California Biographies

Source:
History of Napa and Lake Counties
San Francisco, Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers. 1881

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011

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


JOHN CYRUS.  This old pioneer of thirty-five years residence in Napa County, is the son of Enoch and 
Rebecca Cook Cyrus, and was born in Hancock County, Illinois, March 20, 1831. He remained in his 
birthplace until he was three years of age, and then, with his parents, moved to Iowa and located near 
the present site of Burlington, this being several years before Iowa was admitted into the Union, 
where they remained for two years engaged in farming. In the fall of 1836 he moved, with his parents, 
to Burton County, Missouri, where he resided on a farm for one year. He then moved to Jackson 
County, that State, and remained in that locality until 1845. He then moved to Andrew County, that 
State, and engaged in farming for one year. In the latter part of March, 1846, he started with his 
parents to cross the plains to California, crossing the Missouri River at St. Joseph and coming the old 
emigrant route via Salt Lake and Humboldt, first entering this State at Truckee and coming by Donner 
Lake, arriving in Sacramento October 21,1846. Staying there but a short time, he proceeded to Napa 
Valley, arriving in the first part of November 1846. On arriving in Napa Valley, Mr. Cyrus, with his 
parents, first settled on what is known as the Yount grant and carried on general farming there for two 
years. They then moved to Calistoga where his father took charge of a ranch for Mr. Fowler. In the 
spring of 1850 Mr. Cyrus' father bought the farm that the subject of this sketch now resides upon, one 
mile west of Calistoga. Here, in 1853, the father of the old pioneer died; his mother passing away in 
1873. Mr. Cyrus has prospected in mining at different periods, and is now engaged in some extensive 
mines in Modoc County. He was nominated in 1877 as candidate for County Treasurer on the 
Republican ticket but was defeated by A. G. Boggs. It can be truthfully said that Mr. Cyrus is honored 
and respected by all those having the pleasure of his acquaintance, as he is known for his truthfulness, 
honesty and generosity throughout the community in which he lives and after a residence of thirty-
five years' duration, he is now enjoying the comforts of a happy home beside the wife of his youth, 
beloved by his children and friends and respected by the citizens of the county in which he dwells. Mr. 
Cyrus was married June 5, 1855, to Miss Lavina Graves, a native of Illinois, who was born July 3, 1834, 
and by this union they have five living children: Henry E., born April 12, 1859; James W., born February 
10,1861; Mary A., born April 26,1863; Sarah G., born December 11, 1866, and Rachel K, born January 27, 
1873.