LOUIS ONEAL
Bio-Sawyers
SURNAMES: TROUSDALE, HARMAN,
Among the leading lawyers of Northern California, Louis Oneal figures
prominently. at the time of his election to the California
Senate, in 1901, he had the distinction of being the youngest member of
that body, but his marked ability was soon recognized by his colleagues
and in the session of 1903 he was appointed chairman of the committee
on corporations, a position he filled with such capability as to
attract the attention of his associates. He was particularly
interested in the removal of the capital from Sacramento to San
Jose, for which he presented a bill, but with unfavorable
results. The ability displayed while a member of the State Senate
was indeed gratifying to the Republican party, which nominated
him, and to his community in general.
Near Winnemucca, Humboldt County, Nev., Senator Oneal was born,
November 24, 1874, being second among three children comprising the
family of George W. and Sarah G. (Trousdale) Oneal, natives,
respectively, of Missouri and Illinois, but both residents of NEvada
since about 1851. At the time of crossing the plains George W.
Oneal was only a boy, but he at once began to mine at Gold Hill.
Later he engaged in the cattle business in Paradise Valley, in which he
continued for a long period; in later years horse and cattle raising
occupied his attention. During his entire residence in the west
he was interested in mining. For many years he resided in Santa
Clara County, but is now deceased. Louis Oneal obtained his early
education in the public schools of San Jose, supplemented with a
business course. His first means of livelihood was as a grocery
clerk, but being energetic and determined to succeed, he began to study
law privately continued until he was admitted to the bar, April 25,
1895. With B. L. Ryder as a partner, he opened a law office in
the Ryland block and later was in the office of Howell C. Moore.
In 1896 he was appointed deputy district attorney under B A Harrington
and Oneal. The county board of supervisors appointed him city
justice in January. 1900, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of
John W. Gass, and he remained in the position until November, 1900,
when he resigned, subsequent to his election as state
senator. He has extensive interests in cattle and horse raising
in Santa Clara County, to which he gives considerable time.
The marriage of Mr. Oneal in November, 1902, united him with Miss Anna
Hatman, who was born in this city and received a thorough education
abroad in the University of Leipsic. Is that famous institution her
special studies were music and art, in which she had the advantage of
the training of the best masters that Germany affords. One son
was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oneal, Duncan, a Santa Clara
University student. Mr. Oneal is a stanch supporter of the
principles of the Republican party and firmly believes that the
platform of this party is conducive to the highest progress of the
nation and the greatest prosperity of its citizens. The Santa
Clara County Republican League, when under his leadership, took an
active part in campaign work and proved a valuable aid in local party
work. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of
Tythias and the Elks. He is progressive and enthusiastically
interested in all civic affairs, and is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce. During his busy life, he takes time for recreation and finds
the most pleasure in horseback riding. It was largely through his
influence that the California Round-up Association was organized, thus
bringing the present generation a touch of the vivid life of the old
Spanish days. He has ever believed in constructive measures and
has occupied a postion of leadership, and is actuated at all times by a
high sense of duty.