USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 40
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PEMBROKE S. DINSMORE
The era of activity, represented by a residence and commercial identification of more than thirty years places Mr. Dinsmore in the forefront of the men who have contributed to the prosperity of Riv- erside. In the line of his specialty, that of handling town and coun- try properties in this vicinity, it may be stated with justice that few
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men are more conversant with values than he and none is more fitted by sagacity and experience to carry through to successful con- summation transactions in lands representing large investments. At the same time, while managing realty transactions, he keeps posted concerning all movements affecting the welfare of the city. In policy he is progressive, believing that the highest prosperity can- not be attained by any city or county that adopts a niggardly prin- ciple in public enterprises, and while extravagance should be avoided, so also should be avoided the penurious system that dis- courages every attempt at improvement.
Upon coming to this state and city Mr. Dinsmore was within a few months of forty years of age, his arrival here dating from June 14, 1880, while his birth occurred November 11, 1840. A son of Francis R. and Sophronia (Tuttle) Dinsmore, he was born at Skowhegan, Somerset county, Me., and received a public and high school education at Hartland in the same county. During 1860 he taught school in Aroostook county in the northern part of Maine and later engaged in the lumber business there. Upon selling out in 1868 he began to travel through the New England states as a book salesman and continued in that work for three years. Next he established headquarters at Enfield on the Penobscot river and en- gaged in the manufacture of rafting wedges until 1878, when he sold out. During the last year he also acted as station agent on the Maine Central Railroad. From that time until 1880 he was con- nected with an express business.
For one year after his removal to the west Mr. Dinsmore en- gaged in horticultural pursuits, buying ten acres, which he planted in orange trees and grape vines. On selling out the tract he moved into the city of Riverside and since then has followed the real- estate business. While making his home in Enfield, Me., he was united in marriage, in June of 1873, with Miss Anna M. Treat, who was born and reared in that part of the state and who had received fair educational advantages in the local schools and completed in a private school for girls at Foxcroft, Me. Three children blessed their union, namely: William T., who holds a position as assistant cashier of the Security Savings Bank of Riverside; Fred E., em- ployed as searcher of records for the Riverside Title & Trust Com- pany, and Mrs. May Louise Chapman, of Riverside. The family are Baptists in religious belief. Charitable movements have re- ceived their kindly helpfulness and they have been interested par- ticularly in all enterprises for the upbuilding of their home city. The political opinions of Mr. Dinsmore bring him into sympathy with Republican principles and always he has supported that ticket in national elections. Fraternally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Foresters.
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ARCHIBALD GETTY PATTON
One of the first settlers in the West Riverside district and a man who was universally respected by all who knew him was the late A. G. Patton, who was born near Pittsburg, Pa., in 1832. His father dying when he was but four years of age he was bound out for a time and later made his home with his grandparents until he was about twenty years old. Having heard a great deal about the west- ern country through the return of many of the gold-seekers from California, he was fired with a desire to try his luck in the new Eldorado and accordingly joined with some others who were of the same mind, outfitted for the trip across the plains and after the usual hardships and trials incident to the long and dangerous trip, arrived in California in 1852. He at once tried his luck at mining on the Feather river and in other places where gold was to be found, but finding the occupation yielding poor returns for the trials and hardships necessary to successful accomplishment he soon turned his attention to other matters and became interested in mechanics. For a number of years he made his headquarters in Napa and worked at the trade of machinist. He operated the first straw-burning threshing machine in the state. While residing in Napa he met and married Miss Anveline Smith, who was born in Ohio in 1848. She had come with her people to the coast and set- tled in Oregon, having come over the 'Oregon trail" when but a girl, and thereafter journeyed to California and to Napa, where she had an uncle living. When she had been there some time it was decided to return to the east and with this uncle she made the trip by way of Cape Horn. When she again returned to California it was by rail, soon after the railroad had been completed connect- ing the east with the west.
Before his marriage Mr. Patton had come to Southern Cali- fornia and was interested with Mr. Van Nuys and others in farming in the vicinity of San Fernando, Los Angeles county. About 1882 he went to San Bernardino county in search of land and selected a location in what is now the Glenavon district, Riverside county. Here he took up government land, a timber claim and bought a section of railroad land. Clearing some of the land from sage brush he put in a crop and then went back for his family, locating them on the new possessions the following year. He retained his interests in the San Fernando section until such a time as he could make proper disposition of them and finally made his home on his new property. Here he found a task in subduing the soil and he labored earnestly to improve a home out of the desert wastes. The balance of his life was spent on the ranch, where he died in 1901.
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His wife had passed away in 1888, aged forty years. There were four children born to them, viz .: Mary J., Mrs. W. E. Gallwas; Mark A., of Riverside; George K., living in the central part of the state; and John H., deceased.
Mr. Patton was the only man who proved up on his timber claim between Pomona and Riverside. He was deeply interested in educational matters and the first school, held in what was known as Pleasant Valley, was at his home; later he headed the list of subscribers who were anxious to establish a school district and the building was erected by subscription. He served on the school board for some years. In politics he was a Republican and sup- ported men and measures in that party's interests. He was active in the organization of Riverside county in 1893. In fact, every movement that meant the advancement of the interests of the people and the betterment of local conditions in his locality never found him lacking in giving of his time and means for their furtherance. He was strictly a self-made man and wherever he was known he was highly respected and at his passing in 1901 the county lost one of her most loyal adherents and upbuilders, and the state one of her pioneers of worth.
ACHILLES MARTIN
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As secretary of the East Riverside Water Company for the last twenty years Achilles Martin has proved his worth to the com- munity in which he has resided for a quarter of a century. A na- tive of Illinois, he was born in Vermilion county February 25, 1834, the son of Henry and Mary (Morgan) Martin, both of whom were descendants of West Virginia ancestors. Morgantown, of that state, was so named in honor of David Morgan, one of the maternal ancestors. The latter and his brother, Zackwell Morgan, founded that city and were foremost in subduing and bringing under rules of civilization all that rich farming and mineral region. An inci- dent worthy of mention in this record occurred about the year 1779, at a time when the Indians were troublesome to the first settlers and at all times hostile, but during the hunting season especially so, when the settlers all fled to their stockade or fort for shelter and protection. One day David Morgan, the great-great-grandfather of Mr. Martin, being somewhat indisposed, sent two of his children to the field on an errand and during their absence slept and dreamed that they had returned to the fort bleeding from the loss of their scalps. He woke suddenly and finding them still absent took his gun and started for the field a mile distant to find them busy at work. He saw two Indians at his house and signaled the
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children to "run to the fort." The Indians saw and pursued them, but did not see the father who intervened and the unequal combat was on. Morgan hid behind a tree and rested his gun, the Indians did the same, but finding one Indian exposed, Morgan fired first and the Indian fell. Morgan then ran with an empty gun, pursued by the other Indian, who was more fleet of foot (Mor- gan being then over seventy years of age) and when but a few yards behind fired and missed. Morgan finding he was over- matched in the race turned for a hand to hand encounter. The Indian threw his tomahawk, which Morgan parried with his gun, losing two fingers of his left hand; the antagonists closed, Morgan threw the Indian to the ground, but the latter being the stronger, was soon on top with a terrific yell. Morgan seized him by the throat to find his fingers gone. The Indian began fumbling for his knife, which was obstructed by a woman's apron he had just stolen from the house and bound around his waist. Morgan seized one of his antagonist's fingers between his teeth with a deadly grip, the Indian again reached for his knife, grasping the handle near the blade; at the same time Morgan grasped the hilt and drew the blade through the Indian's hand, plunged the knife into the Indian's body and left it there; this ended the tragedy.
