California Genealogy, Author at California Genealogy

Biography of Earnest Martin Hoen

Ernest Martin Hoen, an accomplished architect, was born in Santa Rosa, California, in 1872. He is the son of Berthold (“Barney”) Hoen, a German immigrant and city founder of Santa Rosa, and Marie Andersen Gade Hoen, a Danish immigrant from a distinguished family. Ernest graduated from Washington University’s Manual Training School in St. Louis in 1889 and established a successful architectural career in San Francisco and Sacramento. In 1899, he married Edna Lewis of Sacramento, and they have a son, Martin Lewis Hoen. Ernest is active in the Masons and the Elks, and is a dedicated Republican.

Biography of Lester J. Hinsdale of Sacramento

Lester J. Hinsdale, an attorney and counselor at law of Sacramento, was born in Clarksburg, Yolo County, California, on the 18th of October, 1870. His father, Seymour S. Hinsdale, is a native of Vermont and a representative of an old Connecticut family that was founded in America by ancestors who came from England in the early part of the seventeenth century. Representatives of the name fought in the Indian wars during the colonial period and also in the war for independence. Through many generations the family was represented in New England, and Seymour S. Hinsdale continued to make his home … Read more

Biography of Edward P. Hilborn of Suisun

Edward P. Hilborn, born on February 10, 1871, in Suisun, Solano County, California, is the deputy state surveyor general of California and a distinguished civil engineer. After graduating with a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of California in 1891, he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, contributing to significant projects. Appointed chief deputy state surveyor general in 1903, Hilborn has a strong background in politics, serving on various Republican committees. He is active in several fraternal organizations, including the Knights Templar Masons, Shriners, and Elks.

Biography of John M. Higgins of Sacramento

John M. Higgins, born on September 3, 1863, in New Jersey, is the foreman of the bindery department at the state printing office and a member of California’s General Assembly. He was educated in San Francisco, where he completed high school at seventeen. Higgins apprenticed under bookbinder A. Buswell, later buying and running the business until 1889. Moving to Sacramento, he joined the state printing office, becoming foreman in 1903. An active Republican, he has served in the thirty-fifth General Assembly and is involved in the Bookbinders’ Union, Elks, and Eagles.

Biography of Orrin S. Henderson of Stockton

Orrin S. Henderson, born on June 2, 1863, in San Andreas, Calaveras County, California, was a prominent figure in Stockton’s business, political, and social spheres. The son of Milton P. and Hannah L. Henderson, he joined his father’s carriage manufacturing business in Stockton after graduating from high school in 1881. A committed Republican, Henderson served two terms on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and was elected Railroad Commissioner of California’s Third District in 1902. He held numerous leadership roles in fraternal organizations and married Lavern Viets in 1885, with whom he had two sons.

Biography of Charles J. Heggerty of San Francisco

Charles J. Heggerty, a distinguished lawyer from San Francisco, was born on December 27, 1860, in Smartsville, Yuba County, California. His parents, Morris Heggerty and Mary O’Donnell, were Irish immigrants who settled in Yuba County in the mid-19th century. After being orphaned at 14, Charles pursued education at St. Mary’s College in San Francisco, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1880. He studied law with prominent attorneys and was admitted to the California bar in 1889. Heggerty gained prominence through significant cases, including those involving hydraulic mining rights and the extensive Fair estate litigation. He married Annie M. Cashin in 1890.

Biography of Captain Zephaniah J. Hatch of San Francisco

Captain Zephaniah J. Hatch, a notable figure in steamboat building and operation in the Pacific states, was born on June 15, 1846, in Monticello, New York. Son of Cornelius and Jane (Trobridge) Hatch, he initially worked as a teacher and banker before moving west. In Oregon, he joined the steamboat industry, eventually forming the U. B. Scott Steamboat Company. Despite facing significant financial setbacks, Hatch persisted and achieved success in steamboat operations and wheat handling. He married Adeline Tremain in 1881, and they had five children. Captain Hatch retired in 1898, focusing on managing his business from his offices.

Biography of Jay Orley Hayes

Jay Orley Hayes, born October 2, 1857, in Wisconsin, is a distinguished businessman and political leader in California. Of New England ancestry, his father, Anson E. Hayes, was a Connecticut native and railroad contractor. Jay Hayes graduated with a law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1880. He practiced law and managed mining interests before moving to San Jose in 1887. Hayes, along with his brother, purchased the *San Jose Herald* and the *San Jose Mercury*, leading influential newspapers. Politically active, he was a Republican gubernatorial candidate in 1902. Married to Clara I. Lyon, they have five children and reside in the renowned Eden Vale estate.

Biography of Everis Anson Hayes

Everis Anson Hayes, born March 10, 1855, in Waterloo, Wisconsin, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent businessman in Santa Clara County, California. Of Scotch descent, he practiced law before investing in successful mining ventures. In 1887, Hayes and his brother moved to California, purchasing a substantial estate in Eden Vale. They later acquired the San Jose Herald and the San Jose Mercury newspapers. Hayes married twice and had seven children. He was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange, and supported the Republican Party, contributing significantly to local and state politics.

Biography of John Francis Harrison of Milpitas

John Francis Harrison, born February 26, 1867, near Milpitas, California, is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser. His father, Thomas Harrison, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1823, immigrated to the U.S. and later settled in California in 1866. Thomas Harrison purchased and developed a 713-acre farm near Milpitas, becoming a respected agriculturist until his death in 1899. John, one of twelve children, was educated in Santa Clara County and served as a deputy sheriff before focusing on farming and stock-raising. A dedicated Democrat, he has remained an influential figure in his community throughout his life.