USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume II > Part 13
USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume II > Part 13
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He had the honor of sending the first telegraphic message from San Bernardino, a copy of which was as follows, with the reply :
'San Bernardino, California, September 18, 1873. "To A. E. Horton. "Founder of San Diego.
"The telegraph line from Anaheim to this city has just been com- pleted. As the interests of San Diego and San Bernardino are mutual, we extend to your thriving city the hand of fellowship, hoping that the iron rail may soon connect our flourishing city with the rising metropolis of the Pacific Coast.
"DE LA M. WOODWARD,
"President of the Board of Town Trustees."
The reply :
"San Diego, California, September 18, 1873.
"To De La M. Woodward,
"President Board Town Trustees,
"San Bernardino, California.
"Your telegram just received. Allow us to congratulate you on being thus brought intimately into connection with the world. We appreciate your sentiments with regard to our mutual interests and earnestly await the day when we can return the compliment in person by the railroad. "Allow us to shake hands through the medium of the telegraph. Our little city by the sea extends to you and to the citizens of San Ber- nardino her best wishes for your success and future prosperity.
"A. E. HORTON."
Mr. Woodward married one of San Bernardino's fair daughters, Miss Carrie Craw, daughter of Charles Craw, one of the well-known
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pioneer freighters of San Bernardino County. They had two daughters, Josephine and Lettie Woodward. The first moved to Pennsylvania years ago, the latter married Frank Keir, one of the popular employes of the Santa Fe Railroad Company, and at this time (1922) lives in Los Angeles. Lettie, as she was familiarly called by her old associates, was one of the most popular young ladies of San Bernardino because of hier training the children in elocution, and she herself entertained the Grand Army of the Republic, the Woman's Relief Corps, the Pioneer Society and on many patriotic and social occasions she endeared herself by her versatility of talents, amiability and unselfish disposition to a large circle of friends, for whom mother and father entertained just pride.
RICHARD WEIR, one of the builders of San Bernardino, was born in London Township, Ontario, Canada, on July 17, 1856, the son of John and Jane Talbot Weir. His father was a native of Ireland, whose family immigrated to Canada in 1810. His mother was the daughter of Colonel Talbot of the British Army, a native of Ontario, Canada. Rich- ard lived on the home farm until thirteen, when he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade. After serving his term he was employed as a journeyman by a firm of contractors and finally went into business on his own acocunt. He lived in London, Ontario, until 1883, when he came to California and spent a year at Sacramento. He returned to Canada and in 1887 removed to San Bernardino, where he has followed his trade in building many residences all over the city. He has a fine residence on Birch and Olive streets.
Mr. Weir is very fond of outdoor life and spends his summers with his family in the mountains hunting, fishing and camping. Among his most enjoyable camps was one at the J. B. Smithson mountain home near Strawberry Peak, then called the "Smithsonian," now known as Pine Crest, where Bart Smithson and his estimable wife, Jane, enter- tained the pioneers in whatever numbers they came to enjoy the beau- tiful surroundings and real California pioneer hospitality. Another joy- ful camp was the one known as "Pioneer Camp," on the stream flowing into James' Flat, where over three hundred pioneers had the time of their lives "in that lone, sequestered spot, the world forgetting, by the world forgot." Here Mr. Weir learned the worth of such men as Bart Smithson, Sheldon Stoddard, Sydney P. Waite, John Brown, Jr., George Miller, George M. Cooley, Jap Corbett, Silas Cox, Taney Woodward, Bill Holcomb, Joe Brown, Mark B. Shaw, with whom Mr. Weir cut down pine trees at Knapp's Ranch on the mountains and helped erect log cabins for the pioneers in San Bernardino to perpetuate their memory, and also pioneer monuments in Cajon Pass to show the present and coming generations where the Santa Fe and Salt Lake Trails joined. The second monument has its arrow pointing direct to San Bernardino, the most desirable place to settle in. With such builders, hunters, fisher- men, mountaineer campers and jolly good fellows Mr. Weir has enjoyed many happy outings.
December 28, 1882, he was married to Miss Sarah Jane Heck, a native of Kingston, Canada, and a direct descendant of Barbara Heck, the founder of Canadian Methodism, who came to Canada from New York in 1776, and whose ancestors landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620.
