USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 51
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is something to sell the year around and one season is almost as good as another. After the citrus fruits have been shipped the many thousands of acres of alfalfa just to the north of the town are putting forth their rich harvests. In addition the rock crushers and brick plants are running all year and utilizing the valuable deposits contained in the mountains. These varied industries give Corona a foundation as solid. in his opinion, as may be found any- where in the entire country, while the outlook for the future is most promising.
ROBERT J. ROULSTON
Known throughout San Jacinto and vicinity as a man of sterling qualities and conservative business judgment, Mr. Roulston has been successfully engaged for the past sixteen years as an undertaker, his progressive spirit and kindly, generous principles having established him as a citizen of the highest worth.
A native of the state of New York, Mr. Roulston was born in St. Lawrence county October 5, 1867, the son of James and Martha (Wallace) Roulston, natives of New York and Scotland, respec- tively. Upon completion of his common school education, the son entered Cornell University, matriculating as a student of agricul- ture, including the veterinary department. Shortly after his gradu- ation in 1889 he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Ogdensburg, N. Y., successfully conducting his affairs until 1895, when, upon disposing of his trade, he came to California. For a time he resided in Los Angeles, later purchasing in San Jacinto the business which now occupies his attention, and also became inter- ested in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses, having since owned and sold many fine animals, the sale price of the best bred never having been less than $400 each. Besides his ten-acre ranch upon which his horses are kept and pastured, he owns a com- fortable and artistic home on Jordan avenue, San Jacinto. His wife was formerly Miss Alice Wallace of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and they were married in that city June 3, 1889.
Fraternally Mr. Roulston is a member and past master of San Jacinto Lodge No. 338, F. & A. M .; past high priest of San Jacinto Chapter No. 87, R. A. M .; a member of Riverside Commandery, K. T., and Al Malaikah Temple of Los Angeles. He maintains at all times an active interest in civic movements, in which he is prompt to lend his support, and is conceded to be one of San Jacinto's most progressive and able citizens.
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W. D. CLEMENTS
Industry and integrity have been the foundation stones upon which Mr. Clements has built a gratifying degree of material suc- cess and a high standing as a progressive citizen. When he came to Riverside county he was without means, but he possessed an abundance of energy, perseverance and determination and these qualities, backed by a rugged constitution inured to hardships in the rigorous Canadian climate, enabled him to wrest from destiny not merely a meagre livelihood, but also a comfortable competence. No sudden accessions of fortune came to lighten his toil, but little by little he saved with frugal thrift and little by little he added to his acreage in the rich orange-growing section of his chosen location, until now he owns a tract of thirty acres situated along the line of the rural route No. 1 west of Riverside.
A resident of Riverside county since 1896, Mr. Clements was born in New Brunswick, Canada, near the city of Fredericton, July 18, 1864, and grew to manhood upon a farm, meanwhile receiving a common-school education supplemented by high-school advantages. Upon starting to earn his own livelihood he came to the United States and settled in Omaha. Neb., where for three years he was employed as a bookkeeper with the Cudahy Packing Company and for a similar period he acted as receiving teller for the South Omaha National Bank. From Nebraska he moved to California and settled in Riverside county, where since he has engaged in farming and fruit-growing. His first purchase comprised ten acres, to which he soon added a tract of the same size and finally made the purchase that gave him thirty acres in one body. Here he has erected a comfortable residence and convenient outbuildings, also has planted ornamental and fruit trees, having now five acres in oranges. At one time he had the tract wholly in alfalfa, but now he only has ten acres in that crop. Besides his own place he has charge of ten acres belonging to another party.
