California Biographies Mendocino and Lake Counties, California Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California With Biographical Sketches History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry Illustrated, Complete In One Volume Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914 W. W. P. BRUTON. � One of the most valuable tracts along the Lower Lake road in the Mountain District precinct (formerly part of South Kelsey- ville), Lake county, is the Ogden ranch, left by the late Philo Ogden. and now owned by his daughters, Mrs. W. W. P. Bruton and Miss Marie Ogden. It is managed by Mr. Bruton, who has been very successful in the care of this extensive property, which comprises one thousand and seventy acres. Mr. Bruton is also well known in the locality through his activity in promot- ing the Mountain Improvement Association, which has established a social center whose success has attracted wide attention and has been most credit- able to the officials who have had charge of its affairs. William Wirt Pendergast Bruton was born in Lake county August 28, 1870, son of Josiah Jackson Bruton, of Lakeport, of whose life and ancestry a full account appears in this work. W. W. P. Bruton spent his early years on the parental farm two miles south of Lakeport, and was still a boy when the family settled in the town. He received his education in the public schools and at Lakeport Academy. When only twenty years old he became deputy postmaster there, holding the position for six years. The four years following he farmed in Scotts valley, and then entered into his present line, painting and paperhanging. His good taste and skillful work have brought him a large and steady custom, and his business-like methods have made satisfied patrons wherever he has been engaged. Meantime he has also served six years as deputy sheriff, having been appointed under John P. Moore. He has also been justice of the peace at Lakeport for four years, and in every capacity has given such excellent service that he is considered a worthy repre- sentative of a name which his honored father's life has brought into such high repute in Lakeport. His active intelligence and practical attainments have won recognition for him, and he is known to almost every resident of Lake county. He is a good judge in agricultural matters, and looks after the farming and stock interests of the Ogden ranch systematically, yet with all these interests he has found time for social affairs, and he has co-operated with other influential citizens of his neighborhood in establishing the improve- ment association above referred to; he and his wife are leaders in its activities. It was formed to promote social gatherings in the locality, and has proved so popular that the active membership has reached sixty already. The associa- tion has built and owns a commodious hall, where under its auspices a number of plays have been presented, concerts and other entertainments held. Town, political, social and religious meetings of all kinds have been called there, and various social functions have taken place. As it is large and centrally located it is a convenient gathering place, available for. many occasions, and the idea has taken a hold on the community which even its most enthusiastic advocates did not foresee. It has been surprising to note the histrionic and musical talents which have come to light since its inception. Several of the home talent plays have been so successful as to attract wide publicity, and favorable comment from the press and general public shows how thoroughly the objects of the association are approved. The officers are: W. W. P. Bruton, presi- dent; LeRoy St. John, vice-president; Annie M. Cary, secretary; George F. Hesse, treasurer. The trustees are George E. Cary, Dr. Waldo and Roy Wilds. In June, 1908, Mr. Bruton married Miss Alice Ogden, daughter of Philo and Matilda (Mead) Ogden, who were married in Illinois, Mr. Ogden belong- ing to the family famous in the history of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Ogden later lived in Colorado, where he improved a ranch which he sold on coming to California, in 1892. Here he purchased a ranch near Upper Lake, in Lake county, on which they lived for fourteen years, nine years ago selling it and buying the place in the Mountain District precinct previously referred to, where Mr. and Mrs. Bruton now reside. Mr. Ogden died in 1911, at the age of seventy-one years, his wife surviving him but six weeks. Her death occurred at Lakeport. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ogden, of whom three survive ; Robert, who is engaged in a smelter at Durango, Colo. ; Alice, Mrs. Bruton ; and Marie, joint owner with Mrs. Bruton of the Ogden ranch, who resides at Coronado Beach, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Bruton have one child, Warren Ogden. Mrs. Bruton belongs to the Rebekahs at Lakeport. Mr. Bruton holds membership in the Christian Church there. He is a Democrat in political connection.