San Joaquin County
Biographies
WILLIAM H. FAIRCHILD
W. H. FAIRCHILD, deceased,
was born in Pennsylvania in 1819. He was raised on a farm, and emigrated to
Illinois at any early age with his widowed mother, his father having died when
he was very young. He remained with his mother until her death, her support and
comfort in her declining years. In 1846 he started for Oregon, but afterward
changed his mind and came to California. They landed in Monterey in 1846, among
the earliest settlers in California. Mr. Fairchild engaged in hauling lumber
with ox teams, remaining in Monterey until the discovery of gold, when they
made their way to Stockton and went to mining. Not being very successful he
gave it up and returned to teaming, which he followed for some time, then
started a feed stable in Stockton, running it for about two years, when he
rented it and returned East in 1852. In 1853 he purchased stock, sheep and
cattle, and drove them across the plains. He continued this for a number of
years, and was very successful at the enterprise. He was one of the number who
received 160 acres from Captain Weber as a gift, in consequence of their being
the oldest settlers in California. He was, by the way, a great friend of
Captain Weber’s. He afterward purchased more land adjoining his 160 acres. He
was one of the most successful farmers in this county.
He was married in 1853 to Miss Annie Gray,
a native of Scotland. They have nine children--five boys and four girls--seven
of whom are living, viz: Mrs. M. F. Merrill; W. E., resident of Santa Barbara;
Mrs. A. B. Treadwell; C. C.; Mrs. Swain, of Stockton; F. G.; A. B.
Mr. Fairchild died in 1882, at the age of
sixty-three years. He is still remembered by his many friends and
acquaintances. His wife is still living, and makes her home on the old place,
which is situated five miles from Stockton, on the Waterloo road.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County,
California, Pages 241-242. Lewis Pub.
Co. Chicago, Illinois 1890.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Golden Nugget Library's San Joaquin County
Biographies
Golden Nugget Library's San Joaquin County
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