James Presho (May, 1840 - September 2, 1920) was a businessman who made his fortune in the silk business. The James Presho House is at 1806 - 10th Avenue.

James Presho was born in Ireland. He was married to Elizabeth Emma Presho.

In the 1900 U.S. Federal Census Presho was living in his home with wife Elizabeth and two nieces: Helen Presho and Alice I. Armstrong, and servant Christine Nichol.

1912 Accident

The San Francisco Call, on August 19, 1912 reported on an auto containing five person colliding with a streetcar.  Injured in the accident was "Oakland Capitalist and Party Badly Injured When Machine Hits Electric Car, Victims are Thrown in Every Direction, Impact Demolishes Roadster and Wrecks Trolley Coat of Traction Company, Aged Man May Die from the Accident" James Presho, 1806 Tenth Avenue, Oakland, badly hurt, may die.  Miss Helen Presho, eyes cut by flying glass.  The article goes on to say "Oakland, Aug. 18 - A Sunday automobile spin terminated disastrously this afternoon for James Presho and four others of his party when the machine which he was driving crashed into a westbound Oakland Traction car at East Fourteenth and Chambers streets, Broadmoor.  the automobile struck the front of the streetcar on an angle as Presho was turning into East Fourteenth street head on from Chambers.  It was shattered and its occupants were thrown in all directions by the impact.  The Injured:  James Presho, 70 years of age, 1806 Tenth avenue; concussion of the brain, three bad scalp wounds, contused left leg and lacerated right leg.  Miss Helen Presho, his niece, 26 years old; left eye badly cut by flying glass. ... "

Death and Burial

Elizabeth died April 6, 1917. James died September 2, 1920. Their remains are in the family mausoleum in Mountain View Cemetery in plot 33.

CC SA-BY Our Oakland

Presho       (blank)                                      (blank)         Plot         "MCMXII"; Presho Family Mausoleum
Presho       Elizabeth    Emma                            4/6/1917        33       Aged 77y; S/W: Presho, Thomas H.; W/I: Presho Family Mausoleum
Presho       James                                        9/2/1920        33       Aged 81y; S/W: Presho, Elizabeth Emma; W/I: Presho Family Mausoleum
Presho       Nelle                                        6/24/1897       33       Aged 31y; S/W: Presho, James; W/I: Presho Family Mausoleum
Presho       Thomas       H.                              11/21/1947      33       Aged 94y; S/W: Presho, Nelle; W/I: Presho Family Mausoleum

Links and References

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