California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


WILLIAM E. KEWIN. In the business which he conducts, that of liveryman and dealer 
in feed, Mr. Kewin has made himself a commercial factor of Modesto, to which city he 
came in 1892. During the comparatively brief period which has since elapsed he has estab- 
lished a large trade, now owning twenty-five vehicles and twenty-five head of horses, and also 
handling grain and hay in large quantities. An interest which has netted him considerable 
money has been the buying and selling of horses, this having proved of much profit during the 
Boer war. Mr. Kewin also owns forty acres of alfalfa in the Modesto irrigation district. A 
native of Illinois, he was born at Gardner, Grundy county, December 24, 1865, the son of 
William Kewin. 

William Kewin was born on the Isle of Man, and upon attaining manhood he came to the 
United States, locating first in Wisconsin, from which state he later removed to Grundy county, 
Ill., locating in the latter state in 1861. where he remained as a farmer until his death. He 
married Elizabeth James, of Wisconsin, in which state her death occurred in 1884. Of the four 
sons and two daughters born to them three sons attained maturity. 

William E. Kewin received his education in the common schools of Illinois, where he made 
his home until he was twenty years old. Deciding then to seek a home in the west, he came 
to California, and located in Salida, Stanislaus county, where he worked for a period of five 
years. In 1890 he rented land and engaged as a farmer on his own resources, acquiring suffi- 
cient means to enable him to enter in 1892 upon his present lucrative business. Energy, perse- 
verance and undoubted ability have been the foundation upon which Mr. Kewin has reared 
his financial success, and the esteem of all who know him is given him for the evidence of the 
many qualities which distinguish his character. In this city he was united in marriage with 
Annie M. Cocking, a native of Michigan, and they have now a pleasant home. Fraternally 
Mr. Kewin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and 
the Masons, being a member of the Blue Lodge. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and is 
active in his support of the principles which he indorses. Recognized as a citizen of ability 
he has been called upon to serve as a member of the city council for one year.