History of Riverside County, California, Part 59

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 59


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The nerves which connect the spinal cord with other parts of the body pass out the spinal column through small openings be- tween the bones. These openings are always larger than the nerves,


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but when the ligaments which connect the bones are in place the space is completely occupied.


If, now, as a result of a sudden sprain or long continued stoop- ing or exposure to cold, the bones are ever so slightly moved, the ligaments thickened or the muscles made stiff, the soft blood vessels and nerves are the parts to suffer. The nerve fibers are com- pressed, or at least irritated. The blood vessels which supply the spine are interfered with and the organs which are connected with this particular part of the cord receive abnormal impulses or none at all. The blood in these organs is not properly distributed and there exists all the essential condition of disease.


To a less degree, the muscles alone when exposed to cold or strain may interfere with these vital agents, but the first-named con- dition in which slight movements of the bones play a part is prob- ably the most important. It is the habit of attentive examination to discover these irregularities of bones that has given this system is name, Osteopathy.


If, then, disease is simply an interference with the normal sup- ply of blood and nerve force, and we have found the point of inter- ference, the obvious method of treatment is to remove the obstruc- tion. Slightly displaced bones can be replaced by sufficient patience and attention to the mechanics of the problem. Shortened muscles can be made to relax by gentle manipulation. Even thickened liga- ments can be stretched by firm but cautious tension. These are the things that the Osteopath aims to accomplish. When they are ac- complished, the body forces and fluids pursue their normal course and upon them the Osteopathist depends to perform the healing of the disease.


WILLIAM HENRY FRAZIER


Residents of Riverside county are familiar with the name of W. H. Frazier, of Corona, who came to this county in early days, before this region had been developed, and he has had to do with many of the developments, especially improving residence and farm- ing properties.


Mr. Frazier was born in Ray county, Mo., April 25, 1857, and spent his young manhood in that state, receiving the public school education afforded at that time. At the age of twenty-nine years he decided to seek his fortune in the west, coming direct to Riverside, C'al., where he remained for a short time, going from there to Perris


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and later settling in Corona. At this time the community was awakening to the great need of water in order to make use of the fertile soil and Mr. Frazier tamped the first pipe that brought the water supply to Corona. While working as a teamster for John Van Kirke he hauled the first orange trees that were planted in Co- rona. He was employed for a time on the tunnel at R. B. Taylor's place and later worked for James Taylor.


In 1890 Mr. Frazier purchased fifty acres of land which he im- proved and sold after three years, then buying property at Newport Beach, Orange county, where he spent the ensuing three years, during which time he conducted a store, owned and operated a bath- house, and served as postmaster one year. At the expiration of this time he removed to Fairview, Orange county, where he leased a dairy ranch for eighteen months upon which he lived with his fam- ily. About this time he purchased seventy-seven acres which he later sold, returning to Corona and purchasing seven lots upon which he built a brick house. This property he sold at a good profit and leased part of the Yorba ranch for three years, during which time he built the Del Rey hotel and for eighteen months managed this hostelry. He then took a six-year lease on the Yorba ranch and, selling this lease, settled his family on the George Le Gay place which he had leased for three years and during the next three months, while Mr. Frazier was in Nevada engaged in mining, his wife sold the lease and he returned to California and purchased thirty-five acres in Temescal, which he further improved and sold after an ownership of a year and half. Again coming to Corona he purchased property and houses, improving them and selling and finally bought the property known as "The Cottage," which he remodeled into a rooming house, naming it the Crown City, this being the first rooming house in Corona. This property was sold to W. H. Jamison in 1912 and upon this site is to be erected a $75,000 hotel. Prior to this transaction Mr. Frazier bought forty- two acres south of the depot which he improved and planted to alfalfa and sold to the Bloom Brothers. In February, 1912, he bought one hundred and seventeen acres four miles from Corona, on the Santa Ana river, and is improving the place by sowing it to alfalfa and intends to set out forty acres to walnuts. He has named his new possession the Riverdale Stock Farm.


