Frank C. Pollard, the under sheriff of Siskiyou County, was influential in Yreka’s business and governance for over fifteen years. Born on April 2, 1864, in Magalia, California, he is the son of pioneer J. D. Pollard. Pollard served in various roles, including deputy county clerk and city clerk, before becoming under sheriff in 1903. He was an active Republican and member of the Masons and Odd Fellows, married to Anna Fried, with one son, Bernard.
James Carroll Owen arrived in California in 1849 as a pioneer, overcoming significant hardships typical of early settlers. Born in Illinois in 1831, he and his family settled in Suisun Valley, where they engaged in mining and established the first grocery store. Owen ventured into various businesses, including butchering and real estate, and played a crucial role in the community’s development, such as piping water to Suisun in 1858. He served as Napa’s city marshal and was married to Phoebe Ellen Rush, with whom he had four children.
Thomas Alvin Nelson, born in 1862 in Pennsylvania, became the postmaster of Stockton, California. Raised on a farm, he taught in San Joaquin County schools before starting a mercantile business in Lathrop. His popularity led to election to the California state legislature in 1894. Appointed postmaster in 1898, he served under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. Nelson married Mary A. Howell in 1888, and they had two daughters: Velma and Veda. An active Republican and community member, he held various party roles and was involved in several fraternal organizations.
John Gilmore McMillan, a notable figure in California’s history, impacted railroad construction and civil engineering in Santa Clara County. Born in Rhode Island in 1851, he moved to California at a young age. His professional journey included serving as Sutter County’s surveyor and working with the Central Pacific Railroad. After 1890, he served as Santa Clara County’s surveyor, earning respect for his integrity and innovative contributions, including a new bridge system and a comprehensive county map. McMillan was a family man and active in various fraternal organizations.
Hon. Frank McGowan, born on September 4, 1860, in Steilacoom, Washington, is a prominent California legislator and law practitioner based in San Francisco. His father, Terrance McGowan, was a pioneering Irish immigrant and Civil War soldier. Frank’s education began in San Francisco’s public schools, followed by private instruction in law, leading to his admission to the bar in 1883. He became a respected political figure, serving in the California Assembly and Senate, where he championed various laws for public welfare. A dedicated family man and member of several fraternal organizations, McGowan’s career reflects his commitment to justice and community progress.
Archibald McDonald, originally from Ireland, moved to America as an infant and settled in Massachusetts. He arrived in California in 1852, where he became influential in various business ventures, particularly in the lumber and woolen industries. McDonald served as superintendent of the San Jose Woolen Mills Company and held directorial positions at the Agnew State Hospital and the Garden City Bank. He was instrumental in the company’s growth, producing flannel and blankets and employing many workers. Married with two children, McDonald was an active member of the community and remains a respected figure in California’s industrial sector.
A manager of experience in the theatrical field, who has done much to give Santa Cruz the best of dramatic advantages, is Earl H. Amos, the wide-awake progressive director of the New Santa Cruz Theater. He was born at Tecumseh, Oklahoma, August 29, 1893, the son of L. J. and Effie (Beams) Amos, who removed to Los Angeles in 1904. Father and son started the Amos News Company there. Both parents are still living, now honored residents of Mountain View, Santa Clara county. Earl H. Amos attended the schools of Los Angeles, studied at home, and took a business course, … Read more
Frank Mattison, born near Santa Cruz, California, on February 5, 1860, served as a member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district of California. He was the son of John S. Mattison, an English-born original California forty-niner, and Lila Miles, of Pennsylvania. Frank’s career began in agriculture and expanded to the grocery business before entering public service. Elected county assessor in 1890, he served three terms. In 1902, he was elected to the state board of equalization. Active in the Republican party, Mattison also held roles in various fraternal organizations. He married Carrie A. Peck in 1883, and they had two daughters, Lila E. and Ruth.
Dr. James T. Martin, born on November 26, 1850, in Yamhill County, Oregon, achieved considerable success as a physician in Sacramento. His early years were marked by significant hardships, including working in harvest fields and on fishing boats to fund his education at Pacific University and later the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a medical degree in 1883. Initially teaching in Washington state, he transitioned to medicine, serving at the Skokomish Indian Reservation before establishing a successful practice in Woodland, California, and later in Sacramento. Married to Mary M. Huntington, Dr. Martin was known for his contributions to medical journals and his involvement in various business enterprises and fraternal organizations.
Charles James Luttrell, born on January 18, 1875, in Fort Jones, Siskiyou County, served as district attorney of Siskiyou County. He actively participated in the professional, public, and political affairs of his community, focusing on the county’s agricultural and mineral resources. Luttrell, the son of Lloyd Benjamin Luttrell and Lizzie Jordan, was educated locally and taught school before studying law at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1901. Elected district attorney in 1902, he was known for his successful prosecutions. He was involved in several fraternal organizations, including the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Masons.