Henry Clay Daulton, born in 1829 in Maysville, Kentucky, was a pivotal figure in the establishment of Madera County, California. After facing economic hardships, Daulton’s family relocated to Hannibal, Missouri, where they purchased a farm. Tragically, a series of family deaths left Henry yearning for adventure beyond the confines of Missouri. Inspired by the 1849 California Gold Rush, he set out with his brother Wakeman, hoping to strike it rich. However, upon arriving in California, they found disappointment in the mines near Placerville, as the gold rush proved less lucrative than anticipated.
Undeterred, Daulton recognized that while miners struggled, merchants and service providers prospered. This realization sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in him. He returned to Missouri, acquired livestock, and embarked on a second journey west with the Hildreth party, ultimately establishing the first sheep and cattle ranch in what would become Fresno County.
In 1893, Daulton played a crucial role in the creation of Madera County, serving as chairman of the commission that organized its establishment. He was elected the first chairman of the Board of Supervisors, holding the position for five months. Tragically, his promising political career was cut short when he died under mysterious circumstances on October 28, 1893. Daulton’s legacy endures as a key organizer and influential figure in the history of Madera County, remembered for his significant contributions to California’s development.
