Dr. Chester FAIRCHILD

When the history of this county is finally written, the physician will occupy a large place. These trained and conscientious men blazed new trails in the wilderness, no road was too rough for them to travel, and at the sacrifice of personal comfort, personal gain, and even at the risk of their own lives, they worked without counting the hours to save the lives of others. They made a distinct contribution in every phase of our history of the well-being and the health and preservation of the nation. In Yolo County the Fairchilds have made a distinct contribution to medicine.

The grandfather of Dr. Chester Fairchild, who was born on the home ranch two miles west of Knights Landing in 1871, was Moses Fairchild, a descendant of bonny Scotland, whose forebears came to this county early. Grandfather Moses was born in New York, was a hatter by trade, and moved to Illinois in 1832, where he followed his trade, and also farmed on government land, which he purchased on his arrival there. He was a man of strong convictions, rigid integrity, lived in the high esteem of his neighbors, and was a member of the Methodist Church. Moses married Ada Hollabert, who was born in New York state, and lived in Sangamon County, Illinois until her death at the age of eighty.

Dr. Chester’s father was Hyman, a native of New York State, born December 2, 1832, in the County of Essex. He lived in Illinois with his parents and married there. In 1852 he took the Oregon Trail, and later moved to California, mining in the Dutch Flat and Gold Run districts of the Mother Lode. Early in the sixties he moved to Yolo County, two miles west of Knights Landing, and engaged in farming extensively there, and also in the Sutter Basin. Hyman died in 1907. He married Susan Benson, who was born near Belleville, Illinois, in 1838, and grew to young womanhood there. She crossed the Isthmus with her husband, and until the hour of his death was a worthy and devoted helpmeet. Throughout their life at Knights Landing, Mr. and Mrs. Hyman Fairchild were leaders in the community, and beloved residents. They were the very life of the Methodist Church at Knights Landing, and for years were pillars in that Christian fellowship. Mrs. Fairchild died in Woodland in 1924, lamented by a sorrowing family and a wide circle of friends.

Dr. Chester was educated in the public schools of Yolo County, and then graduated from Cooper Medical College, San Francisco, in 1906, with the degree of M.D. Following his graduation he engaged in general practice in Winters, and in 1910 moved to Woodland, and became one of the organizers with Dr. H. D. Lawhead, Dr. W. J. Blevins and his brother, Dr. Fred, of the Woodland Sanitarium, which in 1922 became the well known Woodland Clinic.

In 1912 Dr. Chester was married in Woodland to Victorine Browning, daughter of R. W. and Martha Browning. Her father was a native of Monroe County, Kentucky, born there December 1, 1833. As a youth he crossed the plains, and in 1854 settled on 500 acres of land a few miles southwest of Woodland. In connection with his farming he did a thriving freight business for five years in the early sixties, going from Sacramento the mines. Later Mr. Browning served most efficiently as Vice-President of the old Bank of Yolo. He was an outstanding Mason, and was intensely interested in the development of the public schools. He passed away in Woodland December 10, 1925. Victorine’s mother was Martha Kincheloe. She was born in Cooper County, Missouri, coming to Yolo County at the age of five years with her parents. Her father was the well known pioneer, Z. B. Kincheloe, who established his farm southwest of Woodland. Martha Kincheloe Browning died in Woodland March 17, 1910.

Dr. Chester and Mrs. Fairchild are the parents of two children: Irma-Sue, who is now Mrs. Wilfred Schlieman, born January 25, 1914, in Woodland. She is a graduate of the University of California. Elizabeth, born in Woodland July 27, 1916, is a graduate of the University of California and is now employed by the State of California in Woodland.

Dr. Chester is a Republican, a Methodist, was formerly a Mason, is a member of the Elks, and the American College of Physicians and Surgeons. Early in life he did extensive study in the line which was to be his specialty: treatment of the eye, ear, nose, and throat. For many years he took care of all that pertains to his specialty in the busy and efficient Woodland Clinic. His reputation brought patients from all over Northern California to Woodland. In July, 1937, Dr. Chester retired form active practice, and is now enjoying life in his commodious and attractive home and gardens on First Street, Woodland. He is a lover of God’s out-of-doors, and his hobbies are golfing, hunting, gardening, and caring for his flowers.

Transcribed by Peggy B. Perazzo from “History of Yolo County California, Its Resources and Its People,” William O. Russell, editor, Woodland, 1940, pp. 340-341.

Dr. Fred R. FAIRCHILD

The Arabs have a saying that if a man is to achieve earthly immortality he must write a book, rear a son, or build a house. Dr. Fred R. Fairchild and his brother, Dr. Chester, have achieved earthly immortality because of their fine work in building the Woodland Clinic. This beautiful building, which is a House of Health, not only for Yolo County, but for hundreds in Northern California, is one of the finest assets of the City of Woodland. It is imposing, well equipped, well planned, and efficient in all its departmsnts. Dr. Fred R. Fairfield is still the head of this splendid institution.

In the life of Dr. Chester Fairchild in this volume we told something of Moses Fairchild, a grandfather of Dr. Fred and Dr. Chester. Their father was Hyman Fairchild, born in Essex County, New York, December 2, 1832, but reared to manhood in Sangamon County, Illinois. In 1852, in a covered wagon over the Oregon Trail with this devoted wife he made the trip to the Rogue River country near Medford, settled there for a time, and planted the first apple trees on that river. After a few years they moved into California, mined in the Dutch Flat and Gold Run districts, and later engaged extensively in the cattle business. In the famous dry year of 1865 he lost the bulk of his capital. In 1860 Hyman moved two miles west of Knights Landing, acquiring 320 acres from the Walker family, who had obtained it direct from the government. Here they engaged in general farming, raising wheat, barley and grain. This 320 acres is still retained by Drs. Chester and Fred Fairchild. Hyman also acquired 560 acres of productive grain land in the Hungry Hollow Section. He was a hard worker, a good manager, strong, and the type of rugged pioneer who helped to make California. He was a religious man, and was for years a leader in the Knights Landing Methodist Church. Hyman married Susan Benson, who was born near Belleville, Illinois, in 1838, and was of English descent. There she grew to young womanhood, married Hyman Fairchild, crossed the plains with him, and was loving and loyal to all the interests of her husband and her children until the end of her life. She was also a leader in the church and community at Knights Landing. They reared one girl and four boys, only two of whom survive: Dr. Fred and Dr. Chester. Mrs. Susan Fairchild died in 1924 in Woodland.

Dr. Fred was educated in the public schools of Woodland, Berkeley High School, and graduated from the University of California in 1898 with the degree of Ph.B. In 1902 he graduated from Cooper Medical College, San Francisco, with the degree of M.D.

After receiving his M.D., Dr. Fred accepted a position as surgeon for the Mariposa Commercial Mining Company, at Mariposa, California. In 1903 he established his own office in Woodland, where he engaged in general medicine and surgery until 1910. In 1911, together with Dr. H. D. Lawhead, Dr. W. J. Blevins, and his brother, Dr. Chester, he organized the Woodland Sanitarium, which in 1922 became the Woodland Clinic and new buildings were erected.

In 1909 Dr. Fred Fairchild and Rowena Alice Stephens were married in Woodland. Miss Stephens was born in Woodland June 28, 1878, the daughter of the well known pioneer, L. D. Stephens, who was born June 30, 1835, in Booneville, Cooper County, Missouri. At the age of sixteen, with an uncle, he crossed the plains, and in 1852 came to the present site of Madison, joined other uncles, and there engaged in farming. Thirteen years later he entered the mines in Placer County, and for a period of eight years engaged in various business enterprises: teaming, etc. Then in 1873 Mr. Stephens returned to Woodland, entered the grain business, and later grain storage and warehouse business. In 1881, on 3,000 acres of land ten miles from Fresno, he engaged extensively in livestock and grain farming. During his life he helped organize the Woodland Building and Loan Association, the Woodland Milling Company, the Capay Ditch Company, which later became the Yolo County Consolidated Water Company. In all of these he held a prominent place. In 1868 he was one of the leading organizers of the Bank of Woodland, and held the Presidency from its inception in 1868 to his death in Woodland in 1899. Mrs. Fairchild’s mother was Alice Hunt, who was the daughter of Gaston Hunt, a real pioneer of Yolo County, and an outstanding man of his time. Mrs. Fairchild was a graduate of Mills College in 1897, and studied music for two years in the Dresden Conservatory, Germany, where she took up harp. She has always taken an active and leading part in community affairs, is a member of many women’s organizations, and is an active worker in the Episcopal Church.

Dr. Fred Fairchild is a Republican, an Episcopalian, a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the American College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Academy of Medicine. During the war he was chief surgeon at the Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco, which is the second largest military hospital in the United States. He was also chief surgeon at the Vancouver Barracks in Washington, as well as at Camp Lewis.

Dr. Fred Fairchild may well be considered a pioneer in medical treatment in California. Early in his practice he came to realize the need of organized medical treatment. He long felt that better medical service could be given the public if under one group and in one locality the latest equipment and the best medical skill could be available. Hence he initiated the Woodland Sanitarium, which grew into the Woodland Clinic, and this splendid institution is an example of all that is fine and efficient in medical treatment.

Dr. Fred’s hobby is hunting – especially big game, and he has many trophies showing some fine deer and mountain lions shot in California.

Transcribed by Peggy B. Perazzo from “History of Yolo County California, Its Resources and Its People,” William O. Russell, editor, Woodland, 1940, pp. 338-340.

Anthony Linn FARISH

The public administrator of Yolo county, who was elected to the office on the Democratic ticket in 1910, is a pioneer of California and for many years has been interested with his son, George A., who manages their large ranch in the Capay valley, Yolo county. As the senior member of the Farish Realty Company of Woodland he has been associated in the real estate business with his younger son, Franks L. The headquarters of the concern at No. 507 Main street are well known to the people of Yolo county and particularly to those who wish to buy or sell city homes or unimproved property, as well as lands adapted to the raising of fruit, alfalfa and grain. While making the sale of property their principle interest, the firm also conducts a growing insurance business and in that line enjoys the patronage of a large number of the leading men of the county.

The son of Adam Thomas Farish, a pioneer of 1849 and for many years the head of a wool and hide industry in San Francisco, A. L. Farish was born in Macon, near Memphis, Tenn., August 30, 1845, and came via the Isthmus of Panama to California in 1852. He was educated primarily in a private school in San Francisco, after which he spent five years in Marysville attending the public schools, and the city college of San Francisco. He then became a clerk in the law office of Elisha Cook in that city and afterward, in Hollister, San Benito county, he engaged in the mercantile business. While there he was elected county treasurer, serving one term. He then sold out his business interests and purchased a store in Los Gatos, from which place on February 15, 1887, he was appointed chief deputy in the office of the United States marshal at San Francisco, a position which he filled for about twenty years altogether, about eight years under Democratic and twelve years under Republican administration. When he was retired, to the regret of a host of well-wishers and friends, The Oakland Tribune published a complimentary article concerning his work, from which we quote the following:

"It is regrettable that the exigencies of partisan politics should compel so competent and trustworthy a man as A. L. Farish, former chief deputy in the United States marshal's office, to leave the public service. Mr. Farish has held his position in the marshal's office for nearly twenty years, through successive administrations, and has never been charged with a questionable act or dereliction of duty. Four successive marshals, two Democrats and two Republicans, found him an assistant so well informed, so attentive to his duties and so loyal to his chief as to be almost invaluable. Mr. Elliott, the new marshal was not to blame for having friends of his own to whom he would like to give a place. It is quite likely that he has political obligations to discharge which compel him to displace Mr. Farish to make room for someone else, and he should not be harshly criticised for conforming to conditions which he did not create and for which he is not responsible. Nevertheless it is a matter of regret that so faithful and valuable an official as Mr. Farish has proved himself to be summarily turned out of office after a score of years of service free from reproach. No man would dismiss such an employee from his private business; on the contrary, employers raise the salaries and show increased consideration for such employee."

Upon retiring from the marshal's office Mr. Farish came to Woodland, Yolo county, where he and his older son own a ranch of four hundred and fifty acres in Capay valley. In addition he owns an alfalfa ranch of twenty acres in the suburbs of Woodland. During the period of his residence in this city he has won the confidence of the people, among all of whom his integrity is unquestioned and his intelligence conceded. Stanch in his allegiance to Democratic principles, he yet solicits office from his party, and the position he now holds came to him as a token of his high standing in the community. It has been his privilege to witness sixty years of progress and development in California and the state has no resident more loyal than he, no citizen more devoted to its upbuilding and more positive as to its possibilities. His marriage took place in Hollister December 4, 1873, and united him with Miss Sarah E. Triplett. They are the parents of three children now living, the eldest of whom, George A., who manages the Capay valley ranch, married Miss May Collins and has one son, Linn. The only daughter is the wife of H. H. Gable of Woodland and they have one daughter, Margaret. The youngest member of the family circle, Franks L., is a member of the Farish Realty Company of Woodland.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 686 - 687.

Charles M. FISHBACK

One of Woodland's best known and most popular citizens is Charles M. Fishback, who by his perseverance and sterling qualities has succeeded in attaining his present prosperity. A native of Kentucky, born May 17, 1848, in Barren county, he there spent his early childhood, removing in 1855 to Pike county, Mo., with his parents, John Morgan and Elizabeth (Button) Fishback, both natives of Kentucky. He was educated in the public schools and followed farming in Missouri until the spring of 1872, when he came to Yolo county, Cal. The latter part of his journey westward was somewhat novel, a recent wash-out across the tules near Sacramento, necessitating the removal of the passengers to a flat car pulled a short distance by horses. They were then conveyed by a boat to another handcar fitted with a sail, and with sails set they flew along until they arrived at Davisville. The tules were under water for miles at that time. Upon his arrival in Woodland Mr. Fishback secured a situation on the J. M. Dutton ranch, but after eighteen months rented a place at Hungry Hollow, later purchasing the property, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1892 he bought his present thirty-eight acre ranch in Willow Oak Park, adjacent to Woodland, devoting twenty-five acres to alfalfa, of which five cuttings are secured annually. He has also three and one-half acres of Sultana grapes, and upon a portion of the property he operates a dairy of twelve cows.

The marriage of Mr. Fishback, in Yolo county, in 1874, united him with Miss Colislia Dutton, who was born in Pike county, Ill., and who came to California in 1863, crossing the plains with her father, James M. Dutton, who was for many years a well known rancher of Yolo county. Mr. and Mrs. Fishback were blessed with eight children: Cora E., now the wife of J. D. Musgrove, of Woodland; Bruce, at home; Zuella, now Mrs. D. E. Green, of Sacramento; Marcia, the wife of H. E. Van Horn, of Fresno; Myrtle, Eunice, Gladys, and Harold.

Optimistic and generous, Mr. Fishback is prompt to support all public enterprises of merit, and as a thoroughly progressive and dependable enjoys the esteem and confidence of his associates.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 563 - 564.

Daniel FARNHAM

a farmer of Yolo County, was born in Cass County, Michigan, October 22, 1839, a son of Daniel Farnham, Sr. He was brought up on a farm, and in 1859 he started for Pike's Peak, with his father, but meeting many disappointed men returning from that point they concluded to come on to California. Stopping in Placer County, they engaged in mining there until 1861, when Mr. Farnham, the subject of this sketch, purchased a team and followed freighting three years. He then disposed of his outfit and bought the place, in 1865, where he now lives. In 1865 he married Miss S. Dopking, a native of Van Buren County, Michigan, and they have six children, namely: Frank, twenty-two years old; Marcia, thirteen; Harvey, nine; Niah, seven; Claud, five; Ira, three, -- all living in Yolo County, California.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

Isaac FISHER (#1)

Isaac Fisher, a farmer near Woodland, is one of the enterprising ranchers of Yolo County who have demonstrated that a small farm can be made sufficiently remunerative for a livelihood. He was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1829, a son of Henry and Magdalene (Snavley) Fisher. Her father was a miller by trade and also a farmer by occupation, and moved to Indiana in 1837, where he lived until 1858. Then he came overland to California, in company with his son John H. He was taken sick on the route, and lived but three weeks after his arrival at the home of the subject of this sketch, dying at the age of sixty-three years. Isaac was seven years old when he was taken by his parents in their change of residence from Pennsylvania to South Bend, Indiana, and until 1853 he was engaged there in farming and also employed for a time in the woolen mills, tanneries, etc. In March, 1853, he left for California, with horse teams, and came by way of Council Bluffs, Salt Lake and the Carson route, the trip occupying about six months. He arrived at Sacramento September 19, and for three months he worked at odd jobs, and then in the mines a few months, and then returned to the valley in January, and again commenced work at odd jobs. In a short time he and his brother J.H. purchased a squatter's title of 160 acres of land and they cultivated it in partnership until 1859, when they dissolved. Isaac now has eight acres of land, upon which he nets as great profit as many who have larger farms. The place is devoted chiefly to alfalfa, and it is furnished with the best of buildings. It is four miles south of Woodland, on a fine gravel road. In 1886 Mr. Fisher raised five tons of alfalfa seed from twenty-five acres, which sold at ten to twelve cents a pound, and he cut on an average five tons of alfalfa hay to the acre, from sixty-five acres, and does not boast of the crop. He is a genial, good-natured gentleman, now over sixty-one years old, appearing, however, not to be over fifty. He is an member of Woodland Lodge, No. 22, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a Republican in his political views. In 1840 he helped to raise a flag-pole to the honor of General W. H. Harrison.

