John H. WALKER

JOHN H. WALKER, a farmer near Black's Station, Yolo County, was born in Hanover, Germany, July 6, 1830, the son of Herman H. and Helena (Sinning) Walker, both natives also of that country; his father was most of his life a sea captain. In 1849, Mr. Walker, the subject of this brief notice, emigrated to America, remained a year at New York and then sailed for California, landing at San Francisco in the autumn of 1850. After working in the mines until 1857 he visited Germany, returned eleven months afterward and followed mining again till 1861, when he revisited his native place a second time, remaining until 1869, this time becoming married, September 16, 1862. On returning to California, he rented land for three years, following agricultural pursuits, and then he purchased the place where he now resides, comprising 480 acres well improved and now in fine condition. It is about three miles northeast of Black's Station.

Mr. Walker married a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Mams) Baldwin, a native of Germany. Their children are: Herman J., born July 30, 1863; John F., December 20, 1866; William J., February 15, 1870; Elizabeth M., June 6, 1872 and Helen E., July 25, 1874.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, Page 622
Transcribed by: Bonnie Phelan

Richard P. WALLACE

The present auditor of Yolo county, Richard P. Wallace, is the descendant of a long line of southern ancestors, and he himself was a native of the south, his birth having occurred in McMinnville, Tenn., April 13, 1871. He is the son of James F. and Ada (Bush) Wallace, who were born, respectively, In Tennessee and Mississippi. The father, a man of considerable ability and prominent in newspaper circles, came from the south in 1873 to California, locating in Oakland, and thereafter was connected with the San Francisco Call. The mother, who is a woman of wide learning and experience, is now the efficient librarian of the Woodland public library, an institution which has progressed notably under her able supervision.

Richard P. Wallace is practically a native Californian, for he has been a resident of the state since he was two years of age. His education was acquired in the public schools of Oakland, and under private instruction in New Mexico, to which place he removed in the year 1881. His identification with Woodland dates from the year 1885, when he became associated with a prominent dry goods firm in this city, and for the following ten years was connected with this and other dry goods firms in the city. Eventually he gave up this business to enter one for which he had special adaptation, as his record in the newspaper field in this city for the nine years that followed abundantly testified. Resigning his position at the end of that time he took a course in advertising writing in Powell's correspondence school of New York, and after graduating he continued "ad" writing and fire insurance for two years.

As a candidate on the Democratic ticket Mr. Wallace was in 1906 nominated to the office of county auditor and following his election he assumed the duties of that office in January, 1907. So satisfactorily had he served the interests of his constituents that in 1910 he was re-elected for a second term without opposition, being the nominee of all parties, than which there could be no greater testimony given as to his worth to his community as a citizen and public servant.

The marriage of Mr. Wallace, July 2, 1901, united him with Miss Elsie Bullivant, a native of Sacramento, and two children have been born to then, Mora Elise and Clara Adelaide. Fraternally Mr. Wallace is well known, being a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World, and he is also an active member of the Episcopal Church.

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 275-276 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

Uriah J. WALLER

Frontier scenes and pioneer experiences left an indelible impress upon the mind of Mr. Waller, who now, in the eventide of a useful existence, finds pleasure in reviewing events of the past and in contrasting the isolation of that era with the conveniences of the present. Born in Illinois in 1836, he recalls that great commonwealth as it appeared in the infancy of its industrial and agricultural development. Memory likewise brings to him thoughts of the excitement caused by news of the discovery of gold in California and, as he played, a barefoot boy of thirteen years, around the home farm or assisted in work suited to his strength, he constantly dwelt upon the opportunities afforded by the then unknown west. However, it was not until 1858 that it became possible for him to come across the plains. Having previously married Miss Amelia Gum in Illinois, he and his young wife were induced to come to the coast through favorable reports received from her father, Jehu Gum, who had traveled over mountains and deserts in 1852 and had reached the golden west after a tedious journey with wagons and oxen. The sturdy pioneer had settled in Willow slough near Woodland, Yolo county, and there for years he lived and labored, meeting with a success amply merited by his frugality and industry. Upon disposing of his ranch in 1882 he removed to Oregon and remained in that state for eight years. Returning to Woodland, he purchased a little home in this city and here in 1901 his well-spent life reached the end of its quiet calendar.

When the young couple started across the plains with a view to joining her father in Yolo county, they put themselves under the care of a large expedition and traveled with ox-teams as far as Salt Lake City. For the purpose of hastening the remainder of the journey, they traded the oxen for horses at the great Mormon stronghold and on their arrival in California they sold the horses for $500 a pair. During the temporary pause at Placerville Mr. Waller assisted in building a hotel with timber cut from the great native forests. From there they came on to Yolo county and soon after their arrival they settled upon a quarter-section near Davisville, well adapted to the raising of grain. Selling the property in 1864, they removed to a ranch at Buckeye and remained on that place until it was sold in 1872. Not long afterward Mr. Waller drove a large herd of cattle into Modoc county and remained there until 1875, when he disposed of the stock to good advantage. Upon his return to Yolo county he rented a ranch and resumed agricultural activities. His last experience as a ranch was on a tract of thirty acres near Woodland, where he conducted a dairy business and with the aid of his capable wife built up an established reputation for fine dairy products. During 1909 he retired from the laborious duties of dairying and removed to a comfortable cottage on Fifth street, Woodland, where he and his wife are passing their declining days in peace and comfort. Of their five children all survive with the exception of George. The living sons are Jehu and Lewis, while the daughters are Mrs. Mary Dutcher, who has four children and resides in Woodland, and Mrs. Theresa Hensley, also a resident of this place.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 738 - 739.

Rev. Michael WALLRATH

Versatility is marked in the make-up of Father Wallrath, and whereas for years his main purpose in life has been the building up and forwarding the interests of the Catholic church in California, he has been no less active in advancing the material welfare of every community in which his duties as pastor have taken him. The Wallrath family was one of long and honorable standing in Germany, where the name is perpetuated in a town in honor of one of its members. Father Wallrath was born in Bockum, Rhenish Prussia, January 17, 1841, being one in a family of ten children, of whom six now survive, born to Zachaeus and Catherine (Jansen) Wallrath. After the death of the wife and mother the father, a blacksmith by trade, came to the United States, and a few years afterward he passed away in San Francisco. Devotion to the cause of religion was a strong characteristic of the family, and one of the sons, Rev. William Wallrath, is now a missionary in Beluchistan, India.

While only a child Michael Wallrath showed the possession of mental ability above the average. His school studies were undertaken when he was only four years old and six years later he completed the course in the local school, after which he continued his studies under a private tutor. When twelve years old he was appointed an assistant teacher in the school of his home town, at first having forty children under him and later sixty. At the age of fifteen he taught in Crefeld, with one hundred and eight children under his charge, and continued in this responsible position for three years. Again taking up his studies he was for two years a student in the normal school at Kempen, Dusseldorf, after which he taught for one year in the city of Viersen. Later for five years he was principal of the school at Amern, St. George. With the idea of devoting his life to the cause of the church, he had in the meantime utilized his spare time in the study of the classics under a private tutor.

The identification of Father Wallrath with America dates from the year 1866, in which year he entered the Seminary St. Mary's of the West in Cincinnati, where he completed the classics and philosophy and began the study of theology. Indications of ill health and a tendency to lung difficulties made it advisable for him to seek a warmer climate, and therefore in 1871 he came to California. In Eureka, Humboldt county, he completed his studies under Father A. Guggenberger, a celebrated scholar in that city. On September 24, 1871, Father Wallrath was ordained to the holy priesthood at Marysville by Bishop O'Conner. He was first assigned as instructor in mathematics, elocution and physics at St. Joseph's College, Humboldt county, while there also having charge of the mission at Table Bluff, and afterward he had charge of the parish of Crescent City, Del Norte county. That was in a day when railroads in that part of the country were unknown and even wagon roads were few, so that he was obliged to ride the entire distance on horse back over the Indian trails. The hardships endured seemed but to deepen his devotion to the work he had undertaken, becoming especially interested in the welfare of the Indians, for whom he built St. Michael's Church. Later he erected the Catholic Church at Trinidad, following this with a pastorate of seven months at Weaverville, when, on May 26, 1877, he was given charge of the congregation at Colusa, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. With his characteristic progressive spirit Father Wallrath at once took steps to provide a more suitable house of worship and in 1879 the foundation was laid and the cornerstone placed with suitable ceremonies by Rt. Rev. E. O'Connell, the church being dedicated under the title of Our Lady of Lourdes. On the following Easter Sunday the brick edifice, seating four hundred, was completed and opened for worship. Surrounding the substantial parsonage, which was completed in 1880, is a small orange orchard that is now in bearing. Besides his other work in Colusa, and perhaps of even greater importance, was the encouraging support which he gave to the parochial school, organized in 1888, with a substantial building completed in 1892 at a cost of $24,000, and since then in charge of the St. Ursuline Sisters.

To mention nothing of Father Wallrath's efforts in Colusa outside of the church would be unjust, for in other ways he contributed to the upbuilding of the city. In 1889 he built the Washington block on Fifth street, 86x150 feet, two stories in height, undoubtedly the finest building in the city at the time. He himself drew the plans for the building, which was erected under his personal care, and he burned the brick used in it, as well as the brick for the parochial school. He also erected eight dwelling houses.

During the early days of his residence in Colusa Father Wallrath heard the call for spiritual help and uplift in the country round about and responded eagerly. At Willows, Glenn county, he established Santa Monica's parish and in 1878 erected a brick house of worship for the congregation. He continued to have charge of the parish until 1884, when a resident priest was installed. In the meantime, in 1882, he erected the Church of the Sacred Heart at Maxwell, and in 1884 at Orland, Glenn county, St. Dominick's Church, this later being embraced in Santa Monica parish. During the year last mentioned he also built a chapel at Grand Island in 1892 the Church of the Incarnation at Williams and in 1899 the Church of the Holy Cross, Arbuckle. Still another congregation organized through his energy and devotion was that at Mount St. Zachary, where in 1895 he erected the Church of the Visitation. At great expense a summer resort was here made for the Sisters, and it is only just to say that this is counted one of the most beautiful spots in California. In 1904 and '05 Father Wallrath built the Church of the Holy Ghost at Sites.

What was Colusa's loss was Woodland's gain when, on May 4, 1911, Father Wallrath was transferred to the Holy Rosary Church at this place, and in the meantime he has won the love and admiration of his parishioners and citizens in general by his unwearied devotion to the cause of the church and to the welfare of humanity. Besides the church in Woodland he also has charge of the missions at Winters, Madison, Guinda, Davis, Blacks, Knights Landing and Broderick, the mission last mentioned having been organized in 1911. As a result of Father Wallrath's enterprise a new stone church is now under way at Woodland, also one at Madison, and one has just been completed at Guinda. Ever since taking up his high and holy calling as pastor Father Wallrath has not ceased to labor for the development of the Roman Catholic Church, and his record for erecting churches in this faith is surpassed by few in the country.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 617 - 620.

Mrs. Bertha WEBER

By her innate refinement and breadth of culture Mrs. Weber has greatly endeared herself to her many friends in Woodland, and has also amply proven her business ability in the management of her highly cultivated and productive estate adjacent to the city.

Born in Horn, Gmund, Wurtemberg, Germany, Mrs. Weber was the fourth eldest of seven children and received a thorough public school education in her home community. Her parents, Bernard and Veronica (Klotzbiger) Schuerle, were also natives of Gmund, and her father served as game warden and head forester of a large estate until he died. The Schuerle family comes of very old and noble ancestors of Wurtemberg, Germany. Bertha Schuerle became the wife of Christian Weber, a carpenter and builder, their marriage taking place in Stuttgart, Germany, May 19, 1863. During the succeeding eight years they made their home in Stuttgart, the husband continuing to conduct his trade with increasing success, and by his sterling qualities and good judgment becoming one of the leading citizens of the community. In 1871, however, the plans of the young couple were shattered by the death of Mr. Weber, at the age of thirty-five. In 1876 the bereaved young wife, accompanied by her two little daughters, left the scenes of her happy married life of five years, with her brother, John K. Schuerle, a farmer of Woodland, Cal. In 1901, upon the death of her brother, she became sole owner of the two hundred and thirty-five acre farm which, in innumerable ways, she had assisted in bringing to a state of prosperity, and she continued to reside on her ranch, the affairs of which she had so judiciously conducted. After the marriage of her children, Mary, Mrs. Abele of Dunnigan, and Amelia, Mrs. Bemmerly, who resides in Woodland, Mrs. Weber redoubled her interest in the general welfare of the community, bravely endeavoring to bridge the gap that became apparent upon the departure of those whom she loved best.

In addition to raising grain Mrs. Weber devotes sixty acres of her property to the culture of a vineyard, and finds keen pleasure in the many duties which command her attention. She is the owner of valuable real estate in Woodland and maintains an intelligent and personal control over her interests. The grounds surrounding her home are well kept and in excellent taste, a notable feature being a massive and beautiful oak which towers majestically above its fellows.

Mrs. Weber is an active member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, to which she devotes much of her time and thought as well as financial assistance, and is widely known as a woman of high intelligence and generous sympathies.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 407 - 408.

J. J. WELCH

a prominent farmer of Yolo County, first crossed the plains to California in 1850. He is a native of Monroe County, Kentucky. His parents, Richard and Jane (Harlan) Welch, were also natives of that State; his father was a farmer and blacksmith. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Welch spent six months in Missouri, and then came on to California and began mining in Amador County; in the fall of 1851 he located in Yolo County; was in Los Angeles County from 1869 to 1874, and since then on his present well improved ranch of eighty acres; he raises live stock and alfalfa. He married Martha Browning, a native of Kentucky, and they have two children living; and they have had two who are now deceased. Three of the family are members of the Christian Church.

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

John Pende WELCH

In those early California days when Woodland was little more than a clearing and wild cattle roamed in the surrounding country, Yolo County saw a steady influx of pioneers, sturdy, industrious people, adequate in the duties of citizenship who came West to build new, uncharted territory into a thriving civilization.

The John Pende Welch family is an example of the true pioneer stock that infiltrated into our county. His parents, James C. Welch and Zara Comer, were married Tompkinsville, Kentucky, came West via covered wagon in 1854, and settled upon land where now the city of Woodland stands. To James C. belongs the honor of being the first school teacher in Yolo County. He officiated in the first school house, an unnamed school situated where now stands the modern Beemer Park section of Woodland. In addition to being an extensive and successful farmer, he at various times owned large realty holdings in the city of Woodland.

With the Welches in that covered wagon train was the Rev. John Pendegast, a native of Tompkinsville, an extinct village, then located near Louisville, Kentucky. Rev. John was one of the earliest ministers in our county, and the second minister of the Christian Church which conducted its early services where now stands the Woodland cemetery. He officiated at the first funeral service in the county, maintained a continuous residence here until his demise, was always active in the development of his beloved church, and was one of the founders of the Hesperian College. After him one of the Woodland’s best residential streets is named.

John Pende Welch, one of three sons, was born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, September 23, 1851, and spent the major portion of his life in Yolo County, having crossed the plains with his parents as an infant. On June 28, 1893, he married Josephine Brown, a school mate of his boyhood days. Josephine was born December 11, 1853, in Capay Valley on the same day her parents arrived in the county. It has been long considered that Josephine was the oldest native born Yoloan. Recently, she herself established the fact that this honor belongs to Mrs. Mary Cox of Woodland.

Josephine’s parents, too, crossed the plains and settled in Yolo County in the early days. Her father was George Washington Brown of Rochester, New York, who came west in 1852 to settle at historic Hangtown. There he purchased the old Haskins Hotel, which he operated under the name of Brown’s Hotel. During that time Joaquin Murrietta and “Three Fingered Jack” were running rampant and met their death. The head of Joaquin and the hand of “Three Fingered Jack” were preserved and exhibited for a time in the bar room of Brown’s Hotel. In 1853 George came to Yolo County and settled upon land where Guinda now stands. He married Mary Eleanor Palmer, native of New York State, Hillsdale County. In 1859 George and his family moved to Woodland and from Edward Giddings, who later was county clerk, he purchased a ranch, part of which is now known as Brown’s Corner. To this day these important corners retain his name. John died in Woodland August 7, 1927.

The Brown family is one of Yolo County’s best known old families. As Woodland grew they played an active part in its history. They built the first race track in the county and were famous for their fine horses, many of which were trained for Sacramento State Fair races.

Of the three children in the John Pende Welch family: Lucille (Mrs. F. B. Lewis of Pomona, California, James L. of San Francisco, and Florence (Mrs. Frank J. McDermott), the latter is the only child living in the county. As her father before her, who was one of the first readers when the present Christian Science Church was organized, she is greatly interested in the present day affairs of this church. Florence was born in Woodland January 15, 1897, graduated from the Woodland High School, and studied for two years at the University of California. Finishing her schooling, Florence was associated with the Bank of Woodland for seven years. She is active in civil and social groups, a member of the Eastern Star, Yolo Chapter No. 60, Worthy Matron in 1936, and a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. In San Francisco on March 5, 1923, she married Frank J. McDermott, a native of Nebraska, born in Omaha January 13, 1893, an electrical mechanical engineer by profession, a World War veteran, having served four years in the Philippine Islands and China, and now a resident of Woodland. On his side, too, we find men and women taking an active part in America’s history. Mr. McDermott’s paternal grandmother was the first white woman settler in Omaha and his grandfather was a government Indian scout when Nebraska was an Indian reservation.

Florence and Frank have one child, John Pende McDermott, who was born in Woodland, January 15, 1925.

Today Yolo County presents a far different picture than the one viewed by these old pioneers when they first set foot upon our soil. Woodland today, our “City of Trees,” thriving, prosperous, and modern, owes much to the progressive spirit instilled by these forbears. No factor has contributed so vitally or generously to Yolo County’s growth than the civic mindedness of our first families as represented by the Welches, Pendegasts, and the Browns.

Transcribed by Peggy B. Perazzo from “History of Yolo County California, Its Resources and Its People,” William O. Russell, editor, Woodland, 1940, pp. 334-335.

William H. WELCH

William H. Welch, Superintendent of the County Hospital of Yolo County, is a son of Robert and Jane (Crawford) Welch, natives of Kentucky. His father, a farmer by occupation, raised the first barley on the plains of Yolo County and died in 1854, at the age of fifty-four years, within three miles of Woodland. His mother died about 1871, at the age of sixty-eight years, in Yolo County. The subject of this sketch was born in Tennessee, December 11, 1833; in 1854 he came to California across the plains, stopping first in this county, within three miles of Woodland, where for some time he followed farming and ran a trading store at Buckeye for four years, and also a store in Woodland two years. For an exception, it can be said of him that he never struck a pick in the mines. He was elected to position in February, 1888, and is well known as an industrious man who deserves all he receives and even more. He is well liked at the hospital and by the people generally. The average number of inmates at this institution is about twenty-five; and among them there is at present a lady, named Ellen Smith, who is aged 103 years, being born in Dublin, Ireland; and she is remarkably active. The hospital stands on forty acres of well improved land, where Mr. Welch raises some fine hogs, as well as fruit and other farm produce.

He was married in Tennessee, to Susan Pinkley, a native of Macon County, that State, who died in 1861, in Yolo County, leaving three children: Mattie, now the wife of A. G. Reed, and living in Woodland; W. F., a resident of Woodland, and R. L., a resident of Colusa, this State.

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

Otis B. WILBER

There are thousands of men, not the least influential among whom is Mr. Wilber, to whom California has been the land of opportunity, whose modest ambitions have here attained fruition and whose industrious efforts have brought their own merited measure of prosperity. In an exceptional sense Yolo county has presented favorable openings to men of energy and intelligence, for, while great cities do not here rear their lofty structures toward the sky and mines of vast riches do not present their alluring fascinations to the prospector, the rich soil and the genial climate unite to attract the man whose aim is the acquisition of financial independence through the cultivation of the soil. Prosperous farmers are the rule and not the exception in this county and their success has given the region a high standing among agricultural communities.

An investigation of various locations in the west, followed by settlement in Yolo county, convinced Mr. Wilber of the superior advantages offered by this part of the state and he has had no reason to regret the decision that made him a permanent resident of the vicinity of Davis. Of eastern family and lineage, he was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1865, and grew to manhood in the same locality, receiving his education in the public schools. Upon starting out to earn his own livelihood he followed the tide of migration toward the west and at the age of twenty-one years became a settler of Minnesota. However, after nine months he decided to push on further toward the setting sun. On the 26th of November, 1886, he arrived in San Diego, Cal., a stranger and wholly without means. However, he was able to secure employment without delay and for two and one-half years he continued in the same neighborhood, going thence to Elko, Nev. On his return to California he settled at Truckee, but did not find conditions satisfactory, so he once again took up the search for a permanent location. This move in 1889 brought him to Yolo county and he was so well pleased with prospects that he became a permanent citizen and industrious farmer.

The marriage of Mr. Wilber in 1899 united him with Miss Annette Marden, by whom he has one son, Harrison Marden. The family are earnestly identified with the Presbyterian Church and contribute to its maintenance. Ever since 1887 Mr. Wilber has been associated with the Odd Fellows, but he belongs to no other order, his time and attention being fully taken up with the duties of his agricultural affairs. Shortly after his arrival in the county he was engaged as foreman of the ranch of W. H. Marden and in 1900 he was given entire charge of the property. Since the beginning of his superintendency he has made many valuable improvements and has greatly enhanced the financial value of the estate, as well as the annual returns from its cultivation. At this writing the ranch contains five hundred and sixty-seven acres, forty-two acres having been purchased since the death of Mr. Marden. More than one-half of the almond orchard has been planted under the direct oversight of the superintendent and there are now sixty acres of the Hatch variety of that product. Some unusually large crops of almonds have been harvested and as the quality is the best they command the highest market price.

The sagacious management of the almond orchard represents only a small item in Mr. Wilber's work as superintendent. A vineyard of Muscat grapes embraces twenty-seven acres and demands the most painstaking supervision. One hundred acres are under cultivation to barley and there are thirty-five acres in alfalfa, of which several crops are harvested during the season. The land has been brought to a high state of cultivation and ranks among the finest farms of the county. In addition to the production of grain and the care of orchard and vineyard, Mr. Wilber devotes considerable time to the raising of stock. His judgment of stock is accurate and seldom at fault. One hundred head of high-grade cattle may be seen in the pastures, including twenty-five milch cows of the Durham breed. The dairy forms an important part of the ranch activities and the entire output of milk is sold to the state farm at Davis. At present there are about two hundred head of Poland-China hogs on the ranch and the superintendent is such a firm believer in pure-bred stock that he has paid as high as $50 for a stock hog, it being his theory, not only with swine but with all kinds of stock, that often the best is the cheapest and that the stock-raiser must consider quality as of vastly more importance than price.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 557 - 558.

Lester Clark WILCOX

Among the brave Civil War veterans, who for the sake of their beloved country dared dangers and hardships which can scarcely be appreciated by this generation, surrounded as it is by peace and comfort, no one served more faithfully or enjoyed during his entire life, higher regard and admiration than Mr. Wilcox, who since 1894 has resided on his ranch three miles west of Winters.

Mr. Wilcox was born March 3, 1839, in Constantia, Oswego, N. Y., and until the age of six years remained in his native state, removing in 1845 to Dodge county, Wis., with his parents, E. E. and Julia (Clark) Wilcox, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively. In Dodge county he made his home during the succeeding twenty-two years, with the exception of the period which he spent in military service, and which to him, as well as to his comrades, seemed an eternity instead of three short years. During the opening year of the rebellion, on September 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry, and with the patriotism and loval love of a true American, entered upon his hazardous duties, participating in numerous important engagements, including the battle at Port Gibson and the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted forty-seven days. In February, 1864, he was transferred to Company I, Third United States Veteran Reserves, and served until the expiration of his term, when he was mustered out in Washington, D. C., September 26, 1864. Following this he returned to Wisconsin and there married the girl he left behind him. Two years later, in Waushara county, Wis., he purchased a farm upon which he resided until 1883, when he located in Waupaca county and made a specialty of raising potatoes on his farm.

