History of Riverside County, California, Part 32

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


USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 32


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As a shelter for his family he found a crude shack on the present site of the "Anchorage" that was occupied by the sur- veyors who were laying out the site of the colony. This answered the purpose until he could build. Lumber had to be hauled from San Bernardino, as it was a number of years before a railroad was projected here. Subsequently, in partnership with A. J. Twogood, he acquired an additional twenty acres which they sold in residence lots, retiring from active business in 1888, though retaining an interest in the previously established nursery in River- side. Together they built a crude packinghouse for oranges. All of the sorting and packing was done by hand and they originated a style of packing that commanded attention by the dealers in San Francisco. One hundred cars were sent out, all of the fruit having to be hauled to Colton for shipment. This was the first shipment of oranges sent to the bay city. With the other pioneer settlers he


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bought up a water right and assisted in organizing the Riverside Water Company to get water for irrigation. Two shares of stock for each acre of land was sold to the owners of the various tracts.


In all progressive movements for the development of Riverside Mr. Twogood has taken an active interest. He has never cared for office of any kind, but has devoted his time to farming and nursery interests. In the early days horticultural work was experimental and with others of public spirit, he devoted much time and research in selecting the best kinds of stock for this locality. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Twogood went to Florida and bought forty thousand trees of wild stock and shipped them to Riverside. Being inex- perienced in packing for transportation, about one third of these were lost. This was the first shipment of Florida trees into this locality.


January 1, 1859, in Marion, Iowa, D. (. Twogood was united in marriage with a cousin, Miss Lydia Adeline Twogood, who was a daughter of Simeon Twogood. She passed away in Riverside January 28, 1910. Two children were born of this union: Mrs. Carrie Belle Edwards, who was born near Belle Plaine, Iowa, and died in Riverside in 1880; and Jessie Nettie, who was born in Belle Plaine, and died in Riverside in 1885.


A charter member of the Riverside Baptist Church, Mr. Two- good's life, though bereft of those whom he loved best, is that of a consistent Christian, whose faith in the wisdom of the Divine Plan enables him to bravely continue his earthly activities until the end.


CAPT. C. C. MILLER


The late (. C. Miller was one of the pioneers of Riverside, whither he brought his family in 1873, and from that time until his death he was closely identified with its growth and development. He was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1824, into the family home of Chauncey and Alice (Reney) Miller, both natives of that same county, where his grandfather, Grant Miller, settled in the early days of the colonies and built the first house in that vicinity. He died when his son, C. C., was but four years of age; the widow afterwards became the wife of Judge Aaron Burley.


(. (. Miller received a good education in the public schools of New York state until about twenty-one, when he joined the family in Ohio, where he entered Oberlin College. Two years later he entered Cleveland University and was graduated therefrom in


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1852 in civil engineering, which profession he made his specialty. Subsequently he was employed in the construction department of the Illinois Central and Atlantic and Ohio Railroads for two years. He then moved to Tomah, Wis., and for the next ten years was engaged in building many railroads in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and also in land surveying, and was prominently identi- fied with the building up of Monroe county. Ile enlisted for service in the Civil war and was commissioned captain of Company M. Forty-ninth Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to duty in Missouri under General Dodge. His engineering skill soon became known and he was called into service as chief engineer of that dis- trict. He served until the close of the war and was honorably dis- charged in 1865, after which he returned to civil pursuits. Ile was employed as assistant chief engineer in the building of the West Wisconsin and St. Paul Railway, and later as chief engineer of the Wabasha & Lake Superior Railroad.


The ill health of his wife made is necessary to seek a milder climate and in 1873 he located in Los Angeles. In June of that year he came to Riverside as chief engineer and superintendent of El Sobrante de San Jacinto rancho, later engaged in the con- struction of the canals of the Riverside Water Company's system. In October he brought his family here and the next year bought the block of land lying between Sixth and Seventh and Main and Orange streets and established their home, entering enthusiastically in the upbuilding of the town. The desirable location of his home and the lack of accommodation for the traveling public induced him to open his house for their comfort and convenience, naming in the "Glenwood Cottage," which soon became well and favorably known and the patronage grew until it became necessary to enlarge the quarters and year after year he added to his cottage home, from which has developed the Glenwood Mission Inn of Riverside, famed throughout the world for its model appointments and entertain- ment. During all these years Captain Miller continued his duties as civil engineer, engaged in enterprises in California and Arizona. He was chief engineer in the construction of the Gage canal system that has meant so much to the welfare of this city. In 1881 he retired, selling out the Glenwood Hotel to his son, Frank A., the present owner.


In 1852 Captain Miller was united in marriage with Miss Mary Clark, a daughter of Dr. Clark, a physician of Lorain county, Ohio. Mrs. Miller, who came from good old Quaker stock, was a lady of culture and refinement and the marriage proved most fortunate, as she was above all else a real home maker-than which there can be no task nobler, higher or worthier for any woman. As her children look back into those vanished years they remember her as one in whose gentle nature were found mingled the elements of


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sweetness and light in union with a deep, quiet firmness, that could not be moved-for it was based upon an unfaltering trust in the eternal goodness of God. The Mission Inn of today, conducted by her son and daughter, has been in part the result of the inspiration flowing from her life in the pioneer days of Riverside.


To Captain and Mrs. Miller four children were born: Emma who became the wife of G. O. Newman; Frank A., who married Miss Isabella Demorest Hardenberg; Alice, who married F. W. Richardson; and Edward E., who married Miss Emma C. Tompkins.


ELI ESLEY BARNETT


Abundant evidence of the opportunities afforded by California to young men of energy and ambition is demonstrated by the suc- cessful but unostentatious career of E. E. Barnett, who for years has ranked among the leading ranchers and stockmen of Riverside county. When he came west he had no capital except the rugged constitution and willing industry of youth. The family had been in humble circumstances and the unremitting toil of the farm was void of a mother's presence, she having died when this son was a small child. She was a woman of self-sacrificing devotion and a natiye of Pennsylvania, while the father, Adrian D. Barnett, was born in Kentucky, and the paternal grandparent was a native of Virginia. For a considerable period the father remained in Illinois and developed a farm in Hancock county, where his son, E. E., was born on June 14, 1852, and where he received a common school education. In the hope of improving their financial condition father and son came west during 1869 and settled in California, where the former died in 1884.


E. E. Barnett early located in Sutter county, near Yuba City, where he worked out for $1 per day and by frugal hoarding of his small wages he accumulated a working capital for future use. His next location was in Ventura county, where he remained for four- teen years, meeting with some discouragements but still forged his way ahead in a gratifying degree. In 1884 he removed to Los Angeles county, bought property and made that the family home for about seven years. He had become interested in investments in Riverside county, which impressed him by reason of the climate and soil advantages, and having purchased forty acres near Temecula he removed hither in November, 1894, and since then has increased his holdings until at this writing his estate aggregates thirteen hundred acres of grain land, and now he is also developing water


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by sinking wells for irrigation purposes preparatory to going into the alfalfa industry. The raising of cattle and horses has been one of his specialties and during 1910 and '11 he sold over $10,000 worth, netting him a fair profit. To this stock industry he has added the raising of hogs and is meeting with good success. When Mr. Barnett located upon his property it was devoid of any im- provements whatever and now several substantial outbuildings and a thirteen room house with fences, trees and water developed make it one of the best in this part of Riverside county from a pro- ductive standpoint.


The marriage of Mr. Barnett, solemnized May 13, 1875, united him with Miss Alica A. Stevens, a native of Iowa. Her parents, Anson and Ann Rebecca (Betz) Stevens, natives of New York and Ohio respectively, came to California during 1869 and settled in Ventura county, removing to Los Angeles county in 1875, where the mother died in 1885. The father, who is a veteran of the Civil war, is still living at his home in Garden Grove at the age of eighty-four. At the outbreak of the war the father left home to enlist in his country's cause, leaving his wife and four small children, and during his absence she endeavored to make a living for them. Hearing that her husband was very ill at a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., Mrs. Stevens left her children with her mother and departed for the front to nurse her husband back to health if possible, spending three months there and returning with him to Iowa. Two years later, upon the advice of physicians, who said he could not stand another winter in that climate, Mr. Stevens dis- posed of all his belongings and with his family came to California. Arriving in San Francisco, from there they took a boat to Santa Barbara, landing in lighters and were rowed to shore, and from there went to Ventura county, arriving with no money and Mr. Stevens in ill health. Almost immediately upon starting for the west his health gradually came back to him and he is now hale and hearty. His good wife, who had nursed him back to health and who had been untiring in her devotion to him and her children, gradu- ally failed in health and passed away in Tustin, aged but fifty-one years. Unremitting toil and hardships endured through many trying years shortened her life. She was a woman of sterling qualities and these were imbued in her children, of whom four daughters and two sons are still living, three having passed away in this state. Wherever Mrs. Stevens made her home she endeared herself to a wide circle of friends, who respected her for her many good qualities and kindnesses shown others less fortunate than herself.


In fraternal relations Mr. Barnett has been connected with the blue lodge of Masonry and at one time held membership in the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Barnett, who has been a decided factor in her husband's success, has been a leading local worker in the Rebekahs


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and the Eastern Star, while the latter organization also has had the benefit of the membership of one of her daughters, Mrs. Lena ('rouch. The three eldest sons are all members of the blue lodge of Masons.


Of the children comprising the family we mention the follow- ing: Marcus E., who married Julia Ganahl, has one son; Cephes L. married Jennie Thompson and with their three sons they reside at Uplands; Adrian B. was united in marriage with Ysabel Gon- zalez, a native of California, and with their son are residents of this county; Sarah A. is the wife of C. H. Clogston of Murrietta and they have three sons and three daughters; Myrtle married R. S. Roribaugh, and is the mother of one son and two daughters; Pearl is the wife of J. E. Roribaugh and the mother of two sons; Lena married R. S. Crouch, and with her daughter makes her home with her parents, as do the two youngest children, Anson A. and Ruth F. The sons and daughters inherit much of the energy and perse- verance which have brought success to their parents and the entire family has a high social standing in the county as well as a de- served agricultural prominence throughout this section of the state.


ARLINGTON SUPPLY COMPANY


The Arlington Supply Company Department Store of Arling- ton was established in 1901 by John T. Crimmins, the present head of the business, commencing with a small capital as successor to the oldest business establishment in Arlington. In 1904 the business was moved to the present location. The commodious brick building owned by the company has been enlarged from time to time until at the present time the floor space used has increased to 15,840 square feet.


The officers of the company are John T. Crimmins, president, and F. E. Unholz, vice-president. Mr. Crimmins, the founder of the business, came to Arlington from lowa in 1901. Since twenty- one years of age he has been engaged in the retail business, except about six years which were occupied in the wholesale business as a traveling salesman. He is at this writing on the sunny side of forty and expects by close application to his business and liberal treat- ment of the patrons of his store to achieve greater success in the future than has been attained in the past.


F. E. Unholz joined the business early in 1912. He is also a young man, who has thoroughly learned the retail business through having operated stores in eastern states before coming to California. With the addition of the energy and capital of Mr. Unholz to the business, this popular store will be better equipped than ever before to give to their patrons the most satisfactory service.


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CHESTER AUGUSTUS CROSBY


A pioneer citizen of Riverside, and a man who is highly esteemed for his good qualities and public spirit, is Chester A. Crosby, who was born July 11, 1845, in Putnam county, N. Y., a son of David and Elira (Marvin) Crosby, both natives and life- long residents of that county. David Crosby engaged in the shoe business at No. 40 East Broadway, New York City, for several years. He died at the age of about thirty.


C. A. Crosby was left fatherless at a tender age and was taken into the home of a relative who reared him to young manhood. Upon completing his public school studies at the age of sixteen, he entered Claverack College on the Hudson and took a two-year course, later taking a commercial course to better fit himself for life's duties in the commercial world. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in the shoe business, in partnership with an uncle, F. G. Crosby, in Ottawa, Canada, under the firm name of F. G. & C. A. Crosby. This concern grew gradually until it was the largest of its kind in that city. In 1879, on account of the ill health of his wife, Mr. Crosby decided to seek a milder climate, and, selling out his interest in the business, came to California and located in River- side. At that time there was but little to attract the settler; no busi- ness center to show that there was a rich country surrounding; no streets improved as seen today; the fruit industry was in its infancy and experimental stages; but water was being developed and there was a class of people already located here who had come to open up the way for better things. They had come from the various parts of the country, from trades, professions, and other occupa- tions, all with one end in view-that of making a home in the won- derful health-giving climate of the Southland-all willing to endure privations and hardships to attain the object of their migration hither. All this was brought to the eye of Mr. Crosby, and like them, he decided to cast in his lot with these pioneers and assist in building up a city and county, and that he has done his share, all with whom he has been brought in contact willingly concede.


Mr. Crosby made a purchase of thirty acres of land on Arling- ton avenue, in a location that seemed to be favored. The soil was rich and productive, and he improved his property by erecting buildings and cultivating the land, putting out a vineyard, apricots and oranges-and for a time it prospered and was one of the show places of Riverside. About the year 1891 he sold twelve acres to Mrs. William Thaw, the consideration being $16,000, which shows the increased valuation. In 1899 the crops began to decrease, and it was found that the entire property was almost a total loss, caused by seepage water, damaging him to the extent of over $30,000. Thus was all hope of an independent income destroyed, but he at 21


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once sought another location. In 1900 he accepted a position with the late C. E. Rumsey, becoming the manager of a ranch purchased by him at that date. This consisted of eighteen acres of oranges in bearing and was the nucleus of the now famous Alta Cresta groves owned by the estate of C. E. Rumsey, consisting of one hun- dred and seventy-five acres. Since 1900 he has occupied the posi- tion of general manager of this property, and the one hundred and fifty-seven acres that have been added to the first purchase have all developed under his careful personal supervision. The land was originally covered with greasewood and sage brush- this giving way to oranges and beautiful drives, where tourist and citizen may enjoy all that nature and taste can offer in the making of a city beautiful. The drive through these grounds has been one of the show places of Riverside for years.


