History of Riverside County, California, Part 30

Author: Holmes, Elmer Wallace, 1841-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 845

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Locating in the village of St. Anthony Falls (now Minneapolis) Judge North established an office and from the start took a lead .. ing and prominent part in affairs political and legislative in the territory. In 1850 he was elected to the legislature and during the session introduced and managed the bill founding the University of Minnesota. Six years later he located in Faribault, purchased an interest in the town site and conducted the business of the pro- jectors with eminent satisfaction. Selling his interests he estab- lished the town of Northfield, Minn., and erected many of the first buildings there. In 1857 he was elected a member of the constitu- tional convention that framed the state constitution. He became an acknowledged leader of the Republican party and took a very prominent part in the convention. The following year he was elected president of the Minneapolis and Cedar Valley Railway, of which he was one of the incorporators. In 1860 he was chosen chairman of the Minnesota delegation in the Republican national convention that was held in Chicago and that nominated A. Lincoln for president, was chosen one of the committee that conveyed the news to Lincoln and was present at the inauguration in 1861. In May of that year he received the appointment of United States surveyor general of Nevada and held the office until it was discon- tinued. While in Nevada he became a leader in politics and ad- vancement and formed a partnership with J. F. Lewis in the prac- tice of law, which continued until President Lincoln appointed him one of the judges of the Supreme Court, holding this important position until the state was organized. While on the bench he was elected a member of the constitutional convention of Nevada and was made president of the body. In 1865 he closed out his interests in Nevada and spent one year in the east, after which he went to Knoxville, Tenn., and engaged in the foundry and machine busi- ness. Being a pronounced Republican he was not received in that section with cordiality and he soon sold out.

After selling out his business Judge North conceived the idea of forming a colony in Southern California and entered upon the fulfillment of his plans with energy. In March, 1870, he sent out his first circulars from Knoxville and soon had many interested in the project and within a very short time he, with others, made a trip of inspection for the purpose of deciding upon a suitable site

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for the new colony. Riverside was finally decided upon as best suited for the proposed town and the deal was negotiated at once and soon the settlers began coming in and he began to see the fruition of his plans. Later he interested C. N. Felton of San Francisco in the matter and for several years he was the financial backer of the colony, although Judge North was the life and brains that put the plan on a sound basis. In 1875 he established an office in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Francisco for the practice of law. In the meantime he had purchased property in Fresno county and finally became a resident of that city and there he passed away, February 22, 1890. In his passing the state lost a valued citizen, the legal profession a profound exponent of the law, and those that knew him best, a stanch friend. He was a man of large ideas and one who was always able to carry those ideas to a successful cul- mination.

Judge North was twice married, first in 1845 to Emma Bacon, who died without issue in 1847. The second marriage took place in 1848 and united him with Ann H. Loomis, a native of New York state, and of this union there were born six children who grew to maturity, viz: Emma B., George L., John G., Charles L., Edward and Mary.

WILLIAM C. MOORE

Long identification with the commercial activities of Riverside has brought to Mr. Moore a position of considerable prominence in the city and the confidence of business associates as well as the esteem of people with whom the regular routine of daily affairs has brought him into contact. While, like all residents of this famous citrus-growing district, he is intelligently posted concerning horti- culture, he has not made the occupation his life work, but has directed his efforts toward supplying the food necessities of the people and has specialized in the meat business, owning and con- ducting a market that at all times is well stocked with meats of all varieties. As he has made it his principle to buy only the very choicest of stock, he caters to a trade exclusive and select and numbers among his customers some of the most prominent citizens of the community.

Whatever measure of success has come to Mr. Moore may be attributed to his industry and perseverance, for from boyhood he has worked constantly and untiringly. He belonged to a family

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of modest means and remembers vividly the privations of youth and the discouragements of adversity. Born in Battle Creek, Mich., June 27, 1868, he was sent to the common schools of that city at the age of six years and remained a pupil there until his father, J. H. Moore, in 1880 took the family to South Dakota, hop- ing to gain independence in a new country. Land was pre-empted near Aberdeen and the boy was put to work in improving the place, where he remained until 1888. Being then twenty years of age, he decided to start out to earn his own way in the world. His first location was at Tuscarora, Elko county, Nev., where he engaged in mining and also worked on a cattle ranch. At the expiration of three years he came to Southern California and bought a tract of unimproved land near San Bernardino. After having put the land under cultivation to lemon trees and remained there for a year he sold out and came to Riverside in 1893, since which time he has engaged in the meat business, first as an employe in the Boston meat market for two years, then as a clerk in the Pioneer market for a year and since that time as the proprietor of an up-to-date market of his own.

In the midst of the urgent responsibilities connected with the . maintenance of a progressive business and the earning of a liveli- hood for his family, Mr. Moore has found leisure for participation in fraternal organizations and has been a leading local worker in the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Nor has he been negligent of his duties in religion. As a member of the Christian Church he has been a contributor to world-wide missionary efforts and has maintained a warm interest in the local organization. Politics has not interested him in any special degree and aside from voting the Republican ticket in national elections he has taken no part in public affairs, yet he may be depended upon to contribute his quota to movements for the upbuilding of his town and from the outset of his residence in Riverside he has been interested in civic activities. He assisted in organizing the Business Men's Association and with the exception of one year has been a member of the board of directors, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Cresmer Manufacturing Com- pany, and one of the charter members of the National Bank of Riverside and of the City Hospital Association. Some years after coming to this city he established domestic ties, being united in marriage October 28, 1896, with Miss Mary Gerard, a native of Goderich, Canada. They are the parents of two daughters, Ethel Norene and Gladys Naomi, both of whom are students in local schools.

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JOHN G. NORTH

In the death of John G. North in London,, England, January 9, 1910, Riverside lost a worthy pioneer. He was born in St. An- thony (now Minneapolis), Minn., September 16, 1855, a son of Judge J. W. North, founder of Riverside (a sketch of whom is found else- where in this volume). The first six years of John G. North's life were spent in his birthplace and the next year in central New York. Then, in 1861, he joined his father in Nevada, where he received his preliminary education and later attended the University of the Pacific at Santa Clara, Cal. In 1865 the family returned east and the following year Judge North located in Knoxville, Tenn. There the son continued his studies until 1870, when he joined his father, who had just organized the Southern California Colony Association and concluded the purchase of the tract of land upon which River- side is now situated, and the following four years he served as as- sistant secretary of the association of which his father was presi- dent.

In the meantime, in 1872, Mr. North became telegraph operator for the Western Union in Riverside, being the first to send and receive messages in the new colony. Resigning his position in 1874 with the association, he went to San Francisco, where he had secured a position in the sub-treasury and mint and for the fol- lowing two years was in the employ of the United States govern- ment, after which he became cashier and manager of a leading business house in that city. In 1881 he returned to Riverside and located on twenty acres of land on Cypress avenue and North street and for a time devoted himself to horticultural pursuits. He was called upon to aid in many enterprises for the development of Riverside and gave freely of his time and means in those interests. He was one of the incorporators, in 1883, of the Citizens' Water Company and for years was a director. He was also a director and one of the organizers, in 1884, of the Riverside Water Company and from August 11, 1885, to June, 1887, was superintendent. In the latter year he resigned his position to become land agent for Richard Gird's Chino ranch and spent several months in Pomona. Returning to Riverside in September, 1887, he again became identi- fied with this city and in March of the following year was elected president of the Riverside Water Company. He also served as president of the Riverside Improvement Company, both of which offices he resigned in 1890 to become the general manager of the Bear Valley Land and Water Company, making his home in Red- lands for a short time. Soon afterward business reverses over- whelmed him in serious financial losses and the climax was the

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destruction of about fifty thousand dollars worth of nursery stock by frost and the panic of 1893 left him without a dollar. He was a great student of Napoleonic history and through the inspiration of Napoleon's career decided to take up the study of law in his fortieth year. He was admitted to the bar April 10, 1894, and began practice in Riverside. He soon built up a large clientele and over- came the handicap of his late start in life and scored success in his profession. In 1900 he was a candidate for superior judge against J. S. Noyes and his defeat was a bitter disappointment but proved a most fortunate happening, as during the latter years of his life he had one of the best paying practices in the state and built up a comfortable fortune.

Mr. North carried the struggle of the Home Telephone Com- pany for a franchise in Riverside to a successful ending and was then called into counsel in a similar fight for the company in San Francisco and Oakland and carried it through. He was attorney for the Riverside Trust Company and its allied corporations and for the Bank of California in their suit against Matthew Gage and it was on a trip in the interests of this case that he died, in London. He was a stockholder and director in the Citizens' National Bank and the Security Savings Bank of Riverside, and was a member of the National Geographical Society; the National Forestry Associa- tion; the California Water and Forest Association, which he served as president two years; the Los Angeles Bar Association; the South- ern Archælogical Institute; the Sequoia League; Sierra Club; the Commonwealth and Olympic Clubs of San Francisco, and the Auto Club of Southern California. He was a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias.

In 1876 Mr. North was united in marriage with Miss Augusta C. Nourse, who died in 1891, leaving four sons, who now survive their father : John C., Maurice E., Alfred C., and Richard L.

Mr. North was a courageous man, who, when once he had made up his mind he was right, never deviated from his course an iota to appease any opposition that was brought against him. From tributes of friends at the time of his death we quote as follows :

"If John North had a fault it was extreme loyalty to his friends and a determination to do what he believed to be right, re- gardless of consequences. He cared little for idle gossip or opposi- tion, or, if he cared, never allowed it to ruffle his composure for an instant. His recreation was hard work. Mr. North was a man of wonderful versatility. His knowledge of literature was amazing, when it is considered how busy was the man. He could quote pages from the masterpieces of the great writers. His memory was extraordinary, it was a treasurehouse of valuable information and this was always available to its possessor. He had a wide acquaintance through the entire state and was known and

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respected by all classes of people. His loss will be felt keenly by many people outside of Riverside who are not known in the city where he made his home."-Francis Cuttle.

"John North is dead. I am shocked beyond all measure.

I had the pleasure of being one of his close friends. . I learned to respect his ability as a lawyer and his worth as a man. . . . He was an indefatigable worker, with a clear insight and grasp of the law. He had a forceful and assertive temperament and was never without an opinion and, while this made some enemies, it drew to him hosts of friends. It is late but it is eminently proper to eulogize and while so doing let the mantle of charity fall over whatever of fault he may have committed. He was my friend and I lay this tribute on his grave. He was an honest and upright man, a loyal friend and an exponent of the law whose death is a distinct loss to the bar of California."-Judge Densmore.

"He was a man who impressed everybody with his energy and business sagacity in employing that energy. Through all his work, his endeavor in this section, he became endeared to everyone who came in contact with him by his warm-hearted manner of meeting and treating all his friends. He was a man who felt a great sense of obligation to his friends, so much so that he sacrificed his own business often for the sake of going to the assistance of a friend. He raised himself out of obscurity by his own sheer ability and made a place for himself which was an enviable one. A sympathetic man of warm impulses, a man who made hosts of friends and de- served everyone he had. We shall miss him sadly in Riverside, and the whole state has lost a valued business man, a talented attorney and an unswerving friend."-E. W. Holmes.

FRED D. PETTES

There are few positions demanding a greater degree of tact and none calling for more steadfast qualities of mind and heart than the important post of superintendent of county hospitals, and this institution at Arlington has had the benefit of the experienced and capable labors of Mr. Pettes at its head. Only those who have officiated in similar capacities can realize the mental and nervous strain incident to the efficient discharge of its duties, but universal testimony as to Mr. Pettes bears tribute to his resourcefulness and energy as superintendent. Since he entered upon the duties inci-

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dent to the office he has pushed forward noteworthy reforms and has aided all projects calculated to increase the helpfulness of the hospital, thereby emphasizing the need of its continued and in- creased activities in the field of humanitarian service.

Descended from honored eastern ancestors, Fred D. Pettes was born at Windsor, Vt., August 17, 1867, being a member of the fam- ily of F. D. and Catherine (Conley) Pettes. It was his privilege to receive excellent advantages in the schools of Windsor, attending both the grammar and high schools. Upon leaving school he began to assist his father in the dairy business and specialized in that occupation until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he turned his attention to other lines of work. Entering the A. E. Mann shoe factory, he worked first as a packer and later as an inspector, continuing for four years with the company, but eventually leaving in the hope of improving his circumstances. For six months he acted as agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company at Claremont, N. H., and meanwhile built up a local reputation for skill and success in the insurance business.

A practical experience of five years as superintendent in charge of the Claremont Cottage Hospital qualified Mr. Pettes for the position he now holds. When he resigned the position he re- ceived many tributes of praise regarding his efficiency in the office and the care with which he discharged all duties devolving upon him. After he gave up the work he came to California and in 1905 settled in Riverside county. Later he bought twenty-four acres at Perris and turned his attention to the cultivation of the land, but in about two years a favorable opportunity came to sell at an advance on the purchase price and he then gave up his holdings. During March of 1907 the county supervisors appointed him super- intendent of the Riverside county hospital and he still fills that position with recognized efficiency and devoted, painstaking care. At no time has he participated in politics from the standpoint of partisanship, but he is loyal to Republican principles and faithful in his support of the men and measures of that party. When a boy he united with the Congregational Church and ever since he has been staunch in his allegiance to the doctrines of that denomi- nation. Fraternally he holds membership with the Improved Order of Red Men. By his first marriage he has a daughter, Elna, born in 1896 and now a student in the Riverside high school. His present wife, formerly Miss Addie A. Ingalls, was united with him June 27, 1906, in Riverside. She is a native of Canada and was engaged in hospital work in Claremont, N. II., prior to coming to Riverside. The family has a high standing in Arlington and num- bers many well-wishers among those with whom they have business or social relations.

