History of New California Archives - Page 5 of 13

Biography of Orrin S. Henderson of Stockton

Orrin S. Henderson, born on June 2, 1863, in San Andreas, Calaveras County, California, was a prominent figure in Stockton’s business, political, and social spheres. The son of Milton P. and Hannah L. Henderson, he joined his father’s carriage manufacturing business in Stockton after graduating from high school in 1881. A committed Republican, Henderson served two terms on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and was elected Railroad Commissioner of California’s Third District in 1902. He held numerous leadership roles in fraternal organizations and married Lavern Viets in 1885, with whom he had two sons.

Biography of Charles J. Heggerty of San Francisco

Charles J. Heggerty, a distinguished lawyer from San Francisco, was born on December 27, 1860, in Smartsville, Yuba County, California. His parents, Morris Heggerty and Mary O’Donnell, were Irish immigrants who settled in Yuba County in the mid-19th century. After being orphaned at 14, Charles pursued education at St. Mary’s College in San Francisco, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1880. He studied law with prominent attorneys and was admitted to the California bar in 1889. Heggerty gained prominence through significant cases, including those involving hydraulic mining rights and the extensive Fair estate litigation. He married Annie M. Cashin in 1890.

Biography of Captain Zephaniah J. Hatch of San Francisco

Captain Zephaniah J. Hatch, a notable figure in steamboat building and operation in the Pacific states, was born on June 15, 1846, in Monticello, New York. Son of Cornelius and Jane (Trobridge) Hatch, he initially worked as a teacher and banker before moving west. In Oregon, he joined the steamboat industry, eventually forming the U. B. Scott Steamboat Company. Despite facing significant financial setbacks, Hatch persisted and achieved success in steamboat operations and wheat handling. He married Adeline Tremain in 1881, and they had five children. Captain Hatch retired in 1898, focusing on managing his business from his offices.

Biography of Jay Orley Hayes

Jay Orley Hayes, born October 2, 1857, in Wisconsin, is a distinguished businessman and political leader in California. Of New England ancestry, his father, Anson E. Hayes, was a Connecticut native and railroad contractor. Jay Hayes graduated with a law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1880. He practiced law and managed mining interests before moving to San Jose in 1887. Hayes, along with his brother, purchased the *San Jose Herald* and the *San Jose Mercury*, leading influential newspapers. Politically active, he was a Republican gubernatorial candidate in 1902. Married to Clara I. Lyon, they have five children and reside in the renowned Eden Vale estate.

Biography of Everis Anson Hayes

Everis Anson Hayes, born March 10, 1855, in Waterloo, Wisconsin, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent businessman in Santa Clara County, California. Of Scotch descent, he practiced law before investing in successful mining ventures. In 1887, Hayes and his brother moved to California, purchasing a substantial estate in Eden Vale. They later acquired the San Jose Herald and the San Jose Mercury newspapers. Hayes married twice and had seven children. He was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange, and supported the Republican Party, contributing significantly to local and state politics.

Biography of John Francis Harrison of Milpitas

John Francis Harrison, born February 26, 1867, near Milpitas, California, is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser. His father, Thomas Harrison, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1823, immigrated to the U.S. and later settled in California in 1866. Thomas Harrison purchased and developed a 713-acre farm near Milpitas, becoming a respected agriculturist until his death in 1899. John, one of twelve children, was educated in Santa Clara County and served as a deputy sheriff before focusing on farming and stock-raising. A dedicated Democrat, he has remained an influential figure in his community throughout his life.

Biography of William George Hawley of San Jose

William G. Hawley, born on June 16, 1846, in Leicester, England, is notable for his service as postmaster of San Jose and his dedication to the Republican Party. After moving to the U.S. in 1861, he served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Post-war, he worked in real estate before becoming San Jose’s postmaster in 1899, a position he held through reappointment in 1903. Hawley was active in the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Caroline A. Everts in 1868, and they had two sons, Frederick and George.

Biography of Frederick W. Hatch, M. D.

Dr. Frederick Winslow Hatch, born December 4, 1849, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been a distinguished physician in California for over fifty years. After graduating from Jefferson Medical College in 1873, he practiced in Sacramento and later served as assistant physician and superintendent at Napa State Insane Asylum and Agnew’s State Asylum. Appointed general superintendent of state hospitals by Governor Budd and reappointed by Governor Gage, Dr. Hatch has significantly contributed to the state’s medical field. He married Florence Folansbee in 1882, and they have one daughter. Dr. Hatch is a dedicated Republican and a member of the Elks and Masons.

Biography of William J. Hassett

Hon. William J. Hassett, born on November 7, 1839, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the mayor of Sacramento known for his dedication to public service and reform. Starting as a printer at fourteen, he moved to California in 1863 and worked in San Francisco before relocating to Sacramento in 1885. There, he managed A. J. Johnston’s printing business for eighteen years. Elected mayor in 1903, Hassett’s administration was marked by business-like methods and progressive reforms. A Democrat, he was deeply involved in local and state politics. He married in 1866 and returned to California with his wife, contributing significantly to Sacramento’s development.

Biography of Samuel Robert Hart of Sacramento

Samuel Robert Hart, born March 22, 1856, in Santa Clara, California, was a prominent lawyer in Sacramento. Starting work at thirteen, he engaged in various occupations, including herding cattle and farming, before studying law. Hart studied under his brother, Attorney General A. L. Hart, and was admitted to the bar in 1888. Active in Republican politics, he practiced law in Fresno before relocating to Sacramento in 1895. Married to Irba Deter in 1889, he had two sons. Known for his perseverance and dedication, Hart made significant contributions to public life and the legal profession in California.