Albert Kohlbaker, who came, a boy of about ten years, to California over half a century ago and is thus to be classed among the oldest residents of the commonwealth, at this writing is one of the most prosperous and successful farmers of Sacramento county, owning and operating a ranch of three hundred and two acres five miles west of Folsom, on which property he has resided since 1874. Farming and grape-growing are the two departments of his enterprise at which he has been most successful.

A native of Summit county, Ohio, born January 5, 1842, he was a son of Florin and Mary Kohlbaker, the former a native of Baden, Germany. His father, who died in 1894 when over eighty years of age, was, of the early pioneers of Sacramento county, one of the most deserving of remembrance, not only by reason of his long life and long residence in the state, but also because of his sterling character and worth to the community. With his family he started on the journey across the plains to the distant Pacific coast in 1852, leaving Ohio with wagons drawn by ox and mule teams. The following winter was spent at Salt Lake, utah, and the party arrived in Placerville (then called Hangtown) in time to celebrate the Fourth of July, 1853. Coming at once to Sacramento county, the father settled at what is now Ben Ali station, where he lived until 1861, and then moved to near Antelope, where he lived until his long life came to a peaceful end.

Though a boy of tender years when the journey was made to this state, Mr. Kohlbaker remembers much of its progress and its numerous incidents. he was reared to man's estate and gained most of his education in Sacramento county, although in the main he is self-educated. Reared on a farm, he has always been identified with farming pursuits, and therein has met his best success. It has been his lot to witness the phenomenal development which this country has undergone since he came there, and there is considerable satisfaction in the reflection that he has done his share in promoting this progress and transformation.

Mr. Kohlbaker married, April 15, 1861, Miss Jane Jelley, who was born in New Jersey, February 22, 1839. By their marriage they have two daughters, Rosa and Emma, who are both at home. For thirteen consecutive years Mr. Kohlbaker has served as a trustee of the Roberts school district, and a portion of the time as clerk of the board. Politically he is a Democrat, with a disposition to vote independently, however. By his long residence and successful career he is one of the best known citizens in this part of Sacramento county.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine