Isidore B. Dockweiler

Isidore Bernard Dockweiler (December 28, 1867 - February 06, 1947), aged 79. Prominent California lawyer and politician from a pioneering Los Angeles family.

Born in Los Angeles to Heinrich Dockweiler (Henry Dockweiler) and Margaretha Sugg, when the small pueblo's population was less than 4,500. Affectionately called "Pequeno Ysidro" by Bishop Francisco Mora y Borrell, then the prelate of St. Vibiana's Cathedral in Los Angeles, who personally baptised him. Dockweiler would serve in his youth as Mora's "train bearer". Admitted to the practice of law October 14, 1889, practicing for 58 years. Married to Gertrude Reeve. He and his wife had 13 children, 11 of which grew to adulthood (2 died in infancy).

Dockweiler was the Democratic Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California in 1902, along with Franklin K. Lane as Governor of California. Governor-Elect Lane and Lt. Governor-Elect Dockweiler won the electorate's plurality by 25,000 votes, but lost on a minor legal technicality decided by the California Supreme Court - - a controversial event at the time voiding the people's will. Republican George Cooper Pardee became Governor of California as a result.

Dockweiler helped secure California's vote for Woodrow Wilson, who would become President of the United States. Dockweiler was held in high esteem and confidence by Wilson. Lane served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. When Lane resigned in 1920 Dockweiler was offered the position. Dockweiler declined due to family responsibilities of 11 children. Instead he was appointed by Wilson to the United States Board of Indian Commissioners (1913-1920).

He had numerous positions throughout his life, both local and national. He served as President of the Los Angeles City Library Commission. He was the Director of the Los Angeles Public Library (1897-1899) and as ex-President of same (1901-1911).

Dockweiler was defeated in the August 31, 1926 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate nomination for California, losing to John B. Elliott. Elliott was the contestant sponsored by the then former U.S. Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo.

Dockweiler served thrice as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions of 1908 (Denver), 1936 (Philadelphia), and 1940 (Chicago). He served as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) (1916-1932). Will Rogers once characterized Dockweiler as "the Democratic Party of California".

Dockweiler was instrumental in having a statue of Fr. Junipero Serra, mission builder of California, placed in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. in 1932. He was also instrumental in getting passed a bill in the California Legislature making it a law to fly the California Bear Flag along with the U.S. Flag in or on public buildings. This would eventually be followed by other states.

Dockweiler served on the Board of Directors of Security First National Bank (1922-1947).

Two streets, Dockweiler Street and Dockweiler Place, are named after Isidore in Los Angeles. Isidore became aware of an effort to name a transportation arterial after him. Being humble, he did not like the idea. That street was eventually named Doheny (Edward Laurence Doheny), now part of Beverly Hills, California.

By an act of the U.S. Congress, Dockweiler Station Post Office, is named in his honor in Los Angeles.

On January 26, 1955, the California State Parks Commission upon request of California Governor Goodwin Knight renamed a portion of the then Venice-Hyperion Beach State Park in Playa del Rey to the Isidore B. Dockweiler Beach State Park, commonly known as Dockweiler Beach, to honor him and the contributions to the public by the Dockweiler Family. Dockweiler served as a member of that same commission from his appointment by California Governor Earl Warren on March 22, 1943 until his death.

Dockweiler, a Catholic, was awarded Pontifical Knighthood by Pope Pius XI in the spring of 1924 as a Knight of St. Gregory (KSG) for meritorious service to the public, humanity, and the Catholic Church. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. One of his sons, Thomas A. J. Dockweiler, would also receive knighthood later as a Knight Commander of Saint Gregory (KCSG).

He was also the father to Congressman John Francis Dockweiler.

He was interred in Calvary Cemetery (New Calvary Catholic Cemetery) in East Los Angeles.

References

• The Varied Worlds of Isidore B. Dockweiler, by Ellen A. Schneider Kay, Dr. John Baur Studies In California, University of Southern California (USC), June 1970.
• Dockweiler - An Adventure Becomes a Saga: From Bavaria to California (1750-2000), by Angus C. Cooper, O.F.M., 1993.
• "Isidore Dockweiler Made History" by Fr. Francis J. Weber [now Monsignor], The Tidings, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, August 12, 1966.
• The Daily News, Denver Colorado, July 03, 1908.
• Los Angeles Times, February 07, 1947.
• Metropolitan News-Enterprise (Los Angeles), Thursday, July 24, 2008.
• Metropolitan News-Enterprise (Los Angeles), Thursday, July 17, 2008.