Statewide Archives - California Genealogy

Biography of Edward Lande of San Francisco

Edward Lande, born July 21, 1859, in Independence, Oregon, moved to San Francisco at age two. Educated in local public schools, he graduated from the boys’ high school at sixteen. Pursuing law under Judge W. W. Morrow, Lande was admitted to the bar in 1880 and later co-founded the law firm Riordan & Lande in 1894. He gained recognition as an official reporter for notable trials and a legislative commission on hydraulic mining. A Republican, Lande was active in the Union League Club and a thirty-second degree Mason. His career was marked by legal acumen, dedication to justice, and extensive study, including a year in Europe.

A History of the New California

Birds Eye View of Sacramento from Dome of Capitol

A History of the New California delves into the multifaceted history of California, providing a wealth of information for genealogists and history enthusiasts alike. The book is organized into chapters that cover a broad spectrum of topics, from California’s contributions to civilization and its diverse climate to detailed accounts of early Californian history and the discovery of gold. Notable sections include insights into the habits and lives of native Californians, the role of vigilance committees, and the development of major institutions such as the public school system and universities. Additionally, the book offers a detailed alphabetical list of biographies, presenting the lives of individuals who played significant roles in California’s history. This resource is invaluable for genealogists seeking to trace lineage and understand the historical context of their ancestors’ lives in California.

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.

The Good Citizenship Movement

Just before the famous Vigilance Committee abandoned its organization a number of public-spirited citizens, many of whom had been a part of the Vigilance Committee, decided to organize an independent political party. Their purpose was, as they said, to “rescue the city of San Francisco from the clutch of irresponsible men.” The result of their deliberations was the People’s Reform Party.

Vigilance Committee Criticized

There was no call for the committee, because justice was obtainable in the courts–Cora much sinned against–How the committee shielded murderers–Other strictures.

The Reign of Disorder

Antecedents of the vigilance committees of 1851 and 1856–How an organization known as the Hounds caused the organized forces of society to deal summary justice in pioneer days–The killing of James King “of William”–Preliminary study of facts that led to the dealing out of so-called popular justice

The Discovery of Gold

Old placer Mines, American River, Folsom, California

Wonderful results of James Marshall’s accidental discovery at Sutter’s Mill on January 24, 1848–How towns and farms of California were depopulated–Great influx of pioneers from all parts of the world–The transformation of a wilderness into an empire was the romance of the nineteenth century.

Early Times in New California

Sutter's Fort from Gleason's Pictorial Drawing Room Companion

Habits and amusements of the native Californians of early times–Americans before the conquest–Character of the early trappers and path-finders–Captain John A. Sutter and his achievements–The coming of Fremont–Ethics of the conquest, and other thoughts.

Glimpses of Early California History

Glimpses of Early California History – Though the plan of this work deals with today rather than with the struggles of yesterday, there is an irresistible temptation to delve into the past sufficiently to get a clear idea of the “beginnings of things” historical. And when one looks backwards in California history he is carried to the stirring times of the old Spanish freebooters. The Genoese mariner had scarcely made his great discovery known to the world when bold adventurers began to quarrel over unknown lands and to partition the distant parts of the earth among themselves.

Northern California’s Climate

Mt Shasta, 14,442 Feet, From the Scott Mountains, Shasta Co., California

It is the purpose of this chapter to present some of the vital truths about northern California, its climate, soil, resources, and general characteristics. The truth is more remarkable than any Aladdin-like tales that might be woven from the author’s imagination. This is perhaps the reason that the early legends that reached Spain attributed supernatural powers to the women of this land, which was supposed to be a living Eden, a sort of fulfillment of Shakespeare’s picture of fairyland, as portrayed in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The truth was added to by the early navigators until none could say where fiction and fact were blended.