California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


MARVIN A. GALLAHER. � As merchant and postmaster at Squaw 
Valley. Fresno County, Marvin A. Gallaher enjoys to the fullest extent the 
confidence and respect of his community. Nestling among the foothills of 
the Sierras, Squaw Valley is one of the beautiful and picturesque spots so 
numerous in California, where people gather to enjoy the beauties and 
splendors of nature, with a healthful and invigorating climate as an added 
attraction. 

Marvin Gallaher is a native of Tennessee, born in Decatur, Meigs 
County, March I5, 1881, and is the son of Dr. J. A. and Mary Gallaher, also 
natives of Tennessee. To Dr. Gallaher twelve children were born, by two 
marriages, five of whom are now residing in California, and two of these 
in Fresno County. Dr. Gallaher was a physician and surgeon of long and 
extensive practice, and studied under eminent professors. His death oc- 
curred December 6, 1898. Marvin Gallaher was reared and received a liberal 
education in his native state. He has followed clerical work since his 
school days, with some time given to agriculture. He migrated to California 
in 1901 and for six years worked as a ranch hand. In 1907 he engaged in the 
cigar and tobacco business, and also ran a pool-room and soda fountain 
in Porterville, Tulare County. He opened the first open-front cigar stand 
in town. He equipped and ran two of the best billiard and pool halls there, 
under the firm name of Gallaher & Coates. He bought Coates' interest and 
the firm became Gallaher & Breeden until 1917, when he came to Squaw 
Valley. In 1908 his marriage occurred, uniting him with Miss Susie Bree- 
den. the daughter of Dr. S. G. Breeden of Decatur, Tenn., and of this union 
four children have been born : Morrell T. ; Austin R. ; Ralph L. ; and Clarence 
A. Mr. and Mrs. Gallaher are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The postoffice at Squaw Valley is one of the oldest in Fresno County, 
and much of historical interest is attached to the place. In early days the 
Indians left their squaws in this beautiful spot while they went to do battle 
with the foe, and to gather meat from the hunt for the coming winter.