San
Joaquin County
Biographies
GEORGE LOUIS FRERICHS
Fine and deserving traits of
character have contributed to the success of George Louis Frerichs, who came to
San Joaquin County when two years old, and his well directed energy has accumulated
a competence and at the same time he has been most active in upbuilding the
locality he selected as his home. He was
born in San Francisco March 7, 1867, and in 1869 was brought by his parents to
San Joaquin County; there being no railroad, travel was made by steamboat to
Mohr’s Landing, and from there by wagon about twelve miles to a small house
located on the northeast quarter of section thirty-two. When he was seven years of age he started to
the district school, and continued until he had passed the eighth grade. Although reared on a farm he did not take to
farm work, but had a desire for anything mechanical. Leaving the farm he took up the
harnessmaker’s trade and followed it for a number of years.
During the year of 1900, Mr.
Frerichs was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Goetjen, also a native of San
Francisco, who had resided in San Joaquin County since her tenth year. Returning to Tracy, Mr. Frerichs opened up a
small shop on Central Avenue, having only a few tools and a limited capital,
which he had saved from his earnings.
During the six years that he was in business for himself, there were
three children born to them: the eldest
died at the age of five months; B. Adella is the wife of R. A. Miller and they
have two children, Billie and Jane; Edith L. is assistant city clerk of Tracy.
Crop failures and losses due to
outstanding accounts compelled Mr. Frerichs to discontinue business and accept
a position with a San Francisco concern.
After a short stay in the city, not enjoying good health, the family
longed to return to their former home.
While on a much needed vacation, C. A. Slack, knowing that Mr. Frerichs
was handy with a paint brush, solicited him to return to Tracy and work on the
buildings he was at that time erecting, and very soon the family returned to
Tracy. For several years Mr. Frerichs
engaged in interior and exterior decorating, and built up a nice trade. He was then solicited by the people to accept
the position of postmaster under President’s Taft’s administration as Mr.
Frerichs was a Republican in principle; the position was filled by a
Democrat. About this time of office of
city clerk was about to be vacated and upon receiving the unanimous vote of the
members of the city board of trustees, he was elected to fill the unexpired
term of one and one-half years, after which he was elected by the vote of the
people. Mr. Frerichs has been elected
three consecutive times, winning each time by a fine majority and is now
entering upon his eighth year of service. Previous to the last election held in April,
1920, the laws were amended, making the term of the office of city clerk four
years. During his career as city clerk,
he has held other positions of trust in connection therewith, and at present is
city recorder and has handled some very difficult cases against law
violators. Besides being active in
public affairs, he is much interested in fraternal organizations, being a
member of the Masons, a past officer of the local Odd Fellows Lodge, Knights of
Pythias and Native Sons, having served in nearly every office in these orders
except the Masons.
Transcribed by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham, George
H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Pages
1409. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic
Record Co., 1923.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
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