California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


FREDERICK J. WILLIAMS. The Central California Planing Mill Company, of which Mr. Williams 
is president and manager, is one of the recent organizations established in Fresno, its 
mill at the Santa Fe depot, 'corner of Tulare and P streets, having been erected in November 
of 1903. The machinery is modern and substantial, and the equipment is such as to guar- 
antee the successful manufacture of everything in the building line. Power is furnished by a 
seventy-five horse engine of substantial and modern pattern. The mill is large, being 80x150 
feet in dimensions, with a capacity sufficient to insure the prompt filling of orders, even during 
the busiest seasons of the year. To facilitate the conduct of the business the company was incor- 
porated in October, 1903. 

Referring to the history of the Williams family, we find that the subject of this narrative is 
a son of John J. Williams, a native of Portugal, and in boyhood an assistant on his father's 
farm. With a taste for adventure and a love for the sea, he shipped as a sailor and during 
his voyages visited almost every prominent port in the world. The rumor of discovery of gold 
led him to California, and after anchoring at San Francisco in 1850 he went to the mines of 
Placer county. For about twenty years he followed mining, meanwhile working in the principal 
mines throughout the northern counties of California. When weary of the occupation, he 
abandoned it for a more settled pursuit in life, and purchased a farm at San Leandro, Alameda 
county, where the latter part of his eventful career was passed in quiet. At the time of his death, 
in 1896, he had reached the age of eighty-two years. His wife, Mary Williams, was born in Portugal 
and died in San Leandro when fifty years of age. Of their three sons, Frederick J. resides in Fresno; 
John W. is a contractor and builder in San Leandro; and Joseph, a carpenter by trade, assists his 
brother in the mill at Fresno. 

While the family were making their home at Auburn, Placer county, Cal., Frederick J. Will- 
iams was born April 16, 1865. At seven years of age he removed with his parents to San 
Leandro, where he received his education in the public school. For four years he served an ap- 
prenticeship to the carpenter's trade, after which he took up contracting and building in Berkeley. 
During the following years he had contracts for numerous business houses and private residences 
in Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda and San Francisco. His first settlement at Fresno occurred 
during 1888. when he began contracting and building in that city, but after two years he 
purchased land fifteen miles west of the city and turned his attention to farming. Forty-four 
acres were placed under irrigation and set out in an orchard and vineyard, the improvement 
greatly enhancing the value of the property, which remained in his possession until recently. 
In connection with its cultivation he rented three thousand acres, on which he engaged in raising 
wheat and barley. About 1900 he returned to Fresno to take up the building business again, 
and continued thus occupied until he purchased the planing mill, meanwhile having the contract 
for several business houses, residences and the Catholic Church. 

While residing in Berkeley Mr. Williams married Miss Mary G. Ramos, who was born in Yolo 
county, this state. They are the parents of three children, namely : Frederick, who assists his 
father in the mill; Lena, who is a student in the Fresno high school ; and Mary. The interest 
which Mr. Williams feels in the public school question was shown through his long and efficient 
service in the capacity of school trustee. While holding the office he did much to promote 
the welfare of the school under his especial charge. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce 
he is connected with an association largely contributory to the present progress and high 
standing of Fresno. In fraternal relations he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, 
Improved Order of Red Men and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.