Dr. William W. MacFARLANE

DR. WILLIAM W. MACFARLANE was born in Fulton, Callaway County, Missouri, February 23, 1834. His father was a native of Scotland and was born in 1796, in Ayrshire. He emigrated to America in 1820 and settled in Callaway County, Missouri. He was a graduate of the law department of the University of Edinburgh. On his arrival in this country he engaged in farming and also in teaching in the public school, He was married in 1830 to Miss Catherine Bennett, a daughter of Elijah and Martha (Davis) Bennett. She was born in Madison County, Kentucky, in 1796. Her parents moved to Missouri about 1824. Dr. Macfarlane's parents raised a family of four children, the Doctor being the oldest. Mary M., now the wife of O. McCrackin, stock-raiser of Callaway County, Missouri; George B., an attorney, practicing at Mexico, Missouri; Captain John D., deceased, was also a lawyer. The Captain commanded a company in a Missouri regiment of volunteers in the civil war. W. W., the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the public schools of Callaway County, principally under the tuition of his father and at Westminster College at Fulton, Missouri. He studied medicine with Drs. T. A. and J. H. Howard at Fulton. During the winter of 1869 and 1861, he attended the first course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College. Owing to the exciting times and the unsettled state of affairs during the next four years, he did not attempt to finish his medical education. In 1865 he again entered the St. Louis Medical College, from which he graduated and received his diploma March 3, 1866. He then commenced the practice of medicine and surgery at Concord, Callaway County, Missouri, where he remained about nine years. In 1873 he was elected physician for the State Insane Asylum at Fulton, which position he held for two and a half years, when he resigned and was appointed as one of the managers of the institution. In 1875 he went to Mexico, Audrain County, Missouri, where he practiced medicine until 1884. At the age of eighteen he crossed the plains to California and remained four years, returning to his home in Missouri in 1856, via Panama and New York city. Like many of the immigrants who came to California during the gold excitement, he became attached to the climate and country of the land of the Golden West. In 1884 he came to California with his family, having decided to make a permanent home in this State. He first settled in Southeastern California, where he remained only a few months, then came to Woodland, Yolo County, where he established himself in the practice of medicine. In 1886 he was appointed County Hospital Physician for one year. In 1887 he received the appointment of Superintendent of the State Insane Asylum at Agnew, Santa Clara County, in which capacity he served two years. In July, 1889, he resigned that position and returned to Woodland and resumed his practice in the city. In March, 1890, he came to Davisville, where he intends to establish himself permanently in the practice of his profession.

He was married November 5, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Thurmond, a native of Missouri, and daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Dameron) Thurmond. Her parents were natives of Virginia. She died February 18, 1884, at Mexico, Missouri, previous to the Doctor's removal to California. They have four children: Wallace S., born September 18, 1868. He is a graduate of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and is now employed as a druggist in the drug store of J. B. Elston in Woodland. Claude T., born September 10, 1870, graduated from the high school of Woodland, after which he attended one term at the Hesperian College and two years at the University of the Pacific at Santa Clara. He is now clerking in the dry-goods store of J. F. Hink, Woodland. Irnie M., born January 4, 1875, is now a student in the Hesperian College, Woodland, and Paul W., the youngest, was born February 9, 1880, and is attending the public schools of Woodland.

Dr. Macfarlane is a Knight Templar Mason, also a member of the A. O. U. W. He is a member of the Yolo County Medical Society, the California State Medical Association, also the New York Medico-Legal Society. He owns 160 acres of improved land in Yolo County, which is occupied by a tenant and is devoted to the production of hay and grain.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Wendy Sandino

Frank MAIER

Having been identified actively with the growth of Davis and vicinity since 1860, Mr. Maier is enabled to enjoy during the closing years of his career the fruits of his well-directed labors, as well as the sincere regard of all who are privileged to know him, both in business and social circles.

A son of Germany, Mr. Maier was born November 2, 1831, neat Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, which was also the birthplace of his parents, Joseph and Ottilie (Friedel) Maier. In 1837 the husband and father passed away, leaving the care of the younger members of the family of five children to the mother, assisted by her sons. On account of thus being required to lend his aid in carrying on the affairs of the home farm, Frank received a limited education, though he endeavored during his spare moments, which, it must be admitted, were exceedingly few, to add conscientiously to his store of practical knowledge. At the age of twenty-one, the family having become self-supporting, he carried out a long cherished plan of immigrating to the United States, taking passage on a sailer from Havre in 1852. Upon his arrival in New York City he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and finally secured a situation as farm hand, faithfully performing his duties until March, 1858, when he started for California. From New York he went to Panama, and after crossing the Isthmus he completed the trip by boat to San Francisco. From there he went to Sacramento, determined to try his luck at mining, and entered the Rattlesnake Bar fields, but after six months of unrewarded labor left that section and in 1860 became associated with a horsepower threshing machine in Yolo, owned by Alex. Lockhart. After working six years in Yolo county, during which period he carefully hoarded his savings, he seceded in securing capital with which to purchased the property which he has since conducted and which comprises an entire section located two and one-half miles from Davis. A large portion of this tract, which at the time he became its owner was almost wholly unimproved, he planted to grain, erecting necessary buildings and otherwise creating a general appearance of thrift throughout the ranch. At present he cultivates four hundred acres, most of which is in grain, and although his financial condition is all that could be desired, it is not to be inferred that his success was attained without the most frugal methods, both of himself and family, who justly merit the prosperity which they enjoy.

Mr. Maier's marriage, which occurred in Troy, N. Y., in July, 1889, united him with Miss Katie Wesenford, one of his country-women, who came to the United States when twenty-one years of age. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Maier two children were born: Francis and Albert, who are still in the parental home. Mr. Maier is a Democrat, but casts his ballot independently and, though never an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote his attention to his personal affairs, has always maintained an intelligent interest in public matters and has been prompt to assist in the development of the community. Active members of the Catholic Church at Davis, both himself and family are well known for their excellent principles and their deep concern in the welfare of their fellowmen.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 878 - 879.

Ebenezer MAJOR

EBENEZER MAJOR, a well and favorably known farmer near Winters, was born March 19, 1826, in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York, the son of John and Jane (Maxwell) Major. His father, a farmer by occupation, resided all his life in his native State, New York, dying in 1857, at the age of sixty-five years; the mother also died there, in 1864, at the age of seventy-three years. In their family were sons and five daughters, At the age of seventeen years Mr. Major, the subject of this sketch, began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he mastered and followed in New York until 1851, when he came by way of the Isthmus to California; had to wait thirteen days at the Isthmus for a vessel, which when it came proved to be the German bark Cornelia. He had to pay $300 for cabin passage. After being out about five month the water was exhausted and the ship was obliged to put into land, the nearest port being 500 miles distant. When they arrived they found themselves in Acapulco, and here Mr. Major found the steamers Golden Gate and Panama. Taking passage on the Panama, he paid $100 for passage to San Francisco, at which port he arrived in about ten days. Three weeks afterward he went down the coast forty miles on a schooner, and was employed about a month upon the ranch of a Mr. Gates, running for him the first mower and reaper ever brought to the coast. Then he followed mining two months at Mormon Island; stopped six weeks in Sacramento; mined again two months at Galena Hill; went to North Bar on the Feather River, met his brother David there, who had crossed the plains in 1850, and worked with him about eighteen months, and for a short time on Rapid Creek, etc.; three months on the South Yuba; and then David went into Yolo County and took a claim southwest of Winters upon what afterward became the Wolfskill grant, and while there he met his death by being drowned in the Sacramento River, resulting from walking out upon a plank after dark to board a canoe; his body was found the next morning.
Ebenezer followed mining in different places for about eight years, in which he was successful. He purchased his present place by obtaining a squatter's claim thereto in 1856. He has made upon it all the improvements now visible there. It comprises 170 acres of choice land, well improved, where he raises hay, grain and live-stock, two miles east of Winters. In his political views Mr. Major is a Republican. December 27, 1884, he met with a serious accident. A horse struck him on the hip with his knee and so severely injured the part that Mr. Major still suffers considerably.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Betty Wilson August 2004

Rev. John G. MANGOLD

It has always been the aim of the German Evangelical Synod of America to serve the German-American people and to keep them in their faith and make them useful citizens of our country, that has given the people freedom of religious thought; this has been the ambition of the pastor of St. John's Evangelical Church at Woodland. That his ministrations have reached beyond the boundaries of his immediate field of labor is indicated by the fact that for six years, form 1898 to 1904, he officiated as president of the Pacific district of the German Evangelical Synod of North America, while in addition for some time he served as a member of the mission board. Both of these important posts furnished an opportunity for sagacious service to the denomination and also brought him into conspicuous pre-eminence among the talented divines of the faith.

In recording events of importance in the life of Rev. Mr. Mangold we find that he was born January 15, 1864, at Leichingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, where his father, Jacob, engaged in mercantile pursuits. Primarily educated in the excellent public schools of Wurtemberg, he later had the advantages of the gymnasium, and after his graduation he crossed the ocean to the United States, where he hoped to continue his studies and acquire a desired knowledge of the English language. It was his good fortune to study in the Congregational Seminary at Elmhurst, a suburb of Chicago, where he completed the classics and began a course in theology. At the expiration of three years in that institution he went to St. Louis and studies theology in a German Evangelical (Eden) college. After his graduation in 1888 he was ordained to the ministry of the domination which he has since served with true fidelity and intelligent devotion.

Coming to California in 1888 to accept the pastorate of St. John's German Evangelical Church at Pomona, Mr. Mangold continued in that pastorate for three years, and meanwhile was married to Miss Martha Hoops, a native of Nebraska, but from early life a resident of California. During 1891 he went to San Francisco as pastor of St. John's Evangelical Church. The period of his service as pastor was marked by the erection in 1894 of a house of worship. The site chosen for the building was Mason street, between Pacific and Jackson. Resigning from that charge in 1901, he came to Woodland as pastor of St. John's German Evangelical Church and ever since he has ministered to this congregation, besides having charge of the membership at Dixon and Hungry Hollow.

