Butte County
Biographies
SOLOMON STANLEY TRUITT
SOLOMON STANLEY TRUITT.--A native son of California, Solomon Stanley Truitt appreciated the advantages offered by his state to the settlers from beyond her borders and, by his genial good nature, radiated cheer and good will to all who came within the radius of his friendship. Born near Healdsburg, Sonoma County, on January 29, 1857, Mr. Truitt was a son of James and Pauline (Hostetter) Truitt, both born in Missouri, in which state they were married and from whence they began the long journey across the plains with California as their destination. After a long and tiresome journey they arrived here and settled in Sonoma County and near Healdsburg became well known as farmers and stock-raisers. Both parents died in Healdsburg.
Solomon Stanley Truitt was reared on the farm and attended the public schools of Sonoma County until he was twelve, when he started out to “paddle his own canoe” and began working at Skaggs Springs, and later he worked near Durham. About forty years ago he entered the employ of Weed and Barnard, liverymen of Chico, and continued working for them until about twelve years ago, when he bought an interest in the business with Mr. Barnard, Loren Daniels becoming a partner at the same time. The business was known as the Fashion Stables and was located at the corner of Second and Salem Streets, but under the new management it was incorporated as the Barnard Livery Company. Some time later Mr. Truitt bought Mr. Daniels’ interest and devoted his entire time to the trade. The company did the leading business in Chico for many years. On August 5, 1916, the large stable with its contents was destroyed by fire, causing a total loss to the proprietors. Mr. Truitt then started for himself, located on Seventh Street. He carried on a successful business until he sold out in May, 1917, to give his attention to horticultural pursuits. He had set out fifteen and one half acres to prunes and almonds, on a tract of land two and one half miles out, on Lone Pine Avenue; also had six acres in prunes five miles north of town. To the development of these properties he gave his spare time and made them valuable sources of revenue.
In
Chico, on March 18, 1880, Mr. Truitt and Miss Helen Crum were united in
marriage. Mrs. Truitt is a native of the county, born in Oroville, a daughter
of Andrew J. Crum, of whom mention is made in the sketch of F. P. Crum, this
volume. Mrs. Truitt was born on the ranch at Hamilton Bend and was educated in
the public schools of Butte County, secured a certificate to teach school in
the county and followed that occupation until her marriage. Of the union with
Mr. Truitt there were born five children: Carl, engaged in the insurance
business at Stockton; Josie, the wife of F. W. Mathews of Chico; James O., in
the employ of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Alice M., a graduate of the
Chico high school and the State Normal and now teaching; and Ellen, Mrs. Moon,
of Chico. Mr. Truitt was devoted to his home and family, where his happiest
hours were spent. He died on October 6, 1917, mourned by all who had ever known
him. He was a member of Chico Business Men’s Association and of the Christian
Church.
Transcribed by Vicky
Walker, 2/15/08.
Source: "History of
Butte County, Cal.," by George C. Mansfield, Pages 734-739, Historic Record Co, Los Angeles, CA, 1918.
© 2008 Vicky
Walker.
Golden Nugget Library's Butte County Biographies