Alameda County
Biographies
James Beazell
Hon. James Beazell, Joint Senator and hold-over for Alameda County, is a native of Pennsylvania and 46 years of age. He came to California in July, 1852, and settled in Washington Township, where he started the first blacksmith shop in Centreville. He subsequently removed to Washington Corners, where he carried on business as a member of the manufacturing firm of Beazell, Crowell & Rix. A few years since he established a branch of the business in the new town of Livermore, where he has since resided, gaining success in his business and the esteem of his neighbors. On the retirement of Mr. Neal from the Board of Supervisors, in 1874, Mr. Beazell was elected in his stead for Murray Township. Having been elected State Senator in 1875, he resigned the position of Supervisor. He is a married man and a Democrat in politics.
Centennial Yearbook of Alameda County, California - Oakland, Calif., 1876 Page 565
Transcribed by Peggy Allen, April 24 2006
M. W. Dixon
Mathew William Dixon is one of the Assemblymen for Alameda County. He is a native of Virginia, and came to California from Jackson County, Missouri, in 1849, and is now 47 years of age. He settled in Santa Clara County, and resided there, farming, till 1865, when he moved to Alameda County. Mr. Dixon is an extensive farmer, and the greater portion of his land in Santa Clara County and his residence in Alameda. Is acquainted with Alameda County since it was part of Contra Costa and part of Santa Clara. When he first come here it was owned by a very few persons, divided into large ranchos and covered with horses and cattle. The first occupants were a happy, contented people; but very few of them now enjoy the fortunes they then possessed. Mission San José was the only town in the county, and Oakland was only an embarcadero. The ground now occupied by the town of Livermore was used by Robert Livermore, Senior, as a rodeo ground, and Mr. D. Was there present on several occasions when so used. The ground now occupied by the Town of Pleasanton was used for raising vegetables by the Bernals, who employed Indians to cultivate them.
Mr. Dixon is married, and has a family. He was elected to the assembly last year as an Independent Democrat, and gave none but independent, honest votes, as the writer had opportunities to know. His Post-office address is Harrisburg.
Centennial Yearbook of Alameda County, California - Oakland, Calif., 1876 Pages 565-566
Transcribed by Peggy Allen, April 25 2006
D. W. Gelwicks
Daniel William Gelwicks is one of the three Assemblymen for Alameda County. Is a native of Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland. Arrived in California, July 24th 1849, from Illinois. Is a printer and journalist, and was for a number of years publisher of the Mountain Democrat, at Placerville, El Dorado County. Was State Printer from 1867 to 1871. Took up his residence in Oakland, a few years ago, and was elected to the Assembly by the Democratic party in 1875. Is 54 years of age and married.
Centennial Yearbook of Alameda County, California - Oakland, Calif., 1876 Page 566
Transcribed by Peggy Allen, April 25 2006