Contra Costa County Biography

WILLIAM W. MORGANS

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

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

 
               William W. Morgans, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading 
and enterprising business men of Brentwood, has won merited success. He is 
engaged in the general mercantile business and was born in Nortonville, Contra 
Costa County, January 3, 1869. His father, Watkin P. Morgans, is a native of 
Wales, and was born in 1842. He came to America with his parents when a mere 
child, and they located in Pennsylvania. Watkin P. came to the Coast in January, 
1864, via the Panama route. He followed mining for some years, and married in 
Sutter Creek to Elizabeth Davis, and her death occurred in 1892. In 1868 he 
removed to Nortonville, where he was identified with the mines for a number of 
years as assistant superintendent. William W. Morgans, the only son, received 
his education in the public schools of Nortonville, after which he attended a 
military college in Sonoma County. He then took a business course, and at the 
age of  seventeen years he entered the general store of W. A. Davis, of 
Brentwood. He was soon made manager of the store. This position he filled in a 
capable manner, and under his management the business expanded. Later the 
business was made a stock company. In 1906 Mr. Morgans bought out the other 
stockholders, and has since run the business in such a manner as to cause its 
growth and expansion until today it is one of the largest and best mercantile 
stores in Eastern Contra Costa County. Mr. Morgans gives his political support 
to the Republican party. He served as school trustee for many years and during 
his office he was instrumental in freeing the school debt. Fraternally, he is a 
member of the Masonic Lodge of Brentwood, and the chapter of Antioch. In 
November, 1890, Mr. Morgans was united in marriage to Ida L. Wills, daughter of 
Thomas N. Wills, one of the old and respected citizens who came to this county 
in the early days and bought much land where Antioch is now located. There were 
two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgans. One child died in infancy, and 
William J., born in 1891, is assisting in the store. Mr. Morgans is regarded as 
a reliable and progressive business man, and takes a keen interest in matters 
pertaining to the development and upbuilding of Brentwood and surrounding 
country.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California, Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 583-584.