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 111

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 111
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 111
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 111
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 111

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).

When they left Crafton they removed to San Bernardino, and from there, in 1870, to River- side, where they were among the first settlers, and where Mr. Meacham built the first house. Their oldest child, Myron Putnam Meacham, was born at Crafton, October 22, 1869, and their second child, born November 12, 1871, was the first boy born in Riverside. They speculated in land there, and at one time owned 300 acres right in the heart of Riverside. From there they went again to San Bernardino, and built a residence near the present site of the Stewart House. There their third child, Kate Capen Meacham, was born, June 8, 1876. After one year at San Bernardino they returned to Riverside, and while there the fourth and yonngest child, Sarah Rachel Crafts Meacham.

was born, December 4, 1883. From there they removed to Los Angeles, and during the great boom there Mrs. Meacham sold real estate with success. They resided in Los Angeles about five years, and since that time have been living at the "Crafton Retreat," whichi became the property of Mrs. Meacham upon the parti- tion of the Crafts estate.

The "Crafton Retreat," a view of which ap- pears in this volume, occupies a position of great vantage, from the point of view of the lover of the beautiful in scenery. Lying at the base of the foot-hills, with the snow-capped mountain peaks standing seemingly but a little above and beyond, while the splendid zanja (the origin of which is ascribed by tradition to the Mission fathers) flows and leaps through the shady grove on the place, its cool, clear waters completely nullifying the effects of the hottest midsummer snn for those who have the pleas- ure of idling by its banks. This favored spot, with no other attractions, would well deserve its title of "Retreat," that name suggestive of needed rest. But when to these advantages, are added those of being surrounded by orange grove and orchard, bearing the various tempt- ing fruits and nuts of favored California, while broad driveways wind in and out about the place and lead as well to the main highways of travel, it is readily to be understood why so many come to this haven of rest to secure the benefits of nature's recuperation. The hills above give a splendid view of the noble valley beneath, while among them canons make their tortnous ways, affording at once a desirable place to visit for a change or in pursuit of game, there quite abundant. At this writing, much time and attention is being given to increasing the beauties and comforts of the place by Mr. and Mrs. Meacham. The latter, who has an active and brilliant mind, is one of the stanch- est friends of her sex, and an able advocate of its ennoblement. She is fully alive to the ques- tions of the day, as well as its needs. She was graduated in the first Chantanqua class of 3,000 in 1881, securing the splendid aver-

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

age of ninety-seven per cent. on a four-years' course.

DAVID MEACHAM was born in Genesee County, New York, May 3, 1835, and was reared at Geneseo, learning the carpenter's trade. In 1858 he came to California, crossing the plains with General Harney, shortly after the Mountain Meadow Massacre. He helped to gather up the bones of the murdered emigrants, and assisted in building the monument erected by the Government on the scene. Arriving in California, he located at Bloomfield, Sonoma County, where he followed his trade five years. In 1863. he came to San Bernandino, and here followed the building trade. He rode to River- side on the first load of lumber ever hauled there, and, as before stated, built the first house there. He has resided in this State all of the time since 1858, except one year he spent in Virginia City, Nevada, where he went in 1869, and there followed mining principally, but also did some work at his trade.

Mr. Meacham is a man of excellent qualities of character, unassuming in manner, fair and honorable in business matters.

ILO EUGENE DAVIS, of San Ber- nardino, was born in the city of Cleve- land, Ohio, in 1841. His father, Asa M. Davis, was a Vermont Yankee, and inarried a French lady by the name of Salinas. When Engene was a lad of twelve years, they moved from Ohio to Nebraska, then a wild frontier territory, and settled in Beatrice, which place Mr. Davis laid out and named. Their nearest neighbor lived thirty miles distant, and the city of Omaha was then but a mere hamlet. Mr. Davis died years ago upon the homestead he then founded, and, being a distinguished Mason, was buried there with high Masonic honors. After graduating from Eastman's Business Col- lege in Chicago, and a year's experience in a mercantile house in that city, the subject of this memoir commenced railroading as an employé

of the Lake Shore Company. At eighteen years of age he was running a passenger train as conductor on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road. Drifting into the construction depart- ment, he was employed on construction for the Sioux City & Pacific, now a branch of the Chi- cago & Northwestern Railroad, for several years. In 1861 Mr. Davis enlisted in the Union army under the call for three months' volunteers, and served as a member of the Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry until broken health compelled him to resign in 1863. He served in the capacity of a sharpshooter a portion of the time. At the battle of Pea Ridge he was General Sigel's orderly, where he was slightly wounded; and was also wounded in the May charge upon Vicksburg.