He was married in 1866, to Miss Mary Cunningham, a native of Ohio, who is now deceased; they had two daughters. Mr. Fisher was married again in March, 1878, to Miss Anna Rhoads, a native of Indiana, and by this marriage there have been three sons and one daughter.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, August 2004.
Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1891. pg. 358-359

Isaac FISHER (#2)

The life which this narrative delineates began in Lebanon county, Pa., March 4, 1829, and closed in Yolo county, Cal., April 4, 1908. The intervening period of seventy-nine years represented an era of great activity and large accomplishments. The greater portion of the eventful existence was identified with California, and the sturdy pioneer who had crossed the plains from Indiana as early as 1853 formed one of that intelligent and industrious group of farmers to whose foresight may be attributed the first agricultural development of the great commonwealth. In no particular was this shrewd, keen judgment more in direct evidence than when he expressed himself in favoring irrigation and the consequent dividing up of the large ranches into small fruit farms, thereby securing large returns from the fertile soil of the valley. Many opposed his theories concerning irrigation, holding that the presence of the ditches would injure the appearance of the ranches and, more serious still, would cut up the land in a way that would render cultivation a tedious and difficult task. The history of later years testifies as to the correctness of his opinion. In other respects he was ahead of his times and viewed his county and commonwealth with the progressive vision more characteristic of the twentieth century than of his own period of activity.

The genealogical records of the Fisher family indicate their early association with Pennsylvania, but about 1836 Henry and Magdalena (Snavley) Fisher took their family to the newer country of Indiana, where the father, who was a farmer by occupation and a miller by trade, settled at South Bend and became interested in the manufacture of woolens. During 1858, more than twenty years after his settlement in a frontier Indiana town, he started on another trip toward the further west, having decided to accompany a son, John H., to California, whither another son, Isaac, had preceded them. While on the plains he fell ill, and three weeks after his arrival in California he died at the home of his son, Isaac, at the age of sixty-three years.

Subsequent to the removal of the family to Indiana attendance at school and work in the woolen mills occupied the attention of Isaac Fisher until he became self-supporting, after which he found employment as a farm laborer and as an assistant in tanneries, besides occasionally working in the woolen mills. However, his decision early was made to come to the then unknown west and as soon as practicable he started on the trip. It was during March of 1853 when he with a number of companions left South Bend for California via Council Bluffs, Salt Lake City and the Carson route. The journey, which was made with horse teams, came to an end in Sacramento September 19, after which Mr. Fisher found employment at odd jobs for a time and in the mines for a few months. Coming next to Yolo county, he settled on a claim, which is widow still owns, this now being a very valuable and productive tract. With the arrival of his brother in 1858 the two bought a squatter's title to three hundred and twenty acres and engaged in its cultivation, but in 1859 Mr. Fisher dissolved partnership with his brother and thereafter was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. When the irrigation ditch was completed he devoted the ranch to alfalfa and erected substantial farm buildings. To show what he accomplished it may be stated that during 1886 he raised five tons of alfalfa seed from twenty-five acres and sold the same at twelve cents a pound. For years he made of his ranch one of the most remunerative properties in the entire valley and his success proves what it is within the power of a capable farmer to accomplish on this fertile soil when aided by satisfactory irrigation facilities.

The first marriage of Mr. Fisher was solemnized in Woodland and united him with Miss Mary Cunningham, who was a native of Ohio and died in Yolo county. Two daughters were born of that union. The elder, Adella, Mrs. Madison P. Barnes of Sacramento, is the mother of two children, Jean and James Barnes. The younger, Edna, is the wife of Gardner Spencer, of Alameda, and the mother of two children, Marjorie and Kenyon. At Cacheville, Yolo county, March 16, 1878, occurred the marriage of Isaac Fisher and Miss Anna Rhoads, a native of Madison, Anderson county, Ind., and a daughter of John L. and Lovina (Fierce) Rhoads, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Virginia. During the years of active life Mr. Rhoads engaged in the building business in Anderson, Ind., and there his death occurred during 1909 at the age of eighty-six years. When Mrs. Fisher was still a small child she was bereaved by the death of her mother in 1858, after which she was taken into the home of an uncle, Rev. S. H. Rhoads, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was given excellent advantages and is a graduate of the high school of Elkhart, Ind. When her uncle became a citizen of Woodland during 1875 she accompanied him to this city and three years later became the wife of Mr. Fisher. Since his death she has rented the alfalfa ranch three and one-half miles south of Woodland and has made her home in this city, where she has a large circle of friends, not only in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is an earnest member, but among all the people, irrespective of creed or social rank. At the age of twelve years she was converted and united with the denomination to which she has given a life of devoted, intelligent service and whose charities and missionary movements have received the aid of her practical helpfulness and generous contributions. She is the mother of four children, three of whom still reside in Woodland, while the eldest, Oscar S., makes his home in Berkeley. By his marriage to Miss Anna Stone he has one son, John F. The second son, Nile I., who is engaged in the feed and fuel business, married Doli G. Owens. Mrs. Grace L. Epperson is the mother of two children, Sidney and Anna. The youngest member of the family circle is Chester H., also a resident of Woodland.

From boyhood Isaac Fisher was interested in public affairs. Frequently he would recount with pride the story of his participation, in 1840, at the age of eleven years, the raising of a flagpole in honor of William Henry Harrison. When the slavery agitation first began to interest the nation with its dark forecasts for the future he threw his influence on the side of the Abolitionists and did all within his power to arouse a sentiment against the country's curse of bondage. Upon the organization of the Republican party he was one of its original members and from that time until his death he never failed to support its principles. Had there been need of his services in the Civil war he would have enlisted with pride, but throughout the entire struggle California had more than her stipulated quota of volunteers waiting for assignment. Fraternally he held membership with Woodland Lodge No. 22, A. O. U. W., and also for years belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death was the occasion of many tributes of praise on the part of the large circle of friends and associates who had witnessed his brave struggle to develop the country and had appreciated his far-seeing discrimination and practical judgment.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 775 - 777.

James Richard FISHER

Bereft by fate of the kindly ministrations of parents during the formative period of childhood and forced by poverty to forego educational opportunities in order to earn a livelihood, Mr. Fisher struggled against adversity and discouragement and has won his way to a gratifying position in the community where for thirty years he has been an honored resident. While he was still very young the Civil war cast its dark shadow over the country and his father, Benjamin F., a Missourian by birth, nevertheless took up arms in defense of the Union and bore a brave part in various battles of the Rebellion. During the period of his service he was stricken with measles and the disease terminated fatally. Learning of his illness his wife, who was a Miss Pace, a native of Missouri, hastened to the camp to nurse and care for him. There she, too, fell ill with the same disease and both of them died in the soldier's camp. They left to mourn them an only son, who was still too young to realize his heavy loss, and an only daughter, Mary Jane, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Born in Johnson county, Mo., April 16, 1858, James R. Fisher passed the years of boyhood on a farm in his native locality. During 1874 he went to Texas and worked on a farm in Denton county. After a brief period there he went further west in the state and for four years worked on a cattle ranch. Coming to California in 1881 he joined an uncle and aunt in Yolo county and afterward spent several years as a hand on a ranch. It was not until 1897 that he established domestic ties. On the 14th of November of that year he married Annie E., daughter of U. B. Sassaman, and a native of Sutter county, this state, her father having migrated hither from Pennsylvania in a very early day.

For thirty years or more Mr. Fisher has lived in Yolo county where in 1891 he bought ten acres adjacent to the village of Yolo and included within the limits of the town. Here he built a house and a barn and made other improvements. With the exception of engaging in the butcher business and carrying on a meat market in Yolo for two years, he has earned his livelihood from his little farm, where for some years he has kept several fine cows and has made a specialty of dairying. At present he also engages in the poultry business with profit and on an extensive scale. In view of the fact that he came to this county without means and incurred a heavy debt in buying his present place, he is to be credited with sagacity and energy in attaining a competency through his exertions. While he has been a voter at Yolo for thirty years he has never sought office and, aside from casting a Republican ballot, he has taken no part whatever in politics. In religious connections he is identified with the First Baptist Church of Woodland. Many years ago he joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Knight's Landing, which he has served as an official and has been a leader in many of the activities of the organization. In the quiet round of daily duties he has lived a busy life among the people of the community. Without the ties of near kindred to draw him back to his native locality, he has centered his affections upon the home of his adoption and believes Yolo county to be as desirable a location as may be found for those desirous of enjoying a quiet, useful and contented existence.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 661 - 662.

