Darius Bradley Fry

Darius.B. Fry was a lawyer, Justice of the Peace and the First Commanding Officer of the First Military Unit formed in Sacramento City, the Sutter Rifles.

D.B. Fry was Justice of the Peace about a year and a Sacramento City Lawyer for about 3 years when he was elected Commander of the Sutter Rifles. This rifle company (Regiment when fully outfitted) honored John Sutter, Sacramento’s founding father. As Commanding Officer D.B. Fry accepted the flag of the Sutter Rifles plus his own commission personally from General John Sutter in an elaborate ceremony held in San Francisco on June 26, 1852. The common feeling was San Francisco with its multitude of militia companies and overall progressive nature was a better venue for such an important event. The Rifles were assigned to the First Brigade, Fourth Division of the Department of the Pacific, United States Military.

D.B. Fry’s ability as a lawyer kept many an Argonaut from being railroaded off to jail. He was especially noted for his ability to arrive at mutually agreeable solutions to the many challenges of a lawless city. With his ability and popularity he was a perfect choice for Justice of the Peace. D.B. Fry served two terms as Justice of the Peace, which contributed greatly to the general calm of the city.