USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume III > Part 53
USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume III > Part 53
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In 1854 Edward P. Clyde purchased land in the Base Line Dis- trict of San Bernardino County, and this he eventually developed into a productive farm, his having been the honor of being one of the pio- neer exponents of agricultural industry in the county, and his stand- ing as a citizen having been of the highest, as he was a man of indus- try and honest worth and commanded the unqualified esteem of the community in which he lived and labored to goodly ends. Both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives on the old homestead farm, Mrs. Clyde having been about sixty-eight years of age at the time of her death, and he having attained to the venerable age of eighty-three years. He was one of the oldest settlers of San Ber- nardino County at the time of his death in 1911. Of the three chil- dren of these sterling pioneers the subject of this review is the young- est William R., the eldest son, was born May 16, 1860, and is now a resident of Redland, California. He married Miss Fannie Haws, of San Bernardino, and they have one child, Hazel. George E., the sec- ond son, was born in September, 1861, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Ella Cooley, still reside in San Bernardino County. They have no children.
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The conditions and influences of the pioneer farm of his father near Base Line compassed the childhood and youth of Rufus T. Clyde, and his early education was acquired in the schools of the locality and period. He continued to be associated with his father in farm enter- prise until his marriage, and his father then presented to him ten acres of land in the Base Line locality. This little tract did not long satisfy the energetic and ambitious ideas of Mr. Clyde, and in 1891 he purchased 100 acres of railroad land in the Yucaipa Valley, at the rate of $2.50 an acre. The tract was without improvements and no water was available for irrigation purposes, Mr. Clyde having de- cided to operate the place in the raising of grain by the system of so- called dry farming. Better conditions were gained, however, when he added to the area of his landed estate by the purchase of 160 acres of hill land in the same locality, his principal reason for this action having been that he thus obtained the water from two small springs on the property, three miles distant from his original farm. He piped the water through to his farm for stock and domestic use, and he has since developed an effective water system for irrigation through the medium of a well and an electric-pumping plant. He has his land all leveled and his development work has included the plant- ing of deciduous trees for the raising of various fruits, as well as an excellent orchard of English walnuts. He has many acres given to the successful propagation of alfalfa. Mr. Clyde has taken active part in the splendid development enterprise which has made this sec- tion available for the successful producing of apples, cherries, peaches and pears, and his farm property is thus assured of continued appre- ciation in value. The land which he purchased from the railroad at $2.50 an acre is now conservatively valued at $350 an acre. The situation of the pleasant home of Mr. Clyde and his family is ideal, with an excellent view of the mountains and of the beautiful Yucaipa Valley. Mr. Clyde has prospered in his industrial activities in his native county, takes pride in the manifold advantages and attractions which this section of the state affords, and as a citizen is specially loyal and public-spirited, though he has had no desire for political activity or public office.
On the 3d of March, 1888, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Clyde and Miss Geneva V. Haws, who was born in the same district of San Bernardino County as was he, the date of her nativity having been April 4, 1870. Mrs. Clyde is a daughter of the late Marion and Maletna Haws, who came across the plains with ox team and became early settlers in this county, where the father became a substantial farmer of the Base Line District. Mr. and Mrs. Clyde have one son, Robert S., who was born March 2, 1890, and who is now a partner with his father in the fruit-growing enterprise of the home place. His educational advantages included those of the public schools of Yucaipa and a business college in the City of San Bernardino.
REGINALD BRINSMEAD-Although born and educated at London. England, Reginald Brinsmead is an intensely patriotic American, and the love he bears for the country of his adoption undoubtedly sur- passes that of many of its native-born citizens. He owns a magnifi- cent seventeen and one-half acre orange grove on Victoria Avenue, and finds his greatest pleasure among his trees and with his family. When this country entered the World war, he offered his services to the Government, but owing to slightly defective eyesight, he was not accepted, and seeking some other outlet for his patriotism, he found
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it in the government library service, and was made superintendent at Camp Pike, in Arkansas, which positon he is still holding. He is popular and widely known, especially at Riverside, and throughout the state through his many articles on citrus culture and agricultural subjects which have been published in the Los Angeles Times, the Citrograph, local and other newspapers. He has made a special study of these subjects, and is regarded as an expert on citrus culture.
