Fresno County, California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno 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 (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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



WILLIAM H. BERG.� One of the best known citizens of Dakota Col- 
ony, Fresno County, a man chosen by the Kerman Telephone Company be- 
cause of his dependability, as well as his special ability, to have charge of 
their lines and central office at Kerman, is William H. Berg, who is also a 
successful viticulturist. He is a native of Pawnee City, Pawnee County, Nebr., 
where he first saw the light of day on December 29, 1877. His parents. Fritz 
and Anna (Liver) Berg, were natives of Germany. The father came to Amer- 
ica when a young man, settling in the State of New York, from where he mi- 
grated to Pawnee City, Nebr., and engaged in farming. Afterwards he moved 
farther westward, locating at Vancouver, Wash., where he followed farming 
for fifteen years ; later he removed to North Yamhill, Ore., where he pur- 
chased a farm, and while residing there passed away. The mother now lives 
at Walla Walla, Wash. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Berg were the parents of seven children, four of whom 
are living, William H., of this review, being the second youngest. William 
was one year of age when his parents removed to Vancouver, Wash. He 
attended the public school of his district while living in that state, and after- 
wards pursued his studies at Walla Walla public school and Whitman Col- 
lege. After one year at college he left his studies to engage in the grocery 
business at Portland, Ore. Afterwards he followed the trade of an electrician 
in Walla Walla, and several years later was engaged in the same line of 
work at the Bremerton Navy Yard. 

In 1913, W. H. Berg came to Fresno County, Cal., where, through the 
influence of a friend, he purchased twenty acres in the Dakota Colony. He 
located on this ranch, improved it with a residence, pumping plant, and set 
it out to Thompson seedless grapes. Being an expert electrician, Mr. Berg 
was given charge of the lines and central office of the Kerman Telephone 
Company, and by his efficiency and courteous treatment of its patrons, he 
has given the most satisfactory service. 

On June 31, 1917, William H. Berg was united in marriage with Miss 
Ellen B. Nelson, a native of Minnesota, the ceremony being solemnized in 
San Francisco. Fraternally, Mr. Berg is a member of the K. O. T. M.. and 
Order of United Artisans ; commercially he is a loyal member of the Califor- 
nia Associated Raisin Company. In 1919. Mr. Berg added to his holdings by 
the purchase of ten acres across the road from his residence, which will be 
set to emperor grapes. 

Mr. and Mrs. Berg are both highly respected in the community and 
enjoy a large circle of friends.