Famous People From Sonoma County

Dona Maria Carrillo

 Called the "Mother of Santa Rosa" because she settled near Santa Rosa in 1839 when it was still a frontier. She managed 3,000 head of cattle, 1,500 horses and sheep and cultivated many acres of grain with the help of several hundred Indians. She was an expert equestrian and was the first woman viticulturist (wine expert) in Sonoma County. Every major town in Sonoma County was founded by a member of her family.

Mariano G. Vallejo

  Mexico's military commander before California became a state.

Luther Burbank

Thomas Edison, Luther Burbank and Henry Ford together on the steps of Burbank's home in Santa Rosa in 1915. (Luther Burbank Museum photo)

 Known throughout the world as a plant wizard. His work with plants produced many improved kinds of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Jack London

 A famous author who wrote books such as White Fang and The Call of the Wild. He made his home later in life near Glen Ellen, where he did much of his writing.

Elsie Allen

 Elsie Allen was a fourth generation Pomo basket weaver and is known worldwide for her beautiful basketry.

Willard F. Libby

 A world-famous Nobel Prize-winning scientist who grew up in Sebastopol. He attended Analy High School. He discovered Carbon 14 and developed radiocarbon dating process that tells the age of bones, stone wood, etc.

Helen Putnam

 She was one of Sonoma County's first influential woman in education and government.

Charles M. Schultz

 World-famous cartoonist and the creator of the "Peanuts" cartoon.

LeRoy Ripley

 Born in Santa Rosa, he is known for Ripley's "Believe It Or Not"