Reginald Brinsmead was born at London, England, August 3, 1880, a son of Thomas James Brinsmead, now deceased, who was a piano manufacturer of London, and a man of large affairs. He was a pioneer in many industries, and did much research work. A man of progressive ideas, he was one of the earliest to recognize the value of the Welsbach Mantle, and was a heavy stockholder and a director of the company manufacturing them. He was one of the pioneers in the development of kinema colored photography, and along other lines, and never lost his zest in life. His death occurred in November, 1906, he and his wife passing away within three days of each other, both of them being over seventy years of age.
Reginald Brinsmead attended the Merchant Tailors' school of London, a preparatory institution, Aspatria University and the Royal Agricultural College, being graduated from the two last named, and earned a fellowship in the Royal Agricultural Society. In 1897 Mr. Brinsmead first came to California in company with Matthew Gage, and was so delighted with the many delightful phases of the Golden West that he made up his mind to make it his permanent home. Going back to London, he completed his course at the Royal Agricultural College, and then returned to Riverside. He secured seventeen and one-half acres of land on Victoria Avenue and Horace Street, and has made this city his home ever since. The grove was planted by Captain Pimm and his house was the first one erected in Arlington Heights. Originally it was meant for a stable, but the many additions that have been built have entirely changed it and it is now one of the most comfortable and desirable homes in this part of the city. There is a large cedar tree near the house which was fairly well grown when it was brought from the Himalayas by Captain Pimm and placed in California ground. This is a species which requires seventy years for its full growth, and as it is fully matured, an excellent estimate can be made of its age.
Mr. Brinsmead supplemented his knowledge about citrus growth and things agricultural by much study and observation in the govern- mental station, and with the assistance of Mrs. Brinsmead has added interest, beauty, novelty and revenue to the place by the addition of many growths, including the peijoa, avacados, kumquats, loquats, edible Passion vine and sixteen varieties of fancy guavas. The grove consists of both navels and valencias, and between fifty and sixty English walnuts in full bearing. A very large assortment of beautiful roses, wistaria and other flowers in profusion, make up a home that leaves nothing to be desired. Mr. Brinsmead is a cheerful optimist and notwithstanding adverse market conditions and disappointments, sincerely believes that anything can be grown in the unrivaled soil and glorious climate of California, and that it can be made to pay large dividends on the effort.
In addition to his home grove Mr. Brinsmead at one time owned a share in the Walton & Dean grove, and was also interested in a large grove at Arlington. He was one of the founders of the Vol. 111 -- 24
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Victoria Fruit Exchange and the Fairview Fruit Exchange, and was one of the organizers of the fruit exchange at Santa Ana. At one time he belonged to the Elks, and was one of the first members of the Victoria Club. At present he belongs to the Casa Blanca Club.
On June 5, 1907, Mr. Brinsmead was married at Riverside to Miss Mabel Tracey Simonds, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of the late Edwin D. Simonds. Mrs. Brinsmead was for two years a social settlement worker in Chicago Commons, and at the time of demobili- zation, after the close of the World war, was assistant government librarian at Camp Pike, Arkansas. She and her mother first came to California to escape the rigors of the Eastern climate, and the latter became the owner of an orange grove on Van Buren and Dufferin streets. After the death of Mrs. Simonds this property was sold. One of Mrs. Brinsmead's most cherished possessions is a time-yellowed parchment which bears the date 1836, and the name of her grandmother. It is a teacher's certificate issued to that lady, authorizing her to teach school in Richland county, Ohio, and is the first one ever issued in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Brinsmead have two children, namely: Ruth and Thomas, both of whom are students in the Riverside public schools. They are members of All Saints Episcopal Church of Riverside, and active in the parish.
