CAPTAIN WILLIAM S. EMERY was born in Thomnaston, Maine, October 11, 1817. His father was Captain John Emery, of Thomaston. His grandfather, George Emery, was one of the first settlers of that State.
Captain W. S. Emery was married July 7, 1839. to Miss Lucy S. Spalding, daughter of Captain Josiah Spalding of Thomaston. Their children were fourteen, eight of whom are living: four died in infancy, two in manhood. Josiah S. Emery died of consumption at Pine Valley, San Diego County, October 3, 1872, aged twenty-seven. Henry W. Emery died at Glen Cliff, San Diego County, August 7, 1888, aged forty-five years. Captain Emery followed the sea from his boyhood. He became shipmaster at twenty three years of age. He sailed from New Orleans in the fall of 1849, and arrived in San Francisco in May, 1850. He sold his bark, the Louisiana, in San Francisco and went into business at Sacramento, Captain Emery came around Cape Horn: Mrs. Emery came to California in 1851, by the Isthmus of Panama. There was no railroad across the Isthmus at that early day, and she came up the Chagres river to Gorgona on a small steamer. From that place to Cruces they came on lighters polled up the river by natives almost nude. From Cruces to the city of Panama they crossed the mountains on mules,—some difference, that way of traveling, from speeding across the continent in palace cars! Mr. Emery reached San Francisco July 7, 1851, after a voyage of twenty days from Panama, San Francisco was then almost swept out of existence by three great fires of that year. The Emery family resided several years in Sacramento, passing through floods and fires, and the many hardships and privations of California pioneers. When the war of the Rebellion broke out the four eldest sons joined the California Volunteers. William E. Emery, the oldest son, now living in Santa Cruz County, was Adjutant of the Seventh Regiment under Colonel Charles Lewis, who was one of the earliest settlers of San Diego, and died there in 1870 or ‘71. He was a veteran of the Mexican war. Henry N. Emery belonged to Company F, First Battalion Nevada Cavalry; was a member of Heintzelman Post, No. 33, San Diego, California. Herbert L. Emery, his twin brother, belonged to Company C, Fourth Infantry, California Volunteers. He belongs to Heintzelman Post, No. 33, San Diego. Josiah S. Emery belonged to Company C, Fourth Infantry, California Volunteers. Although they were never at the front or saw a battle, they suffered many hardships and privations on the frontiers of this State, Nevada and Arizona. Captain Emery came to San Diego in 1866. He and his sons kept stations on the Colorado Desert for several years, under the firm of Emery Brothers. In 1868 they secured land in the mountains of San Diego County and engaged in the cattle business, in which they still continue. Mrs. Emery, with the younger members of the family, came to San Diego in February, 1870. In May of that year Captain Emery moved his family to the mountains. They made the journey from San Diego over the old stage road to Yuma by way of Tia Juana, Tocarte and Campo, more than eighty miles, to reach their mountain home, only forty-four miles from San Diego. There were no roads from San Diego to the mountains in those early days, but trails, and in many places it was a hard, rough ride for a horseman. The life of the Emery family in those lonely mountains was not exempt from perils and vicissitudes. In December, 1870, a gang of Mexican horse-thieves caine into the valley one dark stormy night and stole every horse they owned, fourteen in number. By the dawn of day the desperadoes were over the line into Lower California. Captain Emery took James Flinn as interpreter, and they went into San Rafael. He succeeded in getting seven of the horses: the other seven he never got, although the Mexican authorities had caught the thieves and shot them, keeping possession of the horses, however, —a sample of Mexican justice and equity in those days! Many other trials and afflictions were experienced by the family; but as the county has been settled and civilized better days have dawned. In 1887 the Emery brothers bought a place at Alpine, San Diego County, where the family now reside. Mr. Herbert Emery is still making his home at Pine valley ranch. Charles F. Emery, a younger brother, lives at the ranch with his family and is foreman there, Edward C. Emery resides in San Diego with his family. Mrs. L. E. Wheeler, widow of Samuel H. Wheeler, late of San Francisco, is one of’ the daughters; Mrs. Mary E, Rich, of Westminster, Orange County, wife of John E. Rich, a merchant, is another daughter. Edward C. Emery resides at 636 Eighteenth street, San Diego. Misses Annie S. and Lillian G. Emery, daughters, are at home with their parents. Henry U. Emery was elected Supervisor of the Third District of San Diego County, in 1884, and served with honesty and ability, till death removed him from earthly labors. He was highly esteemed by a large circle of’ friends, and his death, in time prime of manhood, was universally regretted. To his bereaved family his place can never be filled.

From History of San Diego County, pg. 223-4,