Saxe, Christian

Christian Saxe, born in Audrain County, Missouri, on November 20, 1852, was a highly successful plasterer, merchant, and contractor who left a lasting impact on California. After learning the plasterer trade in the East, he moved to California in the late 1870s to explore the Great West, working in sheep-raising in Stanislaus and Merced counties. In 1884, he entered the mercantile business in Madera alongside A. Cohn as a partner while also managing a nearby band of sheep. He eventually relocated to Fresno in 1905, where he became a leading cement and plaster contractor known for erecting prominent structures like the Forsyth building, the Unitarian Church, and the Chester Rowell home. His exceptional craftsmanship and keen judgment allowed him to develop a massive 1,800-acre grain ranch in Madera County before his passing in Fresno on February 6, 1913.

In 1881, Mr. Saxe married Ida Daulton, the accomplished eldest daughter of well-known California pioneer Henry C. Daulton. Together they raised five children, including Myrtle Halberson, Enslen Clay Saxe, Henry Clay, Barbara Naomi, and Madeline. Following his death, his wife took ownership of the famous Madera County estate, which was maintained under the administration of their son Enslen Clay. Mrs. Saxe continued her late husband traditions of community service through her active involvement in the Red Cross and other charitable organizations. This remarkable family legacy highlights the foundational contributions of both men and women to early community and agricultural development in California.