Welcome to Our Wilder Family

This site was developed to honor the Wilders who migrated west from the eastern seaboard. It is a place for celebrating the spirit of this western journey, and documenting the lives of those who came before us. Some of this history is referenced from "The Book of Wilders" written by Moses Wilder, and reproduced here by permission of Justin E. Wilder. Additional information has been provided by Wilder family and friends.

Our branch of the Wilders moved from Massachusetts to Vermont in the mid 1700's. They remained in Vermont for 2 generations, then in the early 1800's they began their journey west, stopping along the way in New York, Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri. Several family members made the final journey west to California in 1865, settling in the Sacramento Valley, Oregon and Washington states. We have extended family in Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, and all across California. And hope this site helps build a connection between us.

Included in this site are stories presented to me by familie members. Whenever possible I have included their names and accredited their information. Please send me any corrections or comments, and Sign Guestbook to let us know you stopped by.

What's New on the Site!

The Wilder Cabin: James Elias Wilder and his son Orenzo Wilder built this cabin to serve as a family dwelling during the spring and summer months when the family would graze their Angora goats in the hills around Paskenta and Corning. Learn more about James Elias Wilder, his family, and the Wilder Cabin, also known as the Haypatch Ranger Station.
Wilder Cabin (photo taken 1982)

The Wilder Bible: The Simmons' were kind enough to bring the old Wilder bible to the family reunion in 2008. This Bible belonged to John Crowninshield Wilder and his wife Hannah Hains. In it, Hannah lovingly recorded the marriages, births and deaths of her Children and her the Hains family.
Wilder Bible and a page from the bible,Family Births

The Wilder Strong Box: Passed down the line from Sally Wilder to her son Lester Eugene Wilder, to his daughter Celia Louise Wilder and now on to me, this late 18th Century cast iron strong box has been in the family for generations, and is thought to have made it from Vermont all the way to California traveling with the family as they made the journey west.

More Wilders
Get to know your Wilder Family
Learn about George Fuller Wilder and his family.
Learn about the Crowningshield family.
Visit Wilder final resting places.
Wilder Reunion 2008 - Woodson Bridge Park, Corning, CA June 2008. See the photos

All this work is ongoing and a result of contributing cousins. If you are interested in contributing to the family history, please contact us. We would be happy to post stories and photos. And remember to visit often to see what's new.

Thanks for visiting and please sign our guest book.
Sign Guestbook View Guestbook

Contact Us | Acknowledgements and Copyright
Copyright, all rights reserved, 2011, Wilder Families of the West Coast.