Yolo-Glenn-Placer County CA Archives Biographies.....Laugenour, John D. 1823 - 1891
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com December 5, 2005, 12:43 am

Author: Tom Gregory

JOHN D. LAUGENOUR

   A residence of nearly forty years in Yolo county made it possible for John D.
Laugenour to witness its development, as well as to be a contributor to its
progress. Over twenty years have passed since Death ceased his activities, but
such was the impress that his life made upon those who were privileged to know
him and labor with him that he is still remembered and revered by old pioneers
as one of the strong factors in the growth and development of the country, and
of Yolo county and Woodland in particular. A native of North Carolina, he was
born near the city of Salem, December 23, 1823, and was reared and educated
there. His parents were farmers, and it was quite natural therefore that he
should assist with the farm duties when school was not in session. In 1847 he
went to Indiana and there learned the wagon maker's trade. Two years later the
rumors of the finding of gold in California put a different aspect upon the
whole situation, and as soon as possible he made arrangements to come to the
west in search of his fortune. Hopes were high in the hearts of the little party
of five that started from Indiana in the latter part of the year 1849,
consisting of Thomas F., Lewis, George and John D. Laugenour and Joseph
Spurgeon, a friend. Their five yoke of faithful oxen brought them into Hangtown
in September in the following year, the termination of a long and tedious
journey by way of Fort Hall. Months of intense privation had been endured,
including not only sickness and danger, but hunger as well, and only those who
have experienced a similar situation can know the joy that was theirs when they
were able to make a permanent camp and share in the crude comforts that for the
time being are exalted to the point of luxuries. The first winter was passed in
the mines of Kelseyville, and the following spring Mr. Laugenour started out for
Hangtown, having only twenty-five cents in his pocket. Here, as in Kelseyville,
he was not satisfied with his efforts, but he made no mistake in removing to the
south fork of the American river, where he realized between $500 and $600 a day.

    With the money which he made in this venture Mr. Laugenour went to Yankee
Jim's, Placer county, where, in partnership with his two brothers, he
established a trading post, in connection with which he also carried on a
teaming business. Desiring to settle down to the life which was after all more
congenial to him, Mr. Laugenour disposed of his interest in that part of the
state and came to Yolo county, and on January 12, 1852, he made his first
purchase of land, stocking it with cattle. The venture proved profitable from
the beginning, inasmuch as stock was bringing high prices in the market, and as
that was in a day when fencing was not required to mark individual properties
the large herds of cattle could graze unmolested over large tracts of land. He
increased his herds to take advantage of the opportunities offered, but when the
business began to be overdone and changed conditions reduced the price of stock,
he wisely disposed of his cattle. Adjusting himself to the changes which came
with the passing years, Mr. Laugenour wisely took up grain farming, being
associated in this undertaking with L. M. Curtis. Among the ranches which they
operated was the famous Glenn ranch, in what is now Glenn county. In 1860 Mr.
Laugenour purchased a large tract of land on Cache creek, which was also devoted
to grain raising. Going to Knight's Landing in 1867 he there opened a mercantile
business with C. F. Thomas, the firm making a specialty of buying and selling
grain. Later, owing to the increased production of wheat and barley in that
section, Mr. Laugenour erected a grain warehouse which he and his partner, Mr.
Thomas, conducted successfully for seven years. The extension of the railroad to
Woodland was destined to make a change in Mr. Laugenour's plans, and in the same
year, 1874, he removed to this city to make his home. He was guided in his
decision by the belief that the town would one day be a shipping center of
importance and he lived to see that his foresight had been correct. Gradually
disposing of his scattered interests he devoted his attention to the development
of Woodland and vicinity, aiding in many public enterprises, not only with
capital, which was vastly important, but also with energy and executive ability
as well.

    Mr. Laugenour's marriage in 1860 united him with Emma Christene Watkins, who
was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, in 1842, the daughter of Enos Watkins. Of
the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Laugenour five are living, as follows:
Philip T., Henry W., Jesse D., William R. and Emma Carter, the latter the wife
of Walter F. Malcolm. With the exception of Jesse D., a resident of Salem, N.
C., all of the children are living in Yolo county. Up to the time of his death,
April 18, 1891, Mr. Laugenour actively conducted his affairs, enjoying among his
friends and associates a reputation that was as honorable as his character.


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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