California Biographies, Kern County
JACOB NIEDERAUR

History of Kern 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.

Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company, 1914
History by Morgan, Wallace Melvin

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


JACOB NIEDERAUR.— It was the good fortune of Bakersfield to enjoy 
during its early- history, as in its later era of progress, the loyal devotion of 
men of ability, energy and progressive spirit To the foundation laid by such 
citizens was added the superstructure of subsequent effort that rendered 
possible the prosperity now attained by the city. In the list of capable pio- 
neers no name stands out with greater prominence and none is more worthy 
of an honorable place in local annals than that of the late Jacob Niederaur, 
who from the time of his settlement in the then struggling, insignificant 
village in 1869 until his death, February 9, 1903, contributed persistently, 
effectively and intelligently to the advancement of the town commercially, 
materially and financially contributing his quota to every enterprise for the 
general welfare and leaving the impress of his forceful personality upon every 
civic project. It would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to name an enter- 
prise of pioneer days which failed to receive his quiet but efficient support. 
A master workman, skilled in the use of tools, and without a superior in his 
trade of a cabinet-maker, he did not limit his activities to the occupation in 
which he had achieved signal success, but entered into other avenues of 
labor. From the first he appreciated the value to this county of its great 
oil resources. Nor did he fail to realize the excellent location of Bakersfield 
as a business headquarters for the oil fields. Other resources of the com- 
munity were backed by his sincere faith and generous support and the wis- 
dom of his judgment was proved by his own large success, as well as by the 
steady advancement made by the county and city of his adoption. 

Born in Bavaria, Germany, June 15, 1841, Jacob Niederaur was nine 
years of age when brought to America by his parents, who settled at Bryan, 
Ohio. He was one of four sons, all of whom were trained by their father, 
a skilled mechanic, into a thorough knowledge of cabinet-making as soon as 
they were old enough to handle tools. In skill and quickness he soon proved 
the equal of the others and was able to earn his livelihood at the trade while 
yet very young. When he came to Bakersfield at the age of twenty-eight 
years he had no difficulty in finding employment as a cabinet-maker. .Al- 
though he had no capital he was thrifty and economical and soon he was able 
to embark in the furniture business. The beginning of the business was very 
small, but as time passed he enlarged his stock of furniture and became the 
leading furniture dealer in the entire valley. Shortly after his arrival in 
Bakersfield he was impressed by the need of an undertaking establishment 
and he at once began to study the business, acquiring a thorough familiarity 
with its every detail. He is remembered today as the pioneer undertaker of 
the city. During the early days the business houses were mere shacks, but 
he became a champion of better buildings and himself set the example by 
erecting a substantial block, the first floor of which he utilized for his under- 
taking establishment and furniture, while the second floor he rented for general 
lodge, hall and lecture purposes. At the time of the incorporation of the 
Southern Hotel Company he became a stockholder in the new enterprise 
and was enthusiastic in his efforts to secure adequate hotel accommodations 
for the growing city. Although intensely devoted to the welfare of the 
community it was impossible to secure his acceptance of public offices and 
he took no part in politics whatever aside from voting the Republican ticket. 
The only lodge to which he belonged was the Knights of Pythias, and in that 
order he ever maintained a warm interest. 

For some years after his arrival in the west Mr. Niederaur continued to 
lead a single life, and it was in this city that he met the attractive young lady 
whom he chose as his wife. She was Miss Lucy J. Williams, who was born 
in Ross county. Ohio, May 10, 1860, but grew to girlhood in Vermont, her 
mother having returned to that state after the death of the husband and 
father. At the age of sixteen years Atiss Williams left the east to come to 
California as governess for the children of Philo Jewett at Bakersfield. While 
filling this position she met Mr. Niederaur, whom she married August 6, 1878. 
Two children came to bless their union, Philip Williams and Helen Jewett, 
After the death of I\Ir. Niederaur his widow continued to make her home in 
the elegant family residence, which since her death, November 30, 1909, has 
been occupied by her daughter and son-in-law, Helen Jewett Forrest and 
Thomas W. Forrest. This young couple were married October '16, 1911, 
Mr. Forrest being vice-president of the E. H. Loveland Produce Company 
and one of the leading young business men of Bakersfield. The son, Philip 
Williams Niederaur, formerly engaged in the furniture business in Bakers- 
field, but now resides in San Francisco. 

Among the many friends whom Mr. Niederaur won through his fine qual- 
ities of heart and mind there was none to whom he was more deeply attached 
than to Franz Buckreus, for many years superintendent of the Kern county 
hospital. Between those two pioneers there was a deep bond of affection 
which time -only served to deepen. The implicit faith which Mr. Niederaur 
reposed in his friend was shown by his selection of him as administrator of 
his estate, without bonds, and also as guardian of his children. After the 
death of his friend Mr. Buckreus continued to operate the furniture and 
undertaking establishment for a time. During March of 1904 he sold the 
undertaking business to Morton & Connelly, who are now in that business 
at No. 1712 Chester avenue. About the same time the furniture business 
was sold to George C. Haberfelde, who since has become a leading repre- 
sentative of this line of commercial enterprise in Bakersfield. The estate 
left by Mr. Niederaur was valued at $70,000 and had he been spared to enjoy 
the present remarkable growth of his chosen city he would have attained 
much greater wealth, but the large estate which he accumulated is especially 
significant because it represented the unaided efforts of a man who ever 
lived up to his high ideals of honor and his lofty principles of business 
integrity. Of such pioneers the city and county may well be proud and 
their descendants may recount their activities with pardonable gratification.