Sacramento County
Biographies
WILLIAM W. HINSEY
Should the
query be propounded as to the identity of the most influential citizens of Fair
Oaks, the name of William W. Hinsey would appear
among those of other promoters of the local
prosperity. Indeed, it would be difficult to overestimate the importance
of his labors in the organization and management of the Fair Oaks Fruit
Company. To his capable oversight may be attributed the high financial
standing of the concern among the banks of Sacramento valley horticulturists.
As secretary, treasurer and manager he has been at the head of the growth,
improvements and progress of the establishment, which now owns and occupies
seven buildings, including an office, a warehouse, olive oil mill and packing
houses. The present value of the holdings of the company in real-estate
and improvements aggregates almost $100,000. Successful prosecution of
the business is indicated by the fact that the company has paid out to
stockholders one hundred and two per cent of the value of the stock since the
plant was first started, and for the building up of such a profitable industry
universal credit is given to the efficient manager.
During the early history of the now
thriving city of Ottumwa, Iowa, no physician was more highly honored and none
more successful in the practice of the profession than Dr. J. C, Hinsey, who made his home in that town and there reared his
family, among them being William W., born in Ottumwa November 18, 1862.
After he had completed the studies of the common schools he took a commercial
course in the Ottumwa Business College and then commenced the earning of a
livelihood through the work of shipping clerk in the wholesale house of Ottumwa
Starch Co. and then for three years with W.A. Jordan & son. Recognition
of his worth came in his promotion to the position of cashier. For
several years he continued with the firm, but in 1888 he resigned to come to
California. On the occasion of this first trip to the west he settled at Elsinore, Riverside county, and
secured an important position with the real estate exchange.
Upon returning to the old home and
resuming business associations, Mr. Hinsey organized
the Ottumwa Fruit Commission Company and continued to operate the concern until
his second removal to the west, which occurred during the year 1898.
During the spring of 1899 he became assistant manager for George D. Kellogg, a
fruit shipper of Newcastle, in Placer county, and for
the ensuing four years he continued in that village. From there he came
to Sacramento county and settled at Fair Oaks, where later he was one of
the promoters and organizers of the Fair Oaks Fruit Company, one of the most
successful concerns of its kind in the entire valley. Immediately after
his arrival in the town he bought a lot and erected a comfortable modern
residence, which he since has made his home. In addition to other
business identifications with the town he is a stockholder in the Fair Oaks
Bank, the organization of which he helped promote through his intelligent and
zealous endeavors.
Upon coming to California for the first
time Mr. Hinsey was accompanied by his young
bride. He had married at Ottumwa September 29, 1888, Miss Carrie F.
Logan, a cultured and popular woman of that city and the recipient of excellent
advantages in its schools. Seven sons were born of their union, but the
first-born, Harold, died at the age of five years. The others are Charles
M., George L., Walter B., Donald M., Philip H., and Ralph R. In politics
Mr. Hinsey has been a Republican, though locally
supporting the candidates whom he regards as best qualified to serve the people
regardless of politics. With his wife he holds membership in the Fair
Oaks Methodist Episcopal Church, which for many years he served as treasurer,
besides being a member of the board of trustees. While living in Ottumwa
he was made a master Mason. Perhaps no subject of general importance
interests him more than that of education. Favoring good schools, he has
aided in securing them through a service of years as a member of the school
board and his influence has accomplished much toward the advance locally of the
standard of instruction and discipline, both of which points are emphasized in
the management of the Fair Oaks schools.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 743-745. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.