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

 

Peter M. Tripp (Tripodes) (1911-1996): Businessman; City Councilmember; Oakland Port Commissioner

Peter Tripp and Grave Marker

Plot 5

Peter M. Tripp, born in Pyrgos, Greece, in 1911 and brought to Oakland as a child in 1914, was a dynamic public servant and civic leader whose career spanned athletics, business, and decades of political engagement. Legally shortening his name from Tripodes, Tripp left an indelible mark on Oakland as a two-term City Councilman and serving in the Board of Port Commissioners from 1959-1975, including three stints as President.

Before entering public life, Tripp had careers as a middleweight boxer and professional wrestler in the 1930s. He later founded the Peter Tripp Insurance Agency and became one of Oakland’s most recognized Greek-American business figures. His wife, Lois Poulos Tripp, whom he married in 1942, and their daughter Lois Gail Tripp Harpham were central to his life.

Tripp served on the Oakland City Council from 1951-1959 including a term as Vice Mayor. He chaired several influential committees, including a health department consolidation task force that saved the city $800,000 and the capital improvement committee responsible for the successful bond issue of 1958. He also led efforts to launch construction of the Alameda County Hall of Justice.

Easter Seals Campaign

Tripp retired from the Council in 1959 but was appointed to the Oakland Port Commission two years later. In 1961, he stirred controversy by proposing that all five Port Commissioners—including himself—resign so the newly elected Mayor John C. Houlihan could appoint a fresh board after the city changed who the mayor was selected. Although his motion failed, the bold move highlighted his commitment to reform and democratic governance.

Known for his independence and outspokenness, Tripp did not shy away from challenging colleagues. In 1962, he exposed conflicts of interest on the Port Commission, prompting Mayor Houlihan to demand corrective action. He clashed with fellow Councilmembers and Port Commissioners alike, including public arguments with Councilman Robert Osborne and a fiery exchange over being misaddressed by his birth name.

Under Tripp’s leadership, the Port of Oakland experienced extraordinary growth. When he joined, the port’s gross income was $3.9 million; by the time he stepped down in 1975, it exceeded $20 million. He championed containerization, international trade with Japan, and regional cooperation. In 1972, he advocated limiting the size of Oakland International Airport to avoid the unchecked sprawl of cities like Los Angeles, emphasizing quality of life over expansion.

(L-R) Floyd Olson, Vice Mayor Peter Tripp, Henry Worthington and George Warn

Tripp was a consistent voice for regionalism, urging collaboration between East Bay cities to streamline port operations and development. He also formed a citizen advisory committee to examine the ecological importance of San Leandro Bay’s mudflats, only to later criticize it for lacking business acumen.

His legacy includes championing bold ideas ahead of their time—like naming Oakland’s airport “Golden Gate International” to compete with San Francisco, and opposing entrenched business interests in the produce industry. Known for a sharp tongue and passionate advocacy, he also cultivated a softer public image later in life, emphasizing family, philanthropy, and his Greek heritage. A past master of the Plymouth Masonic Lodge and active member of Oakland’s Scottish Rite Bodies, Tripp remained an influential civic figure into retirement.

By the time he left public life, Peter Tripp had helped transform the Port of Oakland into the West Coast’s leading container shipping hub—second only to New York in the U.S. and third worldwide.

Claire Vernon “Pep” Goodwin (1891–1972): Baseball Player & Oakland Port Commissioner

Pep Goodwin from his baseball days

MM Lawn Terrace, 154, T4

Claire Vernon “Pep” Goodwin led a life that bridged the seemingly disparate worlds of professional baseball and civic leadership, earning admiration in both arenas. Born on December 19, 1891, in Pocatello, Idaho, Goodwin's path took him from the dusty fields of early 20th-century baseball diamonds to the boardrooms of one of the nation’s most important maritime centers: the Port of Oakland.

Goodwin's early promise as an athlete led him to the University of California, where he was a standout shortstop. His natural athleticism, quick reflexes, and sharp instincts caught the eye of professional scouts, leading him to join the Kansas City Packers of the short-lived Federal League. His Major League debut came on April 16, 1914. Over the course of two seasons, he played in more than 150 games, achieving a .235 batting average, hitting one home run, and driving in 48 runs. While the Federal League was a rival to the National and American Leagues and lasted only briefly, Goodwin’s contributions to the Kansas City Packers secured his place in baseball history. His final game took place on October 3, 1915.

After his professional baseball career, Goodwin transitioned to public service, where he would make an even longer-lasting mark. Settling in Oakland, California, Goodwin became deeply involved in civic affairs. He was appointed to the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners in 1939, one of the busiest and most strategically important ports on the U.S. West Coast. 

