Van Ness, William H.

William H. Van Ness was born in San Francisco, California, on May 23, 1860, to Henry Van Ness of New York City and Mary Ann Elliott of Pepperell, Massachusetts. Raised and educated in Oakland following his father’s tragic death at sea in 1867, he later attended business college in Stockton in 1889. After working on ranches in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, he moved to Fresno County in 1885 to engage in grain-raising before developing additional agricultural lands across Madera and San Luis Obispo counties.

Settling permanently in the San Joaquin Valley, William developed multiple fruit, alfalfa, and vine ranches, including property in Wolters Colony and an expansive acreage at Coalinga and California avenues. He married Emma Frances Lewis in Fresno on April 6, 1890, and together they raised ten children: H. Elmer, William H., Albert F., Roy D., Ray D., Vern F., Lila M., Cecil, Laurin M., and Lorena. A well-read student with a large personal library and a member of the California Peach Growers, Inc., he built a lasting reputation as a respected rancher and thoughtful citizen of Fresno County.