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In May, 1890, Mr. Frazier was united in marriage with Mrs. Ida Belle (Humbel) Bainbridge, a native of Illinois and the widow of John Bainbridge, who was identified with the early life of Corona when it was known as South Riverside. A son, A. A. Bainbridge, planted the first eucalyptus tree in Corona and John C., another son, was the first male child born in Corona, his birth occurring March 15, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have one son, Henry Ray,


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born in Newport Beach in 1896, and a graduate from the grammar school of Corona, class of 1911.


Proportionate with the amount of capital he had to invest, Mr. Frazier has bought, improved and sold more property than any other man in Corona. He has been progressive, not in his own in- terests alone, but for the improvement of the entire community, and has watched with keen interest the growth of the city from a small village to be the second in size in the county. Fraternally Mr. Frazier is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and a charter member of Corona Court. Mrs. Frazier is a member of the Fraternal Aid of Corona. Politically Mr. Frazier is a Repub- lican, although never aspiring to office, and is a loyal citizen, being ever ready to assist in any movement which he deems for good and for the advancement of his county and country.


JOSEPH J. RICH


A spirit of youthful adventure and an innate love of travel fur- nished the impetus that led Mr. Rich to acquire a considerable knowledge of the western country ere yet he had established him- self permanently in business enterprises. The west has always been his home and he cherishes the utmost faith in its future, in- cluding in his idea of the term "west" all that vast region extend- ing from the Mississippi and Missouri valleys toward the setting sun, but embracing especially the fertile area known as Southern California. This section he believes to be without a superior in all the attributes that tend to make its citizens contented and prosper- ous. Along commercial lines he has shown commendable aptitude and has acquired also a broad knowledge of the horticultural activi- ties that lie at the foundation of the prosperity of the country.


Born at Fort Riley, Kans., September 3, 1871, Joseph J. Rich is a son of William K. and Anna Rich, who for many years were residents of the Sunflower state. From the age of six until seven- teen he was a pupil in the public schools of his home town and meanwhile acquired a fair education that qualified him for life's re- sponsibilities. Upon starting out to earn his own way in the world he went to Washington, where he sojourned at Spokane for a brief period and from there prospected throughout the entire state of Washington. In his chosen work he found employment as far south as the northern part of California. During 1904 he came to River- side county and exchanged the uncertainties of mining for the more


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sure occupation of clerk. For eighteen months he was employed as a clerk in the grocery owned and managed by T. J. Reynolds and after he had resigned that position he embarked in the confectionery business, but at the expiration of one year he disposed of the busi- ness. Returning to his former work as a miner he found employ- ment in Nevada near the city of Reno, but at the expiration of two years permanently discontinued such work and returned to Arling- ton, where he has since resided.


After a satisfactory service in the capacity of clerk for the Arlington branch of the Ark House Furnishing Company of River- side, in September of 1910 Mr. Rich was promoted to be general manager of the suburban establishment and thereafter made good in the responsibilities incident to the position until resigning to de- velop a ranch he purchased near Holtville, Imperial county, whither he removed in April, 1912. The people of the town found him not only courteous and obliging, but well informed and unusually capa- ble. While he had held the position for a comparatively brief period only, he made friends of his customers and also of his busi- ness associates, and at the same time manifested a warm interest in all movements for the local welfare. In his civic loyalty and social aptitude he had the co-operation of his talented wife, formerly Miss Mary Merklinger, whom he married in Los Angeles November 1, 1904, and who shares his interests, as well as his deep devotion to the doctrines of Christian Science. While not a politician by any means, he is well posted concerning the issues of the age and favors Republican principles. The only fraternal organization to which he is allied, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has the benefit of his interested support and generous contributions to the work of the local lodge.


KENNETH R. SMOOT


Kenneth R. Smoot was born in Washington, D. C., April 18, 1857. He removed to the state of Michigan in his youth, going to Ann Arbor, where he attended school for more than twelve years. He was graduated from the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1879 and was principal of the Delphi (Ind.) high school from 1879 to 1881. He studied law and graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1882 and was admitted to the bar in that state during the same year. He moved to Chicago that year and was admitted to practice in the state of Ililinois in June and for the following twenty-seven years


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practiced law, being a member of the firm of Smoot & Eyer. He was well and favorably known as a real estate and corporation attorney.


