USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 61
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Since 1880 Mr. Dawson has conducted an apiary with great suc- cess and ships honey all over the world. His consignments require from one and one-half to three cars, his record one year having been forty-five tons of honey. For eight years he served ably as postmaster at Temescal, having been appointed to the office by John Wanamaker. He also at one time held the office of deputy county clerk of San Bernardino county, and later of Riverside county for ten years. Further honors came to him when he was chosen trustee of the Temescal school board, serving on that board for six years, and later he was identified for three years with the Rugby district. As an enterprising and practical citizen, thor- oughly in touch with municipal activities, he is prompt to aid in all movements relating to the welfare of the community, where he is highly esteemed. Fraternally he is a member of Sunnyside Lodge No. 295, A. O. U. W., of Corona.
ABEL T. GANTT
In Beaumont's leading merchant, A. T. Gantt, we find a man whose purpose in life has never been shaken by discouraging cir- cumstances; whose exceptional executive ability, combined with kindly consideration for others, inspires with confidence all who become associated with him. He was born January 3, 1869, in Shel- by, N. C., where, after a preliminary education, he entered the Uni- versity of North Carolina. Upon completion of his course he came to California, and in December, 1891, located in Redlands, where he opened a grocery store, conducting it successfully for ten years, during which period the small and comparatively insignificant little town more than doubled in population. Upon the sale of his store he removed to Los Angeles, where he again went into busi- ness, selling out after five years and purchasing in Beaumont a mercantile store which he has since conducted and which, under
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his careful management, has become the leading store of its char- acter in the town.
Shortly after his arrival in Beaumont Mr. Gantt bought a lot upon which he erected a comfortable house, into which he brought his wife, who before her marriage, in October, 1901, was Miss Mary Brice Hill, of Chattanooga, Tenn. Mr. Gantt is a stanch Democrat and deeply interested in political developments. Both himself and wife are active members of the United Pres- byterian Church of Beaumont and enjoy the high regard of the community. Mr. Gantt was for several years a member of Red- lands Lodge, I. O. O. F., having transferred his membership to Beaumont Lodge No. 409.
FRED M. BAIRD
A resident of California since 1893, and one of the progressive business men of Corona, Fred M. Baird was born in Williamstown, Chickasaw county, Iowa, February 24, 1869. At the age of twenty years, after having attended the grammar and high schools of Mc- Gregor, Iowa, Mr. Baird went to Rockford, Ill., and for the follow- ing four years spent his time in mastering the trade of electrician, applying himself with characteristic energy. Having heard much of the west Mr. Baird decided to seek his fortune in California. He left New Hampton in January, 1893, and arrived in California after having encountered snow all the way until he got through the Tejon Pass and, dropping down into San Bernardino, decided that he had never seen anything as beautiful before, for he found a wealth of flowers and fruit, a decided contrast to his Iowa home. Coming direct to Corona, he soon afterward engaged in ranching, having bought a tract of land at first and in 1897 an additional .twenty acres which he sowed to alfalfa.
In 1894 Mr. Baird became the agent for the Tourist and Max- well automobiles and in 1910, in partnership with W. L. Pieler, opened a garage in Corona and besides doing a general machine and repair business, they have the local agency for the E. M. F., Maxwell, Flanders and Buick automobiles and are meeting with success in both branches of the business. Mr. Baird's western experiences have been gained principally in Southern California, though making his home in Corona all the time. After he had been in the state about two years he made one trip east, returning to California after a few months' absence with the firm determination that this should be his future home.
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In 1895 F. M. Baird was united in marriage with Elizabeth Maxfield, a native of Michigan. Her father, John A. Maxfield, came to California and settled at Perris in 1893, which remained his home until his death. His widow now resides at Riverside. To Mr. and Mrs. Baird three children were born: Marguerite died aged one year; Maxfield A., born in Perris in 1897, is a high school student; Lucile Adela, born in Corona, March 10, 1901, is a student of the grammar school. Mr. Baird's father was born in Ohio and there was married, removing soon afterwards to Iowa, and in 1895 to California and died in Corona in 1907, aged sixty-eight years. Mrs. Baird is still living and a resident of Corona. Mr. Baird has three sisters living in Southern California.
