Return
to People
One
of the earlier marriages was when Willette Harrison married Eugene
Biscailuz. Eugene's step father was Captain Hunter of the prison
staff, and Willette's father was an officer at the prison. Gene was
of Spanish decent, and his family was a well known early California
family. Biscailuz went to Los Angeles and entered public work in the
sheriffs department of Los Angeles County. He became the sheriff of
Los Angeles County, a position which he held with distinction for
many years. He was an outstanding officer and a colorful individual.
I recall him riding as Grand Marshall at the head of the Rose Parade
at Pasadena on New Year's Day, dressed in elaborate Charro costume
and on a beautiful horse with much silver trimmings on the saddle and
bridle. He always referred to his days at San Quentin as a very happy
part of his life. To know Eugene Biscailuz as an officer of the law
and as a friend has been a rare privilege that I sincerely appreciate.
In
a biography by Lindley Bynum and Idwal Jones, titled "Biscailuz,
Sheriff of the New West, the famous writer, Erle Stanley Gardner,
wrote in the introduction to this book as follows, in part:
"Eugene
Biscailuz is an institution in Southern California and the citizens
are as proud of him as of any of the landmarks in this fabulous
country. Eugene Biscailuz, an aristocrat to his finger tips, a
competent executive, a courageous law enforcement officer, knows
every inch of his empire, Los Angeles County, and is the connecting
link between the picturesque pueblo of the past and the great,
sprawling industrial center of the present. He is one of the best
loved men Southern California has ever known."
Author:
William J. Duffy, Jr.