1982, it merged with Samuel Merritt Hospital to form the Merritt-Peralta Medical Center. This entity then combined with Providence Hospital in 1992, resulting in the creation of Summit Medical Center. Finally, in 1999, Summit Medical Center merged with Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, leading to the formation of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Today, the former site of Peralta Hospital is part of the Summit Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

Peralta Hospital on a 1930s matchbook cover

Outside of his professional endeavors, Bates was known for his personal interests and civic engagement. In his youth, he was an avid sportsman and achieved championship titles in tennis, reflecting his competitive spirit and passion for athletics. He also actively participated in numerous community projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Northern California residents.

In recognition of his contributions to healthcare and education, a medical library was named in his honor in 1940. This tribute highlighted his lasting impact on public health and learning in the region. Bates’s generosity and dedication to civic welfare earned him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues and community members alike.

Charles D. Bates passed away at the age of 73 in 1945. He is not related to Alta Bates, a nurse who had a hospital named for her.

Roscoe Jones (1880-1952): First President of Oakland Port Commission

Grave Marker for Roscoe Jones

Plot 52C, Lot 139

Roscoe D. Jones was a distinguished attorney and civic leader in Oakland, California, renowned for his significant contributions to the city's development. Born in the late 19th century, Jones dedicated over four decades to the legal profession, practicing law in Oakland for 44 years. 

In 1927, Jones was appointed as one of the inaugural members of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, a body established to oversee and revitalize the city's waterfront operations. Serving alongside notable figures such as former California Governor Dr. George Pardee and department store owner H.C. Capwell, Jones was entrusted with transforming the Port of Oakland into a self-sustaining entity. 

Under Jones's leadership as the first president of the board, the Port of Oakland achieved remarkable financial turnaround. Prior to the board's formation, the municipal harbor had incurred annual losses amounting to $400,000. However, within a year of the independent board's stewardship, the port began generating sufficient revenue to cover its expenses, marking the beginning of its long-standing self-sufficiency. In 1927, he was chosen to escort world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh at an event honoring him and his plane The Spirit of St. Louis.

Jones's dedication to public service extended beyond his legal practice and port leadership. He was actively involved in various civic initiatives aimed at improving Oakland's infrastructure and community well-being. His commitment to the city's progress left an indelible mark on its history.

Roscoe D. Jones passed away on July 4, 1952.

Stuart Samuel Hawley (1883–1941): Original Port of Oakland Board Member

Stuart & Harriet Hawley

Main Mausoleum

Stuart Samuel Hawley was a prominent Bay Area capitalist, civic leader, and early architect of East Bay infrastructure and commerce. Born in 1883, he was a lifelong resident of the Oakland-Piedmont area and became widely known for his leadership in finance, real estate, and public service.

Hawley served as president of the Hawley Investment Company, Pacific Metals Company, and the Alameda Investment Company, and as vice president and manager of the R.W. Meese Estate Company. He also held a director position at the American Trust Company, establishing himself as a key figure in East Bay business and finance.

A committed civic leader, Hawley was appointed in 1925 as a founding board member of the Port of Oakland, following a citywide charter amendment that created the semi-autonomous agency. His service from 1925 to 1927 helped lay the foundation for the Port’s modern governance and the administration of publicly owned tidelands. 

Beyond the Port, he was also active in campaigns to improve regional transportation systems and civic facilities. Known for his behind-the-scenes influence, Hawley worked to build consensus and implement lasting improvements across the East Bay.

He was deeply involved in the social and club life of the area, serving as past president of the Athens Athletic Club and maintaining memberships in the Claremont Country Club, Cragmont Club, Mt. Diablo Country Club, the Bohemian Club, Athenian-Nile Club, and several Masonic orders.

Stuart Hawley married Harriet Meek on June 17, 1908. They had two children: Stuart Meek Hawley, a Dean Witter & Co. executive and champion golfer, and Mrs. Loy Hager.

Robert Andrew Leet (1872–1965): Pharmacist & Inaugural Member of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners

Robert Leet and an Oakland Tribune ad for his pharmacy

Main Mausoleum

Robert Andrew Leet was a respected Oakland-based pharmacist, civic leader, and businessman whose contributions to the city spanned both healthcare and public infrastructure. Born in 1872 in San Francisco, California, Leet spent the majority of his life in the East Bay, where he became a well-known figure in the business and civic communities.

Leet operated R.A. Leet & Co., a prominent pharmacy located at 1111 Broadway in downtown Oakland. His establishment became a staple of the community, known not only for dispensing pharmaceutical remedies but also for specializing in Kodak products and offering high-quality photo development services. Advertisements from the early 20th century emphasized the pharmacy's precision in Kodak developing, reflecting Leet’s commitment to innovation and customer service in an era when photography was becoming increasingly popular with the public.

Robert Leet and his sister Nettie

In addition to his career in pharmacy, Robert Leet played a key role in shaping the future of Oakland’s maritime economy. In 1927, he was appointed one of the first members of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, an influential body responsible for overseeing the development of what would become one of the most important ports on the West Coast. His fellow commissioners included notable local figures such as Dr. George Pardee, a former Governor of California, and H.C. Capwell, founder of the Capwell's department store chain. 

Leet’s presence on the board signaled both his stature in the community and his investment in Oakland’s economic and infrastructural growth.

Ralph Talcott Fisher (1877–1948): Business Leader & Oakland Port Commissioner

Ralph T. Fisher and Grave Marker

Plot 11

Ralph Talcott Fisher was born in Oakland, California, in 1877, the son of Galen Merriam Fisher. A lifelong resident of the city, Fisher devoted much of his professional life to civic engagement, regional planning, and economic development in the Bay Area.

He graduated from the University of California in 1899 and went on to hold executive positions with the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, including secretary and executive vice president. Through this work, he was involved in urban and economic planning initiatives, promoting infrastructure development and regional cooperation among East Bay communities.

1937 Oakland Port Commission and Staff (L-R) Eugene Roland, Ralph Fisher, Arthur Abel, James McElroy, Merkell Baer, George Pardee and Frank Colbourn

From 1928 to 1939, Fisher served on the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners. His tenure coincided with an important period of modernization and expansion at the Port of Oakland. During these years, the port undertook improvements in cargo handling infrastructure, deepened harbor channels, and expanded terminal facilities to accommodate growing maritime trade. The port also played a greater role in Pacific commerce, responding to shifts in shipping and trade patterns between California and Asia. Fisher’s involvement contributed to the long-term planning and institutional growth of the port, which was positioning itself as a competitive regional hub during a period of national economic uncertainty and recovery.

Fisher’s broader public service included work during World War I with the U.S. Shipping Board and the Emergency Fleet Corporation. In the postwar years, he served on the California State Reconstruction Commission, helping to shape policies for the state’s economic transition after the war.

Fisher Family Plot 

He was active in civic organizations such as the Oakland Forum, the Berkeley Club, the Commonwealth Club of California, and the American Planning and Civic Association. Fisher frequently contributed articles and lectures on urban planning, transportation, and intergovernmental coordination. His writings addressed topics such as harbor policy, regional governance, and city planning strategies.

In 1915, Fisher married Margaret Merriam of Newburyport, Massachusetts. They had one son, Ralph Talcott Fisher Jr., who became a historian and university professor.

Ralph Talcott Fisher died in Oakland in 1948 at the age of 70, following a brief illness