San Francisco Archives - Page 3 of 4

Biography of Henry F. Fortmann of San Francisco

Henry F. Fortmann, born in San Francisco in 1856, was a prominent figure in the salmon canning industry as the president of the Alaska Packers’ Association. Under his leadership, the company, capitalized at five million dollars, became the largest salmon canning enterprise globally, employing eight thousand men and operating a hundred sea-going vessels. Fortmann, who had a thorough education in Germany, initially joined his father’s brewing business before co-founding the Arctic Packing Company in 1884. He also held directorial roles in financial institutions and owned ships in the coasting trade. Fortmann married Julia Schindler, and they had two daughters.

Biography of Tirey Lafayette Ford of San Francisco

Tirey Lafayette Ford, born December 29, 1857, in Monroe County, Missouri, served as general counsel for the United Railroads of San Francisco, distinguishing himself as a prominent lawyer in California. His legal career began after he passed the bar in 1882, with initial practice in Oroville and later in Downieville. Ford held several public offices, including district attorney of Sierra County and California state senator. In 1898, he was elected attorney general of California but resigned in 1902 to join the United Railroads. He married Emma Byington in 1888, and they had three children. Ford was active in numerous fraternal and social organizations.

Biography of James L. Flanagan of San Francisco

James L. Flanagan, born December 24, 1865, in Sunol, Alameda County, California, was the manager of the State House Hotel in Sacramento. Known for his integrity and engaging personality, Flanagan significantly improved and expanded the hotel, making it a hub for politicians during conventions and legislative sessions. He began his career in San Francisco, later working at the Western Hotel before managing the State House Hotel in 1902. Flanagan was also involved in mining and banking, serving as the president of the Roseville Banking Company. He married Mamie Baker in 1896, and they were active in various fraternal organizations.

Biography of Albert Elkus of Sacramento

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.

Biography of John T. Davis

John T. Davis (b. November 1830), a successful capitalist based in San Francisco, is known for his extensive investments in farming across California. Originally from Illinois, Davis relocated to Texas in 1852 before settling in California in 1854. He initially farmed in Tulare and Stockton, later acquiring significant tracts of land in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Glenn Counties. By 1872, he leased his properties and focused on overseeing his investments. Married to Mary Marion in 1857, they have one daughter, Josephine Eltinge. A dedicated Democrat, Davis has been a notable figure in California’s development from its early days.

Biography of General John H. Dickinson of San Francisco

General John H. Dickinson (b. April 8, 1849) was a prominent figure in San Francisco’s legal history, having started his law practice in 1873. Born in Parkersburg, Virginia, he moved to California as an infant with his father, a merchant and pioneer. Dickinson self-studied law while teaching at St. Augustine’s College in Benicia. He joined the National Guard of California in 1871, rising to major general by 1898. Elected as a state senator in 1879, he also served Marin and Contra Costa counties. Married to Annie Shipman in 1875, he had one son, Reginald. Dickinson was active in Masonic circles and a dedicated Republican.

Biography of W. L. Clark of Forestville, California

The name of Clark is well known throughout Sonoma county, and especially in Forestville, where father and son in their several capacities have become familiar to every household, the former as postmaster of this town for many years, and the latter as a dispenser of meats throughout the town and surrounding country. Not only is W. L. Clark a native of the state, but he is also a native of Sonoma county, his birth occurring in Windsor May 8, 1865, the son of W. S. Clark and his wife, both natives of Illinois. During the period of gold excitement W. … Read more

Biography of Ralph Thomsen of Salinas California

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

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

Biography of W. H. Osborn of Atwater

As a dealer in real estate and an active member of the Merced County Republican Central Committee and as justice of the peace of Township No. 8, W. H. Osborn of Atwater has been closely identified with all forward movements for the upbuilding of Merced County and of this section of the San Joaquin Valley. A native son, he was born in San Francisco, on February 12, 1856, the eldest of six children (four living) of Henry Augustus Osborn, a pioneer of 1850 in California. He was born in Oxford, Connecticut, on February 13, 1829, grew up there until he … Read more