Born: June 25, 1828
Died: Feb. 3, 1887
Known for: Mike Bryte was a successful dairyman and area landowner. The community of Bryte (now part of West Sacramento) was named for his family.
Background: Born in Clearcreek Township, Ohio, Bryte came to California and became a gold miner and businessman. In 1853, Bryte bought a small dairy north of Washington (now also part of West Sacramento).
In 1854, he contracted with the California Steam Navigation Co. to supply its river steamers with milk at 40 cents per gallon. In 1872, Bryte moved his family to Sacramento County, where he served two terms as sheriff.
A highlight: Bryte's son George later sold his and his two sisters' interest in the Bryte family land. Originally called the Riverbank settlement, the conditions of the sale required that the area carry the name of Bryte and that a street must carry the names of the sellers. Anna and Carrie streets in northern West Sacramento are named after the two Bryte sisters.
In History's Spotlight profiles of Sacramento newsmakers were published originally in 2007 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Sacramento Bee. They were written by Anthony Sorci. Look for them every Sunday in Sac History Happenings.
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