The marriage of Mr. Clements and Miss Marion Scarnell was solemnized in Los Angeles December 12, 1898, and has been blessed with two children, Dorothy and Mary. Mrs. Clements was born in New Brunswick, Canada, and is a daughter of Capt. William Scar- nell, who in early life entered the British navy and rose to be an officer in the service of the king. Eventually he retired from the . sea and settled in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Clements are in sympathy with the doctrines of the Church of England and are earnest sup- porters of religious movements. In fraternal relations he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and carries insurance in that order. Politically a Republican, he is well informed regard-
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ing party matters and has served as a delegate to various conven- tions. Enterprises for the benefit of his community receive his earnest co-operation and he has been particularly interested in the irrigation question, having served for six years in an official ca- pacity of the North Riverside and Jurupa canal. Educational movements appeal to him in great degree and for four years he gave faithful service as a school trustee, meantime laboring to pro- mote the educational interests of the district and to secure for the children residing therein such opportunities as would best prepare them for life's responsibilities.
FRANK F. THOMPSON
Prominent among Corona's business men is Mr. Thompson, a man of sterling integrity and practical energy, who, since 1898, has been a resident of the community. His birth occurred March 3, 1869, in La Salle county, Ill., his parents being John H. Thompson, a native of Port Huron, Mich., and Harriet (Ward) Thompson, who was born in Butler county, Ohio.
Upon his graduation from high school Mr. Thompson assisted on his father's farm near Paton, Greene county, Iowa, until 1892, when he entered Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, completing his studies in 1893. Returning home, he remained on the farm until 1898, when he located in Corona, Riverside county, working on various ranches for one year. In 1900 he purchased a ten-acre lemon grove and a year later bought thirteen acres which he planted to oranges. In January, 1910, he became president of the Corona National Bank, having also served since 1906 as president of the Orange Heights Fruit Association. For the past five years he has been a director of the Temescal Water Company and is known throughout the county not only as an alert business man, but as an orchardist of exceptional ability.
Mr. Thompson was united in marriage August 19, 1902, in Eas- ton, Cal., with Miss Sadie Tyler, a native of this state. Two chil- dren have blessed their union: Lola A. and Frances L.
A Republican, Mr. Thompson maintains an active interest in political affairs and is always prompt to aid in civic improvements. Since 1902 he has ably served as superintendent of the Corona Methodist Sunday school, being a worthy exponent of the principles of practical Christianity.
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JOHN THOMAS HAMNER
One of the well known and successful men of Riverside county is J. T. Hamner, who for the past ten years has been a member of the board of supervisors from the first district. He was born in Northport, Ala., January 31, 1864, and lived there until he was thirteen years old. From there he accompanied his parents to Waco, McLennan county, Texas, where he grew to mature years. His education was limited to a few years in the district schools. However, he is well informed on subjects of general interest. In 1887 he left Texas for California and settled in San Dimas, where he secured employment in the Los Angeles Sewer Pipe factory and was ultimately made foreman, which position he retained three years, after which time he bought teams and engaged in teaming for the Pacific Clay Manufacturing Company of Corona. While he was engaged in teaming he leased land and began farming, using his teams in winter months to put in his crops. He farmed over one thousand acres to grain and also cleared the land from sage- brush and cactus and did dry farming for years upon the place he now owns and occupies. He met with success and with his pro- ceeds bought land which he has improved. His first purchase, in 1898, was sixty acres, upon which he built his house and outbuild- ings, and later bought additional land and now owns five hundred and forty acres and at this writing (1912) two hundred and sixty acres are planted to alfalfa. which yields about eight tons per acre annually for seven cuttings. All the improvements seen on his ranch were placed there by himself and it is one of the most highly improved in this section. Besides his ranch he also has invested heavily in Corona business property, thus showing his faith in the future of the city and his permanency as a resident.
At Temescal, Cal., April 15, 1891, occurred the marriage of John T. Hamner and Miss Mattie A. Craw, the latter born Novem- ber 9, 1868, in San Bernardino county, where she received her edu- cation. They have a family of three sons and one daughter, namely : John A., Henry B., Emmett F. and Luellen, all natives of Riverside county, where they are receiving their education in the public schools.
