San Francisco County

Biographies


 

Hon. Paris Kilburn

 

Hon. Paris Kilburn, Surveyor of the Port of San Francisco, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, of  Pennsylvanian ancestry, and was brought up on a farm; and this occupation he followed after coming to California in 1852.  His uncle, General Kilburn, now on the retired list and living in Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia, is well known on this coast, for he was stationed during a long period at the presidio here.  The General has had a distinguished career.  As an officer of the regular army he fought through the Seminole war in Florida, the Mexican war and the last civil war.  A brother of Mr. Kilburn is a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and is now a Lieutenant in the navy.

 

The subject of this biographical outline came to the coast with the family to join the senior Mr.  Kilburn.  They came by way of Panama, and on this side had quite an exciting experience, as they were passengers on board the North America, which was wrecked at Acapulco.  The passengers, however, were safely landed.  After his arrival here Mr. Kilburn spent a little time at the mines. More, however, as an inquirer than as a laborer, especially at Grass Valley. He was among the first to enter the pioneer industry of wheat-growing, and he has been conspicuous in developing that industry, following it more or less until the present time.  For some twenty years he resided in Napa Valley, where and in Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties he has owned much land.  For some fifteen years he has been a resident of Monterey county, where he now holds extensive interests.  He has also tried his hand at merchandising, but his main occupation has been grain-growing and stock-raising.  In county associations, etc., he has taken an active part.

 

In politics Mr. Kilburn has always been a consistent Republican.  He was elected to the Assembly in 1881, from Monterey county, receiving a very flattering vote; and in the Legislature he was noted for his staunch advocacy of all popular measures, and strenous and efficient opposition to all jobbers.  The next political position which has been tendered to Mr. Kilburn is the present on where he is rendering entire satisfaction.  In 1888 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago, that nominated President Harrison, and had the pleasure of being one of the committee to repair to Indianapolis and notify Mr. Harrison of his nomination.  Mr. Kilburn is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of various agricultural associations, etc.

 

Transcribed Karen L. Pratt.

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, page 647, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.


© 2005 Karen L. Pratt.

 

 

California Biography Project

 

San Francisco County

 

California Statewide

 

Golden Nugget Library