Thomas H. Epley - Was born in Washtenaw County, Michigan. October 18,1836, and is the second child of Henry K. and Rachel Moe Epley. He resided at his birthplace until 1852, receiving his education in public and private schools in the meantime. In the fall of that year, he went to Fayette County, Iowa, where he built the first house in Brush Creek. In the spring of 1853, he erected the first hotel in that place. In that year he moved to Central Point, Goodhue County, now Lake City, Wabasha County, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming for three years. He then went to work for Starr, in a saw-mill at Lake City. In 1857, he went to Davenport, Iowa, on a raft. In the fall of that year he returned to Michigan. Thence in 1858, he went to Lake City, and thence to Omaha, where he spent the summer, and in the fall he went to Savannah, Missouri. In 1859 he returned to Omaha, and during that year he crossed the plains to California with ox-teams, and arrived September 20th. He first worked on a ranch in Lassen County, and then run an engine in a saw-mill. In the spring of 1860, the mill was moved to Washoe Valley, and was the first steam mill ever put up in Washoe County, Nevada. During that spring the Piute War broke out, and he enlisted in the volunteer service, and was detailed to guard Carson City, and was not in any active engagements. After this excitement died out he finished the erection of the mill, and ran it for Penroad & Lewis, until the fall of that year. He then rented the mill, paying a rental of $1,000 per month, and ran it for six months. In the spring of 1863, he built a, house in Gold Hill, where he ran a lumber yard, and also purchased forty feet in the Crown Point Mine, and set the first engines to work on it, and worked there for six. months at six dollars a day. On account of failing health he began teaming. In 1864, he traded his Gold Hill property for a section of land in Honey Lake Valley, Lassen County, California, and farmed until 1874, when, in the spring of that year he moved to Napa County. While living in Honey Lake Valley he owned a saw-mill, which he lost by fire. He began his present business of stationery, notions, etc., in 1874, and conducts it in connection with Mr. L. Paccaud. He was married January 1,1858, to Miss Mary E. Robinson, a native of Calhoun County, Michigan. They have three children: Dora M., Carl and Myrtle Leona.

William Edgington - Was born in Garnet County, Kentucky, March 20, 1816, where he resided till 1840. He then emigrated and settled in Flatte County, Missouri, and for the first year he was engaged in the distilling business. He then embarked in farming, which he followed till April 28,1846. He then started with an ox team across the plains for California, arriving in the Sacramento Valley October 22d of that year. On leaving home they expected to go to Oregon, but at Fort Hall they met Messrs. Applegate and Gough, by whom they were persuaded to change their route for California. This route led them down the Humboldt River two hundred miles, and there they found orders from Applegate and Gough that they would find a comfortable camping place near the foot-hill eighteen miles farther on. Finding no water or grass for their stock they held a meeting and took a vote whether they should proceed on to Oregon or come to California, by which it was decided that they would go to California. While on the Humboldt four of the party died, and as above stated they reached the Sacramento Valley on the 22d of October, 1846. On Bear River Mr. Edgington left the party and enlisted in Fremont's battalion, Company E, under Captain Hastings, and was mustered into service at San Francisco, and from there proceeded with the company to Santa Clara Valley. He stayed in the service till March, 1847, when he was mustered out. On arriving at San Francisco he found that the company with whom he had crossed the plains was located in Chiles Valley, Napa County, and he immediately started to go there. He at once began work for Mr. J.B. Chiles, with whom he continued till May, 1848. On the 8th of that month he was united in marriage to Theresa A., daughter of Captain John Grigsby and Nancy Wilson Grigsby, a native of Tennessee, born November 21, 1830. In July, 1848, he, with his wife, went to the mines on the American River, just below Sutter's old mill, where he embarked in mining with good success, which he followed for three months. They then returned to Chiles Valley, and spent the winter of 1848-9 with Captain John Grigsby. In the spring of 1849 he, with Captain John Grigsby, went to the middle fork of the Yuba River, where they "struck rich diggings," and continued mining for two months, returning to this valley with lots of coin. He then went to the redwoods, a few miles north-west of his present home, where he cut, hewed and whipsawed lumber, which he hauled into Napa with ox teams, and there erected his first house and home in California. It was built near where James & Boggs' lumber yard is now situated. He resided there till 1850, when he moved to his present home, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He now owns one thousand acres of land in Napa County; also much valuable property in Napa City. By his marriage he has nine children.

