California Biographies 

Source:
History of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties, California
by: C M Gidney - Santa Barbara. Benjamin Brooks - San Luis Obispo. 
Edwin M Sheridan - Ventura
Volumes II - Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, ILL., 1917

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


Z. GRAHAM. One of the pioneers in the Santa Clara Valley of California was the late Z. Graham, 
who came out to California a poor man, and by good judgment and hard work obtained a 
competency and died prosperous and recognized as one of the influential men in the southern 
part of the state.
He was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 1, 1848, and died at Los Angeles August 10, 
1916. He was of an old Pennsylvania family, his grandfather, James Graham, being a native of 
that state, as was also his father, Samuel Graham, who was born in Lancaster County in 1815. 
Samuel Graham married Rachel Clingan, who was born in Virginia, but was taken by her 
parents to Ohio when three years of age. Her father, James Clingan, was a native of Ireland and 
came to America in early youth.
The late Z. Graham was one of a family of six children. He grew up at Mansfield, in Richland 
County, Ohio, and had to be content with an education acquired in the public schools of that 
place.
His earlier years gave him experience but little capital, and when he arrived in California on 
April 28, 1876, he began working for wages. Through industry and perseverance he soon owned 
16o acres of land, and he had that well improved before he sold it. On December 28, 1882, he 
located in the Santa Clara Valley and there became extensively identified with agricultural 
pursuits. He developed his farm for the growing of lemons, walnuts, lima beans and sugar 
beets, and also kept much livestock, horses, hogs and poultry.
In 1905 Mr. Graham sold his place in Santa Clara Valley and removed to Los Angeles. Here he 
invested heavily in the Union Oil Company and also bought forty-two acres at Palms, near 
Sawtelle. This very valuable property his family still retains. Another investment still in the 
family was property on Fourth Street between Broadway and Hill streets. In looking after these 
varied interests Mr. Graham busied himself during his last years. While a stanch democrat and 
always ready to give a valid reason for his political allegiance, Mr. Graham took no active part 
in politics. He lived usefully, did the duties that lay nearest, and provided wisely for his family 
who, with his friends, speak highly of his life and character.
Mr. Graham was married January 26, 1895, to Miss Mabel Anthony. Mrs. Graham was born in 
Santa Cruz, California, a daughter of J. G. and Sarah (Marshall) Anthony. J. G. Anthony was a 
native of Indiana but spent practically all his life in California, his home being in Santa Cruz 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Graham had four children. The three now living are: Ruth, a student at 
Stanford University ; Helen, a student in the Los Angeles High School; and Thomas, attending 
the grade schools of Los Angeles.