USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 67
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Robert P. Cundiff was born December 14, 1854, in St. Francois county, Mo., his mother having been prior to her marriage Miss Agnes Blue, of Tennessee. For a time the son attended private school at Charleston, Miss., graduating in 1871, and thereupon entered Oakdale Academy, Coffeeville, Miss., completing his studies in 1873. In January, 1874, he came to California, arriving in Sac- ramento. For a year he mined and also farmed, then in January, 1875, came to Riverside, where he became associated with G. D. Carlton, nurseryman. That same year he purchased ten acres in Brockton Square which he planted to trees, and in 1890 disposed of
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the property. In the meantime, in 1887, he engaged in the book and stationery business, in which field he was most successful. In 1895 he sold his store, later being appointed county inspector of horticulture, and in 1899 he received his present position, to which each succeeding term, he has been re-appointed.
Mr. Cundiff is a member of all branches of the York Rite in Masonry. He has been for the past twenty-two years secretary of Evergreen Lodge, No. 259, and is also affiliated with Magnolia Camp, No. 91, W. O. W. Politically his principles are Democratic and though having long been prominent in local politics, he has never desired office, preferring to devote his interests to his business and his home, including, also, a share in the work of the Riverside Congregational Church, of which both himself and wife are active members.
Mr. Cundiff was united in marriage November 17, 1880, in Lowell Hill, Nevada county, Cal., with Miss Etta W. Wilkinson, a native of Hamilton, Canada. Five children were born to them: Frank S., fiscal agent for the United States reclamation service at Yuma, Ariz .; Mrs. Alice Small and Mrs. Edna Smith of River- side; Leota, a graduate of the Riverside high school; and Stanley M., a high school student.
STEDMAN M. HOWE
Attracted to San Jacinto because of its mild and healthful climate and to enable himself and family to enjoy the comforts made possible by many years of activity on a farm in South Dakota, Mr. Howe settled one mile from the city of San Jacinto on Central avenue in 1906.
S. M. Howe was born October 2, 1846, in Worcester, Vt., a son of Samuel and Abigail N. (Bixby) Howe. The former died in 1852, and some time later Mrs. Howe married a Mr. Tucker. She died at Tunbridge, Vt., July 14, 1874. In 1853 the family moved to Middlesex, thence to Williamstown, and still later to Tunbridge. Mr. Howe received his education in the district schools and com- pleted it by taking a business course in a New Hampshire college. He then engaged in farming and after a time located in Lowell, Mass., in time going to Bethel, thence to West Randolph, Vt., where he was engaged in teaming. In 1878 he moved to Clay county, S. Dak., where three years later he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres and also took up a like amount, proving up on his land and improving it and carrying on farming operations until 1905. That farm is now conceded to be one of the best in that part of
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the state. Mr. Howe still retains the ownership of it. In the above- named year he leased the farm and took his family to Florida, and for two years traveled about, visiting many points of interest and finally landing in California, over which he traveled to some extent prior to locating on his present place. He came to San Jacinto expecting to spend some time at the hot springs and finding his present tract of land unimproved and for sale, purchased it and began its improvement. There were two flowing wells on the place and he installed a system of irrigation suitable for his needs and now has a valuable property.
In 1893 Mr. Howe was united in marriage with Miss Hannah B. Rockey, who was born April 14, 1857, in Clinton county, Pa., and whose parents were both natives of that state. Her father passed away there in 1865, and her mother in Wisconsin in 1892. To Mr. and Mrs. Howe one son, Samuel A., was born November 19, 1898, in South Dakota, and is now attending the grammar school in San Jacinto. They have an adopted daughter, Olive, now the wife of Roy Mead of San Jacinto. She was born April 1, 1890, in Vermilion, S. Dak.
In politics Mr. Howe votes for the men and measures he deems best suited to the conditions, regardless of party lines, and has never sought office. He is a liberal supporter of all movements for the upbuilding of the locality and since his location here has proven his worth as a man and citizen.