Frederick W. Ellis - Was born in New York, April 20, 1841. When he was but one year old his parents moved to Dearborn County, Indiana, where he resided till he was eight years of age. In 1849 his parents died within twenty minutes of each other with cholera, and left three orphan children. The subject of this sketch was taken by the Masons and Odd Fellows, who cared for him till his grandfather came from New York and took him home with him. In 1860 he came to California. He proceeded to the mines, and thence started for Washoe on snow-shoes. In the fall he returned to California, and came to Napa Valley searching for a mill to run, having learned that trade in New York. He began work for Ellis & Erwin, in the old Bale mill, and remained there till the spring of 1863. He then went to the mines, and in the fall returned to this valley "dead broke," and began working in the Yount mill, which he has since purchased, and continues to conduct, in connection with farming. He owns fifty-one acres of land adjoining his mill. A full description of his mill will be found in the proper place. He was married November 27,1864, to Miss Minnie Holland, who was born in Oregon. Their children are Minnie K., Willie and Freddie.

William A. Elgin - This old and respected resident of Napa County is the eldest son of the Rev. Lewis and Elizabeth Thompson Elgin, and was born in Patrick County, Virginia, January 4,1829. When he was but two years of age his parents moved and settled in Howard County, Missouri, where his father engaged in farming, and the subject of this sketch received his education at the common schools, with the exception of eighteen months, when he attended the Highland Academy, of Jackson County, same State. He then engaged in teaching school and followed that vocation for three years, his parents having in the meantime moved to Greene County. From that place, in April, 1853, Mr. Elgin, accompanied by his wife.and young daughter, and in company with his brother-in-law, the Hon. William L. Anderson, of Lake County, started across the plains for the Golden State, at that time the land of promise, and after a tedious journey of some five months, finally arrived in Sacramento. He remained there but a few days, and then proceeded to Napa Valley and first camped on Cache Creek, when the subject of this sketch proceeded on horseback to seek a location in the then almost uninhabited Napa Valley. He finally settled three miles east of St. Helena and engaged in stock-raising and there resided until August, 1857, when he moved to the town of St. Helena and embarked in merchandising in the building now occupied by the Swiss Union Hotel, and continued in that business until the spring of 1860. Mr. Elgin then bought the place now occupied by E. Heyman and then engaged again in farming until 1866, when he sold his ranch and in 1867 embarked in his present business of livery and feed stable, located on Main street, opposite the Palace Hotel. In 1859 Mr. Elgin was elected a member of the County Board of Supervisors from this district, and in 1880 to the office of Justice of the Peace of Hot Springs Township, an office he now holds. Mr. Elgin is one of St. Helena's most energetic and thriving citizens, and one most highly esteemed by all who know him. He was united in marriage in Springfield, Missouri. March 12,1851, to Miss Mary A. Andersen, a native of Tennessee, and by this union they have five living children and one deceased: Sarah C., now Mrs. L. H. Boggs; Ira P., Clarence K, Lewis H., deceased, Jessie F. and Alice G.

