History of Riverside County, California, Part 69

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 69


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Thomas A. Kise received a fair education in the schools of his native city. Upon leaving school in 1886 he began an apprentice- ship to the trade of a carriage painter and when he had acquired a thorough knowledge of all details he secured employment as a jour- neyman, going in 1890 to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked for two years. After a year at his trade in his old home town he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and found ready employment in a carriage-paint- ing shop, but after twelve months he returned to St. Louis, where for a year he was engaged as a piano finisher. For a similar period he held a like position in Chicago, from which city he went back to St. Louis and resumed work as a finisher of pianos. A year after- ward he returned to Springfield, Mo., and for eight months he worked as a finisher in a furniture factory. Next he was employed as a carriage-painter in Wichita, Kan., for six months, after which he earned high wages as a piano finisher in Kansas City, Mo. At the expiration of one year in that city he returned to Springfield, Mo., and for six months worked as a carriage painter.


A return to St. Louis and an experience of two years as a painter of carriages and pianos was followed by Mr. Kise's re- moval to Springfield, his native town, where for three years he fol- lowed carriage-painting. After two years at Fort Worth, Tex., as a hardwood finisher he came to California in 1898 and settled in Riverside, where ever since he has successfully followed the lines of his chosen specialty. In this work he has few equals. Conscientious in his efforts, skilled in touch and quick in action, he has gained a reputation to which his merits fully entitle him, and among the workmen in his line he is regarded with the respect and admiration to which his success entitles him. Giving his time closely to his


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chosen vocation, he does not mingle in public activities and takes no part in politics aside from voting the Republican ticket. In re- ligion he is an adherent of the Christian Church. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. While living in Springfield, Mo., he was there united in marriage, March 22, 1895, with Miss Lena L. De Friesse, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., by whom he is the father of one child, Dorothy L., now a student in the Riverside schools.


HUGH A. CLARK


Possessed of courage and perseverance, Mr. Clark has endeav- ored to exemplify the principles of honor and manliness which form the leaven of true success in life. He was born January 31, 1845, in Campbell county, Va. At that time the state was not divided and now this county is situated in West Virginia. When he was one year old his parents, Thomas A. and Mary (Guthrie) Clark, natives of New York and Virginia respectively, moved to Lawrence county, Ohio. It was in this county that H. A. Clark grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools, after which he learned the cooper's trade. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in Company B, First West Virginia Light Artillery, and after a service of four years, lacking fifty days, received an honorable discharge. During the time of service he participated in many engagements, among which were those of the Army of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Valley campaign. The war over he returned to his home and in 1866 went to Troy, Ill., and resumed work at his trade, later returning to Lawrence, Ohio, where he taught in a district school. In 1871, at Athalia, Ohio, he embarked in the mercantile business, continuing for twelve years.


In 1884, after disposing of his holdings in Ohio, Mr. Clark came to California looking for a location and decided that San Jacinto met his requirements. Accordingly he bought property consisting of twenty acres adjoining the town. He returned to Ohio for his family and 1885 found them permanently located in their new home, where Mr. Clark carried on ranching. In 1886 he was appointed postmaster of San Jacinto by Mr. Cleveland, retain- ing the office four years, after which he again took up agricultural pursuits. In the meantime he had bought thirty-six acres, sub- sequently selling four acres, upon which is located his present home and where he has made all the improvements. In 1907 he removed his family to this place and as the land is well adapted for apricots he intends to specialize on this fruit. In the meantime


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he does general farming and raises potatoes. He irrigates his land from a well, his pump having a capacity of about fifty inches.


On June 28, 1870, occurred the marriage of H. A. Clark and Miss Fannie Blake, a native of West Virginia, and of their union ten children were born, of whom five died in early childhood. Those living are: Carrie, wife of R. S. Molyneux, residents of Anaheim; Minnie, who married George A. Johnson and lives at Ocean Park; James W. and Homer A., at home on the ranch; and Lucile, the wife of B. W. Douglas, of Los Angeles.


