Biographies
JACOB J. FISCHER
As one of the members of the Sacramento
broom factory Mr. Fischer retains an intimate identification with one of the
well-known industries in Sacramento. Long experience in the work admirably
qualifies him for the accurate discharge of all duties connected with his
responsible position. Although not an elderly man, but still in the prime of
mature activities, he has given more than one-quarter of a century to work at
the one trade and meanwhile he has acquired a thorough knowledge of the
industry. Up-to-date machinery has been introduced, and the output has been
increased. While a portion of the raw material comes from Illinois, much is
bought in California and largely grown in Sacramento county on the river of the
same name, in the district lying north of Knight's Landing. The special product
is the house broom of ordinary size but superior quality and in addition there
is manufactured every other kind of broom for which any demand exists.
Himself a native of Marietta, Ohio, born
December 5, 1865, Jacob J. Fischer comes of Teutonic parentage. When they were
young, his parents, William and Catherine Fischer, came across the ocean from
Germany and settled at Marietta, Ohio, where the former followed the trade of
boot and shoemaking. While yet in the old country he had served an
apprenticeship to the trade and his unusual expertness was recognized by a
large circle of customers. Throughout practically all of his active life he
followed the same occupation, quietly and successfully continuing his work
until his death at the old Ohio home about 1894. His widow still continues to
reside in Ohio. Of their five sons, William is a lawyer in Rainier, Ore.;
Frederick is engaged in the ministry and has a charge at Zanesville, Ohio; Edward
is a business man of Rockford, Ill.; while Herman carries on a grocery business
in Indianapolis, Ind. The fifth, Jacob J., likewise has been successful in his
life efforts and by his high standing and enviable reputation adds prestige to
an honored family name.
The financial condition of the parents did
not permit idleness on the part of the sons and we find that Jacob J. Fischer
was a mere lad when he began to earn a livelihood through employment on farms
and through work at the broom maker's trade. The latter he acquired familiarity
with when very young and always liked the work, so that he naturally drifted
into it as a permanent occupation. Seeking employment in various parts of the
country he continued as a journeyman for some time. During early manhood he
became interested in the west and decided to come hither, but he made the
journey a means of self-support and of education. Work at the trade enabled him
to earn his own way through the country, and he was thus able to gain an
excellent knowledge of various sections of the United States. During June of
1899 he arrived in Sacramento and here he promptly found a position with the
Columbia Company, in whose employ he remained, meanwhile by various promotions
reaching the position of manager. Continuing until October, 1912, he resigned
and with three partners started the Sacramento Broom Factory at No.1715
Fifteenth street. Of his two children the older
daughter, Della, married Roy Walthers and resides in
San Francisco; the younger daughter, May, is at home. Fraternally Mr. Fischer
is associated with the Druids, Knights of Pythias,
Improved Order of Red Men and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In national
elections he votes with the Republican party, but in
local campaigns he gives his influence to those whom he regards as best
qualified to represent the people, irrespective of their political ties.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 897-898. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.