Biography of Fred Beckman Hart of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Fred Beckman Hart, born on January 23, 1879, in Colusa County, California, began his legal career in Sacramento in May 1903. The son of the late Attorney General A. L. Hart, Fred Hart graduated from the University of California in 1901 and earned his LL.B. from Hastings Law School in 1903. Admitted to the bar shortly after graduation, he quickly established a reputable practice. Nephew to Judge E. C. Hart and Dr. A. C. Hart, Fred Hart is part of a distinguished family in California’s professional circles. His early success indicates a promising future in law.

Biography of Aden C. Hart, M. D. of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Dr. Aden C. Hart, born on May 7, 1868, in Nicolaus, Sutter County, California, was a distinguished physician and surgeon based in Sacramento. He graduated from Cooper Medical College in 1891 and practiced in Sacramento from 1895. Dr. Hart, known for his expertise in surgery, also completed advanced studies at New York Post-Graduate College. Appointed to the California State Board of Health in 1903, he was affiliated with several medical societies and was an active Republican. His family included notable figures such as his brother, Judge E. C. Hart.

Biography of Judge Elija C. Hart of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Judge Elija Carson Hart, born on September 9, 1857, in Nevada, served as judge of the superior court of Sacramento County. Starting work at twelve, he progressed through roles in journalism and law, becoming city clerk of Colusa and later an influential attorney and politician in Sacramento. Elected judge in 1896, he was re-elected in 1902, serving until 1909. Married to Addie Vivian in 1878, he had four children. Judge Hart was a respected Republican, involved in various fraternal organizations, and known for his equitable and principled approach in both legislative and judicial roles.

Biography of William Benjamin Hamilton

William B. Hamilton

William Benjamin Hamilton, born June 1, 1857, in Centerville, Alameda County, California, had a distinguished career in public service. Son of Noble and Lydia D. Hamilton, he began his career in the internal revenue and customs service at seventeen. He held various significant positions, including chief deputy county recorder of Alameda County and deputy naval officer at the port of San Francisco. In 1897, he became the cashier of the San Francisco custom house and was later appointed special deputy collector of the port in 1901. Hamilton married Ceil Doyl in 1889, and they had a son, Allan Wooster Hamilton.

Biography of Thomas B. Hall

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Thomas B. Hall, born January 5, 1853, in Illinois, was the senior member of Hall, Luhrs and Company, Sacramento’s largest wholesale grocery firm. Hall’s career progressed from a porter in 1869 to establishing his own firm in 1876. Known for its financial integrity, the firm moved to a larger location on Second Street in 1883. Hall also contributed to various civic projects, including the Mount Shasta Mineral Springs Company and the Orangevale colonization project. A military veteran and active Mason, Hall married Selina A. Govan in 1876, with whom he had two children, Ward E. and Ethel B.

Biography of Frank Gregory of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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 Hon. E. J. Gregory of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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 Eugene D. Graham of Stockton

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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 Charles Edward Graham of Yountville

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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 James Louis Gillis of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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.