History of Riverside County, California, Part 48

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 48


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HENRY JENSEN


Representative of an old and honored family of Southern Cali- fornia and himself one of the capable ranchers of Riverside county, Mr. Jensen has added prestige to the reputation established by his father, Capt. Cornelius Jensen, and is worthily sustaining the char- acteristics associated with the name. During a lifetime linked with the locality of his present residence it has been his privilege to witness the remarkable transformation wrought in the aspect of the region. Cities have sprung into an important existence upon sites once marked by naught save the sage brush and the wild mustard. Thriving communities are joined by a network of orange groves beautiful in appearance and remunerative in finan- cial returns. A prosperous population has come to enjoy the sunny and genial climate and reap the returns from the rich soil. None has entered into this growing prosperity with greater enthusiasm or deeper interest than have the native-born sons of the common- wealth.


At the old homestead in San Bernardino county Henry Jensen was born August 15, 1867, and there he passed the uneventful years of youth, meanwhile attending school and helping in the cultivation of the ranch. The financial circumstances of the family justified the privilege of excellent educational advantages to the sons and he was sent to the Los Angeles University after he had completed the studies of the common schools. Two years were spent in university study and he then entered a business college, where for two years he devoted his attention to bookkeeping and kindred studies neces- sary for a complete understanding of commercial and financial transactions. On the completion of his education he settled on the ranch in Riverside county and for some years had complete charge


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of the property, of which he inherited twenty-five acres, forming his present ranch. Here he erected a neat cottage and substantial outbuildings. Five acres he has planted in an orange grove and he also has planted peach trees as well as a vineyard now in fine bearing condition. The balance of the land is in alfalfa which yields several large crops each year.


The year 1891 witnessed the establishment of domestic ties by Henry Jensen. On the 15th of August he was united in mar- riage with Miss Lizzie Graser at Riverside. The father of Mrs. Jensen was Charles Graser, a native of Germany, but in early life an immigrant to the United States and a pioneer of Missouri. Mrs. Graser likewise was born in Germany. Their daughter, Mrs. Jen- sen, was born in California, Moniteau county, Mo., near Jefferson City, and received a fair education in the schools of that part of the country. The children of her marriage are Clara J., Olla G. and Nydia M., of whom the second-named is a graduate from Heald's Business College and now employed by the Riverside Electric Com- pany. Not only has Mr. Jensen aimed to give to his own children good advantages, but in addition he has promoted educational af- fairs in the county and has been solicitous that every child might receive a thorough training for life's responsibilities. His service as a member of the school board for some years was of a most helpful nature. In politics he votes with the Democratic party, but he has never sought nor held office. Fraternally he holds mem- bership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Riverside and the Independent Order of Foresters in the same city. In both of these organizations he has held official positions and has aided generously in their charitable enterprises.


JAMES R. WHITE


While little more than a decade has elapsed since Mr. White became identified with Riverside as a permanent resident, he has associated himself with so many of the local enterprises that he is prominently known throughout the entire district. The Moreno Citrus Association has the benefit of his talent in the office of presi- dent, as well as a member of its board of directors. The Moreno Water Company numbers him among its stockholders and his stanch support of the concern has proved an element in its growth. As a director he has been closely identified with the Victoria Avenue Citrus Association of Casa Blanca. In addition to these public positions, which he has filled for the purpose of promoting their


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success and at sacrifice to himself, he has personal interests of magnitude, entailing great responsibilities upon him, but bringing their reward in an increased prosperity and an enviable degree of success.


The first member of the family to settle in the west was A. C. White, who was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in November of 1818. During that early era of our national history educational advantages were few and his large scope of information was mainly self-acquired, although he had some schooling in the country. During the early part of the year 1840 he removed to Illinois and settled on a tract of raw land near Kewanee, Henry county, where he was prospered to an unusual degree. The banking business at- tracted him to such an extent that he combined its interests with those of agriculture, not only in Illinois, but also after he removed to Missouri. It was during 1869 that he settled near Fairfax, Atchison county, Mo., where he became a large farmer and land- owner. In addition he was connected with banks at Tarkio, West- boro and Fairfax, all in Atchison county. Few men of that region had a larger circle of acquaintances than he and his influence was felt throughout agricultural and banking affairs in the entire county.


