Biographies
FRANK O. HUTTON
A native son of the state, Mr. Hutton was
born in Solano county November 11, 1874, and there his boyhood and youth were
passed. The achievements of maturity bring him into touch with Sacramento
county, for it was here that he began to learn the light and power business,
here he began at the very bottom of the ladder of success and here he gradually
acquired such a thorough comprehension of electricity and such a practical
experience with its uses that he rose to a position of influence and
responsibility in the specialty now indispensable to the permanent progress of
every city and village.
The discovery of gold in California proved
the lode-star that attracted Frederick Hutton hither from his native town of
Perry, Wyoming county, N. Y., where he had received a
common-school education and had already entered upon the task of earning a
livelihood. During the summer of 1852 he crossed the plains with a company of
Argonauts whose powers of endurance were as great as their hopes were high.
Upon arriving in the state he began to mine at Dutch Flat and also engaged in
general merchandising. For a considerable period he remained unmarried, but
after a time he was united with Miss Charlotte Olinger,
who was born and reared in Wisconsin. They were residents of Vacaville for many
years and there his death occurred in 1898. Later the widow removed to Dixon,
where in 1904 her useful existence came to an end. Their son, Frank O., had
been educated in the Vacaville schools and had been trained to habits of
self-reliance, industry, and intelligent energy, which formed almost his sole
capital in the world of affairs.
Upon coming to Sacramento in 1896 Mr.
Hutton secured employment as a helper at the plant of the Electric Light and
Power Company. From the lowliest position in the concern he worked his way
forward to a post of trust. During 1906 he came to Folsom as foreman of the
Folsom power house of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which owns adequate
water power for the operation of the heavy machinery. Since coming to Folsom he
has assisted in the organization of the Folsom Bank, becoming one of the
original subscribers. The growth of the bank has proved a helpful factor in the
material development of the place.
The marriage of Frank O. Hutton took place
at Vacaville, Cal., October 25, 1895, and united him with Miss Myrtle Collins,
who was born, reared and educated at that place, being a daughter of W. L.
Collins, now a resident of Sacramento. Four children were born of the union, but
the eldest, Kenneth, was taken from the home by death when he was only three
years of age. The surviving children are Charlotte, William, and Jacques. Mr.
Hutton has maintained an independence of thought and ballot throughout his
maturity and has voted for the men whom he considers best qualified to
represent the people, irrespective of their views upon national problems. For
some years he has been actively associated with the Fraternal Brotherhood.
Movements for the material development of Folsom receive his stanch support and
the town has in him and his wife honored residents whose presence promotes the
moral, educational and material upbuilding of the
community.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1012-1013.
Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.