In Milwaukee county, Wis., January 20, 1865, Mr. Wilcox married Miss Helen Wechselberg, a native of Germany. Seven children were born to them, as follows: Ernest S., deceased; John E., who married Miss Ella J. Rappleyea, and who at his death left four children, Nellie M., Gladys L., Harry A. and John H.; Julia L., deceased; Charles A., of Winters, who married Lizzie McCloud, the latter leaving two children, Edith L. and Edna M., at her death August 3, 1908; Lettie E., Arthur L. and Edmond N., all deceased.

In 1894 Mr. Wilcox came to Yolo county and purchased thirty-two acres of land near Winters, since which time he has given ten acres to his son, and he now has twenty-one acres set to orchard of different varieties. Mrs. Wilcox passed away June 8, 1899. Mr. Wilcox was a member of Garfield Post No. 21, G. A. R., at Waupaca, Wis., of which post he is past commander, and he is justly proud to be entitled to wear the past commander's badge. At one time he was affiliated with the Independent Order of Good Templars. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and ever since then he has supported Republican principles, and throughout his life has endeavored to live up the the high ideals which he has always held sacred.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 549 - 550.

Caleb R. WILCOXON, D. D. S.

The removal of the Wilcoxon family from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific coast was accomplished in successive stages of migration, in accordance with the principles governing the westward current of civilization. A colonial establishment of the name in Maryland brought the family into touch with the southern culture of the period. It was Louis, a native of Maryland, who crossed the mountains into Kentucky and later established the name to the west of the Mississippi river. As in Kentucky he had been a pioneer of resourceful ability and undaunted courage, so in Missouri he exhibited the qualities typical of the frontiersman, and with tireless energy labored to transform a tract of raw land into a productive farm. The balance of his useful life was passed in Howard county and there was reared to manhood his son, Caleb E., who was born in Bullitt county, Ky., September 8, 1823, but had been taken to Missouri in very early years. The environment in Missouri was wholly that of the frontier. Schools were few and widely scattered. The teachers were in many instances little better informed than the pupils, while the log cabins utilized as "temples of learning" were as crude as the text-books and the methods of instruction employed.

That the pioneer's son, deprived of every advantage for culture and education, should nevertheless have risen to prominence and success furnished abundant proof as to his native ability and the force of will which enabled him to surmount obstacles and rise above circumstances. With the courage that always characterized him he stated across the plains in the spring of 1853, bringing with him his wife an infant child, and making the journey in a "prairie schooner" drawn by oxen. Many months of weary travel had dragged their slow length along ere he reached California and found employment for the support of his family. After a very period with a Marysville firm as bookkeeper he was appointed under-sheriff of Sutter county, and in 1856 was elected county clerk, auditor and recorder, which positions he filled during much of the ensuing fourteen years. Afterward he served for one term as a member of the general assembly of the state legislature. In addition he filled out an unexpired term as sheriff and tax collector, also filled out a term as county superintendent of schools, and was further chosen to fill a vacancy in the office of treasurer. All of these offices, with their varied duties and heavy responsibilities, he filled with fidelity and intelligence. His admirable adaptability for the pubic led to his election from his district to the state board of equalization, and for eight years he continued on the board, being its chairman most of the time. Upon his retirement from the office he was succeeded by Hon. Richard H. Beamer.

Easily one of the foremost men of his day and locality, it would be difficult to mention any important enterprise to which Caleb E. Wilcoxen did not lend his influence. During early days he served both as postmaster and express agent of Yuba City, but eventually his interest became too diversified for him to retain these positions. For a long period he was interested with T. D. Boyd in mercantile affairs in Yuba City. Liberal and charitable to a fault, he never refused an appeal for aid or declined to help the unfortunate. The Methodist Episcopal Church South received his generous assistance for years, and not only did he make liberal donations to the building of the house of worship at Yuba City, but in addition he donated the site of the parsonage and always helped in the maintenance of the congregation by large offerings. While still living in Missouri he had been initiated into Masonry and when Enterprise Lodge No. 70, F. & A. M. was organized at Yuba City he became one of its charter members, besides which he also maintained a warm interest in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. When his death occurred January 2, 1904, there were countless expressions of regret among his large circle of acquaintances throughout the state and upon the occasion of his funeral every business house in Yuba City was closed as a last token of respect to his memory.

As previously stated, the marriage of Hon. Caleb D. Wilcoxon had occurred prior to his removal to the coast. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Ann Crow, was born in Charleston, W. Va., and in very early childhood accompanied her parents to Ohio, thence soon removing to Missouri and settling in Howard county. Of her marriage eleven children were born, seven of whom grew to maturity. The eldest of the children was a native of Missouri, the others being natives of Sutter county, Cal. Her last years were quietly passed in the last-named county and there she passed away two months after the demise of her husband. Six of her children are still living, the fourth of these being Dr. Caleb Russell Wilcoxon, an honored professional man of Woodland, and a native of Sutter county, born at Yuba City, March 31, 1862. After he had completed the studies of the Yuba City schools he entered the office of the county clerk, auditor and recorder of Sutter county, where he continued as a deputy from 1880 until July, 1886. Upon resigning as deputy he entered upon the duties of postmaster of Yuba City, to which office he had been appointed under the administration of President Cleveland. The term lasted for four years, until July of 1890. Meanwhile, leaving the office in charge of his brother as deputy, in 1888 he became bookkeeper with Weinlander & Hexter of Marysville, with whom he remained for four years. Nominated and elected county clerk of Sutter county on the Democratic ticket, he entered upon official duties in January of 1893 and served one term of two years.

For some time it had been the ambition of the young county official to take up dental studies and he had saved much of his salary for that purpose. During May of 1895 he matriculated in the University of California and there he kept up the regular course until he was graduated in 1898 with the degree of D. D. S. After a short professional engagement in San Francisco he came to Woodland and opened an office, October 1, 1898, in the First National Bank Building, where he has since remained, being now the oldest active practitioner in the city in point of professional service. He is a member of the Sacramento Valley Dental Society and the California State Dental Association, having been a member of the latter since June, 1899, and in both of which his standing is the highest and his reputation for broad professional knowledge the most enviable.

To limit all mention of Dr. Wilcoxon to his professional labors, important as these have been, would be to do injustice to the varied mental powers that have enabled him to participate actively and successfully in many progressive projects. Recognizing the value of education to the future prosperity of our country, he has never refused to aid movements for the promotion of the schools. For six years he served as a member of the board of education and during two years of the time he held the presidency of the board, meanwhile giving of his best efforts to the advancement of the public schools. In national politics he votes with the Democratic party, but partisanship with him gives place to patriotism. The greatest good to the greatest number has been his aim as a citizen and as an official. Movements for the moral upbuilding of the community receive the same support from him that is given to educational affairs, while his allegiance to religious work has been equally vital and steadfast. As president of the board of elders and deacons of the Woodland Christian Church, he occupies a leading position in the activities of that organization, whose charities he supports with zeal and whose missionary movements he fosters with enthusiasm. April 18, 1900, he married Miss Mary Josephine Boggs, daughter of the late A. Leonard Boggs, of Woodland; her mother was Mrs. Clementine (Aull) Hughes, an estimable lady still residing in this city. In church and in society Mrs. Wilcoxon holds a position of esteem and influence and she also gives generous support to the charitable measures fostered by the Doctor. The latter was made a Mason in Enterprise Lodge No. 70, F. & A. M., and subsequently identified himself with Woodland Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M., of which in 1907 he served as master. When the Woodland Merchants' Association was organized he was selected the first president and for three years he filled the position with characteristic devotion. Nor has his service been less helpful as president of the Federated Brotherhood of Woodland, an organization having for its aim the raising of the standard of social conditions and the moral uplifting of the community.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 654 - 657.

Frederick WILGER

During the period of his identification with the west it has been the happy fortune of Mr. Wilger to witness the development of the vast resources of California, the remarkable increase of population and the upbuilding of prosperous towns as well as thriving agricultural regions. In a locality far distant from the land of his birth and the scenes familiar to his boyhood years he has risen to a substantial degree of success and has made a distinctive place for himself in the community containing a large number of forceful, energetic citizens. A native of Hesse-Cassel, he inherits traits that are distinctly Teutonic and may claim to a thrift, perseverance and frugality descending to him from German forefathers. He was born October 10, 1826, and at the age of seven years came to the United States with his mother. Successively a resident of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Missouri, he had gained much by habits of close observation in the various localities of his sojourns and thus self-culture gave him a partial recompense for lack of educational advantages.

Early in the year 1853 Frederick Wilger started across the plains with a body of emigrants bringing forty head of mules and horses. All along the way there was constant danger from marauding bands of unfriendly Indians. On one occasion, while the emigrants were eating their breakfast at the camp, the savages captured seven of horses and escaped without detection. When the loss was discovered an immediate pursuit was inaugurated and a hurried drive of twelve miles brought the men within a short distance of the robbers. Suddenly a mule brayed and the call was answered quickly from the other camp. By making a dash through the tall wild wheat and grass a capture was effected and the horses were again in the hands of their rightful owners, not, however, without considerable peril, one man receiving a severe gunshot wound from a rifle carried by an Indian.

At the expiration of five and one-half months and with no less of any stock excepting fourteen head of cattle, the party arrived at Sacramento on Friday, August 19, 1853. The men were there dismissed and paid $20 each. As Mr. Wilger turned to walk down the street he met John Woods, an old comrade, with whom he enjoyed a pleasant reunion and conversation. Later he engaged to work in a threshing crew at $2.50 per day. For seven years he continued in the employ of one farmer and meantime carefully saved his earnings, investing them in three hundred and twenty acres bought at a purchase price of $900. With a partner as proprietor of the new ranch (he himself continuing to work by the month) a crop of four thousand sacks was threshed from one hundred and sixty acres of grain. The partner's interest was bought for $1800 and thus he came into entire possession of a valuable property, which for years he personally superintended and cultivated. At this writing he owns seven hundred and thirty acres near Davis which for many years he has rented to his son-in-law, W. R. Wiese. In addition to the ranch he owns the Odd Fellows' building, the blacksmith's shop, eight houses, twelve vacant lots and the elegant residence that he now occupies, all in Davis.

The first marriage of Frederick Wilger was solemnized in 1861 and united him with Augusta Gloeckler, a native of Germany, who died leaving three children, Ella M., Alice M., and Augusta P. Afterward he was married in Sacramento October 27, 1873, to Miss Eliza Boy, a native of Hamburg, Germany, and immediately following their union they settled on the ranch about three miles from Davis. It was the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Wilger to visit the east at the time of the World's Fair. He has kept posted concerning national development, but he is first and most emphatically a Californian, loyal to the state of his adoption and believing it to be unsurpassed by any commonwealth. With advancing years and the accumulation of a competency he has retired from business and agricultural cares and is spending his time quietly and happily in his cozy home taking no part in politics nor fraternities with the exception of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The raising of fruit for family use is a source of interest to him and he takes great pride in securing good crops of choice varieties. In addition he notes with interest the welfare of the horses, cattle, sheep and hogs on the ranch as well as the cultivation of the land.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 856 - 857.

August WILKENDORF

Three continents gave a home to Mr. Wilkendorf at different periods of his life, Europe having formed the environment of his earliest memories, while Australia offered him a livelihood during early manhood and America was the scene of his latest and most successful efforts. In his native land of Prussia he had attended the German schools and learned the shoemaker's trade, but when the time came for him to make his own way in the world he decided to go to Australia. The mines of that country was his first place of employment, but no special fortune rewarded his labors, and in a short time he turned his attention to the butcher's trade, which he followed in the city of Melbourne. Meanwhile having heard of the progress of the Civil war in the United States, he determined to come hither and enlist as a soldier, but when at the end of a long but uneventful voyage he landed at the port of San Francisco he found the struggle so near a close that recruits were not enrolled. It was then the latter part of 1864, but a few months before the end of the Rebellion. When he found that he must abandon all hope of service as a soldier he turned his attention to mining and for a time worked in the quicksilver mines at Knoxville at Napa county.

Coming to Yolo in 1868, Mr. Wilkendorf bought a raw tract of one hundred and sixty acres situated six miles southeast of Woodland. From that time until his death in August of 1889 he devoted his attention undividedly to the improvement of the property, which he increased by subsequent purchases until it embraced four hundred and eighty acres. To this ranch in 1869 he brought his bride, who was Miss Margaret Klipple, a native of Germany and a woman of industrious disposition, energetic and capable, devoted to her family and her home and of great assistance to her husband in his efforts to secure a competency. They were the parents of six children, namely: Mrs. Bertha Hucke, Herman A., Mrs. Agnes Clover, Frederick A., Otto F. and George I. After becoming a citizen of California Mr. Wilkendorf gave his support to all movements for its advancement and proved himself to be loyal and patriotic. Fraternally he held membership with the Order of Chosen Friends and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Since the death of this old resident of Yolo county two of his sons, Herman A. and Otto F., have together carried on the old homestead, and in addition they have entered upon the care of other lands, so that at this writing they have twenty-six hundred acres of tillable land under their supervision. The old homestead is being developed into a stock ranch, with dairying as a special industry and alfalfa as the principle feed for the cows, twenty-five in number. Fifty head of mules are kept, many of these being necessary to the care of the land and the harvesting of the crops. Modern machinery adds to the equipment of the ranch and reduces the number of hired hands necessary to the place. Hence they use a sixty horse-power traction engine for all farm purposes, as well as gathering the crop with a combined harvester. Both of the brothers are excellent judges of stock and thorough believers in the value of stock raising as the leading occupation for landowners, their opinion being that the carrying of stock not only keeps the land in better order, but also brings enlarged returns in the direct receipts from the sale of the increase. They have devoted their time so unreservedly to the management of the large area under their charge that they have had little leisure to participate in local enterprises or public affairs, but they are highly honored socially and the older brother is also prominent in the order of the Herman Sons, besides being a member of all the branches of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 786 - 787.

Mattie Lou WILKERSON, D. C.

As the world advances, more and more are thinking people realizing the deleterious effects of drugs on the human system and seeking relief from physical ills through other means than medicine. Among the many systems of drugless healing in use today there is none that has more remarkable cures to its credit than the system known as chiropractic, which as the word implies is hand (chiro) manipulation; the cause of the disease being removed by adjustment, nature provides the cure. Woodland is favored in having in her midst a practitioner of this school of healing in Dr. Wilkerson, whose remarkable cures have given her a wide reputation. Not only from Yolo county do her patients come for treatments, but also from Sacramento, Yuba, Sutter and Solano counties, as well as from Berkeley and Oakland.

Dr. Wilkerson is a native of Missouri, having been born in Fayette, Howard county, the daughter of James Hudson. The latter was a native of Scotland and came to this country in childhood with his parents, who settled in Howard county, Mo. There the son grew to manhood, and became an agriculturist of considerable importance in the community which was practically his lifetime home. In Missouri he married Miss Martha Gibbs, who was a native of that state, and who became the mother of six children. Both of the parents passed away on the old Missouri homestead.

Mattie Lou Hudson was the youngest child in the paternal family and was given every advantage that her native town afforded. After completing the studies prescribed by the common schools she attended Central College at Fayette and was graduated with honors from that institution. It was about this time that she became the wife of George Wilkerson, and after their marriage the young people continued to make their home in the locality with which they had been familiar from childhood.

Previous to taking up her studies for the profession in which she has won signal success, Dr. Wilkerson became a nurse and followed that profession in Missouri until failing health compelled her to relinquish the work for which she was so well adapted. Her medical advisor had pronounced her case incurable, but with a determination to refute the statement, Dr. Wilkerson went to Davenport, Iowa, for adjustments at the School of Chiropractic, and almost immediately she responded to the adjustment and was soon able to resume her former duties as nurse had she been so inclined. So remarkable had been her cure that she was at once a convert to the school of chiropractic and without loss of time prepared herself to become a practitioner, in fact, became a student of the profession after three weeks in the aforesaid institution. Continuing her studies in the Palmer School of Chiropractic at Davenport, on February 1, 1910, she received the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic.

Dr. Wilkerson's advent in Woodland, Cal., dates from March 17, 1911, and it was just five days later that she opened an office for the practice of her profession at No. 609 Second street. Between that time and the present she has gathered about her a large practice, her patients coming not only from Yolo county, but from points far distant, which is abundant evidence that her cures have been numerous and remarkable in character. Aside from the pleasure which Dr. Wilkerson takes in the practice of her profession is the deeper, and therefore greater satisfaction of knowing that she is adding her mite to the great transformation that is slowly but as surely making the practice of healing by drugs a thing of the past. She has two sons, Harry and Hawkins, both attending school in Woodland. She is a member of the Christian Church at Woodland, fraternally is identified with the Rebekahs and the Fraternal Brotherhood, and professionally is a member of the Universal Chiropractors' Association.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 812 - 813.

Joseph WILLMAN

A short distance north of Dunnigan lies one of the well-improved ranches of Yolo county, a tract that represents the results of the wise energy and persevering labors of the owner, Joseph William, who as early as 1877 acquired the equity in three hundred and twenty acres of the present homestead. Scarcity of funds handicapped him for years and for some time after he had purchased the property he continued to work out for wages, in order that he might secure needed money for making payments on his property. When finally he had reduced the indebtedness to an amount possible to handle and had also accumulated the capital necessary for investment in machinery and stock he began the personal cultivation of the tract. The first years were filled with toil of the most severe nature, but after a time he began to reap the reward of his efforts and was able to enjoy life in a greater degree. The neat residence adds to the beauty of the homestead and the general attractiveness is enhanced by the large number of shade and ornamental shade trees, also the English walnut trees and fruit trees planted by the owner. A pumping plant is an important addition to the place and there also are needed buildings for the storage of grain and shelter of the stock. A later purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of adjacent land gives the owner a splendid tract, forming, indeed, one of the very finest ranches in the entire north part of the county.

Evidence of the possession of the splendid traits of the Teutonic race is manifest in the activities of Mr. Willman, who, although of American birth, comes of German ancestry on his father's side, while through his mother he inherits the thrifty qualities of French progenitors. His father, Xavera Willman, was born in Alsace-Lorraine, on the shores of the Rhine river, and in youth learned the trade of a stone mason. Upon the expiration of his apprenticeship he came to the United States in 1827 and followed his occupation as a journeyman. Finally he established a home in Medina county, Ohio, and there followed his trade. There also he married and in that state he reared his family, comprising five sons and three daughters, their mother having been Josephine Braman, a native of France. The family moved from Medina county to the vicinity of Defiance, Ohio, and settled on a farm, where the father, with the assistance of the boys, developed a profitable acreage.

Among the children the fourth in order of birth was Joseph, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, October 25, 1842, and who received a fair education in the country schools. During the month of April in the year 1864 he left Edgerton, Ohio, with an expedition bound for California. The journey across the plains was made with wagons and horses. At the expiration of about five months he arrived in Yolo county September 20, and immediately secured work on a ranch near Knights Landing, where he remained during the winter and continued working in that vicinity until 1872. From that year until 1877 he operated a rented farm, and then purchased the larger part of his present ranch, after which he worked out for ranchers until being able to begin the cultivation of his own place. The raising of wheat and barley has been his specialty, and besides cultivating his own ranch he has rented several hundred acres each year for the sowing of grain. To some extent he has had stock on his ranch and in this department of agriculture he has been fairly successful.

The marriage of Mr. Willman was solemnized in Dunnigan, Yolo county, September 28, 1884, and united him with Mrs. Louisa (Harper) Goodin, a widow, with one son and a daughter. The former, Albertus Goodin, is now married and cultivating a part of the Willman ranch, and the latter, May, is deceased. Simeon Harper, a native of Germany, immigrated in early life to America and settled in Lafayette, Mo., where his daughter, Louisa, was born. Later he engaged in farming in Kansas and from that state in 1873 she removed to California, where they settled on a ranch near College City, Colusa county. Mr. and Mrs. Willman are the parents of three children, namely: Clara Belle, who is the wife of Herman West and lives in Colusa county; Alena, Mrs. Cotter, of Sacramento; and Joseph Floyd, who remains at home. The family are identified with the Dunnigan Christian Church and Mr. Willman serves the congregation in the office of elder. In fraternal relations Mr. Willman for years held membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Arbuckle. While steadfastly refusing to accept nomination for any office, he nevertheless has consented to serve as a delegate to the county Republican conventions and has given of his time and means for the furtherance of the party welfare.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 583 - 584.

William H. WINNE

One of the most potent factors in the progress of Woodland, having contributed both time and talent toward its development since his identification with the community in 1868, Mr. Winne indeed deserves the place he occupies in the fortunes of this prosperous town. The descendant of one of the old Holland-Dutch families of New Amsterdam, he was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, N. Y., December 1, 1840, and spent his boyhood on the farm of his parents, John P. and Amelia (Snyder) Winne. Upon the completion of his studies in the country school of the district in which he lived, he proceeded to fit himself for the trade of carpenter and builder and was thus occupied when at the age of twenty the Civil war began. Heart and soul with the movement, Mr. Winne identified himself with Company B, Thirty-second Volunteer Infantry, and after two years was honorably discharged in June, 1863, receiving the insignia of lieutenant in recognition of creditable conduct throughout the battle of Crampton Gap. At this time he was also honored by his own company, which gave him a sword and equipment worthy of his service. In October, 1863, he joined the engineering corps, in which he served until peace was declared, when he was honorably discharged, having taken part in most of the battles of the Army of the Potomac.

By way of the Isthmus of Panama Mr. Winne came to California, arriving in San Francisco in April, 1867, and for a short time thereafter he was employed in that city and in Sacramento. His advent occurred in Woodland in 1868 and at once he recognized the part he was privileged to play in the progress of the city and immediately interested himself in its needs. Following the old adage "Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well," Mr. Winne filled the years that followed with many evidences in his ability in his chosen work, providing himself a capable architect and builder. From time to time he bought property in Woodland, disposing of it frequently at great profit, and at the present time owns not only the fine residence which he occupies, but also almost a block of College street residences. The German Lutheran, Episcopal and other churches were erected by him, and the stores, residences, etc., that he has built are too numerous to mention. He constructed Woodland's first public school house and was also called upon throughout the county to build churches, dwellings, barns, etc., his fame as a builder having gone far beyond the confines of Woodland. In 1879 Mr. Winne, associated with James Silby, built and operated the first planing mill ever established in Woodland, at First and Bush streets.

Mr. Winne has long been an active member of the G. A. R. and August 1, 1884, organized William H. Seward Post No. 65, G. A. R., in Woodland. Starting with nineteen members and passing the one hundred mark, the membership has diminished until but twenty-five now answer to the roll call. Mr. Winne has more than once been commander and his deep devotion to his country and his enthusiastic efforts in behalf of the G. A. R. have kept at par the interest and activity of the post. He was made a Mason in Amsterdam, N. Y., in 1863, and is now a member of Woodland Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M., and is also a member of Woodland Chapter No. 46, R. A. M. Several times he has been chosen high priest by the Woodland fraternity. In his political views he is an old-line Republican. Though no longer engaged in active labor Mr. Winne still considers his interest in the improvement and upbuilding of Woodland.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 722 - 723.

C. Fred WIRTH

What is within the power of earnest endeavor to accomplish is proved by the history of the Trade Palace, a leading mercantile emporium of Woodland and the development of a seemingly insignificant store started many years ago by a widow, upon whom had been thrust the stern necessity of supporting her five fatherless children. Thus was formed the nucleus of the present large business, whose proprietor, C. Fred Wirth, has supplemented native business ability by practical experience, strict attention to detail and a high sense of honor. With justice it may be stated that his own upright character and commercial standing reflect credit upon his native city and present home, Woodland, where his birth occurred in 1876 on Christmas day. The goddess of fortune did not smile upon his infancy and youth, but pluck and perseverance won success from a beginning that portended disaster and defeat. When only five years of age he lost his father and four years later he began to earn his own livelihood, since which time he has worked his own way upward to success and has won prosperity through unaided exertions.

