THE VALLEY OF HEART's DELIGHT
WILLIAM EDWARD FOLEY
Bio- Sawyers
SURNAMES: FLEMING,BRELLE
Prominent among the attorneys of pronounced ability of Santa Clara
County, whose reputation for fidelity to the best interests of his
clients has become a valuable capital in itself, may well be mentioned
William Edward Foley of San Jose, in which city he was born, a native
son, on December 12, 1879. His father, John Foley, came to the
United States from Ireland in 1850, and for while lived at New Orleans
and worked on the steamboats plying on the Mississippi. Then he
joined the U. S. Cavalry and saw service on the great plains for five
years. After that, for two years, he was a pony express
rider from Box Elder to Salt Lake City, and finally, in 1860 he came to
California. Until 1863 he was at Virginia City, and on his return
to San Jose, he sailed in steamer service from San Francisco to
Panama. He married Miss Honora Fleming, an accomplished lady, the
mother of our subject. John Foley died in December, 1916, but his
devoted widow is still living. They had two boys and two girls,
and one of the latter died in `894. A brother and sister are
living on the old home place with their mother, the lot of which was
purchased by the wide-awake father in early days in the trade of a
saddle horse.
The youngest of the family. William E., attended the local schools, and
finally matriculated at Santa Clara College; but just as he was about
to graduate, he had to give up his college course on account of a
broken leg. Then he worked for the Farmers Union for eight
months, and after that was in the real estate office of Jas. W. Rea
& Company. Then, forming a partnership with Jas.
W. Rea, he was for several years a member of the firm of Foley
& Rea, widely known for their operations in realty. At
first, Mr. Foley studied law privately, and in 1914 he was
admitted to practice in the California courts. He was associated
with Ed Rea in the practice of law for two years, and he then
established himself in private practice, which has grown rapidly and
become notable in the history of the Santa Clara Bar. In national
political affairs a Democrat, Mr. Foley has done good work as
seceretary of tge Democratic County Central Committee for the past six
years.
On October 22, 1910, Mr. Foley was married to Miss Alma Brelle, a
native of Philadelphia, Pa., who was reared in Hmboldt County, and
their union has been blessed with two sons, James William and William
John. Mr. Foley is a charter member of the Commercial Club.