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


HORACE L. WELLER. Son of William and Sarah Hutchinson Welter, was born in Oswego County, New 
York, May 5, 1837, and remained in his birthplace until he was twenty-one years of age. In his native 
town he learned the tinner's trade. He then, May 5, 1858, started for the Golden State, coming via 
Panama, sailing from New York on board the "Moses Taylor" to Aspinwall, and on the Pacific side took 
passage on board the "Sonora," arriving in San Francisco in June, 1858. Remaining there but a short 
time he came to Napa Valley, and followed harvesting for one season, and then in the fall went to the 
mines in Yuba County, and engaged in that occupation for two years. He then returned to San 
Francisco and engaged in the wood and coal business, remaining in this about six months. He then, in 
August, 1861, returned East, and on his arrival in New York enlisted in the 110th Volunteer Infantry for 
three years, and served in the 19th Army Corps, and the Department of the Gulf under General Banks, 
and took part in all the engagements that his corps participated in. He served two years and eight 
months, and then, on account of sickness, was discharged, and returned home to New York, where he 
sojourned for about six months. He then moved to and settled in Hall County, Nebraska, and engaged 
in farming, and remained in that place for ten years. He then, in 1875, moved with his family to 
California, and settled in Calistoga, and engaged in farming two miles from town, following this for four 
years. We next find Mr. Weller in town engaged in the butcher business, in which he continued for 
two years. He then sold out this business, and taking up a mining claim, located in Kings Canon, he 
began to operate in mining, and is now engaged in opening up what is known as the California claim, 
with very flattering prospects. Mr. Weller was united in marriage in Hall County, Nebraska, to Mrs. 
Hannah B. Shaw, a native of Wisconsin, born January 30, 1842. By this union they have two children, 
one son and one daughter, Cora Ellen, born October 28, 1877, and George Frederick, born January 25, 
1879.