Walter W. FISK

No section of the county received the news of the discovery of gold in California with greater interest or responded more enthusiastically to the attractions of the west than did New England, which sent many of its sturdy young men to aid in the opening of the vast undeveloped regions near the Pacific coast. Not the least ambitious, and certainly not the least successful, of these eastern emigrants was the late John C. Fisk, who although no fortune awaited him in the western mines, was yet able to achieve more than ordinary results along other lines of activity. The geography of Sonoma county records his name in the village of Fisk, originally known as Fisk's Mill, where he built and for years operated the second sawmill in the county. The redwood was hauled from the interior to his mill near the coast and after being sawed into lumber was conveyed by vessels to the markets up and down the ocean. During the Civil war the mill was taxed to its utmost capacity and for some years thereafter the original builder continued at the head of the plant.

There is little to record of the early life of John C. Fisk, except that he was born and reared in Vermont and belonged to an honored old family of that state. At the time of the discovery of gold he was just ready to begin the earning of a livelihood and naturally was attracted to the coast, whither he came via the Horn and during 1850 engaged in mining with some success. Returning to Vermont, he there married Miss Sarah Hubbard and in 1853 the young couple came west by way of the Isthmus of Panama, settling on raw land near Vacaville, Solano county. On that frontier ranch a son was born in 1853, whom they named Walter W. Their other sons were Eugene F., George S., Charles B., Andrew J., and Fred (deceased).

It was after an experience of several years as a rancher in Solano county (a part of the time as a partner of W. O. Russell) that John C. Fisk removed to Sonoma county and in 1860 began to saw redwood at Fisk's Mill, where a number of years passed in busy industry. Upon selling the mill in 1868 he embarked in the mercantile business and also carried on a hotel at Stewarts Point, on the ocean a short distance above his earlier location. Until 1882 he remained in Sonoma county, although meanwhile he has frequently made trips to Texas, where he had acquired large tracts of unimproved land. On the final disposition of the property in the Lone Star state he and his sons formed a partnership in the purchase twelve hundred acres in Sonoma county. A small portion of the large ranch was planted to prunes and eventually large crops were raised for which they were paid as high as twelve cents per pound. The father continued at the head of this enterprise until his death in 1890 and since then the widow has remained at the old homestead, which is still conducted by members of the family.

After having been associated in agricultural enterprises with his father and brothers from early youth until 1885, Mr. Fisk then started out independently and bought a dairy ranch near Duncans Mills, Sonoma county, where for a long period he successfully engaged in the dairy industry. From a very small herd he increased his dairy until it comprised one hundred head of milch cows. When finally he sold the property at a fair profit, in October of 1907 he came to Yolo county and bought sixty-eight acres of fine alfalfa land on Putah creek, five miles from Davis. On this place he has since engaged in dairy enterprises and owns one hundred cows of superior milking strain, the whole forming an investment that returns him gratifying dividends in a neat annual income. The milk from the dairy is sold to the University farm at Davis. In his capable efforts the owner has enjoyed the assistance of his children, Eugene and Hazel, as well as the co-operation and wise counsel of his wife, whom he married in 1887, and who was Miss Clara Fiddlebrown, a native of Vermont, but a resident of California from girlhood. The family have a high social standing in their locality and are esteemed as the possessors of those sterling traits that almost invariably characterize the New Englanders in whatever part of the world they may be found.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 864 - 866.

Reuben FITZ

The agricultural and horticultural possibilities of Yolo county were demonstrated through the successful activities of the late Reuben Fitz, protracted during a long period of years and indeed up to the time of his demise. A close student of the soil, he learned by actual experience the crops best suited to the climate and the land, and his work therefore contained much of value for later generations. Particularly were his efforts far-reaching in the domain of viticulture, for which he possessed a natural aptitude. When he became identified with the landed interests of the county he acquired the title of a ranch near Woodland and found on the property an old orchard not destitute of possibilities for profits. The cherry trees alone seemed useless cumberers of the earth and these he removed. A vineyard of fifteen acres was started and eventually his table and raisin grapes gained a wide reputation, while the superior of the wine elicited praise from even the most critical judges.

In tracing the history of the Fitz family we find that George and Lydia (Richardson) Fitz about 1845 from York state to Michigan, took up land in the newer regions of that state and remained there engaged in agricultural pursuits until their death. Their son, Reuben, was born in Niagara county, N. Y., July 30, 1835, and attended the schools of that locality as well as those near the Michigan home of the family. At the age of about twenty-five years he gave up farming interests at the old homestead and came via the Isthmus of Panama to California, landing in San Francisco on the 1st of February, 1860. Proceeding direct to Yolo county, he found work as a ranch hand by the day or month. After two years as a farm laborer he was given a position in a large livery and feed stable at Washington, Yolo county, and had the management of the business for about two years. With the savings of that period of industry he bought the equity in two hundred and sixty acres owned by David Cole and situated about one and one-half miles from Woodland. Later he sold a quarter section, leaving one hundred acres as the present boundaries of the estate.

The raising of Jersey and Holstein cattle formed one of the specialties in which Reuben Fitz gained a local reputation. Alfalfa was then and is now one of the principle income-producers on the property. During 1873 the owner bought a residence in Woodland and established his home there, but the farm lying close to the city he was still able to devote close attention to its cultivation. During 1865 he married Sarah, daughter of James and Barbara (Bridger) Hilton. She was born near London, Canada, April 2, 1844, and in 1856 with other members of the family came to California, joining her father, who had settled in this state in 1853. For a long period Mr. Hilton held conspicuous position among the successful farmers of Yolo county, but eventually he removed to Sacramento and in that city he died at the age of seventy-three years, his wife surviving him and passing away at the age of seventy-seven. The death of Reuben Fitz occurred August 8, 1907, and his wife passed from earth October 10, 1906. Of their four children Frank has been engaged in mining in Mexico, and Nina and George have remained at the old homestead, while the youngest, Lurita, died at the age of nineteen years. The father always supported Republican principles and his son, George, favors the same party. The latter is associated fraternally as a member of Woodland Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M., Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World. After having maintained active agricultural operations for some time he retired in 1903 and the ranch was leased until recently, when he again resumed its management, and now is actively engaged in general farming.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 474 - 477.

Frank FLETCHER

A touch of romance lingers around the adventurous but successful career of the late Frank Fletcher. While especially fond of the quiet calm of the country, with the golden sunlight falling softly upon meadow and valley, not for him was the isolation of rural communities. When a long-hidden desire for a country home was able to be gratified, not for long did he enjoy the seclusion of the attractive place he had purchased. Always for him were the haunts of men, the teeming life of the city, the excitement of commercial affairs and the anxieties connected with the financing of large undertakings. For a short period he gave his attention to the improvement of his ranch, the planting of ornamental and fruit trees, and the other tasks that delighted his heart with their promise of future beauty and charm; but while yet at the beginning of his self-imposed tasks death came to him and ended all the hopes so fondly cherished.

The life which this narrative depicts began in Liverpool, England, July 22, 1864, and closed in San Francisco, Cal., March 30, 1911. The Fletcher family is of old English ancestry, and the father, Thomas, was a native of Liverpool, where for years he owned and operated a foundry. Himself an expert and skilled mechanic, he was well qualified to manage an industry of that kind, but the conditions connected with the work in England were such that he decided to transfer his interests to the new world. Accordingly during 1869 he crossed the Atlantic and settled in Mexico, where he built a foundry and for years operated a machine shop at Chihuahua, some distance south of El Paso, Tex. From his earliest recollections, Frank Fletcher was familiar with machinery and exhibited mechanical skill, but this did not prevent him from endeavoring to secure a liberal classical education. For some time he worked in the foundry as a pattern-maker, and after the death of his father he succeeded to the estate and business. A man of great energy and activity, the conduct of the machine shop did not represent the limit of his labors. In partnership with Gov. Enricque Creel he had the distinction of building a railroad in Mexico, a narrow-gauge road of twenty-six miles, which was later sold.

