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 AUGUST PARRET. � Among the enterprising and progressive men who crossed the ocean from France to cast in his lot on the Pacific Coast we find August Parret, who was born in Ambrun, Hautes-Alpes, March 1, 1872, the oldest of nine children born to Eli and Philomina (Rispaud) Parret, well-to- do farmers in Ambrun, where the mother died, and where the father is still living at the old home. August Parret was reared to the life of a farmer, and received a thorough education in the elementary branches in the public schools. After completing the local schools he was apprenticed at the baker's trade and continued to fol- low that occupation until December, 1890, when he migrated to the United States, coming immediately to Fresno, Cal. On -his arrival he went to work in the French Bakery, where he completed his trade. In 1894 he and his brother Eli started the Parisian Bakery, which they conducted for one year and then sold. Mr. Parret then became foreman for the Fresno Bakery, a position he filled satisfactorily for eight years, when he resigned and again went into partnership with his brother Eli and purchased the Parisian Bakery, at 737 G Street, which they conducted successfully for nine years. August then sold his interest to his brother, and accepted a position as foreman in the Tulare Bakery. This position he held for four years, resigning to engage in farming. About three years ago Mr. Parret purchased his present ranch of thirty acres in Vinland Colony, where he is engaged in raising alfalfa and fruits. He is growing peaches and Thompson seedless vines and is meeting with well-merited success on his ranch. He also owns property in Clovis. The marriage of Mr. Parret occurred in Fresno, where he was united with Miss Catherine Houkert, a native of Basses-Pyrenees, France. They have three children: Philomina, a graduate of Fresno High, and a stenogra- pher for the Underwood Typewriter Agency in Fresno; Eli, assisting his father on the farm ; and Albert, who is also at home. Mr. Parret is a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, the Califor- nia Associated Raisin Company, and the California Peach Growers' Associa- tion. He speaks Italian as well as French, and for many years was frequently called as interpreter in those languages in the courts of the county. At one time he was nominated for city trustee, but withdrew as a candidate before the election. He was made a citizen of the United States in 1895, and is a Democrat in politics.