Four members of the leschinsky family made their way to the town of Shasta, in California. August arrived in 1850, one of the first residents of the town. John, Jacob, and a sister Matilda were soon to follow. By 1865 the men, who contributed a great deal to the community, had gained U.S. Citizenship.

Ida Johanna Miller arrived in Shasta in September 1856, and became the bride of August Ferdinand Leschinsky on Oct. 10 of that year.

Ten children were born to this family, all of them in Shasta. They were: Ida, Augusta, Jacob, twins Mary and Matilda, Clara, Annie, Emil, Edith, and Pauline.

Mr. Leschinsky was listed in early census records as a merchant and farmer. He was also a valued employee of the Baird Fish Hatchery where his skill as a carpenter was highly praised. He was a talented carver, and made lovely jewelry of carved amber. His gardening was the subject of editorials by the recipient of some of his vegetables.

August and Ida lived their entire married life in Shasta in the family home on second street. They and their children and sixteen grandchildren made substantial contributions to the community. One activity in this line was to have dances for the enjoyment of his neighbors.

August's death at the age of 84 was the subject of a long article in the Shasta Courier which paid tribute to his life among friends and family in Shasta County's first town. Ida's contributions were none the less significant because they were made through her family. She too, was extolled on the pages of the courier.

The ten children and sixteen grandchildren of this couple have carried on the tradition of community involvement and Shasta County pays it's respect and gratitude today.

Source: Shasta Historical Society