Mr. Davis came to California, landing at San Francisco, in 1880, for the restoration of his health, being such a sufferer from catarrh that he was obliged to sleep in a reclining position. After traveling over the coast from Alaska southiward, he became connected with the Cali- fornia Southern Railroad in the capacity of conductor nominally, but actually as superin - tendent of construction on that line, continuing from the time the first rail was laid until the road was completed, after which he ran a train over the road for years as conductor. Marrying in 1885, he resigned his position, and bought five acres of land on South E street, just outside the city limits of San Bernardino, upon which he built their present residence and otherwise improved, planting most of the tract to choice varieties of deciduous fruits, from which he now receives a fine income. Three-fourths of an acre of strawberries pays the expenses of culti- vating and taking care of the entire place. Two fine artesian wells furnish sufficient water, with strong pressure, for all purposes on the place. In 1886 Mr. Davis opened a furniture store in San Bernardino with a stock of $5,000 to $6,000. At first his sales ranged from $300 to $400 a month, but his trade grew rapidly, and during the boom two years later the monthly transac- tions ran up as high as $19,000, and averaged

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

$12,000 a month for some time. He sold out the business in December, 1889.

Mr. Davis is a prominent member of the Masonic order, having taken all the degrees up to the thirty-third. He was Captain General of the San Bernardino Commandery Knights Templar during the triennial conclave held at Chicago in 1880.

Mrs. Davis was formerly Miss Darlington, of San Diego County, and a native of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have one child.

ACOB POLHEMUS, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Colton, who located in that thriving city when the only buildings in the place were a saloon and eating-house, and the Pioneer Lumber Yard office. This was in 1875. He was a carpenter and builder by oc- cupation, and was employed in the erection of the pioneer buildings of Colton. He built the first store opened in the town for Hathaway & Davenport, and many other well-known old- time buildings. In 1877 Mr. Polhemus pur- chased lots on the corner of Eighth and I streets and built his residence and shop upon them. This location, as the city enlarged, became valu- able as a business center, and in 1886 he erected the well-known Polhemus block, a fine two- story edifice devoted to business and office pur- poses. This block was the first brick business block erected in the city. He was one of the leaders in building up the city, and a liberal and strong supporter of Colton enterprises. He was one of the stockholders and original incorpora- tors of the Colton Building and Loan Asso- ciation that has done so much to encourage im- provement in the city. In his enterprise in Colton he was successful, and secured a modest but well deserved competency. His business was always characterized by a manly and straightforward dealing that secured himn hosts of friends and gained him the respect of the community. He was a man of sound business

principles and keen foresight, and early saw the fortune that awaited Colton, and was prompt to invest his capital and energy in the city.

The subject of this sketch was born in New Jersey in 1822. His parents, Theodorus and Leah (Cooper) Polhemns, were natives of that State, and were descendants of old colonial fami- lies from Holland. Mr. Polhemus was reared and educated in his native State, and early in life learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and for more than twenty years was engaged in that occupation in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1871 he decided to establish himself in Califor- nia. His first location, after arriving in the State, was at San Francisco. A few months later he came to Southern California and locat- ed at San Diego, and a year later to Los Angeles, and thence to San Bernardino, where he re- mained until 1875, when he established himself in Colton. He died December 12, 1889, of la grippe. Politically, Mr. Polhemus was a Re- publican, having been a supporter of that party since its organization in 1856. He was strong and liberal in his support of churches and schools, being a prominent member of the Baptist Church and treasurer of the society in Colton. Mr. Polhemus was twice married. His first marriage was his union with Miss Jane Tier, in 1843. She died in 1870, leaving three chil- dren: Lizzie, now the wife of Frank D. Sweet- ser, of San Francisco; George, a resident of Plainfield, New Jersey, and William, a resident of Colton. His second marriage was in 1879, when he wedded Mrs. Lucretia Bent, formerly Mrs. Spring, nee Ford. There are no children by this marriage. Mrs. Polhemus, whose maiden name was Ford, first married Heman Spring; he lost his life in the service of his country, meeting death upon the battle-field during the war of the Rebellion, when a mem- ber of the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteers.

She had three children (sons) by her first marriage: De Los A., who at the age of seven- teen enlisted in the same regiment with his father, served through the war, married and settled in Savannah, Georgia; Adolphus, a resi-

517

. HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

dent of Colton, and Byron, residing in Mil- waukee, Wisconsin.

EORGE W. SPARKES, living two and a half miles sontheast of San Bernardino, came to California in June, 1857. He was born April 19, 1819, in Monroe County, Mississippi, a son of Aaron and Mary (Stipson) Sparkes. His father, a native of South Caro- lina, moved to Mississippi in an early day, and died there when George was sixteen years of age. His mother was a native of Virginia. He was married in that State, August 26, 1842, to Miss Lorena Roberds, a native of Alabama, who was principally reared in Mississippi. Her parents were Thomas and Annie (Nix) Roberds, of Alabama. Four years after his marriage Mr. Sparkes started to California with teams across the plains, wintered at Fort . Pueblo, and in the spring of 1847 started for Salt Lake City. Remaining there until 1850, he came on with others, comprising his wife and three children, John Roberds, wife and seven children, and Mr. Jackson, wife and three children, and completed their journey at Dia- mond Spring, building the first house at that point and naming the place. There they spent the winter of 1851, while Mr. Sparkes kept a boarding-house. He next went to Snisnn val- ley, where he remained about a year and a half; then he went to Russian river, and from that point came to San Bernardino, arriving here June 26, 1857, and has ever since been a resi- dent of this county. The first land he pur- chased was 168 acres, in partnership with James M. West, and lie has since added forty acres. Besides, he owns eight sections (5,120 acres) in San Diego County, used as a stock ranch and superintended by his sons, who raise horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, barley, wheat, etc.

Mr. Sparkes has borne the burdens and endured the hardships of pioneer life, and his wife has been faithful as a sharer in his failures and sorrows, and has also enjoyed with him his

successes. They have reared seven children, viz .: William, who is on the San Diego ranch; George Frank is the next; Harriet, now Mrs. Thomas Carter; Eli; Bethsaida, now the wife of Hiram Kellar; Cyrus and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Sparkes are both members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints in San Bernardino, active and zealons.

HE GLENWOOD OF RIVERSIDE .- This hotel is one of the best known in Riverside, San Bernardino County, and deserves having the reputation of being one of the best conducted hotels in Southern Califor- nia. The Glenwood was erected in 1875 as the cottage residence of C. C. Miller, and about 1877 was first opened to the public by Captain Miller, then known as the Glenwood Cottage. It was a success from the first, and the constant and increasing patronage necessitated frequent and extensive additions, until at this writing it has first-class accommodations for 100 to 150 guests, having eighty large and well ventilated sleeping rooms, parlors, reception rooms, dining hall, billiard room, etc. The hotel is beautifully located in the heart of the city. The building and grounds occupy nearly a block (two and one-half acres) of land, upon which are citrus and deciduous fruits, magnificent shade and ornamental trees, and extensive lawn abounding in beautiful floral productions. It is a charm- ing home, and well calculated to gladden the heart of the traveler. Frank A. Miller pur- chased the hotel from his father, Captain Miller, in 1880, and it has since been conducted under his anspices, with Mr. Frank W. Richardson as its manager.

Frank W. Richardson, the genial manager of the Hotel Glenwood of Riverside, is a man who knows how to keep a hotel, and any mention of Riverside purporting to note her deserving and representative institutions and citizens, would be very incomplete withont mention of the Glenwood and its manager. Mr. Richardson

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

is a native of the old Bay State, and a descend- ant of New England parents. He dates his birth in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in 1852. His father, Henry W. Richardson, is a native of that State; his mother, Susan (Mason) Richardson, was born in Vermont. The subject of this sketch was given the opportunities of obtaining a thorough education. Energetic and quick to learn, he graduated from the high school and then entered upon a course of classi- cal study at Greylock Hall in South Williams- town. Closing his studies, he entered life at mechanical labor in the manufacture of shoe bindings, and later rose to the position of book- keeper for the Freeman Manufacturing Com- pany of North Adams, where he remained nntil 1876. In that year he came to California and located in Riverside, was employed by C. C. Miller, and later by G. O. Newman in civil engineering and surveying. In 1879 he was employed in the Nevada State geological sur- vey, under Professor Clarence King, after which he returned to Riverside and engaged as a clerk and book-keeper in the grocery store of Frank A. Miller, and the next year entered his present occupation as manager of the Glenwood. In 1885 Mr. Richardson married Miss Alice R. Miller, the daughter of C. C. Miller, a sketch of whom will be found in this book. This lady was before her marriage associated with her brother, F. A. Miller, in conducting the Glen- wood, and Mr. Richardson attributes his success in the management of the hotel in no small de- gree to the intelligent aid and encouragement le has received from his devoted wife. The subject of this sketch has for the three years preceding 1889 been closely identified with Riverside and her people. His intelligence, genial manners, honesty of purpose and action, made him a general favorite, and his friends are legion. He is a sound Republican in politics, and is a member of the Republican County Central Committee, and takes an active part as a delegate to conventions, etc. He is promi- nent in the fraternal societies; is a member of lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic

order, and a member of the lodge, encampment and canton of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Sunnyside Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He is also a consistent member of the Congregational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rich- ardson have one boy, Stanley M.

UGENE B. WAITE, one of the enter- prising young men of Redlands, has been a resident of the Golden State since 1882, and owns a fruit ranch on Cajon avenue and Palin street. He was born in Walworth County, Wisconsin, in December, 1860. His parents, Russell and Adaline (Herrick) Waite, were from Genesee County, New York. His father was successfully engaged in farming and stock- raising in Wisconsin for over thirty years. He is now retired from business and resides on the corner of Seventh and E streets. Our subject first went into the nursery business in Redlands . with his brother, but has since sold his interest and given his attention to mining and pros- pecting in Alaska and Aleutian Islands.

ELDEN D. BURT .- The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneer merchants of Riverside, and is the senior member of the firm of B. D. Burt & Brother. This is now the oldest mercantile firm in the city, having been established in 1875, and been continuously in business since that time. The first brick block erected in Riverside was that occupied by Mr. Burt, on the corner of Main and Eighth streets. For many years he conducted a general mercantile business, but in the later years, has confined his business to dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, etc. Mr. Burt's partner in his business is his brother, Benjamin Franklin Burt, and it is safe to say that there is no busi- ness firm whose standing is higher in the con- munity than B. D. Burt & Brother, nor is there one that has inspired more confidence or gained

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

a heartier support than this firm. The brothers are well known, and their years of dealing has been characterized by honest, straightforward business principles. Their word has ever been as good as the strongest bond; their name is synonymous with integrity and stability for years before the advent of banking institutions in Riverside. They were made the custodians of the funds of their customers, and even now their books show a large list of depositors.

The subject of this sketch was born in Orange County, New York, in 1823. In his youth his parents moved to Chemung, and later to Sten- ben County. Mr. Burt was reared to farm life, and educated in the common schools until sev- enteen years of age; he then entered into mer- cantile life as a clerk. He remained in his native State until 1849. The gold fever then claimed him as a victim, and he started in the spring of that year, via the Isthmus route, for the El Dorado of the West. He left New York March 3, but it was not until the 8th of June. that he arrived in San Francisco, having been compelled to seek the port of Callao, after eross- ing the Isthmus, in order to secure a vessel to San Francisco. Soon after his arrival in that city he struck out for the mines, and located in Placer County. He spent one season in the mines, and then engaged in business in Sacra- inento. With the exception of a visit to the East in 1852, Mr. Burt has spent twenty-five years in the northern counties of the State, principally in Placer, Nevada and Napa coun- ties, during which time he was engaged in mercantile enterprises and other industries. He is well and favorably known throughout the mining districts. In 1875 he decided to seek a home in Southern California, and selected Riverside as combining the most desirable lands of any locality lie could find. Hle was a firin believer in the future of Riverside, and has al- ways been hearty and liberal in the support of the many enterprises that have tended to build up his chosen city. He is the vice-president of the Riverside Land and Irrigation Company. One of the incorporators of the Riverside Frnit

