Gobby, Mrs. Mary J.

Mrs. Mary J. Gobby, a courageous Swiss immigrant born in Canton Ticino, became a prominent figure in Fresno County’s agricultural community following her marriage to Peter Gobby in 1891. After arriving in California with four children born in Europe, she partnered tirelessly with her husband to manage a massive 6,000-acre lease on the Burrel estate, running a large-scale dairy and cheese-making operation. Despite facing severe early hardships—including the loss of fifty valuable cows to Texas fever—the couple successfully built a prosperous financial foundation, eventually securing stock in local banks and helping establish the Riverdale Cooperative Creamery.

Following her husband’s death in 1917, Mrs. Gobby demonstrated exceptional executive ability by assuming full management of their unmortgaged 400-acre ranching property. Residing in a commodious two-story country home west of Riverdale, she successfully balanced her demanding business operations with the upbringing of her large family of fourteen children, including two sons who served in the World War. Highly respected for her intelligence, resilience, and command of the English language, she remains an esteemed matriarch dedicated to the ongoing advancement of the Riverdale community.