With a view to establishing a winter home in California and enjoying the delightful climate which that season brings in our state, A. C. White came west in 1894 and bought a tract of eighty acres at Wildomar, Riverside county, where he planted some of the first olives in the modern activities of the state. Until his death, which occurred in April of 1899, he spent his summers at Fairfax, Mo., and his winters on his ranch in Riverside county and it was here that he passed away. A man of remarkable personality, he achieved a success that signalized his native forces of character and tremendous energy of temperament. His property at Wildomar was inherited by his son, James R., who was born in Kewanee, Henry county, Ill., in July, 1851, being a son of the union of A. C. White with Martha T. Hubbard. Excellent advantages were given him in boyhood and he completed a high school course in 1871, after which he assisted in the management of the home farm near Fairfax, Mo. During 1873 he moved to Wellington, Kan., and took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he remained for two years. Selling out in 1875, he moved to Fremont county, Iowa, and bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he established his home. That property was traded in 1880 for land in Otoe county, Neb., but after a residence there of one year he disposed of the tract.


On a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, near Fairfax, Mo., partly the gift of his father and partly the investment of his 30


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own savings, James R. White made his home from 1881 until 1896, when he removed to Denver, Colo. For three years he carried on a retail grocery business, selling out at the time of his father's death, when the duties connected with the estate demanded his presence in California. The environment here proved so satisfactory that he established a permanent home at No. 1205 Lemon stret, River- side. In Riverside county he owns orange groves aggregating fifty-five acres. By his first marriage he became the father of four children, as follows: Rena Lillian, the wife of H. E. Robinson, a merchant of Villisca, Iowa; Cline C., in the employ of the River- side Title and Trust Company and residing on Rubidoux avenue; Chloe May, the wife of Dr. F. S. Williams, Villisca, Iowa, and E. L. C., editor and manager of the Villisca (Iowa) Review. Mr. White's present wife, with whom he was united December 11, 1899, bore the maiden name of Lizzie Copley and was a popular young lady of Riverside social circles. The political views of Mr. White are in accord with the principles of the Republican party. As a citizen he supports all movements for the upbuilding of his home city and has been a generous contributor of time and means to progressive enterprises.


HENRY L. MILLER


Abundant illustration of the commercial opportunities afforded by Riverside appears in the striking success achieved by the Ark Housefurnishing Company, of which, since April of 1907, Mr. Miller has officiated as president and general manager. The history of the concern is unique and interesting, yet similar to that of many of the western establishments whose growth challenges admiration and disarms criticism. Founded in 1887 as a second-hand store, the original capital was less than $300 and was invested in second-hand furnishings displayed for sale in a building 18x60 feet in dimen- sions. The original principle upon which the business was estab- lished remains the motto of the present prosperous organization, viz .: "A dollar's worth for every dollar or every dollar back." Progressing step by step, the company today furnishes one of the notable examples of business development and growth in Southern California.


The culmination of the ambition of the firm took visible form in their splendid building, 72x160 feet, four stories in height, in area covering something over an acre of floor space. The floors are connected by two hydraulic quick-service elevators, one for


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freight and the other for passengers. Spacious offices have been provided for the business heads of the company. Shipping rooms afford ample facilities for the crating of goods, while a rest room gives to the public ample opportunity to rest from the constant strain of shopping. The show windows present a four-room cottage effect and display the refined tastes of the decorators. In its en- tirety the plant has no superior in the locality and indeed even the city stores of Los Angeles, while containing larger assortments, do not give a greater variety for the customer's choice nor do they offer greater attractions in reasonable prices.


The president of the company is a native of Illinois and was born at Woodstock, September 6, 1862, being a son of J. K. and Helen L. Miller, residents for years of Illinois and later of Kansas, where the son attended the schools of Sterling, Rice county. After graduation from the high school of that town he matriculated in the Lawrence Business College at Lawrence, Kan., and in 1886 received his diploma from that institution. Immediately afterward he came to Southern California and secured employment as conductor on a Colton motor car. In 1890 he resigned that position and came to Riverside, where for one year he conducted a mercantile business. Next he became interested in a furniture establishment with H. P Zimmerman as a partner, the two remaining in partnership until 1899, after which Mr. Miller carried on the work alone. In 1907 he formed a stock company, the Ark Housefurnishing Company, of which he was elected president and general manager, J. G. Hansler, vice-president and Miss Ella Pamm secretary, with the following directors: Messrs. G. Rouse. succeeded in office in 1912 by S. S. Patterson, Ray Jessup, J. G. Hansler, William Merrill and H. L. Miller, these being substantial business men of Riverside and en- joying the confidence of the people to an unusual degree.


A branch store has been established at Arlington. In the principal store employment is furnished to twenty-eight persons, all of whom display an eager interest in the general success and mani- fest the courtesy and business intelligence invaluable in the growth of any enterprise. The manager is proud of the store and of his employes and harmony characterizes all business relations, thereby promoting effective results. A catalogue is issued to rep- resent some of the stock, showing what they call the bone and sinew of their business, the part from which are made three-fourths of the sales. With their diversified stock any home can be furnished. Expensive furnishings may be secured for elegant residences. Less costly articles are provided for people in moderate circumstances, and those to whom the utmost economy is absolutely necessary may also find in the store the objects needed at prices within their reach.


The marriage of Mr. Miller at Riverside, July 10, 1895, united


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him with Miss Sadie . W. Wilson, of this city. They are the par- ents of four children. The eldest, Wallace H., attends the high school. Elizabeth D., the only daughter, is a student in the public schools, where also Forrest and Eugene are pupils. Fraternally, Mr. Miller holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and Sons of Veterans.


CASPER P. STONE


For a long period of successful activity the monument business has engrossed the energies of Mr. Stone and enabled him through the exercise of his fine abilities to accumulate a competency as well as attain an enviable position in commercial circles of Riverside, his home city and business headquarters. While it was during 1893 that he became a resident of this place and opened the yard he since has conducted, that year does not represent the beginning of his association with the industry. Indeed, it may be stated that he was born in the business. as four generations of the family have engaged in this particular line, and he was a mere lad when he began to study the business and ever since then he has allowed no other enterprise to distract his attention from the occupation chosen as his specialty. While he has sole charge of the Riverside branch, he is associated with two brothers in the enterprise and the firm of Stone Brothers has attained a wide reputation through the efforts of its members.


Of foreign birth and education, Mr. Stone is nevertheless wholly American in his loyalty to our government and typically Californian in his whole-hearted devotion to the west. A son of Philip M. and Gulistan P. Stone, he was born at Harpoot, Armenia, February 27, 1869, and received high-school advantages in his native land, after which he carried on advanced studies in Euphrates College for one year. After having taught an Armenian school for one year, he bade farewell to home and friends and came across the ocean to the United States, settling at Proctor, Rutland county, Vt., where he began to learn the monument business. Later he worked at the trade in Milwaukee, Wis., for ten months, but was called back to Vermont to work in the yards of the Corona Marble Com- pany. December of 1889 found him in California, he having been influenced to locate in San Bernardino for the purpose of forming a partnership with two brothers under the title of Stone Brothers, a concern that has had a successful history of twenty-two or more years. From that city he came to Riverside in 1893 and opened a


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branch yard, establishing a business that has experienced a steady growth and profitable development.