The grandfather of Mr. Martin was at the fort when this In- dian was brought in and buried and frequently rehearsed the story to his many descendants with thrilling effect. The story of this engagement in full is narrated in a history known as "Border War- fare," to be found in our public libraries, also in the history of Marion county, West Virginia. In the early '90s the descendants of this celebrated patriarch of the family to the number of a thou- sand or more met on this same battle ground and rehearsed with pride the scene above narrated; exhibited the identical knife and apron and many other trophies. They also contributed funds and erected a monument on the spot where the scene was enacted and organized for an annual reunion on September 1st of each suc- ceeding year. Say what you may about the "dove of peace," families are known to cherish and bless the brave deeds of noble ancestors, nations will ever honor their great captains and the 'world is forever worshipping at the shrine of its heroes.
Achilles Martin was reared and educated under pioneer con- ditions, when log school houses were in vogue and farming was the only occupation for young men. The progressive spirit of the young man was manifest in the first vote which he cast, it being in favor of a public school system. Politically he was a disciple of Owen Lovejoy, Richard Yates and Abraham Lincoln. With the first call to arms he was mustered into the service as color bearer in Company A of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, and after- ward was promoted to second and first lieutenant respectively, hold-
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ing two commissions signed by Richard Yates, governor of Illinois He was severely wounded at Chickamauga, Ga., September 19, 1863. His army record we glean from a farewell address by Col. W. H. Gibson, of Ohio, commanding the brigade before Atlanta, Ga., de- livered under the fire of the enemy's guns, to-wit: "Soldiers of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, as your term of three years' serv- ice has expired it is fitting and proper that the colonel commanding should express to each and all his earnest thanks for the cheerful manhood with which during the present campaign you have sub- mitted to every hardship and overcome every difficulty. Your de- portment in camp has been worthy true soldiers, while your con- duct in battle has excited the admiration of your companions in arms. Patriotic thousands and a noble state will give you a recep- tion worthy your sacrifice and your valor. You have done your duty-you who rallied under the starry emblem of our nationality at Pea Ridge, Corinth, Chaplin Hills, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Noonday Creek, Pine Top Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta-have made history for all time and for coming generations to admire. Officers and soldiers, farewell. May God guarantee to each health, happiness and use- fulness in coming life."
Returning home from the field of battle, Achilles Martin spent one year in college preparatory for a change in occupation necessi- tated by wounds received in battle. He then entered the office of circuit clerk and recorder as deputy at Danville, Ill., and compiled an abstract record to all lands in the county. Continuing in this business for twenty years, during which time he also compiled a complete abstract record of titles for Doniphan county, Kan. In January, 1887, he joined an excursion to the Pacific coast, on which he chanced to visit Riverside, and so captivated was he with the outlook, that he sold his return ticket and at once engaged in the development of the town and its surroundings. Among other things he caused to be laid out and added to the city a number of additions. He also incorporated and took charge of a large tract of land near Perris and was largely identified in negotiations with the United States government in locating the first Indian school at that place. This was afterward removed to Riverside on account of the failure of the water supply and is now known as Sherman Institute. Mean- while, in preparing an abstract satisfactory to the government on which to establish the school he visited San Diego to direct the character of the work, and while thus engaged was again captivated, this time by a lady who subsequently became his wife. She was Lida Lair, the descendant of an old and prominent southern family of Kentucky, antedating the celebrated Daniel Boone. On the pa- ternal side Mrs. Martin was the great-granddaughter of Lady Hub- bard, of England, who gave her hand in marriage to Andrew Lair,
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of Huguenot blood. The ancestral name was borne by one of Na- poleon's most trusted marshals, whose descendants still hold places of honor in the French nation. On the maternal side the great- grandfather was of German blood and held high honor in the king's body guard, being known as the king's smiter. Coming to America in his infancy, he became rich and powerful. His son, George Smizer (the name being a corruption of "smiter" of former days), came early to Kentucky and became wealthy and influential. These two families have the same root stock of French and English blood joined to the hardy German stock. In politics this lady was a disciple of John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky, who threw down the challenge of war to perpetuate slavery which deluged the land in blood. These two extreme views appeared in this new ac- quaintance, but cupid was present and commanded peace, and it was so. May God speed the day when this same god of love, though deaf, blind and invisible, shall supplant armies and navies and command the peace of the world. Their marriage occurred February 17, 1889, and from that time Mrs. Martin was an im- portant factor in the social and civic life of the town-home, church and club feeling the influence of her sweet but forceful nature. Her crowning effort was the organization of the Shakespeare class, of which she was for many years leader, and which became a per- manent and helpful auxiliary of the Woman's Club.
