YUBA COUNTY Biographies
HENRY G. MERRIAM
With the history of development in Dobbins the name of Merriam has long been closely and prominently connected; and as a progressive agriculturist and stock-raiser, Henry G. Merriam is bearing his part in the work of advancement and upbuilding. A native of Yuba County, he was born July 30, 1864, and is the eldest in a family of six children whose parents were Joseph and Mirinda (Rugg) Merriam, natives of Massachusetts. The father first came to California in 1862, locating at Rough and Ready, in Nevada County; and in 1863 he returned to Massachusetts, where he was married to Miss Rugg. With his bride he again made the journey to the Pacific Coast, taking the Isthmus route; and in Yuba County they established their home, becoming owners of the old Dobbins ranch of 160 acres. Mr. Merriam was a very successful farmer and acquired a tract of 1800 acres of desirable land in that vicinity, also owning and operating the Dobbins Hotel, one of the pioneer hostelries of Yuba County. He was a keen, far-sighted business man, and also found time for participation in public affairs, serving as school trustee for many years and likewise serving on the election board. He reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years, passing away on December 18, 1921.
Henry G. Merriam obtained his education in the Dobbins school, and when a young man of eighteen embarked in the freighting and teaming business, which he followed for twenty years, operating on the road from Marysville to Downieville. Meanwhile he had purchased a fifteen-acre tract in Dobbins, on which he built a home, and this has been his residence since 1893. He also owns the Jack Reed ranch of 280 acres, situated near the Indiana Hotel, and has made many improvements upon the place, which gives evidence of the care and labor bestowed upon it. His principal crop is hay, and he also finds stock-raising a profitable source of income.
On August 20, 1893, Mr. Merriam was married at Smartsville to Miss Julia Elizabeth Doyle, who was born at Moores Flat, Nevada County, a daughter of James and Mary (Brannan) Doyle, natives of Massachusetts. She is the eldest in a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, but two have passed away. Mrs. Merriam was reared in Smartsville, where her parents were well known. By her marriage she has become the mother of four daughters: Mae Mirinda, who was born at Smartsville and became the wife of Morris Curry; Genevieve and Josephine, who are employed in Sacramento; and Bernice, at home.
Mr. Merriam is a Republican in his political views, and has always discharged to the best of his ability the duties and obligations of citizenship. From 1896 until 1902 he was road overseer at Dobbins, and he has served as deputy assessor for the past thirty years. He is a strong advocate of educational advancement, and for many years has served as school trustee at Dobbins. He belongs to the Order of Owls at Challenge, and was formerly a member of the old Yuba Tilting Club, of which his father was one of the founders. His advancement is not due to any fortunate combination of circumstances, but is the direct result of his own efforts and ability; and in winning success he has also gained the respect, confidence and good-will of his fellow-men.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 900
ED. L. WISSLER
Among the newer business organizations of Marysville is the firm of Ed. L. Wissler, enterprising automobile dealer, who is fast coming to the front of his line of business. Edward L. Wissler was born at Leavenworth, Kans., March 25, 1883, a son of William and Lena Wissler. The father was prominently identified with public affairs.
In the public schools of Kansas and Nebraska, E. L. Wissler acquired his education; and his initial business experience was gained with a packing house, which he later represented on the road for some time. He came to California in 1907 and embarked in the cigar business in Sacramento, later making his way to Nevada, where he followed mining for two years. In 1917 he came to Marysville as manager for the H.A. Seller Company, engaged in trucking and in the automobile business, and filled that position for four years. In 1921 he established a business of his own. He is agent for the Paige and Jewett cars and the G.M.C. trucks, and is building up a good business, occupying a well-established position in trade circles at Marysville.
Mr. Wissler married Miss Florence O. Bundy, of Missouri. During the period of their residence in Marysville, Mr. and Mrs. Wissler have acquired a large circle of friends. Mr. Wissler is fond of hunting and fishing, spending much of his leisure time out of doors. Fraternally, he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is well informed on all matters related to the automobile business, and manages his affairs with wisdom and ability.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 904
Copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005 Kathy Sedler ALL RIGHTS RESERVED These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor. The contributor has given permission to the Yuba Roots website to store the file permanently for free access, but retain the rights to their work.