DRESCHER, Philip E., farmer; P.O. Nicolaus; was born near Arolsen, Germany, June 5, 1819; at the age of 18 he went to Cassel, where he studied surveying under State Surveyor Schwalm for three years. After following this occupation for a number of years, he came to the United States in 1844. He first went to Palmyra, Missouri, and in 1845 to St. Louis, where he followed the occupation of sign painting. In 1848 he volunteered in the regiment of Col. Sterling Price, then stationed at Santa Fe, New Mexico. While the detachment was on its way to join the regiment, news was received of the conclusion of peace with Mexico, and they returned to Fort Leavenworth, and then to St. Louis, where he was soon after discharged. When the news of the gold excitement was received, he decided to come to California. He and four others procured an outfit, and started on their long journey across the plains; they crossed the Missouri River near Savannah May 1, 1849, and arrived near Nicolaus, Sutter county, August 28. From there he went to Sacramento, but returned to Nicolaus in the middle of September; it was the but a trading post and hotel, kept by Nicolaus Allgeir. He acted as cook and barkeeper for a while, and when the town was laid out, purchased lots and followed the occupation of painting. When he discovered that the town was not going to amount to much, he bought a portion of it, and went to farming. In 1854 he was appointed County Surveyor by the Court of Sessions, which position he held until 1876, with the exception of 4 years. He was a member of the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners from 1863 to 1866. He was married October 4, 1856 to Regina Vahle, and the fruit of the union has been 8 children; 4 boys and 4 girls. He now resides at Nicolaus, which has been his home for 30 years."

Courtesy: Written permission received from CAGenWeb Project to FAG contributor #47411830 citing History of Sutter County, California, Thompson & West, 1879.

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