The patronymic of Wirth indicates the Teutonic extraction of the family, whose first representative in America, George L. Wirth, was born in Wurtemberg, March 28, 1838, and became a resident of California during 1860. After having been employed for some time in a dairy owned by Mike Bryte in 1869 he started the Woodland Brewery and also began to develop a ranch east of the city. Ere yet he had attained success he passed from earth December 21, 1882, leaving to his family the memory of an industrious, upright character, whose highest ambition was to provide tenderly and honorably for wife and children. He had married in Yolo county, April 13, 1873, Miss Rosine Buob, who was born at Eberbach, Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1851, being a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Brudi) Buob. When she was only two years of age the family came to the United States for the first time. After having spent three years in Illinois, they returned to Germany in 1856. However, their minds reverted with such persistency to the new world that finally they determined to return to America. Accordingly in 1863 they again crossed the ocean, but this time they settled in California and took up land in Yolo county. Here the mother passed away and afterward the father removed to Washington, where he died at the age of eighty-six.

Not only was Mrs. Rosine Wirth a devoted wife and wise mother, but when necessity forced her to take up the burden of the support of the little ones she displayed unusual business judgment. Selecting a small room on Main street, Woodland, she place therein a small stock of toys and notions. Having bought with sagacity, she was able to sell at reasonable prices and this laid the foundation of her success. Little by little she added to the stock. In 1888 she met with a heavy misfortune in a fire that destroyed the entire block. As soon as the structure was rebuilt she made a new start in business and from that time enjoyed a growing trade that rendered advisable a steady enlargement of the stock carried in the establishment. Meanwhile her three daughters and two sons had become self-supporting and the need for her continuance in business no longer existed, so that her son, C. Fred, who had been with her in the store from the age of eighteen years, bought her interests and became her successor as proprietor.

Aside from a course in Pierce's Business College at Woodland and the usual grammar school studies, Mr. Wirth had no preparation for life's activities other than those provided by his own determined efforts to attain culture and broad information. In his life may be seen an example of inherited commercial instincts developed and enlarged through personal application and intelligent labors. Since he became proprietor of the store in 1897 he has fostered its upbuilding by energy, persistence and sagacity. The need of a different location caused him in 1903 to lease the old White House at No. 515 Main street, a two-story structure, 24x115 feet in dimensions, and this he purchased in 1911, since which he has built a new front and made many other improvements. The Trade Palace, which is a continuation of one of the oldest stores in the city, carries a general line of stock, including dry goods, notions, trunks, ladies' clothing, and gentlemen's clothing and furnishing goods, all being strictly modern and up-to-date. It is but justice to add that in his business career Mr. Wirth has been ably assisted by his sister, Louise H. Wirth, who has aided materially in contributing to his success.

The marriage of C. Fred Wirth was solemnized in San Francisco and united his with Miss Lottie D. Howard, who was born near Woodland, being a daughter of Mrs. Grace Howard and a granddaughter of Z. B. Kincheloe, an honored pioneer of Yolo county. In the Wirth family there are two children, Weldon Kincheloe and Dorothy Delight. The Republican party receives the stanch allegiance of Mr. Wirth, who gives to its candidates his ballot and to its principles his influence. By reason of his western nativity he has entered into active membership with Woodland Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. The Sons of Hermann also number him among the members of the order. His fraternal associations are further promoted by active connection with Masonry, in which he holds membership with Woodland Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M.; Woodland Chapter No. 46, R. A. M.; and Woodland Commandery No. 21, K. T. His native county, which also has been the center of his life efforts, has reason to be proud of his growing success and widening influence, while he himself without egotism may reflect with pleasure upon the advance he has made in business circles through his own determines efforts and sagacious labors.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 708 - 710.

Gilbert T. WITHAM

After a six months' stormy trip around the Horn, G. T. Witham landed in San Francisco May 6, 1850. The journey was made in the old sailing bark Carlomarand, long ago gone to the graveyard of worn-out ships, and during the entire voyage from Boston to San Francisco she called at only one place, and that the Island of San Juan Fernandez, off the coast of Chile the place made famous by being the isle where Alexander Selkirk was marooned for seven years and occasioned the writing of "Robinson Crusoe." The young Argonaut he was seventeen years of age came as supercargo of the vessel, having superintended the loading of the vessel with lumber at Boston, and on her arrival in San Francisco he superintended the discharge of the vessel.

G. T. Witham was born at Alfred, York county, Me., in 1832, and was educated in the public schools, after which he was employed in a general store in Portland until he came to California. For several years his life was the usual life of the young men wandering in the yellow haze of the Eldorado. He was a miner, teamster and all-around rustler wherever there was something to do. At Kanaka valley, on the American river, he found for a partner John Millikan, a fellow-Maine man native of Portland and they picked and shoveled together, working many a ton of sand and other debris into the Sacramento river and some "dust" into their pockets. They ran a store at Michigan Bar a typical mining-camp store, such as described so vividly by Bret Harte and other early California writers. They sold out and afterward opened and ran the old New England house on J street, Sacramento, until the big fire of 1851-52, when they were burned out. Mr. Witham ran the first hack that ran up and down the streets of the state capital. The vehicle cost him $3,000 in San Francisco. His stand was at the Orleans hotel, a lively hostelry in those exceedingly lively times. In 1854 he entered the employ of C. K. Doughty & Co., and was in their service for many years. He also saw military service during the war as captain of Company M., First California Calvary, though his campaigning happened to be in New Mexico chasing hostile Indians. One of his fellow troopers was the famous scout, Kit Carson, and many a wild ride have these two taken together with the Apaches either close before or behind. Captain Witham met the secretary of war in New Mexico and by that official was offered a commission in the regular army. But the captain declined the offer, preferring the freer life of a civilian. After the conflict he returned to Sacramento, re-entered the employ of Doughty & Co., running for that firm the first steam and produce boat on the river.

From the river to the road was but a short step, and he took it, becoming a Central Pacific trainman and a faithful one. As conductor he ran the first train out of Sacramento en route to Chico, Tehama and Red Bluff; and took the first carload of freight to the "Summit" to Sacramento. The stuff was blasting powder, and it was used to open the way for the road through the mountains. Judge Crocker was in charge of the train bossing the job. Captain Witham saw Stanford turn the first shovelful of earth on the levee between J and K streets, Sacramento, for the Central Pacific Railroad Company. Afterward he was an assistant superintendent and train dispatcher of the Sacramento division, and later was offered the position of superintendent, but declined it. He is the oldest living Central Pacific conductor. In 1900 he retired from the "road" and is now in the insurance business in Washington.

In Sacramento, October 28, 1857, Captain Witham was married to Jemima Reid, a native of New York City. Her father, James Reid, was a forty-niner, and Mrs. Reid joined him in 1852, she also coming via Cape Horn. Born to Captain and Mrs. Witham were the following children: Frederick, William, Albert, Edith and Cyrus, of whom only William and Edith are living. Captain Witham was made a Mason in Union Lodge No. 58, F. & A. M., is a member of Union Chapter, Union Commandery, K. T., all of Sacramento, and is a member of the California Commandery, Militant Order of the Loyal Legion. He can claim for himself the distinction of casting the first Republican vote in (Washington) Broderick. Eighty years of age finds this hearty old pioneer enjoying life after this strenuous time through the other days. So his last years flow on as peacefully as the great river that ripples past his door.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 478 - 482.

John WOHLFROM

The Yolo County Savings Bank under the presidency of John Wohlfrom has maintained the high position in financial circles it has won through the cautious, conservative policy adopted by its officers at the very beginning of its history. To a large degree the success of the institution may be attributed to the present head of the concern, who as one of the promoters and organizers of the bank, became a member of the original board of directors and served in the capacity of vice-president until promoted to his present post of honor and trust. It is said by many that no citizen of the city of Woodland exerts a greater influence upon its financial affairs than does Mr. Wohlfrom and certain it is that none displays more prudence in investments or greater tact in business dealings than he. Indeed, his gratifying success comes from the constant exercise of industry, prudence and tact, for he had none to aid him in getting a foothold in the world and when he came to America he was hampered not only by poverty, but also by a lack of knowledge of the English language.

Born in the vicinity of Strassburg and the Rhine river in Kircheim, Alsace (then a part of), France, November 9. 1832, John Wohlfrom was the youngest son among nine children, six of whom lived to maturity and three came to the new world. Educated in the schools of Alsace, he left home at the age of twenty years and took passage from Havre, France, for America in 1852, landing in New Orleans of New Year's day of 1853 and proceeding direct to St. Louis, Mo., where were two older brothers, Joseph and Anton,

both of whom died in Colusa county, Cal. Hoping to secure employment in Illinois, he crossed the river from St. Louis on the ice and after tramping a considerable distance he was hired by a farmer near Centerville at $6 per month. Later his brother, Anton, found a place for him at $10 per month with George Lewis, and Englishman living at Boonville, Mo., and it was there that Mr. Wohlfrom learned to speak English. Upon the removal of his employer to St. Louis he accompanied him to the city and secured work as a drayman. In a short time he had a team of his own and engaged in business for himself.

It was during 1855 that Mr. Wohlfrom started for the west. Misfortune attended him from the first. The steamer on which he had taken passage burned and he escaped with difficulty. Then he boarded a second steamer, which soon sank, the passengers, however, being saved. Finally the third steamer conveyed him as far as Aspinwall. From Panama he sailed north on a vessel that cast anchor at San Francisco March 2, 1855. June of the same year found him in Yolo county, where he worked three months in the hay fields. Six weeks in Sierra county as a miner caused all of his earnings to vanish. From Downieville he returned to Yolo county, where he secured work as a farm hand at $1 per day. Later he and a cousin, Joseph Wohlfrom, who had accompanied him to California, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land two miles east of what is now Blacks Station. The entire tract cost them $280. In 1856 their partnership was dissolved.

The old Weyant place of three hundred and twenty acres, which he still owns, was purchased in 1860 by John Wohlfrom. There he raised, bought and sold horses, cattle and sheep. At his house he accommodated travelers with board and rooms and he also carried a stock of merchandise and groceries, besides having the post office known as Prairie at his store. In 1868 he built a store on Colusa plains two miles north of College City and remained there until the building was burned in 1873. Besides the Weyant property he acquired three farms within twelve miles of Woodland, two of these being quarter-section farms, while the other contains two hundred acres. In addition he owns ten hundred and forty acres in one body in Colusa county and a well-improved farm of seven hundred and twenty acres two miles south of College City. With his brother he owned at Prize, Colusa county, a finely improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres and besides he owned four hundred acres one and a half miles west of Maxwell, Colusa county, which he has since sold. During the years of his greatest physical activity he was called the cattle king of Yolo and Colusa counties. Finally the demands upon his energy proved too much for his strength and he decided to enter upon activities less taxing physically. Coming to Woodland in 1891 he erected a valuable residence at No. 203 Court street and has since been interested in the banking business.

After he became a resident of the United States and had made a study of the political issues of the country, Mr. Wohlfrom embraced Republican principles and cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. His first wife, whom he married in 1861, was Barbara Keller, a native of Switzerland, but a resident of Yolo county for a long time prior to her demise. In 1891 he was united with Miss Helene Wimmer, who was born in Baden, Germany, April 4, 1861, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Gras) Wimmer, likewise natives of Germany. She came to Yolo county in young womanhood and resided with her sister, Mrs. John Bemmerly, until her marriage. She passed away November 24, 1908, mourned by all who were privileged to know her. It is not fulsome praise to say that John Wohlfrom's life has been one that might be taken as an example for young men just starting in life to follow. He began his career without means or backing of any kind, but he had implanted within him what was better than anything else, an ambition and determination to succeed. At no time in his search for fortune did he lose sight of the Golden Rule, squaring all of his actions by this unfailing guide, and it is for this reason that as he nears life's close and looks back over the past he can do so with satisfaction, knowing that he has willfully wronged no one. He has had no greater pleasure in life than giving a helping hand to young men who, like himself, have had their own way to make against great odds. His integrity and honor are unquestioned and of him it may truly be said that his word is as good as his bond.

