San Francisco Archives - Page 3 of 5

Biography of John M. Higgins of Sacramento

John M. Higgins, born on September 3, 1863, in New Jersey, is the foreman of the bindery department at the state printing office and a member of California’s General Assembly. He was educated in San Francisco, where he completed high school at seventeen. Higgins apprenticed under bookbinder A. Buswell, later buying and running the business until 1889. Moving to Sacramento, he joined the state printing office, becoming foreman in 1903. An active Republican, he has served in the thirty-fifth General Assembly and is involved in the Bookbinders’ Union, Elks, and Eagles.

Biography of Charles J. Heggerty of San Francisco

Charles J. Heggerty, a distinguished lawyer from San Francisco, was born on December 27, 1860, in Smartsville, Yuba County, California. His parents, Morris Heggerty and Mary O’Donnell, were Irish immigrants who settled in Yuba County in the mid-19th century. After being orphaned at 14, Charles pursued education at St. Mary’s College in San Francisco, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1880. He studied law with prominent attorneys and was admitted to the California bar in 1889. Heggerty gained prominence through significant cases, including those involving hydraulic mining rights and the extensive Fair estate litigation. He married Annie M. Cashin in 1890.

Biography of Captain Zephaniah J. Hatch of San Francisco

Captain Zephaniah J. Hatch, a notable figure in steamboat building and operation in the Pacific states, was born on June 15, 1846, in Monticello, New York. Son of Cornelius and Jane (Trobridge) Hatch, he initially worked as a teacher and banker before moving west. In Oregon, he joined the steamboat industry, eventually forming the U. B. Scott Steamboat Company. Despite facing significant financial setbacks, Hatch persisted and achieved success in steamboat operations and wheat handling. He married Adeline Tremain in 1881, and they had five children. Captain Hatch retired in 1898, focusing on managing his business from his offices.

Biography of William J. Hassett

Hon. William J. Hassett, born on November 7, 1839, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the mayor of Sacramento known for his dedication to public service and reform. Starting as a printer at fourteen, he moved to California in 1863 and worked in San Francisco before relocating to Sacramento in 1885. There, he managed A. J. Johnston’s printing business for eighteen years. Elected mayor in 1903, Hassett’s administration was marked by business-like methods and progressive reforms. A Democrat, he was deeply involved in local and state politics. He married in 1866 and returned to California with his wife, contributing significantly to Sacramento’s development.

Biography of William Benjamin Hamilton

William Benjamin Hamilton, born June 1, 1857, in Centerville, Alameda County, California, had a distinguished career in public service. Son of Noble and Lydia D. Hamilton, he began his career in the internal revenue and customs service at seventeen. He held various significant positions, including chief deputy county recorder of Alameda County and deputy naval officer at the port of San Francisco. In 1897, he became the cashier of the San Francisco custom house and was later appointed special deputy collector of the port in 1901. Hamilton married Ceil Doyl in 1889, and they had a son, Allan Wooster Hamilton.

Biography of Hon. E. J. Gregory of Sacramento

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 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 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.