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


JACK TOCCALINI� Among the oldest residents of Arizona Colony 
Fresno County, is the well-known viticulturist and horticulturist, Jack Toc- 
calini, a native of Italy, born at Pavia, Lombardia, April 2, 1855. He was 
reared on a farm in his native land and received a good public school educa- 
tion, engaging in farming after reaching his majority. On August 14, 1883, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Sala, who was also a native of 
Pavia. 

Believing that America offered better opportunities for ambitious and 
enterprising young men, Mr. Toccalini decided to seek his fortune in the 
Golden State; so, in 1885, he bid his family and native land adieu and sailed 
for the New World, eventually reaching Napa County, Cal, where he secured 
employment on ranches and vineyards. Afterwards he worked in the quick- 
silver mines in Pope Valley, and later on was employed by Tolls Brothers, 
in their sawmill in Placer County, where he remained for nine seasons. Dur- 
ing these years however he spent the winters in Fresno County, where he was 
employed on vineyards and orchards. 

In 1893, Mr. Toccalini made a trip back to Italy to visit his family and 
look after his farm interests, which his wife had ably managed during his 
long absence. After spending twenty-two months in his native land, he re- 
turned to California, and to the sawmill where he had previously worked, re- 
maining there three years ; but, as before, he spent his winters in Fresno 
County. After working one year in the Shaver mill, he leased his present 
place of twenty acres in Arizona Colony, in 1898 ; and three years later, having 
saved enough money, he purchased the ranch and devoted the place to raising 
peaches and raisins' In December, 1900, his wife and two children joined him 
on his California ranch, which was indeed a happy reunion. The family now 
consists of five children : John, a viticulturist in the Arizona Colony ; Henri- 
etta, now Mrs. Buscaglia, residing at Muscatel ; Anna, Mrs. Pescarmona, of 
Merced; and Tennie and Rose, at home with their parents. 

In 1918, Mr. Toccalini sold his ranch at a good profit, but intends to 
buy another place when a good opportunity presents itself. He is a member 
of both the California Associated Raisin Company and the California Peach 
Growers, Inc.. Politically, he is a strong Republican.