Levis, Mahlon

Mahlon Levis was born in Bucks County, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 1825, and worked in Wisconsin lumber camps before coming to California as a forty-niner in search of gold. After returning to Wisconsin to marry Maria E. Olden of Canada and farm, he brought his family back to California in 1873, initially settling in Tulare County. Following severe drought losses in stock raising, he moved to Fresno County in 1877 and purchased 300 acres of railroad land located four miles northeast of Selma.

In Fresno County, Mahlon became one of the earliest pioneer viticulturists and largest raisin growers in the Selma district by establishing extensive vineyards on his property. He and his wife raised eleven children, including Alvin, W. F., Florence, Georgiana, E. A., Annetta May, John E., and Minnie, who went on to become prominent residents across California. His pioneering work in grape culture and irrigation helped lay the foundation for the region raisin industry until his death left a lasting legacy carried on by his large family.