James Linforth

Among the pioneers of California who gave largely toward the development and growth of the state, prominent mention belongs to the late James Linforth, who for many years was successfully identified with the business interests of San Francisco. England was Mr. Linforth's native country, his birth having occurred in Birmingham in 1827; in childhood and youth he received exceptional advantages, attending the best schools of his native city in pursuit of an early education. He became connected with business life in young manhood and after holding responsible positions in the iron mills of Birmingham, went to Liverpool and there engaged as journalist. At this time the discovery of gold in California was making this country the Mecca toward which all ambitious youths were turning their attention, and accordingly he decided to cross the Atlantic to the western continent and thence journey to the far-famed Pacific coast. So, with his wife and two children, he embarked for New York City in 1855 and without accident arrived at his destination. Thence he traveled by rail and steamer to Council Bluffs, Iowa, which city was then considered on the extreme boundary of civilization, and at that point outfitted for the perilous trip across the plains. The trip did indeed prove a perilous one, for the party were beset by the Indians and would probably have been massacred had it not been for the intervention of a friendly chieftain, who held the prisoners in safety until the opportune arrival of the United States troops. Arriving in Los Angeles the party separated, Mr. Linforth and his family taking passage on a vessel bound for San Francisco. Without money and without friends and in a strange land, he was compelled to seek employment at once, and this he found with Mr. Booth of Sacramento, afterward governor of California. His business ability soon sought a field of wider activity and it was not long before he embarked in the commission business in San Francisco, conducting this enterprise until 1868; disposing of these interests in that year, in partnership with two others he purchased a large hardware stock and began business on new lines, continuing in this enterprise until his death, which occurred in 1898. He acquired considerable means financially and by his strict business methods, his integrity and fair dealing, won a position of respect and esteem among the business men of San Francisco. He was for many years a prominent member of the Chamber of Commerce and it was largely through his influence that that body gave Mr. Sutro their influence with congress which enabled him to build the famous Sutro tunnel. Notwithstanding his busy business career Mr. Linforth was always interested in the general affairs of the community and state, as a Republican taking a keen interest in the advancement of the party's principles, although he himself never became an American citizen. Because of this he could not accept the honors which his party wished to bestow upon him. being at one time offered the nomination for the mayoralty of San Francisco and at another time the governorship of the state. In 1868 he was one of a committee of one hundred men selected to determine upon the class of buildings to be erected after that memorable earthquake, one of which was the old Palace Hotel that demonstrated its stability in the fire and earthquake of 1906. He was also largely interested in educational affairs, being a trustee of St. Augustine's School for Boys and St. Mary's School for Girls, both in Benicia, Cal., a member of the board of directors of the California Woman's State Hospital, the San Francisco Foundlings' Asylum and the Y. M. C. A., also of San Francisco, and was a Veteran Odd Fellow. In 1873 he was a delegate from San Francisco to the convention held in New York to discuss the financial situation of the country at that time. He was connected with the movement which resulted in the consolidation of California College with the University of California, of which his eldest son was a graduate in the class of '74, the first class to graduate after the removal of the university to Berkeley. One of Mr. Linforth's grandsons, Ivan Mortimer Linforth, is now an instructor in the Greek department of the University. Mr. Linforth was a man of exceptional ability along business lines — pursuing steadily the line which should bring him financial success, and combining with his efforts the sterling traits of character which gave him a permanent standing among the most esteemed business men of San Francisco. With a character of sterling integrity his word was considered as good as his bond; business associates respected him and a wide circle of friends mourned his death. “History Of The State Of California And Biographical Record Of Oakland And Environs, Also Containing Biographies Of Well-known Citizens Of The Past And Present”; Guinn, James Miller; 1907, Los Angeles, Historic Record Co.