Submitted by Sharon Harris: Member since 2015
My grandfather, James Cecil Beswick left his home in Warrington, England, bound for America with his best mate, Harry. They first lived in Chicago where James worked as a fine cabinet maker. He served in France during WWI, lived in Victoria, B.C. and ended up in California where he worked on the Caldecott tunnel. James went back to England to visit family when he met Hannah Till, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Lady Clerk. Hannah traveled by ship and train to California and married James in Berkeley on May 22, 1926.
The Contra Costa County Genealogical Society (CCCGS) connects family history enthusiasts across the East Bay and beyond. We help members explore their roots through educational programs, practical research tools, and a shared passion for discovering the stories of our ancestors. Join us to connect, learn, and be inspired by your family’s past.
Monthly Genealogy Presenters via Zoom
Our evening meetings, conducted via Zoom, showcase guest presenters who delve into compelling genealogical topics. Open to both members and the public, these sessions are free of charge with registration required for attendance. Visit the Events page for more information and registration links. Recordings of presentations are available to members only.
Time and Date: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), 2nd Thursday of each month (except August and December).
Descendants Newsletter
Our newsletter, Descendants, is exclusively available to CCCGS members. Published ten times per year, each issue features an array of content—feature stories, historical insights, topic-driven photo essays, and a calendar of CCCGS-hosted events with registration links.
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