Louis E. Niestrath, who became well known in agricultural circles in San Joaquin county, died March 31, 1899. He was at that time manager of the Williams estate, comprising several thousand acres of land, and he possessed excellent business ability and executive force. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 29th of November 1859, a son of Henry and Eva (Beck) Niestrath, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America in his youth, landing at New Orleans, and after residing for some time in St. Louis, Missouri, removed to Pulaski county, Illinois, where he has since engaged in farming, and is now more than seventy years of age.

Louis E. Niestrath spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native city and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois. He had been educated in the public schools of St. Louis and was early trained to realize the value of energy and industry in the active affairs of life. When he left Illinois he came to the Pacific coast, settling in California, and after coming to San Joaquin county he located on Union Island, where for a number of years he was superintendent of the Williams estate, comprising several thousand acres of land. This he ably managed, and in its control he made it a profitable property to the owners and one of the most richly developed agricultural tracts in this part of the state.

Mr. Niestrath gave his political allegiance to the Democracy, but was never an office seeker. In matters of public concern, however, he was progressive, and championed many movements which tended to benefit the community. Socially he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Stockton.

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

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