Mr. Brinsmead has a vast pride in Riverside and its environs and he and Mr. Rumsey organized the first Victoria Avenue Improve- ment Association. This spirit, which is also possessed by other residents of Riverside, has made the city what it is so universally acknowledged to be, the Gem of the most beautiful section of the finest country on earth. The natural resources and beauties were all here for hundreds of years, but it was not until the progressive spirit of the white American developed them that they have become so attractive. No region can be greater than its people, and unless the men and women of Riverside had possessed deep in their souls the real love of the beautiful could present results have been obtained. Therefore Mr. Brinsmead and his associates in civic beautification and improvements have every reason to be proud of their work, and their success cannot help but stimulate them to further efforts along similar lines.
MILTON EDWARD DIMOCK-While in all of the states the matter of establishing the rights to lands, and guaranteeing of titles is one of the most important lines of business, it is especially so in California owing to the fact that so large a portion of the state at one time belonged to Mexico, and the early Spanish holdings further com- plicate the complexities of the land office. Then, too, the numerous contests arising out of squatter rights and homesteading add to the burdens, necessitating the employment of experts in this line, among whom is Milton Edward Dimock of San Bernardino.
Milton Edward Dimock was born at Chicago, Illinois, February 6, 1879, a son of Marshall Dunbar and Lydia Elmira Dimiok. The family name has been spelled several ways, the Dymokes coming to this country from England and settling in Massachusetts at an early day. In time the spelling was changed to Dimick, and still later to the present one of Dimock. Mr. Dimock's mother's family originated in Maine, and is also an old one in this country. About 1855 Marshall Dunbar Dimick crossed the plains and mountains to California, where he spent several years, being during that period in and around Marysville. He returned to his old home by sailboat
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around Cape Horn. It was probably the influence of his stories of the El Dorado which led his son, many years later, to locate perma- nently in California.
Milton Edward Dimock attended the public schools of Luverne, Minnesota and La Grange, Illinois, subsequently acquiring a knowl- edge of the fundamentals of business life at the Metropolitan Business College of Chicago, Illinois. For a number of years he has been engaged as a searcher of land titles, and is one of the most skilled men in this difficult business. Mr. Dimock has become prominent in public affairs since coming to San Bernardino, and is now serving as president of the city Board of Education, to which important office he was elected in 1921. He has always taken a great interest in educational matters, and is determined to further improve the schools under his supervision, securing for the pupils the best of teachers and equipment, for he recognizes the value of a good educa- tion, not only to the individual pupil, but to the community generally. From his youth he has been connected with the Young Men's Christian Association, and is now serving as a Director of the Association of San Bernardino. Early united with the Methodist denomination, he has continued his connection with it, and is now a member and Trustee of the First Episcopal Church of San Bernardino. He has always been a staunch Republican, and is active in his party. On June 18, 1901, Mr. Dimock was united in marriage with Anne C. Behrens, a daughter of August Behrens: Mr. and Mrs. Dimock have two children, namely : Marshall E., who was born October 24, 1903; and Elizabeth, who was born September 6, 1906. Ever since coming to San Bernardino Mr. Dimock has given an intelligent attention to civic matters, and has demonstrated in every way his resolution to make this city his permanent home, and to do all that lies in his power to aid in securing its welfare, and improving its condition, and he is consequently regarded as one of the representa- tive citizens of this part of the state.
