Kings County Biographies


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



 
LAUNCELOT GILROY
 
was born in Ireland, in 1849, was reared in British Columbia, and when seventeen 
years of age came to California.  He is the only son of John and Catharine 
(Chancy) Gilroy. His first work in this State was that of dry goods clerk in San 
Francisco, in the service of D. Samuels & Co., by whom he was employed two 
years.  In 1868 he came to Fresno County as a clerk and book-keeper for Elias 
Jacobs, and was with him three years as clerk and seven years as partner in the 
general merchandise business.  Then for two years he was railroad and Wells 
Fargo agent at Lemoore, after which he built a store at this place and engaged 
in the general merchandise business on his own account.  After conducting his 
business successfully for two years he was burned out. He then accepted a 
position with Scisson, Wallace & Co., Tulare, at $150 per month, continuing with 
them until they sold out, and then for a time being employed by their 
successors.  In 1862 he accepted the nomination for County Clerk, was elected by 
the Democratic party, and held the office for six years, conducting the business 
of the same with marked ability.  At the end of that time he declined to run for 
office, and came to his ranch, where he has since resided.  This property 
consists of eighty acres devoted to fruit trees and vineyard, and is located 
half a mile northwest of Lemoore.  He also has 160 acres of land nine miles 
north of Hanford, besides several other tracts.
            Mr. Gilroy was married in 1878 to Miss Lizzie Esrey, daughter of 
Thomas Esrey.   Four children have been born to them only one of whom, Robert, 
is now living, the others have died in infancy.
            Mr. Gilroy is a  Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Mason, and has 
from time to time held various offices in the order.  He is widely and favorably 
known in this county.
 
Memorial and Biographical History of the counties of Fresno, Tulare and Kern, 
California
Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892  p. 750-751
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler