USA > California > Fresno County > History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Volume II > Part 58
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1848
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
manufacture of pipe to the highest standard possible. His plant began with a capacity of 350 feet per day which was increased to 5,000 feet, and the average is about 1,500 feet per day. His pipe range in size from six to forty- two inches. The reputation of his product is rapidly spreading and he fills orders throughout Tulare, Merced and Madera Counties, besides his trade in Fresno County, which is extensive.
In 1901, P. N. Warner was united in marriage with Minnie Headley, a daughter of S. R. Headley, a merchant in New Jersey. They are the par- ents of two children: Juliaette and Eva Louise. Mr. Warner is now serv- ing on the board of trustees of Reedley Grammar School. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the war he served at Reedley on the Fresno County Council of Defense and on the local Exemption Board.
CHARLES KIRMOND .- England has furnished the United States with many able citizens who have become prominent in professional, com- inercial and agricultural circles. One such is C. Kirmond, of this memoir, a native of England, having been born at Grimsby, Lincolnshire, September 20, 1869, the son of John and Harriett (French) Kirmond, who were also natives of the British Isles. The family of John and Harriett Kirmond con- sisted of five children, C. Kirmond being the only member of the family in California.
In 1909. C. Kirmond immigrated to this country, and is now one of the most progressive farmers of the Mount Olive district, near Reedley, Cal., where, in conjunction with A. Oakley, he owns thirty-one and one-half acres of land devoted to raising olives. They purchased this tract of land in 1910, it being originally known as the old California Vineyard, Lots 21 and 22. Their olive trees range in age from two to eighteen years. The land is very productive and is in a high state of cultivation.
In March, 1896, C. Kirmond was united in marriage with Miss Mary Alice Moss, a daughter of Ellis and Mary Moss, also natives of England. This union was blessed with one son. Harry, who entered the artillery branch of the United States Army, having enlisted in August, 1917. His merit was soon recognized by his promotion to First Sergeant. He served in France several months, was discharged and is now visiting in England, where he was born.
When Mr. and Mrs. Kirmond immigrated to this country, in 1909, to their credit it can be said, they came without means or friends. Since their arrival in the country of their adoption, they have, by energetic efforts, thrifty habits and judicious management, accumulated a competency, and are highly esteemed in their community. They have become stanch American citizens and in proof of their fidelity to the country of their adoption, they gave their only son in its defense. "to make the world safe for Democracy."
ADOLPH G. BORCHARDT .- In 1903, A. G. Borchardt became identi- fied with the history of Fresno County, and was one of the first persons to purchase a twenty-acre ranch in the Poppy Colony. He is an American- born citizen of German parentage, and is a true and loyal supporter of the United States under all circumstances. He was born at Agawam, near Springfield, Mass., in 1861, the son of Gustave and Sophia Borchardt, who were the parents of two children: Mrs. Ackerman, who resides in Spring- field, Mass .; and Adolph G. In 1881, Mr. Borchardt, after following the sea for a few years, went to Gardiner, Maine, where he engaged in the general merchandise business until he sold out to come to California. The father, Gustave Borchardt, has passed away; the mother is still living in Agawam, Mass., where she is the owner of property.
After purchasing his ranch of twenty acres in the Poppy Colony, Fresno County, Cal., Mr. Borchardt began improving it and in due time brought the place up to a high state of cultivation, having set it out to vines and
1849
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
fruits. In 1911 he sold the ranch and purchased forty acres of raw land situated four miles west of Sanger, but he resides at De Wolf Station, on the Santa Fe railway. Though this was unimproved land when he purchased it, through perseverance and energetic effort he has made of it a productive ranch, devoted to plums, peaches, and alfalfa, and has built a fine residence, which is both convenient and commodious. In 1913 he sold twenty acres on the east at a satisfactory advance. The ranch is a model of neatness in appearance, and bespeaks thrift, prosperity and judicious management.
In 1882, A. G. Borchardt was united in marriage with Miss Linnie Hall, a native of Maine and the daughter of Judson and Adelaide Hall, of Nobleboro, Maine. Twelve children were born of this happy union, ten of whom are living: Estella; Harold, who is married and lives in Louisville, Kv., and who was in training at Camp Taylor, Ky., until discharged; and Mildred, Barbara, Dorothea, Floyd, Gertrude, Evelyn, Paul, and Norma. Fra- ternally, Mr. Brochardt is a Mason, a member of the Lodge, Chapter and Com- mandery at Gardiner, Maine. He is a progressive and enterprising rancher and is held in high esteem in the community where he resides.
CHARLES McBRIDE .- Determination looms large as a factor in success, and tends to develop an aptitude for one's calling that may not have been noticeable at first. Combined, these two factors are sure to bring success, and when they are coupled with energy and industrious application nothing can stand in their way. This has been strikingly shown in the career of Charles McBride, who owns a well-improved forty-acre ranch on Jensen Avenue, a half mile north of Lone Star, Fresno Countv, Cal. This ranch is devoted to the raising of raisin grapes, a work in which he finds ample opportunity for the use of his natural inclination toward viti- culture ..
Charles McBride was born in Monroe County, Mo., March 16, 1867, a son of John and Georgia (Hollingsworth) McBride. He had the advantages of the common schools, and early in life became possessed of the idea of accumulating some property of his own. He worked out on raisin ranches in Fresno County, and in the oil fields at Coalinga. Work in the vine- yards appealed most to him, and he has been more than ordinarily successful as a vineyardist. In 1903 he engaged in the livery stable business at Fresno. It was not until 1915 that he bought his present forty-acre ranch, which he now operates and where he makes his home. In the meantime he has bought, improved and sold four different places in Fresno County. He is a man whose friendship is prized on account of his strength of character and un- swerving principles of right. He believes in honesty and integrity in public as well as in private business, and is known as a man who practices what he believes. An advocate of a clean life, he is active in temperance work and in the dissemination of the doctrine of clean and economical govern- ment in local, state and national affairs. In politics he lines up with the Democratic party, and is a stanch supporter of the present administration. As an inspector and solicitor for the Raisin Growers' Association, Mr. Mc- Bride is most highly regarded, and his counsel is sought after bv all who come in contact with him. Nature has endowed him with a large and strong body, together with an active and alert mind, and these, with a pleasing personality make him justly popular.
In 1897, Mr. McBride married Miss Lena Baldwin, a stepdaughter of James Finch, and she has contributed her share towards the success they to- gether have achieved. They are the parents of two children : Dwight, a student of the Easton High School, and Audrey. Just in the prime of life, Mr. and Mrs. McBride are enjoying the fruits of industry and frugalitv, and can view with satisfaction both the results already accomplished and the pros- pects for the future.
1850
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
LEROY RAMACHER .- An enterprising citizen and well-known stock-raiser and viticulturist, who is fortunate in having an enthusiastic com- panion for a wife, the two forming just such a kind-hearted and liberal couple as any community would be proud to number in its citizenry, is Leroy Ramacher, a popular member of the California Associated Raisin Company, whose ranch lies about ten miles east of Fresno, and is watered by the Red Bank Creek. He was born in Linton, Greene County, Ind., on September 11th of the year made memorable as the centenary of our nation's growth, and his father was Henry Ramacher who brought his family to California in 1884, and himself became a well-to-do and prominent farmer and vine- yardist in the Kutner Colony. The father was always a strong supporter of education and everything that made for the upbuilding of the community, and now resides comfortably in Fresno, having retired on a competency. His life-story also adorns this work.
Leroy was the eldest of eight children and came to California with his parents, arriving in Fresno on May 10, 1884. He was educated in the public schools of the Sentinel and Scandinavian districts, and later learned farm- ing and viticulture while assisting his father on his present ranch. There he helped set out vineyards, and also assisted in caring for them. In 1902 he was in the employ of Joe Bretz at his shingle mill, and after a year there, he went with the Pine Ridge Lumber Company as foreman in charge of the box factory. He stuck to that post of detailed responsibility for seven long years, and resigned only because he had resolved to engaged in farming.
In 1913, Mr. Ramacher purchased sixty-five acres of his father's old ranch in Kutner Colony, where he continued farming and viticulture. About twenty-six acres have been set out as a vineyard with muscat, Tokay and Malaga vines, and the balance is devoted to alfalfa and the raising. of grain. He is making a specialty of raising hogs, and already has a promising grow- ing herd and so is meeting with deserved success. He is very industrious, as well as far-seeing, and the ranch is therefore kept in the best condition.
On December 30, 1913, Mr. Ramacher was married in Temperance Colony to Miss Elizabeth Brooks, who was born in Peoria County, Ill., the daughter of James A. and Olive A. (Parr) Brooks, each of whom was a native of that state and numbered among the worthiest of Illinois farmers. In 1906 they came to Fresno County and purchased a vineyard in Temper- ance Colony where they now reside. The younger of their two children, Mrs. Ramacher received her education in the public schools of Peoria County, Ill., and in Temperance district, this county, and in time came to have a lovely daughter of her own, named Olive Esther.
Mr. and Mrs. Ramacher are interested in sociological movements and in work for humanity. Mr. Ramacher marches in the ranks of the Socialists, in the fulfillment of his political duties ; and Mrs. Ramacher is an active member of the Kutner Auxiliary of the Fresno Chapter of the Red Cross.
JAMES MACKAY .- Among the rising Californians of foreign birth, who have brought to the development of this great commonwealth so much of the brains, brawn and experience of the Old World, one who has become a recognized authority as a viticulturist and horticulturist, especially in the growing of figs, is James Mackay, who was born at Strathpeffer County, Ross, Scotland, in 1872, the son of Simon Mackay, an honored farmer there who died at the ripe old age of eighty-three. His mother, who was Catherine McKinzie before her marriage, survived her husband for many years, and died in 1912.
James was the youngest of ten children, and was reared on the farm, at the same time that he received a public school education. He helped his folks and remained home until he was twenty years of age. Then he was made game warden on the Lord Middleton estate, but after six years he re-
Charles Landrose Lena Lindrose
1853
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
signed and joined the Edinburgh police, where he served for five years, or from his twenty-fifth to his thirtieth year, when he resigned. He then en- gaged in dairying for a period of eight years, when he sold out, to leave his native land and cross the wide ocean.
Mr. Mackay came to California by way of New York and New Orleans, and was not long in choosing Fresno County as his home. Two brothers, Donald and Alexander, had preceded him to California, and this paved the way, in the spring of 1911, for his entry into the employ of the Glorietta ranch.
In 1913, Mr. Mackay left the ranch and accepted a more flattering offer from the W. A. Sutherland vineyard, where he became foreman, a post he filled with exceptional ability for the next two years, and which he gave up reluctantly to take the superintendency of the Glorietta and Alta Sierra ranches, each of 160 acres, and also Mrs. Drake's ranch, and some others. The ranches were in orchard and vineyard, and he then began that conscientious study of horticulture and viticulture for which he had really laid the foundation on his arrival in California, and in which he soon became distinguished. Having a nursery on the place, he had ample opportunity to study plant life and especially the growing of figs, and in that field he has conducted some valuable experiments with Calimyrnas. He is a friend of Prof. J. T. Condit, the fig professor at the University of California, with whom he is in close touch, and he is at present experimenting with a distinct special Capri fig, and is keeping the records for the University laboratory. As a result, Mr. Mackay has made some valuable discoveries.
While in classical and picturesque Edinburgh, the pride of the patriotic Scot, Mr. Mackay was married to Miss Elizabeth Monroe, a native of that romantic country, and by her he has had two children, James and Arthur. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World of Clovis, and was made a Mason in Clovis Lodge, F. & A. M. And finally, he is an American citizen, having been made a member of the American Republic on December 27, 1917.
CHARLES LINDROSE .- An industrious, ambitious, and aggressive rancher and horticulturist, who is far-seeing in all that he undertakes, is Charles Lindrose, who vies in popularity with his excellent and equally hos- pitable wife, a woman of refinement who has brought up a model and attrac- tive family. Mr. Lindrose's brother, M. J. Lindrose, was one of the first set- tlers in Washington Colony in 1877, and this resulted in the long journey from his native Norway to California in 1889.
Charles Lindrose was born in Kongsberg, Norway, September 27, 1870, the son of Ole Lindrose, who was also born there and was in the employ of the Kongsberg silver mines all his life as a miner ; when he was sixty-five, he was retired and pensioned, and resided at Kongsberg until he died, at the age of eighty-four. His wife had been Bertha Kathrina Foshagen before her marriage, and she is still living at Kongsberg, at the age of eighty-two. Ole Lindrose was married twice, by the first union there were five children, but none are now living, and one of these sons was M. J. Lindrose, already referred to ; six children were born of the second marriage, and Charles was the third eldest. A brother, S. A. Lindrose, lives at Bowles in this county.
Charles was brought up in Norway, attended the public schools of his native country and then for four years was employed in a paper manu- factory. In 1889 he came to Fresno and worked for his brother, M. J. Lind- rose, at fruit-farming, and afterward for other ranchers. He then purchased a small ranch at Easton, which he improved as an orchard and sold at a profit, and next bought twenty acres at Dinuba, where he set out a fine vineyard. When he sold that, three years later, he bought forty acres near Reedley, in the Producers' Colony, which he improved to vines and sold at a good profit, and next he purchased ten acres, also located near Reedley, which he set to vineyard and later sold at a good advance. 86
1854
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
After this Mr. Lindrose returned to the vicinity of Fresno. Here he leased forty acres in the Mckinley district, and also purchased the place he at present owns, then fifteen acres. This was in April, 1908, and as the land was raw he began improvements, while farming the forty leased acres. In 1909 he bought ten acres adjoining and still later he added five acres more.
On June 24, 1909, in the Mckinley district, Mr. Lindrose was married to Miss Lena Dahl, a native of Trondhjem, Norway, and the daughter of Ole Dahl, a farmer there. Lena Dahl received a good education in the public and high schools of her native land. Having a sister, Mrs. C. W. Anderson, living in Fresno County, she crossed the ocean and continent to join her. Thus kind fate brought her to Fresno, in 1905, and here she met Charles Lindrose, the acquaintance resulting in their marriage. Four children blessed their union: Frank, Evelyn, Earl, and Katherine. Mrs. Lindrose is a cul- tured woman and presides gracefully over her husband's household, where she welcomes their many friends.
Mr. Lindrose has highly improved his home ranch of thirty acres where he has set out an orchard of peaches and apricots, and a vineyard of fifteen acres of Thompson seedless and muscats, and ten acres of alfalfa. Upon his ranch three and a half miles west of Fresno on Belmont Avenue, he has made many substantial improvements, including the erection of a fine resi- dence, and also suitable farm buildings. He is a member of the California Associated Raisin Company, and energetically supports its policies. Mr. Lindrose is independent in politics, and especially so in all matters pertain- ing to the locality in which he has an ever-increasing interest.
DONALD MACKAY .- A kind-hearted, hospitable fellow, who enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends, and the good wishes of all who note his deserved prosperity, is Donald Mackay, who came to California in the early nineties, an industrious and thrifty native of bonnie Scotland, bringing with him both experience and virtues so valuable in the development of a new country. He was born in County Ross, Scotland, on October 1, 1860, a son of Simon Mackay and a brother of James Mackay who is also a resi- dent of Fresno County. His father was a farmer in that country, as well- liked as he was well-known, who lived to attain thirteen years more than the biblical three-score and ten. His mother's maiden name was Catherine Mc- Kinzie, and she died years after her husband, in 1912.
In 1882, Donald crossed the ocean to Halifax, Canada, and soon began to follow farming and lumbering in Antigonish County, Nova Scotia. Eight years elapsed before he left that country, and then he came to Fresno, where he followed viticulture and horticulture. He entered the employ of the Fresno Flume and Lumber Company, and for seven years proved one of their most reliable men ; after which he was with the Madera Sugar Pine Company and placed at their disposal his undivided time and best effort. For a time he was a millwright ; and then be became the planing-mill foreman, a post he filled with exceptional ability.
Having been interested, however, for many years in viticulture, Mr. Mackay in 1902 purchased ten acres, which he set out as an orchard and vineyard. He has further improved the place with a fine residence and suit- able buildings, and there his family make their home. The land is devoted to the raising of Thompson's seedless grapes and Elberta peaches, and with these he has been very successful. A few years ago he also bought twenty acres four miles west of his place; and this tract he kept until he had a chance to sell it at a good profit. He now owns twenty other acres of fine land, just west of his house, which are devoted to a vineyard of Feherzagos and the growing of alfalfa. In January, 1915, he resigned his position with the Madera Sugar Pine Company to give himself entirely to the sciences of viticulture and horticulture. He is a live member of the California Associated Raisin Company and also the California Peach Growers, Inc.
1855
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
Amid the delightful surroundings at Temperance Colony, Fresno County, in 1895, Mr. Mackay was married to Miss Flora Damon, who was born near Waukesha, Wis., and came to Nebraska with her parents, who were farmers near Atkinson, Holt County, but when she was twelve years old, they brought her to Red Bluff, Cal. Later, the family came to Fresno County.
