John W. Linscott in an obituary published 18 August 1931 was recognized as a worthy citizen, an educator of note, Prominent in the fraternal life, a churchman loyal to his duties, a devoted husband and father, an ideal family man and one whose influence has been for good for countless numbers.
John W. Linscott was born in Jefferson, Maine on May 7, 1848. At the age of 17 he entered a career as an educator. Listening to glowing stories of life in California he resolved to migrate to California. He arrived in San Francisco on April 21, 1968 after crossing the Isthmus of Panama settling in Santa Cruz to be near family, a cousin J.A. Linscott. He soon attracted the attention of H.E. MacKinney, County Superintendent of Schools, and was appointed teacher at the railroad district near Watsonville. In 1872 he was elected principal of the Watsonville School. Then in 1882 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools. He was also appointed city superintendent of schools for Santa Cruz and remained connected with local schools until his death. He was a trustee of the public library and later served as secretary.
He earned high honors in the fraternal community: Grand Master of the Odd Fellows Pajaro Lodge, Master of the Masons, member of the Knights Templar, and Noble of the Mystic Shrine. The photo shows him wearing the vest and wearing the medal of a Grand Master of IOOF. He was also involved with the Presbyterian Church in Watsonville, and the First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz.
Hubert Linscott was born in Santa Cruz. In 1907 he left for Paris, France to study Voice Culture under Frank King Clark and other teachers. In 1910 and 1912 he was a Teacher of Voice at the Brennan College Conservatory in Gainesville, Georgia. He then returned to Santa Cruz in 1912 to be Director at the First Congregational Church and to perform in numerous concerts and recitals along the Pacific Coast. He continued his travels, training, and performing drawing rave reviews wherever he sang.