Port of Oakland during WWII

During Goodwin’s tenure at the Port of Oakland from 1939 to 1951, the port underwent significant transformation, driven in part by the demands of World War II and the postwar economic boom. As a key West Coast logistics hub, the port played a critical role in supporting the war effort, serving as a departure and arrival point for military personnel and materiel, and expanding its shipbuilding and repair facilities. In the years that followed, the port capitalized on federal and state investment to modernize infrastructure, deepen channels, and prepare for the coming era of containerization. Goodwin, known for his attention to operational detail and his steady, pragmatic leadership, was instrumental in supporting policies that improved maritime access, fostered industrial growth along the waterfront, and helped transition the port from wartime urgency to peacetime prosperity. His work on the Port Commission contributed to positioning Oakland as a competitive global trade gateway in the decades that followed.

His colleagues described him as diligent and civic-minded, a man who brought the same discipline and focus from his baseball days into the boardroom. He was particularly involved in promoting industrial development around the harbor and ensuring that port policies balanced economic progress with public accountability.

Beyond his professional roles, Goodwin was a devoted family man and active community member. He married Alice G. Goodwin, who predeceased him. The couple had a daughter, Mrs. William W. Reusch, and two grandchildren. Friends remembered him for his humility and quiet confidence—a man who rarely spoke of his baseball days unless prompted, but who lit up when asked about the early years of America’s pastime or his adopted hometown of Oakland.

Claire Goodwin passed away on February 15, 1972, at the age of 80. Upon his death, the Port of Oakland adopted a resolution expressing deep appreciation for his leadership and mourning his loss. 

Today, Claire “Pep” Goodwin is remembered not only for the stats he posted on the field but for the steady leadership he provided in one of the most important eras in Oakland’s maritime history. 

Benjamin Horn Pendleton (1862-1949): Oakland City Councilman & First Port Commissioner

Port of Oakland's Market St. Pier (1928) & Ben Pendleton

Benjamin H. Pendleton was a deeply respected civic leader, philanthropist, and public servant who played a foundational role in shaping modern Oakland. Born in 1862 in Shanghai, China during a time that his father was a sea captain and partner in a shipping firm operating between Shanghai and San Francisco. In the late 19th century, Shanghai was a major international port and commercial hub, particularly for Western maritime trade. American shipping firms frequently operated routes between the U.S. West Coast and East Asia, especially in tea, silk, and other goods.

Pendleton served multiple terms on the Oakland City Council representing Ward 5 from 1903 to 1909, where he became known for his quiet determination, vision, and integrity. His civic leadership extended beyond legislative duties—he was widely credited with pressing for infrastructure improvements and civic planning that laid the groundwork for Oakland’s emergence as a regional transportation hub.

A key architect of Oakland's transportation infrastructure, Pendleton helped spearhead the early development of the city's harbor and rail connections. He recognized the city’s strategic location on the San Francisco Bay and advocated for integrated port and rail systems to support growing industrial and commercial activity. His insights and advocacy were instrumental in linking Oakland to national and international shipping routes.

In 1927, Pendleton was appointed as one of the inaugural members of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, alongside such prominent figures as former California Governor George Pardee and department store magnate H.C. Capwell. This marked the beginning of the formal oversight of the Port of Oakland. Under his leadership, the port reversed its financial losses and became self-sustaining within a year—an achievement that set the tone for the Port’s future growth and reputation as one of the busiest container ports in the U.S.

Hangar 1 at Oakland Airport circa 1927

 

Pendleton also played a decisive role in the creation and development of the Oakland Municipal Airport. His long-range vision for air transportation helped elevate the airport to national prominence, further integrating Oakland into national and global networks. He understood the economic and strategic importance of a municipal airport and helped lead the city through the complex process of planning, acquiring land, and developing the facility in the early days of American aviation.

His civic contributions extended beyond transportation. He worked tirelessly with the Associated Charities, civil service and library boards, and was involved in numerous welfare initiatives. Throughout his life, Pendleton inspired others through his example—giving freely of his time, energy, and resources to benefit the public good.

Though a successful businessman in the tobacco importing industry, Pendleton retired early to focus on public service. A lifelong bachelor, he shared his family home at 564 Oakland Avenue with his sister, Helen Pendleton. He passed away in 1948, leaving an estate of $264,578 (approximately $3.4 million in today's dollars), the majority of which he bequeathed to his sister and their longtime family friend Ann Webster.

Benjamin H. Pendleton never sought public acclaim, yet his impact on Oakland’s infrastructure, transportation systems, and civic life remains indelible.

Frederick K. Krauth Sr. (1824–1898): Pioneer Journalist and Publisher

Oakland Tribune obituary for Frederick Krauth

Plot 38, Lot 17

Frederick K. Krauth Sr. was a pioneering figure in California journalism and the founder of The Encinal, the oldest newspaper in Alameda County. Born in 1824 in Hagerstown, Maryland, Krauth grew up in nearby Frederick, where he received his early education and began his lifelong career in the printing and newspaper business. From a young age, he displayed a keen aptitude for typography and editorial work, skills that would later establish him as one of California’s most respected newspapermen.