JOHN D. ALLEN
The beginning of the nineteenth century found the Allen family identified with the agricultural development of Kentucky and with its transformation from a wilderness into a region of rich plantations. The blue grass state was the native common- wealth of Nathan Allen, who was born in 1813 and who suffered a deep bereavement in the death of his parents when he was scarcely old enough to comprehend his serious loss. A kind-hearted neigh- bor, John Duncan, took him and his little sister into his own home and there cared for them with an unselfish tenderness until they were able to earn their own way in the world. The foster parents moved from Kentucky into Indiana and traveled by wagon a short distance north of the Ohio river, taking up a claim in Orange county and developing a farm from the primeval woods.
A similar task fell upon the broad shoulders of Nathan Allen, who in turn cleared a large tract, placed the land in condition for
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cultivation and established a cabin home in the midst of the clear- ing. To this frontier abode he brought his bride, Margaret Warren, who was born in Kentucky, but moved to Indiana at the age of eighteen years. It was the task of the young people to make their farm produce a livelihood for their growing family and they labored diligently. The years passed by and they were young no longer, but they had achieved much in the battle of life. Their children had been reared to lives of usefulness and they had ever displayed qualities of thrift, frugality and industry. At the old home where he had labored so long and so well Mr. Allen died in 1861 just as the Civil war was throwing its somber cloud over the country. His widow long survived him and eventually passed from earth in 1894. All of their family, three sons and three daughters, attained to mature years. Two sons and a daughter now survive, namely: John D., of Riverside; George, of Orange county, Ind .; and Mrs. Sarah J. Edwards, of Arkansas. Two chil- dren died in infancy. The parents and children were all members of the Christian Church.
Born in Orange county, Ind., September 9, 1841, John D. Allen grew to manhood on the old home farm and aided in bringing the soil into a state of productive fertility. It was impossible for him to attend school regularly, for his help was needed at home and in the field. However, through habits of observation he has acquired a wide fund of valuable information. After the death of his father he took charge of the Orange county homestead. During the autumn of 1865 he married Miss Lucinda Sullivan, who was born in Floyd county, Ind., near the Ohio river, and grew to young womanhood in that locality, whence she removed to Orange county prior to her marriage. Her father, John Sullivan, was a native of Floyd county and belonged to a very old family of that vicinity. The young couple began housekeeping on a rented farm of one hundred and sixty acres and for several years continued as tenants. With the savings of that period of hard labor they invested in a farm of eighty acres in Sullivan county, Ind., where they prosecuted agri- cultural enterprises for a considerable period. Eventually they rented the property and removed into the village of Sullivan, but a year later they disposed of their holdings and came to Cali- fornia, where since 1904 they have owned and occupied a comfort- able home in Riverside. Their diligent application and continued effort made them prosperous and they amply merit the position they occupy in the community.
In religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Allen are identified with the Riverside Church of Christ. Well informed concerning govern- mental problems, he gives his support to the Democratic party in national issues. Though never an aspirant for office, he consented
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to fill the position of judge of elections both in Indiana and Cali- fornia and in the former place he served for years in that capacity. Accompanied by his wife in the autumn of 1909 he returned to Indiana and enjoyed a pleasant visit with relatives and friends in Orange and Sullivan counties, but came back to Riverside doubly contented to pass his remaining years in this land of sunshine and flowers. Of his children the two eldest, George W. and Joseph H., formerly engaged in teaching school, but now hold business posi- tions. Emma is the wife of James Ridgeway, a farmer of Sulli- van county, Ind .; Florence M. married Roland E. Ball, of River- side; Ollie Pearl is the wife of Irvin Rich, of Riverside; John W. died at the age of ten months; Mary E. and Anna both passed from earth at the age of eighteen years.
CAPT. JOHN L. MERRIAM
Numbered among the old settlers of California is Capt. John L. Merriam, who came to the state in 1853. As one of the public men of Corona he has served as city clerk and also as treasurer for some years. He was born January 18, 1835, in Essex county, N. Y., and lived there until he was seventeen years of age, in the meantime receiving the advantages of the common school.
As a young man Captain Merriam came west and first located at Sonora, where he was engaged in the manufacture of soda for some years. In 1861, with patriotic zeal and love for his country, he joined the Second California Cavalry, Company E, and went out with that regiment. He was later transferred to the First Cali- fornia Cavalry, and because of loyal service and bravery he was promoted to first lieutenant and later, in 1864, was promoted to the rank of captain, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. His service was all in the west. He was mustered out and honorably discharged in October, 1865. After the war was over he returned to his old home in New York, remaining there for a time.
