Native Sons of the Golden West Archives - Page 2 of 2

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

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 James William Ives of Los Banos

1925 History of Merced County - title page

We may respect the reticence of a modest man with regard to his good deeds, but it is right for the public to know something of them as it is a great stimulus to others to emulate his example. When any one begins at the bottom and builds up a successful business, triumphing over adverse conditions and becomes a public benefactor, it is of general interest and benefit to know how it was accomplished. James William Ives was born on June 3, 1874, in Alameda County, California, a son of James H. and Emma J. (Adamson) Ives. Up to twelve … Read more