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Gillis Family collection.
MANUSCRIPT3133-3137
Collection Overview
Title:
Gillis Family collectionGillis family
Abstract:
Valentines, postcards, and souvenirs associated with the Gillis family along with a wide assortment of paintings, photos,
property title books, and other items whose connection to the family is unknown.
Date:
18uu (issued)Subject:
n-us-caGillis, Emily
Gillis, J. L. (James Louis), 1857-1917
Gillis, Mabel Ray
Gillis, Ruth
Valentines -- 1900-1910
Sacramento (Calif.)
Charleston (S.C.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Note:
James Louis Gillis was born in Richmond, Iowa on October 3, 1857. His family journeyed to California in 1861 and settled in
Sacramento six years later. After a brief period in San Jose and 22 years of employment with the Sacramento Valley Railroad,
Gillis held positions with various state agencies until his election as California State Librarian in 1899. Known for numerous
innovations during his tenure, Gillis remained State Librarian until his death in 1917.
Mabel R. Gillis was born in Sacramento, California on September 24, 1882, and graduated from U. C. Berkeley in 1902. Two years
later her father, State Librarian James L. Gillis, asked her to join the staff of the California State Library as an assistant
in the Extension Department. In this capacity she greatly expanded the library's services to the visually impaired. Upon the
death of her father in 1917, Mabel was promoted to Assistant State Librarian; under this position one of her responsibilities
was planning for the new Library and Courts building. In 1930 State Librarian Milton J. Ferguson resigned, and Mabel Gillis
was appointed State Librarian by Governor C. C. Young. During her 21-year tenure as State Librarian she presided over a dramatic
increase in the library's collection, staffing, and funding. Mabel Gillis died in Sacramento on September 6, 1961.
Gillis family.
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.
Physical Description:
print
4 manuscript boxes; 15 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 3 in.
1 archival box; 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 in.
Language:
English
Identifier:
Origin:
CaliforniaCopyright Note:
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.