YUBA COUNTY  Biographies

FOSTER FERBER ALDERMAN

            The progress of any section of the country depends upon the individual success of its citizens, and through the capable conduct of his live-stock interests Foster Ferber Alderman is contributing to the development and upbuilding of the Lone Tree district of Yuba County while attaining individual prosperity.  He is one of California’s native sons and was born in Grass Valley, Nevada County, June 29, 1870, of the marriage of Richard Samuel Alderman and Katherine Sanford, the former a native of Northampton, England, the latter of West Gore, Nova Scotia.  They were married in Grass Valley in 1852 and there the father engaged in dairying. They were the parents of nine children and continued to make their home in Grass Valley until called to their final rest, each passing away at the age of sixty-nine years.  More extended mention of the family is made elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of Roger L. Alderman. 

            Foster Alderman attended the schools of Grass Valley and Lone Tree and was reared to the occupation of stock-raising, of which he has acquired a detailed knowledge.  In 1896 he joined his brother, Roger L. Alderman, in the live-stock business and this association has since been continued.  They obtained the preemption right to the Springdale Ranch of 640 acres in the Lone Tree district and now own 2400 acres of land in Yuba and Nevada Counties.  On their property, which is known as the Springdale Ranch, they raise cattle and sheep, having at times as many as 500 head of the former and 4000 head of the latter; and owing to the extent and importance of their operations they occupy a position of leadership in this field.

            Mr. Alderman was married December 24, 1896, at Grass Valley, to Miss Lilly Mitchell, who was born in Norway, Mich., and obtained her education in the schools of South Dakota, Grass Valley and Lone Tree.  She is a daughter of Edward and Emily Priscilla (Bigelow) Mitchell, the former a native of England and the latter of Wisconsin.  The father came to the United States as a youth and after his marriage moved with his family to South Dakota, locating in Lead City in 1885.  In November, 1890, while at work in an iron mine there, he was killed by being buried in a cave-in.  The mother survives and is now residing in Grass Valley at the age of sixty-six years, having made her home there since 1895.  To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were born eight daughters, two of whom, Evelyn and Mabel, died in infancy.  Those living are Jane, Lilly, Mabel, Bessie, Winnifred and Beatrice.  Mr. and Mrs. Alderman have four children:  Grace Olive, who married D. E. Gates, of Nevada City; Lola Margaret, Alvan and Ralph Samuel, all of whom are at home.  In his political views Mr. Alderman is a Republican, believing firmly in the principles of that party as factors in good government.  His interest in his community is that of a public-spirited citizen who desires its advancement along all lines.  He has made good use of the opportunities that have come his way, and his success is the just reward of a life of industry and integrity.

History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924

p. 1181

WILLIAM S. CARTER

            Among the prominent sheep-raisers in Yuba County was William S. Carter, who was born in Devonshire, England, March 24, 1866, a son of Robert and Diana (Siderfin) Carter.  His father, who was a farmer, died in England at the age of sixty years; and his mother passed away when she was sixty-one years old.  Robert Carter and his wife were the parents of four boys:  Fred, Jack, Robert and William.  William S. Carter was educated in the Grammar Schools in England, and also attended a business college for six months.  When a young man he started working for wages on ranches in his native land.  In 1893 he came to California and settled ten miles northeast of Wheatland, where he engaged in sheep-raising.  He rented the Hunt & Hale ranch of 10,000 acres and ran 4,000 to 5,000 head of sheep on it.  At the same time he leased an entire township near Cisco, Placer County, where he ran his sheep during the summer.  Nine years ago Mr. Carter sold his sheep business to O. R. Hutchinson and has lived retired ever since.

            On September 3, 1910, William S. Carter was united in marriage, at Sacramento, with Mrs. Ida Ellen (Jones) Hall, who was born on the Jones ranch on the Smartsville-Wheatland road, about ten miles northeast of Wheatland.  She was the daughter of David Nevens and Mary Elizabeth (Young) Jones, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this volume.  Mrs. Carter was the widow of J. C. Hall, a native of Colorado.  She had married Mr. Hall at Sacramento, on August 7, 1893, and they were the parents of two daughters:  Lola, Mrs. Charles Stafford of Yuba City; and Lilas, who resides at her stepfather’s home.  Mr. Hall passed away in June, 1901.  Mrs. Carter died on September 6, 1923, mourned by a large circle of loving relatives and friends.

            William S. Carter is a Republican in national questions, but in all local affairs he stands for progressive measures and general development of resources.

History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924

p. 1182

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