The union of Casper P. Stone and Naomi V. Alexandrian was solemnized in Fresno, this state, November 25, 1902, the bride being a daughter of the late Dr. Nazareth Alexandrian, well known as a physician and orange-grower in Riverside. The Stone family consists of two children, the son, Levon Phillip, born Decem- ber 22, 1905, and the daughter, Josephine E., born March 22, 1909. The family find harmonious religious connections in the Congrega- tional Church and contribute generously to the missionary enter- prises under the auspices of that denomination. No native-born citizen of our state is more devoted to its progress or more loyal to its possibilities than is Mr. Stone, who takes a warm interest in progressive projects and gives stanch allegiance to the Republican party. Various fraternal organizations enjoy the advantage of his association, these being the Woodmen of the World, the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows and the blue lodge of Masonry. The pleasant impression left upon a stranger by Mr. Stone's dignified appearance and fine bearing is deepened by contact with him per- sonally, for he is found to be a man of striking mentality, excellent education and a cosmopolitan knowledge of the world. Both in social and in business circles he has the standing always generously accorded to men of versatile abilities and high principles of honor.


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LAFAYETTE GILL


It has been the privilege of Mr. Gill to make his home in California throughout the greater part of his life and by sojourns in different localities he has formed an impartial, experienced esti- mate of the possibilities afforded by various communities, his de- cision in the matter leading him to believe that no region offers greater advantages than does Riverside, which combines scenic beauty with material resources and offers to the stranger an attrac- tive aspect with its substantial school buildings, its many churches and its refined moral atmosphere. Since the year 1893 he has en- gaged in the practice of law at Riverside and meanwhile has formed a part of the life of the community, contributing to those movements inseparably associated with civic progress and proving the loyalty of his devotion to the city by generous aid extended enterprises for the general welfare.


A son of James W. and Elizabeth Gill and a descendant of old eastern families, Lafayette Gill was born in Marion county,


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Iowa, in March of 1852, but at the age of five years he came to California with his parents. His education was obtained in the public schools of various towns of this state and at the conclusion of his classical studies he took up Blackstone and other legal authorities, devoting himself with assiduous diligence to the acqui- sition of a broad knowledge of the law. As early as 1885 he became a resident of the northern part of San Diego county, which later was merged into Riverside county upon the organization of the last- named division of the state. During 1893 he opened an office at Riverside and three years later he was honored with an appoint- ment as district attorney, which position he filled with recognized ability for three years. From 1899 until 1903 he was a law partner of Judge Gibson and from 1903 until 1906 he practiced as a partner of his half-brother, Judge Densmore, but since the last-named year he has been alone in practice. Aside from his association with the blue lodge of Masonry and the local camp, Woodmen of the World, he has entered into no fraternal relations, it being his pref- erence to devote his attention closely to professional interests and kindred pursuits.


JOHN S. CASTLEMAN


The climatic advantages offered by Southern California have proved peculiarly alluring to those who, familiar from earliest memories with the rigorous winters and frequent storms incident to life in Canada, have sought for surroundings less taxing upon the strength and have found the desired environment in the valleys and foothills near the Pacific ocean. A large proportion of the settlers developed orange groves and in this class belongs John S. Castleman, who came to Riverside more than twenty-five years ago and from that time to the present has been identified intimately with local horticultural enterprises. By his personal success he has proved what it is within the power of a man to accomplish along the line of his specialty. Sagacious judgment has governed his in- vestments and a wise supervision of his grove has brought the land to a high state of productiveness whereby large crops are harvested and gratifying profits accrued.


