Napa-Yolo County CA Archives Biographies.....Elgin, W. A. 1829 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 30, 2006, 7:36 pm

Author: Lewis Publishing Co. (1891)

HON. W. A. ELGIN.—One of the old and respected citizens of St. Helena is Judge
W. A. Elgin, who first came to the town in 1857, when it was but a country
village, containing but two stores. He engaged at once in a general merchandise
business, continuing it until 1860, when he sold out and began raising grapes,
being one of the pioneers of this part to engage in that business. In 1865 he
sold his vineyard, and in 1867 started a livery stable, which still exists,
being carried on by his son, C. E. In 1879 Mr. Elgin was elected Justice of the
Peace, and was re-elected for four successive terms, holding office in all for
eight years. In 1860-'61 he was elected to the office of Supervisor for this
district, and held the office of Deputy Assessor for the district two years,
1888-'89. Judge Elgin was born in Virginia, Patrick County, January 4, 1829, but
was brought up and educated in Howard County, Missouri, whither his parents
removed while he was still young. When our subject was still young, parents
removed to Jackson County, where he was reared until he was grown. His parents
removed to Greene County, Missouri, where he taught school, and whence he came
to California. He had expected to come to California in 1852, but was prevented
by high water, and they put in a year, he and his brothers-in-law, Anderson by
name, W. L. and T. H., and in 1853 they came out. He engaged for a time in
teaching school, and afterward became interested in the raising of stock.
Finally, in 1853, he set out with a band of cattle for California, driving them
over the plains. He experienced the usual troubles, such as having stock stolen
by the Indian's, etc., but finally reached the State in safety, and after a
temporary location on Cache Creek, Yolo County, he selected the Napa Valley, and
continued in the cattle business until 1857, when, as already related, he
settled in St. Helena.

  Judge Elgin was married in Missouri, to Miss Mary A. Anderson, a native of
Tennessee, March 12, 1851. Had one child born in Missouri. His young family
crossed the plains with him. They have five children still living and one
deceased, of whom two are boys and three girls. The names of the sons are Ira P.
and C. E., who are both engaged in the livery business, one at the upper end and
the other at the lower end of Main street, St. Helena. The girls names are:
Sarah Coloma, now wife of L. H. Boggs, of Lake County; Jessie Fremont, assistant
postmistress, and Alice Grant. Judge Elgin is a gentleman of fine presence and
genial greeting, and commands the thorough confidence and esteem of the whole
community. He is a pronounced Republican in politics, taking an active interest
in both general and local questions. He has a comfortable home on Oak street,
where he is now enjoying the leisure deserved after a busy and well-spent life,
although it must not be supposed that he is at the end of his activity, as he is
a strong and hearty man, having many good years before him.

  Since the above was written Judge Elgin has been appointed Postmaster of St.
Helena, a choice that gives eminent satisfaction to the town, and will prove a
good selection, as he is well fitted in every respect for the position, both on
account of his ability and popularity. He was appointed about February 1, 1890,
and took the office on the 1st of April, following.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California.

Illustrated, Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast
from the Earliest Period of its Occupancy to the Present Time, together with
Glimpses of its Prospective Future; Full-Page Steel Portraits of its most
Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of many of its Pioneers and also of
Prominent Citizens of To-day.

"A people that takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will
never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote
descendents." – Macauley.

CHICAGO
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
1891.

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