William A. Fotheringham, who resides in eastern Contra Costa
County, has attained a prominent place among the agriculturists of his
neighborhood. He was born in Buffalo, New York, August 13, 1857, son of
Alexander D. and Mary (McDonnell) Fotheringham, both deceased. His parents
removed to Canada, where William was reared to manhood. His father was a
native of England, while his mother was born in Canada; she died when
William was but four years of age. He made his home with his grandmother,
and acquired his education in the public schools. He followed farming, and
in 1877 he came to California and located near Byron, where he found
employment and acted as foreman for a large land corporation for a period of
seven years. He then purchased the Byron ranch near Byron, consisting of two
hundred acres, which he has always devoted to general farming and
stock-raising. On August 2, 1882, Mr. Fotheringham was united in marriage to
Miss Mary B. Alexander, a native of East Kilbride, near Glasgow, Scotland,
daughter of Captain John Alexander, who lost his life at sea. To this union
have been born six children - John Alexander, who resides in San Francisco;
Jean, wife of William Redman of Stockton; Mabel Elizabeth, wife of John
Bankson, identified with the Redwood Manufacturing Company of Pittsburg,
California; Lillian A. and Ellen A., both residing at home; William Byron,
who assists on the home place. Politically, Mr. Fotheringham is an adherent
of the principles advanced in the platform of the Republican party. He has
served as school trustee for many years in his section. He is connected
fraternally with the I. O. O. F., of Byron and the Woodmen of the World. He
makes his home on the William Gilchrist ranch. Mrs. Fotheringham's mother
was twice married. The second union was to William Gilchrist, a native of
Scotland, who settled in Contra Costa County in 1851, and purchased three
hundred and twenty acres of land, carrying on general farming and
stock-raising and set out a thirty-acre orchard, principally of almonds. He
retired and made his home in Pacific Grove up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1915. His wife still resides in Pacific Grove.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California,"
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 554.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, October, 2006.
Although but a few years have passed since locating in this
county. James R. Van Tonningen successfully established himself as one of
the representative men and has made many friends in a business way who
esteem him for his business ability and personal characteristics. He is a
native of Holland, and was born December 29, 1880, the son of Marinus and
Helena Van Tonnigen, both natives of Holland. His father was manager of a
Dutch syndicate having timber and agricultural lands near Riga, Russia. In
his infancy his family removed to Russia, where James partially acquired his
education. When he was ten years old, his parents returned to their native
land, and here James received a year's schooling. In 1896 the family came to
America and located in Santa Cruz County, at Aptos, where the father
purchased twenty-five acres, which is devoted to horticulture. Marinus Van
Tonningen is considered one of the best authorities in his section on
fruit-growing, as he has made it a study for years. In the parents' family
there are three children - Johanna, wife of Henry Jansse, of Brentwood;
Agnes, wife of Cornelius Van Kaathoven, of Oakley; and James, subject of
this review. James R. Van Tonningen completed his education in the public
schools of Santa Cruz. After finishing education he assisted on his father's
place until 1907, when he engaged with the California Fruit Canners'
Association, which is now the California Packing Corporation. For six years
he did all sorts of manual labor, and three years ago was given the
management of 1060 acres at Oakley. His success and recognized familiarity
with the asparagus industry led to his promotion. He was married to Miss
Muriel Bligh, January 22, 1914. She was a native of England.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California,"
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 554-555.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, October, 2006.