FREITAS, CRANE, WRIGHT, ROSE

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Tuesday, August 08, 2006 at 12:12:37 :

The Independent
San Rafael, California
September 12, 1923
Page 1

Banker M. T. Freitas Dies At Santa Cruz
Industry, Efficiency And Application To Business Was Foundation For His Success

Banker M. T. Freitas expired at Santa Cruz at 1:45 o’clock this morning, where he went some days ago to escape the hot weather. On Thursday he suffered another stroke of paralysis and William Murray, cashier of the Bank of San Rafael, of which Mr. Freitas was president, and who acted as his confidential advisor, was summoned to his bedside. Mr. Murray found his condition serious and summoned the members of t he family, who were with him when he expired.

But few men in the business world in California have made the wonderful strides in business affairs. Beginning at the foot of the ladder in a small restaurant, he branched out in the commission business and in a short space of time became a factor in t he financial affairs of the state. Over thirty-five years ago he established the Sherry-Freitas Commission Company. Later he organized the Portuguese-American Bank and was elected president. He was appointed Cunsul for Portugal. He organized and became president of the Dairymen’s Bureau of California.

Mr. Freitas settled in San Rafael about thirty-five years ago and organized the Marin county Bank with S. H. Cheda. For years he served as vice president. Later he organized the Bank of San Rafael with Matt Pedrotti and was elected president, which position he occupied up to the time of his death.

Mr. Freitas also organized the I. D. E. S. for his countrymen.

During his business career he always had in view the future of California and continually added to his property holdings. Industry, efficiency and strict application to business was the foundation for the wonderful success of Banker M. T. Freitas. He was one of the most prominent among the leaders of his people and never hesitated with his check when the demand came for charity or the public good. He came to this country a green country boy and departs t his life leaving an estate valued at a million dollars. He was a clean, conservative business man. Honesty and uprightness guided him in all business affairs.

The deceased was the idolized father of Manuel, Edward, Carlos, Louis and Walter Freitas, Mrs. William Crane, Mrs. Helen Wright and Mrs. Rose Rose.

The funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday morning, where a requiem high mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul. The deceased was a native of the Azores Islands, aged 72 years.