MRS. JENNIE V. WRISTON

Sacramento County

Biographies

Closely identified with Galt and its vicinity for many years, Mrs. Jennie V. Wriston is one of its most esteemed residents, having contributed much to its progressive ideals. During her long residence here she has been very prominent in the Rebekahs and besides being a past noble grand of that order, she has written an interesting history of the Galt Lodge. Mrs. Wriston, who was born in Chicago, Ill., was the daughter of S. M. and Naomi (Rice) Ferguson, the former a native of New York and the latter of Rhode Island. The father came to California in 1852, and after remaining awhile started back to his home in Chicago, but was never heard from, so it was supposed that he was murdered while on his journey.

Mrs. Wriston was educated in the Scammon school in Chicago and in 1870 she came to San Francisco, where on June 14 of that year she was married to Samuel E. Wriston, who was born at Jacksonville, Ill., March 19, 1834. Mr. Wriston had come to California across the plains in 1852, and after mining a short time, engaged in the cattle business. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wriston came to Galt and Mr. Wriston became extensively interested in the cattle business here, owning a ranch of 422 acres west of Galt and also a range in the mountains for his stock. He was also in the retail meat business, having a butcher shop at Galt and four meat routes, covering the vicinity of Galt and Elk Grove. With Charles Harvey of Galt he also owned the present site of the Tahoe Hotel of Lake Tahoe. Mr. and Mrs. Wriston became the parents of three children: Carrie F. died when nine years old; Charles R. lives at Stockton; and Samuel Chester died in infancy. After a long and useful life, Mr. Wriston passed away on November 2, 1909, and he was deeply missed, especially in the ranks of the Odd Fellows, having been noble grand of the local lodge several times.

The present home of Mrs. Wriston has quite an interesting history. It originally stood on the banks of Dry Creek, where the State Highway now crosses it. In those days there was no bridge across the stream, and it was used as a stopping-place for travelers when the rains made it impossible for stages to cross the creek. This house was then known throughout this vicinity as the “Old Folks’ Home” and when Galt was laid out it was moved there and used as a hotel, being the first hostelry in this part of the county. Most of the lumber in it came around the Horn in a sailing vessel, and a settee and set of chairs still used by Mrs. Wriston also came to California by this route. After the house had been used for a hotel for some years, Mr. Wriston purchased it and remodeled it into a comfortable home and Mrs. Wriston has continued to reside there since his passing away. Mrs. Wriston belongs to Rei Rebekah Lodge No. 132, I. O. O. F., of Galt. She named it and was its first noble grand, first past noble grand and first district deputy, and is still an active member.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 514. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.