JESSE LEE REITH

Sacramento County

Biographies

JESSE LEE REITH

JESSE LEE REITH.--A native son of California, Jesse Lee Reith was born on the old Reith homestead at Union House, eight and a half miles south of Sacramento, on January 13, 1869. His father, John Reith, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, July 2, 1828. His grandfather, also named John, was a clock-maker and manufactured the big hall clocks. Jesse Reith has one of these, which was made over 100 years ago. As was the custom of the boys born and raised in the seaport town of Aberdeen, John Reith chose the sea and followed the coasting trade, in which he rose to able seaman, and then sailed on deep water, visiting the important ports of the world and circumnavigating the globe. His last voyage was in a ship bound to Australia and thence to San Francisco. Arriving in March, 1850, he was thrilled by the gold discovery, left the vessel, and like hundreds of others rushed to the mines, making his way up the Sacramento River in a small sailing vessel which he himself piloted. He was amazed at the magnitude of the river and saw the possibilities of the vast river bottoms. For three years he mined at Auburn Ravine, Rattlesnake Bar, and the early mining camps; but finding that the search for the elusive metal was not so profitable as he had anticipated, he determined to engage in farming. So returning to Sacramento County, he located 320 acres of government land; and in time fulfilling the requirements of the law, he obtained title to the land. It was splendid meadow land, and he cut the grass, selling the hay to the teamsters who were hauling to the mines; and later he drifted into stock-raising and farming. He raised some of the first wheat in these parts, set out cottonwood groves, built a residence and other farm buildings, and in time had a well-improved farm and dairy; and there he made his home until his death, which occurred on December 9, 1921, at the age of ninety-three years. He had served as trustee of Perry school district for almost thirty years. The marriage of John Reith occurred in Sacramento in 1860, when he was united with Miss Annie Boswell, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came via the Panama route to San Francisco in the early fifties. She was a faithful wife and loving mother, a truly good woman, who pioneered nobly with her husband until her death in 1901. Eight children blessed the union of this pioneer couple. Henry died in San Joaquin County. John resides in Woodland. W. C. died in Sacramento. Jesse Lee is the subject of our review. Fenelon M. died in Sacramento. Charles E. resides in San Francisco. Mrs. Jane Richmond and Anne reside in Woodland.

From a lad, Jesse Lee Reith assisted his father on the home farm, early in life learning the rudiments of farming. His education was obtained in the public school in his home district, and at Napa College. After completing his studies he selected ranching for his life work, taking charge of his father’s ranch; and here he engaged in grain-growing and stock-raising, in time becoming owner of the old homestead. He now has a well-selected herd of Jerseys for his dairy, which he is conducting with gratifying success. Greatly interested in preserving California history and pioneer landmarks, he is a member of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., in Sacramento. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, having been a member of the County Central Committee. He is active in the support of high public morals, and has served as a member of the grand jury.

Transcribed by Priscilla Delventhal.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 849. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.