History of New California

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Frank Gregory of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 3 minutes of reading / Sacramento County /

Frank Gregory, born February 22, 1863, in Sacramento, was a clerk in the county recorder’s office and a notable business figure in the city. Son of Julius Gregory, a pioneer of 1849 and founder of a significant fruit and produce business, Frank managed the family enterprise with his brother Eugene until 1896. Later, he engaged in hop brokerage with international dealings. Active in Republican politics, Frank served as a county central committeeman and held various appointed positions. Unmarried, he was involved in fraternal organizations, including the Masons and the Eagles.

Biography of Frank Gregory of Sacramento Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Hon. E. J. Gregory of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 3 minutes of reading / Sacramento County, San Francisco County /

Hon. Eugene J. Gregory, born in San Francisco in 1854, was a prominent figure in Sacramento and New York City. He led the Gregory Brothers Company, enhancing California’s produce industry. Elected as Sacramento’s mayor in 1887, Gregory was known for his reformative policies and efficient governance. He was deeply involved in various civic and fraternal organizations, including the Masons and Odd Fellows. Married to Emma Crump in 1874, they had one son, Julius, who joined him in the patent business. Gregory’s contributions to both business and public service left a lasting impact on California’s community and economy.

Biography of Hon. E. J. Gregory of Sacramento Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Eugene D. Graham of Stockton

Leave a Comment / 2 minutes of reading / San Joaquin County, Solano County /

Eugene D. Graham, born January 22, 1866, near Stockton, California, serves as county clerk of San Joaquin County. His parents, Robert L. and Caroline (Stokes) Graham, were Kentucky natives with Revolutionary War ancestors. In 1852, they journeyed to California with ox teams and settled in San Joaquin County, where Robert engaged in farming and stock-raising. Eugene, raised on the family farm, received his education locally and worked in Lodi before returning to agriculture. In 1895, he became deputy county clerk, and in 1902, he was elected county clerk. Married to Frances E. Mann in 1888, they have three sons: Robert E., Lloyd L., and Myrl E. Eugene is a member of the I.O.O.F. and W.O.W., and a Republican.

Biography of Eugene D. Graham of Stockton Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Charles Edward Graham of Yountville

Leave a Comment / 3 minutes of reading / Napa County /

Charles Edward Graham, born September 29, 1838, in Cornwall, England, is an esteemed Civil War veteran and adjutant of the Yountville Veterans’ Home in Napa County, California. Son of Rev. Elliott Graham and Elizabeth Leeds, he received his education in England, including at Eton College, and traveled the world before moving to the United States in 1863. During the Civil War, he served as a lieutenant and later adjutant in the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery. Post-war, he worked as a traveling salesman and custom house assistant weigher. Graham moved to California in 1880 and took his current position in 1893. He married Frances Taverner in 1865, and they have three children: Charles E., Maude E., and Frances.

Biography of Charles Edward Graham of Yountville Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of James Louis Gillis of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Sacramento County /

James Louis Gillis, born October 3, 1857, in Richmond, Washington County, Iowa, was a prominent political figure and state librarian of California. His parents, Charles and Emily Eliza (Gelatt) Gillis, moved to California in 1861, where Charles engaged in hotel management and mining. James L. Gillis attended various schools in Sacramento and began his career with the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company, advancing to assistant superintendent by 1894. In 1881, he married Kate Petree, and they had three daughters. Gillis served in various legislative roles before becoming state librarian in 1899. Active in Republican politics and numerous fraternal organizations, he was known for his deep knowledge of California’s pioneer history.

Biography of James Louis Gillis of Sacramento Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of John Wynkoop Gilkyson, Jr. of San Francisco

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Butte County /

John Wynkoop Gilkyson, born February 5, 1875, in Chico, Butte County, California, was the son of John W. and Ruth (Hobart) Gilkyson. His maternal lineage traces back to Edmund Hobart, who arrived in America in 1633. John W. Gilkyson, a Pennsylvania native, moved to California in 1850, engaging in mining and later holding various public offices. John Wynkoop Gilkyson pursued education in Butte County and San Francisco, starting his career with the Pacific Bell Telephone Company at age twelve. By 1901, he became the county manager for the Pacific States Telephone Company in San Jose. Married to Hattie W. Tennis, he was active in the Native Sons of the Golden West, Knights of Pythias, and the Elks.

Biography of John Wynkoop Gilkyson, Jr. of San Francisco Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of William A. Gett of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 3 minutes of reading / Sacramento County /

William A. Gett, born July 17, 1863, in Sacramento, California, is a distinguished figure in Sacramento County. His father, Captain W. A. Gett, was a Mexican War veteran and California pioneer. Educated in Sacramento’s public and private schools, Gett initially pursued civil engineering before studying law. Admitted to the bar just after turning 21, he practiced law in Sacramento. Though he declined many nominations, he ran for California attorney general in 1902. Married to Ema Sweeney in 1892, Gett was active in the National Guard, various fraternal organizations, and delivered notable public orations, including a tribute to President McKinley.

Biography of William A. Gett of Sacramento Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Captain Richard M. Garratt

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Santa Clara County /

Captain Richard M. Garratt, born March 3, 1840, in Worcester, England, was a Civil War veteran and superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas, California. After attending Oxford College, he moved to the United States in 1858. Garratt served in the Civil War, rising to captain in the U.S. Colored Infantry. Post-war, he held significant roles in the railroad industry, including general freight agent and general manager positions. In 1902, he became superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas. He was twice married and fathered six children. Active in Republican politics and various fraternal organizations, Garratt contributed greatly to his community.

Biography of Captain Richard M. Garratt Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of George Frank Gardner of Wooden Valley

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Napa County /

George Frank Gardner, born September 8, 1855, in Wooden Valley, Napa County, California, served as a dedicated public official in Napa County. By 1904, he was deputy tax collector and deputy treasurer. His parents, George Gordon and Sarah T. (Rice) Gardner, had roots in Arkansas and Tennessee, respectively. Gardner’s father was a Mexican War veteran who journeyed to California in 1849. Gardner’s career began in mercantile establishments before he was elected Napa County tax collector and treasurer in 1892, serving ten years. He married Dora L. Hill in 1880, and they had three sons. Gardner was active in Democratic politics and various fraternal organizations.

Biography of George Frank Gardner of Wooden Valley Read More »

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Charles Henry Frost of Los Angeles

Leave a Comment / 5 minutes of reading / Los Angeles County, Orange County /

Charles Henry Frost, born on June 9, 1844, in Ithaca, New York, was a prominent business leader in Los Angeles, California. After moving to Illinois at age fourteen, Frost later advanced his career in Chicago, where he established the city’s first pressed-brick plant. In 1886, he founded the Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company, overseeing its growth into one of the largest and most modern brick manufacturing operations in the United States. Frost’s company supplied high-quality brick for numerous significant buildings in Los Angeles. He also had extensive real estate holdings and was active in the olive oil industry.

Biography of Charles Henry Frost of Los Angeles Read More »

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top