William H. Ware
Almaden Township
Bio- Alley Bowen
SURNAMES:
The subject of this sketch was born in Salem,
Salem county, New Jersey, November 22, 1822, where he was
educated. In early life, Mr. Ware devoted his time to teaching
school, at the age of twenty years, receiving his certificate
from Messrs Ray, Picket, and McGuffie, Professors of Woodford High
School, and State Examining Committee of Ohio. He gave
instruction consecutively in Delhi township , Hamilton county, Ohio; in
different parts of Missouri; in Jefferson county , Indiana; in Shelby
county, Kentucky; and in the State of Mississippi, where he had a two
years' course of legal study. As he was about to enter upon the
practice of his profession, the discovery of gold in California was
proclaimed to the world. To be behindhand in the search of the
precious metal was to sleep. Mr. Ware therefore joined a mule
train, dubbed the Pioneer line, Turner, Allen & Co., and left
Independence, Missouri, April 1, 1849. He continued with this
party until they reached Carson river; here anticipation proved too
much for him, he therefore pushed on ahead, alone, but meeting a
predatory band of Indians his horse (a valuable animal that had carried
Colonel Price through the Mexican campaign) was stolen, being
considerably delayed thereby, and ultimately arrived at Weavertown, El
Dorado county, September 17, 1849. After a rest here of two
weeks, he proceeded to San Francisco, and there with three others,
formed
a company to proceed to the San Jose mission and commence the
cultivation of vegetables, on a large scale. This company made a good
start for their destination, in a whaleboat laden with provisions and
seed, they had not proceeded far when a dispute arose in regard to
their common affairs (they having ignored all existing
agreements). Our subject thereupon severed his connection with
the enterprise. Mr. Ware next made for the mines at Beal's Bar,
north fork American river, Placer county. A few months later he
went to Big Gulch Bar, where he started a trading post, being, at the
same time owner of a mine. Here he remained until the Fall of
1851, when he sold out and proceeded to Amador county, at a place
called Arkansas Cabins. Here he and two others named Smith and
Drummond, constructed a ditch three miles long. At this place he
remained eight months, when he came to San Jose, and in April , 1852,
in company with WIlliam Rogers, opened the Mansion House, and conducted
it until the following July. In that month he located the place
on which he now resides, placed a man in charge, and left to dispose of
his mining interests near Cook's Bar, El Dorado county.
These he sold out., returned to Santa Clara county in the month of
February, 1853, and took up his residence on his property in Almaden
township, where he has resided ever since.