In politics Mr. Clark is a Democrat and maintains an intel- ligent interest in the party's welfare. He was appointed fruit tree inspector for the San Jacinto valley and served fourteen years. He served three terms as city trustee of San Jacinto and during its existence was a member of San Jacinto Post, No. 118, G. A. R. He has liberally forwarded all movements for the upbuilding of the town and is accounted one of the dependable citizens of the county.


STEPHEN BIRD


A well-known resident of Corona is Stephen Bird, who came here in 1907, and who is now a successful and progressive fruit grower of this vicinity, owning a neat and well-managed ranch of five acres. He was born in Portland, Ore., October 9, 1854, and there his boyhood and early manhood were spent. After completing his training in the grammar and high schools of that city he learned the plasterer's trade and followed that occupation there for about six years. He then sought a new field for his labors in Spring- field, Ill., where he engaged in business for fifteen years. He also resided for some time in Williamsville.


In October, 1882, at Springfield, Ill., Mr. Bird was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary M. Moyer, a widow, who had been reared and educated in Sangamon county.


Gov. John R. Tanner appointed Mr. Bird night captain at the Joliet penitentiary and he held this post for twelve consecutive years. After resigning the position at the penitentiary he re- turned to Williamsville, Ill., where he had country and town prop- erty. His wife being in poor health he disposed of all his property in Williamsville and came to California in 1907, coming directly to Riverside county and purchasing the orange grove in Corona where he now lives. This fine property is located on north Main street and Mr. Bird has made considerable improvements on it


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since he bought the place, fencing the entire property with woven wire fence, fertilizing and enriching the soil, planting grapes, lo- quats and deciduous fruits and has become a successful fruit grower.


Mr. Bird is a member of the Corona Citrus Association. He is a Master Mason, being a member of Temescal Lodge, No. 314, F. & A. M., and he is also identified with the Williamsville (Ill.) Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all the positions which that lodge offers and is past grand. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, where he has served through the chairs and is past chancellor.


In February, 1910, Mr. Bird met with an accident in the pack- ing house at Corona, when he had his right hand cut by a circular saw. Blood poisoning set in and it became necessary to amputate the right thumb. He was seriously ill for some thirteen months, during which time he had ample opportunity to train the left hand to do the work of the right and became a fair left-handed scribe. He has since somewhat recovered the use of his right hand.


RAY H. JESSUP


Optimism is one of the most potent qualities of the progressive business man; his faith in the ultimate success of his plans is de- cisive, unchanging, and failure to him is only a nudge of fate to avoid a similar pitfall in his next venture. In Mr. Jessup we find a man who, never doubting his powers, took the tool life offered him and while patiently working with it, was ever on the alert for the op- portunity which he felt assured would eventually pass within his grasp. He was born in Antioch, Contra Costa county, Cal., Octo- ber 6, 1870, receiving a common school education. In 1886 he moved to Santa Barbara and three years later located in Riverside. In September, 1889, he started in to learn the business with G. Rouse & Co., where he is still employed, having served also as vice- presi- dent of the firm since its incorporation in 1905.


Mr. Jessup is an active member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Riverside Parlor No. 251, and of Riverside Lodge No. 643, B. P. O. E. Throughout his residence in Riverside he has made many stanch friends and occupies in the community an hon- ored place fully justified by his manly characteristics. In all matters pertaining to the welfare of the city he maintains an enthusiastic interest accompanied by practical assistance.


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HUGH A. BAIN


Among the influential and public spirited men who have made Riverside their home is Hugh A. Bain, who since 1898 has been identified with the growth and development of this city. He was born in Nairn, Scotland, April 18, 1849. His parents, Hugh Bain, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Margaret (Fraser) Bain, who was born in Forres, immigrated to Paisley, Canada, in 1857. The team that hauled their goods into that country was the first team of horses seen in that section, which at that period was but sparsely settled, while deer and other wild game were very plenti- ful. Mr. Bain erected the first frame house ever built in that lo- cality and for a time was engaged in general merchandising. He retired from active duties and continued to make Paisley his home until his death, in 1893.