Mr. and Mrs. Weir have four children-Herbert Heck, Emma Edna, Alma Jane and John Wesley Weir.
It may not be inappropriate to close this interesting sketch by relating a humorous story illustrating a commendable virtue in Mr. Weir, that
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of making fun and brightening up life a little as we journey along. It so happened one spring when the neighbors were planting out their vegetable gardens that his close neighbor, George Washington Suttenfield, planted a new variety of cucumber recommended for its large size and rapid growth, and called his neighbor, Richard, over to his garden to see that new cucumber and how he had fertilized and cultivated the soil, the cucumber vines looking healthy and the young cucumbers then being about two inches long. Sut, as Suttenfield was familiarly known, would go over to Weir's and look at the growing cucumbers that Richard had and boasted that his looked better because he had a better variety and cultivated the soil more. Richard, hearing this boastful spirit of his neighbor, resolved on getting even, surpassing his neighbor if possible, so goes down to the city and on the racks of a vegetable store notices some cucumbers about a foot long, so buys half a dozen of these, takes them home and places them carefully among the leaves of his cucumber vine and removes the small cucumbers and lets three days pass and goes over to see Sut's cucumbers, about two inches long, and has a spirited conversation with him and invites him over to see the rapid growth at Weir's garden. On arriving there and beholding these cucumbers a foot long, growing on a vine from seed planted about the same time as his, he wondered at such marvelous growth, a foot long, when his cucum- bers were only two inches long, and after such great care in planting, fertilizing and cultivating he had done, he exclaimed, "By the heavens, Weir, you have beat me." Mr .. Weir took out his pocketknife, stooped over the cucumber vine and made believe that he cut the cucumber from the vine, handed the twelve-inch cucumber to Sut, telling him to take it to Sarah, his wife, and show her what kind of soil Weir had to raise cucumbers, which he did, and she was more surprised than he was. Mr. Weir kept the secret till next day, for it was too good to keep. Sut, acknowledging that the cucumber trick was well played on him, and only went to show that his neighbor, Dick Weir, has his funny spells, and a . jolly good fellow.
JOHN ANDRESON, SR., one of the active builders of San Bernardino, was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, near the borders of Den- mark and Germany, in 1834. He came to America sailing around Cape Horn in 1850 and returned to England in 1852. He again came to America around Cape Horn and sailed up the Pacific coast, and after spending six months in the Argentine Republic, continued sailing his way up the coast to California. He continued his sea-faring life for a number of years along the coast being prominent as a ship owner.
From 1861 to 1863 he carried on a grocery business in San Francisco and later went to Arizona, prospecting and mining at LaPaz. In 1870 he visited his place of birth after an absence of twenty years. On his return he settled in San Bernardino where he had purchased an acre of land on the northwest corner of Third and E streets, on which stood a small brewery. This building was disposed of and he erected a large two-story building which is now the home of the Farmers Exchange Bank.
Many of the finest buildings of the city were built by Mr. Andreson and his partner, H. L. Drew, and to their foresight the city has flourished wonderfully. They realized San Bernardino would grow and made it thrive by erecting substantial buildings.
They were projectors of the D Street horse car line, and were two of the four far seeing men to whose personal efforts is due the securing of the depot and work shops of the Santa Fe Railroad Company.
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Mr. Andreson served as supervisor of the county and as chairman of the board several terms with his old friends, James W. Waters, Lewis Cram, Don Cornelius Jensen, George Cooley, to look out for the inter- ests of the tax payers.
He also served on the Board of City Trustees and was largely instru- mental in securing for the city its complete sewer system. He was a member of the Library Board for many years, was treasurer for Phoenix Lodge, I. O. O. F., a valued member of the Pioneer Society, and in the early days was among the first volunteer firemen of the city-in all of which capacities he performed his part well. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Walter Kohl, 633 Fourth Street, San Bernardino, January 13, 1912, one of the most highly respected citizens of the county. He left one brother, Jacob, who spends his summers at Skyland, where he has a mountain cottage.
John Andreson had the following children, three sons, John Andre- son, Jr., William Andreson, Edmund Andreson, and two daughters, Mrs. O. H. Kohl and Mrs. Walter Kohl,
ALFRED MORGAN LEWIS came to Riverside in 1885. He was born in 1868 at Neponset, Illinois, of Welsh ancestry and Revolutionary stock. He was raised on a farm like so many of our sturdy pioneers. His education was gained mainly in lowa and Illinois where he attended school and worked on the farm at the same time.
Coming to California at the early age of seventeen, he worked his way in various lines, but the most of the time he was connected with the grocery business. He worked thirteen years with one firm and then with a partner went in business for himself. The business prospered and in 1918 he bought out his partner.
He has the largest retail grocery business in Southern California, outside of Los Angeles, with two branch stores at Arlington and West ยท Riverside. He conducts a complete food store and uses every means to reduce the cost of merchandise by carload buying and modern trans- portation facilities. Purchased the three story block in 1921, known as the Pennsylvania Block, 100 by 1571/2 feet.
His early struggles and success has not led him to be completely absorbed in business matters as he is most active in Boy Scout work and is a director in the Chamber of Commerce, Business Men's Association, Present Day Club, and Rotary Club. He is a trustee of the First Baptist Church and Sunday school superintendent, is a member of the Pioneer Society and the Independent Order of Foresters and is a Knight Templar Mason.
He was married in Riverside in 1891 to Miss Catherine Lee Todd, a native of Missouri, of Scotch ancestry and an old southern family. She too is most active in community work. They have two children. The daughter, Ruth, received her education at the University of California and the son, Paul, at the University of Southern California. Paul Lewis was the first man accepted by the Riverside Board of Service on the World's war and served eleven months on this side and eleven months overseas. On his return he became associated with his father in business. In 1920 he married Miss Ruth Rougny.
Mr. Lewis's residence, situated at the corner of Seventh and Rubidoux Drive, is considered one of the most attractive homes in Riverside.
Mr. Lewis does not always confine himself to his every day labors, for often when he finds a "down and out" who is worthy and in need he is not backward in giving him or her, mostly her, employment in
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his store until better days arrive. In this matter he makes it a rule not to "let his left hand know what his 'right hand doeth."
It is always a pleasure to the writer of history to chronicle the successes of those who can be classed among the pioneers and have "grown up with the country," such a one is Mr. Lewis, one of the leading grocerymen in Riverside.
GEORGE N. REYNOLDS. Long in the hearts of his many friends and associates will live the memory of George N. Reynolds, a pioneer mer- chant and revered philanthropist of Riverside, who passed away Septem- ber 21, 1911, and whose life was an example well worthy of emulation. His characteristics of sterling integrity and keen executive ability united with broad and generous sympathies and a deep religious nature found adequate expression not only in the management of his own wide financial interests, but in countless benevolent enterprises as well. His career was remarkable not only for the wonderful success he achieved from an infinitely small beginning, but for the continued generosity displayed by him even throughout the years in which he laid the foundations of his future vast interests.
Born November 24, 1860, at St. Catherine, Ontario, Canada, Mr. Reynolds was the only son of Robert and Catherine (Nicoll) Reynolds, the father's death occurring when the boy was quite young. Subsequently the mother married William Caldwell and taking charge of her daughters, Isabelle, now deceased, and Margaret Robinson, who now resides in Kingston, Canada, placed her boy in the hands of his uncle, Joseph Nicoll, who conducted a nursery and greenhouse in Cataraque. During his residence with his uncle he attended the country school several winters, completing his education at Cataraque, Ontario, and in 1880 he came to Riverside, California, securing employment on a ranch which was later chosen for the site of Chemawa Park. After five years, during which time he had risen to the position of foreman of the Everest Rancho, he determined to engage in business with the small capital of $1,200, which he had saved from his earnings, and in 1885 established a mercantile store in the room which now forms the south half of the Newberry grocery store. Nine years later, his trade having grown too large for his small quarters, he removed to the Castle- man Block, on the spot where the First National Bank now stands. In 1896 he added to his store the north room now occupied by the Hinde Hardware Company, his stock comprising men's clothes, furnishing goods and shoes. Shortly thereafter, however, having reached the limit of expansion along special lines, he decided to establish a department store, feeling sure that this field offered unlimited opportunities for a man of confidence and training. To that end was erected the building once occupied by Frankenheimer & Lightner, and in which the Reynolds Department Store located October 7, 1896. As new departments were added it became apparent that more room would be required and the venture appearing to justify his next move he erected in 1900 his present building, consisting of three stories and basement and covering 100 by 157 feet. In 1903 he purchased the Casa Palma Hotel which he remodeled under the name of the Reynolds Hotel Building, his many real estate transactions being directed with a view to the development of Riverside in whose future he ever maintained unswerving faith.
