Sacramento County
Biographies
JAMES B. DIVINE
JAMES
B. DIVINE, a native of our Golden State of California, while but a
comparatively young man, has already been worthily entrusted with official
position, holding the responsible office of justice of the peace for the city of
Sacramento for now two terms. He was born in the city of Sacramento, April 1,
1861, his parents being P. J. and Ellen V. Divine. His father, P. J. Divine,
was one of the well-known citizens of the city, and a man of unusual talent in
his profession, and widely known on the Pacific Coast. He came to California in
1856 from New York, where he had mastered the art of sculpture, and was one of
the pioneer marble workers of the Pacific Coast. Specimens of his work will be
seen in the beautifully designed marble work upon the State capitol, which is
much admired, and at once established his reputation as a sculptor. We may
instance, also, the bust of Senator Broderick upon his monument in San
Francisco; the bust of Senator W. R. Ferguson; of Governor Weller; of Thomas
Starr King; and others. He died January 1, 1870, leaving three children
surviving, two sons and one daughter, all in this city. Mr. James B. Divine
received his education in Sacramento, studying law in the office of Judge
McFarland and of A. C. Freeman, and he was admitted to practice at the bar May
31, 1882, and immediately began to practice his profession in this city. For
some years he was court commissioner. In January, 1887, he was elected justice
of the peace, and was again re-elected in January, 1889. Mr. Justice Divine is
a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
Transcribed by Vicky
Walker, 12/07/07.
Source: Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated
History of Sacramento County, California. Page 785.
Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.
© 2007 Vicky Walker.