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CAPT. LYMAN C. WAITE

Associated with the history of Riverside from its beginning is the life history of Capt. L. C. Waite, who has always been counted one of the most progressive and public spirited citizens of the county and city of that name. He was born in Walworth county, Wis., September 12, 1842. His parents, Sidney and Parmelia (Barker) Waite, were both natives of western New York, where his father followed farming and assisted very materially in open- ing up that section of the country. It was in 1836 that the scene of activity was transferred to Wisconsin and there the pioneering continued under more trying conditions. In the vicinity of Sheboy- gan Falls, Fond du Lac and Appleton this son grew to boyhood and young manhood amid the environments of frontier life. His early education was obtained in the schools of the neighborhood and being of a studious nature he was given the best advantages that conditions and surroundings would permit. He worked with his father on the farm during his school days and thus laid the foundation for a sturdy constitution. After he had completed the common school courses he was permitted to enter Lawrence Uni- versity at Appleton in 1860.

Soon after this eventful period in his career the Civil war with its call of patriotism absorbed his attention and he could not resist the desire to rally to the support of the flag and give what assistance he could to preserve the Union. Hlis course of study was brought to an abrupt ending by his enlisting as a volunteer in 1862 and he was assigned to Company D, Twenty-first Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Col. B. J. Sweet commanding. He entered upon his new life with a zeal and energy characteristic of him and though but twenty years of age, his soldierly bearing and bravery on the field of battle so attracted his superiors that he rose rapidly through the ranks of the non-commissioned officers to a lieutenancy and was later made captain of Company C and served with distinction and bravery throughout the conflict. After its reorganization at Chattanooga his regiment was attached to the First Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and with it he took part in some of the hardest fought battles and campaigns of the war, serving under some of the most noted men in our his- tory, Sherman, Grant, Rosecrans and Buell, and during his term of service participated in forty-two battles and skirmishes and was with Sherman in his March to the Sea, also participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. The history of his regiment forms one of the bloody chapters in the annals of the war. One year and eight days after its organization there were but forty-two 20

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men able to report for duty and it was commanded by a captain; his own company could muster only five enlisted men and two officers; the latter were on detached duty or it is doubtful if they would have been numbered among the living.

The war over, Captain Waite received an honorable discharge and returned to civil life at his old home in Wisconsin. He re- entered the university and completed his course of study and was graduated three years later and at once began teaching school. In 1869 he located in Belle Plaine, Iowa, and became principal of the graded schools. In 1870 he entered the law offices of Clark & Tewksberry and in October of that same year was admitted to prac- tice at Toledo, Iowa. It was but a few weeks later that he decided to come to California and on December 8 we find him in Riverside. His capital amounted to $100, but he had experience, a personality and unbounded energy and perseverance and he entered upon a career here that soon won praise and confidence in his ever widen- ing circle of friends.

In January, 1871, he was admitted to the bar in San Ber- nardino county and at once opened an office in Riverside. He was the first justice of the peace elected in the new colony and was the first notary appointed here, holding these offices four years. In 1872 and '73 he taught school in Riverside and during these years was also engaged in horticultural pursuits, although at that time the work was purely experimental. In this way he laid the foundation for his later success. IIe first purchased ten acres of land and to this he added fifteen more and after he had developed it and car- ried on a nursery business for some time he sold both tracts and again made other purchases until he had quite a large acreage. In 1873 he started a nursery in Riverside and in 1886 took as a part- ner J. A. Simms, the firm being known as Waite & Simms. In the nursery business he became well known and the business grew from a small beginning to one of large proportions. He also started two nurseries in Redlands and two in Highland. As an orange grower he met with good success and by years of constant research and ap- plication he produced some of the finest trees in the world and also owned a model grove, which had been one of his aims in life. Sell- ing his original purchases he again bought property in the growing city and set out a grove of oranges and erected a comfortable home for his family.

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History of Riverside County, California, Part 30

Author: Holmes, Elmer Wallace, 1841- Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 845

Author: Holmes, Elmer Wallace, 1841-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 845