Mr. Reynolds enjoyed the distinction of operating the largest depart- ment store in Southern California, with the exception of Los Angeles, and was the largest individual taxpayer in Riverside County, having erected a greater number of business blocks than any other person or
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corporation. Following is a list of business property owned by him, his residence holdings also having been considerable. The Reynolds Hotel Building on Main Street; the two-story brick block, 50 by 100 feet, adjoining ; a building between this structure and the Pennsylvania Build- ing; 157 feet of a store building on Ninth Street, east of Main; one- fourth of a block on Ninth and Orange; 175 feet of unimproved prop- erty on Orange between Ninth and Tenth; and the College Building on Main Street between Seventh and Eighth, which he built for a store building and later sold. He was also active in the development of Halls Addition, a rapidly growing and desirable section of the city. An enthusiastic believer in civic improvements Mr. Reynolds lent much aid towards establishing and improving roads, schools, parks, in fact, every- thing that tends to beautify a city and its environs. His donations toward public improvements are a matter of special mention and include the fountain and lily pond presented to White Park in 1909, and Fair- mount Park improvements aggregating several thousands of dollars.
During the past few years of his life Mr. Reynolds traveled exten- sively, having made three trips abroad, including a year's tour of the world, his keen observation and appreciatiative nature rendering his journeys not only pleasant but profitable. On June 1, 1911, owing to ill health, he was forced to relinquish the activities of his life, his son, Charles L., relieving him of all responsibility. Mr. Reynolds held active membership in the Riverside Chamber of Commerce from the time of its organization, having served several years on its directorate also. He was a valued worker in the Business Men's Association of the city and upon his death his fellow members tendered to the bereaved family a beautiful tribute to his memory in the form of a resolution setting forth the incalculable inspiration and encouragement his life has been to them. In truth, the entire city paused in mourning during his funeral services, for he was widely known and loved. A member of Evergreen Lodge, No. 259, Free and Accepted Masons, and River- side Lodge No. 643, Benovolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was affiliated, also, with the Victoria Club. A stanch republican, he was deeply interested in political developments, though never desirous of office. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, his religious life being that of a consistent Christian whose personal success never for a moment dulled his sympathies for those less fortunate than himself.
Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage November 29, 1888, in River- side, with Miss Laura T. Low, a daughter of J. D. Low, who, in 1883, brought his family to California from Chicago.
ROBERT HORNBECK comes of pioneer stock ; ancestry on father's side. Holland Dutch ; settled in Ulster County, New York, where name is still common ; great-grandfather went to Virginia and later to Kentucky with Daniel Boone; heard of the battle of Lexington, returned to Virginia and enlisted in Morgan's riflemen ; at siege of Boston ; at end of war was a captain in Fifth Regiment New York Infantry, Colonel Weis- senfels ; returned to Kentucky. Mother's father soldier of 1812. Father served in Civil war in First Alabama (Union) Cavalry. Wife was youngest sister of Fred T. Perris, of San Bernardino. Her father in Civil war and was among the "missing." Father was an early settler on Puget Sound and went to Riverside about fifty years ago; left 1882
Robert W. Hornbeck learned trade at Decatur, Illinois, and San Bernardino; was newspaper correspondent at fifteen: wrote letters for Toledo Blade after coming to California ; printer of Riverside News, 1877; was hired by J. H. Roe as printer of Press in 1878 and printed first issue ;
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after paper was bought by Holt they were partners for a short time. Ran opposition paper to Holt but venture was financial failure and finally sold to Holt. Was in job printing business several years but burned out in 1883. Went to San Diego 1885 with Union; helped to establish a daily paper at Coronado Beach in 1887.
