Charles W. Carruth - Oakland

1910 ¹

Charles Walter (“C.W.”) Carruth (May 10, 1855 – June 23, 1923) was in the printing business as part of Carruth and Carruth, and also wrote some poetry and verse.

Carruth was born in Watertown, New York in 1855 to James Harrison Carruth and Jane Grant (Carruth), but grew up in Kansas.

By 1879, he had moved to Oakland where he worked for Pacific Press. There he met Lillie Abbey (Carruth), who also worked for Pacific Press. They married June 19, 1879, and had 3 children: Irma Lillian Carruth (1882 – 1966), William W. Carruth (1884 – 1954), and Ethel Rose Carruth (1886 – 1892).

The 1884-1885 directory lists them at 1914 - 13th Avenue.

1914 - 13th Avenue. Undated Frank Rodolph photo1903 Sanborn excerpt

Charles and his cousin, George Russell Carruth, started Carruth and Carruth in 1888; it appears in the 1889-1890 directory. The business was at 520 - 15th Street.

Carruth and Carruth printed a variety of different books and other publications, including a catalog for the Yokohama Nursery, and the 1899 Oakland High School yearbook.

1894-1895188919021910

In 1899, Charles Carruth became the sole owner of the printing business. In 1902, Daniel P. Adamson became a partner, though they kept the Carruth and Carruth name for a while. ² The company incorporated in 1907.

1913 directory ad

William Carruth was a musician, playing organ at Plymouth Congregational Church and was on the faculty at Mills College. Together, he and Charles wrote the song "Well-Beloved California" in 1913; William wrote the music and Charles wrote the words. ³

Carruth was active in the California Writers Club. In 1922, he wrote and dedicated a poem to California's poet laureate, Ina Coolbrith. ⁴

Death and Burial

C.W. Carruth was in an automobile accident on New Year's Eve, December 31st, 1922. Six months later, he died on June 23, 1923. ² His remains are buried in Plot 34 in Mountain View Cemetery. Lillie, Irma, William, and Ethel Rose are all buried there as well.