Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-08-15
CHARLES CROKER.

out of respect to one Of the great rail
way builders of the world, a man whose
industrial achievements have been of such
moment to California, and whose success
full business life has been intimately inter
woven with the history of California and
the progress and upbuiIding Of Sacra-
mento.
The death of Charles Croker removes
from the scenes of earth one Of the fore
most men of California. His fife's achieve
ment exemplifed in the most striking
manner the possibilities shat this free
land opens to men of energy and deter
mined character. Mr.. Croker will be
missed as are only the few. His indomit-
able will, resolute courage and tireless
energy have, in cooperation with like
qualities in his coadjutors in business, done
so much for California and to advance her
upon the material read of prosperity, that
to attempt any adequate measurement of
she benefcence Of his business life to this
people is a task that only history car COM
pass.
The vast industrial schemes with which
the name of Charles Croker is interviewer
are Of that character that they form part
and parcel Of the history of the nation,
and are inseParably linked with the most
momentous period of its existence. But
to Sacramento Mr.. Croker bore an especi-
ally close relation. 1t was here that he
laid the foundations of his fortune; from
his home in the capital city he went,out
to conquer difficulties that appalled, all
others and to achieve triumphs over
nature that linked the far East with the
Pacific States and gave new life to the
hope of the cause Of the indissoluble
Union. 1t was Sacramento that bestowed
upon Charles Croker the only political
rewards his ambition sought, and gave
him the honors of distinguished civic
office. Though the restless activities of
his busy life bore him presently into buster
currents and more stirring scenes, weknow
that for the city of his old home he cher
ished the tenderest memories and toward
her people the most affectionate regard.
This was but recently manifest, when, On
the occasion of a visit to the city, he gave
utterance to his sentiments regarding her
in a manner that became glowingly elo-
quent in the warmth of its sincerity, and
that testified to its whole-heartedne,s by a
choked voice and yelling tears.
Charles Croker was born in Troy, New
York, on the 10th of September, 1922, of
parentage so poor in worldly goods that it
was unable to equip him for life with more
than meager common school education.
While yet mere boy necessity compelled
him to become a bread-winner to aid the
family. He did so with willing heart and
ready hands, and at that early age gave
evidence of the will-power and conquering
ability that made him prince in achieve
ment in after life. He went upon the
streets barefooted and in the garments of
honest poverty when but years old, to
sell papers and magazines in aid of the
family fund. He was so successful that
the business grew into news agency, and
the lads earnings contributed materially
to the removal of the family to the West,
and into scenes of fairer opportunity and
better promise. In Marshall county.
Indiana, a small farm was purchased, and
in 1886, the family group settled down TO
the hard life of Western pioneers.
The boy worked as only Western boys
of those days could, for two years to aid
his father in clearing the land, and bring
ing the rolling hills and fertile prairies
into subsection to the pillow. This ac-
complished, at the age of Is he
found employment in sawmin, in St.
Joseph county, and next at forge
receiving the meager pittance Of Sll a
month for his labor. In the Indictment
winters of the Northwest he attended the
district school, and applied himself dill
gently to his studies. 1t was not
long before the forge-master admitted
the skill of his apprentice, and
under his advice the young man
went into the business for himself
and with financial success. The work of
forging in that section, just as he was
ready to become proprietor, was greatly
advanced by discovery of beds of iron
ore in Marshall county. Mr.. Croeker
secured the deposit, formed copartner-
ship with his former master, and the two
engaged in the business with success until
California beckoned to the selected men of
the East and the West to come and aid in
unfolding her wealth to the world. With
prescience he saw in the Far West the
promise for youth, and sold out his forge
interest, and in 1850 started for the coast
He arrived In the State in August. 1850
pausing in Sacramento, but in few DAYS
located mining claim in Big Canyon.
near Placeryille, working it with varying
success. Two years later, after some en-
deavor in carrying between Sacramento
and the mining sections, Mr.. Croker
engaged in the mercantile business in this
city, and from the outset, by his untirirg
energy, made it successful. The business
OF his firm grew in Importance, became
the leading mercantile house of the city
and survived the fires and fleeds that s,c-
cessively afflicted Sacramento. In 1855
MIR. Croker was elected member of the
municipal legislative body, his fellow
Councilmen being Mark Hopkins, +. Den
yer, Daniel Meeker, D. S. Woodward. J.
2. Hardy, Henry Polly, F. A. Thomas and
NJ. S. Hurd. His service in that capscitv
was eminently satisfactory to his fellow
citizens, and creditable to his business
capacity. In lS60-61 Mr.. Cresker WIS
elected as Republican to represent sac
ramento county in the Housed Assembly
OF the Legislature, his fellow Assembly
men being Amos Adams, n. Greene Curtis
and Dr.. JOS. Powell He served his CON
stituency with the same care and diligence
that he had devoted to his private b,,si-
ness and ratiraj fro,, Ia, 81 =.