Thomas Earl - This worthy pioneer, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Canada, and is the son of John and Frances Burney Earl. In 1835 he emigrated to Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, where, with the exception of a year spent in Lexington, Kentucky, he remained until 1850. May 20th of that year he, with three others, started overland from Independence, with a team of mules, bound for the land of gold. On the Platte they joined the Henry Boggs' train. The party made the trip in the short period of three months, arriving in Sacramento in August of that year. He paid Napa a visit, then mined a while, and finally, in 1851, he returned to Napa and established the pioneer saddlery in the place. In this pursuit he was very successful, and, satisfied that Napa's future was destined to be bright and prosperous, he determined to cast his lot permanently with her citizens. Accordingly, in 1853 he purchased a tract of eighty-five acres from James M. Harbin, and erected a house thereon. The tract was used by tenants for farming purposes until 1858, when he disposed of it to John Lawley, and it is now known as the Lawley Addition to Napa City. In 1853 Mr. Earl bought a lot sixty feet square on Main street, adjoining the lot on the corner of Main and First streets, owned by William H James. In 1856, after much urging, the latter joined Mr. Earl in the erection of a substantial brick building covering the two lots, which was the first business building of brick ever erected in Napa City. The brick were procured by Mr. Earl in Sacramento. The first floor was used for stores and the second story of Mr. Earl's part of the block was occupied for several years as a Masonic hall. In 1857 he erected another brick store building of thirty-six feet frontage, adjoining the first. The upper story was finished into one room, 36x55 feet, and was used for a hall for lectures, theatricals, etc., and was known as Earl's Hall. It was subsequently occupied by the Odd Fellows for a lodge-room. This building had an iron front, and was the first of the kind ever erected north of San Francesco. In the spring of 1858, he returned to New York for the purpose of purchasing a large stock of saddlery, etc., in his line. He combined business with pleasure, and proceeded to Monroe County, Michigan, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Fannie Montgomery, and married her on the 3d of January, 1859. He then returned to California and erected a third brick building, and the second one with an iron front. In 1861 he had the honor of erecting the first concrete house ever built in Napa, it being 30x34 in size, and is his present residence. It will thus be seen that Mr. Earl has contributed in no small degree to the improvement of the appearance of the town. In 1857, when the big fight was being made concerning the re-cession to Solano County of a strip of territory annexed to Napa by the Legislature in 1855, Mr. Earl was found in the foremost rank, standing out boldly and doing his share towards retaining this valuable property as a portion of Napa County. He also took a very prominent part in securing the making of the toll-bridge across Napa River a free bridge, heading and circulating the subscription himself. He also took a very active part in the locating of the Odd Fellows College and Home here. He also took a very active part in striving to get the State Normal School located in Napa City. In 1863 he was elected to the office of Public Administrator, which he filled two years. He was again placed in nomination, but declined; he was put on the ticket, however, and elected, but refused to qualify. He held the office of City Marshal during the years 1874-5-6. In September, 1879, he was elected President of the Pioneer Association of Sonoma, which position he has since filled. Mr. Earl is a man of worth and integrity, one who has full and unbounded faith in the future of his favorite city and county; one who has not been sparing of time or money for their advancement; and while some have been loud in their acclamations of what they intended to do, Mr. Earl has gone quietly along and accomplished great results. To him then let us accord the honor.

John Even - Was born in Prussia, January 21,1829. In 1848 he came to America, and settled near Buffalo, New York. In the fall of 1849 he moved to Wisconsin. In 1851 he sailed from New York City for California, arriving in San Francisco January 21,1852. He went to El Dorado County and engaged in mining, which he followed for eighteen months. He then began farming in that county, and remained in that business till 1858. He then began the mercantile business in that county, in connection with which he conducted the freighting business. In 1868 he came to Napa City. In 1869 he began the butchering business in Napa City, and continued in it till 1878. In May, 1880, he began the same business, and has since remained in it. He now owns ninety acres of land in Napa County, and an interest in the McBain & Co.'s tannery. He was married July 11, 1857, to Miss Kate Weaver, a native of Ohio. Their children are as follows : Kate, John, Ellen, Lizzie, Ada, Lena, and Robert.

D. Emerson - Was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 10, 1823. In 1833 he, with his parents, moved to Steuben County, Indiana. In 1843 he went to Wisconsin, where he worked in a saw-mill for three years. In 1846 he returned to Cincinnati; thence to Memphis, where he spent the winter chopping wood. He then returned to Wisconsin, and remained till 1849, when he came to California. He mined till the fall of 1850, when he came to Sacramento and began buying beef cattle, which he took to the mines. In the fall of 1857 he came to Napa County, and settled two. miles above Calistoga. In 1865 he took a trip to Mexico, and thence to Walla Walla, where he remained fourteen months. He then returned to Napa Valley, and purchased a fifth interest in the Pope Valley grant. In 1866 he returned to his old home in Indiana, via Panama, and spent the winter. In the spring of 1867 he returned to California overland, and has since resided in Napa County, being an extensive farmer. He was married February 8,1857, to Miss Lizzie Deering. Their children are Eugene, born February 28,1859, and Mary Emma, born November 7,1870.

