Native Sons of the Golden West Archives

Biography of Frank Mattison of Santa Cruz

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.

Biography of Charles James Luttrell

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.

Biography of Thomas B. W. Leland, M. D. of San Francisco

Dr. Thomas B. W. Leland, born September 19, 1870, in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, California, was a prominent young physician in San Francisco. Son of Gustavus A. Leland, a Massachusetts native and early California settler, Dr. Leland pursued his education at the state normal school in San Jose and later the medical department of the University of California, graduating in 1894. He gained practical experience at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Railroad Hospital in Oakland. Dr. Leland began his private practice in 1896 and held various teaching and medical positions, including professor of internal medicine and San Francisco’s coroner. Married to Florence McMahon in 1897, they had two children. Dr. Leland was active in several fraternal organizations and served as chief surgeon for California’s Naval Militia. His career was marked by a commitment to medical advancement and community service.

Biography of William Henry Langdon

Professor William Henry Langdon, born September 25, 1873, in Alameda County, California, served as the superintendent of San Francisco’s public schools. He introduced numerous progressive educational methods during his tenure, enhancing the practical value of schooling. Educated in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, he graduated from Haywards’ high school and San Jose Normal School. Langdon’s career included teaching positions in San Leandro and Fresno, and in 1902, he was elected superintendent of San Francisco’s schools. He abolished written examinations, reduced class sizes, and emphasized merit-based appointments. Active in various fraternal organizations, Langdon was also a respected lawyer and educator.

Biography of Bernard Eugene Kell of San Jose

Bernard Eugene Kell, born May 3, 1876, in San Jose, served as coroner and public administrator of Santa Clara County. Son of Martin D. and Mary A. (Ward) Kell, Bernard followed in his father’s civic footsteps. Martin, originally from Canada, settled in Santa Clara County in 1846 and became a prominent local figure. Bernard, educated at St. Joseph College, succeeded his father as coroner in 1902. A Democrat active in local politics, Bernard was associated with the Native Sons of the Golden West, Fraternal Eagles, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was esteemed in his community.

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 William A. Gett of Sacramento

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.

Biography of George Frank Gardner of Wooden Valley

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.

Biography of Nathaniel Ellery of Sacramento

Nathaniel Ellery, born in Eureka, California, on July 18, 1872, served as the state highway commissioner of California by 1904. A Stanford University graduate, Ellery earned degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Civil Engineering in 1895. He initially served as Humboldt County surveyor in 1899 before his appointment as commissioner. His effective work in improving California’s road system showcased his civil engineering expertise. Ellery married Lulu I. Fraser in 1899, and they resided in Sacramento. He was active in fraternal organizations and supported the Republican party. His parents, Franklin and Elizabeth Ellery, had New England Puritan roots.

Biography of Matt J. McGowan of Watsonville California

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

Few men in the Watsonville neighborhood have a wider acquaintance than Matt J. McGowan, a substantial rancher in the Trafton district of the Pajaro valley, and few thereabout are held in higher regard, for his good works in the community-have long established him as a real friend to all mankind. Many of the young men in the Watsonville community are proud to look upon Mr. McGowan as a typical “big brother” and his helping hand has been extended in many directions known only to those who have been the immediate beneficiaries of the help thus bestowed. At the time the … Read more