California Biographies
Acton, William

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Acton William. Was born in Manchester, England, February 26, 1848. Started with
his father's family for California, in May, 1853, leaving Liverpool on the 15th
of that month, and after a stormy voyage around Cape Horn, arrived in San
Francisco October 15th of the same year. In May 1854, his father came to
Petaluma, and shortly afterwards went into business there; subsequently he
removed to New Windsor, and in 1856, opened the first store in Ukiah valley,
which was then included in Sonoma county, near the present site of the city of
Ukiah. In 1859, the family returned to Petaluma. January 4, 1865, Wm. Acton
enlisted in Company D, Eighth Infantry, California Volunteers, and on the 28th
of October of the same year, was honorably discharged. He then returned to
Petaluma, and served an apprenticeship at carriage making, and was the first
apprentice that served his full time at any trade in Sonoma county. He afterward
taught school in various districts in this and adjoining counties until November
20, 1877, when he became connected with the Sonoma Democrat, as local editor,
which position he still retains.

Source: HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY, Alley, Bowen & Co. 1880