Krauth’s professional journey took him first to New York City, where he worked on the Sunday Mercury, a paper owned by his brother Augustus. In 1845, at the age of 21, he married a woman who would remain his partner for over half a century. Their enduring marriage lasted until her death in February 1898, just days before Krauth’s own passing—a loss from which he never recovered.

Drawn westward by the 1849 California Gold Rush, Krauth joined the stream of hopeful "Argonauts" seeking fortune. Though he initially tried his hand at mining at Mormon Bar on the American River, he soon recognized that his talents lay elsewhere. Returning to his trade, he found work with the Mountain Democrat in Placerville, one of California’s earliest newspapers, and later contributed to other publications including the Sacramento Union. In partnership with Thomas McElroy, he briefly co-published the Santa Cruz Sentinel before eventually settling in San Francisco.

Krauth’s most significant contribution came in 1869 when he moved to Alameda and founded The Encinal. Under his leadership, the paper grew into one of the most prominent weeklies in California. Krauth was known for his sharp editorial insight, typographic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to civic betterment. He later expanded The Encinal into a daily, continuing its publication until declining health forced him to retire just two years before his death.

Alameda Encinal newspaper & Krauth Family Plot

Beyond journalism, Krauth was deeply involved in community affairs. He was vice president of the Alameda Board of Education and played a key role in establishing the city’s high school. He was also active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and served in various leadership capacities within that fraternal organization, as well as being a member of the Society of California Pioneers and the Veteran Odd Fellows Association.

Though he never sought public office himself, Krauth wielded substantial influence through his newspaper, which he kept free of personal political ambition. He believed in using the press to uplift the community and advocate for public improvements, and his integrity earned him widespread respect across the state.

Frederick Krauth passed away peacefully at his Alameda home on February 17, 1898, at the age of 74, just nine days after the death of his wife.

Sources: Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Call, Find a Grave

Walter "Biff" Schaller (1889-1939): MLB Player & Pacific Coast League Star

Biff Schaller

Plot 65 Grave 104

Walter "Biff" Schaller (September 23, 1889 – October 9, 1939) was an American professional baseball outfielder whose career spanned from 1910 to 1920. He played two seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Detroit Tigers in 1911 and the Chicago White Sox in 1913, and had a significant presence in the minor leagues, particularly in the Pacific Coast League (PCL).​

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Schaller began his professional baseball journey in 1910. His early career saw him playing for the Kansas City Blues of the American Association during the 1911 and 1912 seasons. His performance there paved the way for his entry into the major leagues.​

Schaller made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on April 30, 1911. During his tenure with the Tigers, he played in various positions: seven games in left field, nine in center field, one at first base, and made 23 appearances as a pinch hitter. Over 60 at-bats, he recorded a batting average of .133. After one season, he was released from the Tigers.​

In 1913, Schaller joined the Chicago White Sox. He played 32 games in the outfield and had 96 at-bats, achieving a batting average of .219. His major league career concluded on July 21, 1913.​

Joe Berger (L) Walter "Biff" Schaller (center) & Kid Gleason (R) Chicago White Sox

Following his time in the majors, Schaller had a notable minor league career, especially in the PCL. He played for the San Francisco Seals from 1913 to 1917 and returned in 1919, also spending time with the Seattle Rainiers and Portland Beavers during the 1919 and 1920 seasons.​

Between 1914 and 1917, Schaller appeared in 807 games for the Seals and set a PCL record by playing in 642 consecutive games. In the 1915 season, he played 208 games, compiled a .301 batting average, and led the league with 20 home runs. Defensively, he recorded 441 putouts and 20 assists with a .957 fielding percentage.​

In the 1917 season, Schaller maintained a strong performance with a .314 batting average over 181 games, contributing significantly to the Seals' PCL pennant win that year.​

Schaller was known for his humorous misuse of the English language. During a batting slump, he reportedly said, "the high multitude of Salt Lake City bothers me." He also summarized his baseball philosophy by stating, "What's the use to get excited. It's either dis or dat."​

After retiring from baseball, Schaller settled in Emeryville, California, where he lived for the last 15 years of his life. He operated a bar in the Oakland area. Schaller and his wife, Lucille, had a daughter named Lorraine. On October 9, 1939, Schaller died of a heart attack at his home in Emeryville. He was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California.​

Career Statistics

Major League Baseball:

• Batting Average: .186​

• Hits: 29​

• Home Runs: 1​

• Runs Batted In (RBIs): 11

• Stolen Bases: 6​

Pacific Coast League Highlights:

• 1915 Season: .301 batting average, 20 home runs, 208 games played.​

• 1917 Season: .314 batting average, contributing to the Seals' pennant win.​

Sources: Oakland Tribune, MLB, Wikipedia, Ancestry.com