The congregation at Woodland was organized into a church during 1892 through the self-sacrificing efforts of Rev. Mr. Weltge, who at the time was serving as pastor at Hungry Hollow and who by occasional preaching at Woodland gathered together the nucleus of a congregation. The second pastor was Rev. J. Schilling, under whose supervision a house of worship was built, the congregation enlarged and various societies formed for the uplifting of the community spiritually. The third pastor, Rev. J. Endter, served until February of 1901, when Rev. Mr. Mangold was called to the work. Under his ministrations a steady growth has been maintained in every department of the church. The congregation has become known through the munificence of its contributions to missions and charities. The self-sacrificing spirit of the membership has been the secret of the substantial progress made in all good works, and it has been a great blessing to the German people of Yolo county to have had these churches. The young people as well as the older members have risen to honorable positions and won the esteem of their fellow citizens.

The successful labors of Rev. Mr. Mangold have been promoted by the gentle but capable helpfulness of his wife, who, besides the care of a large family, has yet found time to aid in church work and to foster every movement inaugurated for the benefit of the congregation. Her deep religious character has found expression in many ways, perhaps the greatest of which is her wise guidance of the seven children, Anna, Lydia, Martha, John, Carl, Martin and Philip. It has been the ambition of the parents to educate each child adequately for life's responsibilities. The eldest daughter has been educated in the San Francisco State Normal, and the younger members of the family circle also will be given the best opportunities the state affords in its educational institutions.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 682 - 683.

William Harrison MARDEN

Never yet has there been found an individual with soul so unappreciative that he fails to render the reverence and gratitude due those who blazed the way into the unknown west and amid dangers and hardships indescribable established a civilization destined to be tenfold more powerful than its founders dreamed. In common with the majority of this world's heroes, no glory surrounded the lives of those who risked their all and bore the trials incident to the settlement of a new land, their only reward, and sufficient to them, being the regard and confidence of their associates. In this connection it is interesting to note that for over fifty-five years, owing to his courageous attitude as the leader of an emigrant train which crossed the plains in 1850, the appellation of "General" lovingly bestowed upon him by his associates was borne by Mr. Marden, who passed away at his home four miles southeast of Davis on May 29, 1905.

Mr. Marden was born March 4, 1824, in Coos county, N. H., this also being the birthplace of his parents, William and Polly (Stokes) Marden, who were of English parentage, and who, in 1831, took their family to Chenango county, N. Y., where few settlers had preceded them. Mrs. Marden passed away in 1855, and accompanied by his son Elisha the father later removed to Greenwood county, Kans., where he resided until his death. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Marden, only one survives, Elisha, a resident of Greenwood county, Kans.

Educated in the district schools common to that period, William H. Marden assisted his father on the farm until he was sixteen years old, when he engaged in teaching school and ultimately was made county superintendent of schools. Following his educational career he went to Waukesha county, Wis., arriving at his destination March 24, 1848. For two years he worked at the carpenter trade, as it was the only thing he could find to do. His cheerful personality and clear, good judgment won him many friends, and it was not surprising that upon his decision to go west he was eagerly joined by others, who urged him to act as their captain, secure in the belief that his strong young manhood and unfailing optimism would assuredly carry them safely to their journey's end, where, they doubted not the proverbial pot of gold awaited them. With ox teams and prairie schooners, thoroughly outfitted, the party of sixteen started in the spring of 1850, crossing the Missouri river on May 8. The journey proved very tedious, although, in contrast with other companies, who lost large numbers by various fatal diseases, they arrived in California in good physical condition. After several months in the mines at Georgetown, Eldorado county, Mr. Marden settled near Davis, Yolo county, where he engaged in agriculture and stock raising, his original tract consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added from time to time, his estate at the time of his decease aggregating five hundred and twenty-eight acres. In 1869 he opened the pioneer butcher shop in Davis, his business increasing rapidly, and finally he started a hotel and established a hardware store. Until 1880, when he relinquished his business duties and took up his residence on his ranch, he was actively associated with the development of the town and did all in his power to increase its commercial strength as well as to induce settlers to locate in its midst.

Mr. Marden's marriage, which occurred in Auburn in 1856, united him with Miss Marium Leigh, who was born in Bath, N. Y., and who came to Sacramento county, Cal., in 1854, joining her brother, A. H. Leigh, a resident of Dixon, who had settled in the west in the early '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Marden, the latter of whom passed away April 16, 1899, at the age of sixty-eight, four children were born: William E., a fruit grower and dairyman of Fowler, Fresno county; Susan Annette, who resides on the old homestead, her husband, O. B. Wilbur, being the manager of the Marden ranch; Minnie M., Mrs. Collins, of Oakland; and Grant, a business man of Fresno. Fraternally Mr. Marden was a Mason of Knight Templar degree. He ably assisted in all public enterprises requiring the support of loyal citizens. From the day he cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln he remained a firm advocate of Republican principles and lent material aid to his party. He was postmaster at Davis for a great many years; and was the candidate of his party for sheriff and later for supervisor, but at that time his party was hopelessly in the minority, so he failed of election. A man of broad sympathies and kindly manner, his loss was felt keenly by the entire community which he so staunchly served during his identification therewith, and those who knew and loved him best will not soon forget his memory.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 691 - 693.

H. L. MARDERS

The greatest westward migration known in the history of the world occurred during the '50s when the newly discovered mines of California proved the magnet that attracted gold-seekers from every portion of the globe. One of the expeditions that crossed the plains had among its most active members a youth of seventeen years, H. L. Marders, who had left forever the old associations of boyhood and had joined in the movement destined ultimately to develop the then unknown west. The young traveler was a member of an old family in the United States and was born in Missouri, April 17, 1837, being a younger brother of William Nathaniel Marders, like himself a native of Monroe county, his birth having occurred August 30, 1834. The brothers were alike in energy of temperament, fertility of resource and fondness for adventure, and many of their experiences in the west were memorable and to a large degree perilous.

An opportunity to work his passage across the plains came to H. L. Marders in 1854 and he eagerly availed himself of the chance. The expedition with its large herd of cattle and its full equipment of wagons and supplies proceeded by way of Fort Laramie and the Platte river, on to Chimney Rock and Echo Canyon, thence via Devil's Slide and the sink of the Humboldt into the mining regions. On one occasion, just as dawn was lighting the east, the guard heard several arrows suddenly whiz by and as he turned an Indian jumped to his feet, exclaiming "How do you do?" Without the pause of an instant the guard shot the Indian twice and the savage dropped dead. Knowing other savages lurked in the distance ready to attack the party, the captain of the train hastily posted a notice for other emigrant trains, warning them of danger. The party then started forward with as much haste as possible and did not pause until they were sixteen miles away. Afterward they learned that every member of the next emigrant train was killed by Indians.

Leaving the expedition in Nevada and remaining behind to earn some needed money. H. L. Marders followed freighting for two years and hauled many loads to Jacobsville, five miles west of Austin, on the Reese river. In addition he hauled salt from Sand Springs to Virginia City. Each trip brought him from $1000 to $1500. One of his chief difficulties was the loss of cattle through the drinking of the alkali water. Notwithstanding all loses he found the freighting business one bringing considerable profit and he followed it both in Nevada and California for a considerable period. Meanwhile he also had frequent intervals devoted to prospecting and mining. The first visit he ever made to Yolo county was during the year 1864 and since then he has been more or less closely identified with various portions of the county. In the vicinity of Woodland he hired out to do a job of plowing and turned the sod neatly and expeditiously with five yoke of oxen, when the rancher himself had been unable to accomplish satisfactory results with seven yoke. For six months he worked for Jesse D. Carr, for several years he lived in Watsonville (Santa Cruz county) and for three years he made his home in Woodland, where he built a large stable and then leased one-half of the building to tenants. The occupations of the early days (mining, freighting and ranching) he tried at different times and had his share of good luck and of adversity, but with it all he never lost his affection for the west and his sincere belief in its future prosperity. For some years he and his brother, William Nathaniel, engaged in the raising of sheep at Casey's Flat, but eventually their partnership was dissolved. In 1900 he located at Esparto, set out an orchard of fourteen acres to almonds and grapes, and has also set out an orchard of twenty-five acres near his place.

The marriage of Mr. Marders took place in Sacramento in the year 1877 and united him with Miss Martha Sweeney, a native of Missouri. She died in 1896, when forty-four years of age. They became the parents of two sons. The elder, Miles, married Mattie Bolden, a young lady from El Paso, Tex., and they have three sons, Miles, Jr., Glenn and Merl of Esparto. The political affiliation of Mr. Marders are with the Democratic party, and his brother, the late W. N. Marders, likewise voted the Democratic ticket at national elections. This brother, who passed away August 13, 1899, owned nine hundred and fifty acres in the Sacramento valley and left, to inherit the estate, his widow, formerly Esther Ryder and their four children, William O., Mabel O. (Mrs. W. E. Nissen), Maude Esther (Mrs. H. R. Brown), and Roy A.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 791 - 793.

William Nathaniel MARDERS

An example worthy of emulation, in that it represented noble and exemplary principles, was the life of W. M. Marders, one of Yolo county's pioneers, who passed away August 13, 1899. To the end, Mr. Marders remained true to his highest ideal of honor, and not one of his many acquaintances was ever able to speak of him in aught but respect and admiration. Born in Monroe county, Mo., August 30, 1834, Mr. Marders spent his boyhood on his father's farm, receiving his education in the country schools. At the age of nineteen he determined to start in life for himself, and with his father's gift of $10 a large sum to the boy he fared forth, rich in the hopes of youth. Shortly after this, in 1853, he secured a position as driver with Glenn and Wilson, cattle dealers, who were about the cross the plains. Upon reaching Nevada he allowed the party to proceed without him, and thereupon became interested in mining and followed it for several years. Relinquishing this work, he took up freighting, operating between Sacramento, Auburn, Cal., and Virginia City, Nev., but in 1860, weary of continual traveling, he purchased, in Shasta county, a ranch which he stocked and conducted for the next four years. He then located in Yolo county on a homestead. At this time, however, funds were low and it became necessary to resume for a time his occupation of freighting. Subsequently he went into the sheep raising business at Casey's Flat with his brother Hezekiah, who after several years grew tired of the occupation and took up other work, leaving Mr. Marders in sole possession of the ranch.

