California Genealogy, Author at California Genealogy

Biography of Alonzo Emery Raynes of Yreka

Alonzo Emery Raynes, was a prominent figure in northern California history—a pioneer, merchant, and public servant. Born in 1830 in Maine, he journeyed to California during the gold rush, engaging in various ventures, including mining and establishing an express business. He faced numerous challenges, including encounters with Native Americans, and became influential in his community, serving as postmaster, county treasurer, and a school trustee. Raynes was known for his generosity and active involvement in the Republican Party. His fascinating life story captures the adventurous spirit of California’s early days.

Biography of D. F. Ragan, M. D. of San Francisco

Dr. D. F. Ragan, M. D., served as the health officer for San Francisco, overseeing vital public health measures such as preventing food adulteration and managing quarantines for contagious diseases. His efforts significantly improved the quality of milk available to residents and addressed unsanitary conditions in areas like Chinatown. Born in Placer County in 1861, Dr. Ragan has a background in medical training, having graduated from Cooper Medical College. He was also a pension examiner and had a thriving private practice. He married Mary E. Sweeney and had five children.

Biography of John Davidson Powell, D. D. S. of Sacramento

Dr. John Davidson Powell, D.D.S., stands out in Sacramento’s dental profession due to his exceptional skills, extensive training, and unwavering commitment to his work. Born in Healdsburg in 1862, he graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in 1890. After practicing in San Francisco and Calistoga, he established a successful dental practice in Sacramento in 1899. Known for his scientific knowledge and mechanical skill, Dr. Powell built a large clientele. He was also active in Republican politics and maintained a respected position in his community, alongside his family life with his wife, Mamie, and their son, Loring.

Biography of Charles N. Post of Sacramento

Charles N. Post, born in March 1853 in El Dorado County, California, was a distinguished assistant attorney general with a legal career that began in 1880. He served in various roles including city justice of the peace and first deputy attorney general. Post was active in several civic organizations and was noted for his merit-based ascent in law. His background includes roots in pioneering families, and he contributed to community and athletics, notably founding the Pacific Coast Field Trial Club.

Biography of Frank C. Pollard of Yreka

Frank C. Pollard, the under sheriff of Siskiyou County, was influential in Yreka’s business and governance for over fifteen years. Born on April 2, 1864, in Magalia, California, he is the son of pioneer J. D. Pollard. Pollard served in various roles, including deputy county clerk and city clerk, before becoming under sheriff in 1903. He was an active Republican and member of the Masons and Odd Fellows, married to Anna Fried, with one son, Bernard.

Biography of John Perry, Jr. of San Francisco

John Perry, Jr. was a distinguished figure in San Francisco’s brokerage industry. Born in 1815 in New Hampshire, he began his business career at sixteen, overcoming significant financial setbacks. Moving to California during the Gold Rush, he established a successful brokerage and was instrumental in transforming state and city scrip into valuable bonds. A philanthropist and community leader, Perry contributed to numerous charities, co-founded the Unitarian Church in San Francisco, and served on various civic boards. Despite repeated personal losses, he remained committed to helping others throughout his life.

Biography of Hon. George C. Perkins of San Francisco

Hon. George C. Perkins, a prominent U.S. senator from California, began his life in 1839 in Kennebunkport, Maine. After early struggles, he found success in various industries, notably with the firm Goodall, Perkins and Company, enhancing California’s transportation sector. A successful businessman and influential Republican politician, he served two terms in the California State Senate, was elected governor in 1879, and appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1893. Beyond politics, Perkins contributed to numerous charitable organizations and Masonic activities, and had a large family with his wife, Ruth.

Biography of James Carroll Owen of Suisun

James Carroll Owen arrived in California in 1849 as a pioneer, overcoming significant hardships typical of early settlers. Born in Illinois in 1831, he and his family settled in Suisun Valley, where they engaged in mining and established the first grocery store. Owen ventured into various businesses, including butchering and real estate, and played a crucial role in the community’s development, such as piping water to Suisun in 1858. He served as Napa’s city marshal and was married to Phoebe Ellen Rush, with whom he had four children.

Biography of Frank M. O’Connell of Yreka

Frank M. O’Connell, known as Dr. O’Connell in Yreka, was a dedicated druggist since age seventeen. He progressed from clerk to manager, and eventually owned his own drugstore, earning Yreka’s trust. Born in San Francisco in 1857 to Irish immigrants, O’Connell was active in local politics as a Democrat and served as president of the Yreka board of health. He was married twice, first to Carrie L. Hadsall, who passed away, and later to Georgie Oberlin, with whom he had a daughter named Berenice.

Biography of Marcellus A. Nurse of Yolo County

Marcellus A. Nurse, a prominent civil engineer and state surveyor of California, contributed to the state’s public works, especially in reclamation and irrigation. Born in Ohio in 1846, he followed in his father’s footsteps, who was also an engineer and pioneering Californian. Nurse’s work included improving the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers’ navigation and irrigation systems. He had extensive farming and mining interests and was married with seven children. Although a Democrat, he remained largely apolitical, focusing on his engineering duties that have garnered legislative support.