Sacramento County
Biographies
JOHN LATOURRETTE
The possession of decided business ability
is indicated by the gratifying degree of success that has rewarded the
painstaking efforts of Mr. Latourrette, one of the
progressive and prominent business men of Sacramento. From his earliest
recollections he has been familiar with its possibilities and conversant with
its history, he was prepared to enter into its business activities with every
hope of success offered by painstaking industry and forceful
determination. During young manhood he embarked in business for
himself, and his subsequent career has been one of slow but steady advancement
in the specialty selected for his life-work. The business established by
his energy and pushed forward by his progressive spirit is now incorporated,
with himself as secretary, treasurer and the principal owner, while W. D. Scoville fills the office of president and Dr. John L.
White serves as vice-president.
Brought to the west during his infancy,
John Latourrette is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and was
born February 18, 1876, being a son of Paredes and
Eliza (Smith) Latourrette, natives respectively of
Ohio and Pennsylvania. The father was a tinner
by trade, and during early life, while following that occupation, he offered
his services to the Union as a soldier, was accepted, sent to the front,
assigned to the army of the west with an Ohio regiment under General Grant and
for three years remained in active service, eventually receiving an honorable
discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. During 1876 he
brought his family to California and settled at Galt, Sacramento county, where he opened a tin-shop and later developed
the business into that of general hardware. During 1890 he was bereaved
by the death of his wife, and of recent years he has made his home with his
son, John, in Sacramento.
Upon the completion of the regular course
of study in the county public schools and a business college of Sacramento,
John Latourrette began to learn the trade of a tinner under his father. At the same time he gained
a general knowledge of the hardware business and also studied the management of
heating apparatus as well as the putting in of plumbing. At the age of
eighteen he was able to secure a position with Hallbrock,
Merrill & Stetson, and for four years he continued with that firm.
Desiring to embark in business for himself, he resigned his position and rented
a shop in Oak Park, where he engaged in sheet-metal work, also in plumbing and
heating. For six years he carried on the store alone, after which he was
the senior member of the firm of Latourrette & Fical, continuing in that connection until July 18, 1910,
when the business was incorporated with the present officers. The house
is now one of the largest of its kind in Northern California, and enjoys an
enviable reputation for thoroughness of work and honesty in business
transactions. Among the recent plumbing and heating contracts awarded the
firm may be mentioned those for hotel Sacramento, the White and Donnelly building,
Forum building, Sacramento county courthouse, California National Bank and
People's Savings bank, as well as contracts for various substantial residences
in Sacramento and Northern California. In politics Mr. Latourrette always has sustained Republican principles by
his ballot. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, Eagles, Woodmen
and Fraternal Union. On February 24, 1897, he was united in marriage with
Miss Etta Larned, whose father settled at Placerville
during the early mining era and became a man of prominence among the pioneers
of the locality. Two daughters, Jessie and Leona, comprise the family of
Mr. and Mrs. Latourrette.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 757-764. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.