Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- Folder contains many handwritten letters, Certificate of Justice of Peace from 1847, and newspaper clippings of Preston's son, Henry.
- Extent:
- 1.0 folder handwritten letters from family members; newspaper clippings of his son Henry Gesford; Preston's daughter's wedding invitation; Certificate of Justice of Peace (extremely delicate)
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Preston Gesford Letters and Documents. The Society of California Pioneers.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Folder contains many handwritten letters, Certificate of Justice of Peace from 1847, and newspaper clippings of Preston's son, Henry.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Preston Gesford was born in Casey County, Kentucky, April 17th, 1820. He moved to Illinois, where he met his wife Louisa Jane William, and they were married June 30, 1840. They lived in Galena, Illinois, until 1849 when they crossed the country and settled in Napa Valley. In 1850 he returned to Illinois to move his family to California. He served on the first trial jury of Napa County, and was known to be involved in public affairs. He died November 13th, 1896, at 76 years old.
Preston's youngest son, Henry, was born June 19th, 1856 near St. Helena. In 1876 he was elected Superintendent of Schools in Napa County, and held office for two years. He attended law school at University of Michigan, graduating in 1882. In 1887 he represented Napa and Yolo counties in the State Senate, and also served as District Attorney from 1891-1892. He was a Past Grand President of N. S. G. W., and a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and the I. O. O. F. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias.
- Acquisition information:
- Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Collection open for research.
- Terms of access:
-
There are no restrictions on access.
- Preferred citation:
-
Preston Gesford Letters and Documents. The Society of California Pioneers.
- Location of this collection:
-
300 Fourth StreetSan Francisco, CA 94107, US
- Contact:
- (415) 957-1849 ext. 160