Biographies
CHARLES A. FICAL
A mechanical operator of no mean ability
is Charles A. Fical, the present proprietor of the
flourishing garage on M street, between Nineteenth and Twentieth streets, in
whose shops the most expert repairing and automobile work of all kinds is done.
At an early age he began to pick up a knowledge of
machinery, and he has followed the work of a mechanical engineer throughout his
active business life. He was born in Sacramento, October 28, 1868, son of Jacob
and Mary Fical, who came to California in 1861,
crossing the plains and experiencing a hard six-months'
journey. They settled in Sacramento, where Jacob Fical
opened a blacksmith shop which he continued to operate until his death, in
1867. He had prepared to retire from his shop, and at his death was the owner
of a beautifully cultivated place of one hundred and sixty acres in Florin, and
here his widow and their three children lived for many years. Mrs. Fical is still living, as are her two sons, Byron, now
making his home in Oregon, and Charles A. Minnie, the only daughter, died some
time ago, aged fifteen years.
Until twenty years old Charles A. Fical attended school and worked on the ranch near the
city, during all of which time he interested himself in the engineer's trade.
The handling of stationary and traction engines alike attracted him and he soon
took up that trade as his regular work. For nine years he ran a single traction
engine, and then for a little over seventeen years he was employed as engineer
at the county hospital. Subsequently he went into partnership with J. L. Latourrette in the plumbing, gas engine and tinning
business, which after twelve years he relinquished to embark in his automobile
garage enterprise, and he is now meeting with the most gratifying success in
this endeavor. He is an authority on the subject of automobiles, and holds the
esteem of all his associates.
Mr. Fical was
married to Annie Sofia Treganza, of Sheldon,
Sacramento County, and they are the parents of two children, Howard Ames, who
is in business with his father, and Cora Frances, who is attending the high
school. Fraternally Mr. Fical is a Mason, a member of
the Red Men, Native Sons, and the Grangers, and Mrs. Fical
is also a member of the last named order. For seven years he was chief engineer
of the City Volunteer Fire Department, and his loyalty to his city has impelled
him to fill other positions of trust and honor in the capital city which has
insured for him the gratitude and respect of the entire community.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1042-1043.
Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.