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Major John L Gamble, who for nearly a year has been an esteemed citizen of this city, died at his residence on Walnut St. on Wednesday night at half past eight of apoplexy. Major Gamble was born in New York City in 1829. He was a graduate of West Point Military Academy and was one of the California Pioneers coming west in 1849. He was for a long time an officer in the Pacific Mail Company's steamer. When the war broke out he hastened to Brooklyn N.Y. and entered the northern army, being in active service throughout the war. On his return he was appointed chief accountant of the navy yard at Mare Island, after which he went to China a private secretary to Commodore Parrott of the Asiatic Squadron. On his return from the expedition he went into the service of the Western Union Company at San Francisco. His connection with that office was only severed by his death. Major Gamble leaves a large circle of friends and relatives both in this state and the east, who will mourn his untimely death.

Editorial Notes from Robert L. Nelson

While living in Vallejo in 1870 John Gamble was active within the Grand Army of the Republic and served as the local Farragut post commander and also as the Jr. Vice Commander for the department of California.

Date of Birth: 1829

Date of Death: 1880-08-31

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz Memorial Park

Plot: B46

Cause of Death: Strk/Related

Occupation: Admin/Navy

Local Address: Walnut Ave

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: NY

Military Unit: USN

Rank: Lt

Military Notes: Not on HDS/SSS Database 04/04

GAR#: (Ca) 4

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: Cemetery Survey