Mr. Hamner continued the teaming business several years and also engaged in contracting and in 1894 helped to build the Fox Springs road. He was elected road overseer and served one term and after the change in the law was appointed to that position twice, serving four years. In 1902 he was elected supervisor of the first district, and for six years served as chairman of the board. Mr. Hamner was one of the organizers of the Corona National
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Bank and has served as a director since its organization. He was one of the promoters and is a director of the Corona Home Tele- phone Company and is also one of the directors of the Riverside Water Company. Mr. Hamner is a Republican in matters national, but locally is independent, believing that he should have the right to vote for the best man according to his own judgment. He is a Mason and a member of Corona Lodge No. 338, F. & A. M .; of Circle Lodge No. 337, I. O. O. F., and of Riverside Lodge No. 643, B. P. O. E. Mr. Hamner is one of Corona's foremost citizens, a man of honor and integrity and one who has the esteem of those who know him.
N. L. PRINCE
It was a fine start that Mr. Prince got in life, as far as having an inheritance of good blood and the advantages of good schooling. His father, now for some years judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina, is a man held in the highest esteem by the citi- zens of that state because of his splendid store of legal learning and his upright, fearless character as a judge and citizen. His mother is the daughter of Dr. Samuel Lander, deceased, widely known in the South because of his exceptional work as an inspiring teacher of young women; he was loved and honored by all who knew him.
Born in the village of Williamston, Anderson county, S. C., August 27, 1881, and afterwards carried to the county seat where he grew up, N. L. Prince was taught in private schools and in the public school until ready for college. He entered Wofford College, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1902 and later matriculated in Vanderbilt University, where, however, his work was cut short by the development of a pronounced case of tuberculosis. Dropping everything, his life work and ambition, the subject of this sketch found it necessary to give his whole atten- tion to the battle for physical existence and after trying the cli- mate of the Blue Ridge Mountains he felt the "Call of the West" and left for the arid plains of Arizona, from which place he soon moved to California and in the fall of 1905 arrived in Banning, where he has lived continuously since.
Mr. Prince came to Banning almost penniless, without health and an entire stranger. For several years it was decidedly rough sailing for him, but the $200 which he had borrowed soon after reaching Banning had been so fortunately placed as a first payment on what proved to be under his handling a valuable property, that
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he soon had a small working capital and made other modest invest- ments from time to time. In the meanwhile he was slowly and tediously making his way toward a better condition of health and as he grew better he became more actively interested in the real estate business and in fruit growing until now he has in his own name a choice lot of the best of Banning property, and is the senior member of the prosperous firm of Prince Bros.
Mr. Prince is an official member of the Methodist Church of Banning and during his stay in Banning has been especially active, as his health would permit in work for young people. He has held no political office and while a thorough-going Democrat by early training, he believes in independent thinking and voting in local and state elections. He has settled permanently in Banning, having married Miss Marguerite King, daughter of Dr. John C. King of this place.
HENRY P. KYES
It was the good fortune of Mr. Kyes to come to Riverside as early as May of 1875, a little less than five years after a colonization plan had been effected through the judicious efforts of Judge J. W. North of Knoxville, Tenn. The original name of Jurupa had given place to the present appellation, Riverside, and the first settlers were conducting experiments with trees and irrigation at the time of the arrival of Mr. Kyes, who promptly and energetically threw himself into the work of upbuilding and soon acquired a tract of land that formed the nucleus of the prosperity he later attained. It is a source of unfailing pleasure to him now, as he reflects concerning the past, that he left the bleak hills of Maine in young manhood and cast in his fortunes with the people of a region so incomparably superior in climate and advantages to his native commonwealth.
From a very early period in the settlement of New England the Kyes family had representatives there. Ebenezer Kyes, the grandfather of Henry P., was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and after his term of service was over he went back to his home in Massachusetts and later settled in Maine. He took with him his old musket, bayonet and bullet pouch, which later were very highly prized relics of the family. H. P. Kyes states that "Many times my brother and I used the old musket, it having been converted into a cap-firing gun from. the flint lock, to hunt rabbits and partridges in our old home section."
Lorenzo Kyes, a native of Franklin county, Me., born in 1807.