FREDERICK MONROE RENFRO-There is no truer saying than that which states that we live in deeds and not in years; in thoughts and not in breaths, and the young men of the West are giving living and convincing illustrations in proof of the above. One of them is Frederick Monroe Renfro, one of the best-known men in Southern California, former secretary of the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce and general manager of the National Orange Show, but now general manager of the California Flower Show and Horticultural Exposition, with headquarters at Los Angeles, although he still maintains his residence at San Bernardino. Although his years have been few, his accomplishments in behalf of the citrus industry, and the advancement of San Bernardino would do credit to a man double his age, his recent appointment occasioned no surprise to those who have followed the career of this earnest and determined young man, and while his friends seriously deplore his transferring his energies to another part of the state, they appreciate the fact that his genius needs broader fields of action, and rejoice for him over his promotion.
Frederick Monroe Renfro was born at Springfield, Missouri, Jan- uary 27, 1887, a son of George Absalom and Belle (Ross) Renfro. George A. Renfro came of Revolutionary stock, and of English and French ancestry in the remote past. His wife belonged to the
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famous Ross family, to whch the celebrated Betsy Ross, the maker of "Old Glory," belonged.
Growing up in his home city, Frederick M. Renfro attended its schools, and following his graduation from them, took a business course in a commercial college. His first position was in a clerical capacity with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway, St. Louis, Missouri, and he remained there from 1906 until 1910, at which time he decided to locate permanently in the Golden State, and did so, bringing his family here, and making the change with characteristic courage and faith in himself, for he had no resources aside from his own capabilities. They proved more than equal to the drain upon them, and he has steadily progressed.
Coming to San Bernardino in June, 1910, he occupied himself with whatever came to hand until the following January when he went to work, at a meagre salary, with the National Orange Show Associa- tion, and immediately began to display that genius for organization which he possesses in so marked a degree. He was soon made secretary of the association, and held that position during the succeed- ing four years, and so impressed were his associates and co-workers, that he was at the termination of that four-year period made general manager, holding that office until he resigned it to assume the responsibilities of a much more important one.
It is generally conceded that Mr. Renfro made the National Orange Show what it is, re-organized it, placed it on a sound financial basis, and made the annual shows a brilliant social feature. People from all over the world, and, of course, every Californian, visit these shows each year, and look forward to them with delightful antici- pation. The last one with which Mr. Renfro was connected, held February 18 to 28, 1921, was the finest in every detail yet held by the association. His reputation has been firmly established through these shows, and this admirable work has been supplemented and strengthened by his connection with the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce, in which he has held the office of secretary since 1914.
When Mr. Renfro accepted this office there was less than $20 in the treasury, and but a handful of men belonged to the chamber. After he had everything in working order, he left it for a few months, but pressure was brought to bear upon him and he once more took hold of the affairs of the office in 1918, remaining as secretary until he resigned June 27, 1921. Since 1914 he has seen the membership increased to 700, all of the members being enthusiastic in behalf of the chamber, and determined to do all that lies in their power to advance the interests of San Bernardino. There is a substantial balance in the treasury, and every man connected with the organiza- tion is his warm, personal friend.
In June, 1921, Mr. Renfro received an offer from the State Nursery- men's Association, sponsoring the exposition to be held at Los Angeles in October, 1921, to act as general manager of the combined California Flower Show and the Horticultural Exposition to be staged at Exposition Park, Los Angeles. At first he refused to consider the project, but finally was induced to accept the offer. and immediately resigned the two positions he had been holding with such efficient capability. The people of San Bernardino, while pleased at the distinction bestowed upon their fellow citizen and the recognition of his ability, entertain the hope that he will return to them and the National Orange Show Association when he has completed the gigantic task before him. Others feel that he is too
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big a man to be confined to any one locality, and are convinced that further honors await him in other fields.
While he cxerts his right of suffrage, voting for the candidates of the democratic ticket, Mr. Renfro has not otherwise taken any part in politics. Likewise he has been too much occupied for many fraternal activities, although he did act for a time as counsel com- mander of the Woodmen of the World, and in that connection in- creased the membership of his camp by 100 members. He prizes greatly a beautiful ring which was presented to him by his fellow members when he left that office. He belongs to San Bernardino Lodge No. 836, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, San Ber- nardino Lodge No. 348, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and still retains his membership with the Woodmen of the World. For several years he has been one of the active members of the San Bernardino Rotary Club.
