Schwinn, George

George Schwinn, born in Frankfort-on-the-Main on December 20, 1860, was a public-spirited pioneer who contributed greatly to the early development of Fresno County, California. After thorough training in general merchandise in Germany, he immigrated to the United States in 1880, working on a ranch near Merced and later at a store in Hanford. In 1886, he moved to Huron, where he preempted 160 acres of government land, built the town first store, and planted its first twenty-acre vineyard. He also served as the first postmaster at Huron, holding the position for twenty-two years as the longest-serving postmaster in the valley. Beyond his local business, he became the father of the Coalinga oil industry by promoting the Fresno Oil Company in 1888 and surveying roads into the area that became Oilfields.

In 1907, Mr. Schwinn sold his holdings in Huron to purchase and scientifically improve an eighty-acre vineyard and orchard near Fresno. He later acquired 1,600 acres in Auberry Valley, clearing the land to raise grain, hay, stock, and the first successful fruit and grape crops in that region. A loyal American citizen and dedicated member of the Fresno Commercial Club and Odd Fellows, he continually supported regional commerce and local development. He also belonged to the German Lutheran Church and remained deeply devoted to his adopted country. His optimism and energetic enterprise played an essential role in advancing the agricultural and mineral prosperity of Fresno County.