Biography of John F. Cooper of Sacramento

John F, Cooper

John F. Cooper, one of Sacramento’s notable citizens, had a diverse career spanning over five decades. Born in Kentucky in 1840, he traveled to California in 1852. Cooper experienced various professions, initially working as a cabin boy, before turning to printing, mining, and ranching. He then became a key figure in Sacramento’s music scene, organizing choirs and running a leading music store for three decades. Later, he ventured into business, founding the Capital Sacramento Transfer, Van and Storage Company. In 1869, he married Joanna Powelson, and together they had two musically accomplished daughters, Laura and Ruby.

Biography of George B. Campbell, M. D. of Sacramento

Title Page vol 1 The New California

Dr. George B. Campbell is a skilled and compassionate physician and surgeon based in Sacramento, known for both his professional expertise and optimistic demeanor, which positively impacts his patients. Born in Missouri in 1861, Campbell pursued farming and pharmacy before graduating from St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1892. He practiced medicine in Missouri and Illinois before settling in Sacramento in 1899, where he has built a highly regarded practice. Married to Samantha J. Miller since 1880, with whom he has a daughter, Campbell is also actively involved in various fraternal organizations and enjoys automobiles. His practice is well-equipped, underscoring his dedication to patient care.

Biography of Joseph E. Bentley of Seaside California

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

Few, if any, business establishments of Monterey county have rendered a greater service to the community in which they have operated than that of Bentley & Son, so ably represented by the senior partner, Joseph E. Bentley, of Seaside. A native of the metropolis, New York city, he was born on the 4th of January, in the centennial year of the Republic, and his parents were Michael O. and Jennie A. (Osborne) Bentley. The mother’s ancestors landed at Plymouth Rock, and one of her forbears bought and fitted out the Mayflower. The father was a physician. He retired early enough … Read more

Biography of Henry Nelson of Merced

Henry Nelson

Among the best-known of the old-timers now living in Merced is Henry Nelson, whose memory carries him back to the earliest days in the forming of the county, and who is able to recount the happenings of those early days when a “man was a man” and stood upon his own feet. Mr. Nelson was born in Frederickton, New Brunswick, on August 17, 1844, the son of William and Anna C. (Campbell) Nelson. The former died in May, 1896, at Sonora, and the latter in September, 1895, at Merced Falls; both are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Snelling. … Read more

Biography of William Beckman of Sacramento

William Beckman

William Beckman, born in December 1832 in the Mohawk Valley, New York, became a prominent figure in Sacramento, California. He moved to California in 1852 during the mining boom, initially trying his hand at mining before shifting to the hotel business and later farming in Florin. In 1879, Beckman founded the People’s Savings Bank of Sacramento, serving as its president and establishing it as a reliable financial institution. A former county supervisor and railroad commissioner, he also engaged in community and fraternal organizations. Beckman married twice, first to Mary Webber and later to Nellie Sims, contributing significantly to Sacramento’s development.

Biography of William Alexander Anderson of Sacramento

William C. Anderson

William Alexander Anderson, born in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1846, became a prominent figure in central California’s legal and literary circles. Moving to California in 1850, he pursued an education in law at Benicia Law College, graduating in 1865. Anderson served as county auditor, city attorney, and police judge in Sacramento. He was deeply involved in the Republican Party and contributed significantly to local cultural life as a writer and dramatic critic. His career was marked by integrity and public service, earning him widespread respect and admiration.