Biography of Judge Elija C. Hart of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Judge Elija Carson Hart, born on September 9, 1857, in Nevada, served as judge of the superior court of Sacramento County. Starting work at twelve, he progressed through roles in journalism and law, becoming city clerk of Colusa and later an influential attorney and politician in Sacramento. Elected judge in 1896, he was re-elected in 1902, serving until 1909. Married to Addie Vivian in 1878, he had four children. Judge Hart was a respected Republican, involved in various fraternal organizations, and known for his equitable and principled approach in both legislative and judicial roles.

Biography of Thomas B. Hall

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Thomas B. Hall, born January 5, 1853, in Illinois, was the senior member of Hall, Luhrs and Company, Sacramento’s largest wholesale grocery firm. Hall’s career progressed from a porter in 1869 to establishing his own firm in 1876. Known for its financial integrity, the firm moved to a larger location on Second Street in 1883. Hall also contributed to various civic projects, including the Mount Shasta Mineral Springs Company and the Orangevale colonization project. A military veteran and active Mason, Hall married Selina A. Govan in 1876, with whom he had two children, Ward E. and Ethel B.

Biography of Frank Gregory of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Frank Gregory, born February 22, 1863, in Sacramento, was a clerk in the county recorder’s office and a notable business figure in the city. Son of Julius Gregory, a pioneer of 1849 and founder of a significant fruit and produce business, Frank managed the family enterprise with his brother Eugene until 1896. Later, he engaged in hop brokerage with international dealings. Active in Republican politics, Frank served as a county central committeeman and held various appointed positions. Unmarried, he was involved in fraternal organizations, including the Masons and the Eagles.

Biography of Hon. E. J. Gregory of Sacramento

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Hon. Eugene J. Gregory, born in San Francisco in 1854, was a prominent figure in Sacramento and New York City. He led the Gregory Brothers Company, enhancing California’s produce industry. Elected as Sacramento’s mayor in 1887, Gregory was known for his reformative policies and efficient governance. He was deeply involved in various civic and fraternal organizations, including the Masons and Odd Fellows. Married to Emma Crump in 1874, they had one son, Julius, who joined him in the patent business. Gregory’s contributions to both business and public service left a lasting impact on California’s community and economy.

Biography of James Louis Gillis of Sacramento

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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 William A. Gett of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The 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.

Biography of William Emil Gerber of Sacramento

William E. Gerber

William Emil Gerber, born September 8, 1852, in Buffalo, New York, was a key figure in the industrial and business landscape of central California. His parents, Pantalion and Sybilla Gerber, immigrated from Germany in 1844 and settled in Sacramento in 1860. Gerber’s early education took place in Sacramento and Buffalo, New York. He began his career in the grocery business before serving as county auditor and recorder for Sacramento from 1877 to 1885. Gerber held leadership roles in several enterprises, including the Earl Fruit Company, Buffalo Brewing Company, and California State Bank. Married to Hattie A. Lyon, he was active in community affairs and various fraternal organizations.

Biography of Lawrence Fisher of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Lawrence Fisher, born November 22, 1832, in Bolton, Lancashire, England, was a prominent blacksmith and resident of Sacramento for over 30 years until his death on February 4, 1903. He began his career in England and continued in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to California in 1872. Employed by the Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroad shops for 21 years, Fisher was recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship. He also managed a 143-acre ranch near Sacramento. Fisher married Mary Morgan in 1855, and they had six children, three of whom survived him. His widow resided at 631 E Street, Sacramento.

Biography of Nathaniel Ellery of Sacramento

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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 Albert Elkus of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

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.