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Levans Newsom (“L.N.”) Cobbledick (February 15, 1867 — February 18, 1914) was elected to City Council in 1909. He started the Cobbledick Glass Company in 1891.
L.N. Cobbledick was born on February 15, 1867 in Oakland. His father, James Cobbledick, was an early Oakland pioneer, coming to California in 1850. His mother, Isabella Newsom (Cobbledick), was related to the Newsom Brothers; Levans was named for her father. L.N. was one of 11 kids: five boys and six girls. Cobbledick attended Franklin Elementary School and Oakland High School.
He lived at 1129 - 4th Avenue. He was married to Florence White (Cobbledick), daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth White. Wilson White was the owner of the California Jute Mills. They had two sons, Lloyd N. Cobbledick and Wilson Cobbledick. He was a member of the Civil Service Commission and served in the National Guard for fifteen years. He went to the First Congregational Church.
Cobbledick was a Mason, a member of the Native Sons, Woodmen of the World and of the Commercial Club. He was also a member of the Clinton Improvement Club. 2,3
Cobbledick also raised fancy chickens. He especially liked Barred Rock chickens. He once gave a lecture called "Raising and Conditioning Fowls." 6
Politics
1914 article 1
According to a contemporary source, Cobbledick ran for City Council at the urging of Mayor Frank K. Mott (perhaps because he was also a strong supporter of Mott). He was the councilmember behind the anti-slot machine ordinance and was influential having Hopkins Blvd (the future MacArthur Blvd) in "from Lake Merritt to the Foothill Boulevard, connecting with Mills College." 2
Another source said he worked hard to have the "marsh between Eighth street and Lake Merritt filled in. He also labored just as earnestly for the abolishment of the old wooden bridge (which?) on Eighth Street and the reopening of that street as a thoroughfare... He was one of the prime movers in forwarding the plan of building the immense auditorium (which?) on that newly built site to fill the long-felt want of Oakland for such a building." 3
Cobbledick also proposed an ordinance (based a contemporary law in San Francisco) that would ban "vicious" movies in Oakland. The ordinance proposed a five-member board of censors that would decide what films that could be shown. Prize-fights, hold-ups and people getting beaten up would all be barred. Mayor Mott supported it. 5 In 1909, members of the Church Temperance League accused Cobbledick of giving someone a liquor license in return for a political debt. Cobbledick called it "lies, lies, deliberate lies." 4
In a slightly more progressive, proto-Nader move, Cobbledick also advocated for better fenders on street cars.
When the Southern Pacific lease expired, he argued against renewing the lease. (Possibly because of his opposition) a deal was struck so the lease was made for 35 years with Southern Pacific paying a higher rental fee and being responsible for paving, street maintenance and lighting on 7th Street. 3
He served on the civil service commission. In 1913, he was reappointed to the position by mayor Frank Mott.
Death and Burial
Cobbledick died at home on February 19, 1914, from complications from an operation 3 months prior His funeral was held at the Scottish Rite Hall. He is buried in plot 33 of Mountain View Cemetery, along with other family members. Lloyd and his family are buried in plot 71. 7
Links and References
- L.N. Cobbledick Dies Oakland Tribune Februray 18, 1914
- Greater Oakland 1911 by Evarts Blake Pacific Publishing Co. 1911
- Past and Present of Alameda County by Joseph Eugene Baker S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1914
- Charges "Lies," Says Cobbledick San Francisco Chronicle April 27, 1910
- Proposes Law to Regulate Pictures San Francisco Chronicle July 10, 1910
- Cobbledick to Lecture Before Poultry Club Oakland Tribune July 25, 1911
- Levans Newsom “L. N.” Cobbledick on FindAGrave.com