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 209-211 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

David WOLGAMOTT

We of the present generation are justly proud of our ancestors of the last decade, whose unremitting labor and self-sacrifice laid the foundation of the noble and progressive civilization that we enjoy today.

David Wolgamott, of German descent, inheriting the sturdy and admirable qualities of his worthy parents, was well fitted for the role of a California pioneer. He was born on his father's farm in Guernsey county, Ohio, February 9, 1838, and received his education in the local schools, early giving evidence of a strong, manly character.

Upon his brother Joseph's emigration to California in 1850 David's imagination became fired with a keen desire to take a like journey and make for himself in the mysterious west a name and a fortune that should reflect honor upon the house of Wolgamott. In 1859 at the age of twenty-one, being free to order his life according to his desires, he accepted the opportunity to join a party of five hundred and eighty people westward bound, and, filled with the high hopes of youth, he left the scenes of his boyhood. The wagons were drawn by bull teams, and the memory of that slow, wonderful journey across the plains, the mingled hardships and compensations, and the deep sense of the Creator's nearness, David Wolgamott would not voluntarily relinquish. His destination reached, September 13, 1859, he joined his brother Joseph, who had located near Woodland, Cal., and for fifteen years the brothers carried on the affairs of the ranch in partnership.

In 1870 Mr. Wolgamott won for his wife Rose M. Dinsdale, a native of Missouri, whose father had brought his family to California the year the Civil war began. Four years later, believing that more money could be made by dealing in sheep than by farming, Mr. Wolgamott moved to the foothills of Capay valley and engaged in sheep raising, gradually adding to his flock until it numbered three thousand. In 1884 he again changed his residence, locating near Healdsburg, in Sonoma county, where he continued in the sheep industry. Steady progress rewarded his efforts and in 1910 he purchased fifty acres of the finest and most productive land in Yolo county, located southeast of Woodland and known as the old Demming place, where he now resides. Without irrigation four crops of alfalfa are raised yearly on this land, and from fifteen acres which had never been plowed or harrowed Mr. Wolgamott secured as volunteer crops three hundred sacks of barley each harvest for three years.

Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolgamott, as follows: Frank, a farmer of Fresno county; Charles, who resides near Healdsburg; and Walter, who is still on the home place. Integrity and honor are synonymous with the name of Wolgamott, upon which the sons of this generation bid fair to cast no shadow. The mother of these three children died in Sonoma county May 16, 1909, at the age of fifty years.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 386 - 391.

Joseph WOLGAMOTT

In this era of twentieth century progress those who travel swiftly and comfortably across the continent cannot realize the difficulties and perils that surround the emigrants of the pioneer period, nor can they, refreshing themselves in the sunshine of western civilization, grasp the knowledge of hardships incident to the primitive conditions characterizing the middle portion of the nineteenth century. In conversing with pioneers one is brought to realize more forcibly the difficulties under which they labored and the obstacles they were forced to surmount in their endeavor to build homes for themselves and develop farms for their descendants. Always their names will be held in grateful remembrance by an appreciative citizenship and will bear an imperishable renown in the annals of the west.

The turning point in the life of Joseph Wolgamott was his decision to come to the western coast. Reared and educated in Dayton, Ohio, where his birth occurred January 22, 1828, he had earned his own livelihood from an early age and was well qualified physically to endure the hardships of pioneering. During the spring of 1849 he started for the coast with a train of emigrants and proceeded slowly but in safety via Fort Laramie and the sink of the Humboldt into California, where the expedition disbanded at Hangtown, Placer county. For three years the youthful adventurer tried his luck in the mines and then returned to Ohio in order to bring back to the coast his bride and his brother David.

The second journey was more perilous than its predecessor. The expedition was unusually large, comprising one hundred and seventeen wagons. A short distance of the route had been covered when disease began to incapacitate the emigrants. Some lingered long unable to walk or eat, others passed away after a brief illness. The condition became so alarming that the expedition disbanded. Many of the wagons turned back to civilization, others scattered along different routes, hoping thereby to escape the disease. About twenty of the original band kept together and finished their journey without separating. Meanwhile death reduced their ranks and even the cattle died in large numbers. On one occasion Indians attacked the emigrants and, a herd of buffalo stampeding at the same time, when animals and savages had disappeared at the expiration of five hours, it was found that many of the whites had been killed. The survivors were overjoyed when, weak from sickness and weary from exposure, they finally landed at their destination.

The marriage of Mr. Wolgamott united him with Ruth Ryder, a native of Michigan. They became the parents of four sons and three daughters, namely: George, Joseph H., David, Samuel, Ella, Alma and Aletha. George is the father of four children; Ella, Mrs. Nicholas Miles, of the Capay valley, has five children; and Joseph H., who married Rosetta Inman, has three children, Claude, Esther and Ada. David, who makes his home in Idaho, married Myrtle Burnett and has two children. Alma, Mrs. J. A. White, makes her home in San Bernardino, Cal. Aletha is the mother of two children by her union with Charles A. Mienwald, a resident of Washington.

Various occupations engaged the attention of Joseph Wolgamott after he came to the west. After he abandoned mining he opened a blacksmith shop at Woodland, Yolo county, and for almost fifteen years he followed that trade. For nine years he devoted himself to ranching, his specialty being the raising of sheep. From the ranch he went to Capay and became proprietor of the hotel, which he conducted for seven years. He died in Woodland, August 4, 1908; his wife had died two years before. The son, Joseph H., took up a claim in Oregon and remained there until he proved up on it, after which he disposed of the land, situated in Klamath county. Returning to California in 1892, he has since remained in Capay, Yolo county, engaged in farming and horticulture. His conviction as to the adaptability of the soil and climate to fruit-growing has led him to undertake horticultural pursuits and he has started an orchard, it being his expectation to make a specialty of almonds in the future. Fraternally he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for years and in politics he has voted with the Republican party ever since he cast his first presidential ballot.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 764 - 766.

Henry B. WOOD

Henry B. Wood, one of the representative citizens of Yolo County, is a native of Rhode Island, born in Newport County, August 8, 1828. His parents, Borden and Harriet (Gray) Wood, were also natives of that State. Late in life they moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where they passed the remainder of their days. Of their two children, the daughter is living in New Bedford, and their son, Henry B., is the subject of this notice. In his youth he spent four years in New York State, and at the age of seventeen or eighteen years he accompanied his parents to Massachusetts.

During the height of the gold-mining excitement he left New Bedford, February 22, 1849, as a member of an organized party of thirty persons, and sailed on the old whale-ship William Henry around Cape Horn, and their first stop was at San Francisco, September 10, when the band was disorganized: Mr. Wood came up toward Sacramento as far as Benicia, the highest point reached by that ship, and thence on a launch to Fremont, a small village that had just sprung into existence. Mr. Wood and a part of the ship's company bought a lot and put up a residence. He and a few others went to the mines at Bidwell's Bar, and, leaving his friends there engaged in mining, he returned to Fremont. The next spring he went up on the Feather River, and followed mining a year, on that river and places on the American River, Dutch Flat, etc., meeting with fair success, in placer mining. In 1852 he returned to the Eastern States by way of Panama and New York city. In January following he came again to the coast, by way of the Nicaragua route, arriving here in February. He was then in the mines on the north fork of the American River until 1859, when he bought a ranch near the Sacramento River in Yolo County, and began farming. The place he still owns, but he discontinued agricultural pursuits in 1870. The ranch comprises about 500 acres, and is situated between Fremont and Knight's Landing. In 1870 he moved into Woodland and engaged in the hardware trade established by Gray & Freeman, purchasing the interest of Mr. Freeman. After a partnership with Mr. Gray for three years, he bought him out and has since conducted the business alone. In this he has had growing success, commensurate with the rapid growth of the beautiful city of Woodland, in whose interests and enterprises he has taken great delight. In politics he has been a Republican ever since the party was organized. From 1863 to 1866 he was under Sheriff for the county, being appointed by C. H. Gray, and this is the only position of public trust he has ever held. He is conservative and retired in his manner, preferring to devote his whole attentions to the management of his own business.

He was united in matrimony, 1861, to Julia L. Hannon, native of Massachusetts, and they have four sons: John B., Henry J., James A. and Augustine.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, pages 371-372
Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler, September 2004

Mrs. Henry Borden WOOD

The late Henry Borden Wood, whose widow, Mrs. Julia T. Wood, is one of the most highly honored of the older citizens of Woodland, Yolo county, Cal., was born at Little Compton, R. I., August 8, 1826, and died November 10, 1906. Mr. Wood was a son of Borden and Harriet (Gray) Wood, natives of Rhode Island. When he was fifteen years old his parents moved to New York City and his father became a captain in the merchant marine service. A few years later the family took up their residence at New Bedford, Mass., and Borden Wood became president of a bank in that city. There the son completed his education and there he was a clerk until 1849, when he and five others chartered a whaling vessel and sailed around Cape Horn for San Francisco and thence up to Benicia. It was on Washington's birthday that thy left New Bedford and the journey was slow and tiresome. Mr. Wood went to the mines, but soon established himself as a grocery merchant in Sonora. Later he was in the shoe trade until in 1852, when he returned to Massachusetts. After a stay there of five months he returned to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama and opened a shoe store in Marysville. In 1858 he removed to Yolo county and bought and improved and operated a ranch near Charleston and in 1864 he entered upon a two years' clerkship with Thomas & Laugenour at Knight's Landing. In 1866 he was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff Charles Gray, but soon opened a hardware store on Main street, Woodland which he conducted successfully until his death. After that even his widow continued the business a year and a half, then disposed of it. She still owns a store building on Main street near First, her residence at No. 827 Main street, and other property in the city.

June 8, 1851, at Sacramento, Cal., Mr. Wood married Julia T. Hannon, a native of Kings county, Ireland. When she was two years old she was adopted by her grandparents, James and Elizabeth Prout, of Queens county, and was educated by a tutor. In 1849 she came across the ocean to Boston, Mass., with her aunt, Margaret Prout, who sent her to a young ladies' seminary at New Bedford. In 1859 she came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, landing at San Francisco July 30, thence she went to Sacramento, where she was married about two years later. She bore her husband five children: Harriet E. died at the age of two years and six months; Borden died in San Francisco in 1904 in his thirty-seventh year; Henry died August 15, 1906; Augustine and James live in Woodland. Mrs. Wood is a woman of strong character and ready sympathies, noted alike for her business ability and for her unostentatious help of deserving persons in need. She is a communicant of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Woodland. Her later husband was in his political affiliations a Republican; in his religion he was an Episcopalian; as a citizen he was generously public-spirited and helpful to all worthy local interests.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 408 - 411.

Joel WOOD

JOEL WOOD, a pioneer of 1849 now partially retired rancher, residing near Cadenasso, Yolo County, was born near Nashville, Tennessee, in January, 1823, a son of William and Mary (Goze) Wood, natives of Kentucky. His father, a farmer by occupation, remained a resident of Tennessee until his death; his wife also died in that State. Joel was but six years of age when he went to live with an uncle, and was brought up by him until twenty-two years old. Then, in 1849, in company with his uncle, William Goze, he came across the plains to California by way of the Carson and Lassen routes, arriving at Bidwell's Bar November 16. There Mr. Wood kept a trading post and ran a ferry across the Feather River until May, 1850; then he opened a store and butcher shop at Rich Bar on the middle fork of the Yuba River and conducted them and followed mining until late in the ensuing autumn; next in partnership with L. Hibbard, he purchased land ten miles above Marysville and stocked it with cattle and horses; but a year afterward he sold out and he went by the Beckwourth route to the Big Meadows, on the Humboldt River and conducted a trading post and butcher shop there until 1852. Selling out he again went into Yolo County and settled in the Lamb Valley, where now is located the Orleans Vineyard. In 1854 he again sold out and went up into the Capay Valley, where he was one of the first settlers, being one of the five, and he had the honor of naming the valley. He had the postoffice in 1857, which was called Capay, and at that point he also had a store and blacksmith shop. For a time also he was Constable, and among the arrests that he effected were those of the desperate characters James Marble and T. Glasscock. Ever since his first location there Mr. Wood has been a resident of that valley. He now resides five miles west of Capay and one mile from Cadenasso, a station on the railroad. He is now living a life somewhat retired on seventy-five acres of choice valley land, well improved in vines and fruit trees. His children also have about four sections of choice land in the immediate vicinity.

