Yolo County
Biographies
William Dee CHILES
The agricultural resources of Yolo county are best known and most highly appreciated by those who by practical experience have acquired an accurate knowledge of its possibilities. In their opinion there is not part of Northern California more rich in its soil or more certain in its offers of a livelihood to farmers than the valley of the Sacramento, and especially that portion thereof exempt from damages by water. It is in this desirable location that Mr. Chiles carried on grain-raising and stock-raising, and the success of his efforts adds another proof concerning the exceptional advantages offered by the region to men of industrious habits and sagacious judgment. The property near Davis, which was left to him as an inheritance, returns a neat annual income in exchange for his intelligent oversight and practical management. It is said that the barley harvested on the ranch has run as high as forty sacks to the acre, and the wheat has produced twenty sacks to the acre. Which, of course, the average per annum has been less than these gratifying returns, yet under favorable weather conditions excellent crops are always secured.
The adaptability which Mr. Chiles shows for agriculture is the result of training from boyhood, for he passed his early life on the home ranch and surroundings. Born in the city of Sacramento, April 11, 1868, he received an excellent education in the Christian Brothers’ College of that place. Thereafter he continued the duties of the farm, and later he began to operate the two hundred and forty acres left him by his father, Isaac Chiles. Later on his ranch was added to and he now has five hundred and fifty acres. One of his specialties, as previously indicated, is the raising of grain; another is the raising of fine stock. A flock of one hundred head of sheep is kept on the ranch, and there are also fifty head of pure-bred Durham beef cattle, as well as a large drove of Berkshire and Poland-China hogs. For some time he has owned an interest in the imported French stallion Fortuna, and he has raised a number of draft and driving horses of exceptional merit.
The marriage of Mr. Chiles and Miss Clara Callaway was solemnized in 1892 and has been blessed with four sons and one daughter, namely: William E., Richard F., Isaac S., Carol C. and George D. The family of which Mrs. Chiles was a member comprised fourteen children, whose father, Richard Callaway, came across the plains with a large expedition of emigrants during the summer of 1849. At that time he was very young, and it was his privilege to witness the subsequent development of the west through the many years of his identification with its upbuilding. During the early days he engaged in freighting to the gold mines. Many were the dangers that he experienced and many the thrilling scenes in which he bore a part. When California began to be more thickly populated he removed to the newer regions of Oregon and became quite prominent in that state, being a member of its legislature and assisting in the enactment of laws for its permanent development. It has been the desire of Mr. Chiles to assist in local enterprises to the extent of his ability, and his interest has been especially deep in educational matters, he having served as school trustee with efficiency and zeal. The only fraternal organization with which he has identified himself is the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he holds membership with the lodge in Sacramento.
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: “History of Yolo County, California” by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 652 – 653.
Richard L. BEAMER
From the time of his arrival in the west during the eventful year of 1849, until his death thirty years afterward, the honored pioneer, Richard L. Beamer, was identified with the material development of California, and during the greater portion of the long period he engaged in ranching in Yolo county. Nature qualified him admirably for the difficult task of the frontiersman. A robust constitution and sturdy physique enabled him to endure hardships without detriment to his health. Toil made little impress upon his trained muscles. Work, that open sesame to success, was the lodestar that guided him to an ultimate prosperity neither insignificant nor unworthy of a man of ability. Religion had assisted in the formation of his character and he gave of his best to promote churches and also to advance educational interests. All in all, he was a man of well-rounded character and attractive personality.
Descended from an old family of colonial Virginia, Richard L. Beamer was born in Carroll county, that state, February 29, 1816, and during youth learned the trade of cabinet-maker. Drifting toward the west with the tide of migration and civilization, he followed his trade in Tennessee and Missouri and in the latter state also improved a tract of raw land. While living in Missouri he married Miss Rebecca Anderson, a native of White county, Tenn. Their son, Richard H., now a leading citizen of Woodland, was born in July, 1849, while the father was en route to California with an expedition of gold-seekers. After he had reached the mines he tried his luck there and met with some success, but the work did not interest him. In 1852 he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. In that year he bought a raw tract of land near the present site of Woodland. Settlers were few. He knew little or nothing as to crops best suited to the soil and climate. The cultivation of the land was in the nature of an experiment. While there were many drawbacks on account of his ignorance of best methods of cultivation and also by reason of his lack of proper appliances for agricultural efforts, he nevertheless soon proved to his own satisfaction that he could earn a livelihood here.
The question of a livelihood settled, the next enterprise confronting the resolute pioneer was the return to Missouri after his family. Arriving at home in the fall of 1853 he saw for the first time his son, Richard H., a child of four years. During 1854 he brought his wife and child to California and settled on his claim in Yolo county. Eventually he became owner of four hundred and eighty acres of well-improved land, with buildings, fences and other appurtenances of a modern estate. It was on this place his death occurred November 5, 1879, and from here his body was carried to his last resting place, not far from the scenes familiar to him through years of activity. His able helpmate and widow is still living at the age of eighty-seven years, making her home at the old family residence, at the head of North Third street. From youth Mr. Beamer had been identified with the Christian Church, and in his last days the hope and peace of religion encompassed him with a serene happiness. A believer in education, he always regretted his own lack of early advantages, and always aided the young in their efforts to secure schooling. When Hesperian College was established he was one of its most enthusiastic promoters and friends, and he gave freely of time and influence to aid the institution in its struggle for maintenance. The discouraged and the destitute found in him a generous helper and the community enjoyed the benefit of his ripened experience and broad citizenship.
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: “History of Yolo County, California” by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 653 – 654.