Mr. Smoot resided at Highland Park, near Chicago, serving that city as city attorney for twenty-five years and also was city attorney of Lake Forest for nineteen years. He was president of the board of education of Highland Park city schools for five years and president of the board of education of the township high school of Deerfield township, Lake county, Ill., for a like period.


Mr. Smoot was a partner of Clarendon B. Eyer, commencing May, 1892, and was interested with him in the purchase of land at Beaumont, Cal., being one of the organizers of the Beaumont Land and Water Company and the San Gorgonio Water Company. He is president of the latter company and vice-president and sec- retary of the former. He resides at Beaumont on La Mesa Mira- villa. Mr. Smoot was united in marriage, in June, 1883, with Miss Jane Eyer and they have three children, one son and two daughters.


BLOOM BROTHERS


The name of Bloom Brothers is well known in Corona, where since 1892 they put in their best efforts towards the upbuilding of the city. Samuel L. Bloom was born in Bloomington, Ill., December 30, 1860, and Eddy Bloom was a native of Dearborn county, Ind., born December 16, 1865, both receiving their education in the dis- trict schools of Dearborn county. Their parents, Andrew Jackson and Carolina (Roof) Bloom, were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. Mr. Bloom was born in 1833 and at the age of thirteen years went to Indiana and was there married; he and his wife are now living on the farm where Mr. Bloom worked at the age of thirteen.


Eddy Bloom left his native state at the age of twenty years for Nebraska and upon his arrival there took charge of a grain elevator and lumber yard, remaining there for nine months. He then went to Kansas and after a short stay there returned to Indiana. From Indiana he and his brother, Samuel L., went to Portland, Ore., and spent about five years in the Pacific northwest, working as contractors and builders, and upon leaving Oregon thev came to California and located at Corona, known then as South Riverside. They purchased an orange grove of ten acres about two miles south of town and continued the business of building for


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many years, erecting many of the best homes seen in Corona as well as a number of business blocks, including the public library, also the libraries at Ontario and the Pomona college library at Clare- mont. Upon selling their orange grove at a handsome profit they purchased sixty-three acres adjoining Corona on the north and have since been engaged in raising alfalfa, having their own water rights sufficient for irrigation. During the lifetime of Eddy Bloom he and his brother were always partners in everything they undertook.


On account of failing health Eddy Bloom relinquished active work several years prior to his death, which occurred May 24, 1912. He never married, making his home with his brother, Samuel L., who married Miss Emma Zintz, a native of Wisconsin. Two chil- dren were born of this union, Minta C. and Carol A.


S. L. Bloom is a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Fraternal Aid and the Woodmen of the World, and with his wife, belongs to the Eastern Star. The brothers did much to advance the in- terests of the community and in every way possible showed their public spirit.


AUGUST E. BORTZ


Possessed of the qualities of perseverance and courage, sup- plemented by education and long experience, Mr. Bortz was well fitted for the responsible position he held for thirteen years as foreman of the well known Call Fruit Company, whose wisdom in choosing its superintendent was amply proven by the develop- ment of the property during his incumbency. With approximately one hundred men under his jurisdiction, Mr. Bortz deserves great credit for the harmony that prevailed, his good judgment and kindly consideration having won the esteem of all his associates.


Born November 10, 1873, in Jefferson, Greene county, Iowa, where he received both a grammar and high school education, Mr. Bortz removed to Orange county, Cal., in 1893, with his parents, August and Anna (Larson) Bortz, natives of Germany and Nor- way, respectively. Mrs. Bortz was the eldest of a family of eight, seven of whom are living, and now resides with her husband at Olive, Orange county. In 1895 the son settled in Corona, shortly thereafter accepting the position which he held for thirteen years, his excellent management of the three hundred acres of lemons and oranges under his supervision having demonstrated his superior ability. As to production, three hundred and twenty thousand


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boxes of fruit were secured from the grove during the season of 1911.


