Contra Costa County
Biographies
EZRA WRIGHTON
The name of Wrighton is one well known and honored in this section of Contra Costa county, for it belongs to pioneers who have given their best efforts toward the advancement of the country's interest along the agricultural line, as well as in a moral way by the example of a sober, earnest and intelligent citizenship. The father brought his family of six children, John, William, Thomas, Ezra, Caleb and Jessie, to America after the death of his wife, who was formerly Elizabeth Mallot, a native of England. They located in St. Louis, Mo., where they made their home for some time thence removing to Utah. Deciding to locate in California the father and two sons came to Vallejo, Solano county, where they engaged in carpenter work until 1866. Coming to Contra Costa county in that year they purchased three quarter sections of government land, upon which they built a house, partly of adobe and partly of wood, lumber being scarce at that time. The old house is still standing upon the ranch. The father spent his last days in this location, passing away at the age of seventy-nine years.
Ezra Wrighton, the subject of this review, was born in Warwick, England, and came to America with his father and brothers at an early age. With the passing away of the father, Ezra Wrighton and his brother Caleb entered into general farming upon the home ranch, engaging in stock-raising and the cultivation of grain, in which they have continued successfully since. Especially worthy of mention is the fact that ever since their association in business these two brothers have worked together harmoniously with never a murmur of dissatisfaction or discontent, having one bank account and both being equal in the management of the property. Both brothers are held in the highest esteem throughout the community and have a large circle of friends.
The old adobe house built in the early days is kept now only as a landmark, for a commodious and comfortable residence has long since taken its place as the home of the family. It is presided over by Ezra Wrighton's wife, formerly Mrs. Matilda (Garcia) Grass, a native of Mexico. Her father was one of the early settlers in California, during the days of the Spanish grants. By her first marriage Mrs. Wrighton has two children, namely: Joseph, and Lulu, now Mrs. Millard.
Transcribed
11-23-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 1397-1398. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Marilyn R. Pankey.
Contra Costa County Biographies