Buchanan, Earl C.

Earl C. Buchanan, born in Vernon County, Wisconsin, on August 7, 1869, developed an early interest in the cattle industry while living in Nebraska. In 1889, he migrated westward to Madera, California, during a time when that territory was still part of Fresno County. He actively supported the local campaign to separate the northern section to form what is now Madera County. For ten years, he resided in Madera, where he raised grain for two years and successfully bought and sold horses and mules. On December 20, 1893, he married Anna Harris in Madera, and they later raised three children named Mabel, Herbert, and Helene.

In 1899, Mr. Buchanan relocated to the city of Fresno to operate the Palo Alto and Crescent Stables alongside a horse and mule market. His exceptional skills as an expert livestock buyer led to significant partnerships, including buying 72,000 head of cattle across multiple states for a prominent stockman in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He also shipped thousands of California cattle to Denver, Colorado, during 1917 before partnering with F. M. Haws in April 1918. Together, they leased 2,400 acres southwest of Caruthers known as Pacific Acreage, developing 250 acres in alfalfa supported by the Liberty Ditch and three large pumping plants. His extensive operations earned him a lasting reputation as one of the best posted men on livestock in Fresno County.