California Genealogy, Author at California Genealogy

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.

Biography of Charles James Luttrell

Charles James Luttrell, born on January 18, 1875, in Fort Jones, Siskiyou County, served as district attorney of Siskiyou County. He actively participated in the professional, public, and political affairs of his community, focusing on the county’s agricultural and mineral resources. Luttrell, the son of Lloyd Benjamin Luttrell and Lizzie Jordan, was educated locally and taught school before studying law at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1901. Elected district attorney in 1902, he was known for his successful prosecutions. He was involved in several fraternal organizations, including the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Masons.

Biography of Olaf A. Lovdal of Sacramento

Olaf A. Lovdal, born in 1856 in St. Joseph, Missouri, was the president of Lovdal Brothers Company, the world’s largest hop-growing firm with extensive hop farms and drying facilities in Sacramento and New York City. The company owned over 3,000 acres of rich alluvial land in Yolo County, California, and operated one of the largest Bartlett pear orchards globally. Lovdal, a pioneer in land reclamation, innovatively enhanced the productivity of the Sacramento River Valley’s lands. The firm, which included several family members, was renowned for its integrity and public-spiritedness in the agricultural industry.

Biography of Hallock Hart Look, M. D.

Dr. Hallock Hart Look, a distinguished oculist, aurist, and general practitioner, was born on August 9, 1862, in Hocking County, Ohio. Of English Puritan lineage, his family settled in Massachusetts during early American colonization. His grandfather served in the War of 1812. Dr. Look’s medical education includes Kansas City Medical College and Columbia College’s medical department. Practicing in Chicago and later Sacramento, he served as a surgeon with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and held official health positions in California. He was also involved in local politics, fraternal organizations, and the California National Guard.

Biography of Arthur L. Levinsky of Stockton

Arthur L. Levinsky, born July 9, 1856, in Jackson, Amador County, California, became a leading lawyer in San Joaquin County through remarkable self-achievement. Despite early financial struggles and personal challenges, he pursued a legal career, gaining admission to the bar on August 3, 1885. He initially partnered with Louttit, Woods, and Levinsky, and later with S. D. Woods. Levinsky represented prominent corporate and financial interests, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, and the Stockton Savings Bank. A dedicated Republican, he served as Stockton’s first city attorney under the new charter. Levinsky was active in various fraternal and social organizations, including the Masons and the Union League.

Biography of Thomas B. W. Leland, M. D. of San Francisco

Dr. Thomas B. W. Leland, born September 19, 1870, in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, California, was a prominent young physician in San Francisco. Son of Gustavus A. Leland, a Massachusetts native and early California settler, Dr. Leland pursued his education at the state normal school in San Jose and later the medical department of the University of California, graduating in 1894. He gained practical experience at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Railroad Hospital in Oakland. Dr. Leland began his private practice in 1896 and held various teaching and medical positions, including professor of internal medicine and San Francisco’s coroner. Married to Florence McMahon in 1897, they had two children. Dr. Leland was active in several fraternal organizations and served as chief surgeon for California’s Naval Militia. His career was marked by a commitment to medical advancement and community service.

Biography of Judge Samuel Franklin Leib of San Jose

Judge Samuel F. Leib, born January 18, 1848, in Fairfield County, Ohio, achieved distinction in California’s legal field, serving as a superior court judge since his appointment in March 1903. Raised on a farm, Leib attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a law degree in 1869. A Civil War veteran, he moved to San Jose, California, where he established a successful law practice. Known for his involvement in significant cases, such as the irrigation bonds issue, Leib’s legal acumen earned him commendation. Married to Lida C. Grissim in 1874, he had five children. Active in the G.A.R. and a dedicated Republican, Leib contributed significantly to public and civic affairs, including serving on the Stanford University board of trustees.

Biography of William H. Leeman of Sacramento

William H. Leeman, born June 24, 1857, in Dubuque, Iowa, was a prominent Sacramento businessman known for his work in the hop industry. After becoming an orphan at a young age, he moved to Sacramento and began working on a hop ranch at seventeen. By twenty-two, he started his own hop-raising business, eventually expanding to two hundred acres of hops and four hundred acres of alfalfa and vegetables in Yolo County. Leeman co-founded the firm W. H. Leeman and Company, engaging in buying and selling hops. A dedicated public servant, he served as trustee of reclamation district No. 537 for thirteen years, contributing significantly to local agricultural development. A Republican and active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he married Kate Farley in 1884, and they had three children: W. W., Gertrude, and Muretta.

Biography of Robert James Laws

Robert James Laws, born in 1847 in Albany County, New York, and died October 20, 1904, was a superintendent of the Sacramento division of the Southern Pacific Railroad. His ancestors settled in Virginia in the early 17th century and were active in the Revolutionary War. Laws began his education in New York and worked for the American Telegraph Company and W. & L. E. Gurley before moving to California in 1868. He joined the Central Pacific Railroad and later supervised the construction of the Carson & Colorado Railroad. Married to Anna Louise Church in 1874, he had four children. Laws was a dedicated railroad professional, respected Mason, and committed Republican.

Biography of Joseph B. Lauck of San Francisco

Joseph B. Lauck, born November 27, 1846, in York, Pennsylvania, served as adjutant general of California under Governor Pardee. After a distinguished Civil War service from 1861 to 1865, Lauck worked for Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, rising from laborer to conductor. In 1904, he became adjutant general. Lauck was a dedicated Republican and active in the National Guard of California, holding various leadership roles. Married to Carrie H. Stowell in 1878, he had one daughter, Veda B. Lauck was also a Mason, member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and the Grand Army of the Republic.