Biographies
ADAM B. KESSLER
The prominent dealer in hardware and house
furnishing goods of Oak Park, Sacramento, whose name is above, was born at
Williamstown, Clay County, Ind., November 25, 1869, a son of Douglas and Mary
Kessler. His parents lived originally near Columbus, Ohio. His father taught
school until after the death of his wife in 1887, then
he farmed for some years and eventually passed away in 1906. After completing
his school education A. B. Kessler did farm work until the spring of 1891, when
he went to Livingston, Mont. There he worked as a carpenter until he contracted
a fever which necessitated his leaving the town. During the ensuing five years
he followed carpentering and did railroad and mining work from place to place
until he located in Anaconda, Mont., where at length he found employment with
the Montana Meat Company, which retained his services three years. During the
next two years he was in the employ of the Montana Laundry Company at Butte.
After that he bought ten acres of land at Orangevale, Cal., and operated a
fruit farm and vineyard until 1909, when he sold the place. Early in the
following year he entered the service of the Oak Park Lumber Company, but after
a few months became a salesman in the F. A. Pierce Hardware Store. It was not
long before he bought the stock of that concern to which he has since added to
complete the line and put in house furnishing goods, crockery, and silverware.
By fair treatment of his customers, as well as by the application of good
business ability, he has built up a good trade which is constantly increasing.
January 14, 1904, Mr. Kessler married Miss
Jessie R. Pierce, of Sacramento, daughter of a pioneer at Fair Oaks and
Orangevale, who has retired from active life and is living with his son, E. A.
Pierce, a contractor. Mrs. Kessler has borne her husband four children: Ruth,
Joseph Pierce, Dorothy, and Viola M. She is a member of the Mothers' Club of
Highland Park, the family are communicants of the
Baptist Church, and Mr. Kessler affiliates with the Knights of Pythias. As a citizen he is conspicuously public-spirited
and progressive.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Page 1056. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.