Information from the Oakland Tribune.∼W. Jr. GLASCOCK. The Death of a Prominent . Citizen of Oakland. Pioneer of Alameda County passes Quietly Away. ii 1 Sketch of His Life His Legal Attainment His Political Estate. Judge W. H. Glascock died at bis home, on the corner of Fifth and Harrison streets, at 3 o'clock this morning. His illness had been of brief duration, but he, has been in feeble health for nearly a year past, and especially since the death of his wife. For days past he has been unable to lie down and was compelled to take what rest he could in a reclining chair. He passed away quietly, surrounded by his family and conscious almost to the last moment. William Harper Glascock was born at Charlottesville, Va., in 1822. At an early age he accompanied his parents to Mississippi where he was educated. He studied law, but did not practice his profession to any great extent until he came to this coast. Previous to his arrival in California he was engaged in the merchandise business in Memphis, Tenn., dealing for the most part in cotton. Soon after the gold excitement immigration began from every quarter of the globe to this Butte. Mr. Glascock followed in the rush, and arrived here early in the '60's. Mining operations, however,1 had very little effect upon him, and he preferred to engage in the pastoral pursuit of cattle raising. His range was for a time in the Livermore valley before that region was so called. Mt. Glascock was one of the oldest pioneers of Alameda county, having moved here since 1853. He saw the city of Oakland increase from a cluster of adobes to a teeming city a community second only to San Francisco in population and importance, prosperous, enterprising, and cultured. He had the foresight to perceive that Oakland must some day become one, of the most populous and thriving communities on the Pacific coast, and in conjunction with such men as John Caperton and Colonel Jack Hays invested largely in outlying tracts of land that have since become very valuable as real estate. In the mean time he had begun the practice of law in which he was immediately and continuously successful. As the city grew his real estate became more valuable and much of his business for many vears was directed toward the acquirement and sale of city and suburban property. His name is identified with many of the large tracts adjacent to Oakland and his enterprise in this direction has done much toward building up the environs of the city. In politics Mr. Glascock was a consistent Democrat of the old Southern school. For many years he was a prominent figure in the councils of his party, both in State and county politics, but although frequently importuned to accept the preferment of party nominations that were virtually certain at successful issue before the people, he as frequently --- the honor. In this he displayed an unusual trait of character a lack of ambition for public office. He was content to enjoy a life devoted to congenial employment free from the cares of a public trust ever willing to aid by every means in his power the fortunes of his party, while always reissuing the rewards offered in return for valuable services "W hen Judge J.B. McKee was selected District Judge of Alameda county in 1869. Judge Glascock was chosen to fill Judge McKee's unexpired term as County Judge. In 1800 he was elected District Attorney on the Democratic ticket and served with credit to himself and the community. In 1865 he was the Democratic candidate for State Senator against Henry Kobinson, the Republican nominee, but was defeated by a vote of 1278 to 846. Since that time he has enured to not public office, satisfied to do his duty as a private citizen, working in that capacity for the success of his party. As a lawyer Mr. Glascock achieved an enviable reputation. - In his bands the interests of his clients were safe, and it was never through the fault of his judgment that he ever lost a case. He invariably came into circle veil fortified for defense or pro and fully prepared for legal talent that could be arrayed - lawyer whose client's way the basis of ... detail, he way particularly succesfull cross.. direct, -clearheaded, and always prepared for every emergency that might arise from the sophistries of opposing attorneys or the evasions and subterfuges of... As a citizen "W. H. Glascock won respect and esteem of all with ... he came in contact. Easy and ... , us in his manner, be possessed a ...of general information that contributed to Tender his conversation on any subject ' agreeable and pleasing. He was tine to the traditions and usages of the old school of gentlemen with ' whom he was bred and educated, and never deviated from a line of conduct that never failed to win the warmest regard of all who came to know him. In his death Oakland has lost a valuable citizen who could in be spared. Judge Glascock in married Miss Margaret T. Raglan in Mississippi, and it was the death of this devoted com- panion of more than forty years that undoubtedly hastened his own death. Mrs. Glascock died on the 31st of July last. He leaves two children, a son, John B. Glascock, and a daughter, Mrs. W. W. Blow. The value of his estate cannot be accurately estimated at present, but it is confidently expected that it will aggregate between $300,000 and $500,000. He owned a large tract of land on San Pablo avenue estimated to be worth $100,000. and another tract in Alameda nearly as valuable, besides various properties in other sections of the county and in Oakland. The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock next Monday afternoon from his late residence.

Oakland Tribune › 1888 › June › 2 June 1888 › Page 1

Note: father of Congressman John Raglan Glascock