Company, and the president and manager of the company from 1883 to 1885. He was one of the projectors of the Riverside Public Hall Association. In the establishing of the muni- cipal government of Riverside Mr. Burt took a prominent part, and was the first city treasurer elected in the city. In political matters he is a straight Republican, and has taken an active interest in the affairs of his party in whatever community he has been, serving in county and State conventions. He was for several years the Postmaster of North Bloomfield, Nevada County, and in 1873 was chosen as the Repub- lican candidate for the Legislature of the conn- ty. He is a member of Riverside Lodge, No. 282, and Star Encampment, No. 73, I. O. O. F., of Riverside.

Mr. Burt married, in 1853, Miss Irene M. Balger, a native of Boone County, New York. There are no children from this marriage.

ILLIAM P. RUSSELL .- This well known pioneer of Riverside is one of the leading horticulturists of the colony, and has for the past eigliteen years been iden- tified with the growth and progress of the city, and has held a prominent position in her municipal government since the incorpo- ration in 1884. He is a native of White County, Indiana, dating his birth in 1849. His father, Williamn Russell, was also a native of that State. Mr. Russell was reared as a farmer, and educated in the public schools of his native county. In 1869, when twenty years of age, he struck out in life upon his own account, and his first move was for the Pacific coast. Upon his arrival in California he came to San Bernardino County and located in Tia Jnana valley, and there, in partnership with his uncle, P. S. Russell, entered into the nurs- ery business. Upon the founding of the Riv- erside colony, in 1870, lie was induced to visit the lands, and npon an inspection he became satisfied that a prosperons future awaited the

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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

orange-grower in the Riverside valley, and the next year, in February, 1871, he purchased a twenty-acre tract on the east side of Spanish- town avenue, now Orange street, and on the north of Russell strect. This street was given his name in honor of his being the pioneer in improving that section. Ile commenced his preparations at once for horticultural in- dustries, clearing his lands and perfecting his irrigation system. He established himself in the nursery business, the pioneer of that en- terprise. In 1872 his uncle joined him and they conducted a large nursery business for the next six or seven years. At the same time he fully improved his land, planting citrus and decidnons fruits, grapes, etc. Many of his first ventures in horticulture, however, proved unprofitable, and such mistakes were corrected by uprooting and replacing with citrus fruits. At this writing (1889), Mr. Russell is the owner of and occupies nine and a half acres of his original tract, which is devoted to orange- growing. He has one of the finest groves to be found in the county. A large portion of his trees are seedlings, sixteen years old; the re- unainder are budded fruit, mostly Mediterranean Sweets. There is no branch of horticulture as required in the Riverside valley in which he is not practically experienced, and the results he has obtained in orange growing are worthy of mention, showing as they do the profits to be obtained from that industry in the Riverside colony. From six acres of orange grove, 960 trees, planted in 1872, 250 trees of which were budded on four year-old stock, and the remain- der seedlings, he sold his crops as follows: in 1886, for $3,000 gross; in 1887, $1,960 gross (more than one-fourth of his crop in that year were blown off and plowed under); in 1888 the crop sold at the packing-house for $3,650. This is a creditable showing, averaging, as it does, nearly $500 per acre for a series of years, and sufficiently attests Mr. Russell's skill as a horti- culturist.

Mr. Russell has been a strong supporter of Riverside enterprises. He has been a director

in the Riverside Water Company for several years. In political matters he is a Democrat, bnt liberal in his views. In 1884 he was elected one of the city trustees, which office of honor and trust he has so creditably filled that his snp- porters seem bound to continue his term indefi- nitely. He still holds the office, having been twice re-elected. He is a member of Sunnyside Lodge, No. 112, Knights of Pythias, of River- side. He married, in 1878, Miss Ida Moody, the daughter of John H. Moody, of Oakland, formerly of San Francisco.

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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