History of New California Archives - Page 8 of 13

Biography of Lawrence Fisher of Sacramento

Lawrence Fisher, born November 22, 1832, in Bolton, Lancashire, England, was a prominent blacksmith and resident of Sacramento for over 30 years until his death on February 4, 1903. He began his career in England and continued in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to California in 1872. Employed by the Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroad shops for 21 years, Fisher was recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship. He also managed a 143-acre ranch near Sacramento. Fisher married Mary Morgan in 1855, and they had six children, three of whom survived him. His widow resided at 631 E Street, Sacramento.

Biography of Howard M. Fanning of Stockton

Howard M. Fanning, born June 3, 1826, in Troy, New York, was a significant figure among pioneer Californians. He moved to Stockton in 1850 and lived at 345 East Channel Street. Fanning, a self-made man, excelled in merchandising, farming, stock-raising, and civic affairs. He initially worked in the drug and car-building industries before migrating to California. In Stockton, he engaged in contracting, farming, and real estate. He served as a supervisor and city council member, was active in the Republican Party, and participated in Masonic and pioneer societies. He married Louise Butts in 1848, and they had six children.

Biography of Nathaniel Ellery of Sacramento

Nathaniel Ellery, born in Eureka, California, on July 18, 1872, served as the state highway commissioner of California by 1904. A Stanford University graduate, Ellery earned degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Civil Engineering in 1895. He initially served as Humboldt County surveyor in 1899 before his appointment as commissioner. His effective work in improving California’s road system showcased his civil engineering expertise. Ellery married Lulu I. Fraser in 1899, and they resided in Sacramento. He was active in fraternal organizations and supported the Republican party. His parents, Franklin and Elizabeth Ellery, had New England Puritan roots.

Biography of Albert Elkus of Sacramento

Albert Elkus, born August 17, 1857, in Sacramento, California, was a prominent clothing merchant and influential Republican in the county. His father, Louis Elkus, an immigrant from Germany, was a successful businessman and community leader. Albert joined his father in business in 1873 and later established his own successful retail clothing stores in Sacramento and Folsom. He held significant political roles, including city trustee and president of the Central Republican Club. In 1882, he married Bertha Kahn, a talented pianist. Albert Elkus was highly regarded for his business acumen, political influence, and community involvement.

Biography of George Woodward Dufficy, M. D. of Sacramento

Dr. George Woodward Dufficy, born in Marysville, California, in 1871, is a prominent physician in Sacramento. He descends from pioneer families, with his mother, Edwina (O’Brien) Dufficy, arriving in California in 1849, and his father, Michael C. Dufficy, an Irish immigrant and lawyer turned merchant. George graduated from St. Ignatius College and the University of California’s medical department in 1898. He initially served as resident physician at Sisters Hospital in Sacramento before establishing a successful private practice. In 1901, he married Evelyn Rackliffe, daughter of former state treasurer Levi Rackliffe. Dr. Dufficy is active in local medical societies and the Democratic Party.

Biography of John G. Downey of Los Angeles

John G. Downey, born June 24, 1827, in Castle Sampson, Ireland, was the fourth governor of California. He emigrated to America at age fourteen, initially studying in Maryland before pursuing a career in pharmacy. Downey moved to California in 1849, where he became a successful businessman in Los Angeles. He served in various political roles, including as a legislator and lieutenant governor, before becoming governor in 1860. Downey was known for his integrity, notably vetoing the “Bulkhead” bill to prevent corruption. He died on March 1, 1894, in Los Angeles.

Biography of Warren E. Doan of Sacramento

Warren E. Doan, born March 8, 1862, in Portland, Oregon, was the official court stenographer of Sacramento County, California, from 1897. Son of Riley R. and Sarah Catherine (Butler) Doan, Warren pursued a career as a court reporter after leaving school. He initially worked in Placer County before his long tenure in Sacramento. Warren married Kittie E. Young in 1883 and they had one son, Norman E. Doan. Riley R. Doan, Warren’s father, was an inventor and mechanic who moved westward in 1852 and held various occupations, including sawmill owner and mine foreman, before settling in Elmira, California.

Biography of Charles Forrest Curry

Charles Forrest Curry (1858-1930) played a significant role in shaping California’s public policy as a dedicated public servant. Born in Naperville, Illinois, he was the son of Charles H. M. Curry, a prominent San Francisco jeweler and Republican leader. Charles Forrest Curry moved to California in 1873 and pursued various roles, including county clerk and state assemblyman, before becoming secretary of state in 1894. He married Lillie A. Sieperly in 1892 and had two children. Active in numerous fraternal organizations, Curry’s career was marked by his commitment to public service and community involvement.

Biography of John Samuel Daly of Sacramento

John Samuel Daly, a prominent attorney in Sacramento since 1898, was born on June 5, 1873, on a ranch near Antelope, Sacramento County, California. His father, Judge Elisha Daly, a pioneer who arrived in California in 1850, was a farmer and former district judge from New York. John was educated at Stockton Business College and San Jose State Normal School, graduating in 1896, and later studied law at Stanford University. Admitted to the bar in 1898, he has balanced his legal career with extensive agricultural interests. Daly is active in various fraternal organizations and has been a notable supporter of the Republican party.

Biography of John T. Davis

John T. Davis (b. November 1830), a successful capitalist based in San Francisco, is known for his extensive investments in farming across California. Originally from Illinois, Davis relocated to Texas in 1852 before settling in California in 1854. He initially farmed in Tulare and Stockton, later acquiring significant tracts of land in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Glenn Counties. By 1872, he leased his properties and focused on overseeing his investments. Married to Mary Marion in 1857, they have one daughter, Josephine Eltinge. A dedicated Democrat, Davis has been a notable figure in California’s development from its early days.