1927: Dr. William A. Brooke, Surgeon with the Ocean Shore

From the “Redwood City Standard,” December 15, 1927

“Death Claimed Dr. William A. Brooke, coroner and public administrator of San Mateo county, at his house in Half Moon Bay last Saturday night. He had been critically ill for the past several months and his passing was not unexpected.

“Born in El Dorado county, near Placerville, 62 years ago, Dr. Brooke came to Half Moon Bay in 1906 as a surgeon for the Ocean Shore Railroad Company, which was then under construction. In 1915 he was appointed county coroner and public administrator, succeeding Dr. H. Plymire of South San Francisco, who passed away at that time. Dr. Brooke continued in office up to the time of his death being re-elected each time by large majorities. He was one of the most popular officials of the county, his genial ways and generous disposition winning him many friends. He was frequently commended by grand juries and by the Superior Court for the careful and excellent manner in which he conducted business of estates under his supervision. An added sad feature in connection with the death of Dr. Brooke was that his mother, Mrs. V.C. Brooke of Sacramento, passed away last week and was buried on Saturday. Mrs. Brooke was a pioneer of the Sacramento Valley and was the oldest living graduate of the College of the Pacific at San Jose.

“Dr. Brooke was active in lodge circles, being a member of San Mateo Lodge No. 1112, BPOE, San Mateo Lodge No. 440 F&M, and California Bodies of Scottish Rite Masonry, and Seaside Parlor of Native Sons.

“He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Jennie A.  Brooke, two brothers, Morris and Roy Brooke, and two sisters, Miss Clara Brooke and and Mrs. Lutie McCann, all of Sacramento…”

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From “Biographies of Representative Men”

“Dr. Brooke was born 52 years ago at Dranion Springs, a little town near Placerville in El Dorado County. He studied medicine at Cooper Medical College in San Francisco, and practiced first in Sacramento, as intern in the City and County Hospital, later moving to Alameda. He came to Halfmoon Bay, eleven years ago, and has resided there ever since. He is a member of the San Mateo Medical Society and American Medical Association. He was appointed Coroner and Public Administrator on April 7, 1915, which term he is now serving. His personal popularity and professional ability have won for him the highest regard of his fellow citizens.

“He also belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, among them being the Masons, Native Sons, Eagles and Maccabees.”