Yolo-Sierra County CA Archives Biographies.....Maier, Frank 1831 - 1902
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 23, 2006, 10:12 pm

Author: Tom Gregory (1913)

FRANK MAIER

    Having been identified actively with the growth of Davis and vicinity since
1860, Mr. Maier is enabled to enjoy during the closing years of his career the
fruits of his well-directed labors, as well as the sincere regard of all who are
privileged to know him, both in business and social circles.

    A son of Germany, Mr. Maier was born November 2, 1831, near Stuttgart,
Wurtemberg, which was also the birthplace of his parents, Joseph and Ottilie
(Friedel) Maier. In 1837 the husband and father passed away, leaving the care of
the younger members of the family of five children to the mother, assisted by
her sons. On account of. thus being required to lend his aid in carrying on the
affairs of the home farm, Frank received a limited education, though he
endeavored during his spare moments, which, it must be admitted, were
exceedingly few, to add conscientiously to his store of practical knowledge. At
the age of twenty-one, the family having become self-supporting, he carried out
a long cherished plan of immigrating to the United States, taking passage on a
sailer from Havre in 1852. Upon his arrival in New York City he went to Buffalo,
N. Y., and finally secured a situation as farm hand, faithfully performing his
duties until March, 1858, when he started for California. From New York he went
to Panama, and after crossing the Isthmus he completed the trip by boat to San
Francisco. From there he went to Sacramento, determined to try his luck at
mining, and entered the Rattlesnake Bar fields, but after six months of
unrewarded labor left that section and in 1860 became associated with a
horsepower threshing machine in Yolo, owned by Alex. Lockhart. After working six
years in Yolo county, during which period he carefully hoarded his savings, he
succeeded in securing sufficient capital with which to purchase the property
which he has since conducted and which comprises an entire section located two
and one-half miles from Davis. A large portion of this tract, which at the time
he became its owner was almost wholly unimproved, he planted to grain, erecting
necessary buildings and otherwise creating a general appearance of thrift
throughout the ranch. At present he cultivates four hundred acres, most of which
is in grain, and although his financial condition is all that could be desired,
it is not to be inferred that his success was attained without the most frugal
methods, both of himself and family, who justly merit the prosperity which they
enjoy.

    Mr. Maier's marriage, which occurred in Troy, N. Y., in July, 1889, united
him with Miss Katie Wesenford, one of his countrywomen, who came to the United
States when twenty years of age. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Maier two children
were born: Francis and Albert, who are still in the parental home. Mr. Maier is
a Democrat, but casts his ballot independently and, though never an aspirant for
public office, preferring to devote his attention to his personal affairs, has
always maintained an intelligent interest in public matters and has been prompt
to assist in the development of the community. Active members of the Catholic
Church at Davis, both himself and family are well known for their excellent
principles and their deep concern in the welfare of their fellowmen.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

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

HISTORY BY
TOM GREGORY
AND OTHER WELL KNOWN WRITERS
ILLUSTRATED COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME

HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA [1913]


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