Arthur L. Levinsky, who has for nearly twenty years figured as one of the leading lawyers of San Joaquin County, has had a career of remarkable self-achievement and self-advancement. Lack of finances and unfortunate circumstances in his early life made it impossible for him to carry out his cherished ambitions as quickly and as easily as he had anticipated, and in the end he made his own way in gaining admission to the bar. Since his start, he has rapidly gained favor throughout the state, and he is at present legal representative for many of the most important corporate and financial interests of the state. He is a man of determination and power of character, and would be more apt to attribute his success in life to his energy and perseverance in pushing ahead through and over obstacles to the goal of his ambition than to any fortunate circumstances or inherited talents. He has held an assured position among the reliable and successful men of Stockton for some years, and his personal worth and professional ability are entirely deserving of the esteem in which he is held.
Mr. Levinsky was born in Jackson, Amador County, California, on July 9, 1856, a son of John and Mathilde Levinsky, both of whom are deceased. His father was a merchant in Jackson, and also in other places in Amador, San Joaquin, and Merced counties. Mr. Levinsky has one brother and one sister, Henry M. and Felicite B., both residing in San Francisco.
Mr. Levinsky had his schooling in the country schools at Woodbridge, in the county of San Joaquin, and Jackson, in the county of Amador, and also in the Lincoln grammar school in San Francisco. He had entered upon a course at the preparatory department of the University of California, but owing to his father meeting with an accident, had to defer his plans to study law at the University. During 1874-5 he was on the road as a salesman for a glove company, and then for a boot and shoe firm. He was a traveling salesman until 1881, and on December 12, 1882, he became a clerk in a law office, his principal object being to study law. He gained both practical and theoretical experience during his connection with the law firm, and on August 3, 1885, was admitted to practice before the supreme court. On September 1st following, he became a member of the law firm of Louttit, Woods and Levinsky. This partnership was continued until December 31, 1893, and Mr. Levinsky then formed a coalition with Mr. S. D. Woods, which continued until quite recently. Mr. Levinsky now represents many of the large corporations of this state, he being the local attorney for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, the Stockton Savings Bank, the California Navigation and Improvement Company, the Stockton Electric Railroad Company, the Royal Consolidated Mines of Hodson, and other large interests. He was the first city attorney of Stockton under the new charter, holding that office during the years 1891-92. He is a staunch Republican in politics, and takes much interest in party affairs.
Mr. Levinsky affiliates with San Joaquin Lodge No. 19, F. & A. M., and Stockton Parlor No. 7, N. S. G. W., and is a prominent member of the Union League, the Transportation Club of San Francisco, and also numerous local clubs.
Source: Leigh H. Irvine; A History of the New California Its Resources and People, 2 Volumes; New York and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1903.