Captain Merriam was married June 23, 1868, in Pittsford, Vt., to Miss Anna B. Lewis, also a native of Essex county, N. Y., born in 1844. To this union two sons were born. Otto E. died in Minnesota when two years old; George H., a well-known resident and business man of San Bernardino, is married and has two chil- dren, a daughter and son.
Shortly after their marriage Captain and Mrs. Merriam went
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to Minnesota, where he entered the service of the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad. He continued with the company as agent at different places for fourteen years, being for nine years agent at Sioux City, Iowa. He then retired from railroad life and after his resignation came to California, locating at Corona. For a time he was employed as a clerk and was then appointed postmaster, serving in this public office for a term of four years. He later was elected city clerk and so well did he fulfill his duty to the people that he was re-elected a number of times and then was elected city treasurer, in which capacity he has now served since 1905. Since 1890 he has been a notary. Purchasing a block in the residence portion of the city Captain and Mrs. Merriam built a comfortable home. They are highly esteemed by their fellow citi- zens and have been privileged to see much of growth and devel- opment since their residence in the state.
THOMAS E. KEEGAN
Well known throughout Elsinore and vicinity as a man of progressive spirit and honorable principles, Mr. Keegan amply merits the esteem which his manly, generous qualities have inspired among his associates. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., February 25, 1854, and received his education in Reedsburg, that state. Re- maining on his father's farm until the age of seventeen, he then became an employee in the mines of Ironton. His parents, Michael and Catherine (Brennan) Keegan, both of whom are now deceased, were natives of Ireland and settled in America in 1845.
In 1884 Mr. Keegan moved to South Dakota, where he filed on a homestead, continuing to develop his property during the suc- ceeding twenty-two years. Upon its sale in 1906 he located in Elsinore, Cal., where he purchased seventy-one acres, later adding to his holdings eighteen acres and devoting his property to olives, apricots, oranges and peaches.
In 1882 Mr. Keegan was united in marriage at Cazenovia, Wis., with Miss Celia Ruskauff,. who was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and whose parents, both of whom are deceased, were natives of Ger- many. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Keegan eight children were born, all of whom are living: Matthew; Agnes, now the wife of Bernard Martin, a rancher in the Elsinore district; Phillip, at home; Florence; Alice; Katie; Thomas and William, all of whom are students in the public schools. During his residence in South
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Dakota Mr. Keegan became affiliated with the Lebanon Lodge of Fraternal Brotherhood and the Ancient Order of United Workmen of that city. He maintained a deep and practical interest in all movements relating to both civic and national improvements.
JOHN Q. PERLEY
The attractions offered by Riverside for a winter home first led Mr. Perley to this place in 1888, when, having accumulated a competency through large business interests and sagacious in- vestments, he found himself in a financial position justifying the enjoyment of ease and relaxation from commercial affairs. From the outset of his identification with this section of the country he found his mind attuned to the refined surroundings and his body upbuilded by the healthful environment. With increasing pleasure each year he turned his steps toward his winter residence and with enhanced reluctance each spring he started back toward his Illinois headquarters. Eventually it became possible for him to relinquish commercial activities, retaining however his stock in the concern to whose upbuilding he had devoted years of effort, and he then established citizenship in Riverside, where now he has one of the beautiful homes in the city as well as one of the most pro- ductive orange groves.
The family represented by Mr. Perley and the ancestors of his parents, Uri and. Fannie (Sawyer) Perley, were identified with the history of New England from the early days of its agricultural development. Born in Enfield, N. H., November 27, 1831, he was sent to the public schools and the Meriden (N. H.) Seminary, and upon the completion of his studies turned his attention to agricul -. ture, working on his father's farm for two years. Agriculture, how- ever, did not appeal to him from the standpoint of a barren New England farm and he determined to enter upon a business career. For this purpose he moved to West Canaan, N. H., and embarked in the mercantile business, also engaged in lumbering. At the expiration of fifteen years he disposed of his interests at a figure netting him a gratifying profit and he then removed to Illinois, where he became interested in farm lands near Monmouth and also acquired stock in the Pattee Plow Company, with which he yet remains connected.
In order to avoid the rigorous winters of Illinois, during 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Perley came to California and located at Riverside, where they spent the winter months, returning to Monmouth for
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the summers. This custom was continued for a considerable period, but in 1900 Mr. Perley arranged his affairs in Illinois so that further residence there was unnecessary, whereupon he became a permanent resident of Riverside. In 1906 he erected their present residence and bought an orange grove of forty acres. This property he still owns and superintends, but others take charge of the de- tails of harvesting the crops and caring for the grove. To some it may seem that the life of Mr. Perley has been an unbroken record of achievement and success, but none knows better than he the discouragements he has faced and the obstacles he has conquered. With him as with all, one of the uses of adversity is that it lays bare the real fibre of the soul and affords an opportunity for the development of the highest traits of character. The patience that knew no defeat and the courage that surmounted every disaster led him through devious ways to ultimate prosperity. His own splendid traits of manhood laid the foundation of the high esteem in which he is held, both in his present place of residence and in his former Illinois home. In the midst of his manifold business cares he main- tained no active part in politics, but in the national elections always then voted, and still votes, the Republican ticket. His marriage was solemnized at Ogdensburg, N. Y., October 1, 1859, and united him with Miss Elizabeth D. Pattee. Three children blessed their union, of whom the only son, Charles A., now of Los Angeles, formerly was connected with the Pattee Plow Company of Mon- mouth. One of the daughters is the wife of Dr. C. W. Girdlestone and the other married H. R. Greene, both being residents of River- side.
FRED P. BLODGETT
A man of sterling principles and good business judgment, Mr. Blodgett ranks among the enterprising and progressive citizens of San Jacinto, to the upbuilding of which he is ever ready to lend what aid lays in his power. He was born in Aroostook county, Me., September 25, 1874, a son of George R. and Emily E. (Perry) Blodgett, both natives of that state and the former now engaged in farming near San Jacinto, his wife having died in 1889.
F. P. Blodgett received a good common school education and grew to manhood on the farm. He accompanied his parents to South Dakota, and while living there was employed at farm labor. Thinking to better his condition he came to California, first secur- ing employment as a ranch hand in Ventura county, and later
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locating in Riverside, where he was employed as a stationery engineer for nine years, the last two years being in the employ of the Cresmer Manufacturing Company. With his savings he came to San Jacinto in 1909 and purchased the San Jacinto Valley Creamery and since that time has given his entire time to its management and has increased the daily output from one hundred pounds to four hundred pounds of butter fat. He uses the most modern methods and is rapidly enlarging his plant. He also owns ten acres of land adjoining the city.
While living in Riverside Mr. Blodgett was an active member of Riverside Lodge, No. 282, I. O. O. F., and still retains his mem- bership there. He is a Socialist in political belief and renders all possible aid to the cause he represents. He is a self-made man in the best sense of the word and enjoys the esteem and good will of his fellow citizens.
WILBUR W. AYERS
By virtue of a good education and thorough training in the business world, Mr. Ayers is well fitted for the position he now occupies in Riverside county, where by his industry and unfailing sterling qualities he has won the respect and esteem of his asso- ciates. He was born September 25, 1874, in Linn county, Kan., the fourth in a family of five children born to his parents, William H. and Minnie E. (Newell) Ayers, who were natives of Erie county, Pa., and Iowa, and born in 1845 and 1846 respectively. In 1847 W. H. Ayers was taken to Ohio by his parents and later removed to Kansas, in 1857. He served during the Civil war as a member of Company M, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry. In 1866 he was united in marriage, in Linn county, Kan., and that county remained the family home until removal was made to Highgrove, Cal., in 1908. Besides Wilbur W. the children are: F. S., a resi- dent of San Diego; Augusta, Mrs. J. W. Adams, of Riverside; Rollin H., a Methodist preacher now in Denver, Colo .; and E. L., who is associated with his brother in the mercantile business at Highgrove. W. H. Ayers was a son of Dr. Samuel Ayers, who was a co-worker with John Brown, Jr., and others in the border warfare in Kansas.
Upon the completion of his education in the public schools of Linn county, W. W. Ayers took a year's normal course, after which he secured a position as teacher in the schools of his native town. In 1897 he removed to Albany, Ore., where he accepted a position 42 .
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in the Albany Woolen Mills, but a year later went to San Fran- cisco, where he secured employment with the Great American Im- porting Tea Company. In 1898 he took charge of their Riverside business, continuing with the company until 1904, when he removed to Highgrove, where he purchased a small stock of merchandise, being associated with his younger brother. Shortly after his loca- tion in his present place he was appointed postmaster and has since served in that capacity. In 1907 Mr. Ayers erected a store building suited to their growing business and by the united efforts of his brother and himself their business has been placed on a substantial basis.
Despite an unfortunate accident which occurred August 19, 1909, as he stepped from a train at Highgrove, his right arm being crushed beneath the wheels, Mr. Avers bravely continued his duties and has become expert in using his left hand. He is an official member of Highgrove Methodist Episcopal Church, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday school for three years. His wife also is a faithful worker in that field and is well known as a leader in the various women's auxiliaries in the church.
On December 25, 1901, Mr. Ayers was united in marriage with Miss Stella Stephenson, a native of Sedgwick, Kan., where she received her primary education and later graduated from River- side high school. She is a daughter of Homer Stephenson, of whom a sketch is to be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have four children: Ronald W., Arthur M., Wilbur W., Jr., and Newell Morgan, all of whom were born in Riverside county. In politics Mr. Ayers is independent and prompt to sup- port well qualified candidates. He is a member of Riverside Lodge, No. 282, I. O. O. F., and is conceded to be one of Highgrove's public spirited and helpful citizens, having aided materially in the development of the community.
DAVID G. MITCHELL
A wide experience with the activities of various parts of our nation, beginning with an army service in his early youth and covering later years of business associations, not only gives Mr. Mitchell an adequate comprehension of the resources of many local- ities, but also enables him to impartially compare California with other regions, with the result that he is firmly entrenched in the belief that no district offers greater opportunities than our own. Through service in an official capacity he has become well known to
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the people of Riverside county and it may be stated that his friends are not limited to the members of his own party (the Republican), but embrace many representatives of other political organizations, it being the opinion of practically the entire citizenship that the county could secure no official more painstaking than he or more honorable in every transaction.
A son of Richard and Sophia (Bailey) Mitchell, the gentleman above-named was born in Erie county, Pa., July 3, 1846, and at- tended school between the years of six and fifteen. At the opening of the Civil war he embraced the Union cause with youthful en- thusiasm. His services were accepted as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and he accom- panied his regiment to the front, remaining in active service until the expiration of his term of enlistment in December of 1864. Re- turning to his native county he again offered his services to the Union and again was accepted, this time being a member of Com- pany M, One Hundred and Second Veterans, Pennsylvania Volun- teer Regiment, in which he served until July 3, 1865, and was hon- orably discharged on the nineteenth anniversary of his birth.
A position in the bridge department of the Erie & Pittsburg Railroad Company occupied the time of the young soldier until the fall of 1870, after which he spent six months as clerk in a millinery store at Rockford, Ill., and then engaged in farming for one year near Fayette, Iowa. His next position gave him charge of a con- struction gang for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company. Then he returned to Rockford, Ill., and opened the first steam laundry in that city. During the spring of 1886 he came to California and settled in Riverside county, where he became inter- ested in farming near Perris. During March of 1893 he was ap- pointed by the governor one of five county commissioners selected to complete the county organization and he was chosen secretary of the board, which position he filled with trustworthy energy and intelligence. Recognizing his fitness for public office, his fel- low-citizens selected him to serve as county treasurer and in June of 1893 he was first chosen for this office, which he still fills. In common with other veterans of the Civil war he finds pleasure in his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic. Fratern- ally he is identified with the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics, which he has served as state counsellor, besides represent- ing the state organization in the convention held at Detroit, Mich., in 1910. With his family he holds membership in the Congre- gational Church.
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