Solano County
Biographies
EDWARD W. DAY, M.D.
born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1831. His father, during the Rebellion, was a real estate agent and farmer, and at the time of the advance-guard of Stewart’s Cavalry made a raid through Baltimore county he had the “Stars and Stripes” floating from the flag-staff in front of his house. The rebels sought to pull it down, but were told by Mr. Day that if any one attempted so to do he would certainly be killed in the venture. They did it; and he shot one man and wounded another, and, finding it growing too warm for him, he effected his escape to Baltimore City, where he remained. On his departure the rebels burned his house and everything belonging to him. He was at the time seventy-five years of age, and died nine years later, when eighty-four. His son Edward, the subject of this sketch, in 1853, having passed through a course of medical studies, and graduated from the University of Maryland, left in that year for California, which he reached in May, and with his brother went to the mines about twelve miles from French Corral. Shortly after his brother sold out, and they both went to Rogue River Valley, Oregon, where they prosecuted mining at Jackson Creek and vicinity, but, the Indians becoming troublesome and committing great depredations, the valley inhabitants were forced into hostilities, which eventuated in a treaty that was observed for only one short year, when the same tactics were again pursued by the aboriginals. At this juncture volunteers were called out by the Governor, and on their formation Doctor Day acted as Assistant Surgeon of the Southern Battalion of the Oregon Volunteers. They waged war with the Indians for eight or nine months, with the result of the enemy being dispersed. In the year 1858 he left Oregon, and in June came to Vacaville, where he now resides.
History of Solano County…. – San Francisco, Cal. - Wood, Alley & Co., East Oakland, pub 1879
pp 457-458
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
D. M. DOWNEY
was born in Pietobury, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1838, where he followed farming until he emigrated to this State in October, 1858, locating at San Francisco; thence to Sacramento, and from there to Nevada, where he remained only one month, prospecting among the mines, then came to Solano county and settled in Vacaville, and located on a farm. In the Spring of 1865 made a trip to Oregon, but after two months returned and visited his native State, and was gone three months. With the exception of two visits he made in the East in 1876 and 1877, he has been a permanent resident of this county.
History of Solano County…. – San Francisco, Cal. - Wood, Alley & Co., East Oakland, pub 1879
pp 458
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler