FREDERICK STEVENS (excerpts)

Since 1870 members of the Stevens family, father and son, have been the leading druggist of Auburn and the name has become locally synonymous with quality and service. Frederick’s father, Solon Mills Stevens married Olivia Cushing and came to California in 1855 via the Isthmus of Panama and settled in Auburn where he followed his trade as a painter for a time. He later tried ranching but concluded he was not cut out for a tiller of the soil and opened a stationery store in conjunction with which he acted as agent for the Western Union Telegraph Co., and postmaster appointed by President Johnson. In 1870 he bought the drug store of B. R .Wells. . .he served as County Supervisor for two terms and died in 1916 at the age of eighty-seven. 

Frederick attended Auburn schools and at the early age of 14, started in the drug store business with his father. In 1896 he bought out his father and remained in the drug store business for 45 years. He was appointed postmaster by President Harrison in1892. While serving as postmaster, the elder Mr. Solon Stevens issued the first Government money order issued in Auburn; and his son issued the last postal note issued from the Auburn post office. . . 

He served as director of the Placer County Bank and city trustee and was one of the founders of the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor No. 59. . .