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 LAWLEY.  This old pioneer, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Franklin County, 
Alabama, December 6, 1818, and is the son of Elijah and Frances Baker Lawley. In his infancy his 
parents moved to Jefferson County of that State, where he was reared on a farm, receiving the 
advantages of the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1840 he moved to Tuskaloosa County in 
said State, where he was alternately engaged in teaching and superintending plantations, mills, 
marble-works, etc. In the year 1852 he came to California, worked in the mines for a short time, and 
then rented the Kellogg Farm in Napa County. In 1854 he established himself in the grain business in 
Napa City, erecting during that year the well-known Banner Warehouse. He continued in the grain 
business until 1872, at which time he parted with his warehouse interests, and having purchased a 
large tract of land in Berryessa Valley, moved thither and immediately began the business of farming, 
which he continued until 1877, when he engaged in mining for quicksilver in Pope Valley. His present 
residence is on the hills at the head of this valley and adjoins the celebrated Phoenix Quicksilver Mine, 
of which he is principal owner. In 1866 he built the toll road over St. Helena Mountain in Napa County. 
Was married August 15, 1854, to Cynthia Ann Williams, who was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, 
February 14, 1823, and by this union they have four children, to-wit: Mary F., born September 13, 
1855; Charles A, born September 22, 1857; Harry B., born September 27, 1859, and Ada W., born April 
30, 1863. Mr. Lawley has always been an active business man, but one of varying fortunes. Possessing 
a heart of kindly impulse, a generosity without limit, his good nature has often been imposed upon by 
the selfish and mercenary, greatly to his loss. In a life so long identified with Napa County, he has been 
a prominent factor in all that pertains to its permanent growth and prosperity, and now at three score 
years and more, he has scarce an enemy in the land.