George W. Bruff was a cook born in Maryland in about 1838. His father was born in Bermuda. In May of 1879 he was arrested for sodomy in Sacramento and apparently found guilty as he listed among the prisons at San Quentin in the 1880 federal census. The newspaper accounts refer to him as "A Beast" with details that were "too horribly disgusting", suggesting that this wasn't a simple case of gay love, but rather a real victim may have been involved. If so, and if it turns out the victim was a child, I will remove him from list for further research.
Documentation
Newspaper Articles
Daily Alta California (San Francisco, California) - May 9, 1879
A BEAST: Sacramento, May 8th - George W. Bruff, a man aged about 40 years, was arrested today for sodomy. The police firmly believe that the fellow is guilty. The details are too horribly disgusting to bear the slightest further reference.
Census Records
San Quentin, Marin, California - June 21, 1880
| Name | Age | Occupation | Born | Father Born | Mother Born |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G. W. Bruff | 42 | Cook | Maryland | Bermuda | Maryland |
City Directories - Sacramento
Note: In the 1875 directory he is listed as the Vice-President of the Father Matthew T. A. B. Society. The directory says the following about this organization: "This society was organized on the 1st of July, 1874, and has had a wonderful success as an organ of general benefit, instruction and amusement in the short time it has existed. Its fundamental object is temperance in the use of intoxicating beverages. The members at present number 144, who meet in Father Matthew Temple every Sunday, to which meetings the general public are made welcome. Officers: George Hamilton, President; George W. Bruff, Vice-President; James Mernagh, Second Vice-President; John P. Dalton, Recording Secretary; T. J. McCormac, Financial Secretary; Peter A. Byrne, Corresponding Secretary; John J. Gray, Treasurer. Board of Trustees - Thos. Gormly, Frank Boyle, James P. Glennon, F. W. August, John F. Cooper.
1863: Bruff, G. W., steward, cor 4th and L sts.
1869: Bruff, George W., carpenter, bds Fountain House, 288 J st.
1870: Bruff, George W., cook, Telegraph House, res same
1873: Bruff, Geo. W. cook Telegraph House, s s J bet 12th and 13th, res same
1875: Bruff, George W., cook, Telegraph House, J bet 12th and 13th
