Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

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

 
WILLIAM A. WILSON 
 
is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser residing one mile southwest of the city 
of Compton, where he owns and manages 140 acres of land. He was born in Jackson 
County, Missouri, in 1834, and is the son of John and Signa (Bradley) Wilson, 
both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and of German origin. The father was a 
farmer and moved to Jackson County, Missouri, where he and his wife both died 
when the subject of this sketch was but a small boy. He was thus early thrown 
upon his own resources, and worked by the day and farmed some in Missouri 
previous to his marriage. This event occurred in 1855, and the lady he selected 
for a partner through life was Margaret Burress, a native of Missouri, and the 
daughter of John and Jeannette Burress, both of whom are living. In two years 
after their marriage, with their first child, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson started for 
California. Their train consisted of eighteen families and twenty-six wagons, 
and their journey was completed after being on the way six months, lacking six 
days. One incident connected with their trip across the plains will be found of 
interest to many of the readers of this work. At the time they arrived in Salt 
Lake, Utah, it being late in the season, the Captain concluded to go the 
Southern route to California, as it was much warmer. Just before they left Salt 
Lake, another train started from there, called the Arkansas train. They also 
took the Southern route, but did not go far before they were all killed in the 
famous Mountain Meadow Massacre. Shortly after leaving Salt Lake some difficulty 
arose causing a division of the train, a part of it going in advance and the 
other following a short distance behind. One evening, after the advance party 
had encamped, some Mormons came to the camp and said if they wanted to save the 
other party they had better send some men and bring them up as soon as they 
could, as the Indians were going to attack them that evening. Ten of the Mormons 
accompanied ten of the men after the party in the rear. As they were going up a 
long ca�on they were fired upon by the Indians, or, as some supposed, disguised 
Mormons, some of the bullets going through the wagon covers, and some passing 
through the hats of some of the party. None were injured, however. Several 
nights afterward, as they lay encamped near the small Mormon town of Beaver, the 
Mormons came to the train and told them they had better make treaties with the 
Indians. Accordingly, the next morning they sent three of the party up to the 
town to make treaties. As soon as they got in the town the Indians (or disguised 
Mormons) commenced firing on them, wounding two, the other Mormons going in 
their houses and shutting the doors. The next morning the Mormons would not 
allow the emigrants to leave camp until they had paid something to the Indians. 
So they paid a large sum in cattle and clothes, and were allowed to go on their 
way. The Mormons would not allow them to pass the scene of the massacre, so they 
had to make a large detour out of their road. In some places they had to let 
their wagons down mountains or precipices with ropes. They were compelled to 
make other treaties with the Indians (or Mormons), paying out altogether, in 
cattle and clothing, about $2,600, everything being appraised at low Missouri 
prices. After making the last treaty at a place called the Muddy, they had about 
1,000 cattle left. They then went only a short distance before the Indians 
stampeded all of their cattle, leaving only the wagons and teams to pull them, 
after which they saw nothing more of Mormons or Indians. Mr. Wilson lived one 
year in San Bernardino County, and then moved to Los Angeles County, where he 
rented a farm near El Monte, which he fanned for twelve years. He subsequently 
purchased the place on which he now lives, then all a vast wilderness, covered 
with mustard fifteen feet high. A comfortable residence now stands where once 
all was rugged and wild, and his well-kept herds of cattle and horses, grazing 
on the fertile fields, show that the owner of this farm has enjoyed his share of 
prosperity. Mr. Wilson is one of the men who "made it for himself." When he 
arrived in California he had not a dollar in the world, was in debt $35, and his 
only possession was two or three cows. He has certainly shown what a man by 
energy and perseverance can do. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have reared a large family, 
in all eleven children, ten of whom are living: Sarah Frances, now the wife of 
Lycurgus McSwain; William Albert, who married Nancy Carter; James Henry, who 
married Ollie McGray; Mary Signa, wife of James B. Proctor; John Thomas, who 
married Mary E. Lee; Jennettie; Maggie, who died July 25, 1875; Annie Mabel, 
Minnie Alice, George Andrew and Bertha Edna. They have also reared an adopted 
nephew, Elijah Lee Farriel, who is still with them. Socially Mr. Wilson is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. at Compton, Centennial Lodge, No. 247. Politically he 
is a firm believer in, and a strong supporter of; the principles as taught by 
the Democratic party.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 676
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler