Independent Order of Odd Fellows Archives

Biography of George B. Katzenstein of Sacramento

George B. Katzenstein, born on November 28, 1848, in New Orleans, Louisiana, significantly contributed to California’s business and agricultural development. His family relocated to California in 1853, where his father ran a hotel in Marysville. Educated in Marysville, George later moved to Sacramento, working in insurance and fraternal organizations. He co-founded the Orange Vale Colonization Company, promoting fruit cultivation in northern California. Katzenstein also managed the Sacramento and northern California business for the Earl Fruit Company and became a key figure in the California Fruit Distributors. Married to Ida M. Richards in 1869, he was active in various fraternal organizations and the Republican Party.

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Biography of Julius Kahn of San Francisco

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / San Francisco County / History of New California

Julius Kahn, born on February 28, 1861, in Germany, was a notable figure in San Francisco, excelling in law, politics, and public service. He immigrated to America at age five with his mother, Jeanette, to join his father, Herman, in California. Educated in public schools, Kahn initially pursued a theatrical career, performing with famous actors before studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1894. Kahn served in the California State Assembly and later in Congress from 1898 to 1902. He married Florence Prag in 1899, and they had a son, Julius, born in 1902. Active in various social and fraternal organizations, Kahn was a respected and influential community member.

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Biography of Everis Anson Hayes

Leave a Comment / 5 minutes of reading / Santa Clara County / History of New California

Everis Anson Hayes, born March 10, 1855, in Waterloo, Wisconsin, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent businessman in Santa Clara County, California. Of Scotch descent, he practiced law before investing in successful mining ventures. In 1887, Hayes and his brother moved to California, purchasing a substantial estate in Eden Vale. They later acquired the San Jose Herald and the San Jose Mercury newspapers. Hayes married twice and had seven children. He was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange, and supported the Republican Party, contributing significantly to local and state politics.

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Biography of Eugene D. Graham of Stockton

Leave a Comment / 2 minutes of reading / San Joaquin County, Solano County / History of 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.

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Biography of James Louis Gillis of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Sacramento County / History of 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.

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Biography of William A. Gett of Sacramento

Leave a Comment / 3 minutes of reading / Sacramento County / History of New California

William A. Gett, born July 17, 1863, in Sacramento, California, is a distinguished figure in Sacramento County. His father, Captain W. A. Gett, was a Mexican War veteran and California pioneer. Educated in Sacramento’s public and private schools, Gett initially pursued civil engineering before studying law. Admitted to the bar just after turning 21, he practiced law in Sacramento. Though he declined many nominations, he ran for California attorney general in 1902. Married to Ema Sweeney in 1892, Gett was active in the National Guard, various fraternal organizations, and delivered notable public orations, including a tribute to President McKinley.

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Biography of Captain Richard M. Garratt

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Santa Clara County / History of New California

Captain Richard M. Garratt, born March 3, 1840, in Worcester, England, was a Civil War veteran and superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas, California. After attending Oxford College, he moved to the United States in 1858. Garratt served in the Civil War, rising to captain in the U.S. Colored Infantry. Post-war, he held significant roles in the railroad industry, including general freight agent and general manager positions. In 1902, he became superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas. He was twice married and fathered six children. Active in Republican politics and various fraternal organizations, Garratt contributed greatly to his community.

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Biography of George Frank Gardner of Wooden Valley

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Napa County / History of New California

George Frank Gardner, born September 8, 1855, in Wooden Valley, Napa County, California, served as a dedicated public official in Napa County. By 1904, he was deputy tax collector and deputy treasurer. His parents, George Gordon and Sarah T. (Rice) Gardner, had roots in Arkansas and Tennessee, respectively. Gardner’s father was a Mexican War veteran who journeyed to California in 1849. Gardner’s career began in mercantile establishments before he was elected Napa County tax collector and treasurer in 1892, serving ten years. He married Dora L. Hill in 1880, and they had three sons. Gardner was active in Democratic politics and various fraternal organizations.

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Biography of Newel K. Foster of Oakland

Leave a Comment / 4 minutes of reading / Alameda County / History of New California

Dr. Newel K. Foster, born in Canterbury, New Hampshire, in 1849, was a prominent physician and legislator. The son of David M. and Sarah (Robertson) Foster, he hailed from a family with deep roots in New England history, including military service in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Foster earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in 1873 and a Doctor of Medicine from Long Island College Hospital in 1878. He practiced in New York and Wyoming before settling in Oakland, California. Foster served as a state legislator and secretary of the state board of health, significantly contributing to public health and politics.

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Biography of Tirey Lafayette Ford of San Francisco

Leave a Comment / 5 minutes of reading / San Francisco County, Butte County, Colusa County, Sierra County / History of New California

Tirey Lafayette Ford, born December 29, 1857, in Monroe County, Missouri, served as general counsel for the United Railroads of San Francisco, distinguishing himself as a prominent lawyer in California. His legal career began after he passed the bar in 1882, with initial practice in Oroville and later in Downieville. Ford held several public offices, including district attorney of Sierra County and California state senator. In 1898, he was elected attorney general of California but resigned in 1902 to join the United Railroads. He married Emma Byington in 1888, and they had three children. Ford was active in numerous fraternal and social organizations.

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