JOSEPH STUDARUS

       California fruits are celebrated throughout the country.  Every state in the Union receives its consignment from the Pacific coast, for its horticultural products are unequaled in size and perfection.  The business of fruit growing and shipping has therefore become one of the most important in California, and of this industry Joseph Studarus is a worthy representative, being in control of an extensive and valuable farm which is largely devoted to fruit culture.  His entire life has been passed on this place, which is therefore endeared to him from the association of boyhood, as well as connections of later years.

       His birth occurred November 20, 1855 and as the years passed he assisted in the labors of the farm, thus gaining that broad practical experience that well fitted him for carrying on a business of his own when years of maturity were attained.  Good educational privileges were provided him, and he is today a well informed man, not only on the lines of his business, but on all subjects of general importance.  He became his father's assistant and early acquired a thorough knowledge of agricultural and horticultural methods.  He represents one of the pioneer families of the state, for his father John B. Studarus, was a pioneer from Switzerland, but in the early era of development came to California and took an active part in promoting the material interests of Sacramento county.  He was born in St. Gall, Switzerland, December 10, 1824, spent his early boyhood on a farm, and afterward learned the baker's trade.  In 1847 he took passage on a sailing vessel, which weighed anchor at Havre, and after forty-two days reached the harbor of New York in safety.  He was without capital, and during the first three years of his residence in the United States he was employed by others, performing much arduous service in order to gain a living.  He worked at a gardener in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and drove a milk wagon for a time.  In 1848 he went to New Orleans, but could not find employment in that city and returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where for a time he served on a packet steamer.  Subsequently he again drove a milk wagon, and then, suffering from an attack of illness, he returned to Pittsburg, where he was cared for by Nokear Stahele, who had come to America with him.  It was there he renewed his acquaintance with Mary Reach, who he had known in Europe, and they were married.  Later they worked for six months upon a farm near Wellsville, West Virginia, and then operated a part of their employer's land on shares.

       But the opportunities of the far west attracted them, and Mr. Studarus resolved to seek a home on the Pacific coast, for very favorable reports were heard of the advantages offered to ambitious young men in the Golden state.  With his wife and two children he crossed the arid plains and journeyed over the mountains until the 1st of September, 1853, when he arrived at Diamond Spring, Eldorado County.  His first venture at mining was at Logtown, where he remained for more than a year, but not meeting with the success he had anticipated, he determined to engage in agricultural pursuits and rented a farm on the American River, in Brighton township, Sacramento county.  After operating this for six years he purchased it and became the owner of three hundred and thirty acres.  For a time he devoted his energies to the raising of barley, broom-corn, Indian corn and melons, but afterward planted much of his land to fruit trees and grapevines, and his orchards and vineyards brought to him an excellent income, for the fine variety of fruits which he raised found a ready market not only on the Pacific coast but in the east.  He was one of the charter members of the Sacramento Cannery, an industry formed to can the fruits raised in this locality.  He also became identified with the American River Grange on its organization.  His political support was given to the Republican party through the period of the Civil war and for a number of years thereafter, but in later life he exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party.

       In November 1873, his first wife died, and the following year he married Barbara Bollenbacher, who died December 10, 1884.

       Joseph Studarus has always lived upon the old homestead, and after his father's death, which occurred in 1899, he became the owner of the place which he is now successfully operating.  He is regarded as one of the leading horticulturists of the community, and a glance at his orchards and vineyards indicates to the passer-by his careful supervision, his enterprise and his thorough understanding of the business to which he devotes his energies.

       In 1880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Studarus and Miss Margaret Schwab, and they now have one daughter who is named Agnes.  Their friends in the community are many and their own home is the center of a cultured society circle.  Their many excellent qualities have gained for them the high respect of all with whom they have been brought in contact, and Mr. Studarus is accounted one of the leading and influential citizens of the community.  The fact that many of his friends are numbered among those who have known him since boyhood is an indication that his life has been honorable and upright and one worthy of the esteem of all.