Finding Aid of Preston Gesford Papers C058864
Finding aid prepared by Samantha Ronzano
Society of California Pioneers
October 27, 2015
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107-1272
(415) 959-1849
pkeats@californiapioneers.org
Title: Gesford, Preston, Papers
Identifier/Call Number: C058864
Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
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)
Date (inclusive): 1820-1896
Abstract: Folder contains many handwritten letters, Certificate of Justice of Peace from 1847, and newspaper clippings of Preston's
son, Henry.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
Preston Gesford Letters and Documents. The Society of California Pioneers.
There are no restrictions on access.
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection open for research.
Folder contains many handwritten letters, Certificate of Justice of Peace from 1847, and newspaper clippings of Preston's
son, Henry.
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.
Existence and Location of Originals note
The Society of California Pioneers, 101 Montgomery St. Suite 150, The Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94129.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Gesford, Henry, 1856-?
Gesford, Preston, 1820-1896
Knights of Pythias.
Napa (Calif.)
San Francisco (Calif.)