Steitz, H. P., Jr.

H. P. Steitz, Jr. was born in Skadofsky, Samara, Russia, on June 29, 1875, to H. P. Steitz and Catherine Elizabeth Doos. Educated in his native land and at Saratof, he arrived in Fresno, California, on December 12, 1891, alongside his family. He initially engaged in viticulture by leasing the Dr. Mukes vineyard with his father, planting land in Del Rey, and eventually acquiring stock in the California Associated Raisin Company.

On July 1, 1895, Mr. Steitz married Eliza Schwabenland, a native of Russia, and together they raised eight children named Edward, Leo, William, Ida, Meda, Albert, Elma, and Allen. Moving into commerce, he co-founded the Kinzel and Steitz general merchandise store in 1909 before launching H. P. Steitz and Sons at 2038 California Avenue in Fresno. A respected trustee of the Free Cross Lutheran Church and a member of the Eagles, his enterprise and investments contributed significantly to the growth of Fresno County.