Guillermo Carlos María de la Luz Dana y Carrillo was born at Santa Bárbara, Alta California, México, where he was baptized in the Presidio Chapel May 6, 1836 (BP Baptism 01156). He married María Modesta Castro y Castro (Jul. 23, 1842, SJ Bautista [SC Baptism 04452]-Sep. 5, 1893, Monterey) at Santa Bárbara May 26, 1861. William Charles Dana became a U.S. citizen with the transfer of California's sovereignty in 1848. William and Modesta were residents of San Luís Obispo County in 1880 (1880 US Census).
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WILLIAM DANA PASSES AWAY.
DIED FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE CARIEGA (sic, CAREAGA) RANCH NEAR LOS ALAMOS.
William Charles Dana is no more among the living. Another of the members of that illustrious family, whose name has added fame to Nipomo, has passed to the other shore, not to be forgotten, but to be mourned and remembered. Yesterday morning the TRIBUNE was advised of the death of Mr. Dana by the correspondent, "Cheerful" of Nipomo. Mr. Dana was visiting his daughter, Mrs. Modesto Cariega (sic, Modesta Careaga*) on the well known Cariega ranch near Los Alamos when he was attacked with pneumonia. He sank rapidly until death came to him Friday night. William C. Dana was born at Santa Barbara, May 6, 1836, and was the eldest son of Capt. and Mrs. Wm. G. Dana. He showed great talents and was sent to school at Santa Ynez College, and afterwards completed his education at the Benicia Institute. In politics, Mr. Dana was affiliated with the Democratic party. At the age of twenty-one years he was elected county clerk of San Luis Obispo County in 1857. The election resulted in Mr. Dana receiving 169 votes to 100 for A. Murray, the total vote of the county at that time being very light. Mr. Dana desired to complete his schooling at the Benecia (sic) Institute and sent away for that purpose, leaving P.A. Forrester in charge of the office as his deputy. Mr. Dana was a candidate for Supervisor in 1860, but was defeated by J. Bunce, who received the small majority of 7. In 1861, though not a candidate his popularity secured him 20 votes for Supervisor. In 1865 he received 139 votes for County Assessor to 256 for J. Bains. In 1869 John Bains and William C. Dana appeared in the political arena as contestants this time for the office of county treasurer. Bains had won for assessor in 1865, but Dana defeated him easily for treasurer, the vote being, Dana 488, Bains 393. In 1894, Mr. Dana was the candidate of the Democrats for county treasurer, and ran well with the ticket, but it was an off year for the party that time and no Democrat was elected. Mr. Dana received 1041 votes. Mr. Dana was married to Miss Modesta Castro, only daughter of Gen. Castro, May 26, 1861. By this marriage there were eleven children, five sons and six daughters. The remains will be brought to (this) city on the morning train today and the funeral will take place at 11:30 from the Catholic church. A solemn high mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.
(Morning Tribune, San Luis Obispo, California, May, 22, 1898)
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Children:
- Anita Rachel (May 17, 1862, Monterey-1930; married Benigno Castro)
- William E. (Sep. 27, 1863, Monterey-Dec 14, 1921, Los Alamos)
- Louisa María (Feb. 2, 1865, Nipomo-??; married León P. Narváez)
- Rebecca Elizabeth (July 10, 1866, SLO-Oct. 26, 1892; married Mariano Estrada)
- *Modesta Adelina "Millie" (Aug. 6, 1867, SLO; married José Ramón Careaga [born about 1867, alive at Los Alamos June 1896])
- Rufina (Aug 16-Nov 18, 1869, SLO)
- Frances (Sep 26, 1870, SLO-??; married [1] Tucker, [2] Rafael Diaz)
- Rufina Julia (Feb 26, 1872, SLO-??)
- Albert Francis (June 16, 1873, SLO-Feb 9, 1895, SLO)
- Joseph Armand Goodwin (Feb 4, 1875, SLO-1938; married Lucretia "Todie" Elizabeth Deleissigues)
- Samuel Moses (Nov 22, 1876, SLO-1932, SLO; married María "Tita" Isabel [maiden name unknown])