On March 20, 1907, Mr. Renfro was married at St. Louis, Missouri, to Miss Viola Woolford, a daughter of Joseph and Melissa Woolford. Mr. and Mrs. Renfro have a daughter, Virginia Mae, who is a student in the San Bernardino schools.
Mr. Renfro is a man to whom organization comes naturally. He possesses the vision which enables him to look into the future and plan for subsequent events accurately and profitably. A man of such convincing sincerity and singleness of purpose, finds no difficulty in persuading others to fall in line with his plans, and securing their enthusiastic co-operation. Such a man is invaluable in any undertak- ing requiring executive ability of a high order, where it is necessary to have a clear and accurate knowledge of human nature. Those who know him best realize that his work in connection with the Los Angeles Exposition will but be a repetition of his brilliant successes in San Bernardino, only upon a broader scale, and they predict an overwhelming triumph for him and his associations.
JOHN W. DAVIS-Not only the City of Colton, which was their home, but the entire district of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, is indebted to the financial genius and the fine progressive leadership of the father and son who bore the name John W. Davis. They were properly distinguished as Senior and Junior, since in their activ- ities in Southern California they were contemporaries, and the son survived the father only about five years. While perhaps best known through their work as bankers and constructive financiers, they were staunch friends and supporters of education and their aid was not withheld from any undertaking that appealed to their judgment and generous spirit of community helpfulness.
John W. Davis, Sr., was born in Wales in 1815. He came to America at the age of nineteen, having his own fortune to make. He possessed a sound intellectual talent, developed largely outside of school, and his faculty of hard work promoted him to the larger and more important spheres of business success. For some years he lived at Utica, New York, and was engaged in the cotton mills there. While at Utica, he married Margaret MacConnell, who was of Scotch parentage and who died in about 1864. From New York state John W. Davis, Sr., removed to Fox Lake, Wisconsin, for many years being active in business and to some extent in politics, laying the foundation of his prosperity there.
It was in an effort to gain relief from asthma that he came to California in 1876 and after an exhaustive search for the right climate
.
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inade his home at Colton. He was then past sixty years of age, in what has been called the "Indian Summer" of life, was possessed of generous means, and for a time was satisfied to lend the money on real estate as his only business activity. However, his unusual attainments including both the habit of logical thinking and the power of action did not permit him long to remain a passive factor in the community. He bought out the first bank in Colton from James Lee & Company and in 1886 he organized and as president opened the First National Bank of Colton. He had lived in the community for ten years, and all classes of citizens have come to regard his financial judgment as safe and conservative. It is recalled that one of the local citizens of Colton, who had been accustomed to keep his money buried in his garden, dug it up and placed it on deposit in the bank soon after it was opened. John W. Davis was also one of the organizers in the Colton Marble Lime Company, which owned Slover Mountain. That mountain has yielded material for untold thou- sands of tons of portland cement, and the business has been in operation steadily since the company was organized.
With his practical qualities John W. Davis combined a fine sense of humor. In politics he was a democrat. He never tired of telling his one prominent experience in politics. It occurred while he was in Wisconsin. The party organization nominated him candidate for state treasurer. His business partner William E. Smith was nomi- nated republican candidate for the same office, and of course in the republican stronghold of Wisconsin was the successful candidate. Smith later became Governor of Wisconsin. For thirty years during his residence in Wisconsin, John W. Davis, Sr., was treasurer and one of the founders of Downer College, one of the earliest Woman's college in the United States, now known as the Milwaukee-Downer College, a foremost institution for the higher education of women in the middle west. The Milwaukee College was founded by Catherine Beecher four years prior to Downer College.
In 1882 John W. Davis, Sr., married the president of Downer College, Sarah O. Sheppard, who died two years later.
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