Fifty years covers the period of Mr. Haase's connection with California and its interests. Since 1860 he has been a resident of this community and has witnessed its wonderful growth and improvement, withholding not his substantial assistance from the various movements and measures which have contributed to its welfare and progress. He is widely and favorably known to nearly all of the old settlers in this section of the state, and many will read his life history with interest.

Mr. Haase is a native of Hanover, Germany, born January 18, 1830. He remained in his native country until 1848, when he went to London, England, and there followed sugar-making until 1852. In that year he took passage on a sailing vessel at London, and after a voyage of thirty days landed in New York city, where he made his home for the following two years. In 1854 his westward journey was continued to California, making the journey from New York city by the isthmus route, and after his arrival in this state engaged in mining for gold. In 1860, however, he abandoned the fortunes of a miner and turned his attention to the cattle industry, in that year taking up his abode on his present ranch, which is located on the Placerville road south of Folsom, and contains two thousand acres of grazing land. There he is engaged in general farming, dairying and stock-raising, usually keeping about three hundred head of cattle upon his place. He is energetic, honorable and cordial, and all who know him esteem him for his sterling worth. In political matters he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but has never taken an active interest in public affairs, although he has ever been a loyal and public-spirited citizen. He has, however, been an active worker in the cause of education, and for a number of years served as trustee of the Ney school district.

In 1868 Mr. Haase returned to Germany, and in his native land was married to Gesche Bassen, who was born in Hanover, Germany, October 29, 1844. Their marriage was celebrated in 1868, and soon afterward she accompanied her husband to America. Their home has been blessed by the birth of six children, namely: Charles H.; Kate G., the wife of U. L. Sweet; Rose A.; Peter B.; Mary A., wife of Charles Fitzgerld; and John B., all of whom are residents of Sacramento county. The family is one of prominence in this community, where they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

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

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