Yolo-Fresno County CA Archives Biographies.....Monroe, James William 1867 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com December 5, 2005, 12:53 am Author: Tom Gregory JAMES WILLIAM MONROE The fact that he represents the third generation of the family, on both the paternal and maternal sides, actively identified with the material upbuilding of Yolo county, is a source of no small gratification to Mr. Monroe, who to the honors associated with the offices of sheriff and tax collector, adds the further distinction of being a native son of the county. His father, John T., crossed the plains with his parents from Missouri to Oregon in the early '50s, and in the early '60s he came by team to California, where for many years he engaged in ranching in Yolo county, after which he engaged extensively in the sheep business in Colusa county. Eventually he retired from active labors and his last days were spent quietly at his home in Santa Barbara county, where in 1883 his earth life was ended. Fraternally he was prominent in Masonry and in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Shortly after coming to Yolo county he formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Campbell and they were married at the home of her father, William Campbell, a pioneer of the early '50s, and a man of local prominence, a large rancher and a man of sterling traits of character, one who had a wide acquaintance among the frontier settlers. Judge James Monroe, our subject's paternal grandfather, made his way from Missouri to Oregon in the early '50s and served as judge in that state. After coming to Yolo county in the '60s he engaged in the stock business until his removal to Colusa county, where his last days were passed. The county sheriff was born in the Buckeye district, Yolo county, August 5, 1867, and received the best educational advantages the locality afforded. During 1884 he attended Hesperian College in Woodland, and in 1885-86 he took a course in Pierce Christian College at College City. During 1890 he entered the Stockton Business College, and the following year he completed the course, graduating with honor. After his graduation he became an accountant for Pratt & Manley at Fowler, Fresno county. A year later he left their employ to enter the Santa Fe Railroad office as clerk and ticket agent, but from that position he was summoned home to manage his mother's property. Upon his return to Yolo county he entered extensively into agricultural operations and for some time followed the occupation with success, but eventually left the farm in order to become a buyer of livestock and also to embark in the butcher business. In his business dealings with the wholesale merchants of San Francisco and stock raisers of Yolo county he uniformly has proved reliable, efficient and accurate. The esteem in which he is held results from honest dealings with all. His word has proved as good as his bond. In every instance integrity has been his watchword and square dealing has been his creed. The marriage of Mr. Monroe took place April 9, 1902, and united him with Miss Elvira Grey Duncan, also born in Yolo county, and they have four children, Mary L., Forest D., James W., Jr., and Wyatt Campbell. Mrs. Monroe is the only daughter of Wyatt Godfrey Duncan, who settled in Yolo county about sixty years ago and has been identified with its development, being one of its largest land owners. He is still living on his ranch near Capay and enjoys the esteem and affection of a large circle of friends. Since his election to office Mr. Monroe has resided with his family in Woodland, having a comfortable home at No. 740 College street. In fraternal relations Mr. Monroe holds membership with the Independent Order of Foresters and the Woodmen of the World. Always stanch in his fidelity to the Democratic party, he has been a leader in its local councils and a popular man in its conventions. During a period as county supervisor he gave the closest attention to matters brought before the board for consideration. To each measure he gave a vote based upon his personal convictions of right and wrong. The interests of the tax-payers were guarded and economy was his watchword, yet at the same time he supported progressive enterprises. For every dollar of public money expended he endeavored to get value received. At times his views were not in accord with those of the majority of the board, but no one questioned his sincerity or the integrity of his purpose. When he was brought before his party as a candidate for sheriff and tax collector two years after he had been elected supervisor of the fifth district, he was nominated over two of the most influential and popular Democrats in the county. The election of 1910 showed that he had won the victory with a flattering majority, and since entering upon his duties he has been fearless in their discharge and determined in his efforts to maintain the law-abiding reputation of the county where he has been a lifelong resident. 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] File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/yolo/bios/monroe77nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/cafiles/ File size: 5.8 Kb