Scharer, Charles

Charles Scharer, born in Straub, Samara, Russia, on November 26, 1859, was the eldest child of Philip and Louise Scharer. After his father passed away in 1875, he assisted his mother on the home farm until his marriage to Maggie Schwabenland in 1881. The couple farmed on a large scale near the River Volga before moving their family to Fresno, California, in 1888. Upon arrival, he initially worked in construction, contributing to projects like the Farmers Bank, before pivoting to local agricultural development. His early farming attempts in the region faced significant hardships, including a property with alkaline soil in Perrin Colony Number 1 and another ranch on McKinley Avenue that lacked proper water rights.

Despite these initial disappointments, he managed the F Street Livery and Feed Yard for twelve years before returning to his true passion for ranching. In 1912, he permanently settled on a 160 acre ranch in Gray Colony, eventually dividing portions among his sons and expanding his holdings to include vineyard properties in the Barstow district, Del Rey, and Biola. He and his wife raised six children named Charles, August, Marie, Margaret, Philip, and Mary. Active in his community, he served as a trustee for the Christ Lutheran Church, supported the Republican party, and joined the California Associated Raisin Company. His industrious life and extensive agricultural investments left a lasting impact on the growth and upbuilding of Fresno County.