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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