El
Dorado County
Biographies
WILLIAM P. WILKINSON
Among those who are devoting their attention to the promotion of the fruit raising interests of the Sacramento valley stands William P. Wilkinson, of Placerville, who is the owner of a fine, productive fruit ranch on Pleasant street and is meeting with noteworthy success as an orchardist. He was born at Howland Flat in Sierra county, California, on the 4th of November, 1870, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Richardson) Wilkinson. Both parents were natives of Middleton, England, where they were reared and married. In 1862 the father came from England to California, making the journey across the isthmus and was followed six years later by his wife. They established their home in Sierra county and remained in that locality until 1882, when they came to Placerville, where the father bought the present Wilkinson home, a well located property, the larger part of which he planted to fruit, which in the course of time developed into one of the best orchards in this section of the valley. Here the parents spent their remaining days, the father dying in 1914 and the mother on March 12, 1926. They became the parents of four children, three daughters, of whom two are deceased, and a son.
William P. Wilkinson received his educational training in the public schools of Placerville, after which he assisted his father in the work of the orchard, of which he took entire charge at the death of his father. He maintains the property in good condition and so manages it that it is giving him a nice financial return for his time and labor.
Mr. Wilkinson was united in marriage to Miss Annie Cameron, who was born in Middleton, England. They have recently returned from a trip to England, where they visited the birthplaces of their respective parents and had a very enjoyable vacation. Mr. Wilkinson is a stanch republican in his political views and is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. He is fond of hunting and fishing, is a congenial and pleasant companion, and throughout the community is deservedly held in high regard, for he is a splendid neighbor and a worthy citizen.
Transcribed
by Joyce Rugeroni.
Source: Wooldridge, J.W. Major History of the Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 87-88. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010 Joyce Rugeroni.
Golden
Nugget Library's El Dorado County Biographies