Yolo County Biographies


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Theodore MEZGER
 
A Teutonic origin is indicated by the family name of Mezger and it is learned 
that the ancestry, as far back as the records can be traced, lived and labored 
in Germany, belonging to the sturdy and honorable middle class forming the 
bulwark of that and every other country.  The founder of the name in the new 
world was Frederick, father of Theodore and a resident of his native land until 
arrival at mature years left him free to decide as to a future location, when he 
took passage on an ocean steamer and crossed to New York City.  For a time he 
held a position in the American metropolis and during the period of his 
residence there he married Katherine Clause, a native of Germany.  Shortly after 
his marriage he brought his young wife to California via the Panama route in 
1868, and after landing from the steamer at San Francisco her proceeded to 
search for a permanent location.  Chance led his steps to Yolo county, and he 
became one of the pioneers of this portion of the commonwealth.  On every hand 
were evidences of a frontier environment.  Vast tracts of land, on which a 
furrow had never been turned, showed the possibilities for the agriculturists of 
the future.  With characteristic decision he promptly entered a claim to three 
hundred and twenty acres of raw land, whose richness and fertility his shrewd 
judgment discerned.  Later he also operated the ranch where now his sons reside 
and here he passed away in May, 1908, after a long and useful existence devoted 
to the welfare of his family and the upbuilding of his chosen community.  
 
The large family reared by Frederick and Katherine Mezger and carefully trained 
by them in habits of industry and integrity are now scattered in different 
places as their occupations have called them, but all are reflecting credit upon 
the memory of their honored father and are adding prestige to the family name by 
their own busy, useful lives.  The eldest son, Frederick, holds a position as an 
engineer on the Southern Pacific Railroad and is a prominent local worker in the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  Charles resides in Sacramento.  Frank and 
Theodore are partners in the management of the home farm and cultivate about six 
hundred acres.  The other sons are Albert, of Yreka, and Eugene, of Woodland.  
Kate, the eldest daughter, is the wife of John Mast, of Madison.  Mary married 
Frederick Dill and lives in Yolo county.  The youngest daughter, Clara, resides 
with her mother in Woodland, where they own a comfortable cottage and enjoy the 
friendship of their many acquaintances.  All of the children received fair 
educational advantages and all were born and reared in Yolo county, where they 
are known and respected for worthy traits of character.  The brothers adhere to 
Democratic principles, but as yet have taken no part in local politics.  
Fraternally Frank and Theodore hold membership with the subordinate lodge of Odd 
Fellows at Black�s Station and contribute generously to the charities of the 
organization, as well as to other movements for the welfare of the people and 
the prosperity of the community.  In addition to their partnership in the 
management of six hundred acres in Yolo county, Frank also owns some four 
hundred and eighty acres in Washington.  The brothers rank among the resourceful 
and energetic farmers of the county and merit a large degree of success through 
their devotion to duty, their adherence to honorable principles and their 
energetic application to agricultural enterprises.
 
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source:  �History of Yolo County, California� by Tom Gregory.  Published by the 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 676 � 677.