Yuba-Butte County CA Archives Biographies.....Bryden, James 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 January 7, 2012, 4:58 pm

Source: See below
Author: Peter J. Delay

    JAMES BRYDEN. — Although more than thirty years have elapsed since the death
of James Bryden, his memory still lives in the hearts of those who knew him, for
he was one of those hardy pioneers who bravely faced the hardships and dangers
of the unknown West and by their own labor evolved, out of a trackless
wilderness and vast forests, the fertile land and well-developed farms that have
made this State one of the greatest agricultural sections in America. His name
is inseparably associated with the history of the development of Yuba and Butte
Counties, in which his operations were conducted; and the Bryden Ranch, one of
the finest in the State, has been in possession of the family for more than
seventy years. 

    Mr. Bryden was a native of Ohio, but later removed to Monticello, Ill., and
in February, 1850, while yet a young man, started across the plains, traveling
with ox teams and wagons. They were six months in making the journey, which was
a long and hazardous one, and in the fall of 1850 they arrived in California.
For two years Mr. Bryden worked in the mines at Downieville, winning success in
his search for gold; and in 1852 he invested his capital in land, purchasing a
large tract on Honcut Creek in Yuba and Butte Counties. He was at first
associated with a partner; and in 1852 they planted the first grain sown in N or
thern California. Their first crop was harvested by the Indians, and much of it
was stolen; but the experiment proved that the soil of this section was well
adapted to the growing of grain, and many settlers afterward followed their
example. Subsequently Mr. Bryden bought out his partner and became sole owner of
the ranch, which he brought to a high state of development, erecting thereon
substantial buildings and converting it into one of the most desirable farms in
the State. He worked diligently and persistently, and equipped his place with
all of the newest devices in farm machinery. He conducted his labors
systematically and scientifically and set the standards of farming in his
section, becoming recognized as an authority on agricultural matters. The ranch
comprised 3400 acres, all in one body, and since his death land has been added
until there are about 5000 acres. The place is now being operated by Charles
Bryden, a grandson of the subject of this sketch. Large numbers of sheep and
cattle graze on a portion of the land, while the remainder is used for the
growing of crops, and for three generations the ranch has been owned and
cultivated by members of the Bryden family. 

    In Marysville, on November 30, 1865, Mr. Bryden married Miss Mary J.
Sadorus, who survives him and is now residing in Marysville. She is a native of
Illinois, born near Champaign, a daughter of A. M. and Margaret (Hamilton)
Sadorus, who crossed the plains to California in 1850 and were pioneers of Butte
County, where Mrs. Bryden was reared and educated. To Mr. and Mrs. James Bryden
were born six children, of whom three are living. Mrs. Kate Gates, of Oroville;
Mrs. Lillian Flannery, a resident of San Francisco; and Mrs. Edna Murphy, of
Portland. Their son, James R. Bryden, died in April, 1922. He was born on the
ranch and there spent his entire life. He was a worthy successor of his father,
ably carrying forward the work which his sire had begun and adding many acres
and modern improvements to the place, in which he took justifiable pride. 

    The death of James Bryden occurred in April, 1892, and in his passing
California lost one of its pioneer builders, his associates a faithful friend,
and his family a devoted husband and father. He was a man of broad vision, a
power in constructive development and evolution; and his irreproachable
character and life of industry and usefulness won for him a reward which he
valued more highly than material gain — the high and enduring regard of his
fellow-men. 


Additional Comments:

HISTORY OF YUBA and SUTTER COUNTIES 
CALIFORNIA 
WITH 
Biographical Sketches OF 
The Leading Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their
Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present 

HISTORY BY 
PETER J. DELAY 

ILLUSTRATED 
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME 

HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1924


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