Tulare County

Biography of John T. Davis

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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 Jose Maria Gil of Jolon California

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

Don Jose Maria Gil, deceased, was born in Madrid, Spain, December 14, 1821. His father was a native of Scotland, who went to Spain as a young man and married a young Spanish lady of good family. When Jose was about seven years old he came to America with his parents, who settled at Herongariquero, Mexico. At the age of twenty-one years he came to California, some six years before it was annexed to the United States by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican war. Upon the discovery of gold in California in 1849, he, like thousands … Read more