Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Archives - Page 2 of 2

Biography of James Louis Gillis of Sacramento

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.

Biography of John Wynkoop Gilkyson, Jr. of San Francisco

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.

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 Peter N. Bondesen of Salinas California

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

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 local schools, where he picked up the rudiments of a practical education. When he was fifteen years of age he came to America alone and went directly to the home of his brother, Hans Bondesen, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. For some time he worked as a … Read more

Biography of Hugh J. Leonard of Santa Cruz California

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 year, however, he went back to Erin, to work there as a farmer. He also crossed over to Scotland, and for a while worked for wages in Glasgow. Coming to the United States for the second time in 1906, he was for eighteen months in … Read more

Biography of Ralph Thomsen of Salinas California

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 both the latest art standards and styles and the trade conditions, and he has original ideas that afford pleasure to those wishing for the best and also desiring the charm of the unusual, approved by the most discriminating taste. Mr. Thomsen was born at Salinas, … Read more

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

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 from the Chicago University as a member of the class of ’96, when he received the coveted degree, M. D. C. While attending the University, he was a pitcher on the college baseball team and later, during 1896-97, was pitcher on the Pittsburg national baseball … Read more

Biography of William T. White of Livingston

1925 History of Merced County - title page

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 T. White grew up from infancy in the Golden State and received his education in the schools of Merced and San Jose. When he was twelve years old he entered the employ of Miller and Lux, Henry Miller treating him as a son, giving him … Read more