Frederick Meyers, deceased, was for many years connected with agricultural interests in Sacramento county, and to-day the ranch, which is owned and occupied by his widow, is visible evidence of his life of enterprise and thrift. He was also numbered among the early residents of the county, settling on Grand Island in 1866. He was born in Hanover, Germany, June 8, 1822, and his parents were also natives of Hanover. He was reared and educated in his native land and in 1857 emigrated to America, desirous of improving his financial condition by taking advantage of the superior business opportunities offered by the new world. He resided for a time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and vicinity, and in 1866 came to Sacramento county, California, settling on Grand Island, and becoming owner of the ranch which is now in the possession of his widow. There for many years he carried on general farming and fruit-riasing, continuing in the business until his death, which occurred April 30, 1890. He prospered as the years went by and his success was due entirely to his own efforts. He started out in life empty-handed, and, overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, he at length became the possessor of a property which returned to him a good annual income.

Mr. Meyers was married while in Ohio, July 30, 1859, to Miss Catherine Verbarg, who was born in Hanover, Germany, October 21, 1841, a daughter of Dietrich and Margaret Verbarg, also natives of Hanover. In 1858, in company with her brother, Mrs. Meyers came to America and was a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, up to the time of her marriage and until their removal to the Pacific coast. They became the parents of four children, of whom two are living: Henry F., who resides on Ryer Island, and Anna A., the wife of Samuel M. bogle, of Grand Island, who is at present clerk of the board of trustees of the Grand Island school district. The children who have passed away are Caroline and Minnie.

Mr. Meyers was a stanch Republican in politics and as a citizen and business man commanded the respect of all who knew him. He did not seek to figure in any public light, but preferred to devote his entire time and attention to his business affairs, that he might provide well for his family, whose interests he held higher than all else. He was a worthy tupe of the German-American citizen, and his example in many respects was deserving of emulation. His widow, still residing at the old homestead on Grand Island, is now in the sixty-fourth year of her age, and is much esteemed as a pioneer resident of her part of the county.

Samuel M. Bogle, son-in-law of Mrs. Meyers, has resided much of the time on Grand Island since 1876 and was married October 30, 1889, two children being born of this union: Vernon F. and Muriel O. Mr. Bogle is a native of Ross county, Ohio, born March 10, 1863, and is a son of James and Mary M. (Clayton) Bogle. The father, now deceased, was a native of Virginia, and the mother, a native of Ohio, still resides in Ross county. When thirteen years of age Samuel M. Bogle came to California with relatives and has lived much of the time since 1876 on Grand Island. He also owns a ranch of eighty acres on Sutter Island. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party and is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Courtland, California. He is well known and commands the entire confidence of the business community, his good qualities also making him popular with his social acquaintances.

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

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