The last word of science and the spirit of helpful
interest in suffering humanity are well exemplified in the arduous life
and successful work of Dr. Edward Newell, the well-known physician and
surgeon of San Jose, undoubtedly one of the best representatives of the
medical profession in California. He was born at East Hardwick,
Caledonia County, Vt., on September 30, 1873. the son of A. W. Newell,
a substantial business man, who died there in 1893, aged fifty-seven.
He had married Miss Lucy A. Hardy. Mrs. Newell came to California- in
1894, and rich in a wide circle of friends, is still living. Edward
attended the local grammar and high schools, and then matriculated at
Colgate Academy, that famous alma mater for so many worth-while men, at
Hamilton, N. Y. Then, for six years, he engaged in mercantile lines of
trade, and in 1894 he came West to California. Here he continued high
school and Normal school studies, while he acted as agent for the
Mercury when it was owned by C. Wooster, and he; with Hugh De Lacy,
originated and carried out the present system of distribution; and
after that he enrolled in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San
Francisco, from which he was graduated, with the M. D. degree, in 1904.
Doctor Newell then served for nine months in the city and county
hospital as an interne, in San Francisco, then he was with Drs. Howard
and Amelia Gates for one year. He also profited by the opportunity to
go to New York for post graduate medical work. Of recent years, Doctor
Newell has practiced for himself. Naturally he is an honored member of
the American Medical Association and also the State and County Medical
Societies. In August, 1908, he was married in San Jose to Miss Ava E.
Wilkin, of San Jose, an accomplished lady, tile meet companion for a
professional man with ideals and ambition; and their home life has been
blessed by their son, Paul Fowler Newell. The family attend the Grace
Baptist Church, and Doctor Newell adds to the influence of the
Republican party. Doctor Newell belongs to the Y. M. C. A. and is an
enthusiast for both basketball and golf.
RICHARD V. BRESSANI.—A scholarly, experienced and very successful
attorney who has had the advantage of several years of work in the
county clerk's office, is Richard V. Bressani, a native son of
California, who was born at San Jose on February 1, 1894. His father,
August Bressani, and his mother, who was Mary Del Piero before her
marriage, came here in 1889, and both are still living. Richard went to
school like all the other boys of the neighborhood and in course of
time he was graduated from St. Joseph's School. Then in 1913 he was
given his Bachelor of Arts degree at Santa Clara University and two
years later, the Santa Clara institution conferred upon him the coveted
LL.B. degree. For three years he was a deputy in the county clerk's
office, where his knowledge of local affairs was decidedly enlarged;
and on August 1, 1919, he commenced to practice for himself. From the
start he was more than fortunate, and it is evident today that his
chances for a brilliant future are such as would inspire any young man.
He is a member of the Democratic County Central Committee, but is
broader in his view of civic problems, and favors
From Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 1447
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