Upon disposing of his interests in Mexico and removing to California, Mr. Fletcher remained for a time in San Francisco, but later took up mining activities in Trinity county. He opened up the Northern Headlight mine and operated it for a time, but was obliged to discontinue owing to an insufficiency of funds for the purchase of needed machinery. The temporary abandoning of his project only made him the more eager to prove the worth of the mine. Never once did he lose his faith in its value. Returning to Chihuahua he assumed the management of the old foundry and machine shop established by his father, and in addition he acted as superintendent of the City Electric Lighting & Power Company, owners of the local tramway and the electric light system. After a few years he resigned and returned to the management of the Northern Headlight mine, which, with new capital to aid him, he improved by the introduction of modern machinery. The mine proved fully equal to his expectations, and when its value became known he was able to sell out for a large sum. Returning to San Francisco he came there to Yolo county in 1908 and purchased a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres adjoining Dunnigan, the neat residence standing directly west of the railroad station.

The marriage of Mr. Fletcher took place at Berkeley, Cal, in 1890, and united him with Miss Annie Estella Willmott, who is a native of San Francisco, and received a classical education at Berkeley. She is a daughter of Charles Willmott, a native of England, who came to the new world in young manhood and settled at Berkeley, where he operated a brewery. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher comprises three children: Thomas Frank, manager of the ranch; Harry Detwiler and Hannah Wells, who reside at home. Three years after their removal to the ranch Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher went to San Francisco for purposes of recreation and recuperation, but shortly after their arrival in the city, Mr. Fletcher was taken seriously ill, and on the 30th of March, 1911, passed away. Since his death she has resided in San Francisco, leaving the management of the ranch to her son. For years he had been a member of the Masonic lodge in Chihuahua. In religion, while identified with no denomination, he was in sympathy with the charitable enterprises of all and contributed with great liberality to the Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Fletcher is an earnest member.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 818 - 820.

Daniel FLINT

Recognized among hop growers as an authority in that line, Mr. Flint, who resides in Sacramento, Cal., also enjoys the honor of being the first man in the state to experiment with the product under climatic conditions found in California. He was born in Swanzey, N. H., May 9, 1832, his parents being natives of Vermont. His mother was in maidenhood Harriett Rixford, and shortly after her marriage with Benjamin Flint, accompanied him to a New Hampshire farm, where they remained during life.

The youth of Daniel Flint was spent upon the home place, and after completing his education, which included also an academic course, he worked on his father's farm a few months. Later he became a clerk in Winchester and after three years' service he went to Crown Point, N. Y., where he entered the employ of Flint and Holton, his duties taking him upon Lake Champlain. In 1853 he decided to ally his future with a number of pioneers who were about to immigrate to the west, and by way of Cape Horn on the clipper ship "Mystery," after a voyage of one hundred and thirty-nine days, finally reached San Francisco, where he secured a position in the bonded warehouse of the United States government. In 1855 he became his brother's bookkeeper, faithfully performing his duties for three years, when he located in the Sacramento valley and engaged in hop raising, he and his brother having previously conducted experiments in Alameda county. Having convinced himself that the climate of California was conducive to the successful culture of hops, Mr. Flint purchased in Sacramento county twenty acres, setting out the first hop yard ever planted on the Pacific coast. His crop justified all his expectations, but upon attempting to dispose of it, he was met by an unforeseen obstacle, the brewers declining to accept his product, stating their preference for the eastern hops which they had long employed in the manufacture of their goods. Not discouraged, however, Mr. Flint proposed to a prominent brewer that he try a portion of the western hops which should cost him nothing should they prove unsatisfactory. The manufacturer agreed, and, after experiments, purchased from Mr. Flint his entire crop. Continuing to improve his product, Mr. Flint soon became recognized throughout the state as the most expert hop grower in the west. As a proof of his ability in this line, he wrote a prize paper on the subject in response to a request from the government, receiving for his article a draft for $140. Besides his two ranches in Sacramento county, of fifty and sixty-five acres, respectively, he owns a number of hop yards elsewhere, and employs a large number of people during the picking season. He is also interested in the breeding of high grade horses, not only roadsters and trotters, but draft animals as well.

Mrs. Flint, a most gracious and charming woman, became the wife of Daniel Flint, August 22, 1854. Prior to her marriage she was Mary E. Russell and was born in Crown Point, N. Y., the daughter of Jonathan Russell. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Flint: Lillian J., now Mrs. Elwood Bruner; Russell R.; Flood V.; Alice H., wife of William Lampert; William R.; Howard M.; Clarence C., of the United States Navy; Stanley M., and Edward C. All the sons, with the exception of two, are engaged in hop culture. Mr. Flint is a stanch Republican, and although many times requested by friends of note to accept a public office, he has deemed it unwise to do so, and continues in his quiet mode of life. He is an active Odd Fellow and has served also as master of the local grange and grand master of the state grange, of which he acted as treasurer four terms. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is deeply interested in the work of the Humane Society, which he assisted in organizing and of which he is treasurer. He is also closely identified with the charitable work of the community. For two years he served as superintendent of the track of the State Agricultural Society, of which he was a director for three years. Throughout his career Mr. Flint has ever shown toward his fellow men the greatest consideration and by his honorable dealings maintains the esteem of his many friends and associates.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 659 - 661.

Russell R. FLINT

A man who has done much toward the development of Yolo county is R. R. Flint, who as trustee of reclamation district No. 537, working in conjunction with the government, lent valuable assistance toward the reclamation of the bottom lands of Sacramento river. His father, Daniel Flint, came to California in 1853 via Cape Horn, and established the pioneer hop yards of California. (His biographical sketch appears on a separate page of this work.)

Russell R. Flint was born in Sacramento, Cal., in 1859, and was educated in this city and at the California Military Academy at Oakland. He later accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Friend & Terry Lumber Company of Sacramento, and subsequently, in 1884, took charge of his father's ranch three miles north of Washington, which later on he purchased. The property consists of one hundred and eighty-three acres, sixty of which are in hops and one hundred in alfalfa. This is considered the finest alfalfa land in California, in 1910 producing six crops without irrigation. Subsequently he put in an irrigating plant for the hop yard and in 1912 the yield approximated three thousand pounds to the acre, dry, which make a gross yield of $600 per acre.

In 1890 Mr. Flint was united in marriage with Miss May Burnham, who was born in Sacramento, and whose father, Henry Burnham, came to California in 1850 via Cape Horn, from Gloucester, Mass. For fifty years he was in the service of Friend & Terry Lumber Company of Sacramento, his death occurring in 1908. Mr. Flint is a member of the Sutter Club and he is a Republican in politics. His interest in behalf of the community in which he has so long resided never wavers, and he is conceded to be one of the most able citizens.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, page 804.

Donald FRAZER

Donald Frazer, of Woodland, has been a resident of California since 1850. He was born near the town of Inverness, Scotland, and when he was about the age of thirteen years he came with relatives to the United States, locating in Livingston County, New York, on the Genesee River; there he was an employee upon a farm. In the autumn of 1829, in connection with his brother, he located upon a farm near Elgin, Illinois; but the year afterward, in company with another brother, he began the carpenter's trade in Elgin, and after he completed his knowledge of the business he worked two years in that calling in Chicago, and afterward about Elgin until he started for California. This trip was made with eight other parties. Crossing the Missouri River at a point called Old Fort Kearney, May 5, 1850, they followed the trail to New Fort Kearney, now simply known as Fort Kearney, Nebraska. The road was alive with people and teams, on their way to the new El Dorado. As part of the company desired to travel faster than the rest, a division took place, and Mr. Frazer, who had made new acquaintances among the immigrants, joined a new company, along with some of his old friends, who were agreed on the rate of travel, and they appointed a man named Overall, from St. Louis, captain. As their cattle and stock had to be guarded during the night, the men were detailed by the captain for the various duties, day and night. At one point they paid some Indians, on demand, some flour, sugar and tobacco, for the privilege of passing through their territory. By the time they reached the Humboldt River they began to experience considerable hardships for the want of water free from alkali, and lack of provender for their horses. To obtain grass they put two wagon-beds together, with wagon-covers underneath, and with these made their way to the islands in the river, where the desired forage was found. They arrived at Placerville August 27, having good luck in getting their animals through.

