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 TORESON. � Sweden has contributed largely of her sturdy 
sons to the permanent settlement of California, and from among the many 
worthy Swedish residents of the Golden State, particular mention is made 
of August Toreson, the successful horticulturist and viticulturist who owns 
a beautiful ranch home three one-half miles southwest of Reedley. 

August Toreson was born in Sweden, in 1866, and received his educa- 
tion in his native country. In 1890 he emigrated to the United States, and 
having heard of the many and varied opportunities offered to homeseekers, 
and of its glorious climate, he decided to follow the example of so many 
of his own countrymen and cast in his lot with the citizens of the Golden 
State. 

After his arrival in California, August Toreson began at the lowest rung 
of the ladder of success, and by dint of hard labor, industrious and frugal 
habits he had saved enough money by 1901 to purchase his present ranch of 
twenty-seven acres. At the time of purchase only a part of the land was 
cultivated but he soon began to improve the place and has brought it up to 
a high state of productiveness, besides which he has built a beautiful house 
which is equipped with modern improvements. The product of his ranch 
consists of peaches and grapes of a very fine quality. 

The year 1901 was a very propitious one for August Toreson, for it 
not only marks the beginning of a life of independence in business affairs, by 
the purchase of his ranch, but it also records his marriage to the woman of 
his choice, Mrs. Amanda C. Anderson. By a former marriage she was the 
mother of three children : Walter, who served in the United States Army, 
in France ; Redena ; and Ruth. The marriage of August Toreson with Mrs. 
Amanda C. Anderson was blessed with five children : Elmer R. ; Elvira 
Myrtle; Mabel A.; Helen M.; and Robert L. On February 27, 1916, Mr. 
Toreson was bereft of his loving wife and companion, and the children of a 
Mother�s tender care and devotion. 

Mr. Toreson is highly esteemed in his community and is regarded as 
an enterprising and successful rancher. He belongs to the Apricot and 
Prune, Raisin and Peach Growers associations.