Mr. Wood was married in May, 1858, in Lamb Valley, to Miss Emerine Clark, a native of Missouri, and their children are named and born as follows: William T., deceased; Mary B., born October 17, 1856; Albert B., November 5, 1858; Josephine B., December 12, 1860; George W., August 1, 1863; Leonard, September 20, 1865; Donald S., May 5, 1868; William S., March 27, 1870; Laura Etta, August 27, 1873; Myrtle, January 4, 1876; Joel E., August 21, 1879, and Maria M., July 24, 1884.

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

John Davenport WOOD

J. D. Wood, of Capay valley, was born in Nashville, Ill., December 24, 1828. When he was eight years old the family moved to Green county, Mo., where he made his home for about seventeen years. Then, at the age of twenty-five years, he went to Santa Fe as a teamster with Keith and Livingston, the celebrated freighters. The far west pleased him and on his return home he made arrangements for removal to California. A portion of his journey across the plains was made in company with the survey party of General John C. Fremont and Kit Carson. The great Pathfinder and the equally great scout were again hunting and marking roads across the American continent this being Fremont's fifth and last labor in the west, and the last time he ever came over the ground made memorable as his work by an explorer.

The ox train was under the command of Colonel Hagen, afterwards of Sonoma, and consisted of twenty-three wagons, ninety-six persons and eleven hundred head of cattle. They traveled along the old beaten way via Fort Laramie, Chimney Rock, Sweetwater, North Platte, Green River, Sinks of the Humboldt, and after being six months on the road, their trip ended at Petaluma, Cal. Notwithstanding their large string of cattle they had few losses except from their stock getting sore feet, which seemed to be epidemic in the band. They successfully ran the gauntlet of hostile Indians except in one instance, when a big armed band appeared and demanded the surrender of one of the white men whom they accused of having shot a squaw. The fellow was guilty as charged, and he was given up to the Indians who put him to death, and no further molested the train.

Mr. Wood's sphere of activity during the next dozen years was in the vicinity of Mt. Shasta, Eureka Flat, Diamond Springs and the mining camps of that portion of the state. He was a worker and his industry in those well-paid times brought him good wages, consequently he was always "flush" and no hardships other than the hardship of hard work. A part of his occupation was hunting wild game in the great forests of that time and place. Animal pelts were well worth seeking and his good rifle and traps brought him much profit. He cruised Humboldt and Mendocino counties, and during the twelve years he slaughtered numerous bears, panthers, foxes, deer and smaller game. He finally settled on his present home place of one hundred and thirty-four acres in Capay valley and has taken to the life of the quiet rancher. His marriage united him to Miss Malinda S. Alexander, whose parents came across the plains in 1857. The children of this union are Cyrus V. and John C.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 449 - 450.

Daniel Miller WOOSTER

As indicating the possession of a logical mind and clear reasoning powers it may be said that Mr. Wooster very early in life took an inventory of his assets as represented in opportunities and advantages. He was not dismayed in the realization that the outlook in these respects was limited, but with characteristic energy began the battle of life with the determination to win success in spite of adverse circumstances, and it was this determination that stands as the keynote to his high position as a citizen and horticulturalist of Woodland.

A native of the east "Dan" Wooster, as he is familiarly known in Woodland, was born in Green county, N. Y., in 1870, and received such education as the district school of his home locality afforded. He also acquired some knowledge of farming as conducted in the east, but having heard many optimistic tales of the Golden West the outlook in the east paled in comparison, and it was therefore a natural consequence that he should seek the land of larger opportunity. April of 1890 found him traveling toward the west and in due time he reached his destination, California. Coming directly to Capay valley, Yolo county, he was fortunate in securing employment with E. H. Miller, Jr., and by his capability and devoted attention to business was soon advance to the position of superintendent and manager. Later he purchased a one-third interest in the property, which included thirty acres in prunes, a like amount in almonds, and also a tract in pears. This ranch he conducted with considerable profit for eleven years, when, in 1903, he disposed of it and removed to Woodland, where he established the City Stables. At the end of five years he disposed of the stables and returned to the tilling of the soil, having in the meantime purchased forty acres of exceptionally fertile and therefore valuable land a short distance west of Woodland. In addition to raising alfalfa he also carried on general farming, all of which he managed with the ability of one long trained in the work, and also maintained a modern dairy supplied by eighteen cows. After improving the property along all lines he disposed of it to good advantage and in 1912, in partnership with L. J. Holton, of San Francisco, he purchased the Watkins' ranch of three hundred and thirty-eight acres adjoining Woodland on the north. Mr. Wooster immediately took up the management of the ranch, which is devoted to stock-raising as well as to raising grain and alfalfa. As an indication of the quality of the soil it may be said that five crops of alfalfa a year are grown without irrigation and during the season of 1912 the yield of barley was thirty-six sacks to the acre. The breeding and raising of heavy draft horses of the English shire breed forms an important feature of the ranch enterprise, and taken as a whole the ranch is one of the most thriving in this part of Yolo county. Much of the land is still covered with beautiful native oak trees, and in the midst of this beautiful setting Mr. Wooster has erected a new residence designed in mission style of architecture.

In 1896 Mr. Wooster married Miss Viva Collins, a native of Nebraska, and they have two children, Elizabeth and Leonard. Mr. Wooster is an active and efficient member of Woodland Lodge No. 111, I. O. O. F., and as a loyal and stanch defender of Democratic principles has done much to forward the success of that party in Yolo county. Personally he is a man of large sympathies and may always be counted upon to aid all enterprises that have for their object the upbuilding of the county. As Mr. Wooster looks back to the time when he came to the west without means or influence he takes a commendable pride in what he has accomplished in the years that have intervened.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 489 - 490.

William S. WRIGHT

The establishment of the Wright family in America dates back to the early '40s, when William R., a shoemaker in England, decided to seek the larger opportunities offered by the new world and in consummation of his hopes he crossed the ocean to Philadelphia, there following his chosen occupation. Before leaving the mother country he had married Miss Hannah Nixon, who was born in Staffordshire, where his birth had occurred in the year 1817. The brief sojourn in Philadelphia was followed by removal to Illinois and settlement at Peoria, whence during the summer of 1850 he and his family journeyed across the plains with ox-teams as part of an expedition. Sacramento was his first home and headquarters. From that city he freighted to the mines. Coming to Yolo county in 1853 he settled ten miles west of Sacramento on the plains, now four miles northeast of Davis, and there he remained until his death, which occurred October 28, 1874, at the age of fifty-seven years and two months. His wife died November 24, 1896, at the age of seventy-nine years and six months, and surviving her were three daughters and two sons, namely: Mrs. Emma Lawson, Mrs. Susan F. Linton and Mrs. Amanda McDonald, all deceased; Joseph, of Davis, and William S.

Born at the old homestead January 10, 1862, William S. Wright attended the public schools and Heald's Business College in San Francisco. After he had left school in 1879 he began to assist his mother in the care of the old home ranch and after her demise he bought the interest of the other heirs in the property, so that now he is the sole owner of the fine ranch of four hundred and fifty acres. The land is well fenced, well watered and well cultivated, and the yield of wheat and barley in 1910 reached ten thousand sacks. Modern machinery is used, including a large combined harvesting outfit. A small dairy of twenty cows has proved a profitable innovation and twenty-six head of work animals are used in the sowing and harvesting of the grain. At the present time the owner is engaged in raising mules, but in earlier days he made a specialty of fine horses and raised some excellent colts that were sired by his imported (1898) French Norman stallion, De Schamp, weight nineteen hundred pounds, $1800 being the price paid for this splendid specimen of equine perfection.

In addition to the mules and dairy cows kept on the ranch, there are always to be seen Jersey-Duroc hogs of the best strains. About one hundred head are raised each year and these attain unusual weights under the intelligent care of the owner. It is said that there are few droves of hogs in the county superior to his own and this reputation results not only from the excellent breed kept on the place, but also from the owner's ability to care for the animals skillfully and successfully. Having been busily occupied with the ranch and the stock, Mr. Wright has had no leisure for participation in public affairs, yet he keeps posted concerning the issues of the times and always votes the Republican ticket. Fraternally he holds membership with Davisville Lodge No. 169, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all of the chairs and has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state. The Rebekahs also number himself and his wife among their members.

The present wife of Mr. Wright, whom he married December 10, 1902, was formerly Miss Caroline Oeste, a native of Yolo county and the daughter of William and Barbara (Hiedecke) Oeste, early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have one son, Wilbur O. The first marriage of Mr. Wright took place August 30, 1882, and united him with Miss Henrietta C. Martin, a native of Lake county, Cal., and a daughter of Thomas A. Martin, one of Yolo county's pioneers. Mrs. Henrietta Wright passed from earth November 20, 1895, and left seven children, namely: Mary Etta, Mildred Irene, Florence Elva, William Manfred and George Martin (twins), Susan Ethel and Henrietta Catherine. The eldest daughter is the wife of Clarence Hoag, of Davis, and they have one child, Mildred. The second daughter married Thomas Bell, of Sacramento, and they have a son, Clinton. The third daughter is the wife of Sidney Grady of Davis, and they have two children, Harold and Evelyn. Manfred and Martin assist their father in the care of the ranch and are proving efficient, reliable and painstaking, worthy successors to several generations of skilled farmers and honored citizens.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 527 - 528.

Mrs. Gertrude WURTH

The large and finely improved farm which Mrs. Wurth still owns and occupies is endeared to her by the associations of almost one-half century of toil and sacrifice. Hither she came as a bride, young, patient and capable; here she reared her large family, carefully guarding the health of each and wisely training them to a knowledge of the duties awaiting them in life; here she endured the privations of the frontier and the hardships incident to isolation from railroads and cities; and here she watched the gradual development of the country, the expansion of its interests, the growth of its villages and the enhancing values of its farms. As she reviews the history of the agricultural development of Yolo county she may well exclaim, "All of which I saw and part of which I was." Her wise counsel was ever ready to co-operate with her husband's energy and she gave to him sympathy, help and encouragement. With busy hands she labored unceasingly for the welfare of her large family and at the same time, with the burden of heavy household cares, she yet found the time to aid in charitable measures and the means to assist the poor and needy.

Born in Hesse-Cassel, Kur-Hessen, Germany, Mrs. Wurth was a daughter of George A. and Anna M. (Klotzburg) Koch, whom she accompanied across the ocean in a sailer and landed at New York after a voyage of nine weeks. From New York they came via Panama to California and after landing at San Francisco in 1863 they proceeded to Sutterville, Sacramento county, where the parents died. The daughter was given a fair education in the convent at Sacramento and in that city, October 24, 1867, became the wife of John Wurth, a German-American citizen of sterling integrity and great energy. Born near Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, October 25, 1836, he was reared on a farm and in young manhood came to the United States, spending five years at Aurora, N. Y., as a day laborer. During 1859 he started with an expedition for Pike's Peak, but on the way met so many men returning discouraged and with tales to tell of troubles of all kinds that he decided to push on to California. Arriving here, he spent a few months in the mines. During 1860 he came to Sacramento and secured employment by the day. Coming to Yolo county in the fall of 1861 he located a claim of one hundred and sixty acres five miles northeast of Winters. At first he kept "bachelor's hall" in a little cabin on the farm, but in 1867 he married and brought his young wife to the ranch. Together they worked with the most unwearied diligence. Little by little they established a financial foothold. With a wise forethought as to advancing values they purchased adjoining land from time to time. The raising of grain was the principal occupation. In those days crops were large and prices almost uniformly good, so that they were able to pay off their indebtedness and educate their children. When Mr. Wurth died May 23, 1905, he left an estate of six hundred acres and since then his widow has added to the ranch until now she owns seven hundred and eighty-seven acres of valuable land. While she continues to reside at the old homestead, the land is leased to tenants and she is enjoying a deserved respite from the anxieties and labors of a busy existence.

