Benjamin Oliver was born in Vermont, May 6, 1833.  His parents, Alexander and Sarah (Robinson) Oliver, natives of Ireland, came to America a newly married couple, in 1827, and settled in Essex, Vermont.  They resided on a farm there for many years, and there reared a family of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest.  He received his education in the common schools of the Green Mountain State, and assisted his father in farm work.

In 1852 he came to California.  For nine years he worked in the mines in Shasta County, without large results.  At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming.  He purchased seven and a half acres in the corporation of Redding.  From time to time he bought other lands until he owned 600 acres.  This he disposed of at a liberal advance, and afterward repurchased twenty-five acres of the property, on which he has built a nice large residence.  He is engaged in raising fruit and vegetables, giving most of his attention to horticulture.

Mr. Oliver was united in marriage, in 1874, to Mrs. Ellen Carme, a native of Michigan.  They have eight children, all born in Redding, Sarah, Maggie, Ella, Lucy, Winnie, George, Benjamin and Charles, all at home with their parents at this writing.  Mr. Oliver came to the vicinity of Redding in 1859, long before there was any thought of a town here.  He has seen its wonderful growth and development, and has aided in the advancement of its best interests.  He is a Democrat; was elected by his party to the office of Supervisor, holding the office from 1871 till 1876.  He is now a nominee for the same position.

Mr. Oliver’s father died in 1870, after which his mother and sister came to California.  The mother died in 1889, and is buried at Redding.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891