Los Angeles County
Biographies
GAVIN WILLIAM CRAIG
CRAIG, GAVIN WILLIAM, Jurist, Los Angeles, Cal., was born in Scotia, Greeley County, Neb., June 22, 1878. He is the son of Gavin Ralston Craig and Emma Edwards (Morse) Craig. Judge Craig married Berdena Healy Brownsberger April 11, 1903, at Los Angeles. To them was born Florida Jean Craig.
Judge Craig began his education in the public schools of Nebraska, but in 1890 was taken to California, where he continued in the public schools of Ukiah. In 1891 the family moved to Pomona, Cal., where he graduated from high school in 1897. In 1899 he entered the College of Law, University of Southern California, and graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1901. At the same time he took a course in the Brownsberger Business College.
Admitted to bar in 1901, immediately began practice in the office of Byron Waters, Los Angeles; 1901 to 1903, associated with Edwin A. Meserve; 1903-4, deputy and stenographer in office of District Attorney, Los Angeles; May, 1904, was made secretary of the College of Law in his Alma Mater. Served six years teaching torts, elementary law, Blackstone, real property and water rights; now a member Board of Control of the University and teaches the last three subjects, in addition to sureties.
In May, 1908, appointed Court Commissioner of Los Angeles County, and in November, 1910, was elected on Republican ticket to Superior Bench. Resigned as Commissioner Jan- uary 1, 1911, to assume judicial duties. In 1908 he wrote an authoritative case book, “Craig on Water Rights and Irrigation Law in the Western States.”
He was thrice president of the U. S. C. Alumni association, is a Scottish Rite Mason, Mystic Shriner, Woodman of the World and a member of the Fraternal Brotherhood. His clubs are the Celtic, Gamut and Metropolitan.
Transcribed 4-29-09
Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: Press
Reference Library, Western Edition Notables of the West, Vol. I, Page 255,
International News Service, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston,
Atlanta. 1913.
© 2009 Marilyn R. Pankey.
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