San Jose Archives - California Genealogy

Biography of John Gilmore McMillan

John Gilmore McMillan, a notable figure in California’s history, impacted railroad construction and civil engineering in Santa Clara County. Born in Rhode Island in 1851, he moved to California at a young age. His professional journey included serving as Sutter County’s surveyor and working with the Central Pacific Railroad. After 1890, he served as Santa Clara County’s surveyor, earning respect for his integrity and innovative contributions, including a new bridge system and a comprehensive county map. McMillan was a family man and active in various fraternal organizations.

Biography of Archibald McDonald of San Jose

Archibald McDonald, originally from Ireland, moved to America as an infant and settled in Massachusetts. He arrived in California in 1852, where he became influential in various business ventures, particularly in the lumber and woolen industries. McDonald served as superintendent of the San Jose Woolen Mills Company and held directorial positions at the Agnew State Hospital and the Garden City Bank. He was instrumental in the company’s growth, producing flannel and blankets and employing many workers. Married with two children, McDonald was an active member of the community and remains a respected figure in California’s industrial sector.

Biography of Judge Samuel Franklin Leib of San Jose

Judge Samuel F. Leib, born January 18, 1848, in Fairfield County, Ohio, achieved distinction in California’s legal field, serving as a superior court judge since his appointment in March 1903. Raised on a farm, Leib attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a law degree in 1869. A Civil War veteran, he moved to San Jose, California, where he established a successful law practice. Known for his involvement in significant cases, such as the irrigation bonds issue, Leib’s legal acumen earned him commendation. Married to Lida C. Grissim in 1874, he had five children. Active in the G.A.R. and a dedicated Republican, Leib contributed significantly to public and civic affairs, including serving on the Stanford University board of trustees.

Biography of Thomas Kelley, M.D. of San Jose

For over thirty years, Dr. Thomas Kelley practiced medicine in Santa Clara County, establishing himself as a pioneer physician. Born in Logan County, Illinois, on September 18, 1836, he was the son of Alexander and Lucinda (Anderson) Kelley. A Civil War veteran, Dr. Kelley pursued medical studies at Rush Medical College, graduating in 1871. He began his practice in Santa Clara and moved to San Jose in 1876. A dedicated Republican, he served as postmaster of San Jose and was an active member of the G.A.R. Dr. Kelley was twice married, fathering four children. His second wife, Sarah, died in 1903.

Biography of Bernard Eugene Kell of San Jose

Bernard Eugene Kell, born May 3, 1876, in San Jose, served as coroner and public administrator of Santa Clara County. Son of Martin D. and Mary A. (Ward) Kell, Bernard followed in his father’s civic footsteps. Martin, originally from Canada, settled in Santa Clara County in 1846 and became a prominent local figure. Bernard, educated at St. Joseph College, succeeded his father as coroner in 1902. A Democrat active in local politics, Bernard was associated with the Native Sons of the Golden West, Fraternal Eagles, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was esteemed in his community.

Biography of Albert Hutchinson Jarman of San Jose

Albert Hutchinson Jarman, born April 27, 1875, in San Jose, California, was a prominent lawyer known for his significant contributions to the local legal community. The son of John Plasket Jarman, an English immigrant and successful businessman, and Jane Hutchinson Jarman, Albert pursued his education at Stanford University and the University of Michigan, where he earned a Doctor of Laws degree in 1896. He served as deputy district attorney from 1898 to 1902 and married Eleanor North in 1900. Jarman was also active in local politics and the Masonic fraternity.

Biography of Orrin S. Henderson of Stockton

Orrin S. Henderson, born on June 2, 1863, in San Andreas, Calaveras County, California, was a prominent figure in Stockton’s business, political, and social spheres. The son of Milton P. and Hannah L. Henderson, he joined his father’s carriage manufacturing business in Stockton after graduating from high school in 1881. A committed Republican, Henderson served two terms on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and was elected Railroad Commissioner of California’s Third District in 1902. He held numerous leadership roles in fraternal organizations and married Lavern Viets in 1885, with whom he had two sons.

Biography of William George Hawley of San Jose

William G. Hawley, born on June 16, 1846, in Leicester, England, is notable for his service as postmaster of San Jose and his dedication to the Republican Party. After moving to the U.S. in 1861, he served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Post-war, he worked in real estate before becoming San Jose’s postmaster in 1899, a position he held through reappointment in 1903. Hawley was active in the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Caroline A. Everts in 1868, and they had two sons, Frederick and George.

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 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