Biographies
FRANK M. DERBY
A residence in the west beginning at the
age of five years and continuing up to the present time qualifies Mr. Derby for
accurate judgment concerning the possibilities of the region and the
opportunities it affords to young men of energy. Having spent so much of his
life in California he cherishes for the state an appreciation impossible to be
understood by a newcomer, but directly resultant from his faith in the country
and his knowledge of its resources. Of his native commonwealth of Pennsylvania
he entertains only vague and indistinct recollections. Born at Greenville, that
state, February 1, 1877, he is a son of Daniel B. Derby, for many years a
prominent nurseryman at Oakland, but more recently a horticulturist at Vacaville,
and he is also a brother of Charles M. Derby, manager of the Natoma Mining and Dredging Company.
Educated in the grammar and high schools
of Oakland and in a business college of that city, Frank M. Derby enjoyed the
advantages which materially assist in the preparation for life's activities.
After leaving school he assisted his father in horticultural pursuits at
Vacaville for a number of years, but later he came to Notoma,
Sacramento county, joining his brother at this place.
Since then he has officiated as superintendent and manager of the orchard and
packing house of the Natoma Mining and Dredging
Company, also a manager of the water system, and recently he became a
stockholder in the company, whose officials repose the fullest confidence in
his ability to fill his important position. Under his supervision there is a
large force of men on the ranches, in the orchards and vineyards, in the
packing house and with the water system, and the immense amount of work
accomplished proves the energy and industry of the workmen.
The marriage of Frank M. Derby took place
in Sacramento and united him, May 23, 1911, with Miss Corinne Bell, who was
born and reared in San Francisco and received a classical education in the best
schools of that city. The family residence is a pleasant and comfortable home
on Alder creek near the packing house and there Mr. and Mrs. Derby welcome
their friends with gracious and unfailing hospitality.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 933-934. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.