California Genealogy, Author at California Genealogy

Biography of Julius Kahn of San Francisco

Julius Kahn, born on February 28, 1861, in Germany, was a notable figure in San Francisco, excelling in law, politics, and public service. He immigrated to America at age five with his mother, Jeanette, to join his father, Herman, in California. Educated in public schools, Kahn initially pursued a theatrical career, performing with famous actors before studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1894. Kahn served in the California State Assembly and later in Congress from 1898 to 1902. He married Florence Prag in 1899, and they had a son, Julius, born in 1902. Active in various social and fraternal organizations, Kahn was a respected and influential community member.

Biography of Albert Hutchinson Jarman of San Jose

Albert Hutchinson Jarman, born April 27, 1875, in San Jose, California, was a prominent lawyer known for his significant contributions to the local legal community. The son of John Plasket Jarman, an English immigrant and successful businessman, and Jane Hutchinson Jarman, Albert pursued his education at Stanford University and the University of Michigan, where he earned a Doctor of Laws degree in 1896. He served as deputy district attorney from 1898 to 1902 and married Eleanor North in 1900. Jarman was also active in local politics and the Masonic fraternity.

Biography of Behrend Joost of San Francisco

Behrend Joost, born in Amt Lehe, Hanover, Germany, became a prominent business figure in San Francisco, significantly contributing to the city’s economic development. Emigrating to the U.S. at fifteen, he joined his brother in San Francisco in 1857 and initially worked as a salesman. By 1859, he opened a grocery store, later transitioning to a successful hardware business with his brother Fabian in 1887. Joost was instrumental in founding the first home loan and building association in California and the San Francisco & San Mateo Electric Railway system. He married Anna Miller in 1874, and they had five surviving children.

Biography of Alfred J. Johnston of Sacramento

Alfred J. Johnston, born in Nevada County in 1857, was a prominent businessman in Sacramento. He headed the A. J. Johnston Company, the largest stationery and printing firm in the city, and managed a successful cannery on his foothill ranch in Eldorado County. His parents, David and Nancy S. (Glass) Johnston, were Pennsylvania natives who moved to California in 1852. Alfred pursued a career in printing and served as the state printing office superintendent for twelve years. He married Luella Buckminster in 1884, and they had five children. Johnston was active in Masonic, Elks, and Native Sons of the Golden West fraternities.

Biography of James William Jesse, M. D. of Santa Rosa

James William Jesse, M.D., born in Mexico, Missouri, in 1857, was a leading physician and surgeon in Santa Rosa, California. Educated at Columbia College in Missouri and the College of the City of New York, he earned his M.D. and began practicing in Santa Rosa in 1890. Dr. Jesse served as mayor, city health officer, and county physician, and was a surgeon for major railroads and the Red Cross Sanitarium. He was president of the Santa Rosa Medical Society and active in Masonic and Elk fraternities. Dr. Jesse married Mary E. Higgins, and their daughter, Marie, studied at Mills College.

Biography of Grove Lawrence Johnson of Sacramento

Hon. Grove Lawrence Johnson, born March 27, 1841, in Syracuse, New York, was a distinguished lawyer and Republican leader in California. Educated in public schools and admitted to the bar at twenty-one, he moved to California in 1863. Johnson served as a state legislator, state senator, and congressman. Known for his legal acumen, he played a key role in major litigations and legislative reforms. He was also active in various fraternal organizations. Johnson married Annie Williamson de Montfredy in 1861, and they had five children. His career was marked by dedication to both his profession and public service.

Biography of Joseph William James, M. D. of Sacramento

Dr. Joseph William James, a physician in Sacramento, was born on January 1, 1876, in Cornwall, England. His father, Thomas James, a former miner, moved the family to America in 1880, eventually settling in Sacramento. Dr. James received his medical degree from Cooper Medical College in 1900. He initially worked at the Sacramento County Hospital and the Southern Pacific Railroad Hospital before starting his private practice. Dr. James is a medical examiner for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company and Union Lodge, A. O. U. W., and actively participates in the American Medical Association and the Sacramento Society for Medical Improvement.

Biography of William Irelan, Jr.

William Irelan, Jr., born on August 7, 1842, in Wilmington, Delaware, is a notable mining and consulting engineer. Son of William Irelan, a sea captain and inventor, and Elizabeth Hancock Clark, Irelan pursued extensive education in Delaware, London, and Leipzig. Moving to California in 1870, he contributed significantly to the state’s mining industry and served as state mineralogist and engineer. Irelan managed the California mining exhibit at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. He married Linna Vogel in 1870 in Germany, and they have one son, Oscar. Linna is an esteemed artist and pioneer in California art pottery.

Biography of Ferdinand Hurst of Redding

Ferdinand Hurst, born on February 18, 1862, in Renchen, Baden, Germany, is a prominent mining entrepreneur in Redding, Shasta County, California. Arriving in America at seventeen, he moved to Redding in 1880. After years of perseverance, he achieved success with the development of several mining properties, including the Midas mine. Retiring in 1897, Hurst manages his properties, including the Golden Eagle Hotel. Elected as a trustee of Redding in 1902, he is active in public affairs and affiliated with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Hurst married Marie Fent in 1898, with whom he has visited Germany twice.

Biography of Benjamin F. Howard of Sacramento County

Benjamin F. Howard, born in Sacramento on October 11, 1851, is serving his fourth term as county superintendent of schools in Sacramento County. Son of Marcus Jay and Jane Howard, early settlers from Vermont and Northern Ireland, Howard has significantly advanced local education. He began teaching at eighteen and was principal of Washington School in Yolo County for seven years. Elected superintendent in 1886, his tenure has seen marked improvements in school standards and enrollment. In 1881, he married Sarah Morton, a notable music teacher. Howard is active in the Native Sons of the Golden West and is a dedicated Republican.