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grew to manhood in a locality sparsely settled and illy favored by nature. In youth he learned the trade of cooper, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and also for a time owned and operated a quarry. His death occurred in 1880 and brought to an honorable close a life filled with quiet, unostentatious acts of kind- ness and good deeds. Among the children born to his union with Lucy Powers there was a son, Henry P., whose birth occurred at the old homestead in Franklin county, Me., January 3, 1849, and whose education was secured in the grammar and high schools. After leaving the high school in 1869 it was his privilege to attend for a short time the academy at Wilton, Franklin county, and he then returned to his father's farm for the purpose of undertaking agricultural pursuits.
Dissatisfied with the results of his labors with a barren soil and handicapped by a stern and rigorous climate, Mr. Kyes left the old home in April of 1875 and during the following month arrived at Riverside, where shortly afterward he bought ninety acres of unimproved land, eighty of which were located between Blaine and Eighth streets and ten acres on Cypress avenue. Seventeen acres of the land he planted to orange trees and these for years were a profitable investment. The balance of the property was divided into lots as the rapid growth of the city increased the demand for cottages. For the irrigation of this property he owns and manages a pumping station, thereby securing the water so indispensable to the cultivation of the soil. In the early '90s he bought four hundred acres of undeveloped land at the end of Blaine street. For domestic irrigation spring water was developed on this tract by driving about thirty tunnels into the hill at about fifteen hundred to eighteen hundred feet elevation. The water is brought to a large reservoir situated between the tunnels and Riverside and from there is con- ducted through pipes a total distance of about three and three- quarters miles to Riverside, where it is distributed to property own- ers. The water is conceded to be very fine for all purposes.
During the long period of his residence in the west Mr. Kyes has devoted himself assiduously to the improvement of his prop- erty and has not enjoyed the leisure, even though he possessed the inclination, to mingle in public affairs, yet he has ever been ready to sacrifice his own time and interests if thereby the welfare of his home city might be promoted. Though not a worker in any party he is firm in his allegiance to the Republican party. For a few years after he came to Riverside he remained a bachelor, but near the close of 1879 he established domestic ties, being married on Christmas day to Miss Elizabeth R. Perry, of this city. They are the parents of two children : Percy Leroy, who is married and lives
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in Riverside; and Vera R., at home, the son being his father's assistant in the many responsibilities connected with the manage- ment of their property.
J. WESLEY RICKER
In the death of J. W. Ricker, May 2, 1912, Riverside lost an interested citizen, the family a loving husband and father, and friends one upon whom they could rely at all times. A native of Maine, he was born in Peru November 23, 1842, the son of Joseph and Eliza (Walker) Ricker, both of whom were also natives of that New England state. There, too, they passed their entire lives, the father passing away in 1844 and the mother five years later. After the death of his mother in 1849. J. W. Ricker made his home in Livermore, Me., continuing there until the breaking out of the Civil war, in the meantime having attended the common schools. On August 23, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company C, Eighth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and after a service of three years re- ceived his honorable discharge, which was dated September 12, 1864.
Immediately following his retirement to private life Mr. Ricker entered the employ of E. F. Packard & Co., shoe manufacturers, in Auburn, Me., and continued with this firm almost uninterruptedly for seventeen years. At the end of this time, in 1881, he purchased a farm in that vicinity and made it his home for the following twenty-three years. He was an active and interested citizen in the community in which he had made his home for so many years and as a member of the board of aldermen and the school board of Auburn he rendered faithful and conscientious service.
The marriage of Mr. Ricker occurred on June 3, 1866, and united him with Miss Betsey Briggs, the daughter of Hiram C. and Semira (Briggs) Briggs, both of Auburn, Me. The mother of Hiram C. Briggs was Betsey Bradford, a direct descendant of Gov- ernor William Bradford of Massachusetts, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ricker: Daniel W. was born May 2, 1868, and chose as his wife Edith A. Osgood; William B., born July 14, 1874, married Mildred Lowell; Charles E., born in 1870, died when five years old.
After disposing of his farm in Maine Mr. Ricker came to Cali- fornia and settled in Riverside, and from August 8, 1904, until his death made his home at No. 210 East Eighth street, which is still the home of the family. Politically, Mr. Ricker was a stanch Repub-
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lican, and was a Universalist in his religious belief. While residing in Auburn, Me., Mr. Ricker took a deep interest in the grange movement, serving as lecturer, overseer and master of Auburn Grange, No. 4, P. of H., for two years each, the organization num- bering four hundred members. He was also lecturer of Andros- coggin County Grange, claiming twenty-five hundred members, and Mrs. Ricker served as Ceres for two years each in both of the above- mentioned organizations. Besides being associated with the local organizations mentioned, Mr. and Mrs. Ricker were also members of the state and national granges.
DAVID RANKIN
The life history of David Rankin-millionaire, farmer, banker, inventor and philanthropist-though not associated with River- side, is well worthy of emulation by any who read these lines. He was proud to be called a farmer and his greatest enjoyment in life was to oversee his business interests on his broad acres. He was born in Sullivan county, Ind., May 28, 1825, and died in October, 1910, and between these dates was enacted more advancement in farming operations by one man who took pride in his achieve- ments than could be recorded in many volumes of history. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage on his father's side and of Quaker on his mother's and was reared to a life of toil and hardship. His mother's people had settled in Illinois at an early date and were closely identified with Vermilion and Sullivan counties in Illinois and Indiana respectively, owning large tracts of land there. Her father was a gun maker by trade and made guns for the soldiers of the war of 1812.
Mr. Rankin was reared in Sullivan county until 1831, then his parents moved to Parke county, Ind., and in 1836 moved to Illinois. The journey of two hundred and fifty miles was made overland with teams of horses and oxen, and as there were no bridges the streams and rivers had to be forded or ferried. He was sixteen years of age before he saw matches; fire was made by the primitive methods of the Indians, home-spun clothes were worn by everyone but the rich. He was brought up to know the value of money and that it was obtained by hard work. His education was received in the primitive schools of the day and all that was required at the time was the three R's. His home was made of logs with cracks filled with clay, greased paper was used for windows, shoes were usually home made and he went barefoot every summer until he
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was twenty-eight. At the age of eleven he had to go to work to assist in the support of the family and his education was rounded out by "hard knocks" and elbowing the "rough edges" of the world of experience. Money was scarce and the usual barter and trade was the way the people obtained the needed supplies and implements with which to get along.
In 1846 Mr. Rankin started out for himself and as farming was the only thing he knew anything about, it was but natural he should take to that, although he did have an ambition to become a merchant. He began on a small scale, but was progressive and was among the first to take up with every modern invention in the way of farm implements, tools and machinery. In 1847 he drove a bunch of stock overland to Chicago and let it feed enroute for the 200 miles and it was during this trip that he got the idea of becoming a land owner and desiring to own as much as he could get. In 1848 he bought the first McCormick reaper, paying $125 for it. In 1853 he got the idea from other manufacturers to construct a double shovel plow, as up to that time only one side of a row of corn could be plowed at a time. His was a crude affair but answered the purpose and it was only a few years later that double shovel plows were being made. He was able to withstand the panic of 1857 and from that time he began to make money. He bought and sold hogs and cattle and the money which he realized he in- vested in land. He borrowed money to buy land and paid as high as fifteen per cent and eighteen per cent for it. He experimented with broom corn and was successful, thus paving the way for others. He laid out the town of Rankin which thrived wonderfully. His holdings grew until before his death he was the largest corn farmer in the world and had the largest corn field, six thousand acres in one body in Missouri. He annually raised about eighteen thousand acres of corn, twenty-five thousand hogs and bought eight thousand cattle, which he fed. All the corn he raised he fed on his farms and marketed the stock. He kept in his employ two hundred and fifty men, operated a bank and so systematized his large busi- ness interests that he could tell at any time how he stood and what his profits were. There was not a new piece of machinery made that he could use but what he invested in it and the same was true of all kinds of implements. He invented the double-row corn plow which is being manufactured by his estate.
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