His parents, Jean and Mary (Lassalle) Sartiat, were natives of Basses-Pyrenees in the south of France and spent their entire lives in that district, where the father carried on a small farm and to some ex-tent engaged in raising stock. The old homestead was in the village of Escot and there occurred the birth of Pierre Sartiat November 5, 1852. He was the youngest of three children. A brother, Bernard, about four years older than himself, came to America in 1871, settled in California and after his own arrival in 1872, the two pre-empted land in the mountainous district of Kern county, bought a flock of sheep in partnership and thus started the large agricultural operations that since have made them financially independent.
Upon coming to this country in 1872 and joining his older brother in Kern county, Pierre Sartiat found employment with a sheep-raiser in the Cummings valley. For two years he continued in the same employment and then left to start a flock of his own, beginning in the sheep business and in farm pursuits with his brother and taking up a homestead in the San Emidio district. From time to time they bought property near to their original pre-emption. At this writing they own five thousand acres in one body, lying in the shadow of the San Emidio range, and watered by Salt creek, Cacuya creek and numerous springs. The ranch is one of the best improved in that section of the county. The sheep industry by no means represents the limit of the activities of the brothers, who also are now engaged in raising horses and Durham cattle and use for their brand the letters SB. Grain is raised in large quantities upon the ranch. Horticulture gives diversified products and greatly adds to the income from the property, a specialty being made of apples, pears and peaches. Another occupation of importance is viticulture. To care for the grapes in the most profitable manner a winery has been built on the ranch. Some years ago a mine was opened on the land which is known as the Black Bob and in connection therewith a substantial two-stamp quartz mill has been erected. A part of the land is now being developed for oil and at present drilling is being actively prosecuted.
The marriage of Pierre Sartiat took place in East Bakersfield June 19. 1890 and united him with Miss Mary Louisa Octavie Richaud, who was born at Pont-du-Fosse near Gap, Hautes Alpes, France, and came to Kern county in the fall of 1887. She was a graduate of the Female Seminary in Gap and after teaching four years obtained a leave of absence to visit California and she liked it so well she remained. An only son, Pierre Bernard, was born in Bakersfield April 13, 1892. He was educated in the public schools and at Heald’s Business College, San Francisco, and is now manager of the National Hotel. In Los Angeles, in 1911, he was married to Alice Jouglard. The family own and occupy a residence at No. 510 K street. East Bakersfield. In addition the two brothers built and still own the National hotel, on the corner of Baker and Humboldt streets, East Bakersfield. Mr. Sartiat is a Republican and a member of the Eagles. Concerning the early years of his identification with the county he recounts many interesting experiences, not the least memorable of which has to do with a stranger who stopped one evening at his sheep camp in the mountains and asked for food and lodging. With the kindness and hospitality ever characteristic of him, Mr. Sartiat willingly kept him over night, only to ascertain after the stranger had departed the following day that all unaware he had entertained the notorious Vasquez.
History of Kern County, California, with biographical sketches
of the leading men and women of the county who have been
identified with its growth and development from the early days
to the present.
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company, 1914
