William Lamasney, one of the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in San Joaquin county, dates his residence in California from 1868, having been brought by his parents to this state during his infancy. He now resides near Atlanta, where he has valuable property interests. His birth occurred on the 17th of April, 1867, in Franklin county, New York, his parents being Cornelius and Mary (McDonald) Lamasney, who are still residents of San Joaquin county. Both are natives of Ontario county. The father came to the Pacific coast prior to the inauguration of the Civil war, and is now numbered among the pioneers of San Joaquin county who have aided in laying broad and keep the foundation for its present progress and stability. His business career has been characterized by unfaltering perseverance and indefatigable industry, and owing to his well directed labors he is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy and he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. Of the children born to him and his wife five are now living: Minnie, Angus J., William, Alexander B. and Margaret Irene.

William Lamasney, brought to California in his infancy, was reared to manhood in San Joaquin county and is indebted to the public school system of this locality for the early educational advantages which he enjoyed. Subsequently he continued his studies in St. Mary's College at Stockton and at the Normal Institute in that city, and, having gained a good education, he began teaching, which profession he followed for a number of years, becoming recognized as one of the capable and leading educators of San Joaquin county.

On the 19th of January, 1893, Mr. Lamasney was united in marriage to Miss Anita R. Vinet, who was born in San Joaquin county, and is a daughter of Peter and Refugio (Aguerre) Vinet, the former a native of France and the latter of Mexico. Her father was born in Charento, France, in 1822, and at the age of seventeen years crossed the Atlantic to America, locating at Vera Cruz, Mexico, where in the year 1845 he was married to Refugio Aguerre. After news of the discovery of gold in California had reached that place he and his wife started for the Pacific coast, and after landing at San Francisco he made his way to the gold mines and devoted some time to a search for the precious metal. The journey was made across the plains in the primitive manner of the early days, and after mining for a time Mr. Vinet came to San Joaquin county and settled near what is now Atlanta, California. In 1859 he purchased a quarter section of land in Dent township and was one of the first settlers of the locality. To his original purchase he had added from time to time until he became the owner of an estate embracing eighteen hundred acres. Peter Vinet was known throughout San Joaquin county as one of the most successful, best known and worthy agriculturists and pioneer settlers. Those who knew him best and enjoyed his acquaintance remembered him as a popular, genial and whole-souled man, who had the warm regard of a very large circle of friends. He died December 29, 1894, having survived his wife only from the 8th of September of the same year. To them were born three children, who are yet living: Joseph B., who makes his home in San Joaquin county; Anita R., the wife of Mr. Lamasney; and Marie Ii, the wife of A. G. Baker, of Stockton, California.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lamasney have been born three children, Genevieve P., Lionel B. and Mildred G. Mr. and Mrs. Lamasney also have a large circle of warm friends in California and enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes in San Joaquin county. His political allegiance is given the Democracy, and he and his wife are members of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church near Atlanta.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine