Santa Clara County Archives - California Genealogy

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 Thomas Kelley, M.D. of San Jose

For over thirty years, Dr. Thomas Kelley practiced medicine in Santa Clara County, establishing himself as a pioneer physician. Born in Logan County, Illinois, on September 18, 1836, he was the son of Alexander and Lucinda (Anderson) Kelley. A Civil War veteran, Dr. Kelley pursued medical studies at Rush Medical College, graduating in 1871. He began his practice in Santa Clara and moved to San Jose in 1876. A dedicated Republican, he served as postmaster of San Jose and was an active member of the G.A.R. Dr. Kelley was twice married, fathering four children. His second wife, Sarah, died in 1903.

Biography of Bernard Eugene Kell of San Jose

Bernard Eugene Kell, born May 3, 1876, in San Jose, served as coroner and public administrator of Santa Clara County. Son of Martin D. and Mary A. (Ward) Kell, Bernard followed in his father’s civic footsteps. Martin, originally from Canada, settled in Santa Clara County in 1846 and became a prominent local figure. Bernard, educated at St. Joseph College, succeeded his father as coroner in 1902. A Democrat active in local politics, Bernard was associated with the Native Sons of the Golden West, Fraternal Eagles, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was esteemed in his community.

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 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 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.

Biography of William George Hawley of San Jose

William G. Hawley, born on June 16, 1846, in Leicester, England, is notable for his service as postmaster of San Jose and his dedication to the Republican Party. After moving to the U.S. in 1861, he served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Post-war, he worked in real estate before becoming San Jose’s postmaster in 1899, a position he held through reappointment in 1903. Hawley was active in the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Caroline A. Everts in 1868, and they had two sons, Frederick and George.

Biography of Samuel Robert Hart of Sacramento

Samuel Robert Hart, born March 22, 1856, in Santa Clara, California, was a prominent lawyer in Sacramento. Starting work at thirteen, he engaged in various occupations, including herding cattle and farming, before studying law. Hart studied under his brother, Attorney General A. L. Hart, and was admitted to the bar in 1888. Active in Republican politics, he practiced law in Fresno before relocating to Sacramento in 1895. Married to Irba Deter in 1889, he had two sons. Known for his perseverance and dedication, Hart made significant contributions to public life and the legal profession in California.

Biography of Captain Richard M. Garratt

Captain Richard M. Garratt, born March 3, 1840, in Worcester, England, was a Civil War veteran and superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas, California. After attending Oxford College, he moved to the United States in 1858. Garratt served in the Civil War, rising to captain in the U.S. Colored Infantry. Post-war, he held significant roles in the railroad industry, including general freight agent and general manager positions. In 1902, he became superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas. He was twice married and fathered six children. Active in Republican politics and various fraternal organizations, Garratt contributed greatly to his community.