San Francisco County Archives - Page 3 of 4

Biography of Tirey Lafayette Ford of San Francisco

Tirey Lafayette Ford, born December 29, 1857, in Monroe County, Missouri, served as general counsel for the United Railroads of San Francisco, distinguishing himself as a prominent lawyer in California. His legal career began after he passed the bar in 1882, with initial practice in Oroville and later in Downieville. Ford held several public offices, including district attorney of Sierra County and California state senator. In 1898, he was elected attorney general of California but resigned in 1902 to join the United Railroads. He married Emma Byington in 1888, and they had three children. Ford was active in numerous fraternal and social organizations.

Biography of James L. Flanagan of San Francisco

James L. Flanagan, born December 24, 1865, in Sunol, Alameda County, California, was the manager of the State House Hotel in Sacramento. Known for his integrity and engaging personality, Flanagan significantly improved and expanded the hotel, making it a hub for politicians during conventions and legislative sessions. He began his career in San Francisco, later working at the Western Hotel before managing the State House Hotel in 1902. Flanagan was also involved in mining and banking, serving as the president of the Roseville Banking Company. He married Mamie Baker in 1896, and they were active in various fraternal organizations.

Biography of John T. Davis

John T. Davis (b. November 1830), a successful capitalist based in San Francisco, is known for his extensive investments in farming across California. Originally from Illinois, Davis relocated to Texas in 1852 before settling in California in 1854. He initially farmed in Tulare and Stockton, later acquiring significant tracts of land in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Glenn Counties. By 1872, he leased his properties and focused on overseeing his investments. Married to Mary Marion in 1857, they have one daughter, Josephine Eltinge. A dedicated Democrat, Davis has been a notable figure in California’s development from its early days.

Biography of General John H. Dickinson of San Francisco

General John H. Dickinson (b. April 8, 1849) was a prominent figure in San Francisco’s legal history, having started his law practice in 1873. Born in Parkersburg, Virginia, he moved to California as an infant with his father, a merchant and pioneer. Dickinson self-studied law while teaching at St. Augustine’s College in Benicia. He joined the National Guard of California in 1871, rising to major general by 1898. Elected as a state senator in 1879, he also served Marin and Contra Costa counties. Married to Annie Shipman in 1875, he had one son, Reginald. Dickinson was active in Masonic circles and a dedicated Republican.

The Vigilance Committees

Execution of James P. Casey and Charles Cora by the Vigilance Committee, of San Francisco, California

Interesting reminiscences of the son of the martyred editor of the old San Francisco Bulletin–How desperate men put the law aside and transformed San Francisco into a desperadoes’ paradise–Inside facts about the great uprising of citizens that improvised a committee to try and punish men for their crimes.

Biography of Joseph Charles Boyd

Joseph Charles Boyd, who is filling the position of county surveyor of Sacramento county, has in the line of his profession controlled many engineering projects which have been of much value to central California. He has attained precedence of many in his profession, having won an enviable position through marked ability and a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the great scientific principles which must underlie all practical and successful work in this direction. Mr. Boyd is a native son of San Francisco, his birth having occurred on the 19th of February, 1864. James L. Boyd, his father, was born in … Read more

Biography of Alfred Pressly Black

On the roll of capable attorneys at the San Francisco bar appears the name of Alfred Pressly Black, and the extent and importance of his clientage is an indication of the confidence reposed in his professional skills and ability. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, November 26, 1856, and is a son of James Black, who was likewise a native of the keystone state, born in 1808. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent and was established in America about the middle of the eighteenth century, the grandfather having located in Pennsylvania in 1796. James Black was a farmer by … Read more

Biography of Joachim G. Weidemann of Bradley California

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

If long service in one position is a test of merit and trustworthiness, Joachim G. Weidemann has certainly stood the test. As manager of the Southern Pacific Milling Company at Bradley, California, he is, in point of service, the oldest of about thirty managers along the Coast Division, having occupied this place for thirty-six years. He was born in Norway, on April 10, 1857, and is a son of C. F. and Caroline (Tellesen) Weidemann. His father served for a long time in the Norwegian navy, then became an architect and spent the closing years of his life as a … Read more

Biography of Luther R. Holman of Pacific Grove California

Californians have never failed to accord proper esteem and praise to those sturdy, progressive forerunners who did so much to lay the foundations broad and well for all who should come after, nor will the Golden state soon forget such men as the late Luther R. Holman, who passed away April 20, 1909. He was born at Underhill, Vermont, and there was educated. It was in the eventful year of 1850 that he first came to California, sailing around the Horn. He remained in San Francisco for some time and then returned east. On again coming to California he brought … Read more

Biography of W. F. Beasley of King City California

W. F. Beasley, veteran California hotel man is senior member of the firm of W. F. Beasley & Son, proprietors of the widely known popular Hotel el Camino Real in King City, Monterey county, pronounced by competent judges and the general run of the tourist population of this section of the state to be the most up-to-date and the best equipped hotel in the county. He is a native son of California and has been a resident of this state all his life, engaged in the hotel business since the days of his young manhood, for his father was one … Read more