[Images obtained from 'History of Sacramento County California' in 1880, published by Thompson & West, Oakland, Cal. 1880]

Sacramento County Biographies
Information thanks to Nancy Pratt Melton:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~npmelton/sacplan.htm

PETER PLANALP

PETER PLANALP, farmer. It is with pleasure that we record the life of such an old Californian as the subject of this section of our history. He is a marked type of those who came hither in early day. He was born in Switzerland, November 20, 1828, a son of Peter and Barbara (Stahley) Planalp. In 1834 the family came to the United States, locating in Dearborn County, Indiana, where they made their home for a number of years, during the more active part of their life. The old gentleman was a farmer by occupation, and when he and his wife were somewhat advanced in years they went to Missouri, where they remained with some of their children until their death. They had three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. Mr. Planalp, the subject of this sketch, is the only one of the family in this State. He was brought up a farmer boy in pioneer times, at hard work and with but little schooling. At the age of twenty-four years, in company with a returned Californian,—Mr. Matthews,—he started, April 15, 1852, for the gold fields of this State. He came by steamer to St. Louis, and thence by mule teams, leaving Independence, Missouri, May 10, and arriving in Sacramento September 16, without any special trouble on the trip, although the trains ahead and behind them had troubles with the Indians and other accidents. When he arrived in Sacramento he had poor health. The friends with whom he came went up on the San Juan grant, on the American River, and obtained a ranch. Mr. Planalp obtained work from a neighbor living there, remaining with him three months. He then made a trip through the mines between Sacramento and Marysville, and up the Yuba River and on to San Juan and other places. Returning to this county, he obtained work upon a farm about where he is now living. Some two years later he again visited the mining region and worked about two years there. Previous to this he had taken up land claims in Dry Creek Township, and when he returned from the mines he went upon his land, and since 1858 he has given his entire attention to farming and stock-raising. In 1863 he sold his lands, went to Fresno County and entered the live-stock business there, remaining until 1867. Returning then to this county, he bought back his old place, which he now occupies. It comprises 874 acres, and 240 acres adjoining belongs to his wife. Mr. Planalp is a most successful farmer, beginning here, as he did, in early days without anything to help him except his industrious habits and business tact. In 1879 he erected his handsome residence in Galt, where he has ever since resided. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but not an active politician. In 1870 he married Mrs. Rosanna M. Need, widow of Michael Need, who came to this State in 1857. Mrs. Planalp has had four children, two by each marriage. The names of all are, in order, Sarah E. and George W. Need, and Rosanna and Henrietta Planalp. All are natives of the Golden State. 

 Transcribed 11-17-07 Marilyn R. Pankey.

Source: Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California. Pages 638-639. Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.

© 2007 Marilyn R. Pankey.