Oliver, Mrs. Mary

Mrs. Mary Oliver was born in Santa Barbara, California, on November 1, 1875, to Frank Alves, a sailor, and Mary Ann Armas. Raised in Santa Barbara and educated at St. Vincent’s Convent, she was married on November 26, 1891, to William Oliver. The couple initially established their home in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, where they successfully farmed 500 acres of beets, beans, and grain near Fillmore.

In September 1912, Mrs. Oliver and her husband relocated to Fresno County and acquired a forty-five acre ranch at Barstow in the Roosevelt district. Following Mr. Oliver passing on January 2, 1916, she successfully took over the management of the ranch, expanding the dairy operation, planting alfalfa, and developing eight acres of Thompson seedless grapes. The mother of eight children, including Rose, Mary, Frances, Henry, Charles, Alvin, Arthur, and Rita, she resided on Rolinda Avenue while actively supporting the California Associated Raisin Company and the Red Cross.