Hugh A. Bain was educated in the public schools of Paisley, Canada, and at the age of sixteen years secured a position as teacher. In 1868 he entered Queen's University, Ontario, from which he was graduated after two years and subsequently secured an appointment as instructor in mathematics and classics in West End Academy, Montreal, Canada. After three years of successful work he decided to enter a new field and resigning his position, journeyed to New York City. Soon after his arrival there he accepted a position in the office of Lewisohn Brothers, hair manu- facturers and importers and dealers in haircloth. He remained as their office manager for a time and later became interested in the company. This company had large mining interests in the vicinity of Butte, Mont., and Mr. Bain was given supervision of this branch of the business and traveled throughout the United States and Europe in that interest, altogether making seventeen trips across the Atlantic. This company was the first to use elec- tricity in separating gold, silver and copper from the ore. Here- tofore, all ore running over a certain percentage was sent to Europe for separating the metals, and by their introducing the new method enormous expense was saved the company. Mr. Bain went to the mines and superintended the installation of the plant, which proved a success. For years that company paid the highest wages in the country for work done at the mines.


Always having in mind the advancement of the interests of the company and the development of that part of the country Mr. Bain was the means of getting the Northern Pacific Railroad to extend their line into Butte, Mont., and later interested James J. Hill in that section of the country. This not only developed the country, but it saved the company thousands of dollars in freight 43


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rates and in supplying cheap fuel to their mines and permitted his scheme of the development of the rich mineral resources of that region. Mr. Bain continued as active manager and retained his interests in the corporation for many years, giving his entire time and attention to the promotion of their business. During his active business career he came in contact with some of the greatest finan- ciers of both continents. In 1898 he retired and shortly after located in Riverside and is now residing in the home which he erected at No. 1484 Orange Grove avenue, this being one of the show places of the city.


In Staten Island, N. Y., February 17, 1897, Mr. Bain was married to Miss Helen L. Snow, a native of Rockland, Me. As a Republican Mr. Bain has always maintained a deep interest in political developments and is a stanch supporter of Theodore Roosevelt. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been made a Mason in Mt. Maria Lodge, Montreal, Canada. He is a member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church and as a man of high ambition and exemplary principles he enjoys the esteem of his many friends and associates.


SIDNEY E. POTTER


Among Riverside's rising young commercial men is S. E. Potter, who by perseverance and wise judgment has succeeded, in the face of most adverse circumstances, in establishing a successful business in his chosen profession, plumbing and heating, his future prosperity appearing amply assured.


Born December 28, 1878, in Spartanburg, S. C., Mr. Potter remained with his parents, Dock and Mary (King) Potter, natives of South Carolina, until the age of fifteen. Upon completion of his grammar school studies he removed to Clifton, S. C., where he spent five years learning the trade of cotton weaving, and in 1898, his apprenticeship having expired, he became a clerk in a furniture store in Atlanta, Ga. Three years later he engaged in weaving in Pacolet, S. C., but in 1903 resigned his work to fulfill a long cherished desire to establish a home in the west, locating in Riverside, Cal., where he secured a situation with M. T. Cunniff, McCormack, Orman & Company, plumbers. Later he served in a similar capacity with A. H. Schanck, plumber, relinquishing his duties in July, 1904, to accept a position as plumber with the Wilcox- Rose Construction Company, of Pasadena, Cal. September 1, 1904, the company transferred him to San Dimas, Cal., where he remained


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until November, going thence to Tuba, Ariz., in which place he worked at his trade for several months. In July, 1905, he located in Los Angeles, Cal., and was employed as a plumber with Newell Brothers until November, then transferring his services to A. Peasley, plumber, and in June, 1906, returned to Riverside, imme- diately securing a situation with McCormack, Orman & Company. In September, 1908, he formed a partnership with H. D. Knight, the firm being known as Potter & Knight, since which period both himself and associate have devoted their best efforts to their rapidly growing and most successful enterprise, their work includ- ing general plumbing, heating and ventilating.


Mr. Potter is a Republican, with a stanch and well defined political principles, and maintains a deep interest in municipal affairs in general. He is a member of Riverside Lodge, No. 112, K. of P. and ranks among the city's most progressive and highly esteemed business men.