The province of Ontario is Mr. Castleman's native Canadian home and July 10, 1840, the date of his birth, his parents having been Martin and Maria (Monk) Castleman. While by no means wealthy, the family lacked none of the comforts of life and the son was given fair educational advantages. At the age of eighteen


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years he discontinued his studies and began to assist his father in the lumber business, the two continuing together until the demise of the parent in 1880, at which time the mill and other interests were inherited by the three sons. For some years John S. re- mained in the same location, but during 1884 he disposed of his interests in Canada and came to California. Since then Riverside has been his home and horticulture his occupation. His first pur- chase of twenty-two acres has been increased by subsequent pur- chases, so that his possessions now aggregate forty acres in fine orange land. Besides his landed interests he acquired stock in the First National Bank of Riverside upon the organization of the concern and has since acted in the capacity of director, besides being a stockholder and director in the Riverside Savings Bank and Trust Company.


The marriage of John S. Castleman and Miss Frances Mott was solemnized in Ontario, Canada, in October of 1865. Five children blessed their union and all of them are living in Southern Cali- fornia, namely: Stanley J., who has a position as cashier of the First National Bank of Riverside; Pember S., who is engaged in the real estate business in Riverside; Mrs. Mabel A. Winterbotham, also of Riverside; Casey M., who makes his home in Los Angeles; and Mrs. Helen Hillegas, a resident of Riverside. The various members of the family circle have been generous in contributions to religious movements as well as to general philanthropic enter- prises. A Mason of the Knights Templar Commandery, Mr. Castle- man for years has maintained a warm interest in the work of this order and has been a believer in its creed of the brotherhood of men. In addition he has membership with the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks. Although he has never mingled in political affairs nor sought the honors of office, he has kept posted con- cerning national problems and has given stanch support to the Republican party.


SEELEY L. PILLAR


Architecture offers varied attractions to its disciples in every part of the world, but nowhere does it present forms more diversi- fied or outlines more symmetrically harmonious than in California. While every type of architecture responds with artistic effect to skilled treatment, certain styles have been discovered to be in the greatest harmony with the environment and the climatic con- ditions and these appear in their manifold forms in many of the most noteworthy structures of the country. Of the men who have


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given intelligent and long-continued study to the science of building, mention belongs to Seeley L. Pillar, who prepared for the occu- pation by first gaining a thorough knowledge of carpentering and building, and who subsequently devoted all of his leisure hours to preparation for the architect's labors. On the completion of a regular and thorough course of study he was granted a license as an architect, receiving his certificate under date of December 23, 1901, from the state board of architecture at Sacramento.


Born at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 11, 1866, Seeley L. Pillar is a son of Solomon and Mary (Phifer) Pillar, the former a Canadian by birth and of German descent. For a long period the family resided at Russell. Ontario, Canada, where the father followed farming and where the son was a student in local schools. Arriving at the age of seventeen years, the latter gave up his stud- ies and began to serve an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade at Russell. At the expiration of a term of three years he was prepared to work as a journeyman and had been thoroughly trained in all of the essential principles of the building industry. Upon starting out for himself he left Canada and came direct to River- side, Cal., arriving November 8, 1887, and where he soon found employment. For eight years he worked by the day as a carpenter. Each task was done with fidelity; each job was completed with the utmost care. Hence he became known for trustworthy work.


Securing employment with J. E. Porter, a building contractor, Mr. Pillar remained with him in the capacity of foreman for five years. Meanwhile he ascertained by experience his own qualifica- tions for the contract business and thus was induced to take con- tracts for himself. During all of this period of activity he had been engaged in the study of architecture during leisure hours and finally he was able to secure the certificate necessary for practical par- ticipation in the occupation. Immediately afterward he began to draw plans as requested, but it was not until 1906 that he sold out his contracting business and began to give his whole time to archi- tecture, his present specialty. A partial list of his work would include mention of the following buildings: Manual training school at Riverside; Bryant public school; Abbott building, Freeman and Patterson building, Crescent block, Hooker building, the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church at Riverside; the Katz building at San Bernardino, the Spiech residence in Riverside, branch Library at Arlington and the Carnegie Library at Hemet, besides a large number of residences in Riverside and elsewhere.




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