History of New California Archives - Page 2 of 13

Biography of Arthur L. Levinsky of Stockton

Arthur L. Levinsky, born July 9, 1856, in Jackson, Amador County, California, became a leading lawyer in San Joaquin County through remarkable self-achievement. Despite early financial struggles and personal challenges, he pursued a legal career, gaining admission to the bar on August 3, 1885. He initially partnered with Louttit, Woods, and Levinsky, and later with S. D. Woods. Levinsky represented prominent corporate and financial interests, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, and the Stockton Savings Bank. A dedicated Republican, he served as Stockton’s first city attorney under the new charter. Levinsky was active in various fraternal and social organizations, including the Masons and the Union League.

Biography of Thomas B. W. Leland, M. D. of San Francisco

Dr. Thomas B. W. Leland, born September 19, 1870, in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, California, was a prominent young physician in San Francisco. Son of Gustavus A. Leland, a Massachusetts native and early California settler, Dr. Leland pursued his education at the state normal school in San Jose and later the medical department of the University of California, graduating in 1894. He gained practical experience at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Railroad Hospital in Oakland. Dr. Leland began his private practice in 1896 and held various teaching and medical positions, including professor of internal medicine and San Francisco’s coroner. Married to Florence McMahon in 1897, they had two children. Dr. Leland was active in several fraternal organizations and served as chief surgeon for California’s Naval Militia. His career was marked by a commitment to medical advancement and community service.

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 William H. Leeman of Sacramento

William H. Leeman, born June 24, 1857, in Dubuque, Iowa, was a prominent Sacramento businessman known for his work in the hop industry. After becoming an orphan at a young age, he moved to Sacramento and began working on a hop ranch at seventeen. By twenty-two, he started his own hop-raising business, eventually expanding to two hundred acres of hops and four hundred acres of alfalfa and vegetables in Yolo County. Leeman co-founded the firm W. H. Leeman and Company, engaging in buying and selling hops. A dedicated public servant, he served as trustee of reclamation district No. 537 for thirteen years, contributing significantly to local agricultural development. A Republican and active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he married Kate Farley in 1884, and they had three children: W. W., Gertrude, and Muretta.

Biography of Robert James Laws

Robert James Laws, born in 1847 in Albany County, New York, and died October 20, 1904, was a superintendent of the Sacramento division of the Southern Pacific Railroad. His ancestors settled in Virginia in the early 17th century and were active in the Revolutionary War. Laws began his education in New York and worked for the American Telegraph Company and W. & L. E. Gurley before moving to California in 1868. He joined the Central Pacific Railroad and later supervised the construction of the Carson & Colorado Railroad. Married to Anna Louise Church in 1874, he had four children. Laws was a dedicated railroad professional, respected Mason, and committed Republican.

Biography of Joseph B. Lauck of San Francisco

Joseph B. Lauck, born November 27, 1846, in York, Pennsylvania, served as adjutant general of California under Governor Pardee. After a distinguished Civil War service from 1861 to 1865, Lauck worked for Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, rising from laborer to conductor. In 1904, he became adjutant general. Lauck was a dedicated Republican and active in the National Guard of California, holding various leadership roles. Married to Carrie H. Stowell in 1878, he had one daughter, Veda B. Lauck was also a Mason, member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biography of Dr. Samuel E. Latta of Stockton

Dr. Samuel E. Latta, a prominent physician in Stockton, California, was in active practice for over twenty years, with the latter decade spent in Stockton. Born on May 11, 1862, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, he was the son of Dr. William S. Latta and Sarah A. Latta. Educated at Lincoln High School and the State University, he graduated from Rush Medical College in 1884. After practicing in Lincoln, he moved to San Joaquin County, initially working in Woodbridge before becoming the superintendent of the San Joaquin County Hospital for four years. He later became a respected private practitioner and served as a surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad. Dr. Latta was involved in the San Joaquin Medical Society, California State Medical Society, and the Masonic order. A Republican, he married Anna E. Hyde in 1882, and they had five children.

Biography of William Henry Langdon

Professor William Henry Langdon, born September 25, 1873, in Alameda County, California, served as the superintendent of San Francisco’s public schools. He introduced numerous progressive educational methods during his tenure, enhancing the practical value of schooling. Educated in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, he graduated from Haywards’ high school and San Jose Normal School. Langdon’s career included teaching positions in San Leandro and Fresno, and in 1902, he was elected superintendent of San Francisco’s schools. He abolished written examinations, reduced class sizes, and emphasized merit-based appointments. Active in various fraternal organizations, Langdon was also a respected lawyer and educator.

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.

Biography of John Lackmann of San Francisco

John Lackmann, born February 27, 1863, in Germany, served as the sheriff of San Francisco County with exemplary dedication. Immigrating to San Francisco in 1878, Lackmann initially worked as a grocery clerk before opening his own store in 1885. His political career began in 1896 when he was elected supervisor, a role he reprised in 1898. In 1899, he became sheriff, earning re-election through his integrity and effective service. Married to Elizabeth Schortemeier in 1891, with whom he had a daughter, Mary, Lackmann was also an active Mason and member of the A. O. F., admired for his commitment to honesty and public service.