Mr. and Mrs. Mackay have three children: Chester, was with the South- ern Pacific Railroad Company at Clovis until April, 1918, when he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Force and is serving on the Battleship Vermont, plying between Fortress Monroe, Va., and Brest, France; Norman is attending the University of Southern California; and Dorothy is at home. The family are Presbyterians, and Mr. Mackay belongs to the Woodmen of the World.
LYMAN H. CARPENTER .- A liberal-minded, frank and open-hearted gentleman, who is well-read and well-posted, not only on Central Californian affairs, but on life in general, is Lyman H. Carpenter, who was born in Piqua, Ohio, on August 11, 1858, the son of John C. Carpenter, who was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and settled in Piqua, where he was a farmer, until he removed to Missouri. At Springfield, in Greene County, he continued farming, and there he died. He had married Rebecca Darling, who was born in Chester County, Pa., and later she died in Missouri, the mother of twelve children, eight of whom grew up and are now living. Among these, Lyman is the second eldest.
He was reared on a farm in Piqua, Ohio, and attended the public schools. And there he was married to Miss Annie Ginn, who was born there. He engaged in farming on his father's farm, and in 1896 removed to Springfield, Greene County, Mo., where he bought a farm seven miles west of the town. He engaged in grain and stock-raising, and had a fine place. He was success- ful; but having suffered with the grippe, he was left with a throat trouble.
This led Mr. Carpenter to seek a more favorable climate, and whither should he more naturally turn than toward California? He came here in 1914, and located for a while at Fresno; and finding that his trouble left him, he bought ten acres of a peach orchard on Blackstone Avenue. At the end of two years, however, he sold out and purchased his present place of thirty acres on Brooks Avenue, between California and Jensen, about twelve miles west of Fresno. And there he has become a successful California agriculturist, raising alfalfa, hay and hogs, and running a dairy. He is an active member of the California Peach Growers, Inc., and of the California Associated Raisin Company ; and vigorously supports their various programs for the development of Fresno County.
Two children have come to be the especial pride of Mr. and Mrs. Carpen- ter, and each has also found a place of special usefulness in life. Gertrude is the wife of William Sticklen and resides east of Fresno; and Georgie is the wife of Jemmen Bos, and they reside on Blackstone Avenue.
Mr. Carpenter belongs to the Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 328 at Brookline, Mo., where he is a past grand. In national politics he is a Republican.
JOHN W. COOK .- An American who believes in living and letting others live, and an adopted Californian who has enjoyed better health here than anywhere else in the entire land, is John W. Cook, who is provided with a good ranch and a comfortable home. He was born near Jordan village, Owen County, Ind., on May 7, 1858, the son of George W. Cook, who was also born in Owen County, was a farmer and then removed to Clay City, Ind., where he farmed and died, living to see the nation he loved round out its first century of great progress. Susan Cook, the mother, was born in Indiana, and died there in 1900, the mother of eleven children, of whom our subject is the seventh eldest, and the only one now living.
Brought up in Clay City, John attended the public schools there, and when, during his seventeenth year, his father died, he continued at home
1856
HISTORY OF FRESNO COUNTY
to assist his mother run the place. At her death, the property was sold, and the estate divided.
He there married Miss Alice Lankford, who was born in Clay County, Ind., and was a mate with him at school; and his mother continued her residence with him, until her death in February, 1900. On the fourteenth of the following May, his wife died ; and he was also ill ; so, as soon as practi- cable, he sold out and moved to Oklahoma.
He drove there in a wagon, and then sold the team and went to Eureka Springs, where he remained for six months; after which he returned to In- diana. He made three trips to North Dakota, and in 1905 went to Saskatch- ewan, Canada, where he homesteaded 160 acres. But on account of bad health, he let it revert to the government. Then he went back to North Da- kota and farmed for a year.
In 1909 Mr. Cook took the important step which brought him to Fresno County and started him at last on the way to a satisfying prosperity. He bought this ranch of ten acres on Section 15, and later bought ten acres more, making twenty acres on Jensen Avenue, twelve miles west of Fresno. From what was once raw land Mr. Cook has raised the values by many im- provements, planting trees, alfalfa and setting out vines.
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