In 1898 Mr. Bortz was united in marriage with Miss Luanna Roberds, a native of California, her parents, who reside in Corona, having come to California in 1849. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bortz: Bessie J., born in 1899, student of the grammar school, and Evelyn, who was born in 1901, and died five months later.


A member of Circle Lodge No. 337, I. O. O. F., Mr. Bortz is also affiliated with Corona Lodge No. 33, T. F. B., in which, likewise, his wife holds membership in addition to being an active member of the Rebekahs. A Republican, with well defined political prin- ciples, Mr. Bortz is ever prompt to lend his support to candidates whom he believes thoroughly capable of discharging their pros- pective duties, and as a citizen both progressive and practical, enjoys universal commendation. Mr. Bortz resigned his position in the fall of 1911, since which time he has engaged in selling real estate, preparatory to moving to Porterville, Cal.


GEORGE A. KINGMAN


Possessed of enterprise and ambition, united with qualities of absolute honor and integrity, as well as kindly consideration for others. Mr. Kingman ranks among Riverside's rising young men and representative citizens. He was born in this city July 18, 1878, a son of E. F. Kingman, of whom mention is made on another page of this work. He received a thorough public school educa- tion, graduating from the high school in 1898, and soon afterward he secured a position as clerk in the insurance office of F. A. Tetley. A year later he went to work in the office of W. W. Wilson, but in 1901 resigned his duties to assist his father, who was engaged in the same business. In 1902 he went to San Francisco and for three years was employed by the Pennsylvania Insurance Company. Secure in his wide training in this particular field he returned to Riverside and in 1905 bought out the interests of W. W. Wilson, agent for various companies, his wise management of his under- taking having placed him among the successful men of the city.


In San Francisco December 5, 1905, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kingman and Cecile C. Case, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children, George Douglas, Kenneth Edward, Mar- garet Hyde and Clare Adams. In politics Mr. Kingman is affiliated with the Republican party and he is a member of Riverside Lodge No. 643, B. P. O. E. Both himself and wife are active members of the First Congregational Church of Riverside.


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PLEASANT A. POWERS


The discovery of gold in California, marking as it did the decadence of the Spanish regime and the inauguration of the American supremacy, was the attraction that drew the Powers fam- ily to the shores of the Pacific, while the wonderful resources and undeveloped riches of the land proved the lodestars that led them to permanent identification with the new commonwealth. It was John W. Powers who founded the family west of the desert and the mountains and he it was who, with keen foresight and rare intuition, predicted the future greatness of the state, whose climate in his opinion was unsurpassed, while its natural wealth was not surpassed by that of any portion of our great nation. It was his joy to see much of his prediction fulfilled, for at the time of his demise California already had risen to foremost rank among the galaxy of states and since then the advance has been steady and unceasing.


Both John W. Powers and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Evaline Barnes, were natives of Bates county, Mo., and grew to maturity upon farms there. While still in early life Mr. Powers came via Panama to California during the summer of 1849 and prospected and mined for a few months, returning thence to his old home. There he equipped another expedition for the west and brought a large drove of stock, with which he came overland to the northern part of the state. For some years he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and it was during his residence in Men- docino county that a son, Pleasant A., was born April 4, 1871. During 1875 the family removed to what is now Orange county. A few years later removal was made to Riverside county, where the father passed away March 21, 1898. The mother met with an accident that resulted in her death February 22, 1910. They were an honored pioneer couple and had many friends among the older residents of the community.


A period of years devoted to study in the schools of Santa Ana was followed by the identification of Pleasant A. Powers with the ranch interests of Orange county, whence he removed to Kern county and engaged in the buying and selling of livestock. At Bakersfield, on Christmas day of 1897, he married Miss Sarah J. Thomas, who was born in San Bernardino county and grew to womanhood in Kern county. The young couple settled at Perris, Riverside county, and for some years lived on a farm there. Mr. Powers had been renting property near Beaumont since his arrival in October, 1902, and March 22, 1906, the family removed to their present property near this town. Here Mr. Powers purchased 37


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four hundred acres in one body and he has since added to the tract until now it embraces four hundred and sixty-five acres. An ex- cellent system of fencing surrounds the land and also divides it into fields of convenient size. The residence and outbuildings are neat and substantial and there is a well with an unfailing supply of pure water which is equipped with an up-to-date pumping plant with a forty-inch flow. Three children brighten the home and bring joy to the hearts of the parents, their names being Marjorie E., John R. and Artilla May. Unfailing industry has brought to Mr. Powers a fair degree of success. When he came here he was without means, his total possessions being limited to a team and wagon, yet from that humble beginning he has risen to the rank of a prominent citizen and large land owner. Aside from serving as a member of the election board and from voting the Democratic ticket at national elections, he has taken no part in politics and at no time in his life has he been willing to relinquish his private affairs for public official cares. Stock-raising is his specialty and he seems alike successful with stock of all kinds, keeping on his place cattle, horses and hogs of good grades and from the annual sale of the increase he receives a neat income. When the Beau- mont Lodge of Odd Fellows was organized he became one of its charter members, since which time he has maintained a constant interest in the work of the lodge and has been a liberal contributor to its charities.


ISAAC H. MOORE


Indicative of his innate manliness and perseverance are Mr. Moore's success and the esteem with which he is regarded through- out Corona, where he has resided for the past twenty-five years, having been one of the pioneer orchardists of the community, which was but a village at the time of his location here.


Mr. Moore's parents, John and Jemima (Doyle) Moore, were natives of Illinois, and the son's birth occurred in Schuyler county, that state, in 1858. After the death of the father in 1865, the family remained upon the farm, the children receiving their educa- tion in the public schools.


In 1887 Isaac H. Moore came to Corona, Cal., where he pur- chased a tract of land which he planted to oranges, later estab- lishing a nursery which proved most successful. For fifteen years no competitor challenged him and his enterprise grew in im- portance as the months passed, his ability and progressive spirit


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winning the commendation of his many friends and associates. Mr. Moore assisted in planting many of the first groves of the Corona district and has been untiring in his efforts to build up the locality.


In Los Angeles, in 1890, Mr. Moore was first united in marriage with Miss May Anderson. In 1896, in Riverside, he was again married, this time to Emily Neale, born in England. Their union was blessed with one son, Gilbert Neale, who was born in 1905. Mr. Moore is a member of Circle Lodge No. 337, I. O. O. F., and of Court Circle City, I. O. F. He maintains a deep interest in all civic movements and is always among the first to respond to calls relating to the benefit of his fellow citizens. He has never sought political office, but supports Republican principles.


GEORGE H. DOLE


One of the much respected citizens of Riverside was the late George H. Dole, who was born in the Hawaiian Islands in 1842 and who had been a resident of this city since 1889 until his death in February, 1912. His father was the late Rev. Daniel Dole, who was a native of Maine, born in Skowhegan, and who early in life pre- pared for the ministry in the Congregational church. He was united in marriage in Maine with Miss Emily Ballard and in 1841 entered the missionary service of this church and located in the Hawaiian Islands, where he remained until 1878.


George H. Dole was educated in the Islands and spent his early life in literary and newspaper work, for years being connected with the leading journals of Honolulu as associate editor. Later he devoted himself to horticulture and agriculture and was for many years employed as manager of some of the largest plantations of the Islands. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Rowell, also a native of the Islands. Her father, Rev. G. B. Rowell, was a native of New Hampshire and spent many years in mission- ary service. As their children were born to them Mr. and Mrs. Dole decided to seek a more desirable place for a home in order to give them all the advantages obtainable to perfect their schooling and accordingly came to California. After looking about for a location settlement was made in Riverside, and here the parents reared their family of thirteen children to man and woman- hood. The children are as follows: Walter S., William Herbert, Marion F., Clara M., Charles S., Emily C., Alfred R., Norman, Wilfred H., G. Ethelbert, Sanford B., Kenneth L. and Elwyn H.




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