Mr. Baird is a member of Temescal Lodge No. 314, F. & A. M., Corona Lodge No. 33, T. F. B., and a charter member of the Knights of Pythias. He is one of the dependable citizens of Co- rona and a successful business man.
ROBERT L. BRUNSON
A citizen highly esteemed not only for his ability in his profes- sion, but for his qualities of kindness and integrity as well, Dr. Brunson has since 1891 been identified with the development of Corona, which, at the period he located therein, was a small village, presenting few opportunities to the casual visitor.
Born June 27, 1873, four miles from Greenwood, Neb., Mr. Brunson came to Los Angeles, Cal., in 1886, with his parents, Robert N. and Emily J. (Burge) Brunson, natives of Minnesota and Iowa, respectively. Upon completion of his education in the public schools of Los Angeles he accompanied his parents to Co- rona in 1891, later securing employment in an orange grove. Dur- ing the succeeding two years he worked in various orchards, assist- ing in planting many groves which today rank among the most beautiful in the county. In 1893 he decided to enter the veterinary profession and to that end took up the work under Dr. Ramsey, continuing about twelve years, and has since taken up the profes- sion in the Kansas City Veterinary College. In 1900 he pur- chased a livery business which he successfully conducted for four years, disposing of this interest in 1904. Resuming his vocation he nevertheless continued to devote much of his attention to the rais- ing of high grade horses, in which occupation he first became inter- ested in 1891.
Dr. Brunson was united in marriage May 4, 1897, in Burbank,
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with Miss Grace Bodwell, who was born in Kansas, and who in 1897 accompanied her parents to California, their present home being in Corona. Dr. and Mrs. Brunson have two children, Juanita Grace, born in 1899, a student in the Corona grammar school, and Robert Ambrose, born in 1907.
A member of Corona Lodge No. 33, T. F. B., Dr. Brunson is politically an Independent, prompt to labor in behalf of candidates whom he believes to be best qualified for their prospective offices, and as a citizen of courage and ability fully merits the wide com- mendation which he enjoys.
SYLVESTER K. SMITH
A prominent business man and rancher of Riverside county is Mr. Smith, who located in Beaumont in 1885. He was born Jan- uary 12, 1854, in Knox county, Ill., where he grew to manhood, re- ceiving a common school education. Prior to coming to the west he farmed for several years in Adams county, Iowa, going thence to Los Angeles, where he remained until he secured employment upon a ranch near El Monte. In October, 1885, he came to this section and worked as a ranch hand, after which he rented land. After a few years he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of un- improved land, later doubling his holdings, and after several months made a third purchase of one hundred and sixty acres, all located near Beaumont, which he has since retained as a home place. On all of his land he has made improvements and now leases to others. On one of his places he erected a substantial residence, as well as a blacksmith shop, installing also a modern pumping plant with gasoline engine, having previously drilled a fine well. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, his sole capital having been $2.40 and an unlimited amount of cour- age and natural business ability; a capacity for hard work may also be included.
Mr. Smith has been a citizen of Beaumont for the past twenty- seven years and has assisted materially in its development. He is a Republican, broad-minded and generous, never an office seeker, choosing rather to devote his life to his home and his business in- terests. He holds membership in San Jacinto Lodge and Chapter, F. & A. M., and the Eastern Star.
The marriage of Mr. Smith took place in Beaumont, January 22, 1897, and united him with Miss Catherine S. Adams, a native of Maine, who received her early education in her native state, com- 38
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pleting her studies in Minneapolis, where she taught in the public schools some years, and after coming to California she secured a position in the schools of Beaumont. After their marriage the young couple took up their residence on a rented ranch near Beau- mont. Their happy domestic life was cut short, however, in 1903 by the death of the young wife, the bereft husband bravely con- tinuing his labors alone. He believes sincerely in the development of the resources of this section and lends his aid in every way possible.
WILLIAM H. SARGENT
One of Riverside county's most prosperous fruit growers is Mr. Sargent, who, since 1892, has resided in Corona, his absolute integrity and enthusiastic interest in public affairs having estab- lished him as one of the ablest and most public spirited citizens of the community.
