California Biographies Mendocino and Lake Counties, California Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California With Biographical Sketches History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry Illustrated, Complete In One Volume Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914 HON. JOHN BUNYAN SANFORD.� Any history of Mendocino county would be incomplete without prominent mention of the "Gray Eagle of Democracy," the editor and proprietor of the Dispatch-Democrat of Ukiah, who as the controlling factor in a leading paper labors for the moral, educa- tional and commercial welfare of Mendocino county, and, while voluntarily drawing away from partisan prejudice, yet exhibits a striking devotion to the principles of his party. With an unusually profound knowledge of public affairs, with an unusually powerful mind capable of analyzing motives behind deeds, and with a temperament enthusiastic yet impartial, he is admirably qualified to guide the policy of an influential paper and to stand at the head of a great party organization. Since he assumed control, January 1, 1898, the Dispatch-Democrat has led the van in every movement for advancement, has advocated schools capable of affording the best training to the young, and has headed every enterprise for good roads, well-kept premises, substantial business blocks and modern improvements. Civic pride is apparent in the policy of the editor. As a pungent and forceful writer he has attained a wide reputation. His critical analysis of public events adds interest and value to the paper. While recognizing the widespread public unrest increasing in volume within the period of his recollection, he is not oblivious to the ele- ment of personal equation, which indeed more and more appeals to his humani- tarian nature. Born at Mulberry, Tenn., May 17, 1869, a son of Rev. S. L. and Jane (Kennedy) Sanford, the former a Baptist minister holding successive pastor- ates at Ukiah. Potter Valley, Willits and Lakeport, Cal., John Bunyan San- ford received his training in the public schools of Ukiah, the San Jose State Normal School and the San Francisco Business College. For eight years he taught in Mendocino county, first at Yorkville and Boonville and later as principal of the schools at Willits and Point Arena. Continued interest in educational work was evinced by a service as a member of the Mendocino county board of education for several years. On relinquishing school work he entered the field of journalism and since has been at the head of the Dispatch- Democrat, making his home meanwhile at Ukiah. On Christmas day of 1898 he married Miss Nina B. Hughes, daughter of Rev. J. H. Hughes, a prominent minister of the Christian Church. They have an only son, Henry Grady San- ford, born May 20, 1901. In fraternal work Air. Sanford is prominent. For four years he was high chief ranger of the Ancient Order of Foresters and for six years he was entrusted with the editorship of the Ancient Forester, finally resigning owing to the pressure of other duties. In the Iroquois State League he has been honored with the office of grand sachem. The Woodmen, Red Men, Elks, Eagles, Odd Fellows and Masons also number him among the members of their local organizations. Identification with public affairs began when Mr. Sanford was elected to the California state assembly in 1894. Satisfactory service resulted in re- election in 1896 and 1898 and in three successive elections to the state senate, viz. : 1902, 1906, 1908. Altogether his service in the legislature covered a period of eighteen years. During his last term he has had the honor of being the oldest member of that body from point of service. For one term he was a member of the board of trustees of the San Jose State Normal School. In 1904 he was a delegate to the Democratic national convention and in 1912 was chosen an alternate, while at the Democratic state convention held at Fresno in 1908 he was chosen chairman. From 1908 to 1910 he acted as vice- chairman of the Democratic state committee and in 1912 he was elected a member of the Democratic national committee to serve for a term of four years. For sixteen years he has been chairman of the Democratic legislative caucus and for a similar period president of the Democratic Press League. His .sobriquet of the "Gray Eagle of Democracy" came to him not alone through his forceful editorial writings in defense of party principles, but also through his service in "stumping" the state in numerous campaigns, where his familiarity with party doctrines, his earnest advocacy of old Democratic principles, his logical reasoning and remarkable faculty of interesting and impressing aud- iences united to place him at the head of the party in the state. He was appointed register of the United States land office at San Francisco, Cal., by President Wilson on June 25, 1914, and is at present performing the duties of that office.