William Frederick Fisher - The subject of this sketch, whose portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born in Bolivar, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, December 14, 1834, and is the son of George Frederick and Eva Hipple Fisher. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 10, 1811, and his mother was a native of Pennsylvania. He remained at his birthplace until 1856, receiving his education in the meantime. In April, of that year, he sailed from New York for California via, Panama, being at the latter place during the great riot. He then took passage on the "John L. Stevens" for San Francisco, where he arrived early in May. He immediately proceeded to Marysville, and thence to Bidwells Bar, where he engaged in staging from that place to American Valley. This business was followed till fall, when he came to Napa City and entered the employ of Nathan Coombs, thus becoming the agent for a daily stage line from Napa to Benicia, and which connected with boats at the latter place for Sacramento, Stockton and San Francisco. He retained this situation until the completion of the Napa Valley Railroad to Oak Knoll. He then accepted the position of express messenger for the Pacific Union Express Company, which he held for eighteen months, at the end of which time Wells, Fargo & Co. bought out the other company. He then came to Calistoga and put on a line of daily stages between that place and Healdsburg, which he continued until the completion of the North Pacific Railroad to the latter place. He then sold his stage stock and purchased the Lodi stable at Calistoga. In 1873 the Clear Lake Stage and Navigation Company was organized, of which he was a stockholder, a director, and also general superintendent. In 1876 he purchased the interest of the company, and has since conducted the business himself, in a first-class manner. Mr. Fisher is, in the parlance of the day, a " rustler" - a driving, energetic man; very prompt and liberal in all business matters; firm in his convictions, honorable and upright in all transactions with his fellow men. He believes that success in business depends upon personal supervision by the man most directly interested, hence he can always be found at his post. He has a fine residence at Calistoga, and is enjoying not only the fruits of a lucrative business, but also the confidence and esteem of a very extended circle of acquaintances. He was married on the llth of November, 1873, to Miss Agnes M. Safley, a daughter of Andrew Safley, who came to Calistoga with his family in 1865. Mrs. Fisher was born in Linn County, Iowa, October 9, 1853. Their children are Howard Frederick, born May 29, 1877, and Alice Hortense, born November 17, 1879, Elma Loeda, now deceased, was born October 19, 1874.

William A Fisher - The subject of this sketch is the son of John and Elizabeth Fisher, and was born in Rosshire, Scotland, March 13,1820. When ten years of age, he, with his parents, moved to and settled in Upper Canada, where he resided on a farm until 1850. In that year he sailed from New York, and after a voyage of over three months, he arrived in San Francisco, in September of that year. Thence proceeded direct to the mines, and followed that occupation for one year. Leaving the mines he began farming near Marysville, for one season. Then came to Napa Valley in January, 1853, and purchased some land and farmed. Having disposed of his interests in 1854, he engaged in the purchase and shipping of grain in Napa City for one year, during which time he purchased a tract of three hundred and fifty acres from C. Fry, about two miles north-west of Napa City. Finally, again bought part of the place owned by him in 1853, consisting of seventy acres, and is now residing on it. Although engaged principally in general farming, he has, more or less, taken an active part in advancing principles of sound policy; aided and sustained the Republican party since its organization, and in the late co-operative movement towards the advancement of all interests connected with agriculture, he has somewhat prominently performed his part He was married to Sarah Atwood in . 1864, and by this union, they have one child, William Morse.

John D. Flynn - Was born in Washington County, Vermont, May 9,1844, and resided in his birthplace until 1862. He then, being eighteen years of age, and at his country's call, enlisted as a private in Company " I," 9th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, May 30th, of the above year, and served his country for three years, and took part in all the actions in which his regiment was engaged. At the close of the war, Mr. Flynn was mustered out June 13,1865, in Richmond, Virginia, and immediately returned to his home in Vermont, and engaged in farming. We next find the subject of our sketch in 1872 located in Chicago, where he resided until April 30, 1875. On the above date Mr. Flynn crossed the mountains to the Pacific Coast, first located in San Francisco, and eighteen months later we find him renting a place for five years of Mr. Wm. Baldridge, of Napa Valley, in which business he remained until he began his present business, November 1,1880, in Oakville. Mr. Flynn was married in Chicago, April 10,1875, to Miss Bridget Allen, a native of Ireland, and by this union they have two children: Mary A., born September 5,1876; Margaret K,born April 6,1878.