November 2, 1873, Mr. Marders married Miss Esther Ryder, a native of Michigan, who came to California when sixteen years old. The young couple took up their residence upon a farm of three hundred and twenty acres near Madison, Yolo county, which they purchased and stocked with cattle, horses and mules. From time to time Mr. Marders added to his holdings and at the time of his death, owned nine hundred and fifty acres, considered one of the most valuable stock and grain ranches in Sacramento valley.

Mr. Marders' word was as good as his bond and this, spoken in truth, is the best that can be said of any man. He was devoted to his home and cared nothing for public life, though always interested in municipal work that called for his support. He and his family were members of the Christian Church, which they assisted in every possible way.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Marders, namely, William O.; Mabel O., now Mrs. W. E. Nissen, of Palo Alto; Maude Esther, who is the wife of Harry R. Brown, and whose home is in Palo Alto; and Roy A., who resides in Capay. Of all of the pioneer families of the valley none are more highly esteemed than Mr. Marders' widow and her children.

William O. Marders, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Marders, was born near Esparto in 1874, and spent the first thirty years of his life assisting his father on the ranch and acquiring a thorough knowledge of the farming industry, as well as the breeding of horses and cattle. From 1905 to 1907 he ranched in Tehama county before taking up his residence in Woodland, where he spent the next three years. In 1910 he purchased a ranch of twenty acres one mile west of Woodland; this is highly improved and from it he secures annually five or six crops of alfalfa with irrigation. He also has a small dairy supplied by ten cows. In 1904 Mr. Marders married Miss Josephine H. Brown, who was born in Yolo county, her father, Warren Brown, being an early settler here. Mr. and Mrs. Marders have three children, William G., Helen and Russel Alston.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 670 - 671.

George C. MARTIN

George C. Martin, a farmer near Woodland, is a son of James and Lina (Williams) Martin, who were among the early settlers of California, and will be remembered by many old pioneers. They were natives of Virginia, where they remained until 1844; they then moved to Livingston County, Missouri, and resided there until 1853; he sold his property there, spent one summer in Texas, returned to Missouri and remained there until the spring of 1854, when he with his family came overland to the Golden State, with horse and ox teams, and settled in Yuba County, eight miles above Marysville, on the Yuba River. There the senior Martin resided until his death in 1861, when he was sixty years of age. His wife survived until 1884, when she died, in Yolo County, at the age of seventy-five years. In their family were four sons and one daughter, all of whom came to California. One son, M. D. Martin, came in 1849, and died in Yolo County in June, 1872.

George C. was born January 30, 1833, in Giles County, Virginia, and had been all his life upon a farm. He was with his father in Yuba County until 1862, when the well-remembered floods of that year destroyed their agricultural stock. He sold out and came to Yolo County, purchasing a farm northwest of Cacheville, where he remained until the fall of 1870. He then purchased his present property, consisting of 160 acres of choice bottom land, a mile and a half southeast of Woodland, which is well improved and fertile and well stocked with farm buildings, etc. He has altogether in Yolo County 410 acres. His home place is especially adapted to the raising of fruit and alfalfa.

Mr. Martin was married March 7, 1867, to Miss Mary A. Waysman, a native of Missouri, and they have three sons and two daughters, namely: Jackson L., Anna L., James W. (who died July 25, 1883), George V. and Mary V.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

James T. MARTIN, M.D.

The history of this State is unique, thrilling and wonderful. No other country can boast of such exciting and romantic events, or of example so worthy of emulation as California.

The historian here has an almost unlimited storehouse from which to select his material, and to related the narratives of the many interesting and exciting incidents which have taken place in our midst, and the wonderful prosperity which is ascribed to the growth and development of this - the land of promise.

Of course the experiences as told by the pioneers, who came here in an early day, form a most valuable part, and, in fact, are indispensable in chronicling events which have occurred here, and go a long way in making up a history. But aside from all this, there is another class of men, who, in their way, bear just as important a part in the introducing of new ideas, and revolutionizing, as it were, the old set and fogy ways that are so characteristic to many of the old Californians.

In making a retrospect of this country during the past few years, we find that the young men of to-day are rapidly assuming relations, both in the business and professional circles, as well as in the managing of our political affairs and local and public institutions.

In making any mention of this class of men, who are now prominent in one way or another, we feel no hesitancy in presenting the name of James T. Martin, a leading physician of Woodland.

Dr. Martin is a homeopathist, who has bounded faith in that method of treating disease, and in him the people of Yolo County have an able physician, thoroughly versed in his profession. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man, and though now in the very vigor of manhood has had to undergo many trying hardships in order to properly fit himself to work out the problem of life. A few points of interest in his career, will, perhaps deserve proper mention at this time. His father, Norman Martin, was a descendent of the Scotch Highlanders, coming from that old Celtic stock which underwent so many hardships in the history of that country, and was born in Stronoway, Lewis Island, off the northwest coast of Scotland.

He was a carpenter by trade, and, in 1841, left his native country in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company, coming to Fort Vancouver, on the Columbia River, arriving there in the spring of 1842. He married a lady named Julia Bridgefarmer, who came from Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and from the time he first went there continued to make his home in Oregon.

James Thurston Morgan, the subject of this article, was born in Yamhill County, Oregon, November 26, 1850. His education was partly received in the public schools, but principally at the Pacific University, at Forest Grove, where he worked his way through school, and was graduated from that institution in 1876, in a class of six, three of whom were Japanese, who have since become prominent in their own country. After graduation he went to Washington, then a Territory, and commenced teaching. He was principal of the public schools at Seattle for nearly two years, and occupied a similar position with the schools of Olympia, the capital of Washington.

All this time our subject was bent upon studying medicine. While in Olympia he met J. B. Huntington, with whom he made arrangements to take a drove of cattle overland to Cheyenne. Upon arriving there, he also proceeded with these cattle by rail through to Council Bluffs and Chicago. This was done with the intent to work his passage East, and avoid paying out any of his limited amount of funds, knowing full well that the plan he had laid out before him would require all the means at his command, and indeed more. At Chicago he bought a railroad ticket to Ann Arbor, which was the only money paid out for fare up to this point of the journey. Arriving at Ann Arbor October 6, 1880, he entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, and in due time, after a great amount of perseverance on his part, devoting his vacations to work in the corn-fields, and employing every spare hour to the best advantage, he won for himself a diploma from that noted institution, June 28, 1883.

Now being well versed in the theoretical part of his profession, the young physician turned his attention toward the attainment of further knowledge in a practical way. Through some friends he shortly afterward obtained the appointment as physician for the Skokomish Indian reservation, with headquarters at the head of Hood's Canal. There he remained until the change of administration occurred and President Cleveland went into office, when Dr. Martin resigned his position and came to California. He opened an office in Woodland, September 10, 1885, since which time he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession. While Dr. Martin is an excellent physician, he is at the same time an able surgeon, having a high reputation in this department of his profession.

While a medical student at Ann Arbor he joined the Masonic order, in 1883, and is now connected with Woodland Lodge, No. 156. Since his residence in this city he has associated himself with the Order of Chosen Friends, Ancient Order of Foresters and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Woodland, first joining that body in Forest Grove, Oregon, some fifteen years ago.

Dr. Martin is at present a member of the Advisory Board to the Trustees of the Hahnemann Medical College of San Francisco.

He was married March 31, 1885, to Mrs. M. M. Huntington, a native of Switzerland, but reared in Memphis, Tennessee. She was a widow with two children, viz.: Lutie and Fred. Huntington, the former born in August, 1874, and the latter April 26, 1877. Mrs. Martin is a sister of the eminent artist Carl Guthers, whose paintings have taken an international prize at the Paris Salon. She is also a sister-in-law of General Flower, of St. Paul, Minnesota. By the present marriage there are four children, viz.: Genevieve, born January 29, 1887; Thurston Guthers, born May 5, 1888; Lewella and Lenala (twins), born April 25, 1890.

Such in brief is a resume of the life of our subject. He is a man of fine gentlemanly ways, possessing a modest and unassuming manner, and is not gifted with any unnecessary display or waste of language, -- more especially so in his professional capacity. Yet in a social way he is pleasant and congenial, and has a happy faculty of making many friends.

He is a man who is thoroughly interested in his chosen field of labor, and practices his profession for the love he has for it, and the interest he takes in suffering humanity.

He was elected a member of the International Hahnemann Association at the meeting held in Montreal, Canada, in 1889.

He was elected Vice-President of the California State Homeopathic Medical Society, at San Francisco, on the 14th of May, 1890, and was also chosen as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legislation, having for its object supervision of measures of legislation affecting the welfare of medicine, and especially of the Homeopathic school.

Dr. Martin certainly has a bright future before him, of which, it is equally certain, he is deserving.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891

John MARTIN

John Martin, one of Yolo county's most esteemed pioneers and who will not soon be forgotten by his many friends, was a southerner, his birth occurring January 1, 1832, in Surry county, N. C. His father, John Martin, Sr., was born in the same county, but lived some years in Missouri, where he farmed extensively. He then spent a year in Texas, later taking up his residence in Kentucky, where he remained until his death. John Martin, Jr., with his mother, lived for a time in Buchanan county, Mo., in 1851 moving to Fremont county, Iowa. After his mother's death Mr. Martin continued to reside on the farm until the year 1859, when, with his brothers, H. P. and P. P. Martin, he came across the plains with ox-teams to California, settling on new land in Yolo county. The house that they built was the first one in Plainfield. John Martin spent the winter of 1862 in Iowa, but returned the following spring by the overland trail with horse teams. Soon after this he took up one hundred and sixty acres of land seven miles southwest of Woodland, and some time later he bought three hundred and twenty acres adjoining this, and thereafter he devoted his best efforts to its development. Again, in 1890, he purchased twenty-five acres one mile south of Woodland, on Cemetery avenue, upon which he erected a substantial dwelling and other buildings and otherwise improved the place until it ranked among the best in the locality. In addition to his orchard he also raised alfalfa. He concentrated his attention upon his small tract and continued to improve it materially until his death, January 8, 1892. Mr. Martin was a Democrat. He was a member of the Christian Church and was in sympathy with all progressive movements of the locality.

