William F. Levis Had Colorful Life, Participating in the Alaska Gold Rush
Sept 19, Death yesterday claimed William F. Levis, pioneer rancher of the Selma district, who shortly after 4 pm suffered a heart attack while working in his vineyard and died before medical aid could reach him.
Levis, who at his death was 70 years of age, was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin in 1860. He came overland to California in his youth and settled on a large tract of land where the city of Exeter is now located. In 1872 with four brothers, he located on large holding four miles east of Selma and has lived on this property since acquiring it more than fifty years ago.
Pioneered Muscat Growing
Levis planted what is believed to be the first muscat vineyard in the southern portion of Fresno County and also built one of the first irrigation ditches in this region.
Levis was one of the first Selma residents to leave for Alaska following the discovery of gold. He later sold his Alaskan holdings and returned to his ranch property here, developing one of the finest vineyards in the district.
Served on School Board
For many years he was a member of the board of trustees of the Selma Union High School and it was during his term that the first modern structure was completed. He was for a number of years prominent in local Masonic circles.
Besides his widow, Mrs Ada Cochran Levis, he leaves three children, Mrs Winona Clark of Campbell, California; Mrs Jacquine Nielsen and Kent Levis of Selma; three brothers, John, Ed and Alvin Levis, all residents of this district; and five sisters, Mrs John C Rorden and Mrs Florence Carrington of Selma; Mrs Chester Dusy of Taft. Mrs Oscar Bronson of San Francisco and Mrs E.M. Houghton of Wisconsin.
The funeral will be conducted under the auspices of the SElma Lodge, F and A M, at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoonat the Masonic Temple