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Few biographies have been written that
contain descriptions of a more colourful and varied succession of events
than have occurred in the life of F. W. Treen, superintendent of streets and
forestry, until recently city marshal of Arcadia
Mr Treen is also one of
the comparatively few persons whose birthday comes but every four years his
birth having occurred on February 29th. At the beginning of the new century
in 1900 he had no birthday for eight years, and he can truthfully say that
he is younger than his years, Birmingham England was the birthplace of Mr.
Treen. During his youthful days he indulged extensively in athletics, being
a great lover of the out of doors. He took part in many contests and at one
time was a member of a rowing team, winning in a contest on a dangerous and
choppy trip across the English Channel.
At the age of 14 Mr. Treen
graduated from the elementary schools and entered college in Liverpool.
Leaving college at the age of 17 he became affiliated with his father in the
business in manufacturing terra cotta products and ornamental building
facings.
Being of a roving
disposition however, he succumbed at the age of 20 to the wanderlust, took
advantage of an opportunity which presented itself and started on a sea
voyage around the world. In his travels of two years he visited nearly every
country in the world, including South Africa, China, Tibet and the West
Indies, meeting with many exciting events and several times narrowly
escaping death.
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He came to the United States at
the age of 23 and became a naturalized citizen at the earliest opportunity,
being instrumental in influencing many of his countrymen to become citizens
also.
While hunting in the everglades of Florida,
with two companions, at one time Mr. Treen and his party were taken
prisoners by Seminole Indians, and held in captivity for days. The daughter
of one of the chieftains, taking a liking to the captives, cut their bonds
one night and with her aid the men escaped, only to be recaptured and
brought again to camp. They were detained and later released through the U.
S. Government Indian agent.
Going to New Bedford,
Mass, shortly afterward, Mr. Treen became city engineer of the town and
later street superintendent, holding the position for several years.
Later he moved to Haverhill, Mass, where he again engaged in street
construction work. It was here he met Miss Jessie Fremont Fuller, whom he
married in July, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Treen came to California in 1908 and
settled in Arcadia, where they have made their home since.
Soon
after their arrival here Mr. Treen was appointed city marshal a position
which he held up until his resignation last fall. Mr. Treen, besides his
office of marshal, held the offices of tax collector, street
superintendent, fire chief and superintendent of forestry and parks of
Arcadia. In September, 1922, because of the onerous duties he resigned from
several of his various offices and retained the position of superintendent
of streets and forestry. Under his regime the condition of Arcadia streets
in general have reached their present high standard. |