Mr. Martin's widow, Belle Hutton (Winter) Martin, with the assistance of her son, Wilfred, actively conducts the affairs of the farm, which is modern in every way. The place is in alfalfa, and in addition to stock raising and general agriculture a dairy, which is fitted with a separator, is one of their business assets, and they also lease forty acres of alfalfa land adjoining the place. Mrs. Martin was born in Montgomery county, Mo., and come to California in November, 1872. Her father was Sterling Winter, of Blount county, Tenn., and her mother was Dicy Birdwell. There were ten children, of whom three are living. Upon the completion of her studies at the Danville Female Academy of Missouri, she became a teacher, but shortly after was married to Mr. Martin, November 18, 1872, at the home of her father in Montgomery county, Mo. She came to Yolo county a bride and took up her duties on the farm, becoming a true helpmate to her husband in every sense of the word. She is a member of the Christian Church of Woodland and takes an active part in all the departments of church work, and is also an active worker in the cause of temperance, being a member of the W. T. C. U. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin we mention the following: John W. is a farmer near Woodland; Harry S. died in Woodland in 1906; Jessie, Mrs. H. W. Krines, lives in Santa Maria; Marie, Mrs. F. W. Haslam, resides in El Paso, Tex.; and Wilfred manages the home farm and dairy.
Mrs. Martin is a member of the Rochdale Company of Woodland and of the Woodland Creamery Company. She has ably demonstrated her ability to take charge of and successfully manage the affairs left by her husband, and by her many friends she is much loved and esteemed for her many charities and kindnesses.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 594 - 597.

John D. MARTIN

The power of concentration has been exemplified in the successful activities of Mr. Martin. From early youth he had devoted his energies wholly to the nursery business. While others have drifted from one occupation to another in a desire to find something both congenial and profitable, it was his good fortune at an early age to become identified with an industry for which he was well adapted by natural endowments. As a result of his long association with the occupation there is now no detail with which he is unfamiliar; whether in selection of stock, in judicious choice of suitable varieties, in grafting of trees, or in marketing of crops, in all he displays the sagacity and keen discrimination that have produced his present high standing as a fruit-raiser.

In recognition of his noteworthy success with one of his specialties, the title of "Strawberry" Martin has been bestowed upon him by his hosts of friends and still clings to him, notwithstanding the fact that of late years he has concentrated his attention on seedless raisin grapes as a specialty, giving up to a large extent the production of the rare and delicious varieties of strawberries that once gave him local fame. The nursery business first engaged his attention at the age of thirteen years in his native county of Niagara in York state, where he had received a grammar-school education. The need of earning his own livelihood forced him to leave school at the completion of the grammar course and he then took up the nursery business with a company that gave him charge of two hundred men when he was only sixteen. Being a lad of rugged health as well as tireless energy, he was never absent from his place of work on any days except the 4th of July and Christmas day for a period of ten years. Year after year he continued without the loss of a day's time and he was so energetic in his work that in one year he and his men grafted the enormous number of five million trees. For about three years he was superintendent of Niagara county poor farm, resigning in 1882 for the purpose of coming to the west.

An experience of one year in a nursery in Yolo county was followed by the return of Mr. Martin to his previous occupation in New York, but in 1884 he again came to Yolo county, this time as a permanent resident. Renting twenty acres on Cache creek, he began to plant strawberries, blackberries and loganberries and finally he had the entire tract under cultivation to the choicest varieties. The output was enormous, but Sacramento furnished a convenient and profitable market for even the largest crops, and an immense trade was established in that city, as well as in Yolo county itself. The first large crop was taken off in 1886, and from that year until 1900, he carried on the place profitably. The arrival of his berries was looked forward to with eagerness by buyers catering to the tastes of critical customers. The products invariably brought the highest market prices, this being due not only to care in cultivation, but to the original discrimination in the selection of stock.

Meanwhile having purchased twenty-seven acres of unimproved land and having planted the same to seedless raisin grapes, in 1900 Mr. Martin removed to his new location and here he has built up a very productive and remunerative vineyard. A capable overseer is employed to reside upon the farm and manage the vines, while the owner himself now spends much of his time traveling both in the east and the west. Various improvements have been made from time to time. A good barn and a packing house were erected and the grapes are cured and packed on the premises. For the year 1910 the entire expense of raising, picking, curing and packing the raisins totaled $750, while a crop of forty-five tons of choice raisins brought $4,200 on the market, and the crop of 1911was equally valuable, this representing a gratifying revenue for twenty-seven acres of land in Yolo county. The owner's success has encouraged others to enter the same occupation, for he has proved what may be accomplished with this soil by careful management and practical business forethought.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 679 - 680.

Fred MARTINELLI

FRED MARTINELLI, a whole vegetable dealer of Woodland, was born in Italy, a son of Francisco and Teresa (Contana) Martinelli, and came to San Francisco in 1869. Eight years afterward he moved to Woodland, where he is now conducting a large wholesale and retail vegetable trade, running several wagons throughout the county. He opened his present place in 1887, and is driving a prosperous business. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and has the reputation of being an industrious and honorable citizen.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Betty Wilson

Antone MARTY

Among the enterprising and progressive residents of Yolo county is Antone Marty, of the firm of Marty Brothers, he and his brother Martin (and until his death the late Joseph Marty) owning and controlling jointly a five hundred acre seven miles northwest of Sacramento, known as the Golden Eagle dairy, the largest and finest plant of the kind in Yolo county. The brothers were natives of Canton Schwytz, Switzerland, the birth of the eldest, Antone, occurring January 20, 1869. He was educated in the public schools of his native place and there, too, he learned the dairy business under his father Bernardin Marty, in the Alps. The father afterward came to Sacramento and spent his last days with his son, Antone, at whose home he passed away December 21, 1911.

Antone Marty immigrated to the United States April 30, 1890, and joined his uncle, Joseph Marty, who conducted a dairy in Sacramento county south of the capital city. Two years later Martin Marty arrived and secured a position on his uncle's ranch, and the following year Antone purchased a one-third interest in the uncle's dairy, and at the same time took into partnership his brothers, Martin and Joseph. Nine years later, in 1902, the brothers purchased the interest of their uncle and continued the management of the dairy until October, 1908, when they purchased their present ranch, comprising five hundred acres of rich bottom land, three hundred and seventy-five of which is in alfalfa. Immediately after purchasing the property the brothers erected three commodious, sanitary barns for dairy purposes, provided with cement floors, running water and gas for lighting. In the boiler house a sixty-horse power engine was installed for the operation of the separator, electric lights, machinery and pumps, and a water tank of ten thousand gallons capacity was also set in place. A twenty-five-horse power engine is used to force the water through the pipes, the heavy water pressure insuring adequate fire protection. For the accommodation of the twenty-five employees who assist in the work of the ranch a comfortable boarding house was built; also a blacksmith shop and a milling plant and steam feed mixer, for the preparation of feed and hay for the stock. In addition to the ranch interests already mentioned, it is necessary to state that the brothers are also raising hogs on a scale that considerable to the yearly income. Of their three hundred and fifty cows, two hundred and fifty are milked at present, and from fifteen to eighteen cheeses are made daily, each weighing twenty-five pounds. One thousand gallons of milk are shipped daily on their launch, Milk Maid, to their Sacramento depot, at No. 300 N street, this being in charge of Martin Marty. Four retail and two wholesale delivery wagons are required in the operation of the extensive business and altogether forty horses are used on the ranch and in the dairy interests. The yield of alfalfa from three hundred and seventy-five acres (six clippings) provides feed for four hundred head of cattle and horses as well as several hundred hogs, besides which they sell about seven hundred tons annually. Splendid shipping facilities are provided by the Marty station on the new Sacramento and Woodland electric railroad, a switch on the ranch affording direct communication. The Golden Eagle dairy is admirably located on the west side of the Sacramento river, where there is a landing for the launch previously mentioned. The brothers also own a valuable ranch of one thousand acres at Clipper Gap, Placer county, where a specialty is made of raising and shipping wood.

In Sacramento Antone Marty was married, February 6, 1898, to Miss Susan Durrer, a native of Turner Falls, Mass. Her father, Joseph Durrer, upon coming to California first located in Sacramento, and later settled in Tehama county, where his daughter was educated. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Antone Marty: Hedwig, Antone and Adel. He is a member of the Foresters of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Red Men and the Helvetia Verein. His fraternal and business interests do not absorb all of his time and thought, however, for he is greatly interested in the welfare of his community and loses no opportunity to lend a hand in its behalf.

Martin Marty is a resident of Sacramento, having charge of the firm's business at that point. Joseph Marty was accidentally drowned in the Sacramento river March 18, 1912, while repairing a barge at the landing.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 579 - 583.

James O. MAXWELL

Few names have been associated more intimately and none more prominently than that of James O. Maxwell, who as property owner, editor, councilman, mayor, chairman of the Democratic county central committee and in other capacities has proved the loyalty of his citizenship and the sincerity of his devotion to city and county. Numerous enterprises for the progress of the community owe their inception to his business acumen and far-seeing vision. The present modern water system was established during the period of his service as councilman and he was foremost in furthering the project. For six years he has filled the mayor's chair and is the present incumbent of the office, to which he was elected in May of 1911. As the presiding civic official he has proved not only energetic but also reliable, not only resourceful but also judicious, and the best interests of the city have been conserved under his executive supervision, besides which he also has evinced a commendable public spirit through his able service of fourteen years as a member of the board of trustees.

Early in life Mr. Maxwell became identified with newspaper work and his association with the same has continued up to the present, being now, however, limited to articles published in various newspapers and magazines of the coast. A Missourian by birth, he was born in Cooper county May 26, 1838, and was one of three children, his sister and brother being Susan, wife of M. R. York, who died at Madison, Yolo county, Cal., and Thomas J., a miner in Mexico. The genealogical records show that the Maxwells came to America during the colonial period of our country's history and established the name in Virginia. John Maxwell, a Virginian by birth, served as a commissioned officer during the Revolutionary struggle, but died before the expiration of the war. Inheriting his patriotic ardor, his son Thomas, left his native Virginia to do service during the war of 1812. Later he crossed the mountains into the frontier regions of Kentucky and settled in Madison county, where he became the owner of a plantation and a large number of slaves.

Following the westward tide of emigration the Maxwell family, transplanted to Kentucky grounds from Virginia, next became pioneers of Missouri, the first of the name in that state having been Thomas J., son of Thomas, and a native of Madison county, Ky. For some years he earned a livelihood as a farmer in Cooper county, Mo. During 1856 he brought his wife and three children across the plains to California in a train consisting of twelve wagons and thirty-five men. Six months were spent on the road and during the time Indians were so troublesome that the emigrants stationed men around their camp each night to guard them as they slept. Upon their arrival in Yolo county Mr. Maxwell bought out a squatter on the old Taylor place, two miles northwest of what is now Woodland. Three years were spent on that ranch and then he removed to an unimproved tract near Winters. Building a store at Buckeye, he engaged in mercantile pursuits besides managing his farm. Eventually he became the owner of large tracts of land and engaged extensively in the sheep business. Later he turned his attention to the raising of fruit. When death ended his labors in 1903 he had reached the age of eighty-nine years, and for sixty years he had been an earnest member of the Baptist Church. In politics he was a Douglas Democrat. Being of a southern family he had inherited a number of slaves, but these he refused to receive, preferring that they be given their freedom in accordance with his views upon the slavery question. In young manhood he had married Rhoda, daughter of James D. and Ellen (Stephens) Campbell, natives of Virginia, but for years residents of Marion county, Ky., and later farmers of Missouri, where Mr. Campbell, a veteran of the war of 1812, died in 1839. Eventually his widow came to the west, where she died at the home of her daughter near Winters at the age of more than ninety years. Mrs. Maxwell was eighty-two years of age at the time of her death in 1902.

When fifteen years of age James O. Maxwell entered the printing office of the Boonville Observer, where he remained for two years. In 1856 he accompanied his parents to California and later had charge of the store at Buckeye, also served as deputy postmaster until 1860. He set up the first type in the county on the old Yolo Democrat, published at Cacheville, and afterward assisted in the publication of the Cacheville Spectator, which succeeded the old Democrat. During 1860 he returned via the Isthmus of Panama to the east and entered the University of Kentucky at Lexington, where he remained a student for two years. On his return to the coast by way of the isthmus, he entered the printing office of the California Alta Publishing Company in San Francisco as a compositor and afterward worked in the commercial and advertising departments. On coming again to Yolo county, he began to raise grain on a ranch and at the same time acted as editor of the San Luis Obispo Mirror. Later he became manager and editor of the Woodland Democrat and afterward published the Woodland Reporter, which he managed for eighteen months with Robert Lee and then sold out to his partner. Besides his attractive residence on Main street, he owns other property in Woodland and for years also owned a ranch comprising four hundred and twenty acres fifteen miles southwest of Woodland and five miles northeast of Winters, but this tract he recently sold and now owns a small farm containing forty well-improved acres two miles southwest of Woodland devoted to alfalfa and grapes.

Fraternally Mr. Maxwell was made a Mason in Buckeye Lodge No. 195, F. & A. M., at Winters, and he also belongs to the Sons of the Revolution. In Yolo, Cal, January 12, 1870, he married Anna Gaddis, who was born in Waukegan, Ill., and attended the California State Normal School, afterward engaging successfully in educational work. Her father, the late Henry Gaddis, is represented elsewhere in this volume, and her brother, Hon. E. E. Gaddis, is one of the leading jurists of the state. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell consists of three children. The older son, William C., is an attorney-at-law in San Francisco. The only daughter, Rhoda, a graduate of the California State Normal School, is principal of the Oak Street school in Woodland. The younger son, George L., also resides in Woodland and is engaged in the dairy business.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 860 - 862.

Thomas J. MAXWELL

THOMAS J. MAXWELL, a farmer at Winters, Yolo County, was born in Madison County, Kentucky, January 3, 1815. His father, Thomas Maxwell, was among the first settlers of Kentucky, moving to Madison County, Missouri, in 1825, where he died March 18, 1826. His mother, who was a Miss Gardes, was born on the Potomac River and died in 1862, in Madison County, Missouri. The first school that she ever attended was at the house of General Washington. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents in Missouri until 1856, when he came overland to California, landing near Cacheville, Yolo County, and took up a tract of land which proved to be upon a grant. He accordingly abandoned it, moved to Buckeye, bought a claim and built there the first store in the place, and also held the office of Postmaster from 1857 to 1859. He then disposed of his ranch and store and went into the hills with a band of stock and afterward disposed of his stock, and he now lives in Winters, retired from active business. He is the proprietor of 500 acres of good land, seven acres of which are set out in fruit.

He was married December 8, 1836, in Cooper County, Missouri, to Miss Rhoda Campbell, who was born February 4, 1817, in Tennessee, the daughter of James B. and Nellie (Stevens) Campbell, both natives of Virginia. Their children are: J.O., born May 26, 1838; Susan F., born January 14, 1848, and is now the wife of R.York; and Thomas J., born January 20, 1856.

Source: Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co. , 1891
Transcribed by: Betty Wilson, August 2004 ©

J. B. McARTHUR

J. B. McArthur, cashier of the Bank of Winters, is personally an illustration of the rapid rise to prominence which characterize the young blood of California. The Bank of Winters first opened its doors for business in 1885, with E. Wolfskill, president; William Sims, vice-president; and E. E. Kahn, cashier. In 1886 J. B. McArthur succeeded E. E. Kahn as cashier; Mr. Kahn's other business duties requiring so much of his time he was compelled to resign his position as cashier, but still acted as secretary. They have held their respective positions from that time until the present. Mr. McArthur was born March 24, 1849, in Ontario, Canada, a son of Daniel and Catherine (McDonald) McArthur. His father, a farmer by occupation, resided in Canada a greater portion of his life, dying there in 1857, at the age of sixty-five years; and the subject of this sketch was but four years old when his mother died. He was brought up on a farm and started out in life for himself at the age of fourteen years, going to Minnesota, where he spent a year, thence to Nebraska, where he was six years engaged in farming. The next three years he passed as a student at a college in Illinois; thence he went to the State University of Nebraska, where he attended one term; in 1875 he came to California and located at Vacaville, where he accepted a position in the service of the Vacaville & Clear Lake Railroad Company as station agent, and remained three years; and he finally removed to Winters, accepting a position with the railroad in that city. He was employed as station agent until 1886 when he accepted his present position. It may be said of him that "he was old when young that he might be young when old," and his success in life has been entirely the result of his own industry, energy and perseverance.

He was married, in 1877, to Miss M. L. Bryce, a native of Kentucky. Three of their four children are living, namely: Mary E., Charles S. and Bessie M.

Mr. McArthur has about 480 acres of land in Tulare County, on which is carried on general farming, and 960 acres in Washington. His neat and tidy residence in Winters is located on East Abbay street. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since he was eighteen years of age.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

Mrs. S. E McCLINTIC

MRS. S. E. McCLINTIC, the proprietor of a farm in Yolo County, is the daughter of Hull Finch and Susan Newcomb; her father was a native of Virginia, a farmer, and the last ten years of his life he was presiding Judge of the court of Callaway County, Missouri, and he died in that county, in 1888. The mother of the subject of this sketch, a native of Missouri, died in the same county, in 1859. The subject of this notice, born in Callaway County, married John McClintic, in April, 1863, just after he had arrived from California, which he had visited in 1851 to locate a place. A week after their marriage they started across the plains and landed at their little home, where they both labored patiently and industriously to supply themselves with the necessities and comforts of life. Mr. McClintic died November 7, 1877, leaving seven children: Samuel A., Emma L., Anna, Willie, Matie, Jessie H. and Agnes R.

The ranch contains 320 acres and is principally devoted to raising wheat.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Betty Wilson

Andrew McCLORY

a farmer of Putah Creek, Yolo County, was born February 14, 1821, in Patterson, New Jersey, a son of James and Helen (McGee) McClory, natives of Ireland; the father settled in that State in 1800. At the age of twelve years young McClory went to New York City and began the study of art, under the instructions of Henry Inman, and continued there three years, and then one year more under William Page, being in the academy three or four years. In 1838 he started West through Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburg, where he followed painting until 1842. He then went to St. Louis and to Independence, Kansas, Santa Fe, and in the winter of 1843 left Chihuahua and New Mexico for the south fork of the Platte, near where Denver city is now located; in 1844 he returned to Missouri, and in six months went to New Orleans, and then into the State of Mississippi; and, being in Pittsburg in 1846, when the Mexican war broke out, in 1847 he enlisted and was appointed as First Lieutenant of Company H, attached to the District of Columbia and Maryland Regiment, and held the position of Provost-Marshal of the city and department of Jalapa until the close of that contest; he was discharged at Pittsburg. In 1849 he came by way of Missouri overland to California, by wagon, arriving at Sacramento. He engaged in gold digging until 1852, when he settled on a ranch on Putah Creek, and resided there five years; then he moved upon land which he now owns one mile north, and which comprises at present 445 acres, fertile and in good condition.

