William O. Breyfogle 1837-1906

WILLIAM O. BREYFOGLE, of Madera, is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born in 1837. He was educated in the common schools, and then gave his attention to learning the trade of a carpenter, which he first put into practice in Kansas City, in 1856. In the fall of 1857 he joined a prospecting company visiting the mining districts of Denver, and in 1858 Mr. Breyfogle came to California. He then went to the mines at Auburn, Placer County, but devoted most of his time to his trade, in building the mining camps. He then passed one year in looking about Oregon and northern California, and in the fall of 1860 returned to San Francisco and was engaged by the San Francisco & San Jose Railroad Company in building bridges. He was with the company two years, and constructed every bridge on the line. In 1863 he began contracting and building in San Francisco, where he remained until 1869, when he went to San Jose, following the same pursuit and also engaged quite extensively in bridge-building. In 1878 he retired from active business to accept the position of superintendent of streets, to which he had been elected and was re-elected in 1880. This second term was abbreviated in 1881 by his resignation, in order to come to Madera to superintend the yards and manage the factory of the Madera Flume & Trading Company, where he is still engaged. Mr. Breyfogle was one of the incorporators of the Bank of Madera, which began business November 25, 1889, and January 1, 1891 was elected president of the bank.

In 1867 he celebrated an important event in his life, by his marriage, in San Francisco, to Miss Rebecca Croskey, an estimable lady, who was a native of New York State. Four children have been added to the household: Nellie M., William R., Lillian and Olive. Mr. Breyfogle is a member of Howard Chapter, No. 14, Royal Arch Masons, and Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, all of San Jose.
(Source: Memorial and Biographical History of the counties of Fresno, Tulare and Kern, California. Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892, p. 492-493)

Death of W. O. Breyfogle

A Well Known Maderan Passed
Away in Oakland.

William O. Breyfogle, one of the pioneers of madera and one of its best known citizens passed away in Oakland on last Monday after a short illness. Death was caused by a general breakdown due to old age. Mr. Breyfogle was 70 years of age, but appeared rugged and hearty. He came to Madera from San Jose in 1881 and was connected with the Madera Flume and Trading company for many years. Several years ago he went to Sanger to superintend a mill there, but for the last year has been in the contracting business in Oakland and San Francisco. Mr. Breyfogle was a native of Ohio. He leaves a wife, one son, William R. Breyfogle, of the Tighe-Breyfogle Company, and three daughters: Mrs. J. E. O'Connor, of Florence, Arizona, Mrs. Dixon, of Los Gatos and Miss Olive Breyfogle of Madera. The funeral took place in San Jose today. The news of Mr. Breyfogle's demise will be learned with regret by his many friends here. (Madera Mercury Saturday 29 December 1906)