Yolo County
Biographies
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.
William M. BROWNING
The name of Browning has been associated with the material upbuilding of Yolo county ever since the period when agriculture was in its infancy and the possibilities of the soil wholly unknown. The founder of the family in this valley and indeed in the west itself, Robert W. Browning, a member of the resolute pioneer band of the ‘50s, still survives to enjoy in the twilight of his useful existence the fruits of years of assiduous labor. While many of those early settlers migrated from county to county irresolutely seeking after new opportunities, he was content to remain in the same place and the fixedness of purpose visible in long identification with one section became evident also in his permanent continuance in ranching pursuits. Not long after he had crossed the plains in 1854 he took up a raw tract of land four miles southwest of Woodland and there he still remains, meanwhile having brought about a complete transformation in the estate, which now ranks among the most productive properties in the county. Further mention of this honored pioneer appears elsewhere in this volume and clearly indicates his admirable character as well as his intimate connection with the advancement of his locality.
Among the children comprising the family of Robert W. Browning the next to the eldest, William M., was born at the old homestead near Woodland October 22, 1871, and received his primary education in local schools. Later he was a student in Hesperian College, and finally took a commercial course in Heald’s Business College, from which he was graduated in 1892. For a time in young manhood he engaged in farming, continuing at the occupation until he was elected a county auditor. Meanwhile, in 1893, he married Miss Alice Jackson, who was born and reared in Woodland, being the daughter of Dr. G. H. Jackson, now of Alameda, but for years a leading physician of Woodland and county physician of Yolo county. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Browning was Julian Ludwell, who passed from earth at the age of six years and six months, October 21, 1900.
From early life Mr. Browning has been a stanch believer in the Democratic principles and upon attaining his majority he began to vote that ticket, which he still supports in general and local elections. During 1902 his party elected him county auditor. In January of 1903 he took the oath of office and entered upon its duties, continuing in the position until January of 1907. For some years afterward he made his home at Oakland and acted as deputy county clerk of Alameda county. Upon resigning that position in 1910 he returned to Woodland, where in December of that year he became accountant in the Bank of Yolo. As a bookkeeper he is said to be unusually proficient and when keeping county books and records he proved himself the equal of any of his predecessors in point of reliability, accuracy and dispatch. Fraternally he has been a leading worker in Woodland Parlor No. 30, N. S. G. W., which he has served as president. In addition he has co-operated in the local activities of the Independent Order of Foresters. With his wife he holds membership in the Woodland Christian Church. He has been much interested in measures for the advancement of the community along lines not only religious, but others eminently worthy of maintenance and encouragement. In fact, no worthy philanthropy and no civic benefaction have been presented to the consideration of the citizens which have lacked his cordial co-operation and intelligent support.
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: “History of Yolo County, California” by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 739 – 741.