Asa White was known for being a lumberman in Oakland, one of the owners of White Brothers Mill which is still in business today.
Asa, Jacob and Peter, were natives of New Brunswick, Canada who came to San Francisco and established White Brothers, dealers in carriage and wagon stock, in 1872. By 1882 the business was expanded to include trade in hardwood lumber. They moved the business to Oakland in 1948.
Asa White's home was at 604 East 17th Street, on the northeast corner of 6th Avenue.