1923 obit for Francis Bourland from MS to CA
Woodland Daily Democrat
Woodland, California
Wednesday Evening, January 10, 1923
F. Bourland Dies
FRANCIS L. BOURLAND, pioneer of Yolo County, and who lived for many years on the Bourland ranch between Madison and Winters, passed away in this city this morning, at age of 89 years. Few knew that he was ill, but frailties of old age caused him to be removed to Woodland for medical attention, but his vitality was not sufficient to throw off the ravages of old age.
The story of his eventful life reads like some rare romance and began in boyhood days when he drove an ox-team across the plains for his board and keep, now and then herding cattle along the way for a few extra pennies. The deceased was born in 1833 in the ‘Old Chickasaw Purchase’ in Mississippi. He lived there with his parents until 1853 when they moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas. His father had a mail contract between points in that state, and it was here that the deceased first learn to rough it through the rugged plain and mountain district of the mid-west state.
Later Bourland worked at carpentry and wagon making until he had an opportunity to come to California. It was on this journey to California that he shot a buffalo cow, its calf following him to camp, growing quite tame, selling for $20, a fortune in those days. He continued his journey, settling with his brothers and sisters in Stockton, where the family engaged in teaming. After ranching experience in San Joaquin County, he came to Yolo County and settled on 480 acres of land. This is located near Madison, but he acquired another residence in the Cottonwood district.
Mr. Bourland married Miss MARY JANE SQUIRES and to them five children were born; ROLLA, GEORGE, ARTHUR, LEMUEL, and ABBIE. Abbie became the wife of E. A. BROWN of Merced County. When his wife passed away, Mr. Bourland married Miss EMILY BLACK in Collegeville, California. Two children were born of this marriage. They were MARY who married F. G. PERROTT and resided at Woodbridge and WILLIAM who became the husband of EVA TADLOCK, a resident of this county. GEORGE BOURLAND has been living with his father on the Madison place. Mrs. Bourland is in her early eighties and was unable to come to Woodland to be with her devoted husband at the end. Mr. Bourland is also survived by a sister, Mrs. ABBIE LADD of Stockton.
The deceased retired some years ago, settling down to an earned rest after a busy, well-spent life. He was a Presbyterian in faith and a staunch Democrat in politics.
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Re: 1923 obit for Francis Bourland from MS to CA
Florence C Brown 8/05/13