Siskiyou County
Biographies
F. W. BILLS
One of the most modernly equipped undertaking establishments of northern California is that conducted by the firm of Kunz & Bills at Yreka. F. W. Bills, partner in this business, is a descendant of one of the real pioneer families of California, and occupies a most substantial place in the business, civic and social life of this community. He was born is Siskiyou county, California, January 20, 1877, a son of Richard and Orpha L. (Hall) Bills, the father having been a native of New York state, and the mother of Pennsylvania. Richard Bills came to Siskiyou county from the east in 1859, avoiding the dangerous and fatiguing trip across the plains by using the water route and crossing the isthmus of Panama. He was a farmer by occupation, and he settled in Scott valley, where he and his wife passed their lives. Four children were born to them who grew to maturity.
F. W. Bills was educated in the common schools of Scott valley, and later successfully passed a teacher’s examination and taught for six years in his home district. After his father’s demise he cultivated the old home farm for a number of years, then in 1922 went to San Francisco, where he studied the science of undertaking under a well known mortician of that city. He subsequently to the required state examination, secured a license, and established the undertaking firm of Kunz & Bills at Yreka in 1923. The firm has been successful from the start, and the equipment now used is the most advanced type, including a Studebaker limousine hearse of the latest model. A chapel is maintained for funeral services.
Mr. Bills was married in 1917 to Miss Carrie Hart, whose parents were early pioneers on Butte creek, California. Mr. Bills is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Grange at Yreka, and also belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West. His favorite sport is hunting.
Transcribed
by Craig Hahn.
Source: Wooldridge, J.W. Major History of the Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 pgs. 65-66. Pioneer Historical Publishing Co. Chicago
1931.
© 2005 Craig Hahn.
Golden Nugget Library's El Dorado County Biographies