Mr. Frazer followed mining the first three years, suffering a great deal of exposure, and then for a year and a half he followed teaming from Sacramento, and next he came over into Yolo County and began farming on Willow Slough, where he and others took up a tract of land which was not then surveyed. For years afterward he began running a threshing-machine, in which he had a half interest. Dry weather and short crops put a stop to this enterprise, and Mr. Frazer sold his farm with the intention of returning to the States; but before he got under way he changed his mind and entered the live-stock business, in which he did well - by hard work and a strict watch on a number of hard cases, however, until 1864; when he sold out the most of his stock. The next yar, with other parties, he took an interest in another large band of cattle, as in 1864, being a dry year or season, many were driven out of the country, and the consequent scarcity raised prices. He continued in this trade until about 1878, when he sold out and moved into Woodland, where he has since led an easier life. In November, 1885, the grocery house of A. D. Porter was purchased by the firm of Harling, Frazer & Co., which subsequently became Smith, Frazer & Co., which establishment is one of the oldest in the city and is unquestionably one of the leading mercantile houses.

In political matters Mr. Frazer has been a Republican ever since the party was organized, although not in any sense a politician. When Woodland was first organized as a town he was elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and was re-elected for the second term. He has been a member of the Masonic order for the past ten or twelve years.

Mr. Frazer was married in 1865, to Harriet C. McCreary, a native of the State of New York.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, July 2004.
SOURCE: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1891. pg. 331-332.

Alonzo H. FREDSON

The early recollections of this influential citizen of Yolo county cluster around the Kennebec river region in Maine, where he was born in October of 1846 and where he spent the years of his youth in the home of his parents. When only seventeen years of age he entered the service of his country as a volunteer in the Union army and early in 1863 was sent to the front with his regiment, having gone to Bangor, the state headquarters, from Belfast, Waldo county, where he had been enrolled as a member of Company M, First Maine Heavy Artillery. After the volunteers had been drilled in a knowledge of military actions they were ready for action and their share in the northern victory was neither insignificant nor unimportant. No memory lingers with more tragic force in the mind of Mr. Fredson than that of the campaign in Virginia during 1864. The records of the war contain nothing more fateful than the incidents connected with the long struggle in the Wilderness. About the 4th of May the siege began, at which time the army of the Potomac marched in two columns for the lower fords of the Rapidan river.

At the head of the Union forces was that sagacious General, Grant, who with the assistance of Meade had planned a campaign against Lee's forces. The battle of the Wilderness commenced May 5th and continued until the Federals had lost fifteen thousand in killed and wounded and five thousand imprisoned. The encounter at Spottsylvania Courthouse followed with its heavy losses to both sides. The fighting indeed kept up throughout the entire month and the regiment, which had entered the conflict on the 1st of May with nineteen hundred men, was reduced to two hundred and fifty men on the 18th of June. On that day Mr. Fredson received his first wound, a ball in the left leg which confined him to a hospital for treatment. On his recovery he rejoined his command and the last winter of the war he spent at Fort Hill in front of Petersburg, April 9, 1865, he witnessed the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Courthouse and saw the final triumph of northern arms when General Grant, in behalf of the government, dictated the terms of peace.

A brief period after the close of the war was spent in the old home neighborhood in Maine, from which state Mr. Fredson came via the Isthmus to San Francisco in 1867. After landing in June he proceeded to Sonoma county and found employment in the vicinity of Santa Rosa. From there in 1874 he went to San Benito county and identified himself with the growing activities of Hollister and Tres Pinos, the latter situated at the terminus of the Southern Pacific Railroad from San Francisco. Putting up a large building, he opened the first hotel in the town and this (known as the Southern Pacific hotel) he conducted for seven years. Upon discontinuing the hotel business he began to buy and sell hay and grain and for twenty years he carried on a concern known as the Farmers' Hay Company, the controlling element in the hay and grain business of the locality. In January, 1911, he came to Esparto, Yolo county, and bought the town site, including a brick three-story hotel with about forty-five rooms, a livery barn with accommodations for thirty-five head of stock and with an adjacent large stockade, two general store building (in one of which he put a $20,000 stock of goods) a meat market, and indeed the entire commercial center of the village. Since then he has established a lumber yard for the convenience of newcomers and also has acted as representative of the Esparto Real Estate & Improvement Company. Since he became identified with the place its struggling business activities have gained a new impetus and the place is now enjoying a steady growth which is the foundation of future prosperity.

At Santa Rosa occurred the marriage of A. H. Fredson and Adda Jose, a native daughter of the state. She died in 1885. Three children were born to them. The only son, Alonzo H., Jr., married Marie Yparraguerre and they live in San Benito county where he has engaged in the raising of grain and hay and also for some years has followed the butcher's business. The elder daughter, Nellie, Mrs. Frederick McCune, resides in Portland, Ore., where her older daughter, Adelaide, is a student in St. Helen's private seminary, and the younger daughter, Miriam V., attends the high school. The remaining member of the Fredson family, Lottie C., Mrs. M. P. Wilkes, lives in Portland, where her daughter, Berenice, is being educated. The second of Mr. Fredson occurred in San Benito county and united him to Miss Mary E. Moore, who was born in Petaluma, the daughter of Dr. Edwin Moore. The latter, a pioneer physician of Sonoma county, died at the age of eighty-five years. For many years Mr. Fredson has been interested in the activities of the Grand Army of the Republic and during his residence in San Benito county he was a leading member of the local post. There also he served for sixteen years as county supervisor, six years of this time as chairman, and during his long service he accomplished much in the interests of good roads. On several occasions he was chosen to represent the Republican party as a delegate to the state conventions. Throughout his entire life, whether in times of war or peace, he has been loyal in his devotion to the country, and he is particularly patriotic in his affectionate regard for California, the chosen home of his adoption. While not personally identified with any denomination he is in sympathy with their efforts for the upbuilding of the world and has contributed generously to the Adventist Church, of which his wife is a member. Education also has received his practical aid, for he recognizes in it the most important adjunct of modern existence and the greatest factor in the future prosperity of the west. As a citizen he has been progressive and public-spirited and his removal to Yolo county has contributed largely to the material growth of Esparto and the surrounding country.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 748 - 751.

Hon. Frank S. FREEMAN

No name is associated more intimately or more honorably with the early history of Woodland, Cal., than that of the eminent citizen which appears above. He was the founder of the city, the promoter of its important pioneer enterprises, its first merchant, its first postmaster and the projector of the measurers that made possible the progressive Woodland of the twentieth century. His the prophetic vision that discerned in the attractive wooded lands a choice site for a town; his the energy that made of the new town a business center for the surrounding agricultural communities; his the ambitious purpose that brought about the removal of the county seat to the municipality he was planning and building; and his the generous hand that donated all the land requited by the county for its buildings. The name, Woodland, which at the suggestion of his wife he gave to the village which had become known as Yolo city, brings to the mental vision a picture of broad lands covered with great old trees, and such was the appearance of the spot during the '50s when along its streets giant oaks lifted their heads to the clouds and cast a grateful shade far out upon the wayside meadows.

The Freeman family of America is traced to colonial Virginia, whence some of the name crossed the mountains into Kentucky and later were borne on the tide of emigration to Missouri. J. N. and Mary (Parman) Freeman, born in Kentucky, removed in 1833 to Buchanan county Mo., and took up government land on Blacksnake creek, within the present limits of the city of St. Joseph. Frank S. Freeman was born in Knox county Ky., Christmas, 1832, but his earliest recollections were of Western Missouri. When he was only fourteen years old he secured an appointment in the commissary department of the United States army, which then was in the war with Mexico. Until 1848 he was stationed at Santa Fe, with Van Fleet, quartermaster of Doniphan's regiment. Then, going north as far as St. Louis, he joined the commissary department of Rodney Hopkins, wagon master with the Oregon battalion of five hundred men. During a march westward, this battalion built Fort Kearney, Fort Childs and Fort Laramie, and later its members were discharged at Fort Leavenworth.

As soon as news of the discovery of gold in California was received, Mr. Freeman resolved to start without unnecessary delay for the coast, and in April 1849, he joined a company organized at St. Joseph and bought and interest in one of the wagons of the outfit; and as far as Fort Hall he guided the train, his services proving of the utmost value to his companions during that part of the perilous trip. The party arrived at Hangtown August 5, and the young gold-seeker began at once to mine, and unusual good fortune rewarded his efforts in the diggings at Coloma and Georgetown. Within less than a year his profits amounted to $3,000, which he brought to Yolo county, where he took up land on the north side of Cache creek, about sixteen miles west of the site of Woodland. There he began raising grain and stock, and in 1851 he and two partners sowed a hundred acres of barley which yielded fifty bushels to the acre and brought six cents a pound at Sacramento and Grass Valley.