Went to Santa Rosa and Petaluma in newspaper work. To San Francisco later on Pacific Rural Press and Chronicle. While in Arizona in 1890 took the editorship of Yuma Times and remained Chronicle correspondent. In 1901 went to Redlands with Scipio Craig on Citro- graph. Seven years later Craig died and paper was suspended. After
ROBERT HORNBECK
being with Redlands dailies for some time went to Sacramento as proof- reader in State Printing office, but lost his voice and has quit newspaper work entirely. Self and wife live with unmarried sons, twins born in Arizona. Both boys were in World war. one in France, and one in navy. Another older son born at Riverside was a lieutenant and trained many hundred men at Camp Gordon, Ga.
Robert W. Hornbeck was connected with the establishment of over twenty papers on the Pacific Coast and been employee of about twenty more.
Mr. Hornbeck published several books, one on Social Topics quite successful. His book on Rubidoux Ranch exhaustive on that subject and looked to as an authority. He took an active part in the early news- papers of Riverside.
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REV. WM. FREDERICK TAYLOR, D. D. Perhaps no one who had such a short time to live in Riverside as Rev. W. F. Taylor, will leave such a pleasant memory as he did. Not so much as being a preacher of the gospel as from being founder of the Present Day Club. In his previous life he saw more changes in his ministerial career than falls to most preachers outside of the Methodist Church.
Born in London, England, December 25, 1844, and came to the United States when three years of age to Brooklyn, New York. His father died when he was eleven years of age, and at fourteen he was in business for himself with the art firm of Reynolds, Devoe & Pratt. However, art did not suit him and from there he went to the University of Rochester, where he graduated from the Theological Seminary in May, 1875, and was ordained pastor at Medina, June 1, 1875. July, 1882, found him pastor at East Orange, New Jersey. From there to Indian- apolis, May, 1889, and in Seattle, Washington, May, 1894. From there to Dayton, Ohio, June, 1895. November 1899, he was installed in River- side where he ended his life work in Riverside on October 19, 1905. He received his D. D. from Dennison University in 1898.
Doctor Taylor was a popular and talented preacher while in River- side, very active in every good work. It was, however, as founder of the Present Day Club that his greatest credit came from, of which he was president until the time of his death. This Present Day Club was founded to discuss everyday life questions and has grown in popularity and usefulness until it has a membership of over 700 who take a great interest in the proceedings. The club is often helped by outside talent presenting papers which are discussed by members present. The club never takes a vote on any question and in that way never settles anything. Doctor Taylor brought the nucleus of the club from Dayton, Ohio, but the Riverside club has far outgrown its origin and for that matter any- thing of similar character in the United States.
Doctor Taylor married in July, 1877, Carrie Achiles, by whom he had two sons and a daughter. The oldest son, Wycliff, is in business in Los Angeles, the other son in Riverside is doing active Y. M. C. A. and Boy Scout work and the daughter, Mrs. Feris Moulton. is living in Los Angeles. Mrs. Taylor still resides in Riverside.
MRS. MARY A. CRANDALL, noted typical pioneer mother, was born in the little town of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois, December 12, 1834. now (1922) nearing her eighty-eighth anniversary, was the daughter of Nathan and Betsey Wixom, pioneers of Illinois, who started westward to Utah and California in 1850, attracted by the wonderful excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California in 1849. The Wixom family joined a large caravan of prairie schooners for their better pro- tection from attacks of hostile Indians while crossing the Indian country through the Rocky Mountains and plains, crossing the Missouri River at Council Bluffs, the great rendezvous of the onrushing immigration. Miss Mary Wixom, although a child of fifteen years, helped her parents in crossing these mountains and vast plains and deserts, doing the work of a grown woman by driving an ox team, and when her shoes were worn out and could not be patched any more she drove the team bare- foot, as was generally the case with many others in the train. In her advancing years she loves to relate the thrilling stories of incidents hap- pening along this six months' experience crossing the American conti- nent from Illinois to San Bernardino, California, with an ox team in 1850.
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At Salt Lake City, a much needed rest was taken especially to recruit the almost worn out oxen, and to replenish the almost exhausted supply of provisions for the remainder of the journey to California.
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