Contra
Costa County
Biographies
WILLIAM
C. WILLIAMSON
WILLIAM C. WILLIAMSON. In the eastern part of Contra Costa county,
just south of Antioch, is located the well-improved and highly cultivated ranch
of William C. Williamson, which evidences the ability, energy and industry
of its prosperous owner. He came to the
state empty-handed less than thirty years ago, a young man of twenty years, his
only capital a strong constitution and unlimited ambition, and from the foot of
the ladder has climbed steadily upward until he holds rank to-day with the most
successful ranchers of the county.
A native of Missouri,
Mr. Williamson was born October 27, 1858, a son of Jesse and Missouri
Ann (Stallcup) Williamson, the father being a miller
by trade. He was reared and educated in
Sullivan county, Mo., remaining in that location until 1878, when he decided to
try his fortunes on the Pacific slope.
Accordingly he came west in that year and located at Mendocino City,
where he spent one year in the lumber section; but not content with his
prospects for future success, he came to Contra Costa county and rented a ranch
upon which he engaged in the cultivation of grain. He met with a success which brought him
financial returns sufficient to justify the purchase of a quarter-section of
land in 1888 from Mrs. Thomas Shannon.
This property he continued to cultivate and improve, and when it was all
paid for he immediately purchased two hundred and forty acres more, all of this
land being now devoted to the cultivation of wheat, barley and hay, the first
named, however, occupying the greater part of his attention. Among the improvements which have added value
to his property are a comfortable residence and commodious barn.
In California, in November, 1888,
Mr. Williamson was united in marriage with Elizabeth Shannon, a native of
the state, and a daughter of Thomas Shannon, who is now deceased. They are the parents of seven children,
namely: Nellie, William, John, Mabel, Aubry, Francis
and Leslie. Fraternally
Mr. Williamson belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a
charter member of the Knights of the Maccabees.
Transcribed by Donna Toole.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 996-999. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Donna Toole.
Contra Costa County Biographies