Sutter-Yuba County Biographies

WILLIAM H. STAFFORD

Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler

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

            One of the most enterprising of progressive business men, William H. 
Stafford, the well-known warehouseman of Live Oak, wields a commanding influence 
in the commercial and civic circles of the town and county.  A native of the 
Empire State, he was born at Rochester on February 3, 1855, the son of William 
and Grace (Dukelow) Stafford, who came to California in 1862, and located at 
Marysville, in the stirring days of its earlier importance as a mining center.  
They came by way of the Isthmus, bringing their four children with them; and for 
four years lived in Marysville and Yuba City.  In 1864 they took up ranching, 
moving first onto seventy-five acres in Sutter County, a tract which is now the 
south end of Yuba City, where they were located for two years; and while there, 
Mr. Stafford, who was an expert pattern-maker, also worked in the foundry at 
Marysville.  He was a useful man in his day and generation; and in his demise he 
was widely mourned.  Mrs. Stafford is still living, at Sacramento, having 
already attained the remarkable age of ninety-six years.
            William H. Stafford went to the public schools in Marysville, and 
then for some years worked on the home ranch.  Later he conducted a blacksmith 
shop in Live Oak for eight years, after which he went into the general 
merchandise business, and was a merchant here for thirty years.  Selling out, he 
embarked in warehousing, specializing in farm produce; and in this enterprise he 
has been more than successful.  He is public-spirited, and deeply interested in 
all that tends to hasten the day when Sutter County and the Golden State shall 
come into their own.
            At Live Oak, Mr. Stafford was married to Miss Addie L. Blake, of 
Maine, a gifted lady, who has always been the center of a circle of devoted 
friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Stafford became the parents of two children, Mary T., and 
William H., Jr.

History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p.  577