In creating this piece, I scanned the internet and read several books that had bits and pieces about the Newhall Family. I found it amazing just how little I could find out about the 5 sons of Henry Mayo Newhall, other than what I found in Ruth Newhall’s book “A California Legend – The Newhall Land and Farming Company.”

I just recently found a picture the describes George Almer Newhall as a Senator, but the photo was incorrect… and it ends there. Not even so much as a “wiki” on him.

The Five Sons of Henry Newhall grew up in privilege. While they did their best to run the substantial wealth and businesses accumulated by their father, after Henry’s death in 1882, they faced great obstacles at such a young age to continue his legacy. For that, I give them a great deal of credit.

Some of the boys fared well, some not so well. Even in the midst of the many great personal crises they faced, from what I could tell in the research I did, they were always well-liked, true gentlemen, great philanthropists, and great family men. Here are a few personal details of the five sons of Henry Mayo Newhall.

According to Virginia Whiting Newhall’s Obituary page, Edwin and Virginia were active in the city’s most important Yacht clubs and societies. They traveled in the highest circles of San Francisco society. They lived in a fine house at 2950 Pacific Avenue and regularly cruised the bay in the palatial “Newhall Yacht” which was similar to those in the earliest America’s Cup races. As was common in the era, newspapers provide glowing accounts of the high society set, including Virginia and Frances, their friends and cousins.

Virginia was a proud member of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution and a member of the California Mayflower Society and national society.