California Genealogy, Author at California Genealogy

Biography of John K. Alexander of Salinas

Judge John K. Alexander, born in 1839 in Mississippi and later brought to California, exemplified the ideal jurist, valuing impartiality, integrity, and a serious commitment to law. After studying law, he began his practice in 1862 and formed significant partnerships, including with his mentor, Geo. R. Moore. Elected District Attorney, he later became Superior Judge in 1879 at the request of a diverse group of citizens. Renowned for few reversals of his judgments, his legal writings were praised for clarity. Married in 1865, he had two sons and stayed engaged in community and Masonic activities, receiving an LL.D. in 1888.

Biography of Nicholas N. Alaga of Watsonville

History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

An extensive shipper of apples, who is also his own grower and packer, is Nicholas N. Alaga, of 114 Maple avenue, Watsonville. Like many others in this locality, he was born in Dalmatia, February 18, 1874, his parents being Nicholas and Mary Lettunich. The mother is still living but the father, who was a hardworking farmer, is now dead. Nicholas N. Alaga had rather a hard time acquiring his education after he had gone through the lower grades of the home schools, but has gained a good knowledge of affairs since coming to the United States at the age of … Read more

Biography of Francis A. Abbott of Salinas

Prominent among the public officials in Monterey county, is Francis A. Abbott, city treasurer and tax collector of Salinas. He is influential in commercial and financial circles, and may be credited with contributing effectively in a sound and permanent way toward the rapid and steady development of this promising section of the great Golden state. A native son always proud of his association with the California commonwealth, Frank Abbott was born at Point Reyes, Marin county, March 16, 1862, the son of Carlisle S. and Alice Elizabeth (Merriman) Abbott, both natives of Ontario, and now deceased. Twice the father made … Read more

Biography of Frank Mattison of Santa Cruz

Frank Mattison, born near Santa Cruz, California, on February 5, 1860, served as a member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district of California. He was the son of John S. Mattison, an English-born original California forty-niner, and Lila Miles, of Pennsylvania. Frank’s career began in agriculture and expanded to the grocery business before entering public service. Elected county assessor in 1890, he served three terms. In 1902, he was elected to the state board of equalization. Active in the Republican party, Mattison also held roles in various fraternal organizations. He married Carrie A. Peck in 1883, and they had two daughters, Lila E. and Ruth.

Biography of James T. Martin, M. D. of Sacramento

Dr. James T. Martin, born on November 26, 1850, in Yamhill County, Oregon, achieved considerable success as a physician in Sacramento. His early years were marked by significant hardships, including working in harvest fields and on fishing boats to fund his education at Pacific University and later the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a medical degree in 1883. Initially teaching in Washington state, he transitioned to medicine, serving at the Skokomish Indian Reservation before establishing a successful practice in Woodland, California, and later in Sacramento. Married to Mary M. Huntington, Dr. Martin was known for his contributions to medical journals and his involvement in various business enterprises and fraternal organizations.

Biography of James Marsh of Stockton

The history of the Marsh family in California dates back to 1835 when Dr. John Marsh, one of the first American pioneers in the region, settled in Contra Costa County. A leading physician and surgeon, Dr. Marsh was influential in the early development of California, also engaging in cattle ranching and writing about the state’s potential. His nephew, James Marsh, born on October 26, 1827, in Peabody, Massachusetts, arrived in California in 1851. Initially managing his uncle’s ranch, James later engaged in various businesses and settled in San Joaquin County in 1858. He was married to Mary A. Ranney and had an adopted daughter, Orpha A. James Marsh, a Republican and active community member, contributed significantly to the local development until his death in 1898.

Biography of John Manuel of Stockton

John Manuel, born on October 11, 1840, in England, passed away on November 19, 1898, in Stockton, California. Emigrating to America in his youth, Manuel initially worked as a gold miner in Calaveras County before establishing a successful lumber business in Murphys. He also engaged in extensive ranching in Calaveras and San Joaquin counties, with his estate, known as the Manuel Estate, encompassing a highly productive 1,500-acre ranch on Roberts Island. Manuel moved to Stockton in 1895, where he lived until his death. He was a respected businessman and a member of the Masonry and Odd Fellowship orders. He married twice, first to Mary Williams, with whom he had twelve children, and later to Mary Malspina.

Biography of Joseph G. Mansfield of San Francisco

Joseph G. Mansfield, born on August 18, 1866, in Leavenworth, Kansas, was the city editor of the San Francisco Call and a notable journalist on the Pacific coast. Moving to San Francisco at age eight, he pursued an education in local schools before training as a printer at the Bulletin. Mansfield’s career in journalism began as a reporter, eventually leading him to cover significant events like the Choynski-Corbett prizefight and the Durrant murder case. He served on various publications, including the San Francisco Post, Sacramento Record-Union, and San Francisco Chronicle, before becoming city editor of the Call in 1897. Mansfield, married to Mamie Gallagher, was known for his integrity and dedication to his profession.

Biography of Daniel Maclean, M. D.

Dr. Maclean, a prominent medical professional, was born on January 7, 1843, in Prince Edward Island. His father, Duncan Maclean, emigrated from Scotland in 1806. Educated in Charlottetown, Dr. Maclean initially taught before pursuing medicine at Rush Medical College and Bennett Medical College in Chicago, graduating in 1874. He practiced in Douglas, Michigan, before relocating to San Francisco in 1879. Dr. Maclean served as president and dean of California Medical College and held various leadership roles in medical societies. He married Jane Gray in 1870, and they had three children. Dr. Maclean was esteemed for his contributions to medicine and education.

Biography of Frederick William Mahl of Sacramento

Frederick William Mahl, born on July 21, 1866, in Louisville, Kentucky, served as a mechanical engineer for the Southern Pacific Company from February 15, 1895, with headquarters in Sacramento. His father, William Mahl, originally from Karlsruhe, Germany, was a prominent railroad comptroller based in New York. Frederick Mahl received his education in Louisville and Hoboken, New Jersey, later completing his studies at Cornell University in 1889. He held positions at the Schenectady Locomotive Works before joining the Southern Pacific Company. Mahl married Virginia Elizabeth Stoddard in 1888, and they had three children. He was an active member of the Masonic fraternity and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.