Question

Other men had reached the hills of California many years before I did. They had built a town in the valley with sidewalks and stores, banks and schools.
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What does "other men" refer to? #1 or #2 in the first sentence?

1. other adult male human beings
2. other people (both male and female persons)

Answer 1

I'd take this literally. Since it refers to "other <b>men</b>," I'd say #1.