The following is taken with permission from the Fair Oaks Historical Society. First Mayor of Fair Oaks
Early Stories About Fair Oaks Happenings From Old Newspapers The date for the last article was from March 22, 1908, and it was from the Sacramento Bee. The “Bald Spot” was the area where Phoenix Field was built. The answer to what Felix was doing was wood chopper and charcoal burner. He was cutting wood and burning it to make charcoal / coal. I had known that the Fair Oaks first mayor had died within a year of arriving to Fair Oaks from Chicago. This week I came across what you could call an obit in the Farm, Field, and Fireside.
(Photo from Sacramento Bee; Oct 7, 1896) W. B. Miller has filed a petition for letters of administration on the estate of Arthur W. Colby, deceased. The estate consists of eight and one-half acres of land at Fair Oaks. The parents of the deceased reside in Chicago. (Farm, Field and Fireside; Oct 31, 1896) Not only all those who have been residing at Fair Oaks, but many others who have interests there, and who have visited the colony during the past year, will sympathize with the purpose of the following resolutions. Mr. Colby died, we are informed, as the immediate result of an accident in the gymnasium. Everyone who knew him speaks of his exceptionally fine character and winning qualities of heart. He was the first mayor of Fair Oaks, a choice indicating the confidence and respect, as well as the good will, of his fellow-citizens. We are requested to publish the following resolutions, which were adopted by the Fair Oaks Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, in the Farm, Field and Fireside:
"Whereas, an all-wise providence has seen fit to remove from among us our friend and fellow Endeavor, Arthur W. Colby; and Whereas, we as a society, desire to fitly express our appreciation of his virtues; Resolved, that while we bow in submission to the will of Him who doeth all things well, we mourn for him whose early death has blighted all the bright anticipations of youth. Resolved, that each of us has lost a kind, generous friend, who, by his unselfish character and cheerful disposition, contributed much to the happiness of those around him. Resolved, that we extend to the relatives around him. Resolved, that we extend to the relatives and friends of him, who is now at rest, our profound sympathy. Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to them, and published in the Farm, Field, and Fireside.
Mrs. Siddall,
R. B. Derby,
Stephen E. Kieffer,
Committee."