The eldest of a family of eight children, Mr. Sargent was born September 17, 1855, in Belleville, Ill., and two years later removed to near Peoria, Ill., with his parents, Henry and Amelia (Williams) Sargent, natives of Illinois and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Sargent settled near Peoria, where he has successfully farmed up to the present time. Since Mrs. Sargent's death, which occurred in 1896, he has lived retired on the farm, preferring to spend his last years among familiar scenes rather than to take up his residence in a new land, and at the age of eighty-nine is hale and hearthy, and in the enjoyment of all his faculties.
The genealogy of the Sargent family is traced direct to France, where in the year 1000 a member of the family went to England and the descendant of this man, Hugh Sargent, was one of the first to settle in Boston, Mass. The grandfather of W. H. fought under Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans and after his dis- charge from the army went to Illinois, where he settled and be- came a pioneer farmer on the American bottoms in a heavily timbered country. From this source the Sargents of the western country have descended.
William Sargent received a public school education, most of his leisure being spent in assisting his father, with whom he remained until 1872, when he journeyed forth to choose a location for a new home. Residing successively in Kentucky, Kansas and Missouri, he eventually settled near Los Angeles, Cal., where he remained two years, moving thence in 1892 to Corona. Later he purchased
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twenty acres, eleven of which are planted to oranges, the remainder being in lemons, and in horticulture he has found both profit and pleasure. In 1911 he bought fifty-five acres and has it in alfalfa and will set out citrus fruit on the upland.
In February, 1888, Mr. Sargent married in Missouri, Miss Emily E. Smith, whose birth occurred near Pana, Ill. Four chil- dren were born to them: Frances, Florence, Henry Kirk and Marie, all at home and educated in the schools of Corona. A prominent member of the California Fruit Association, Mr. Sargent is also affiliated with Corona Lodge T. F. B. He is a Democrat, broad minded and generous, his optimistic and kindly personality being greatly appreciated by his many friends and associates.
CAPT. C. H. VOSBURGH
Genealogical records trace the lineage of the Vosburgh family back to the sea-girt shores of Holland, whence one of the race came to the American colonies in search of religious freedom as well as an opportunity to advance his material fortunes. Several succes- sive generations remained in New England and bore an honorable part in the development of that region, whence later representa- tives scattered throughout the entire country. The family history shows that Abram Vosburgh, a native of Vermont, removed to New York state and for years engaged in business pursuits at Am- sterdam, Montgomery county. There his first wife, Angeline (Camp) Vosburgh, died during the infancy of their son, C. H., and there he married again and reared his family, spending the bal- ance of his useful existence in the locality.
At the old homestead in New York state, where he was born February 13, 1842, C. H. Vosburgh passed the uneventful years of youth. The first important event of his life was his enlistment in 1861 as a volunteer in the Union army. After his assignment to Company E, Eighteenth New York Infantry, he was sent to join the army of the Potomac, whose subsequent history he experi- enced. At the first battle of Bull Run he took part in an engage- ment for the first time and there he saw all the horrors of war and some time afterward it was his fate to take part in the second battle at the same place. In addition he bore a part in the two battles at Fredericksburg, the engagement at Chancellorsville, the sanguinary encounter at Antietam, the decisive struggle at South Mountain and many skirmishes equally dangerous but less important. At the
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expiration of his period of service he was honorably discharged at Albany, N. Y., in 1863 and immediately returned to the old home.
During a period of service in 1864 as a carpenter engaged in government work at Nashville, Tenn., the youthful soldier was commissioned captain of troops mustered to the defense of the city at the time of the raid by General Hood. After the close of the war he returned to New York state and worked at the carpenter's trade. From there in 1875 he came to California and worked at his trade in San Francisco, where he made his home for about six years. Removing to Arizona he found employment as a carpenter at Tucson, where later he served for three years as deputy sheriff of Pima county. The year 1886 found him a newcomer in River- side, where he made his home from December of that year until his death. First as a carpenter, then as foreman for a large contractor, he identified himself with the building business of the city, where eventually he worked for himself as a contractor and builder, as- sisting in the material upbuilding of the locality. For a time he was a member of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. In earlier years he was active in public affairs, but never aspired to office. While in the government employ at Nashville in 1864 he cast his first presidential ballot, supporting Abraham Lincoln for the office, and throughout the remainder of his life he was in sympathy with Republican principles.
The marriage of Captain Vosburgh and Miss Jennie M. Mower was solemnized in Riverside in 1897. Mrs. Vosburgh was born in Maine, the daughter of Sanford L. and Jane (Burrows) Mower, natives of Maine and Massachusetts, respectively. At the time of the discovery of gold in California Mr. Mower was attracted hither, but he returned to his old home and spent his active years there. He came west again in 1903, remaining about two years, when he went back east. In 1905 he came west once more and since then he and his wife have resided in the Vosburgh home, tenderly cared for by their daughter. Mrs. Mower is now seventy-six years of age, while he is a hale and robust old gentleman of eighty-four. Mrs. Vosburgh received an excellent education in Boston and for a time taught school, but soon became interested in business pur- suits. For several years she acted as head bookkeeper for a rail- road company in Boston and later for sixteen years she served the Enterprise as bookkeeper and cashier. Possessing intelligence of a very high order and a keen insight into commercial matters, as well as a trained and systematic knowledge of bookkeeping, she won unusual recognition by satisfactory service in responsible ca- pacities.
While still living in the east Captain Vosburgh became identi- fied with the blue lodge of Masonry in Troy, N. Y., and later con-
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nected himself with the Riverside lodge as a Master Mason. For two years he officiated as commander of the Riverside Post, G. A. R., and as color bearer. For four years, from 1906 to 1910, he served as game warden of Riverside county, and during this time and until October 19, 1911, he served as deputy state fish and game commissioner. One of his greatest pleasures was to accompany hunting parties through the mountain districts. Some of his old fire-arms are highly prized as souvenirs and he also owned a num- ber of very fine guns. Either with a revolver or a rifle he was regarded as a crack shot. He killed a large number of panthers, wild cats, deer, elk, etc., and one of his choice possessions was the dressed skin of a mountain lion which he shot with his revolver. Advancing years did not lessen his skill with his gun and he was proud of his reputation for expert marksmanship. As warden he followed rigidly all rules and regulations in relation to the game of the country and conserved their safety with painstaking care. The death of Captain Vosburgh occurred at his home March 1, 1912, after a short illness. He will long be remembered for his sturdy honesty and tenacious adherence to what he believed to be right.
HOWARD E. GARD
In Mr. Gard, a successful young merchant of Indio, we find a man whose enterprise and ambition have led him steadily forward, his rise in the business world in the past few years being evidence of his good judgment and executive ability. Born in Butler county, Kan., in 1881, he accompanied his parents seven years later to Oklahoma, where he received a good education. He came to California in 1903 and accepted a position in the mercantile store of J. S. Hunter of Indio. A year later he transferred his services to H. E. Tallant's establishment and before another year had elapsed purchased the business which he has since conducted most profitably. He is president of the Indio Light, Water and Ice Company and is actively interested in all municipal developments. A member of Redlands Lodge No. 583, B. P. O. E., he holds mem- bership also in Queen City Lodge No. 296, I. O. O. F., of Wichita, Kan.
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In 1909 Mr. Gard married Miss Elizabeth Smith, a cultured and charming Pasadena lady, the young people taking up their residence in a cozy home. For five years Mr. Gard acted as justice of the peace of Indio, discharging his duties with an ability and ease
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which fully justified his appointment to the position. He has served also for the past six years as postmaster of Indio, having been placed in this position in 1906 under the administration of Theo- dore Roosevelt. Thoroughly energetic and public spirited, Mr. Gard's future holds, in the estimation of his many stanch friends, success which, commensurate with his ability, cannot fail to be most gratifying.
JOHN STOBBS, JR.
Among Corona's leading citizens is Mr. Stobbs, who, since 1903 has been associated with the progress of the community. Charac- terized by determination and good business ability, his life illus- trates the power of perseverance united with unwavering honor and kindly consideration for others.
A native of England, Mr. Stobbs was born in Sunderland, Dur- ham county, September 26, 1836, the eldest child in the family of John and Ellen (Handysides) Stobbs, the former born in 1808, and both natives of England. The family immigrated to the United States and settled in St. Louis, Mo., in 1844. John Stobbs, Sr., who was a natural mechanic, had served an apprenticeship of seven years in the locomotive shops of George Stephenson, the inventor of the locomotive, and after he had mastered the trade received a pound sterling per day as wages, while other workmen were being paid one shilling, or twenty-four cents. All the inventions Mr. Stobhs worked out were given to his employer. After leaving this shop he served as master mechanic on the first railroad in England. Not only was Mr. Stobbs the inventor of the first locomotive cab, but he also designed the first parallel locomotive cylinder, and in 1840 took to Canada the first three engines ever used in that coun- try; it took three ships to transport the engines and the rails. Two of these engines were exhibited at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. In 1849, after serving five years as foreman of a St. Louis foundry, Mr. Stobbs took his family to Alton, Madison county, Ill., where they remained until 1883, he in the meantime being em- ployed in the shops of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Subse- quently he was employed in Hanson's threshing machine works there. Shortly after the death of his wife Mr. Stobbs removed to Beadle county, S. Dak., filing upon a homestead and thereafter until his death in 1888 he gave his attention to his farm.
Upon completion of his education, John Stobbs, Jr., became a machinist's apprentice, serving part of his time in St. Louis and the
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rest in Hanson's plant in Alton, Ill. Going to South Dakota in 1883, he remained there until 1903, engaged in farming, and upon the sale of his property settled in Corona, Cal., where he has since re- sided, his present home being situated at No. 614 West Sixth street.
Mr. Stobbs was united in marriage in 1860 with Miss Hannah A. Thorpe, a native of New York, the event taking place in St. Louis. They were blessed with five children, all of whom were born in Illinois: William T., a stock man of South Dakota; Mary, the wife of C. D. McNeil, Corona; Edward A., who resides with his parents and is one of the trustees of Corona; Nellie, the wife of Fred Fairchilds, a South Dakota farmer; and Mattie C., now Mrs. Luther Fink of Corona.
The parents of Mrs. Stobbs, natives of England, immigrated to the United States, first locating in New York state, and later remov- ing to St. Louis, Mo., and it was there that Mrs. Thorpe died. In 1849 Mr. Thorpe crossed the plains to California and engaged in mining; he died in Illinois. Mrs. Stobbs was the only daughter in her parents' family, one son having died.
Politically Mr. Stobbs is independent and maintains an intelli- gent interest in all matters relating to the welfare of the country in general. While living in Montgomery county, Ill., he served eight years as superintendent of the county farm, a position which he resigned to go to South Dakota. Later he acted as superintendent of the county farm of Beadle county, that state, for two years, fill- ing the position most creditably. In whatever section of country Mr. Stobbs has made his home he has done his part as a good citi- zen, and since coming to Corona has served as a township school trustess and also as treasurer of the board.
DANIEL WESLEY GUFFEY
The birth of Daniel Wesley Guffey occurred February 19, 1861, in Clinton county, Ky., where he lived until nine years of age. At that time his parents moved to Missouri, making their home in St. Clair county for twelve years. When he was twenty-one years of age the family moved still farther west, settling in Grayson county, Tex., but one year later returned to Missouri. In 1889 Mr. Guffey came to California and settled in Temescal valley. At first he worked as a laborer and in 1895 bought one hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land ten miles southwest of Corona, on which he has made many valuable improvements. He also owns twenty-
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two acres of land where he resides and eighty acres near by, be- sides one acre in the city of San Jacinto. He has served the com- munity in the capacity of school trustee for two terms and was again elected in the spring of 1912, and at all times takes an active interest in public affairs. Ile adheres to the tenets of the Demo- cratic party in national politics. Fraternally he is connected with Circle Lodge No. 377, I. O. O. F., of Corona.
In 1893 Mr. Guffey was married to Miss Rosa Aguilar, a native daughter of California, and a descendant of some of the best of the old families, among them being the Pico family, so prominent in the early days of Los Angeles. Mrs. and Mr. Guffey have had four children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are Ruth Ramona, born in 1905 and attending the public school in Temescal, and Daniel Wifford, born September 6, 1911.
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