Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

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.

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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.

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Title Page vol 1 The New California

Biography of Albert Elkus of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 6 minutes of reading / Sacramento County /

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.

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Title Page vol 1 The New California

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

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

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.

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History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

Biography of Peter N. Bondesen of Salinas California

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Among the ranchmen and fruit growers in the region about Salinas, few have been more successful in recent years than Peter N. Bondesen. He was born in Denmark, June 8, 1866, and is a son of Nels and Celia (Smith) Bondesen. His father was a weaver by trade and in his boyhood Peter attended the

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History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

Biography of Hugh J. Leonard of Santa Cruz California

Leave a Comment / 2 minutes of reading / Santa Cruz County /

A progressive man of valuable, practical experience and inspiring optimism is Hugh J. Leonard, the affable and popular secretary and manager of the People’s Finance & Thrift Company of Santa Cruz. A native of Ireland, he was born October 21, 1885, and as early as 1898, made his first trip to America. Remaining only a

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History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

Biography of Ralph Thomsen of Salinas California

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

A contractor whose success is the clearest evidence of his ability and worth is Ralph Thomsen, of 330 California street, Salinas, in which city, as well as in other parts of Monterey county, he has established for himself a reputation for dependability. He makes a specialty of interior and exterior decorating, is well-informed as to

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History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

Biography of John A. Mcgarry, M. D. C. of Santa Cruz California

Leave a Comment / 2 minutes of reading / Santa Cruz County /

An experienced veterinarian who has distinguished himself by his original and successful methods is Dr. John A. McGarry of 158 Front street, Santa Cruz. He is a native of Wisconsin, and was born at Milwaukee on February 7, 1876. He attended the public schools of that locality and then entered upon collegiate work, being graduated

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1925 History of Merced County - title page

Biography of William T. White of Livingston

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

Among the well-known men and progressive citizens of Merced County is William T. White, president of the White-Crowell Company, Inc., of Livingston. He was born in Paris, Kentucky, on May 27, 1868, and was orphaned by the death of his father that same year, while his mother passed away ten years later, in California. William

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