He was married in Sacramento November 19, 1865, to Miss Lydia Chillson, who was born December 25, 1830, in Mississippi, and they have one son, Andrew R., who was born November 15, 1869.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

J. McCLURG

J. McClurg, deceased, formerly a farmer of Yolo County, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1829, a son of Robert and Nancy (Eaton) McClurg, and was nine years of age when his parents removed with him to Knox County, Ohio; his father was a farmer all his life, his death occurring in Knox County, Ohio, in 1865, at the age of seventy-two years. Accordingly the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm. In 1852 he came to California, by way of New Orleans and the Isthmus, landing in San Francisco after a voyage of sixty-two days by sail vessel on the Pacific ocean, as he could not obtain passage on a steamer. The first year in this State he spent in the mines, with poor success, and then he located upon his ranch in Yolo County, four miles southwest of Woodland, consisting at that time of 160 acres. He since then increased his estate to 470 acres. By his industry and good judgment he converted his place from one of a bare plain to a farm as fertile and well-improved as any in the county. After an active and well spent life he died, February 20, 1889, at the age of fifty-nine years. The farm is still devoted to general agriculture and a small dairy, at present being four miles south of Woodland. It is superintended by Miss J. McClurg, a sister of the deceased, who came to California in February, 1869, to keep house for him. By his will she was made the executor of the estate, and she has managed the affairs with as great financial ability as the best of men could do.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, pages 372-373
Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler, September 2004

J. I. McCONNELL

J. I. McConnell, of Woodland. The father of the subject of this sketch, George M. Mc Connell, was born December 24, 1817, in McMinn County, East Tennessee, and in 1850 came with his family, consisting of wife and two sons, to California, by way of Salt Lake, arriving at the mines at Coloma in September. After working in the mines for two years, he came down to Sacramento city with the intention of returning East by water; but, as the floods were high and no steamers going, he was persuaded by friends to go into Yolo County and pre-empt a claim about a mile east of the city of Woodland. He followed farming there until 1858; then he moved to Sonoma County, where he remained until 1868, and finally settled in Hollister, San Benito County, where he still resides. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Jane Adams, was a native of Tennessee, and died at Hollister in 1871, at the age of fifty-three years. They were the parents of three children, all of whom are now living, viz.: William E., who resides in Santa Rosa; James I., the subject of this sketch, and George W., who was born in Yolo County, and resides at Hollister.

James I. was born in Tennessee, December 18, 1845, and was therefore five years old when he was brought to this State. He was educated at different places, but mostly at Sonoma, at a Presbyterian school, as his father was a Cumberland Presbyterian. From 1868 to 1871 he taught school in San Joaquin County; then two years in the department of mathematics in Hesperian College at Woodland; next, 1880-'85, he was Principal of the public school of Woodland, and then, 1885-'87, he had editorial charge of the "Daily Democrat"; and finally, in 1888, he was appointed Postmaster of Woodland. He is president of the Woodland Building and Loan Association, which was organized about four years ago; and while he was a teacher he was also a member of the Educational Board of this county for six years. In all his public positions he has given satisfaction, being social, pleasant-mannered and accommodating. He is a member of the orders of the United Workmen and Knights of Pythias, and has filled all the offices in the lodges of both societies in Woodland.

Mr. McConnell was married in 1871 to Miss Lillian Swain, a native of Marshall, Michigan, and they have one daughter, named Gertrude L.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, July 2004.
Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1891. pg. 327.

John McCOUBREY

Among the prosperous industrial men of Winters Mr. McCoubrey occupies a prominent place, his sterling qualities and mechanical as well as business ability, having won the esteem and confidence of his associates. He is a native of Maine, his birth having occurred two and one-half miles from Robbinston, December 28, 1848. He received his education in his home section, and until the age of seventeen remained with his parents, William and Sarah (Peacock) McCoubrey, of Maine and Scotland, respectively. His father, a ship joiner by occupation, spent his last years in Maine actively conducting his duties until his death in 1898, survived by his wife, who died two years later.

In 1865 John McCoubrey went to Boston, Mass., where he became an apprentice to a blacksmith, and three years later passed an examination before the mechanical board, permitting him to practice his trade. In 1876 he established a general horseshoeing and wagon joining shop in Putnam, Conn., but in 1877 he removed to Newark, N. J., where he remained until the fall of that year. Having determined to seek his fortune in the west he sold his interest in his business to his partner and crossed the plains by emigrant train, the journey occupying thirteen days. The day after his arrival in San Francisco Mr. McCoubrey accepted a position as foreman in a shoeing shop at $4 per day, and until the spring of 1878 resided in that city, having been there during the Kearney excitement, which occurred upon the site of the present city hall grounds. During the same year he went to Visalia, thence to Dixon, and in 1883 he went to Old Mexico, and for a time remained in the vicinity of Mazatlan. Finding that climate disagreeable, he returned to California and located in Winters. Shortly afterward he took a lease of the J. L. Depree place, retaining it for five years, after which he returned to his eastern home. In 1889 he returned to Winters, where be bought his present business property, and since then has conducted a general blacksmith shop with great success, his place being located on Main street adjoining the postoffice.

In 1898 Mr. McCoubrey visited Nome, Dawson City and other Alaskan points, as well as the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea and while in that country he witnessed the midnight sun. He returned to San Francisco on the St. Paul, after a most exciting trip. One of his most dangerous experiences was on board the Samoa, before reaching the Aleutian Islands, when, without warning, he and one hundred and fifty others were caught in a terrific storm which lasted forty-eight hours.

In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. McCoubrey with Miss Josephine Kennedy of Foster, R. I., and the next year he came to California. In 1904 he was elected on the no-license ticket to fill the office of city trustee, which position he held for five years. Also, for one term he held the office of city recorder, but resigned before the close of his term. He might have held many other public positions but for his disinclination to become a politician. He is a member of Othello Lodge No. 31, K. P., Dixon, and a charter member of the U. R. K. P. of Woodland. He has always been a stanch Republican and has endeavored at all times to live up to the teachings of practical Christianity. His parents were Presbyterians, in which faith he was reared, and his earliest impressions are those of a refined and cultured home.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 763 - 764.

Fred Frank McCULLOUGH

Diversified avenue of industrial activity are open to people removing to Yolo county, but agriculture still continues to be the leading occupation and one to which turn for a livelihood the greatest number of settlers. As an instance of the opportunities afforded by the soil when wisely cultivated, mention should be made of Fred Frank McCullough, whose large measures of success have been gained since he arrived in Yolo county and entered upon the laborious task of developing a farm. As a result of his ceaseless industry and sagacious management he has become the owner of a large landed estate and now holds a position among the leading farmers and stock raisers of the entire county.

The genealogy of the family is traced back to the original American settler, John McCullough, a member of an ancient and influential Scotch Presbyterian family. Shortly after he accompanied other members of the family to Pennsylvania and had settled in the forests of that colony he was taken prisoner by the Indians, who kept him captive in Ohio for eight years. When finally he was exchanged he returned to his old Pennsylvania home and engaged in farming. Afterward he removed to Maryland and developed a farm near Frostburg, but his last days were spent in Pennsylvania. His son, Alexander, was born in Franklin county, Pa., near the Maryland state line. During young manhood he married Elizabeth Siler, a native of Frostburg, Md., and in 1856 they became pioneers of Champaign county, Ill., where they developed a farm near Urbana. Of their five sons and two daughters Fred Frank was the fourth in order of birth and he was a native of Frostburg, Md., born March 9, 1854. When only two years of age he was taken to Illinois, and his first recollections cluster around a tract of government land homesteaded by his father. As soon as he became old enough to work he assisted in the cultivation of the claim and gave his whole time to farm work with the exception of a few months each year spent in attendance upon country schools.

Coming to California during the autumn of 1874, Mr. McCullough settled in Sutter county and secured employment on a ranch opposite Grand Island. Two years later he removed to Solano county and rented three hundred and twenty acres near Bird's Landing. The year 1886 found him a resident of Yolo county, where he rented a section near Dunnigan and engaged in the grain and stock business. About 1891 he bought three hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land and removed to the new tract, which he improved and developed. Later he bought a quarter-section adjoining, and this gives him four hundred and eighty acres in one body, the whole comprising his homestead, a well-improved and valuable property in the vicinity of Dunnigan. In addition he owns and manages three hundred and twenty acres near Blacks Station and five hundred acres northwest of Dunnigan, the large landed possessions representing his own untiring industry and frugal economy. Besides the raising of stock and of general farm crops, for some years he has engaged in buying and selling mules, sheep and hogs and now devotes much of his time to this important occupation.

During the period of his residence in Solano county Mr. McCullough there married, December 5, 1883, Miss Mary Gapen, who was born and reared at Suisun City, the daughter of John M. and Janettte (Wallace) Gapen, born in Pennsylvania and Michigan, respectively. Her father crossed the plains to California in 1849 and her mother crossed in 1848. They became pioneers of Solano county and died in Vacaville. Of the five children born to them Mrs. McCullough is the third oldest. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough are the parents of six sons and five daughters. The eldest, Fred G., attended a business college at Oakland and is now assisting his father in the management of the ranch. The others are Meredith, Victor, Marshall, Burns, Ruth, Welthy, Lemuel, Nevada, Marion and Elizabeth. The Masons have the active assistance of Mr. McCullough through his identification with Dunnigan Lodge No. 284, F. & A. M.; Woodland Chapter, R. A. M., and Woodland Commandery No. 21, K. T. Ever since attaining his majority he has voted the Republican ticket and in Yolo county he has served the party in county and state conventions, besides giving to its candidates his quiet influence and steadfast support. For his labors as a public-spirited citizen and as a capable farmer the county is indebted to him and rightly places him in a foremost position among its prosperous and progressive residents.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 883 - 885.

William McCULLOUGH

William McCullough, a prominent rancher of Yolo County. Among those not pioneers who have yet been identified for many years with Yolo County, the gentleman whose name heads this article stands prominent. He is a native of New York city, born March 2, 1844, his parents being William, Sr., and Agnes (Johnston) McCullough, both of whom were of Scotch ancestry, and born in the north of Ireland, whence they removed to New York. There the father started in business in 1831, on a small scale, afterward locating in Sullivan County, New York, in the mercantile business. He had stores, at different times, in three towns of that county, and amassed a considerable fortune, by the exercise of industry and good business ability. He afterward removed his family to East Orange, New Jersey, but being anxious to try mercantile life in the new West he himself went to Rochester, Minnesota, and started a store, with his usual success. He remained there until his death, July 17, 1878. His widow survived him until May 3, 1890, dying at East Orange.

