Biographies
FRED T. KITT
The childhood memories of Mr. Kitt are associated with the southeastern part of Nebraska,
where he was born December 29, 1876, in the village of Arago
near the western banks of the Missouri river. His parents, Joseph and Selina Kitt, were representatives
of the splendid pioneer element that entered into the material upbuilding of that state, and the family throughout the
entire period of their identification with the United States has been
characterized by the courageous, industrious qualities that have transformed
the dense forests and the vast prairies into fertile farms and prosperous
communities. The schools of his locality were equal to those of the period in
any part of the country and afforded him fair advantages, which later were
increased by an attendance of one year in a business college located at
Lincoln, Neb. When the time came for him to enter the ranks of business men he
secured employment as a traveling salesman and in his chosen work he met with
considerable success as a representative of a number of specialty houses out of
Chicago and Council Bluffs. Meanwhile he had become interested in the study of
electricity and had mastered the principles of the science. During 1901 he
removed west as far as Denver, Colo., where he found employment as an
electrical engineer.
Upon his arrival in Sacramento during the
year 1904 Mr. Kitt was given a position with the
Sacramento Electric, Gas and Railway Company, in their electrical engineering
department, continuing in different capacities until his resignation, which
occurred March 1, 1909. His object in resigning had been to specialize on
electric vehicles. He was first to introduce that type of car into Sacramento,
by taking the agency for the Columbus electric automobile; later he became
Sacramento representative of the Detroit Electric vehicles. During the three
years he has been in business he has placed approximately one hundred electric
vehicles in the capital city, which indicates his success as a salesman as well
as the recognized values of his cars. In February of 1910 he erected a
one-story modern brick garage and salesroom, equipped with all facilities for
the cars and storage of electric vehicles he erected, during the summer and
autumn of 1910, a substantial four-story reinforced concrete addition affording
abundant space for the needs of the next few years. The office, garage and
laboratory are located at Nos. 1910-14 Capitol avenue,
or M street, an excellent location for such purposes. In addition to the
maintenance of a line of electric vehicles, storage batteries for all purposes
are kept to supply the needs of the trade, and the garage is a popular
headquarters for all users of electric cars.
Political questions receive their due
consideration from Mr. Kitt, who, however, displays
no partisan preferences and maintains an independent attitude in his personal
views. As a citizen he contributes to movements for the upbuilding
of the community and the development of its business interests. His marriage
took place in Los Angeles September 1, 1904, and united him with Miss Agnes
Donovan, of Denver, Colo. They are the parents of two sons, Frederick T., Jr.,
who was born April 18, 1910, and Phillip John, who was born February 17, 1912.
The family are earnest members of the Roman Catholic
Church and Mr. Kitt is also affiliated with its
leading fraternity, the Knights of Columbus.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 946-947. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.