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


EMIL F. KAISER. � A progressive and prominent orchardist and vine- 
yardist who has contributed much toward the advancement of horticulture 
and viticulture in Central California is Emil F. Kaiser, a native of France, 
where he was born in 1867, and where he spent much of his childhood. He 
is the son of Emanuel and Christina Kaiser, worthy parents who did the 
best they could for their family, and who enjoyed everybody's esteem. In 
1879, the Kaisers left the continent for America, and after arriving at New 
York City the first serious separation took place. Emil and his brother Guss 
set out on horseback across the great American Continent, investigating the 
possibilities in different states, and did not pull rein until they reached 
California. In Fresno they purchased land in the Kearney tract. On their 
report of being pleased with the soil, climate and conditions in California, 
their brother John joined them, and soon became superintendent for M. 
Theodore Kearney. The brothers assisted in leveling and grading the 
Kearney lands, as well as in sowing alfalfa and planting orchards and vine- 
yards. To Emil Kaiser fell the lot of setting out all the trees on one side 
of Kearney Avenue and for half of the distance on the other side : and there 
is nothing in which Mr. Kaiser takes more keen enjoyment than in his fre- 
quent trips out Kearney Boulevard, now grown to be famous as one of the 
most beautiful country drives, not only in California, but in the United 
States. Besides this, the brothers farmed and improved their ranch. 

In 1900 the brothers made the trip to Alaska, where for a time they 
were mining at Nome. On his return from the frozen North. Emil F. Kaiser 
again took to ranching. Still later he set up in business in Fresno, and he 
yet maintains his commercial interests there. He is actively identified with 
the Chamber of Commerce, leaves no stone unturned to "boost" everything 
that it endorses, and never tires of advancing the interests of the city. 
Politically, though long a live-wire Democrat. Mr. Kaiser never limits his 
support, especially in local issues, to purely Democratic measures- 

On April 18, 1895, Mr. Kaiser and Miss Elizabeth Wendt became husband 
and wife, and now three boys and three girls enliven their family hearth: 
Leona, a graduate of Heald's Business College; Emil J., of the automobile 
repair firm of Kaiser & Willever; Guss. who has just returned from service 
in the United States Navy; Vera, attending Fresno High School; and Florian 
and Lawrence. All of the children make their home under the parental roof, 
excepting Emil J., who is married and resides in his own home. 

In 1890 the Order of the Sons of Herman was started here, and it has 
ever since maintained a place of influence in the community, while greatly 
adding to its strength. Mr. Kaiser is now Grand President of the State of 
California division, an honor he duly appreciates. He also belongs to the 
Eagles, the Owls, and the Foresters.