At the age of fourteen years the subject of this sketch commenced attendance at the Ashland Collegiate Institute, Ashland, Greene County, New York. When not at school he had been accustomed from early age to assist in his father's store, and on leaving college he proceeded to Rochester, Minnesota, where he rejoined his father and resumed his labors in the latter's establishment. In 1861 he went to the family home in the East, and, becoming imbued with the patriotic spirit, offered his services at Newburg in defense of his country's flag, and was accepted, on the Fourth of July, 1861. He was assigned to duty in Company H, Fifty-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until disability compelled his discharge. He was then not eighteen years old, but being broken in health he proceeded to California to recuperate. Much improved in vigor, he went back East, where he intended to re-enter the service, but finally yielded to his mother's entreaties and refrained. In 1868 he returned to California, and after looking around for a time located temporarily in the San Joaquin Valley, where he was engaged in harvesting during the season of 1869. After that he came to Yolo County, where he has since made his home, and with whose interests he has since been identified. He has owned his fine home ranch, consisting of 692 acres located six miles northwest of Woodland, since 1874. He has, besides, other valuable landed interests, namely, 450 acres in the Capay Valley, as fine land as can be found in the State of California; 280 acres of timber land in Shasta County, and a 200-acre farm in Olmstead County, Minnesota.

Mr. McCullough is one of those men whose word is as good as his bond, and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Honest and upright in all his business relations, he deservedly ranks among the best men of the county.

Mrs. McCullough was formerly Miss Emma Curtis. She is a native of Kent County, Michigan, where she was born February 17, 1848. They have one child, a daughter, named Mattie.

Mr. McCullough is modest and retiring in his disposition - one of those who never seek after public place or patronage - yet always performs in a conscientious manner his duties as a citizen. He is a member of William H. Seward Post, No. 65, G.A.R., of Woodland.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, pages 369-370
Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler, September 2004

P. H. McGARR

One of the enterprising men of Yolo county who has made his home here since 1886, Mr. McGarr is well known throughout Winters and vicinity not only as an orchardist of exceptional ability, but also as a most public-spirited citizen, prompt to lend his efforts toward the progress of the community.

A native of Canada, Mr. McGarr's birth occurred January 6, 1865, in Guelph, where he received his education, spending his youth on the farm of his parents, Patrick and Ann (Cunningham) McGarr, natives of Guelph. At the age of twenty he came to California, successfully conducting a farm in Solano county for eleven years prior to his removal to Yolo county, where he has since been engaged in fruit raising. For many years he leased an orchard in the vicinity of Winters, but in the fall of 1911 he accepted the position of foreman for M. Kahn, having charge of his large orchard, located three miles west of Winters, to which he gives his undivided time.

In Woodland, February 29, 1892, Mr. McGarr was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Baker, whose birth occurred in Solano county, and whose parents crossed the plains from Illinois in the early '50s. She died in September, 1907. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McGarr, as follows: Francis L., Henry H. (both of Winters), Edith M., William D., Clark A. and Raymond P., the four last mentioned residing at home. Mr. McGarr's second marriage occurred in San Francisco and united him with Mary Gotellie, a native of Italy, who by a former marriage had three children, Anthony, Joseph and Louis. A Republican in politics, Mr. McGarr is a broad minded and generous citizen, interested in all public movements of merit. He is a communicant of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, as are also his wife and family.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" page 296 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

James M. McHENRY

To Mr. McHenry, one of Yolo county's earliest pioneers, belongs much of the credit for the establishment of both business and social life on a substantial basis in that section, his foresight and executive ability having been of incalculable value in that connection.

A native of White county, Ky., Mr. McHenry removed to Missouri with his parents, who spent their last years in that section. His father, James McHenry, a farmer by occupation, married Miss Moody, a relative of the famous Evangelist Moody. James McHenry, Jr., successfully conducted a farm in Missouri until his marriage with Miss Pierce, whereupon he disposed of his eastern interests and crossed the plains with his bride in the early '50s. For some months he mined with varying success, later engaging in the teaming and livery business in Modesto, Cal., where he built the first hotel in that section. Upon the death of his wife, who left two daughters, Margareta, Mrs. Paul Tietzen, of Berkeley, and Almeda, Mrs. Davidson, of Santa Maria, he sold his business in Stanislaus county and removed to Santa Rosa, where he continued to exert his efforts as a progressive and capable citizen, contributing largely to the development of that locality until 1873, when he settled in Woodland. Shortly thereafter, in partnership with Al Eaton, he opened an up-to-date livery barn, conducting also many other public enterprises, including the survey and maintenance of a stage road between Woodland and Lake county. Upon the sale of his livery interest to H. C. Duncan he engaged in agricultural pursuits near Esparto, Yolo county.

January 25, 1875, Mr. McHenry married his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Duncan) Keithly, born near St. Joseph, Mo., and to their union two children were born: William Lane, who now resides near Esparto, and Ethel Terry, who after her graduation from the San Francisco Business College became the wife of Charles P. Murphy of that city.

Mr. McHenry was a man of literary as well as business ability, and contributed many leading articles to various county papers. A charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Capay, he served as noble grand for many years. He was a stanch Democrat and for some years was supervisor of Stanislaus county. As an active member of the Christian Church, to which he lent his willing support, he endeavored at all times to conduct his life according to the principles of practical Christianity, his generosity and kindly interest in the welfare of his fellow men having fully merited the confidence and esteem which he enjoyed.

Elizabeth Duncan was the daughter of Charles and Dorcas (Coffman) Duncan, native of Tennessee and Maryland, respectively, and received her education in the public schools near St. Joseph, Mo. Her paternal grandfather, Joel Duncan, of Scotch parentage, was also a native of Tennessee and settled in McDonough county, Ill., where he farmed until his death. His son Charles spent his youth in Illinois, removing later to Andrew county, Mo., where he operated a farm for a time. Later he located in Henderson county, Ill., where he remained until 1864, going thence to California, with his wife and seven children, in company with twelve families westward bound, their well-stocked wagons being drawn by horses. After five months of weary travel, not the least of their troubles having been the necessity of frequently keeping the Indians at bay, they reached Yolo county, where Mr. Duncan filed upon a homestead near Plainfield, actively conducting his ranch until his death in 1886, at the age of eighty years, lacking but two weeks. Of the various sections in which Mr. Duncan had made his home, he found no climate so agreeable as that of California, which he termed the land of sunshine and flowers.

Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Dorcas Coffman, who was born in Maryland and who accompanied her parents to Hancock county, Ill. Her father, Jacob Coffman, born in Maryland, was a farmer by occupation, and with his wife spent his last years in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were blessed with the following children: Louisa J., now Mrs. W. J. Chard, of Washington; Mary C., who became the wife of H. H. Hungate, and who now resides in Walla Walla, Wash.; Elizabeth, Mrs. McHenry; William J., who makes his home in Waitsburg, Wash.; Nancy A., now Mrs. J. T. McJunkin, of Hanford, Cal.; H. C., who resides in Fair Oaks, Cal.; James C., of Shasta county; and Lane, who prior to his removal to Garfield county, Wash., served for eight years as clerk of Yolo county.

January 25, 1866, Elizabeth Duncan became the wife of William Keithly, who was born in Indiana, and who moved to McDonough county, Ill., with his parents, Jacob and Sarah (Roberts) Keithly. The son assisted upon his father's farm until 1852, when , with his brother John, he crossed the plains to Yolo county, Cal., with the aid of ox-teams. Later he took up a homestead and engaged in stock raising, but owing to continued exposure under adverse climatic conditions his health failed to the extent that in 1869 he was forced to sell his interests. Shortly thereafter he purchased a ranch of one thousand and ninety-two acres in the Esparto section, conducting his affairs with great success until his death in Sacramento in 1872, when but forty-five years old. Mr. and Mrs. Keithly were the parents of three children, as follows: Frank, who is a farmer near Esparto; Charles H., who resides in Prince Rupert, Canada; and Hattie, Mrs. Mehmedoff, of Esparto.

Since the death of her second husband Mrs. Keithly has divided her time between the home ranch and her Woodland residence, continuing an active interest in the affairs of the estate, which in 1909, was sub-divided and sold, the heirs reserving forty acres each.

William Lane McHenry was married to Rosella Carrick, whose birth occurred in Yreka, Siskiyou county, Cal. They now make their home in Yolo county, where, in addition to his share of his father's estate, Mr. McHenry conducts a ten-acre tract devoted to horticulture, his enterprise and good management having placed him among the leading citizens of the community.

Highly cultured, and of a generous, sympathetic temperament, Mrs. McHenry is greatly beloved among her many friends, and in addition to lending practical aid in the various auxiliaries of the Christian Church, in which she enjoys active membership, maintains a deep interest in the suffrage movement, her thorough study of the question enabling her to intelligently assist in that work.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" page 304-306 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

Robert J. McKINNEY

The swift flight of almost sixty years has left its impress of civilization and growth upon every part of the west since first Robert J. McKinney, then a rugged youth eager for adventure, beheld its valley and mountains and discerned with prophetic foresight the greatness of years to come. As early as 1859 he became a rancher of the Capay valley and thereafter until his earth life closed, he contributed his quota to the agricultural development of Yolo county, at the same time aiding in the moral, religious and educational upbuilding of his community. No enterprise for the general welfare failed of his earnest support. Church work especially enjoyed his general assistance and from early life he was a devoted member of the United Brethren denomination. Of recent years he yielded to the affectionate appeal of the local congregation, numbering from thirty to thirty-five members, and served as their pastor, filling the pulpit with dignity at the regular services, officiating at the marriages of a goodly number of young people, and giving to the dead those last tributes of respect which the church commends and affection suggests.

Various removals of the family brought their interesting changes into the early years of Robert J. McKinney, who was born in Tennessee December 27, 1837, and lived there and in Mississippi during early boyhood, later making a brief sojourn in Arkansas. During the spring of 1854 he started for California and drove a team of oxen across the plains. The route of the expedition followed the course of the Platte river and took the party through the present site of the city of Denver, thence westward to Salt Lake City. After they had crossed the north Platte the ferryman warned them that they would encounter a band of about seven hundred Arapahoe Indians. The captain, James Simms, who had crossed the plains in 1852 and understood the danger of Indian attacks, immediately made preparations for trouble. They had traveled but a short distance when some of the savages met them and demanded five head of fat cattle. Not daring to refuse yet realizing that the cattle were sorely needed by the expedition, the captain tried to temporize and eventually offered them three head of sore-footed cattle. Angered thereby the savages jerked him from his horse, tore his clothes, bruised his body and left him decidedly the worse for the experience. Three of the Indians traveled with the train all day and remained with them at night, the whites retreating to their wagons for sleep and leaving their uninvited visitors to the occupancy of a tent. In the morning they found that the Indians had cut all the ropes of the tents and had fled. On another occasion the Indians stampeded the cattle, but the stock had been well guarded and not a head was lost.

