WILLIAM M. MAXWELL
WILLIAM M. MAXWELL.--A very interesting couple, representing worthy pioneer families, are Mr. and Mrs. William M. Maxwell, enterprising stock-raisers of Sacramento County. William M. Maxwell was born at Placerville, Cal., November 4, 1859. His father, William Maxwell, was born in Kentucky and came across the plains to California in 1850. He mined at Placerville; and there, too, he married Miss Catherine Parsons, who was also born in Kentucky and had crossed the plains in the early gold days. William Maxwell, the father, died in Placerville, while the mother died in Douglas County, Nev. Of the five children born to them, William M. is the third born and the only one living.
William M. Maxwell was reared in Placerville and in Alpine and Mono Counties, receiving his education in the public schools in the various districts where he lived. When ten years of age he went to work for T. B. Richey, a cattleman in Mono County, and with him learned to ride the
range and to rope and brand cattle. He continued with him twelve or fifteen years, during which time he acquired such adeptness and thoroughness in all that pertained to the cattle business that Mr. Rickey made him foreman of the ranch. During these years he became known as one of the best riders and horsemen on the range, and was an expert at breaking horses and training them for cow-ponies. Those were indeed good old times, as he now says when, in reminiscent mood, his thoughts turns back to those early and glorious days of his career.
At Woodfords, Alpine County, on Christmas day, 1883, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage with Miss Emma Trimmer, a native daughter of the Golden State, born in Diamond Valley, Alpine County, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Hunsaker) Trimmer, natives of England and Utah respectively. They were married in Utah, and in 1849 crossed the mountains to California, locating in Alpine County, where they were successful farmers and stock-raisers until they sold out to enjoy the fruits of their industry and labor. They are now living in well-earned retirement in Santa Barbara, a wonderfully well-preserved old pioneer couple. They were blessed with twelve children, nine of whom are living. Emma being the third in order of birth. She spent her childhood on the home farm and grew up to enjoy the great out-of-doors, acquiring the health and strength that have enabled her to do for her family and be an able helpmate to her husband. At the same time she acquired a good education in the local schools and then remained at home and assisted her mother industriously until her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell started in the stock business in Alpine County, preempting and home-steading land; and as they prospered they added to their holdings until they became owners of 700 acres, besides leasing considerable range land where they ran their stock. They met with deserved success; but meantime the years of strenuous work and the hardships of frontier life told on Mr. Maxwell, and his health became poorly. So in 1920 they sold out and located at Carbondale, Sacramento County, purchasing the present ranch of 204 acres, where they ran sheep and cattle. Mrs. Maxwell also owns a ranch; so together they own 640 acres, a splendid holding located on Lagoon Creek, with running water the whole year through, making it a splendid stock ranch. Their union has been blessed with two children: William, who makes his home with his parents; and Mrs. Emma Jauch, who also lives on the Maxwell ranch. They also reared, as their own child, Eona Maxwell Archer, now the wife of Don Shields, of Oakland.
Mr. Maxwell is a member of Gardenville Lodge No. 36, at Gardenville, Nev., and also of Carson City Lodge No. 4, K. of P.; while Mrs. Maxwell is a member of Ione Lodge of the Rebekahs. Both are members of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Maxwell in early days followed sheep-shearing, in which he was very adept, being considered very expert and rapid in his work. While shearing for Joseph Giraud at Markleyville, Alpine County, his photograph was taken while at work; and this is reproduced in the eighth grade school history. He speaks Spanish fluently. During his years of range-riding and horse breaking, he has had many exciting escapades and has met up with many interesting characters. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are great home folks, full of the milk of human kindness, and it is a pleasure to visit them and enjoy their hospitality. They are firm believers in protection as the fundamental principle for the success of the nation, and accordingly are strong Republicans in their political views.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 751-752. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA.
1923.
© 2007 Jeanne Taylor.