San Francisco County Archives - California Genealogy

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 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 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 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 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.

Biography of William Henry Langdon

Professor William Henry Langdon, born September 25, 1873, in Alameda County, California, served as the superintendent of San Francisco’s public schools. He introduced numerous progressive educational methods during his tenure, enhancing the practical value of schooling. Educated in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, he graduated from Haywards’ high school and San Jose Normal School. Langdon’s career included teaching positions in San Leandro and Fresno, and in 1902, he was elected superintendent of San Francisco’s schools. He abolished written examinations, reduced class sizes, and emphasized merit-based appointments. Active in various fraternal organizations, Langdon was also a respected lawyer and educator.

Biography of John Lackmann of San Francisco

John Lackmann, born February 27, 1863, in Germany, served as the sheriff of San Francisco County with exemplary dedication. Immigrating to San Francisco in 1878, Lackmann initially worked as a grocery clerk before opening his own store in 1885. His political career began in 1896 when he was elected supervisor, a role he reprised in 1898. In 1899, he became sheriff, earning re-election through his integrity and effective service. Married to Elizabeth Schortemeier in 1891, with whom he had a daughter, Mary, Lackmann was also an active Mason and member of the A. O. F., admired for his commitment to honesty and public service.

Biography of George A. Knight of San Francisco

George A. Knight, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1851, has been a significant figure in California’s legal and political spheres for over twenty-five years. His family moved to California in 1853, settling in Eureka, Humboldt County. Knight’s legal career began after studying under Judge J. E. Wyman, leading to his admission to the bar in 1872. He served as district attorney for Humboldt County for six years. Moving to San Francisco in 1880, Knight formed prominent law partnerships and held various public offices, including state insurance commissioner and judge advocate. A dedicated Republican, Knight has been a delegate to five national conventions. He married Frances H. Wyman in 1870, and they have two sons.

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.