In 1855 Mr. Freeman located at Willow Slough, where he raised stock for two years. In 1857 he bought a claim to one hundred and sixty acres, a part of which is now within the city limits of Woodland, north of Main Street. After a careful study of the country and all local conditions, he decided to start a town there, and subsequent events have justified his practical judgment. His first step toward the project was the establishment of a store on the present site of the Main Street schoolhouse. In 1860 he removed his stock of goods to the present site of the R. B. Cranston store, First and Main, and in that year he platted the town. Next he secured the location there of a post office, of which he was agent of the Wells-Fargo Express Company. He found it not easy to induce home-seekers to venture their precious capital in his undeveloped town, and to make it more of a business center he erected a gristmill which he operated two years, then sold. During that period he directed the destinies of a very creditable hardware store. He introduced a meat market, a harness shop, a blacksmith shop, a tin shop, a grocery, a clothing store and a dry goods store, and disposed of each in turn as soon as he could find a buyer for it. Land he sold very low, his only stipulation being that a building must be erected on it within three months. One day in 1861 he cut wheat which was threshed, milled and made into biscuits by Mrs. Freeman and were on his table within twelve hours from the time when the grain had been growing. The rapid development of the town brought many new responsibilities to its founder, who soon felt obliged to resign as postmaster and as express agent in order to devote all his time to its growing and broadening interests. In 1868 the first bank in the town was established. John D. Stephens took one-half the stock and through the efforts of Mr. Freeman the other half was placed among citizens, he becoming a heavy shareholder. From the organization of the bank until his death he was its vice-president. In 1872 he built a brick block, part of which is now the Diggs building, and moved his hardware store into part of it. It was not until 1884, when he had for a quarter of a century been Woodland's foremost citizen, that he sold out his mercantile interests. But he did not relinquish his farming interest, which he retained until many years later. Always progressive in his ideas, he was the first in the county to use a steam combined harvester and thresher, first to irrigate wheat fields, first to cultivate the foothills and sow them to grain.

Neighbor and friend, Mr. Freeman came in time to be affectionately called Major Freeman. He found time from his business to devote to the politics of his time and locality and gave adherence in early days to the principles and policies of the Democratic party. But he was one of the "progressives" of his day. His last Democratic presidential vote was cast in 1856 for the Hon. James Buchanan, and in 1860 he was among those who voted for Lincoln, and thereafter he was a loyal Republican. He was elected to the legislature in 1870, and served on the ways and means committee and on the swamp lands committee, and re-elected in 1872, and appointed to the same committees and given the chairmanship of the ways and means committee. His second term was particularly fruitful of results. He advocated thirty-eight measures that became laws. After a long fight against powerful opposition, he carried the Freeman freights and fare bill through the lower house, but the tremendous influence of the railroads defeated the measure in the senate. His efforts in behalf of the bill were warmly backed by the San Francisco Examiner, the San Francisco Bulletin, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Sacramento Union. The measure inspired wide and abiding interest and its patriotic advocacy brought to its creator a national reputation. One of the bills which Major Freeman was successful in passing was that which made the compensation of Yolo county officials payable in salaries instead of by fees. Another provided for the incorporation of Woodland. In his last session he was a candidate for speaker, but was defeated by the Democratic majority in the house. So great was his popularity throughout the state that in 1874 he was widely talked of in connection with the governorship. But such suggestions were discouraged by him. His friendly title dated from the Civil war period, when he held a major's commission in the state militia by appointment of Governor Downey. In Masonic circles he was widely popular. Of the blue lodge at Woodland he served as Master, and he was a member also of the chapter at Woodland and of the commandery at Sacramento. He died July 8, 1900, and was buried with Masonic honors. He was survived by a widow and one daughter, Lillian, the latter being the wife of John Eakle, of Point Richmond, Cal., and the mother of a daughter, Gertrude. Mrs. Freeman was Miss Gertrude Swain. She is represented by a separate notice in these pages. Besides the daughter mentioned, she bore Major Freeman two sons, George and Curry Freeman, both of whom have passed away. Genial in nature, Major Freeman retained to the end of his life somewhat of the youthful spirits that made his companionship ever a pleasure. Generous to a fault, he gave liberally of his wealth, the accumulation of which he regarded as secondary to the establishment and development of enterprises in his beloved adopted state. Magnanimous in victory and calm in defeat, he was esteemed by political foes and friends alike. His death was felt throughout the state as a public bereavement.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" pages 173-176 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

Mrs. Gertrude FREEMAN

The name of Mrs. Frank S. Freeman is as well known in Yolo and contiguous counties as was that of her honored husband, now passed from the scenes of his earthly activities to such reward as is vouchsafed to those who pass their years in love for their fellows and in labors useful to humanity. These pages bear an extended record of his career. Mrs. Freeman owns and occupies the beautiful home he erected on First Street, Woodland, many years ago, a residence which has long been held to reflect, in its artistic environment and interior fitting, her own ideals and cultured tastes. Major Freeman married in October 1858. Before that date Mrs. Freeman was Miss Gertrude Swain. Her father, George Gorham Swain, died in Michigan. His widow, Ruth (Kimball) Swain, Mrs. Freeman's mother, settled at Woodland and there married Elder Martin and afterward lived near her daughter.

George Gorham Swain was born in Nantucket, Mass., April 2, 1812. When he was fourteen years of age he came to the Pacific coast by way of Cape Horn, stopped at Santa Barbara, Cal., and went on north to Alaska. He was at the time on a four years' whaling cruise. After making several memorable voyages he settled down in New York state as a landsman, and thence he went west to Michigan, locating in Calhoun county when Michigan was a yet only a territory. There he lived out the remainder of his days. He was a descendant of Mayflower pilgrims and of the best New England Revolutionary stock. Ruth Kimball, who became his wife and the mother of Mrs. Freeman, also of Puritan and Revolutionary ancestry, bore him the following children: Cornelia (Mrs. Smith), who died at Woodland in 1900; Erastus Kimball Swain, who died at Woodland in 1882; Emily, who is Mrs. Davidson of Woodland; Florence, who married C. T. Bidwell; Hannah (Mrs. John W. Freeman) of Woodland; Lillian (Mrs. McConnell) of Woodland; and Mrs. Major Freeman.

The birthplace of Mrs. Freeman was Marengo, Calhoun county, Mich. When she was fourteen years old, she began to teach school, and so successful was she that she was complimented, tow years later, by engagement as an instructor in the Woman's College at Lansing, Mich. Her maternal grandfather, Erastus Kimball, had come to California during the gold excitement of 1849 and had become one of the owners of the old Haywood mine on Sutter creek, and she had heard many wonderful tales of the coast regions, which had aroused in her a desire to visit the West. So, when Clark W. Crocker returned from California and married her mother's sister she sought and obtained the consent of her mother to accompany the couple to the land of the setting sun. They started on a November day it was Thanksgiving Day in 1856, and came by the Nicaragua route. Immediately after her arrival the young educator was employed to teach a school at Negro Hill, near Folsom City, and at once entered upon the discharge of her duties there. In March 1857, she resigned the position and left Sacramento county for Yolo City (now Woodland), where she took charge of a school in a two-story building on the site of the Southern Pacific railroad depot. Except for a term taught in the preceding year by the Rev. J. Pendegast this was the pioneer school in the village. At times it numbered as many as sixty pupils, some of whom came from homes six miles away, either walking or on horseback two or three on a horse. The young teacher was very popular, and when, in 1858, she became the bride of Major Freeman they were reluctant to give her up. Some of the young people whom she fondly called her "boys" and "girls," afterward became prominent, but none of them ever forgot their school days or ceased to remember their teacher with gratitude and admiration. It was her good fortune to impart information in an interesting manner, so that her pupils made rapid progress in their studies without experiencing the drudgery that, under another teacher, might have been inseparable from their acquisition of knowledge. In spite of the greater advantages of young people of today, it is doubtful if any of them learn more rapidly or enjoy study more thoroughly than did those pioneer lads and lassies who gladly came each morning, two or three on the back of a horse, or perhaps on foot, to the little school in the new town where Gertrude Swain labored so conscientiously to prepare them for their duties politically and socially in the part that would be theirs in the development of the future great state of California.

