Judge and member of the Stanford Board of Trustees (1902-1912). He served as attorney to Jane Lathrop Stanford and was part donor of two graduate dormitories at Stanford University.
From the description of George E. Crothers papers, 1905-1957. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122510691
Biographical/Historical Sketch
Judge and member of the Stanford Board of Trustees (1902-1912). He served as attorney to Jane Lathrop Stanford and was part donor of two graduate dormitories at Stanford University.
1870
Born (May 27), Wapello, Iowa; son of John and Margaret Jane (Fair)
Crothers.
1883
Family moved to San Jose, California. Crothers attends San Jose
HighSchool.
1895
Received A.B., Stanford University (in "Pioneer Class").
1896
Received A.M. (in law), Stanford University. Admitted to California
Bar.
1897
Formed partnership With brother in San Francisco law practice.
1898
Retained by Mrs. Jane Stanford to write amendment to California State
Constitution for purpose of reducing tax burden on University.
1899
Began serving as attorney in Fair Trust case (to 1902). Became president,
General Alumni Association of Stanford University. Elected to membership, Golden
Gate Commandery # 16, Masonic order. Received Order of Red Cross, Masonic
order.
1900
Received Order of Temple, Masonic order.
1902
Became first alumnus to serve on Stanford Univ. Board of Trustees.
1904
Formulated By-Laws & Rules of Order for board of trustees. Devised
articles of faculty organization adopted by board of trustees, March 31,
1904
1905
Acted as attorney for board of trustees on death of Jane Stanford. Recomnended
establishment of Jewel Fund for acquisition of library books for Stanford
University. As chairman, committee on medical education, brought about association
of Cooper Medical College with Stanford University.
1909
Became chairman, independent Republican movement, San Francisco. Represented
Theodore Roosevelt in urging California Governor & legislators not to
undertake land legislation against Orientals.
1911
Married Elizabeth Mills (March 23). Became chairman, Board of Trustees, San
Francisco State Normal School. (to 1921)
1912
Became chairman, Republican County Committee (to 1913).
1913
Appointed judge of Superior Court of San Francisco.
1915
Elected to succeed himself on bench by highest vote ever accorded by San
Francisco Bar Association.
1916
Resigned as chairman of Republican County Committee.
1919
Served as presiding judge of Superior Court.
1920
Wife, Elizabeth, died (August 18).
1921
Returned to active practice of law.
1924
Made a summer tour of Europe.
1932
Published article, "Outline of History of Founding of Stanford
University".
1933
Delivered speech, "Educational Ideals of Jane Lathrop Stanford"
1946
Announced he would help to finance building of graduate dormitory for law
students to be called "Crothers Hall"•
1948
Completion and dedication of Crothers Hall.
1951
Two new wings added to Crothers Hall.
1953
Announced he would help to finance building of graduate dormitory for
engineering students to be dedicated to his mother, Margaret Jane Fair Crothers,
and to be called "Crothers Memorial Hall".
1955
Completion and dedication of Crothers Memorial Hall.
1957
Died, May 16.
Memberships: California Historical Society, American Law Institute, American Political Science Association, Schoolmaster's Club of California, Stanford Faculty Club, Commercial Club, Commonwealth Club, Marin Country Club, Pacific Union Club, University Club of San Francisco, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, American Historical Association, Sigma Nu, Phi Delta Phi, Burlingame Country Club, San Francisco Opera Guild, American Geographic Society.
Honorary trustee, San Francisco Boys Club.
Director, Western States Life Insurance Company.
Life trustee, Leland Stanford Junior Kindergarten Trust.
For further reference see Container # 13 for biographical data concerning George Crothers.
From the guide to the George E. Crothers papers, 1905-1957, (Department of Special Collections and University Archives)