JAMES W. CARROLL


The substantial construction noticeable throughout the greater portion of the buildings of Riverside may be attributed to the painstaking industry and intelligent supervision of the contractors, a number of whom, long identified with local activities, would rank high in any metropolis. Not least among these successful workers may be mentioned the name of James W. Carroll, whose identifi- cation with the city has been of the greatest importance to its per- manent upbuilding, for always he has maintained principles of the highest honor in his building operations. To state that a struc- ture has been erected under his oversight is equivalent to a state- ment that it is well built, with no detail neglected and no part, however unimportant, slighted by the workmen. Buildings erected by him years ago still stand in their original strength and at- tractiveness, their durability proved by usage and their foundations tested by time.


The Carroll family became established in the east during the colonial period of our country's history and the Morgan family, the maternal ancestors of Mr. Carroll, likewise were early settlers. Born in Romulus, Seneca county, N. Y., February 13, 1860, he was named in honor of his father, James Sr., and as soon as old enough was sent to the district schools in his native county, near a babbling brook, in a beautiful forest of oaks, etc. Later he passed the exam-


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inations for admission into the grammar school and then into the high school, where he carried on the regular course of study until 1878. On leaving school he became an apprentice to the trade of a carpenter and served his time under a prominent contractor of Rochester, N. Y., where he continued for some time, first as appren- tice, later as journeyman. Coming to Riverside October 17, 1887, at the age of twenty-seven years, he has since been identified with the building industry in this district. For a time he worked by the day, but as early as 1891 he began to take contracts and since that year he has been kept occupied busily in superintending the erec- tion of buildings.


Among the contracts filled by Mr. Carroll may be mentioned those for the Covert, Regina, Tetley and Leighton blocks, the build- ing owned by Dr. Howe, the department store building owned by George N. Reynolds, the public library, Riverside Water Company's offices, the city power plant and a large number of elegant resi- dences in the city and surrounding country. His home at No. 485 Fourteenth street, erected some years ago, adds another to the list of the artistically beautiful homes of Riverside and in its con- struction furnishes added testimony concerning his skill and effi- ciency. In addition he erected and now owns a summer home at East Newport, where his family spend a few months every year and where, in the intervals of business, he joins them for a brief period of relaxation and a delightful vacation spent near the ocean. November 5, 1884, at Rochester, N. Y., he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret O'Brien, who was reared and educated in the east. They are the parents of three children. The eldest, James V., is a graduate of St. Vincent's College, as is also John H .. Margaret, the youngest member of the family circle, is now a student in the Hollywood convent. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church and contribute gener- ously to religious enterprises. Politically Mr. Carroll votes with the Republican party and in fraternal relations he holds membership with the Maccabees, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.


HENRY K. SMALL


The records of the Small family reveal the fact that it was rep- resented in the state of Maine prior to the Revolutionary war and that members of it rendered valiant service in that conflict. The earliest member of the family of whom we have authentic knowl- edge was James Small. His son, also James Small, was born in


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Cape Elizabeth, Me., in 1784. His marriage united him with Lydia Howard, the daughter of Amos Howard, of Lyman, Me., who was born May 2, 1752, and died in Rumford, Me., September 17, 1837. He was a participant in the Revolutionary war. Cyrus Small was a son of James and Lydia (Howard) Small and was born in Lisbon, Me., April 18, 1816, and he died in Caribou, that state, in March, 1878. His wife in maidenhood was Lucy Ann Kimball, who was born February 13, 1820, and died May 22, 1848. She was the daugh- ter of Porter and Nancy Kimball, the former born in Bradford, Mass., May 19, 1793, and the latter was the daughter of Asa and Phebe (Foster) Kimball, of Rumford, Me.


Among the children in the family of Cyrus and Lucy Ann (Kimball) Small was Henry K. Small, born at Rumford Corner, Me., February 10, 1847. During his boyhood the family removed from Oxford county to Aroostook county, same state, and there he received his education. Later years found him proprietor of a hotel in that locality, but a growing desire to come to the west and take advantage of the broader conditions led him to dispose of his hos- telry. After visiting several sections of California he located in Orange county, where soon afterward he became superintendent and manager of the Olive Flour Mills. In 1894 removal was made to Riverside, where, until 1903, he successfully conducted a grain ranch, assisted by his sons. Having familiarized himself with con- ditions governing the grain and feed business he embarked in that venture, becoming president of the newly organized company, known as H. K. Small & Sons, one of the thriving industries of Riv- erside.


