An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day, Part 105

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1038

USA > California > Los Angeles County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 105
USA > California > San Diego County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 105
USA > California > Orange County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 105
USA > California > San Bernardino County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 105

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

AMUEL K. KLINEFELTER is the junior member of the firm of Hayt & Klinefelter, the proprietors of the well- known Fashion Livery Stables of Riverside. Mr. Klinefelter was born in Richland County, Ohio, June 10, 1845. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Klinefelter, were natives of Pennsyl- vania and were among the early settlers of the county in which he was born. He was reared in his native place until twelve years of age. In 1857 his father moved to Brown County, Kansas. and was there engaged in farining oc- cupations until his death in 1858. Mr. Kline- felter was brought up to farm life. In March, 1862, although less than seventeen years of age,

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he enlisted in the military service of his country as a private in Company C, Seventlı Regiment of Kansas Cavalry, and was for more than three years engaged in that memorable struggle, the war of the Rebellion. Hisregiment was attaclied to the Sixteenth Army Corps or the Army of the Tennessee, and participated in some of the severest campaigns and hardest-fought battles of the war. He was engaged at luka, Corinth, Oxford, Holly Springs and many other battles, and also took part in many of the cavalry raids which his branch of the service was called upon to execute. After his honorable discharge from the service in October, 1865, he returned to his home in Kansas and was for some years engaged in conducting the farming operations upon the old homestead.

In 1870 he came to California and located at Galt, Sacramento County, and there engaged in stock business. He was extensively engaged in dealing in cattle and horses. In 1871 he drove his stock to Monterey County and later took fifty head of milch cows to Nevada and estab- lished a dairy in Washoe valley, and was among the first to establish a regular mllk business in Virginia City. In 1873 he sold out his dairy business, returned to Monterey County and es- tablished a hotel at Soledad, which he conducted for the next two years. He then located at Placerville, El Dorado County, and opened a meat market. In 1876 he went to Colusa and was for several years engaged in various pur- suits. He opened a market at that place, and was also engaged in supplying the markets of Sacramento and other places with beef cattle from Oregon and Northern California. In part- nership with Thomas Hales he conducted the well-known Colusa House and Eureka Hotel. In 1881 Mr. Klinefelter came to Southern Cali- fornia and after a brief stay in Riverside located in Los Angeles, where he formed a partnership with Theodore A. Gardner, and conducted a confec ionery store on Main street, near Spring, until 1883. In that year he established his residence in Riverside as a member of the firm of .J. R Newberry & Co., fruit packers, carriage

dealers and horticulturists. Mr. Klinefelter superintended the extensive horticultural enter- prises of the firm, and among the operations planted 200 acres of vineyard and thirty acres of pears at Rincon. In 1885 he sold out his interests in the firm and in connection with his brother, P. K. Klinefelter, purchased a twenty-acre tract of land in Brockton Square, on Rubidoux avenue, and engaged in horticultural pursuits. In 1887 he formned a partnership with Charles P. Hayt, and since that date has been engaged in the livery business. Mr. Klinefelter is an enter- prising citizen and a thorough business man, and is well known in Riverside, where he has a large circle of friends. In political matters he is a straight Republican and a supporter of the best elements of that party.

ALFRED B. MINER, one of the leading and representative business inen of Col- ton, and as the president of the Colton Packing Company is at the head of one of the most important industries of that city. Mr. Miner is a native of Michigan, dating his birth in Genesee County in 1842. His father, Philo Miner, was reared in Genesee County, New York, and was an early settler in Michigan, and engaged in farming. Mr. Miner was reared to farm life, and given a fair education in the pub- lic schools. He was an energetic and thorough worker, but he was never intended for a farmer; as soon as he reached his majority he struck ont in life, locating in Chicago. There he engaged in business pursuits, and was for the next ten years employed by the well-known firm of Tyler, Graham & Co., as a traveling agent and salesman. In 1876 he was pros- trated by sickness and compelled to abandon his labor. The next eighteen months was spent by Mr. Miner in seeking a restoration of his health. Failing in that, he decided to seek the milder climate of the Pacific coast, and in 1877 he came to California and located at San Jose. His first occupation in that city was as a clerk

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in a grocery store, but his business talents soon gained him recognition in business circles, and he obtained a position with the San Jose Fruit Packing Company, first as clerk and later as their general agent and salesman. He was also agent for Speckles & Co., of San Francisco, and later agent for the American Sugar Refinery of Steele & Co. Mr. Miner became thoroughly versed in the practical details of the fruit busi- ness, and songht for an opening where his energy and business tact could be applied to his own advantage. The San Jose Fruit Company had established a branch of their enterprise at Colton in 1881, built and fitted a packing-house and cannery, and started in business. This lad not proven a success, affording neither profit to the company nor satisfaction to the people of Colton.

Mr. Miner saw his chance here, and in 1886 came to Colton, organized and incorporated the Colton Packing Company, with himself as president and general manager, and Mr. Wilson Hays, formerly superintendent of the San Jose Fruit Company, as secretary and treasurer. The enterprise, as conducted under the able management of Mr. Miner, became a success, and afforded to the fruit-growers of Colton and vicinity not only a substantial home market for their products, but added greatly to the wealth and business industry of the city. Mr. Miner is an energetic and progressive citizen, and has not confined himself to individual enterprises. He is president of the Colton City Water Com- pany, and was one of the real projectors of that enterprise, which has added so much to the health and wealth of the city by furnishing an ample supply of pure water for domestic use. In political matters he is a Republican, never seeking political honors, but always a worker in aiding the best elements of his party.

In 1863 Mr. Miner was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. Abbot, the daughter of Hon. Joshua R. Abbot, the well-known United States Senator from Michigan. There is but one child by this marriage, Frank A. Miner, who is associated with his father in the Colton Pack

ing Company. Harrold M. Nelson is well known as a member of Mr. Miner's family. Although not adopted, he has from his boyhood been reared and educated by Mr. Miner, and given that place in the bosom of his family that would be accorded a son and heir. Mr. Miner's father was a native of Connecticut, descended from an old family of that State, who date their ancestry back to colonial times. He went to New York in his youth or young manhood, and there married Alice Brainard, a native of Rush, New York. The Brainard family were also from Connecticut.

ELSON SLEPPY, successor to the firm of Sleppy & Bullis, is one of the repre- sentative business men of Colton. He is at the head of one of the largest hardware es- tablishments in that city and the pioneer in the business in Colton, having established his store in 1882. He conducted the establishment alone until 1888, when he formed a partnership with William S. Bullis, now the mayor of Colton, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Sleppy & Bullis, with Mr. Sleppy as the chief and managing partner, until February 5, 1890.

The subject of this sketch dates his birth in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in 1845. His parents, George and Amelia (Kremer) Sleppy, were both natives of that State. His father was a carpenter and builder, and at twelve years of age Mr. Sleppy commenced his apprenticeship at that trade under his father. He was quick to learn and naturally a mechanic, and at the age of seventeen was a skilled workman. He started in lite on his own account, and the next five years were spent in working at his trade in the Western States. In 1867 he commenced his journey across the continent with California as his objective point. He spent two years in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, in carpen- ter work, prospecting, mining, etc., and it was not until 1869 that he reached San Bernardino.

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

His first year in that city was spent in working at his trade. He then accepted the position as clerk in the drug store and postoffice under Dr. J. C. Peacock. He continned in that position until 1875, and entered the hardware business under the firm name of Emich & Sleppy. In 1876 he bonght out his partner and transferred the business to Lake Port, where he remained two years, and then transferred the scene of his operations to San Diego. He conducted a hard- ware business in that city until 1882, when he established himself in Colton. He has been one of the leaders in public enterprise in Colton and the county. fle was interested in the old Gas Light Company in San Bernardino, a stock- holder in the Colton Land and Improvement Company, the Building and Loan Association, and one of the prime movers in establishing the Colton Water Company. In political matters he is a strong supporter of the Republican party, in which he takes an active interest. He has for several years been a member of the Republican County Central Committee and is president of the Republican club of Colton. He is a member of Colton Lodge, No. 137, Knights of Pythias. He has real-estate inter- ests in the city consisting of residence and busi- ness lots. His twenty years' residence in San Bernardino County has made him well known, and his consistent life and straightforward deal- ings have given him the confidence of the com- munity.

He was married in San Bernardino, in 1871, to Miss Mary A. Stoddard, the daughter of Sheldon Stoddard, a well-known pioneer of the county. Mrs. Sleppy is a native of San Ber- nardino County. Mr. and Mrs. Sleppy have three children by this marriage, namely: John Sheldon, Mabel Eva and Walter.

HARLES P. HAYT is the senior partner of the firm of Hayt & Klinefelter, pro- prietors of the well known Fashion Stables of Riverside. These stables are located on the

corner of Main and Seventh streets. Their stock of horses, carriages, etc., are not excelled by ary in Riverside, or even by any in the county. Of the seventy-five horses owned by the firm, thirty-five or forty are used in their livery business. They are the proprietors of the City Cab and Hack Service in Riverside. Mr. Hayt is among the well-known business men of the city. He came to Riverside in Oc- tober, 1879, without capital other than good, sound business principles, untiring energy and industrious habits. In connection with his father, W. A. Hayt, he started a meat market on Main street, and successfully conducted the same until the next year. He then purchased the old adobe livery stable on the corner of Market and Eighth streets. He was also as- sociated with his father in this enterprise. Their stock at that time consisted of threc Cayuse horses and two wagons, but their energy and business principles won the day, and they rapidly increased their stock and business until they led all competitors and built up one of the largest livery enterprises in Riverside. In 1880 they purchased from H. W. Robinson his stage and express line from Riverside to Colton, and conducted that enterprise, carrying tlie United States mails and Wells-Fargo's Express, and affording transportation for the large pas- senger traffic until the advent of the railroads caused a withdrawal of the stage lines. In 1886 they moved their stables to the present site, occupying a building 55 x 150 feet. In 1887 W. A. Hayt retired from the business, and in June of that year Mr. Hayt received S. K. Klinefelter into the firm. During Mr. Hayt's ten years' residence in Riverside he has been uniformly successful in his business pur- suits, and his dealings have been of that honor- able, straightforward character that ever gains the confidence and esteem of his associates. He was one of the first directors of the River- side Railway Company, and has been a sub- scriber to inany of the enterprises that have tended to build up his chosen city. He is a supporter of the Congregational Church, and a

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member of Riverside Lodge, No. 282, I. O. O. F., and Sunnyside Lodge, K. of P. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Hayt is a native of Putnam County, New York, and dates his birth October 15, 1854. His parents were William A. and Mary Evalyn Hayt, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. His boyhood until twelve years of age was spent in schooling, and until about sixteen years of age he was given the benefits of a good education in the common and high schools. He then engaged in the butcher's business in Patterson until he reached his majority in 1876, when he accompanied his father to California, and was engaged in various pursuits, mining enterprises, stock business, etc., in northern California and Nevada, until 1879, when he located in Riverside. In 1884 Mr. Hayt was united in marriage with Miss Minnie M. Morey, a native of Illinois. Her father, General A. B. Morey, is a veteran of the civil war, and a well-known resident of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Hayt have one child- William A.

AVID A. CORRELL is the proprietor of the well known Blue Front Grocery Store, one of the pioneer establishments of the city. He is also one of the oldest grocers now in business in Riverside, having been identified with the trade since 1883. Mr. Correll came to Riverside in 1882. His capital was limited, and although broken in health he was possessed of an unlimited stock of energy and well-trained business principles.

He first engaged as a laborer with the River- side Land and Irrigation Company, and remained in that employ until the next year, when he se- cured a position in the grocery store of Freder- ick & Love. The Blue Front store was at that time under the management of those gentlemen. In 1885 Mr. Correll bought the interest of Mr. McDonald, of the firm of McDonald & Metcalf, and commenced business on his own account on Main street, where the Oppenheimer block

now stands. This establishment was sold to Fountain & Thrall the next year, and then Metcalf & Correll bought the Blue Front store. The business was conducted by that firm until July, 1887, when Mr. Correll purchased the interests of his partner, and has since conducted the business alone. He largely increased his stock and took the lead in the grocery business of the city. The Blue Front, although deserv- edly popular before, became doubly so under his management. This was not achieved with- out painstaking effort and an intelligent atten- tion to business. He is of pleasing manners, genial disposition, prompt and reliable in busi- ness, understands the wants of the community and promptly meets them. Both himself and his establishment are justly entitled to the cor- dial support and patronage they receive. His fortunes are cast with Riverside, and he is never found wanting in a liberal support of her enter- prises. In addition to his mercantile business he finds time for horticultural pursuits. He is the owner of the block bounded by Mulberry, Lime, Fourth and Fifth streets, upon which he has his residence and a fine orange grove. He also has a ten-acre tract at East Riverside, which he has planted with orange trees and grape vines. Mr. Correll is a native of Ohio, and was born in Fremont, Sandusky County, in 1845. The first ten years of his life was spent in his native connty, after which the family moved to Christian County, Illinois. Mr. Cor- rell was, from his early boyhood, brought up to labor, and deprived of many of the advantages in schooling that more favored youths received, but his ambitions disposition and studions habits enabled him to correct many of the de- fects of his early education, and he became an intelligent and well-read man, thoroughly versed in the practical affairs of life.

He continued his farm labors until the break- ing ont of the civil war, and, although bnt sev- enteen years of age, promptly volunteered his services and entered the military service as a private soldier in the Sixty-eighth Regiment of Illinois Infantry. His regiment was assigned

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

to duty in the Army of the Potomac, but the ardnous campaign so broke down his constitu- tion that a severe illness resulted and rendered him untit for further military duty. In 1863 he received an honorable discharge and returned to Illinois. There he in a measure regained his health, and in the spring of 1864 again en- tered the service of his country in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He was promptly promoted to a Sergeant's position, and when his regiment was assigned to duty in the Department of Missouri, was for many months detailed in detached serv- ice on escort duty. Here again Mr. Correll was a sufferer from disease, and after months of suffering was again discharged in January, 1865.

As soon as his ill health and shattered con- stitution would permit he bravely sought the means of support, and, locating in Quincy, Ill- inois, entered into business pursuits as an agent for leading lightning-rod firms. He was em- ployed in tbat business for the next seven years, and then located at Bement, where he estab- lished himself in the same business, first in partnership with Cole Brothers, and later on his own account. His continued ill- health greatly hampered him in his business enter- prise, and finally compelled his retirement and the seeking of an entire change of climate an absolute necessity. In 1882 he decided to seek a home in Sonthern California, and located in Riverside. Mr. Correll is a self-made man in every respect, and has successfully fought life's battles and achieved his successes by his own unaided efforts. He sacrificed his health in his young manhood in the service of his stricken country, and the seeds of disease gathered from the field and march of campaigns in war times have brought forth their harvest in later life. All honor be his! The history of a nation's life is embodied in the history of her war vet- erans.

Mr. Correll is a member of Sunnyside Lodge, No. 112, Knights of Pythias, of Riverside, and of Riverside Lodge, No. 118, G. A. R. In

political matters he has, during his whole life, been a strong supporter of the Republican party. In 1870 Mr. Correll married Miss Naomi Harshburger, a native of Illinois. This union has been blessed with two children: Laura May and William G.

DWARD HELLER .- Among the repre- sentative orange groves of that section of Riverside colony known as Brockton square, mention should be made of the one owned by Mr. Heller. His residence and land, ten acres in extent, is located on the south side of Rubidoux avenue, about half a mile west of Brockton avenue. Five acres of his tract is in oranges, about twelve years old from the seed; the balance, or three acres, is in budded trees of the Washington Navel and Mediterranean Sweet varieties; one acre of his land is devoted to raisin grapes, and one acre to alfalfa. At this writing Mr. Heller has resided on the place less than two years, but during that time he has . shown that he is a practical horticulturist. His system of pruning and budding are nnequaled, and are producing the best of results. Every- thing about the place, the neat cottage residence, suitable ont-buildings, well ordered grounds, etc., denote the pleasant and comfortable Cali- fornia home.

Mr. Heller was born in Haynau, Province of Schlesien, Prussia, in 1824. His parents, Ben- jamin and Caroline (Sturm) Heller, were natives of Saxony. Mr. Heller was reared and schooled in his native place, and early in life apprenticed as a furrier. Upon the expiration of his ap- prenticeship he worked as a journeyman in Dresden, Hamburg, and other places until 1849. He then decided to try his fortunes in the New World, and in that year came to the United States. He first located in Michigan, and later in New York, where he remained until 1852, and then went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he established himself in business at bis trade until 1857. In that year he moved to Illinois

Dear

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

and located in Freeport, where he opened a hat, cap, and fur store, which he conducted for over thirty years. He was scccessful in his business, and ranked among the prominent and substan- tial merchants of that section. He was one of the original incorporators and a director of the well-known German Insurance Company of Freeport for over fifteen years.

In political matters he has been a Republican from the organization of the party in 1856, and was a Union man and a strong supporter of the war measures during the Rebellion. In 1888, desirons of a more genial climate, he came to California and chose his present home for his future residence. He has entered heartily into his horticultural pursuits, and is destined to achieve the success in that he has won in other occupations.

In 1854 Mr. Heller married Miss Mary A. Schottle, a native of New Jersey. She is the daughter of Charles and Catherine (Putz) Schot- tle, natives of Baden. The children by this marriage are: Emma, William, Antoinette, Ed- mund and Mamie.

ISS E. C. DYER, Cashier Riverside Banking Company, was born in Illinois, taught school before engaging in the banking business, about fifteen years ago, first in that State and for the past twelve years in Riverside. She is a lady of culture, possesses remarkable force of character and extraordinary business powers.

OSEPH HEAP is one of the representa- tive mechanics of Riverside, and is the proprietor of a blacksmith shop on the south side of Eighth street, between Main and Market streets. He is a native of England, and dates his birth in Manchester, in 1848. His parents, William and Hannah (Ward) Heap, are bothi natives of that country. In 1848 or 43

early in 1849 his father emigrated with the family to the United States, and located at Council Bluffs, Missouri. The next year he moved to Salt Lake, where he remained until 1852. In that ycar he bronght his family to San Bernardino County, and settled down to agricultural pursuits near the town of San Bernardino, where he has since resided. Mr. Heap was reared upon his father's farm, and hard labor was his lot from early boyhood. His schooling was such as he could obtain in the common schools for a short term each year. At the age of seventeen years he started in life upon his own account, and was engaged in rough manual labor, in teaming, lumbering, and working in the inills. When twenty-two years of age he commenced work at the blacksmith trade, with Stephen Jefferson, of San Bernardino. He was naturally a good mechanic, and by his industry and close attention he soon became a skilled workman and an expert in horse-shoeing.

In 1876 his attention was directed to River- side as a desirable locality, and lie sought work in the colony. He worked at his trade in the town for a year, and was then employed by Governor Waterman, at Cook's cañon, until 1878, when he again established his residence at Riverside. After working a year for Petchner & Alder, he opened a shop on Main street, under the firm name of Masters & Heap. He conducted that business for two or three years, and then sold out and worked at his trade as a journeyman, in the shop of Mr. Parker until 1885, when lie opened his present establishment. Mr. Heap's long residence in the county has made him well and favorably known. He is a thorough me- chanic, and skilled in his calling. His honest work and straightforward dealings has gained him a well deserved patronage and enabled him to establish his family in a pleasant home, surround them with the comforts of life, and secure to his children the advantages of a good education. He is the owner of the business property occupied by his shops, and a well ordered home on the corner of Orange and Sixth streets. He is a good citizen, a kind

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

neighbor and a desirable acquisition to any community. In 1868 Mr. Heap married Miss Mary Schyff, daughter of John H. and Gertrude Schyff, pioneers of San Bernardino County. From this marriage there are five children, viz .: May B., Gertrude, Harry W., Dora B. and Cyrel Irving.

OHN WASSON, of Chino, is most widely known as an editor, but this accomplish- ment has been rather an incident than a design in his career. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 20, 1833, on a farm. He received such education as the very common country schools afforded. Attendance on school was secondary to farmn work in summer, and to some extent in winter. He was dissatisfied with farm life, but was notably a good worker with all farming implements. At the age of nineteen he went to California; spent 1852-'53 in the mines of El Dorado County. Sickness induced him to return to Ohio in November, 1853, where he remained till late in 1854, when he went to Henry County, Illinois, and remained there till May, 1862. These eight years were mostly employed in all sorts of farming and unskilled labor in summer, and teaching school in winter, with several months of clerkships in the county clerk's and treas- nrer's offices.

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1038

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1038