The present large and well equipped plant and prosperous business of the Empire Foundry Company of Oakland stands in evidence of the tenacity of purpose, the indomitable persistence and the sound business judgment of its founder and president, William B. Straub, who established the concern in 1903.  From a modest beginning, and in spite of many obstacles, the business has steadily grown and developed into one of the important industrial estalishments of Oakland and Mr. Straub is numbered among the community's leading and highly respected business men. He was born in Waldo, Marion county, Ohio, November 9, 1873, and is a son of George W. and Sarah (Corbin) Straub.  The mother having passed away a number of years ago, and the father, who had followed the business of contracting and bridge building, died November 5, 1927, at the age of eighty-one years.

William B. Straub secured his educational training in the public schools and a business college and also attended night schools for several years.  In his boyhood he was apprenticed to the moulder's trade, of which he acquired an intimate knowledge, and, after working at his trade in Marion and Columbus, Ohio, for several years, went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he engaged in the foundry business.  He was not satisfied with conditions there, however, and after a few years he closed out his business, with the intention of seeking his fortune in the Klondike gold fields.  On his way there, he decided to first look over the western country, including British Columbia and Washington and, after a couple months in Honolulu, came to California and was so favorably impressed with this latter state that he decided to locate here.  He was variously employed for a few years and in 1903 established a small foundry.  For the first few years, owing to the depressed business situation and the keenness of competition, he found it hard to hold his own, but, owing to the high quality of his products, his persistent industry and square dealing, he managed to tide over the hard times and eventually prosperity began to crown his efforts, so that by 1905 increasing business prompted him to incorporate the present company.  At that time the foundry was located 

Mr. Straub was united in marriage to Miss Laura Fisher, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Fisher, the former a large land owner and a son of Captain Fisher who bought one of the old Spanish land grants in Santa Clara county, this state.  Mr. and Mrs. Straub have a daughter, Gertrude. 

Politically Mr. Straub is a republican and fraternally a member of the Knights of Pythias.  He also belongs to the Round Table, the Chamber of Commerce, the California Manufacturers Association and the Foundries Association.  His has been a life of activity and diligence, characterized by honesty and integrity in all of his affairs, and success in substantial measure has rewarded his labors.  He has given his aid and cooperation for the advancement and progress of his community and has ever stood for those forces which advance of the public welfare.  He has therefore gained a high place in public esteem and is well worthy of the confidence which is reposed in him by his fellowmen (sic).