San Francisco County
Biographies
THOMAS
FITCH, JR.
THOMAS FITCH, Jr.,
general commission merchant at 202 Sacramento street, San
Francisco, is one
of the native sons of California and representative business men of the metropolis of the
West. He is a native of San Francisco, dating his birth November 30, 1862, a son of Hon. Thomas Fitch, a native of New York, well known throughout the pacific coast as the “silver-tongued
orator.”
At the age of
twenty-two years, Mr. Fitch, the second born in the above family, began the
battle of life on his own account, and has been identified with the largest and
most prominent commission houses of this city. Starting in business
without capital or any financial aide from any one, but being a man of quick
perceptions and of enterprise and natural ability, he has advanced steadily to
the front ranks of the more progressive element of commission
merchants. His business extends far beyond the confines of the
State. The name is well known in every city and town of consequence west
of the Missouri river; and indeed it is no undue praise to say he is even
better known in the surrounding territory than in his native city. He is a
stanch believer in California’s future greatness as a fruit and grain-producing State,
and loses no opportunity of advertising that belief. Among
the few business men who in their daily transactions with Eastern houses
endeavor to advertise the State in connection with mercantile pursuits, may be
seen the unique method adopted by Mr. Fitch. Every car he sends to
the East bears the following placard: “California beats the world. Thomas Fitch, Jr., Commission
Merchant, 202
Sacramento street, San
Francisco: Fruits,
beans, produce, honey, nuts, grain, etc. All correspondents and
consignments receive our immediate attention.” In connection with the
above the emblem of the State is given and the picture of a huge bear. The
placard attracts much attention. Numerous letters are received by Mr.
Fitch concerning California. He makes a specialty of furnishing patrons with
the best the market affords. Long experience has made him thoroughly
conversant with every branch of produce, and merchants in the interior dispose
quickly of all consignments forwarded by him.
Mr. Fitch was married
in San Francisco in 1884, to Miss Sue M. Shaw, a native of Louisville,
Kentucky, and they have two children, viz.: Wallace and
Milton. Politically he is a Republican and takes an active interest in
local matters. Socially he affiliates with Oakland Parlor, N. S. G. W.
Transcribed
by 11-17-06 Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, Page 174,
Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2006 Marilyn R. Pankey.
California Biography Project
San Francisco County
California Statewide
Golden Nugget Library