YUBA COUNTY Biographies

WILLIAM H. PARKS

The pioneers of the West deserve a place in history second to none; as a class they were men and women far above the average and their example shines forth as a guiding star, beckoning on to higher ideals. Of this number was William H. Parks, the father of reclamation in California. He was one of the early settlers of Sutter County and belonged to that class of men who have the constructive faculties largely developed–the natural leaders, who are absolutely essential in the development of a new country and who prepare the way for the oncoming thousands. William H. Parks was a native of Ohio, whose ancestors were early settlers of Virginia and later went to Ohio. In 1851 he started for California, driving his stock across the plains. He acquired a ranch in Sutter County and upon an exhaustive study of agricultural methods and wide experience founded the success which placed him in the front rank of the progressive farmers of the West. He was a man of notable foresight and broad vision, far in advance of his times, and started the project for the reclamation of Tule (now Sutter) Basin, the first work of this character undertaken in the State. Others profited by his initiative and through his instrumentality thousands of acres of waste land have been transformed into beautiful garden spots, with the result that this State has become known as one of the richest and most productive agricultural regions in the world.

William H. Parks married Miss Anna Wilson, a native of Canada, who later became a resident of Ohio. Four children were born to them: Mary, who resides in New York City, and is the widow of the late Thomas L. Wilson, the discoverer of acetylene gas; G. Fred, of Marysville; Harry, who died at the age of forty, leaving one child; and Mrs. Arthur H. Redington, of San Mateo, Cal. Mr. Parks was a staunch Republican and lent the weight of his influence to every worthy public project. He figured prominently in public affairs, acting as speaker of the House in the California State legislature in the early days, and during the Civil War he served as provost marshal. He was also a member of the California Society of Pioneers and took an active part in the affairs of that organization. He had a mind that conceived in great proportions and executed as readily as it conceived. His life was an upright, honorable and useful one, crowned with notable achievement, and he left to the people of California a magnificent heritage.

The work begun by the father is being ably carried forward by the son, G. Fred Parks, who was born in Marysville, December 5, 1871, and acquired his education in its public schools. Eighteen years of his life were spent away from Marysville, but since 1915 he has resided here continuously. He has a large ranch in Sutter County and engages in general farming, making a specialty of rice-growing. He is an exponent of the scientific school of farming; and his well improved place, equipped with labor-saving machinery and supplied with all modern conveniences, is convincing proof of his progressive and up-to-date methods. He is a member of the Marysville Den of Lions and is worthily following in the footsteps of his distinguished pioneer sire.

What one man may do in successfully managing a very useful service for the public is well illustrated by William A. Lewis, the energetic and accommodating proprietor of Lewis’ Junk Yard of B Street, Marysville. He was born at Toledo, Ohio, on August 8, 1861, the son of James and Margaret (Noles) Lewis, worthy folks who well filled their place in their day, earning the esteem and good-will of men, and now rest from their labors.

William A., Lewis attended the grammar and high schools of his native section, and then learned and followed the junk trade. In 1890, he came out to California, to expand his business, and for two years he was at San Jose. Then he went to Nevada City, and later to Oroville; and finally he came to Marysville, arriving here in 1900. He had traveled all over the northern part of the State, as far south as the Tehachapi line, gathering junk; and when he opened shop here, he had a display that was worth looking at. He was for a while on C Street; but about twenty-two years ago he bought his present place, and since establishing himself there he has been more and more successful. For nine years, he continued to accumulate a large stock, and this he sold to a Japanese firm. He employs two men regularly, and has met with good success.

In national politics, Mr. Lewis is a Democrat, but in matters of local concern he aims to support the best men and the best measures in the most non-partisan manner. He is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, in which order he has advanced to the third degree.

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