Chittenden, Robert D.

Robert D. Chittenden, born in Indiana on February 30, 1870, was the son of J. W. and Mary C. Chittenden, who were sturdy and honest farmer folk. He received his education in the public schools of the East before moving to the West in November 1887. Upon arriving, he engaged in the fruit business and helped install and operate the first raisin seeding outfit in the country. He later entered public service when he was elected on the Democratic ticket as public administrator in 1903 for a four year term. Following this role, he served as the sheriff of Fresno County from 1907 to 1911.

After his time in public office, Mr. Chittenden began experimenting with street paving and road construction, eventually becoming the enterprising President of the California Road and Street Improvement Company. His company completed extensive work throughout California, frequently employing large forces of men to complete projects backed by state and county authorities. In 1907, he married Corynne L. Jones in Fresno, and together they had two children named Russell and Catherine. As a Protestant and a stanch advocate for good roads, he strongly championed building routes into the high Sierras so people could maintain summer homes and enjoy the mountain climate.