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


HENRY KERBER. � Another of those men of foreign birth who have 
found themselves in this land of America is Henry Kerber, who has made 
the most of his opportunities here. He was born in Russia, near Saratov, on 
the Volga River, August 13, 1871. His father was George, and his mother 
Marie Kerber. The father died in Russia at the age of forty-four years, in 
1888, and the mother followed in 1889. There were two children, Henry and 
Katie, now the wife of Henry Spate, a rancher owning forty acres adjoining 
Mr. Kerber on the west. Henry Kerber was brought up on his father's farm 
in Russia, in the German-Russian colony. He learned mostly in the German 
schools, but spent three winters in Russian schools ; and he can read, speak 
and write both the Russian and German languages. He is now learning the 
English language from his children, who are attending the public school in 
the Locan school district. This is a good country school, where three teachers 
are employed. 

Henry Kerber was eighteen when his father died, and then was appren- 
ticed to the wagon-maker's trade, at which he served four years. This was 
at Stepnoia, Russia. After he came to Fresno he learned the carpenter's trade. 
With his family, Mr. Kerber came to America in 1900, and settled in the city 
of Fresno. His family consists of eight children: Marie, born in Russia, and 
Christina, Henry, Jr., Mollie, Lydia, Leah, George and Albert, were all 
born in Fresno County. For nine years Mr. Kerber applied himself to his 
trades, and his handiwork is found in many of the buildings around Fresno. 
He was frugal and saving, and nine years ago he bought the twenty-acre ranch 
where he now lives. He built. a good house on his ranch, together with the 
other necessary buildings and since he left Fresno nine years ago he has de- 
voted his time principally to farming and raising grapes. Some of his neigh- 
bors have been benefited by his knowledge of construction, as he has built their 
homes for them. Mrs. Kerber has proven herself a true helpmeet for her hus- 
band.