Marius M. Espitallier
The first twenty years in the life of Marius Martin Espitallier were passed happily and uneventfully in the humble home of his father, Dominic, a farmer and shoemaker at Ancil, near Gap, in the department of Hautes-Alpes, France. The most diligent application to the shoemaker’s trade and the most unwearied cultivation of his few acres scarcely sufficed to gain for the father the means necessary for the support of the family, hence the son, whose birth had occurred March 16, 1854, was early put to work to earn his own way in the world. Not only did he assist on the farm, but in addition he learned the trade of a baker and while not busy at some useful task he was allowed to attend school in order that he might acquire some knowledge.
It was on the 15th of December, 1874, that Mr. Espitallier landed in San Francisco, a stranger in a strange land. Having a good knowledge of the bakery business he was enabled to secure employment in a shop in San Francisco, where he remained for a number of years. Coming to Kern county in 1880 he embarked in the sheep business, with headquarters at East Bakersfield, and for six years he experienced the reverses and successes incident to that industry. During December of 1886 he bought the French bakery in East Bakersfield on Humboldt street between Baker and King and there he conducted a thriving trade for twenty-four years. His patronage extended through every part of Bakersfield and East Bakersfield and into the surrounding country. When finally he sold the business in 1910, with his wife he enjoyed a delightful vacation, returning to his old home in the south of France and also traveling through Switzerland, Italy and Belgium. After his return he engaged in the livery business at No. 615 Humboldt street, and has since been proprietor of the Espitallier stables. His marriage, in Los Angeles, August 14, 1887, united him with Miss Appoloni Eyraud, a native of Hautes-Alpes, and they have a comfortable home on Humboldt street, East Bakersfield. Fraternally he holds membership with the Druids. In politics he votes with the Democratic party.
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
