Ventura County Biographies

E. B. Williams

Submitted by Sandy Neder

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

 
E. B. Williams is a native of New York city and dates his birth March 7, 1828. 
He is a son of Clark Williams, who was born in Rensselaer County, New York, in 
1801. The family were of Welsh origin and were pioneers of the eastern part of 
this country. His mother, Lucinda (Brewer) Williams, was born on the Hudson 
River. His parents had thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, nine of 
whom are now living. His father was largely engaged in business, was a merchant 
in New York, had canal boats and was also a lumber dealer. Mr. Williams was 
educated in New York and, being the oldest son, aided his father in both the 
store and in the charge of the boats, from Buffalo to New York city. He 
afterward became a boat owner and did a freighting business for thirteen years.
In 1858 he came to California and settled in San Francisco, where he took charge 
of the spice factory of Hudson company. he conducted that business for nine and 
a half years, sending their spices to all parts of the State. Mr. Williams came 
to Santa Paula in 1867 and started the first grist-mill in the county, at 
Saticoy, which was run by horse power. The machinery was afterward moved to 
Santa Paula, where Mr. Williams used the water power. He bought property here 
and devoted a part of his time to agricultural pursuits. In 1868 Mr. Williams 
went to Ventura with a colony to organize the Congregational church, and was one 
of the charter members, the pastor being Rev. M. B. Star.
Mr. Williams was married, in 1850, to Miss Elisabeth Rogers, daughter of Peter 
and Hester Rogers, of Oneida County, New York. Her father was a native of 
Massachusetts. Their union has been blessed with five children: Edward D., 
Eldret M., Fanny, B.H., Llewellyn A. and Charles A.
In 1884 Edward B. and Eldret purchased a valuable ranch, a mile square, one mile 
west of Santa Paula. this is principally a stock farm, and they are raising 
draft and blooded horses, grade Durham cattle and Berkshire hogs. These young 
men were educated in San Francisco and are practical stock men. Eldret M. has 
special charge of the horses. Their property is beautifully located in one of 
the richest valleys in Southern California.
Edward B. Williams dates his birth December 21, 1851. He was married in 1881 to 
Miss Lizy Butcher. She was born December 29, 1860, in Canada and removed with 
her father to Michigan when she was quite young. They have two children: Aneta, 
born in Ventura, April 6, 1886; and Howard, born in Santa Paula, October 10, 
1888. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Eldret M. was born December 3, 1854, and is still a single man; one of excellent 
habits and character.
 
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS 
OBISPO, AND VENTURA, CALIF. by Ida Addis Storke, 1891, p 309