Sacramento Valley Biographies GENERAL GEORGE MECKFESSEL Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, April 2009. This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Very few representatives of the generation now at the helm of affairs in California can claim the distinction which Mr. Meckfessel enjoys, that of having been born on the farm which he now owns and operates. At this writing he has charge of two thousand acres of farm land north of Arbuckle, including his home farm three miles from town, and here he engages in raising cattle and sheep, also makes a specialty of the grain business. Recognizing the necessity of a complete equipment he has provided himself with a New Deal gang plow and a thirty-two horse-power Holt combined harvester with a girth of eighteen feet, the machinery being operated by five eight-mule teams. Shipments are made from Berlin, which is three-quarters of a mile to the west. The Meckfessels are a family of '49ers. The father of George Conrad is Frederick, a native of Hanover, Germany, but from an early age identified with America, whither he came via New Orleans to St. Louis and learned the saddler's trade. During 1849 he crossed the plains and engaged in mining at Kelsey's Bar. Returning to St. Louis he there married Emily Kortstein, who was born near Hanover. Accompanied by his young wife he came to California as a permanent resident and established a home at Sacramento. In those days the water system had not been introduced and he netted a neat income through hauling water from the Sacramento river to the families in town. After some years he sold out and removed to Colusa county, where he became one of the very first sheep-raisers in the region. In those days fences had not been built and the sheep could roam at will over a wide range, thus bringing profit to their owners. With Frederick W. Schutz, Sr., as a partner, Mr. Meckfessel became the owner of large flocks and extensive tracts, and the two men continued together successfully until 1891, when their partnership was dissolved. About 1872 Mr. Meckfessel removed to Sacramento for the purpose of giving his children educational advantages and he still remains in that city, hale and hearty, notwithstanding his seventy-eight busy years. Besides being the owner of four thousand acres north and west of Arbuckle he has financial interests in the Del Monte Milling Company at San Francisco and the Buffalo Brewing Company at Sacramento. Before leaving his native land he was confirmed in the Lutheran Church and ever since has continued an adherent of its doctrines. Since becoming a citizen of the United States he has voted the Republican ticket and maintains a constant interest in matters relating to the progress of our commonwealth and nation. Fraternally he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After a long and happy married life Frederick Meckfessel was bereaved by the death of his wife, which occurred March 9, 1902. They were the parents of ten children, all but two of whom attained years of maturity. They are as follows: Carrie, who married T. J. Parsons, president of the Del Monte Milling Company at San Francisco; Frederick, who is employed in the Del Monte flour mills; Harry A., a farmer near Arbuckle; George Conrad, also living near Arbuckle; William, who is with the Del Monte flour mills; Emma, who married W. L. Reed, of Sacramento; Thomas, a farmer at Hanford, this state; and Gussie, a student in the University of California. Born on the home farm April 18, 1869, George Conrad Meckfessel was a very small child when the family went to Sacramento, where he acquired his education in public schools and Powell's Business College. For fifteen months he was an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade in Sacramento, but not finding the work congenial he sought other avenues of employment. February 13, 1889, he came back to his birthplace and remained as an employee of the renter, William Struckmeyer, for two years, after which he took charge of the place. When the Bank of Arbuckle was founded in 1901 he became financially interested in the enterprise and holds the office of president, the first and only incumbent of the position. The bank is the largest institution of its kind in the southern part of Colusa county and occupies a substantial and modern brick structure in Arbuckle. In addition, he is also interested in the Arbuckle-Rochdale Company, of which he acts as secretary. Following the example set by his father, Mr. Meckfessel adheres to the doctrines of the Lutheran denomination and to the principles of the Republican party. In Sacramento he married Nellie, daughter of William Gent, who was a machinist with the Southern Pacific road in Sacramento until his retirement. In her native city of Sacramento Mrs. Meckfessel received public school advantages and is a lady of culture and liberal views, prominent in local society, and active in the Order of the Eastern Star, in which she acts as past worthy matron. The two children of their union are George Gent and Russell. The beginning of Mr. Meckfessel's connection with Masonry dates from his initiation into Lodge No. 182, F. & A. M, at College City (now of Arbuckle), which he served as past master for three terms. As past worthy patron he is identified with the Order of the Eastern Star at Arbuckle. His Masonic affiliations are further enlarged through his connection with the Chapter and Commandery at Colusa, and Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco. "History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento Valley, Cal.," J. M. Guinn, The Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago, 1906, Pages 432-433.