HUGH H. CRAIG
Prior to the congenial associations of recent years, that bind Mr. Craig to the professional life of Riverside, there existed the ties that are interwoven with the pleasant memories of childhood and . the recollections of the classical studies and the professional re- searches of young manhood. The studious years of youth were principally passed in Keokuk, Iowa, where he was born October 1, 1874, a member of the family of John H. and Alice (Read) Craig. The quaint old river town in which he grew from child to man pos sessed excellent schools and in them he was a pupil until his gradu- ation from the high school in the spring of 1892 at the age of seventeen years. In order that he might enjoy larger opportunities he was sent to Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa, and there ho took the regular course of classical study, continuing until 1896, when he was graduated with honors.
A reportorial experience of great value to his mental develop-
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ment began immediately after Mr. Craig's graduation, when he be- came connected with the Keokuk Daily Gate City, a newspaper that formerly wielded a wide influence throughout the central states. During the three years of his association with the office he advanced to the position of city editor and discharged the arduous responsi- bilities of the post with tact and fidelity. The law, however, at- tracted him in greater degree than the press and he abandoned the one to devote himself to the other, taking up law studies under the tutelage of John E. Craig, a cousin, a lawyer of local prominence and popularity. On the completion of the necessary course of read- ing he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the state of Iowa, having first passed an examination creditable to his abilities and careful preparation.
From the time of his admission to the bar until his removal to California in 1908 Mr. Craig engaged in practice in his native city, where, also, he held office as city attorney for three years beginning in 1905. Both in private practice and as the representative of civic legal affairs, he inspired the confidence of his fellow-citizens, who appreciated his wide knowledge of professional technicalities, his loyalty to the welfare of the city and his deep devotion to local educational and professional advancement. Appreciative of his in- terest in education, the people selected him to serve as a member of the board of education of Keokuk and he remained in that re- sponsible position until he removed from the city. Meanwhile his work was directed toward advancing the standard of education and enlarging the equipment necessary for successful instruction of the young. During the period of his residence in Keokuk he established a home of his own, being united in marriage, November 29, 1905, at Chariton, Iowa, with Miss Jessie MeKloeen, a popular young society woman of Chariton, who later shared with him in the friendship of many cultured people of Keokuk and is now enjoying a wide circle of acquaintances in Riverside. Upon his location in this city Mr. Craig became a partner in the law firm of Collier, Car- nahan & Craig, one of the leading professional concerns of the county and the recipients also of an extensive practice that comes to them from other districts. In 1911 this partnership was dis- solved, Messrs. Collier & Craig continuing a partnership.
A careful study of the national issues, begun in early youth and continued up to the present time, has brought to Mr. Craig firm con- victions on political questions and has made of him a devoted adher- ent of Democratic principles. Pronounced as are his opinions and stanch as are his preferences, he shows no trace of partisan spirit. but concedes to others the liberty of opinion which he demands for himself. The honors of office he has not sought, but native endow- ments and education admirably qualify him to represent the people
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in positions of trust. A number of fraternal organizations have re- ceived the benefit of his association, notable among these being the lodges of Modern Woodmen, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was appointed a mem- ber of the board of education in 1911, to fill a vacancy and at the city election in that same year was elected to the position.
