Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 5 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 28

The career of D. A. Williams, one of Fresno County's successful vineyardists and horticulturists, furnishes a splendid example of what is commonly termed, a self-made man. He is a man of sterling integrity and worth and is highly esteemed in the community near Fowler, where he owns a ranch of 120 acres, on Adams Avenue, one mile west of Fowler. A native of the Lone Star State. Mr. Williams was born on December 3, 1866, near Georgetown. Texas, a son of William C. and Eliza (Ellison) Williams. His grandfather. Aaron Williams, was born in Virginia, but migrated to Tennessee and it was in this state that W. C. the father of D. A. Williams, the subject of this review, was born. The Williams family are descendants of Scotch ancestry, although D. A. Williams claims a trace of Welsh blood from his paternal grandmother. His mother's progenitors, the Ellisons, were natives of the Emerald Isle who immigrated to the United States, settling in Alabama during the early days of American history and later moving to North Carolina, then to Tennessee, afterwards to Texas and finally the present representatives of the Ellison family migrated to the Golden State. Both the Williams and Ellison families have experienced the trials, hardships and excitements of pioneer settlers. William C. Williams, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a scout and cavalryman during the Civil War, serving in the Confederate Army. At one time he farmed and raised cattle in Williamson County, Texas.

D. A. Williams was united in marriage with Estella Glossbrenner, daughter of A. F. Glossbrenner, of Fowler, Cal., the ceremony being solemnized in Mason County, Texas.

He was identified with the farming and cattle business in Texas, but owing to failing health, he moved from there to the Salt River Valley, Ariz., where he was interested in cattle-raising for six or seven years.

He arrived in Arizona with his wife and five children, and only five dollars in cash. Being undaunted by adversity and fully determined to succeed, he struggled along and by hard work, intelligent efforts and economical habits, he eventually succeeded.

In 1907 he moved to Fowler, Fresno County, Cal., and was engaged in the butcher business from 1909 to 1914. During the year 1913, he purchased his present ranch of 120 acres, one mile west of Fowler. By applying the same system of hard work and intelligent management to the raisin industry, that he did to the cattle business, Mr. Williams has succeeded equally as well and has gained for himself the reputation of being one of Fresno County's most successful vineyardists and horticulturists.

He is very public-spirited and always interested in those movements that have as their aim the upbuilding of the best interests of the community. He still possesses his Mexican lariat which he used about thirty-five years ago and can throw it today as well and effectively as any cow-boy.

Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Williams are the parents of six children, of whom they are justly proud: Lela, married George Wilkins and they reside one-half mile northwest of Fowler; Mabel, is the wife of Porter Brown, and they live in Fowler, where he is the foreman of the Phoenix Packing House; Lois, was the assistant postmaster at Fowler, she married Ervin Freer, of Fowler; William, married Mary Jackson, and assists in running the Williams home place near Fowler; Max answered the call of his country and served in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in May, 1919, and is now assisting his father on the home farm. He was married July 31, 1919, to Miss Jonnie Newton of Fresno. Robert, who is eleven years of age, is at home. Mr. Williams is a man of high ideals and unquestioned integrity and his family are highly respected in their community.