Los
Angeles County
Biographies
CHARLES F. RAU
Alert, energetic and forceful,
Charles Frederick Rau filled an important place in the business life of Long
Beach and accomplished much as a city builder.
He was born in Mount Pulaski, Logan County, Illinois, October 6, 1859,
and was a son of Christian and Christina (Bryce) Rau. The father immigrated to this country from
Germany, becoming one of the pioneer agriculturists of central Illinois.
Charles F. Rau was the fourth in
order of birth in a family of eleven children.
Reared on the home place, he attended the schools of that locality and
early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the
farm-bred boy. Going to Nebraska, he
settled near Fairfield and in the course of time developed one of the most
desirable farms in Clay County. In 1914
he came to Long Beach, identifying himself with real estate development as a
builder of fine homes, for which he found a ready sale, and was thus engaged
for ten years. In the upbuilding of his
interests he did much to improve and beautify the city and so wisely and
carefully conducted business that he was able to retire in 1924. During the last eight years of his life he
dwelt in ease and comfort in his beautiful home, at intervals taking enjoyable
automobile trips with his wife.
Mr. Rau first married Miss Fairy
Hoskins, now deceased, who was the mother of two children: Clyde V., who lives in San Diego, California;
and Lucile M., the wife of Dr. J. W. Fair, of Long Beach. Mr. Rau’s second marriage was solemnized
October 6, 1909, when Miss Anna C. Petry became his wife. Her parents, J. W. and Ernestine (Schultz)
Petry, were natives of Germany and on immigrating to America they settled on a
farm in Nebraska. Mrs. Rau was born in
Clay County, that state, and pursued her education in the schools of Seward and
Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. Rau was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and closely observed its teachings. He was a resident of Long Bach for eighteen
years and contributed largely to its growth.
Although never an office seeker, he gave proof of his public spirit in
many ways and was a citizen who would have been a valuable acquisition to any
community. In all of his dealings he was
guided by the Golden Rule and his prosperity was well deserved, for it was
honorably won. He passed away April 3,
1932, at the age of seventy-two years, and was laid to rest in the Sunnyside
Mausoleum. His widow, Mrs. Anna C. Rau,
remains a resident of Long Beach, occupying the beautiful home erected by her
husband at 5 Euclid Avenue, and has those attributes which make for esteem and
friendship.
Transcribed by
V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. III, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 275-276, Clarke Publ.,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
GOLDEN
NUGGET'S LOS ANGELES BIOGRAPIES