History of New California Archives - Page 9 of 13

Biography of Michael J. Desmond

Michael J. Desmond, born in Boston in 1861, has served as city clerk of Sacramento since 1896. Son of Irish immigrants William and Ellen Desmond, he moved to Sacramento in 1871. Educated in Boston and Sacramento public schools, Desmond became a skilled boilermaker before transitioning to public service. He first served as clerk of the police court before his long tenure as city clerk. Married to Mary Morley in 1896, they have two children, Gerald and William. A Democrat, Desmond is active in the Elks Lodge and Woodmen of the World, respected for his meticulous and dedicated public service.

Biography of General John H. Dickinson of San Francisco

General John H. Dickinson (b. April 8, 1849) was a prominent figure in San Francisco’s legal history, having started his law practice in 1873. Born in Parkersburg, Virginia, he moved to California as an infant with his father, a merchant and pioneer. Dickinson self-studied law while teaching at St. Augustine’s College in Benicia. He joined the National Guard of California in 1871, rising to major general by 1898. Elected as a state senator in 1879, he also served Marin and Contra Costa counties. Married to Annie Shipman in 1875, he had one son, Reginald. Dickinson was active in Masonic circles and a dedicated Republican.

Biography of Joseph Craig

Joseph Craig, born in 1849 in Clinton County, Missouri, has been a key figure in Woodland, California, since 1852. As president of the Yolo County Consolidated Water Company, founded in 1903, he spearheads one of the state’s largest irrigation projects, crucial for local agriculture. A former successful lawyer, Craig shifted focus to public enterprises, significantly impacting Yolo County’s growth. He and his wife, Kate S. Stephens, own extensive farmland and hold major shares in the Bank of Woodland. Craig’s contributions to the community are marked by his leadership in both financial and agricultural sectors.

Biography of Thomas J. Cox, M. D. of Sacramento County

Dr. Thomas J. Cox, born in Sacramento County in 1871, is a prominent young physician in California’s capital. Son of Irish immigrants Thomas and Mary (Flanigan) Cox, he pursued his education locally, graduating high school in 1891. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, gaining initial experience at the Southern Pacific Railway Hospital and the county hospital. Since entering private practice in Sacramento, Dr. Cox has built a significant patient base. In 1900, he married Alice Sheehan, and they have two children, Margaret and Thomas, Jr. Dr. Cox is active in civic organizations and local politics as a Republican.

Biography of Hon. Frederick Cox of Sacramento

Hon. Frederick Cox, born January 16, 1828, in England, has significantly impacted banking and business in central California. After immigrating to America in 1846 and working in various trades, he co-founded a successful butchering business and later entered the cattle industry. In 1881, he helped establish the California State Bank, serving as its president since 1894. A prominent Democrat, he served in the California State Senate from 1882 to 1886. Cox’s long and respected career is marked by his enduring contributions to the financial and social fabric of Sacramento.

Biography of John F. Cooper of Sacramento

John F. Cooper, one of Sacramento’s notable citizens, had a diverse career spanning over five decades. Born in Kentucky in 1840, he traveled to California in 1852. Cooper experienced various professions, initially working as a cabin boy, before turning to printing, mining, and ranching. He then became a key figure in Sacramento’s music scene, organizing choirs and running a leading music store for three decades. Later, he ventured into business, founding the Capital Sacramento Transfer, Van and Storage Company. In 1869, he married Joanna Powelson, and together they had two musically accomplished daughters, Laura and Ruby.

Biography of George B. Campbell, M. D. of Sacramento

Dr. George B. Campbell is a skilled and compassionate physician and surgeon based in Sacramento, known for both his professional expertise and optimistic demeanor, which positively impacts his patients. Born in Missouri in 1861, Campbell pursued farming and pharmacy before graduating from St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1892. He practiced medicine in Missouri and Illinois before settling in Sacramento in 1899, where he has built a highly regarded practice. Married to Samantha J. Miller since 1880, with whom he has a daughter, Campbell is also actively involved in various fraternal organizations and enjoys automobiles. His practice is well-equipped, underscoring his dedication to patient care.

Biography of Hon. Frank L. Coombs

While the disposition to do honor to those who have served well their race or their nation is prevalent among all enlightened people and is of great value everywhere and under all forms of government, it is particularly appropriate to and to be fostered in this country, where no man is born to public office or to public honor or comes to either by inheritance, but where all men are equal before the law, where the race for distinction is over the road for public usefulness and is open to everyone who chooses to enter, however humble and obscure he … Read more

Biography of Richard E. Collins

Richard E. Collins, present assessor of Shasta county, has given one of the most efficient and business-like administrations of his office that the county has ever enjoyed, and his own ability is reflected in the work of the office. His entry into the position was most auspicious and indicative of his great popularity as a citizen of the county, for his election was by a great majority in a county of the opposite political complexion to his own. Mr. Collins is a true son of the west, possessed of the grit and progressive characteristics of a Californian, and his career … Read more

Biography of Edward Power Colgan

Edward Power Colgan, born January 10, 1856, in Santa Rosa, California, served his fourth term as state controller of California and had been in public service since 1887. Colgan, the eldest of six sons, was educated in Santa Rosa and trained as a blacksmith before entering politics. He served as sheriff of Sonoma County and was first elected state controller in 1894. His long tenure reflected his integrity and dedication. Married to Mary E. Smith in 1880, they had four surviving children. Colgan was also active in various fraternal organizations, including the Masons and the Elks.