It was in October 1858, that Miss Swain became the wife of Major Freeman. She bore him three children, Lillian (Mrs. John Eakle of Point Richmond, Cal.) and George and Curry, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Eakle has a daughter Gertrude, named in honor of her grandmother. In all the years of her womanhood Mrs. Freeman has been actively interested in the spread of education and the advancement of women. She was one of the founders of the Woodland library and the first president of the Woodland Library Association. She and about a score of other women established and maintained the library until they turned it, its books and its cash on hand, over to the city when the time was ripe for its perpetuation at municipal expense. She is past Matron of Yolo Chapter No. 60, O. E. S., and was in 1887 and 1888 Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of California. As a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church she takes a helpful interest in the religious and charitable work of the community. As narrated in the biographical notice of her late husband, it was Mrs. Freeman who gave to the village now city of Woodland the appropriate name by which it is so widely known.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" pages 179-181 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

John W. FREEMAN

For many years associated with the early and later development of Yolo county, Cal., John W. Freeman, born in 1842, retained an important place among the citizens of this part of the state until his death, which occurred on Christmas Day, 1906. Then almost twenty years had elapsed since he had located in Nevada as a rancher and stockman. In Woodland, however, he had had a beautiful residence which he had made his home, ever giving to the welfare of the city and surrounding country the support which might have been expected from one of his generously helpful nature.

A native of Buchanan county, Mo., Mr. Freeman was left an orphan at an early age and endured many hardships and privations which taught him that self-reliance which stood him in such good stead in his later life. At the age of twelve years he began to acquire a knowledge of printing in a printing office in Nebraska City, established and owned by the Hon. J. Sterling Morton, in which he labored faithfully four years. Deciding to follow his brother, Major Frank S. Freeman, to California, he came overland to the state in 1860, and was employed as a clerk by his brother, in the latter's store at Yolo City, now Woodland. Four years later he entered into partnership with his brother, and the two established a general merchandise enterprise at Lakeport, Lake county, Cal. Two years later they sold out and opened a store in Cacheville, Yolo county. After four more years had passed Major Freeman withdrew from the enterprise and A. J. Hall became John W. Freeman's partner, and the new firm existed about four years. Then Mr. Freeman sold his interest in this store and again entered into partnership with his brother, the two conducting the Pioneer store at Cacheville. About that time they opened a branch store at Capay and a hardware and agricultural machinery business in the College block, Woodland. The brothers continued in business until 1885, when John W. Freeman sold out, after which he improved a large ranch in Capay valley, raising fruit and stock. In 1888 he located in Nevada, where he bought an extensive stock ranch in the sink of the Carson river, fourteen miles from Fallon and twenty-seven miles from the Southern Pacific Railroad. He eventually owned 12,000 acres of land, a part of which had been under irrigation from the old ditches until 1905, when the great government canal was completed, the government still recognizing that right. He devoted his attention to the cultivation of alfalfa and the raising of cattle, sheep and horses, having thousands of head grazing on the broad lands of his ranch. In his work he met with the most gratifying results and was justly mentioned as one of the most successful stockmen of the West, his indomitable energy and strict application to business having won him his competency and his proud place among his cotemporaries.

In Woodland, October 2, 1867, Mr. Freeman married Hannah Swain, sister of Mrs. Gertrude Freeman, who was born in Marshall, Mich., the daughter of George G. and Ruth (Kimball) Swain. After spending the first thirteen years of her life in Calhoun county, Mrs. Freeman came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama in 1862, and was educated at Hesperian College, Woodland. She is a woman of culture and refinement, widely known for her generosity of heart and for the kindly hospitality of her home. She bore Mr. Freeman two children: Mary was born in Yolo county and was educated at Stanford University, where she was graduated in 1897 with the B. S. degree. She is now the wife of John H. Crabbe, an attorney of San Francisco. John Ernest Freeman was a graduate of St. Mathew's Academy at San Mateo. While manager of the Freeman ranch in Nevada he became very ill and came to San Francisco, where he died June 22, 1912, at the age of twenty-eight. In January 1909, he married Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of Senator W. W. Williams of Nevada.

Fraternally John W. Freeman was a Mason of the Knight Templar degree, and was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically he was a staunch Republican. Mrs. Freeman is a member of the Order of Eastern Star and is a past matron of Yolo Chapter No. 60. She attends the Protestant Episcopal Church and assists all of the varied interests of that organization at Woodland. With her sister she was active in the establishment of the city library which, when it was popular and prosperous to a degree, was turned by its management over to the city of Woodland. Since her husband's death she has retained the ownership of the Freeman ranch in Nevada, which is under her management, and she also has valuable property in Woodland and in San Francisco.
Transcribed by Bea Barton

Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" pages 1851-186 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

Charles Edgar FRENCH

One of Yolo county's progressive and prosperous farmers is Mr. French, a recent addition to the community, and who, by his straightforward, manly dealings, has already made many friends in his new home. His birth occurred December 30, 1865, in Stearns county, Minn., whither his parents, John H., of the state of New York, and his mother, Ellen (Young) French, a native of Maine, had moved from their respective places. Mr. French spent his youth upon his father's farm, where he laid the foundation of his splendid physique and the splendid health which he has since enjoyed. He received his education in the schools of his home community, and while yet a lad courageously left his home for Ogallala, Keith county, Neb., where he took up a homestead. He spent six years upon this place, raising wheat and corn, going thence to Blackfoot, Idaho, where he secured a position as section foreman on the Utah Northern, a branch of the Union Pacific. In 1893 he journeyed to California, where, until November, 1907, he worked in a similar capacity at different places in the Sacramento valley, for the Southern Pacific road. Abandoning this occupation he determined to secure a small but valuable piece of land, where he might engage in an industry more conducive to peace and also one of a more lucrative nature. After viewing the situation in different localities he located on his present farm of twenty acres one mile west of Woodland, which he has improved with buildings and an orchard of about thirty varieties of fruit trees, as well as ornamental trees. Seventeen acres of his property he devotes to alfalfa, which he finds most profitable, his income from this source alone last year netting him $70 per acre. He also established a dairy, supplied by eleven high grade Holstein cows.

On this home place, which is highly improved, Mr. French and his family find both tranquility and happiness. He was united in marriage in 1898 to Miss Agnes Kergel, a native of Cacheville, Yolo county. They have two bright young sons, Clarence H. and Elwin H. Mr. French is an active member of Woodland Lodge No. 111, I. O. O. F.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 842 - 843.

Henry FRIEDERICKS

This worthy old pioneer has had an eventful career and most interesting history, making his way up from very small beginnings to wealth and comfort by hard work and shrewd, common sense. Mr.Friedericks was born in Hanover, Germany, August 7, 1814, and is the son of Christian Friedericks, a native of Hanover. Here the subject of our sketch resided until thirty years of age, being brought up to the trade of butcher. In 1844 he came to America and opened a butcher shop in New York. In the spring of the following year he sold his shop and removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, being engaged there in the manufacture of Bologna sausages. Two years later he went to Chicago, then a very small place, and being without means was compelled to ask employment at his trade. The best he could get was $8 a month, not sufficient to support his family, and therefore he refused it. Then he and his wife went to a dry-goods house and asked to be allowed to have some goods on trust, with the promise to pay for them on the following day. They got the goods and proceeded to sell them from house to house, succeeding very well, and continuing the business all summer. In the fall they started for St. Louis, Missouri. On the way they stopped at Peru, Illinois, and bought three acres of land in the city, paying $80 an acre. At St. Louis, Mr Friederiks was taken sick, and having but scant means his wife continued to sell goods. On recovery of health Mr. Friederiks could not obtain profitable employment, but his shrewdness stood him in good stead. Going to a pork-packing house, he inquired what they would sell him the hog's tongues for. They gave them to him for one cent apiece, provided he would cut them out. For some time his business was cutting out hog's tongues, ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 per day. These he salted down in barrels supplied by the company. When he had fifty barrels he sold a portion of them for five cents a tongue in St. Louis, and shipped the rest, consisting of forty-five barrels, to New Orleans, when he sold the whole lot for ten cents a tongue. Then he went back to Peru, built him a home on his three acres of land, and engaged in the butcher business in partnership with George Zimmerman, now of Petaluma, California. He remained in this business for three years, being very successful. He then decided to cross the plains to California. In May 1852, they left Missouri, reaching Hangtown (now Placerville) September 14, 1852. After spending some time in that vicinity he came to Yolo County, took up some land near Madison, and by strict attention to business, is today one of the wealthy and respected citizens of the county. He owns a fine ranch of 2,408 acres, in addition to his fine residence in Woodland, where he is spending the comfortable evening of a busy life. He was married first to Miss Caroline Huffman. They had five children: Paulina, Emily, Jennie, John, J. and Rhoda. Mrs. Friederiks died in 1863. Secondly, Mr. Friederiks was married in 1874, to Miss Mary Matten, a native of Germany, a most excellent lady, a worthy helpmate to her husband.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Pages 816-817
Transcribed by: Bonnie Phelan