RICHARD WILKS, SR.
For the past twenty-five years a prominent factor in the devel- opment of Riverside county, Mr. Wilks fully merits his present prosperity, as well as the general good will which his honorable methods and kindly personality have inspired among his many friends throughout the vicinity of Wildomar.
Born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1853, Mr. Wilks was bereft of his father ten years later, whereupon the entire responsibility of the household fell upon the brave and unselfish mother, who con- tinued to devote her life to her children until all became inde- pendent. Her death occurred in Hook Norton in 1897. Upon com- pletion of his education in the schools of Banbury and Charlbury, Richard Wilks became a rancher, later receiving the appointment of guardian of Worminghall, and in 1873, having secured a good start in life, married Miss Fanny Kimball, an English girl. To their union four children were born: Richard, Jr., a large rancher and stock man; Thomas H., a successful rancher and stock man, whose history will be found in this volume; Mary Elizabeth, who resides with her parents; and Valentine John, whose young life was cut short in August, 1910, near Elsinore, Cal., by a shot in- tended for a deer. All of the children are living at Wildomar.
In 1887 Mr. Wilks immigrated to the United States, settling in Michigan, where he remained with friends. Subsequently he was with his wife's brother and family in Kansas, and from there came to California. Settlement was made in San Diego county, but by subdivision of that county the locality became a part of Riverside county, and here he has resided ever since. His first home was in Murrietta, where he rented a house until he built his homestead at Wildomar. To the original eighty acres he has added from time to time, until his present property aggregates two hundred and five acres, which he devotes to fruit, hay, grain and poultry raising. He also has a herd of seven Jerseys, and disposes of his cream in Riverside.
Maintaining a keen interest in civic movements of worth, Mr.
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Wilks has contributed not a little to the progress of the community in which he has so long resided and is conceded to be one of River- side county's most able and influential citizens.
ABRAM LATERMAN MATTHEWS
A resident of Wildomar, Cal., since 1888, Mr. Matthews is a man whose qualities of enterprise and honor fully merit the esteem and confidence which he enjoys among his fellow citizens. Since June 21, 1902, he has served as postmaster and for ten years was station agent for the Santa Fe Railroad Company. He was born in the town of Catlin, Chemung county, N. Y., August 21, 1845, and is a member of one of the oldest families in America. His great- grandfather, Amasa Matthews, a native of France, was an officer in the Black Hawk war, his service during the battle of Horseheads, N. Y., having been worthy of special mention. He had a son, Kort- right Matthews, a native of New York state and a farmer by occu- pation; throughout the country he bought heavily timbered government land for twenty-five cents an acre. As his chil- dren married (he being the father of twenty sons and two daugh- ters by his two marriages) he deeded them a tract of land upon which they settled and improved a farm. All of his children reached advanced ages but seven, three sons and one- daughter still living. He died on his original home place at the age of ninety-two years. One of his sons was Isaac Matthews, the father of A. L., and who was a native of Schuyler county, N. Y. He served for many years as an officer in the New York state militia, later in life entering the ministry of the Methodist church, in which field he labored faithfully until his death in New York in 1891 at the age of seventy-four. His wife, formerly Miss Ann Manning, a native of England, passed away in April, 1857, aged forty-nine years. In the family of Isaac Matthews there were five sons and three daugh- ters, and of these four are living, but with the exception of A. L. and a sister, Mrs. Delia Hobart of San Francisco, none of them settled on the Pacific coast. George resides in Hiawatha, Kan., and Mrs. Anna Pulver in Rochester, N. Y.
Reared in an atmosphere of culture and refinement, A. L. Matthews early learned the value of truth and honor and by his ambition and manly qualities fully justified the hopes of his parents. Always an eager student, the boy nevertheless left his studies in 1863 and in October enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery, leaving his loved ones and the comforts of home to endure the hardships and dangers incident to the life of the soldier. Upon his honorable discharge for disability in 1864
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