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Welcome!Welcome to North Bay Black Roots, a website dedicated to exploring the African American presence in the North Bay counties of Solano, Napa and Sonoma from 1850 to 1925. Why this period? This 75 year span covers a large portion of the life of John Grider, one of seven African American men who participated in the Bear Flag incident at Sonoma on June 14, 1846 - an event that precipitate California statehood. Do you have family stories to share about this period? We would love to hear them. About NBBRMcGriff-Payne worked as a staff writer for newspapers in California, New York and Florida. She was a reporter for the North Bay Progress during the late 1970s through the 1980s. She went on to edit a military base newspaper until 1990, when she retired upon marriage. When her husband retired, who also has a life-long interest in history, the current passion was rekindled.
John Grider
North Bay Area African American Time line 1850 - 1925April 17, 1826 - John Grider, future Bear Flag veteran and Vallejo pioneer, is born into slavery in Tennessee. His parents are Caroline and John Grider.
1841 (Mexican Era) - John Grider, along with his owner George Wyatt and other
White and Black men, cross the plains headed for California with owner, George |
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During his life, this Vallejo pioneer saw slavery, emancipation, and was granted the right to vote with the 1870 ratification of the 15th Amendment. Grider, the last known surviving member of the Bear Flag Party when he died at the age of 98, witnessed the advent of electricity, automobiles and the 20th Century.