Yolo County CA Archives Biographies.....Browning, William M. 1871 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 14, 2006, 5:05 pm

Author: Tom Gregory (1913)

WILLIAM M. BROWNING

    The name of Browning has been associated with the material upbuilding of
Yolo county ever since the period when agriculture was in its infancy and the
possibilities of the soil wholly unknown. The founder of the family in this
valley and indeed in the west itself, Robert W. Browning, a member of the
resolute pioneer band of the '50s, still survives to enjoy in the twilight of
his useful existence the fruits of years of assiduous labor. While many of those
early settlers migrated from county to county irresolutely seeking after new
opportunities, he was content to remain in the same place and the fixedness of
purpose visible in long identification with one section became evident also in
his permanent continuance in ranching pursuits. Not long after he had crossed
the plains in 1854 he took up a raw tract of land about four miles southwest of
Woodland and there he still remains, meanwhile having brought about a complete
transformation in the estate, which now ranks among the most productive
properties in the county. Further mention of this honored pioneer appears
elsewhere in this volume and clearly indicates his admirable character as well
as his intimate connection with the advancement of his locality.

    Among the children comprising the family of Robert W. Browning the next to
the eldest, William M., was born at the old homestead near Woodland October 22,
1871, and received his primary education in local schools. Later he was a
student in Hesperian College and finally took a commercial course, in Heald's
Business College, from which he was graduated in 1892. For a time during young
manhood he engaged in farming, continuing at the occupation until he was elected
a county auditor. Meanwhile, in 1893, he married Miss Alice Jackson, who was
born and reared in Woodland, being the daughter of Dr. GL H. Jackson, now of
Alameda, but for years a leading physician of Woodland and county physician of
Yolo county. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Browning was Julian Ludwell, who
passed from earth at the age of six years and six months, October 21, 1900.

    From early life Mr. Browning has been a stanch believer in the Democratic
principles and upon attaining his majority he began to vote that ticket, which
he still supports in general and local elections. During 1902 his party elected
him county auditor. In January of 1903 he took the oath of office and entered
upon its duties, continuing in the position until January of 1907. For some
years afterward he made his home at Oakland and acted as deputy county clerk of
Alameda county. Upon resigning that position in 1910 he returned to Woodland,
where in December of that year he became accountant in the Bank of Yolo. As a
bookkeeper he is said to be unusually proficient and when keeping county books
and records he proved himself the equal of any of his predecessors in point of
reliability, accuracy and dispatch. Fraternally he has been a leading worker in
Woodland Parlor No. 30, N. S. G. W., which he has served as president. In
addition he has co-operated in the local activities of the Independent Order of
Foresters. With his wife he holds membership in the Woodland Christian Church.
He has been much interested in measures for the advancement of the community
along lines not only religious, but others eminently worthy of maintenance and
encouragement. In fact, no worthy philanthropy and no civic benefaction have
been presented to the consideration of the citizens which have lacked his
cordial co-operation and intelligent support.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

HISTORY OF YOLO COUNTY CALIFORNIA
WITH
Biographical Sketches
OF
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth
and Development From the Early Days to the Present

HISTORY BY
TOM GREGORY
AND OTHER WELL KNOWN WRITERS
ILLUSTRATED COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME

HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA [1913]




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