Sutter-Yuba County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



 
FOSTER FERBER ALDERMAN
 
            The progress of any section of the country depends upon the 
individual success of its citizens, and through the capable conduct of his 
live-stock interests Foster Ferber Alderman is contributing to the development 
and upbuilding of the Lone Tree district of Yuba County while attaining 
individual prosperity.  He is one of California�s native sons and was born in 
Grass Valley, Nevada County, June 29, 1870, of the marriage of Richard Samuel 
Alderman and Katherine Sanford, the former a native of Northampton, England, the 
latter of West Gore, Nova Scotia.  They were married in Grass Valley in 1852 and 
there the father engaged in dairying. They were the parents of nine children and 
continued to make their home in Grass Valley until called to their final rest, 
each passing away at the age of sixty-nine years.  More extended mention of the 
family is made elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of Roger 
L. Alderman.  
            Foster Alderman attended the schools of Grass Valley and Lone Tree 
and was reared to the occupation of stock-raising, of which he has acquired a 
detailed knowledge.  In 1896 he joined his brother, Roger L. Alderman, in the 
live-stock business and this association has since been continued.  They 
obtained the preemption right to the Springdale Ranch of 640 acres in the Lone 
Tree district and now own 2400 acres of land in Yuba and Nevada Counties.  On 
their property, which is known as the Springdale Ranch, they raise cattle and 
sheep, having at times as many as 500 head of the former and 4000 head of the 
latter; and owing to the extent and importance of their operations they occupy a 
position of leadership in this field.
            Mr. Alderman was married December 24, 1896, at Grass Valley, to Miss 
Lilly Mitchell, who was born in Norway, Mich., and obtained her education in the 
schools of South Dakota, Grass Valley and Lone Tree.  She is a daughter of 
Edward and Emily Priscilla (Bigelow) Mitchell, the former a native of England 
and the latter of Wisconsin.  The father came to the United States as a youth 
and after his marriage moved with his family to South Dakota, locating in Lead 
City in 1885.  In November, 1890, while at work in an iron mine there, he was 
killed by being buried in a cave-in.  The mother survives and is now residing in 
Grass Valley at the age of sixty-six years, having made her home there since 
1895.  To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were born eight daughters, two of whom, Evelyn 
and Mabel, died in infancy.  Those living are Jane, Lilly, Mabel, Bessie, 
Winnifred and Beatrice.  Mr. and Mrs. Alderman have four children:  Grace Olive, 
who married D. E. Gates, of Nevada City; Lola Margaret, Alvan and Ralph Samuel, 
all of whom are at home.  In his political views Mr. Alderman is a Republican, 
believing firmly in the principles of that party as factors in good government.  
His interest in his community is that of a public-spirited citizen who desires 
its advancement along all lines.  He has made good use of the opportunities that 
have come his way, and his success is the just reward of a life of industry and 
integrity.
 
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 1181