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



JOSEPH S. BRETZ.� Among the early settlers of Fresno County who 
helped lay the foundation of the present-day prosperity, was the late Joseph 
S. Bretz, who was born in Pennsylvania and came with his parents to Clay- 
ton County, Iowa. In the spring of 1875 he came to Fresno County and was 
employed at Clipper Mills. Not long afterwards he started making shakes in 
the same vicinity, and later still, a shingle mill on Pine Ridge. He made trips 
back to Iowa, and was married in Hardin County, that state, April 29, 1886, to 
Margaret Ellen Lepley, born in Knoxville, Harden County, Ohio, a daughter 
of Valentine and Margaret (Scott) Lepley. natives of Ohio, who were 
pioneers of Hardin County, Iowa. After his marriage Mr. Bretz located per- 
manently in Fresno County, purchasing the shingle mill from Mr. Beard, and 
established the Bretz mill one mile east of Ockenden, where he manufactured 
shingles, shakes and posts; meantime he bought a ranch near Tollhouse and 
there he resided when he died. October 25, 1911. He was an Odd Fellow. 
Four children were born of this union: Edward and Frank who continue the 
business and run the Bretz mill: Estella, who lives at home; and Lulu, Mrs. 
Hauert of Clovis. Mrs. Bretz is now one of the oldest settlers on Pine Ridge 
and still makes her home at Tollhouse. 

Bretz Mill is one of the oldest mills still being operated on Pine Ridge. 
The family own 1,160 acres of timber, which they manufacture into shingles, 
shakes and posts. They indorse and follow the plan of the government in 
leaving seed trees for reforestation. Bretz Brothers believe the plan should 
be made compulsory and enforced by the government. 

The children were all born in Fresno County. Edward Bretz is married 
to Mary E. Hauert and they have four children : Louis, Robert, Bessie and 
Merriam. The family now make their residence in Fresno. Frank Bretz 
married Miss Wilma L. Hauert and they have three children � Donald, Verne 
and Chester. He resides at the old Bretz home near Tollhouse. Both boys 
are members of the Woodmen of the World. Frank is one of the trustees of 
Pleasant Vale school district, and Edward is a trustee of Pine Ridge district.