Mr. Crosby is a Republican in political belief and a most prog- ressive citizen. He was united in marriage at Carmel, Putnam county, N. Y., May 18, 1868, with Miss Emma E. Fowler, a native of that county, and a woman of culture and refinement. Three chil- dren have been born to them, viz: Chester E., a resident of San Diego; Harold D., of Pasadena; and Ruth, at home with her par- ents. The daughter received her schooling in Mills College, at Oak- land, Cal. Mr. Crosby and his family are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Riverside, in which church he is a charter member, and for the past twenty years has efficiently served as elder. He assisted in the organization of the Magnolia school dis- trict and for about fifteen years served as clerk of the board. The warm, practical interest Mr. Crosby has ever shown in the wel- fare of his fellow-men is worthy of emulation.


WILLIAM TREAT DINSMORE


Important as were the labors of the pioneers of Riverside and comprehensive as were their utilitarian projects, in many instances these have been equaled or surpassed by the achievements of their descendants. The city maintains a just pride in the talents of the young men who, reared within her borders and content to devote their abilities to her material development, are adding honor to family names and prestige to civic ideals. None perhaps is accom- plishing more in the short span of a business career than William Treat Dinsmore, who is well versed in the law, in finance and in realty, and in any department of commercial progress or professional im-


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portance proves himself the possessor of extended information and sagacious judgment.


The genealogy of the Dinsmore family shows their early identification with the development of Maine, where William T. Dinsmore was born March 17, 1876. His father, P. S. Dinsmore, was born and reared in Maine and there married Miss Anna M. Treat, likewise a native of that state. Descended from a pioneer family, she numbered among her family relations Hon. Charles H. Treat, one of the most influential men of his day and a statesman whose worth was so universally recognized that he was called to Washington, D. C., to aid the national administration in an official and executive capacity, and served for many years as treasurer of the United States. In the service of the nation, as in his own private business and professional affairs, he proved himself conspicuously able. The heritage of his fame has descended to his posterity.


For some years P. S. Dinsmore conducted business affairs in the state of Maine with more or less success. During 1880 he came to California and settled at Riverside. From the outset he was pleased with the country. As a permanent location he believed no place could offer superior advantages. The real estate business and orange growing have kept him busily occupied throughout the thirty-two years he has made this his home, and he still takes an active interest in his business affairs. William T. Dinsmore entered the public schools at the age of about six years and continued with successive promotions until he had finished the school course. Later he received business training in commercial and business colleges in this city and a course with the American School of Law of Chicago. One of the first enterprises in which he engaged was the promotion and organization of the People's Abstract & Trust Com- pany, of which he acted as secretary and manager for over ten years. During his leisure hours, while in charge of the abstract office, he devoted his time to the study of the law and prepared for an examination that would give him admission to the bar. This knowledge of the law has been most helpful to him in his varied activities, although he has never entered upon active professional practice.


The name of William Treat Dinsmore is connected especially with the Security Savings Bank of Riverside, which was organized by the stockholders of the Citizens National Bank and commenced business on July 1, 1907. Ever since the bank was opened for busi- ness he has served as secretary and assistant cashier and his efforts have been helpful in the increasing of the bank's business. A steady growth has been enjoyed from the first. The institution has proved conservative and cautious in investments and loans, but accommodating to customers and helpful to the general interests


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of the city. A reputation has been established for safe and cour- teous dealings and depositors repose the utmost confidence in the resources of this banking institution.


In addition to his business interests Mr. Dinsmore has partici- pated in horticultural enterprises, having owned three different groves of oranges, and now owns a thrifty bearing grove of navel oranges, comprising nine acres on Lincoln Heights, known as "Vista Hermosa Grove." Some years ago he purchased a lot in Riverside on Rubidoux Drive, now known as "Bankers' Row," and there he erected a commodious residence, now occupied by his family, the home place being known as "Sierra Vista," meaning Mountain View. June 8, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Nelson, daughter of Austin Nelson, and a native of Nebraska, where she was reared and educated. Three children bless the union, Julia, Helen and William Treat, Jr. The family are prominently identified with the First Baptist Church of Riverside and greatly interested in its work and maintenance, Mr. Dinsmore being the treasurer of the church. Fraternally Mr. Dins- more holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Riverside. A progressive Republican in political views, he served as vice-president of the Governor Johnson and Wallace Club, has acted as treasurer of the Riverside County Republican Central Com- mittee and maintains a warm interest in campaign work, local elec- tions and civic matters.




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