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 MOSES MUNSON. The name of William Moses Munson takes high rank among 
the extensive wheat and barley raisers of Stanislaus county. Operating upon leased land 
two thousand acres in extent, this honored promoter of a great western resource evidences 
profound knowledge of his chosen calling, having devoted years to the study of soil and other 
requisites for its successful carrying on. His ranch has the finest equipment known to modern 
grain raisers, and his home and family represent the highest type of community well-being which 
ennobles the western slope. A native son of California, Mr. Munson comes of a family numer- 
ously identified with the coast, and established here in 1849 by his father, Charles Munson, a 
native of Maine and part owner of the boat in which he accomplished the feat of sailing around 
the Horn with his wife. Charles Munson succeeded as a hotel man of French Camp, one of the 
important early settlements of the state, and eventually devoted his entire time to farming until 
shortly before his death in September, 1891, at the age of seventy-one. His wife, Rebecca S. 
(Elsmore) Munson, also a native of Maine, died in 1882, at the age of fifty-seven. This courage- 
ous couple reared their seven sons on their ranch in San Joaquin county, on the old French Camp 
road. All the children were given as good a public school education as the times permitted, and 
thoroughly were trained in everything pertaining to farming. 

William Moses, the fifth oldest of this family, engaged in ranching in San Joaquin county for 
several years, and in 1886 became identified with Stanislaus county, locating on a ranch near 
Turlock. In 1896 he changed to his present ranch of two thousand acres six miles west of Cows 
Landing, which he has since made his home, becoming one of the most prominent and influential 
of the grain raisers of this section. Through his marriage with Josephine Nicewonger, born near 
Stockton, San Joaquin county, Mr. Munson became associated with another pioneer family of 
the state, the head of which is Levi H. Nicewonger, a native of Westmoreland county, Pa., and at 
present living on a farm on the French Camp road. Though seventy-two years of age, Mr. 
Nicewonger is still recognized as one of the successful and extensive farmers of his neighbor- 
hood, evidencing in mind and heart the moderation and common sense which has characterized 
his life. Mr. and Mrs. Munson have an interesting family of seven children, all living at home ; 
namely : Mary, Frankie, Merced, William, Josephine, Gertrude and Levi. For many years Mr. 
Munson has influenced educational matters in Stanislaus county, and as a school director has 
insisted upon a high standard and competent teachers. Politics have played a minor part in his 
career, although for years a Republican, a few years ago he changed his preference to the Dem- 
ocratic party. He leads a busy and practically useful life, is popular among his many friends and 
business associates, and in his home is the personification of kindness and consideration.