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 S. FISHER. � From among the many successful oilmen of Coalinga, Cal., particular mention is accorded the name of Wm. S. Fisher, who has been the efficient superintendent of the Mercantile Crude Oil Com- pany for more than sixteen years. He was born in Hume, Bates County, Mo., October 11, 1875, and came to Hanford, Cal, with his parents March 7, 1894. His father, William E., as well as his grandfather, Iliff Fisher, were both natives of Michigan. The grandfather crossed the plains to California in that memorable year, 1849, where he engaged in the sawmill business until 1851, when he returned to Michigan. In 1852 he again crossed the plains, this time taking with him a herd of cows. After remaining one year in California he returned to Michigan with the intention of bringing his family to California, but within two weeks after reaching home he passed away. William E. Fisher, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a saw-mill man and at one time a railroad engineer. During the Civil War he enlisted with the Twelfth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was twice taken pris- oner, being confined once in Libby Prison, but was released by being ex- changed ; afterwards he was a prisoner in Andersonville from which place he escaped. At the end of his gallant service in behalf of his country, he was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Ark. William E. Fisher was united in marriage with Sarah J. Pierce, a native of Kentucky, daughter of Samuel Pierce, also a native of Kentucky, who set- tled in Kansas, the ceremony being solemnized in the latter state. After his marriage he settled in Missouri, near Hume, where he purchased 200 acres and engaged in saw milling, later, building a steam flouring mill in Hume which he operated until 1885, when it was destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Fisher returned to farming. On this farm he built a saw and grist mill. In 18 r �2, William E. Fisher took a trip to California and returned east in 1893, but, like thousands of other persons who had once come under the spell of the Golden State's many attractions, her splendid opportunities were too strong for him to resist longer, so in the spring of 1894 he sold out and moved with his family to California, settling at Hanford. The first three years in Cal- ifornia, Mr. Fisher ran a threshing machine, and was the first person to operate an alfalfa huller, in the state. After a life of usefulness he passed to his eternal reward on January 27, 1897, his widow still survives him and is residing now at Hanford. Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Fisher were the parents of nine children, William S., the subject of this review, being the fourth child in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm and from a boy made himself useful learning the rudiments of farming, engineering and milling. He received a good education in the thorough local schools and when eighteen years of age he came to Hanford, Cal., in 1894, where he was employed for four years in the Hanford flouring mill. After the death of his father Mr. Fisher went back East to sell and settle up the estate. Upon returning from the East he came to Hanford where he resumed work in the flouring mill, and by loyal service and untiring efforts he gained the responsible position of head miller, which post he held until December 31, 1901, when he resigned and on January 1, 1902. came to Coalinga where he became associated with the El Capitan Oil Company. One month later he accepted the responsible position of superintendent of the Mercantile Crude Oil Company, and has so satisfactorily filled the position and discharged his duties, that he has retained the office ever since the organization of the company. At the time Mr. Fisher accepted the position of superintendent, the company had only one well, but through his efficient management five more wells have been sunk and all have proved to be producers. With the assistance of his boys Mr. Fisher is engaged in cattle raising and for the purpose leases 2,560 acres adjoining the oil fields where he ranges his cattle, an industry he not only finds very interesting but profitable as well. On May 23, 1900, William S. Fisher was united in marriage with Cor- nelia Thomas, a native of Illinois, the ceremony being solemnized at Hume, Mo. This union was blessed with five children, four of whom grew to ma- turity: Lyle, John J., Robert Glenn, and Walter E. Fraternally, Mr. Fisher is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, his membership being with the Hume Camp, No. 2346, Hume, Mo., and he has always manifested great interest in educational matters in the commu- nity where he resides, having served as � trustee of Alpha School District. Mr. Fisher has been successful in the oil business and is highly esteemed in his community.