In politics Mr. Wurth voted with the Republican party, in religion was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and fraternally held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Educational matters interested him greatly. In the building up of the district school he gave of his time and means and for fourteen years he served as its trustee, displaying in the position an untiring zeal in behalf of the school and a constant desire to promote its standard of education. His wife shared his devotion to Republican principles and is in hearty sympathy with that party platform. As early as 1876 she became a member of the Rebekah Lodge and now is associated with the Mendelssohn Lodge of Rebakahs in Winters, belonging also to the Lodge of Pythian Sisters in the same town. Eleven children were born of her marriage and it was her happy fortune to live to see them all settled in homes of their own and holding positions of respect in their various communities. They are named as follows: George A., connected with the Consolidated Water Company of Woodland; Celia, wife of George R. Sidwell, of Winters; Dora R., who married August Brinck, of Winters; Rosa M., Mrs. Adam Beiser, of San Francisco; John Albert, who is engaged in farming near Buckeye; Charles F., a miller in Woodland; Minnie G., Mrs. William F. Russell, of Merritt; Lydia A., Mrs. John Hucke, of Woodland; Kate B., who married Lee Shackelford and lives at Cedarville, Modoc county; Ida M., Mrs. Homer Cook, of Plainfield; and Sadie, wife of Adolph Oeste, a resident of Davis, Yolo county.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 368 - 372.

James N. B. WYATT

The era immediately following the discovery of gold witnessed the arrival in California of thousands of eager young Argonauts and none among them was more helpful than James N. B. Wyatt. While the result of that trip was not an immediate settlement in the west as a permanent home, the fascinations of the country were so great that later, after he had married and was earning a comfortable livelihood in Missouri, he gave up everything there in order that he might identify himself with the upbuilding of the west. Born in Boone county, Mo., February 5, 1831, he had started with an expedition May 2, 1850, and had furnished his quota of supplies necessary for the long journey across the plains. After crossing the Missouri river at St. Joseph the emigrant train followed the trail along the south side of the Platte river.

The worst disaster in connection with the expedition was the outbreak of cholera. Five wagons abandoned the train and the ranks of the remainder were reduced by frequent deaths. In the hope of out-traveling the disease the worn-out teams were pushed forward long after darkness had veiled the earth. Finally they reached the mountains and were able to secure pure fresh water, which immediately stopped the trouble and from that time no trace of cholera appeared to give new alarm to the emigrants. Unfortunately, after the cholera disappeared there was a scarcity of provisions. Thousands of miles from any habitation they found themselves reduced to a small supply of dried apples and jerked meat. The emigrants became emaciated and one man was unable to leave the wagon. The cattle had been worked so hard and fed so little that they were unfit for food, the hide and bones presenting no attraction for starving men. For fourteen days they subsisted on apples and meat. Other wagons were so reduced in supplies that they could not help the sufferers. On one occasion Mr. Wyatt saw a man throw away a bacon rind. With the eagerness of a hawk for a young chicken he picked up the discarded rind and eagerly swallowed it. In the search for food he came to a camp and begged for something for the sick man in the wagon, but was told that a pound of flour would cost him $2, and this sum he was obliged to pay, both for flour and for bacon, at a station three hundred miles from Salt Lake. At another trading post he was able to buy the same supplies for $1 per pound.

During the entire journey the fear of Indian attacks never left them. At one place some Indians climbed into the wagons to search for food, but of course found nothing. At one of the fords on the Humboldt river they showed considerable hostility and there in 1852 they massacred a whole train of men and women, carrying off two boys and four girls. Sometimes the emigrants quarreled among themselves, but the only outbreak with serious consequences occurred when Frank Shepard was killed by another emigrant, who like himself came from Ohio. The last three days of the journey were extremely trying, for the course of the worn-out oxen and emaciated men took them through sage brush where water was poor, where alkali was on every side and where dead horses and cattle could be seen at frequent intervals on the road. The journey ended in the Sacramento valley September 15, 1850, and soon afterward at Coloma, Eldorado county, Mr. Wyatt met an uncle, Rev. Thomas Thompson, who was the first Christian preacher in that region.

The first sojourn of the young Missourian in California was marked by an experience with mining around Coloma and with ranch pursuits at Napa as an employee of John Stickter. On leaving Coloma he went to San Francisco and there took passage for Panama on the "Golden Gate," a ship that on its next voyage burned at sea, causing a total loss of passengers. Mr. Wyatt reached Missouri in safety and at once took up farming pursuits. Soon afterward he married Ann Williams, by whom he had the following-named children: M. Oscar, Frank M., Clarence E., Virginia (Mrs. Reuben B. Nissen), Flora E., Ella M., Emma L., May D. and Lulu B. In 1864 the family crossed the plains and settled in Sonoma county. During 1875 they removed to Maine Prairie in Solano county. In 1893 Mr. Wyatt was engaged to take charge of the interests of his son-in-law, R. B. Nissen, who owned a ranch near Capay, Yolo county. Eventually he established a home at Winters and there, May 12, 1911, his life of usefulness came to an end. Fraternally he held membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In religion he was connected with the Christian Church. Politically he believed in Republican principles, but went further in his beliefs than did his party, for he included prohibition in his proposed ideal platform.

The eldest son of J. N. B. Wyatt is Dr. M. O. Wyatt, now president of the First National Bank of Winters. By his marriage to Lulu Shelford, of Cloverdale, he has four children, Roy, Fred, Erna and Velma. The second son, Frank M. Wyatt, who married Miss Nelia Shelford, of Cloverdale, formerly conducted a mercantile business at Winters, but is now secretary and a director of the First National Bank of Winters. The third son, Clarence E., who married Priscilla Hall, is engaged in the jewelry business at Winters. All of the daughters are married except the youngest, Miss Lulu, who is assistant postmaster at Winters. Virginia is the widow of R. B. Nissen, who was a well-known and highly respected citizen of Yolo county; she had four children, Clarence, Claude, Babe (deceased), and Frank. Flora married T. E. McFall, an undertaker at Winters; their family includes the following-named children: Charles (deceased), Carl, Walter, Alfred, Edgar (deceased), Claudia, Stella and Edith. Ella M. Wyatt married L. E. Sturgill, of Oakland, Cal., and they had two children, Frank (deceased) and Jessie. Emma L. is the widow of the late Dr. G. S. Conner of St. Helena, and May D. married A. L. Marshall and resides at Winters. The widow of J. N. B. Wyatt resides at her old home in Winters and now at the age of seventy-two years she finds enjoyment in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 766 - 768.

Roy F. WYATT

Although one of the younger business men of Yolo county, Mr. Wyatt has demonstrated clearly his possession of not only sterling principles but exceptional business ability as well, and by his progressive spirit and untiring enterprise has set an example well worthy of emulation among his fellow workers.

A native of California, his birth having occurred in Dixon, Solano county, May 6, 1888, Mr. Wyatt came to Yolo county two years later with his parents M. O. and Lulu (Shelford) Wyatt, of Winters. Two years before his graduation from the Winters high school he negotiated for his present ranch of two hundred and fifty acres, and upon the completion of his studies in 1907 turned all of his attention to his property. The Linda Vista dairy, as his place is known, lies three miles east of Winters and at present is supplied by seventy milch cows. By means of a Simplex separator, which has a capacity of twelve hundred pounds per hour, and which is operated by electricity, the cream and milk are divided, the former being sold to the Western Yolo Creamery at Winters. In 1910 a one hundred ton cement silo was erected and filled with green alfalfa for winter feed, the cows doing exceptionally well under that system of feeding. All the dry hay used for feed on the farm is chopped, a method which Mr. Wyatt finds very satisfactory. Eighty acres are in alfalfa which is under irrigation, and the remainder of the tract is in grain and pasture. In the operation of his ranch Mr. Wyatt uses about ten horses. Besides his dairy and farming interests he is engaged in raising Berkshire hogs and Holstein cattle. There are four good wells on the property, also a pumping plant which furnishes nine hundred gallons per minute, a six inch pump being used.

The marriage of Mr. Wyatt in Alameda, November 10, 1910, united him with Miss Ruth Sackett, of that city, the daughter of Buel R. Sackett, whose biography appears on another page of this volume.

Mr. Wyatt is an active member of Acacia Camp No. 176, W. O. W., and as a Republican is intelligently interested in political movements, as well as all enterprises relating to the welfare of the community in which he lives. He is affiliated with the Men's Bible Class of the Winters Christian Church, to which he contributes liberally, and is never too busy to assist his fellows, both by cheering words and practical help.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 442 - 447.

Nick WYCKOFF

Nick Wyckoff, deceased, formerly a prominent agriculturist and wine-maker of Yolo County, dated his birth April 18, 1818, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. His parents, Henry and Jane (Kline) Wyckoff, were both natives of that State. His first ancestry in this country were Swedes, who were among the first to settle Manhattan Island. His father, a farmer and blacksmith, removed in the fall of 1829 to Hamilton County, Ohio, purchased land, settled upon it and remained there until his death in 1847, when he was sixty-six years of age: and his wife died at the same place, at the age of seventy-one years. There were seven children in their family. Henry Wyckoff, a brother of Nick, came to California in 1849 and the next year settled upon the land where the city of Woodland is now located, starting the first store there and the first blacksmith shop; but he soon went to Oregon, where he was at one time a treasurer of one of the southern counties of that State; he went thence to Arizona, where he was shot and killed in 1871 by an unknown assassin, in the village of Wickenburg, while on his way with a train of mules to some of the mining camps, where he expected to start a trading post. But very little is known of the tragedy. Jacob S. Wyckoff, another brother, came to California in 1850, and now resides at 1512 Ninth Street, Oakland.

The subject of this sketch passed his early boyhood days in Ohio. At the age of eighteen years he became a teacher of the primary department of Kerby's Academy, and the same time passed through a course of study. He next went to Rodney, Mississippi, and engaged as a teacher of the public schools there for five years; then returning to Hamilton County, Ohio, he remained there until April 3, 1852, when he started for California, by way of New York and the Isthmus, and landed at San Francisco May 10. Two days afterward he went to Sacramento, and gradually worked his way into Yolo County, his health being poor at that time. In 1852 he located the land in Yolo County, three miles southeast of Woodland. His wife and two children followed him to this State by way of the Isthmus in December, the same year. Having acquired at school a considerable knowledge of civil engineering, he put it to good use in this county. After his settlement in that year he was in general a farmer, but in later years he gave more attention to alfalfa and grapes. In 1872 he was employed by F. T. Eisen and C. G. Frash to engage in wine-making. Frash is a prominent wine merchant of New York city, and from him Mr. Wyckoff obtained his knowledge of wine manufacture. The latter was also one of the twelve stockholders of the Yolo winery, which was built in 1885, with the view of handling only their own grapes. Their annual production on an average is about 55,000 gallons, which is sold at good prices. In respect to alfalfa, Mr. Wyckoff was zealous in extending its culture, and encouraging it in every State and Territory in the Union, he being one of the most extensive raisers of alfalfa seed.

Mr. Wyckoff was inducted into the Masonic order in Mississippi, in 1845. He was a charter member of Yolo Lodge, of that order, and was afterward a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 156. He also passed all the chairs in the Knights Templar order; and joining the Odd Fellows, in Mississippi, as early as 1846, he became a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 111, having filled all the chairs to that of Noble Grand; and he passed all the chairs, also, in the encampment. He was at the time of his death President of the Masonic and the Odd Fellows associations. He was the oldest Free Mason left of the early members in Yolo County. Politically he was a Republican.

He was married December 20, 1848, to Miss Harriet Martin, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and they had seven children, all of whom are living, namely: Alice A., wife of H. S. Deaner; David H., now Deputy Sheriff of Yolo County; James, on the home ranch; F. C., a resident of Woodland; Hattie J., wife of W. H. Kerson; Edward, on the home place; and Catherine E., at home.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, pages 364-365
Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler, September 2004