The marriage of H. K. Small, May 17, 1868, united him with Emma Maria Carr, who was born at Dedham, Me., October 3, 1851, the daughter of Henry D. and Sabrina (Billington) Carr. The son of Edmund Carr, Henry D. Carr was born February 2, 1820, at Bucksport, Me., and died February 14, 1905, at Orange, Cal. Sa- brina Billington was born in China, Me., June 12, 1828, the daugh- ter of Asa Billington, also a native of China, Me., and Eunice (Ward) Billington, she being a daughter of Thomas Ward, of that place also, the latter a Revolutionary soldier. Asa Billington was a son of Job Billington. Six children, five sons and one daughter. were born of the marriage of H. K. and Emma M. Small. The eld- est, Cyrus Henry, born May 22, 1869, in Caribou, Me., died in June of the following year; Warren Dwinel, born November 23, 1870, was married December 24, 1892, to Lutie Powers, of Oswego, N. Y .; Lucy Eveleen, born December 23, 1872, died in October, 1873; Charles Leon, born December 1, 1874, is represented at length on another page; Ernest Carr, born July 13, 1881, was married in Riverside, June 27, 1906, to Alice May Cundiff, of this city; Ray


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Porter, born May 25, 1887, was married July 3, 1908, to Lucy Rennia Kingston, of Perris, Cal.


In whatever locality Mr. Small has made his home the commun- ity has benefited by his citizenship, this being especially demon- strated since his residence in Riversile, where for five years he was a member of the board of utilities, and he was also largely instru- mental in getting installed the ornamental lighting system of the city. Politically he is a Republican and has always stood firmly by the principles of his chosen party. Fraternally he is a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 259, F. & A. M.


REV. BERRY EDMISTON


Having been for years closely associated with the development of Riverside, Mr. Edmiston is today a beloved and devoted citizen, the value of whose efforts in behalf of moral, educational and civic progress can scarcely be over-estimated. Born March 16, 1831, in Lincoln county, Tenn., Mr. Edmiston's parents were James and Jane Edmiston, both natives of South Carolina. The son received a meager education in the schools common to that period, most of his time being spent in the hard labor of pioneer farming. Upon reach- ing his majority he spent several years in school, determined to make his first care the acquirement of an education. At the age of twenty-five he entered the Methodist ministry, and upon his mar- riage in 1861 with Miss Ednah Lee, who was born in Sandwich, N. H., both himself and wife entered upon their duties in his chosen calling. Mrs. Edmiston's parents, Joseph and Maria Lee, were early settlers in Michigan and gave their daughter every advantage possible. At the age of sixteen she began teaching school and con- tinued for eleven years. After her marriage, and while living in Morristown, she assisted her husband one year in the academy there. Mr. Edmiston preached in Michigan three years, after which he and his wife entered Adrian (Mich.) College, graduating therefrom in 1866. He then took up his ministerial labors in a suburb of Pittsburg, Pa. Two years later, in 1868, he was ap- pointed principal of the Morristown (Ind.) Academy, and in 1869, having changed his religious views, accepted the pastorate of the Swedenborgian Church at Henry Ill., and continued there until failing health compelled him to seek a complete rest and change of climate. Locating in Riverside, Cal., in 1878, the family took up their residence on a government tract of ten acres at the head of


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Magnolia avenue, on Palm avenue. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Ed- miston purchased a ten-acre tract on the west side of Grand ave- nue, about three miles south of Riverside, erecting upon his prop- erty a cottage home, and devoted himself to horticultural pursuits. In 1881 he bought an additional ten acres adjoining his land on the south, and after seven years he added to his holdings thirteen acres, this being also a portion of a government tract located one- half mile south of his home place. During the intervening years he has disposed of all but his home place of ten acres on Grand avenue.




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