Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Borel, Antoine |
Notes |
Antoine Borel left behind a bank, an office building, a street and a shopping plaza. Who was he? He was from Neufchatel, Switzerland, the son of a wealthy merchant. His brother Alfred came to California, and Antoine followed him in 1861. Antoine married a local girl, Gracie Canitrot. Under pressure from his wife, Alfred returned to Europe, but Antoine stayed and made his home here. The brothers had started as commission merchants and then branched into banking. When Alfred returned to Switzerland, he left the business in the capable hands of Antoine. The company prospered and became known for its solid business activities. Borel was highly respected. He was appointed vice-consul for Switzerland for Northern California and Nevada when he was only 21 years old. In 1885, he was made consul general of Switzerland, a position he held until 1913. He has been described as being of medium height, and with a pleasant, but firm demeanor. He was exacting of his employees, but kind. He had an explosive temper, but did not hold grudges. He paid above average wages to his employees. Punctuality was one of his most important requirements. Borel served on the Boards of Directors of many of the large companies in San Francisco and was a member of the prestigious Pacific Union Club. Borel and his wife had five daughters and two sons. All conversation at meals was conducted in French to help preserve the culture Borel cherished. The family made frequent trips to Switzerland, where Antoine maintained a chateau. He loved horses and the out of doors. Hunting and fishing were among his hobbies. All the children rode horseback. Borel wanted a summer home for his growing family. As with many wealthy San Franciscans, he looked toward San Mateo County. He bought property from the heirs of F. L. A. Pioche in San Mateo. He had it luxuriously landscaped with gardens and paths. He built the Geneva Chapel on his estate for religious observances. The land was located in the heart of modern San Mateo. The Borel Private Bank and Trust Company today occupies offices on the old grounds. The Chapel served as the home of the Hillbarn Theater for many years until it was torn down to make way for a freeway. Antoine Borel retired in 1913 and left on a pleasure trip to Switzerland. World War I broke out while he was there, and his cars and even his horses were commandeered for the war. In March of 1915, he died after having an operation for cancer. He left an estate valued at $3 million. His wife lived on at San Mateo until 1923. Three of the Borel girls married. Alice married Aylett Cotton, who became a Judge. Sophie married John M. Lewis. Years later she also married Aylett Cotton after her husband and her sister had both died. Grace married Louis Bovet. Guadeloupe remained unmarried, as did Chonita, who had been made an invalid after an auto accident. One son, Alfred, died at the age of four, but the other, Antoine A. Borel, married Mardie McMahon. Guadeloupe Borel began a tradition of giving a Christmas party for the children of San Mateo during the last two weeks of December. This was a custom she continued from the Christmases the family had celebrated in Switzerland during her childhood. (Joan Levy/2004) See detailed history of The Antoine Borel Family, by Ronald G. F [La PENINSULA, Spring, 1980] Two of the senior Borel's daughters, Chonita and Guadalupe, never married. Sophie married John Lewis, Alica Borel marred Aylett Cotton, a judge of the Superior Court in SanMateo County, Grace married Louis Bovet of Switzerland, but the couple resided in San Mateo. After the deaths of John Lewis and Alice Borel Cotton, Sophie Lewis married Aylett Cotton. Surviving grandchildren living in San Mateo County are; Aylett Cotton, Gilbert Bovet and Grace Bovet Fick. [La PENINSULA, Spring, 1980] |
Birthplace |
Neufchatel, Switzerland |
Deceased |
March 26, 1915 |
Occupation |
Merchant, Banker |
Titles & honors |
Consul General of Switzerland |
Places of residence |
Switzerland San Francisco San Mateo |
Spouse |
Grace Canitrot (d. 1-20-23) |
Children |
Alice (m. Aylett Cotton) Sophie ( m. John Lewis) (m. Aylett Cotton) Grace (m. Louis Bovet) Guadelupe Chonita Alfred Antoine Jr. |
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