After an interesting journey of six months and six days the party arrived at their destination and Mr. McKinney worked at Sonora, Tuolumne county, until March of 1856, when he removed to Eldorado county and engaged in mining six miles north of Hangtown (Placerville). A subsequent experience as a teamster earned him a livelihood at Bloomfield, Sonoma county, from which point he came to Yolo in December of 1859. The development of the country caused him to relinquish agricultural pursuits in favor of horticulture and latterly he had only two head of stock, a radical change from the early years with their large stock interests. In the vicinity of Esparto he purchased a small but well-developed fruit farm with improvements that represented his own keen intelligence, sagacious judgment and tireless industry. Here he raised prunes, almonds and apricots, and the six and one-half acres of orchard return a flattering revenue of the original investment.

Nine children were born of the union of Mr. McKinney and Miss Mary Armstrong, a native of Missouri. They are named as follows: Robert L., James D., George W., John W., Leonard S., Nora E., Mary Olive, Ella J. and Florence E. The first-named son married Emeline Murphy and has two children, John W. and Felicia N. Mary Olive had a daughter, Estelle M., by her marriage to William Finley, and by her second marriage to J. M. Coppock, she became the mother of two children, Everett and George. Ella J. McKinney was the wife of John Bishop and after his death married Frederick C. Newman, having one son, Harry Wesley Bishop, by her first union. Throughout his life Mr. McKinney voted with the Republican party, but no partisan spirit entered into his life and he always avoided official cares, preferring to devote his entire attention to private cares. He passed away at his home in Esparto July 6, 1912, much loved and esteemed by everyone.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 761 - 763.

Henry McNEILL

The first excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California had subsided and the tide of emigration had passed its flood when the McNeill family left their Illinois home for the undeveloped regions of the vast western portion of our country. There were not wanting, however, thousands of emigrants to pursue the popular route of overland travel and in their own party were a goodly number of resolute pioneers intent upon reaching the distant land of their opportunity. With the expedition there was a lad in his fourteenth year, Henry McNeill, who with the fearless nature of youth saw much to enjoy and nothing to discourage or depress in this move from the old friends and the former associations of his parents, William H. and Christina McNeill. With the heritage of Scotch and Irish blood they were the inheritors of the energy, thrift and shrewd judgment characteristic of that race and these qualities aided them in their efforts to earn a livelihood in the west.

The native place of Henry McNeill was in the vicinity of Chicago, Ill., and the date of his birth was August 16, 1840. When he was in his fourteenth year, in 1854, he crossed the plains and afterward he had little opportunity to attend school, it being necessary for him to earn his own way in the world. The first western location of the family was at Bay Point, Contra Costa county, whence they went to Oregon, but in a short time returned to California and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land near Plainfield, Yolo county. The parents spent their declining days in Lake county, this state, where they died at advanced ages. When it was possible for Henry McNeill to acquire land of his own he bought six hundred and forty acres seven miles southwest of Woodland and there for many years he carried forward agricultural pursuits with considerable success.

In order that his children might enjoy good educational advantages Henry McNeill removed from the ranch into the village of Woodland and bought a house on West Main street. Surrounding the residence were three acres suited for gardening purposes, and thus he found abundant opportunity to gratify his fondness for work. Six of his children attended the Catholic convent and all were given the best possible advantages in order that they might be prepared for life's responsibilities. At his town residence his death occurred February 14, 1898. Many tributes of sympathy were conveyed to the wife and children. There was universal expression of an appreciative sense of his labors as a pioneer and a regard for his honesty as a man, his patriotism as a citizen and his sagacity as a farmer. His wife still survives him and resides in the city home. She was formerly Miss Julia Finegan, a native of Ireland, who upon coming to this country landed in New York City. In 1856 she came across the Isthmus of Panama with a sister to San Francisco, where they had two sisters living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McNeill occurred in San Francisco July 10, 1862, and they became the parents of eight children: Henry W., of Woodland; Frank, who died in early life; James P., manager of the home ranch; Julia Christine, who married Hiram Bullard, of Woodland; Margaret May, Mrs. Burtt, of Woodland; Frederick Charles, of Woodland; D. Byron, of Antioch, and Mary Florence, who became the wife of George Herrington, and resides in Woodland. All of the boys attended St. Mary's College, where they finished their educations. The ranch, still owned by the wife and mother, is under the capable supervision of James P. McNeill, who was born near Antioch, Contra Costa county, this state, and received excellent educational training in the public schools, Herperian College at Woodland and St. Mary's College of San Francisco, now of Oakland. The same wise lines of agriculture followed by the father are utilized in the ranching operations of the son, who further with a growing appreciation of the value of the stock industry is raising the best grades of stock on the farm. One of his specialties is the raising of horses and mules; another specialty is his flock of six hundred sheep headed by an animal for which recently he paid $50 and which is a pure-bred Merino with the ideal markings of that popular breed.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 782 - 784.

M. J. McWILLIAMS

a farmer near Woodland, is a son of Andrew and N. Margaret (Stanton) McWilliams, natives of Ireland who came to the United States in 1820, locating in the State of New York, where they resided until 1840. They then removed to Iowa, and in 1849 came overland to California, there being four members of the family. M. J. and his brother Bryan located in Nevada County and engaged in mining until 1852, when they came into the Sacramento Valley and took up a ranch on the banks of the American River. In 1862 they disposed of this farm and settled upon another at Buckeye, in Yolo County. Thirteen years afterward, namely, in 1875, Mr. McWilliams purchased forty acres two miles east of Woodland, where he now resides a prosperous farmer.

He was born October 11, 1833, in Plattsburg, New York, and October 4, 1869, in Iowa City, Iowa, he was married to Mary A. Freeman, a native of that city. Their children are five in number, as follows: Margaret E., born August 7, 1873; Anna F., December 4, 1874; Julia, June 10, 1877; Joseph F., November 1, 1879, and Mary, January 14, 1883.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

Robert A. MEIER

An experience with conditions in different parts of our own country and in the territory of Alaska gives to Mr. Meier a comprehensive knowledge of climates, soils, business opportunities and practical advantages of various localities. The opinion formed through this experience leads him to favor Woodland and Yolo county as offering an excellent opening to young men in the line of both agriculture and business. Since coming to this city he has acted as manager of the Woodland Alfalfa Products Company, also as selling agent for the alfalfa mill at Orland and in addition as Yolo county agent for the Ford automobile, these diversified lines of business activity bringing him to prestige and prominence. The plant of which he is manager has a capacity of twenty-five tons per day and is operated by electricity. This being the only mill of the kind in the county, there naturally exists a wide demand for its products and we find that there is a steady sale here and in every part of the coast region. Under the able supervision of the manager the plant turns out a satisfactory product that finds approving buyers throughout this part of the state.

Born in Minneapolis, Minn., March 13, 1884, Robert A. Meier is the younger son of the late August and Wilhelmina (Heimerdinger) Meier, both of whom died in Minneapolis. The father had lived in Illinois as a boy and young man and there enlisted in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war, serving at the front until the expiration of his period of enlistment. Later he became an early settler in Minnesota, and there met and married Miss Heimerdinger, whose parents had been pioneers of the northwest and had been established in Minnesota prior to the famous Indian massacre in that state during the Civil war. The parental family comprised two sons and one daughter. The elder son, Fred, is now the manager of the beet sugar plant at Visalia.

Upon the completion of the studies of the Minneapolis grammar and high schools, Robert A. Meier entered the Pillsbury Military Academy at Owatonna, Minn., and continued his studies there for several terms. Later he spent a year in the University of Minnesota. Upon starting out to make his own way in the world he went to Washington and engaged in mining for two years with more or less luck. Next he sailed for Alaska with the intention of prospecting and mining in the Klondike region. Making his headquarters at Nome, he traveled through various parts of the mining district, prospected here and there, took up some claims and met with his share of prosperity and adversity while endeavoring to find gold. Five summer and four winters were spent in the far north. During one of these winter he was stormbound on Candle creek, two hundred miles above Nome, where often the thermometer registered as low as seventy below. In spite of the rigors of the environment he found much to interest him in the isolated northern country and regards his experiences there as profitable if not always pleasant. Upon his return to the United States he settled in California and engaged in well-drilling at Porterville, where he operated two steam rigs. During July of 1912 he came from Porterville to Woodland and entered upon the duties of manager of the Woodland Alfalfa Products Company, besides which he later took up the agency for the Ford automobile in this county. Accompanying him to this city were his wife and daughter, Bernice, the former having been Miss Gertrude Cunningham, a native of Pike City, Sierra county, this state, and a resident of Fresno at the time of her marriage.


Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 886 - 888.

Hiram P. MERRITT

Hiram P. Merritt, of Merritt Station, Yolo County, the most extensive breeder of live-stock in Northern California, is a representative of the best type of the American business man. Like most men who have achieved distinction in their respective callings, he started in life without capital save a fine physical organization and an active and well-poised brain. A pioneer of 1850, he came here a young man, and after passing through more than the usual vicissitudes and reverses of those early days, he has by industry, economy and shrewd judgment long stood in the front ranks of Yolo County's wealthy, influential citizens.

Dr. Merritt was born January 24, 1830, in Fairhaven, Rutland County, Vermont. His father, Noble Merritt, was a lumberman. His mother's name before marriage was Elizabeth Bates. He was three years of age when his parents moved to Allegany County, New York, by way of Lake Champlain and Erie Canal. In their new home his father engaged in the lumber business, as that portion of the State of New York was then a dense forest; and here young Hiram assisted his father to the extent of his ability, thus forming the habits of industry which he still retains, although of late years his heavy work has been more of the intellectual kind. As the prospects in Western New York for business with the commercial world were not satisfactory to his ambition, he started for the West in company with his uncle, Sydney Merritt, as far as Detroit, and alone to Indiana. On starting, his cash capital was only $15, and arriving at South Bend, Indiana, he found his capital reduced to $2.50. Here he first secured employment in a drug store, which place he re