History of New California Archives - Page 3 of 13

Biography of George A. Knight of San Francisco

George A. Knight, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1851, has been a significant figure in California’s legal and political spheres for over twenty-five years. His family moved to California in 1853, settling in Eureka, Humboldt County. Knight’s legal career began after studying under Judge J. E. Wyman, leading to his admission to the bar in 1872. He served as district attorney for Humboldt County for six years. Moving to San Francisco in 1880, Knight formed prominent law partnerships and held various public offices, including state insurance commissioner and judge advocate. A dedicated Republican, Knight has been a delegate to five national conventions. He married Frances H. Wyman in 1870, and they have two sons.

Biography of Frederick William Kiesel of Sacramento

Frederick William Kiesel, born February 11, 1874, in Corinne, Utah, is the general manager of the California Winery and cashier of the California State Bank of Sacramento. Son of Frederick J. and Julia Kiesel, who emigrated from Germany, Frederick was educated in Germany, at Greylock Institute in Massachusetts, and at Harvard College, graduating in 1896. He moved to Sacramento, founding the California Winery and later joining the California State Bank, where he became cashier. In 1901, he married Jane Birdsall of Sacramento. Kiesel is a member of the Masons and Elks, and an active Republican.

Biography of General Thomas E. Ketcham of Stockton

General Thomas E. Ketcham, born July 3, 1821, in New York City, was a prominent figure in San Joaquin County for over fifty years. A veteran of the Mexican War, he later served throughout the Civil War. Ketcham arrived in California in 1848, shortly after the discovery of gold, and transitioned from a military career to become a successful landowner and rancher in San Joaquin County. He married Esther Sedgwick in 1852, with whom he had three children. Ketcham was active in local organizations, including the G.A.R. and the Grange, and held various community leadership roles.

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 George B. Katzenstein of Sacramento

George B. Katzenstein, born on November 28, 1848, in New Orleans, Louisiana, significantly contributed to California’s business and agricultural development. His family relocated to California in 1853, where his father ran a hotel in Marysville. Educated in Marysville, George later moved to Sacramento, working in insurance and fraternal organizations. He co-founded the Orange Vale Colonization Company, promoting fruit cultivation in northern California. Katzenstein also managed the Sacramento and northern California business for the Earl Fruit Company and became a key figure in the California Fruit Distributors. Married to Ida M. Richards in 1869, he was active in various fraternal organizations and the Republican Party.

Biography of Julius Kahn of San Francisco

Julius Kahn, born on February 28, 1861, in Germany, was a notable figure in San Francisco, excelling in law, politics, and public service. He immigrated to America at age five with his mother, Jeanette, to join his father, Herman, in California. Educated in public schools, Kahn initially pursued a theatrical career, performing with famous actors before studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1894. Kahn served in the California State Assembly and later in Congress from 1898 to 1902. He married Florence Prag in 1899, and they had a son, Julius, born in 1902. Active in various social and fraternal organizations, Kahn was a respected and influential community member.

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 Behrend Joost of San Francisco

Behrend Joost, born in Amt Lehe, Hanover, Germany, became a prominent business figure in San Francisco, significantly contributing to the city’s economic development. Emigrating to the U.S. at fifteen, he joined his brother in San Francisco in 1857 and initially worked as a salesman. By 1859, he opened a grocery store, later transitioning to a successful hardware business with his brother Fabian in 1887. Joost was instrumental in founding the first home loan and building association in California and the San Francisco & San Mateo Electric Railway system. He married Anna Miller in 1874, and they had five surviving children.

Biography of Alfred J. Johnston of Sacramento

Alfred J. Johnston, born in Nevada County in 1857, was a prominent businessman in Sacramento. He headed the A. J. Johnston Company, the largest stationery and printing firm in the city, and managed a successful cannery on his foothill ranch in Eldorado County. His parents, David and Nancy S. (Glass) Johnston, were Pennsylvania natives who moved to California in 1852. Alfred pursued a career in printing and served as the state printing office superintendent for twelve years. He married Luella Buckminster in 1884, and they had five children. Johnston was active in Masonic, Elks, and Native Sons of the Golden West fraternities.