Yolo County
Biographies
Thomas D. BALL
One of the earliest settlers of Winters was Mr. Ball, who contributed materially toward the development of this section, and whose death, February 27, 1902, deprived his fellow citizens of one of their most beloved friends and co-workers.
Mr. Ball was born May 10, 1826, in Columbiana county, Ohio, in which locality he spent his youth, during the winter months attending district school and during the summer assisting on the farm of his parents, William and Rachel (Bradfield) Ball, natives of Virginia. The history of the Ball family has been traced back to the year 1381 in England. Early representatives who came to America settled in Massachusetts and some of them served in the Revolutionary war.
At the age of twenty-two, Thomas D. Ball engaged in his trade of carpenter and joiner, his services being greatly in demand in Marietta and vicinity. Later he removed to Iowa, thence to Springfield, Ill., still continuing at his trade, and in 1858 he came to California via the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco after a journey of three weeks. Proceeding to Vacaville, Solano county, he resumed his trade and among other buildings erected the Wolfskill residence on the banks of Putah creek, after the flood of 1862. While living in Vacaville he organized the Masonic lodge of that place. Afterwards he located in Sacramento, where he soon became well known as a successful builder, and sixteen years later he settled in Winters, where he purchased blocks two, three and four and erected a comfortable home, devoting much of his attention to the improvement of his property, which he beautified with many varieties of trees and shrubs. His first marriage occurred in Virginia and united him with Miss Polly Hoagland, who died in Sacramento. His second marriage was solemnized in Sacramento, March 24, 1867, uniting him with Miss Elizabeth N. Stamper, of Bath county, Ky., and the only child of their marriage, Mary Alice, died in infancy. Mrs. Ball is of Scotch ancestry and was not only closely related to the Neely family of Welsh descent, and the Ralstons of Scotch ancestry, but also to Martha Washington, of Virginia. Her great uncle, John Neely, was one of the earliest settlers of Virginia and an Indian fighter. Her great-grandfather, Joseph Neely, before the Revolutionary war, with his wife and a few neighbors defended a blockhouse in Kentucky from the onslaught of the Indians.
Mr. Ball was a stanch Republican, and by means of wide reading and active public labors, kept fully abreast of the times. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Ball has continued to reside in the home place in Winters, and as a conscientious and valued member of the Congregational Church has demonstrated her strength of character and practical sympathy.
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: “History of Yolo County, California” by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 877 – 878.
Frank MAIER
Having been identified actively with the growth of Davis and vicinity since 1860, Mr. Maier is enabled to enjoy during the closing years of his career the fruits of his well-directed labors, as well as the sincere regard of all who are privileged to know him, both in business and social circles.
A son of Germany, Mr. Maier was born November 2, 1831, neat Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, which was also the birthplace of his parents, Joseph and Ottilie (Friedel) Maier. In 1837 the husband and father passed away, leaving the care of the younger members of the family of five children to the mother, assisted by her sons. On account of thus being required to lend his aid in carrying on the affairs of the home farm, Frank received a limited education, though he endeavored during his spare moments, which, it must be admitted, were exceedingly few, to add conscientiously to his store of practical knowledge. At the age of twenty-one, the family having become self-supporting, he carried out a long cherished plan of immigrating to the United States, taking passage on a sailer from Havre in 1852. Upon his arrival in New York City he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and finally secured a situation as farm hand, faithfully performing his duties until March, 1858, when he started for California. From New York he went to Panama, and after crossing the Isthmus he completed the trip by boat to San Francisco. From there he went to Sacramento, determined to try his luck at mining, and entered the Rattlesnake Bar fields, but after six months of unrewarded labor left that section and in 1860 became associated with a horsepower threshing machine in Yolo, owned by Alex. Lockhart. After working six years in Yolo county, during which period he carefully hoarded his savings, he seceded in securing capital with which to purchased the property which he has since conducted and which comprises an entire section located two and one-half miles from Davis. A large portion of this tract, which at the time he became its owner was almost wholly unimproved, he planted to grain, erecting necessary buildings and otherwise creating a general appearance of thrift throughout the ranch. At present he cultivates four hundred acres, most of which is in grain, and although his financial condition is all that could be desired, it is not to be inferred that his success was attained without the most frugal methods, both of himself and family, who justly merit the prosperity which they enjoy.
Mr. Maier’s marriage, which occurred in Troy, N. Y., in July, 1889, united him with Miss Katie Wesenford, one of his country-women, who came to the United States when twenty-one years of age. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Maier two children were born: Francis and Albert, who are still in the parental home. Mr. Maier is a Democrat, but casts his ballot independently and, though never an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote his attention to his personal affairs, has always maintained an intelligent interest in public matters and has been prompt to assist in the development of the community. Active members of the Catholic Church at Davis, both himself and family are well known for their excellent principles and their deep concern in the welfare of their fellowmen.
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: “History of Yolo County, California” by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 878 – 879.