USA > California > Imperial County > The history of Imperial County, California > Part 33
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HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
AUSTIN J. DURAND .- A prominent representative of the mercan- tile business of Seeley is Austin J. Durand, who has been proprietor of the Seeley Cash Store since February, 1916. Mr. Durand was born at Turner, Illinois, now Chicago, July 4, 1876, a son of David J. and Mar- tha S. (Gorton) Durand, both deceased and buried in Portland, Ore- gon. The subject of this review acquired his education in the schools of Portland, where he graduated in 1894. He engaged in the dry goods business for a time and then embarked in the hardware business until he came to Imperial County in 1915. The following year he engaged in the general merchandise business and is meeeting with every success. Politically Mr. Durand is affiliated with the Republican party, but he has never aspired to public office. He has been a promi- nent factor in the development of the thriving town of Seeley. Fra- ternally Mr. Durand is a Royal Arch Mason and holds membership in El Centro Lodge. He was married in Portland, Oregon, June 30, 1909, to Miss Mary Ethel Fraser. He has a wide acquaintance and is a man of excellent business capacities, and is held in high respect as a man and citizen.
SALVADOR CREEL .- While he did not come to the Imperial Valley among the pioneers, Salvador Creel has so conducted his affairs that he holds a prominent position among his fellow citizens, and has de- veloped his property near Calipatria to a greater extent than many who preceded him to this section. At present he is a director of the North End Water Company, and a delegate of the North End in the com- mittee now working with the Irrigation District to insure the Valley of an ample and constant water supply. He is general manager of the Calipatria Land and Cattle Company, and has under cultivation six hundred and forty acres of highly cultivated land. Mr. Creel is a na- tive of Mexico, and was born in Chihuahua August 30, 1890, a son of H. Enrique, former ambassador to the United States, and Angela (Ter- razas) Creel. The subject of this review was reared and received his preliminary education in Mexico, after which he entered Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa, taking the agricultural and mechanical arts course. Leaving college in 1910, he returned to Mexico and took the management of eight thousand acres of wheat and corn land and at the same time Mr. Creel was identified with the banking house of Creel
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Brothers in the City of Mexico, up to 1913. He then made a visit to California and later visited El Paso, Texas, for one year. In 1915, re- turning to California, he became identified with Imperial County. Mr. Creel's parents made their home in Los Angeles and are of old Mexi- can origin. Mr. Creel has manifested a commendable interest in all mat- ters pertaining to the county's welfare and gives his support to all movements which he believes will be of a beneficial nature.
THOMAS ALLEN HOWARD has been prominently identified with the business interests of Seeley since October, 1914. Mr. Howard was born in Nashville, Tennessee, February 27, 1872, son of James and Uzebie (McDonald) Howard. His father was a prominent farmer of his locality and was largely identified with the mule brokerage business of that state. The family dates back to Revolutionary stock and were prominent in various ways in the South. Thomas A. received his edu- cation in the public schools of Mckinney, Texas, where his parents re- moved when Thomas was young. At an early age he assisted his father on the home ranch for a few years. He eventually came west and lo- cated in San Diego, California. He followed various vocations while there and in 1899 Mr. Howard went in the mountains, raising cattle in partnership with Adolph Levi until 1904. Mr. Howard then became identified with his brother, J. A. Howard, in the same business. This co-partnership continued until 1910, Mr. Howard remaining in the mountains all the time. October 1, 1914, he engaged in the meat busi- ness in Seeley, with William Kuntler. The firm own their own modern building and the latest and most improved machinery was installed. Mr. Howard with his brother owns a small ranch near Seeley. Politi- cally Mr. Howard is a Democrat, but has never aspired for office. He was married in Phoenix, Arizona, December 17, 1914, to Miss Rhoda Pittman of Danville, Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard was born one daughter, Katherine, born December 4, 1915.
BARON B. MASTICK is one of the representative men of Imperial County. Previous to coming to this community he was connected with the stock business in Iowa, and had much to do with the advance- ment of the section of Iowa in which he resided. His birth occurred in East Claridon, Ohio, August 22, 1844, a son of Nathaniel and Louisa
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(Bradley )' Mastick. The family came from Vermont and Connecticut and are descendents from General Bradley of Revolutionary fame. Mr. Mastick's brother, Erman E., fought in the Civil war and was captain of Company K, Second Iowa Infantry. Baron B., the subject of this review, received his education in his native state, attending the public schools. He later entered Hiram College. Finishing his education, he clerked for a period of three years. Later he removed to Harlan, Iowa, where he engaged in the stock business. He served as county recorder for four years. Disposing of his realty holdings in Iowa, he went to Nebraska, where he bought and shipped livestock and grain for fifteen years. Mr. Mastick spent three winters in Imperial County before he located in Seeley permanently, which was in 1912. He owns, with his son, Fred E., one hundred and fourteen acres, and has improved his land and raises cotton, corn, alfalfa and hogs. Politically Mr. Mastick is a Progressive-Republican. He was married at Painsville, Ohio, April 24, 1867, to Miss Jennie E. Sisson, a daughter of Augustus L. and Elizabeth (Warner) Sisson. Mr. and Mrs. Mastick celebrated their golden wedding in 1917. Their two sons are Fred E., born December 21, 1879, in the hardware business at Seeley; and Claire S., born in 1883, in the United States Army, at present stationed in the transpor- tation department at Fort Kearny, California. Mr. Mastick has been identified with the business interests of Seeley since 1914, and has been engaged in the insurance line since that time.
CARL PETREE has been identified with the Union Oil Company of California as managing agent for Brawley since June 1, 1917. He came to Imperial County October 19, 1911, and was born in Greenfield, Iowa, February 10, 1894. He is the son of Joseph and Fredericka (Augustin) Petree. His father was a pioneer farmer in Iowa and now resides in Oklahoma. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Oklahoma. At the age of seventeen he left the State Normal School of Edmond, Oklahoma. Mr. Petree came to California and located in Brawley. Here he found employment at various voca- tions until he became associated with the Union Oil Company. His first position was wagon salesman, and, owing to his business ability, he was promoted to his present position, which he has filled to the en- tire satisfaction of his company. Mr. Petree was married in Los An-
That Daly
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geles, California, August 16, 1916, to Miss Helen C. Sullivan. Mr. Pet- ree's family are of old American origin and his grandfather, on his mother's side, fought in the Civil war. Mr. Petree is also interested in farming in Imperial County.
THOMAS P. DALY .- In the rapidly developing section of Lower California "Progress" seems to be the watchword, and no one seems better suited to bear the standard than Thomas P. Daly. He has con- tributed much to that part of California. In addition to his position of responsibility, the interests which he represents have honored him with positions of trust, specially showing their belief in his personal integ- rity in making him president and general manager of the Imperial De- velopment Company S. A., which comprise the Cudahy holdings, com- prising sixteen thousand acres of land in Lower California. Mr. Daly is a native of Chicago, Illinois; his birth occurred August 19, 1888, son of Patrick and Rosalie M. (Molitor) Daly. His father was born in Connecticut, and his mother is a native of Luxemburg. Thomas P. Daly acquired his education in the public and high schools of Chicago, Illinois, after which he took a business course. After the completion of his business course, he accepted a position in accounting and construc- tion work for various firms in Chicago. Coming to Imperial Valley in 19II, he started development work and farming for the Cudahy inter- ests. Owing to revolutionary disturbances, the early development work in the property was retarded and delayed. Active development was re- sumed in 1913, and has been continued to date. During the 1918 season close to 7000 acres are under intensive cultivation, over 5000 acres of which are planted to Durango long staple cotton. This special type of Durango cotton was started in 1914, and since that year Mr. Daly has been selecting and improving the seed stock and now it commands fancy premiums. In addition to the cotton a highly developed hog de- partment is operated, raising many hundred of Duroc Jersey hogs every year. A poultry and dairy department is also in active opera- tion. The ranch also raises all the feed required for the 325 horses and mules used on the ranch. The subject of this review has been identified with the Cudahy interests nearly eight years and was united in mar- riage November, 1913, to Miss Rith Carroll of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of George and Bridget Carroll, both residents of Calexico.
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Her father has been prominently identified as a builder contractor in the east. To Mr. and Mrs. Daly have been born two children: Virginia Rose, born December 16, 1914, and Thomas P. Jr., born July 8, 1917. Noteworthy among the positions Mr. Daly holds is president of the Lower California Agricultural Association, comprising most of the American growers in Lower California. He is president of the Imperial Delta Cotton Association, which is a co-operative marketing associa- tion. Fraternally Mr. Daly is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Chicago, Illinois. He is a type of the sterling, broad-minded and far- seeing men who have made the gratifying history of Lower California. His ability and business acumen have given him a high place in the regard of his fellow men.
WILLIAM C. EATON .- The selection of any individual to fill an important position is naturally an evidence of that person's ability and efficiency. The standard of excellence among railroad men all over the country is being constantly raised and the Southern Pacific Railroad is fortunate in having for its passenger and freight agent William C. Eaton, who has held this important position at Brawley, California, since 1905. Mr. Eaton was born in Cleveland, New York, May 26, 1877, a son of William H. and Arvilla (Rice) Eaton. The family were among the first to settle in Massachusetts, and Mr. Eaton's ancestors took part in the Revolutionary war. His father died September 10, 1910, at the age of fifty-eight years and is buried in Galesburg, Mich- igan. Mr. Eaton's mother is still living and resides in Galesburg,. Mr. Eaton acquired his education in the public and high schools of Gales- burg, Michigan, graduating from the latter in 1895. He studied teleg- raphy and accepted a position in the Michigan Central Railroad, hold- ing this position until 1900. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he volunteered as telegraph operator during the period of the war in the signal corps. Coming to California, he became identified with the Southern Pacific Railroad as operator; this position he held until he was promoted to his present position as passenger and freight agent at Brawley, California. Mr. Eaton is identified with ranching and owns eighty acres, on which is grown grain. Mr. Eaton gives his per- sonal supervision to his ranch, which brings good financial results. Mr. Eaton serves as president of the Board of Trustees of the Brawley
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high school. Fraternally he is a Mason, holding membership in the Blue Lodge of Brawley. He was married at Fennville, Michigan, June 18, 1902, to Miss Allie Goodrich, a daughter of George F. and Annah (Whitbeck) Goodrich. Her father's death occurred in December, 1911, at the age of fifty-seven years, and her mother resides at Fennville, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have two children: Venola M., born September 8, 1904, and Georgiana, born August 13, 19II.
DENVER D. PELLET .- No better example of what may be accom- plished by the man of energy and enterprise may be found in Impe- rial County than the career of Denver D. Pellet of Brawley, who is now serving as assistant postmaster. Since 1912, given the gift to recognize and appreciate the opportunities that have presented themselves, he has also possessed the courage to grasp them and the ability to carry his ventures through to a successful conclusion. Mr. Pellet and his sister Nellie came to Imperial Valley in November, 1902, and were among the first settlers here in this section. Mr. Pellet was born in Kilburn City, Wisconsin, February 13, 1875, a son of Edward E. and Aura (Sweet) Pellet, both deceased and buried in Monrovia, California. The family are of French origin and the great-grandfather, Ezra Pellet, set- tled in the Prairie du Chien country in Wisconsin. Mr. Pellet received his education in Jetmore, Kansas, and left school at the age of seven- teen. He learned the printer's trade and followed this vocation in many cities before coming to Imperial County. On his arrival here he edited the Imperial Press; this position he held for several months. He re- moved to Brawley when the town was laid out and purchased some lots. In conjunction with farming Mr. Pellet engaged in newspaper work until 1909, when he again removed to Imperial and took the edi- torial management of The Press. He moved the plant to El Centro, which is now the Imperial Valley Press. In September, following the county seat election, Mr. Pellet engaged in the job business for eighteen months. He then returned to Brawley to look after his ranch interests, remaining on the ranch until he took his present position as assistant postmaster. Mr. Pellet assisted in organizing the board of trustees of El Centro with J. Stanley Brown. His sister has been postmaster of Brawley since 1907. After completing her studies in Harlan, Iowa, she taught school for several years in Iowa, and for two years served as
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official stenographer in the Circuit Court of the Seventh District in Kansas. Politically Mr. Pellet is a Democrat. He was united in mar- riage at Imperial, California, with Ella May Mead, April 12, 1903, daughter of Edwin and Belle Mead, pioneers of Imperial Valley. Mr. Pellet's daughters : Margaret Eloise, was born at El Centro, Califor- nia, February 16, 1907, and Elizabeth May, was born at Ontario, Cali- fornia, March 21, 19II.
HERMAN ANTHOLZ .- As an extensive cotton broker of Imperial Valley, Herman Antholz is actively and prominently associated with one of the most profitable industries of California, and may well be classed as one who is contributing his full share towards the advance- ment of the state's best interests. Mr. Antholz is recognized as one of the most substantial and influential business men of Calexico. He is a native of Bremen, Germany, and was born October 1, 1884, son of August and Lina Antholz. The subject of this review acquired his edu- cation in the schools of Germany and France. Completing his studies in the latter country he returned to his native city and there became identified with the cotton business where he remained eight years. Re- turning to France, he was engaged in the same business for three years. He made various trips to England and in 1909, he came to America and located in Decatur, Alabama, where he was also interested in the cotton business. Mr. Antholz spent five summers in New York City, and in 1914, he came to California and located in Calexico, where he maintains spacious offices and deals in cotton. He ships extensively all over the United States and to the Orient. On an average he handles twelve thousand bales annually. Mr. Antholz was united in marriage to Miss Maud Hackey Haskell, a native of Los Angeles, California, March 3, 1917. Her ancestors are from colonial stock and among the prominent families of New England. To Mr. and Mrs. Antholz has been born one daughter, Jane, born November 10, 1917. Mr. Antholz has carried on successful agricultural operations in Lower California, but has disposed of his holdings and confines his efforts to his lifelong business. While a student in France, he played three quarters on a college team which on several occasions played England. He is a pro- gressive citizen in every sense of the word and gives his support to movements that will better conditions in Imperial County.
Allen R Ferguson
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BIOGRAPHICAL
ALLEN R. FERGUSON .- Allen Robert Ferguson is a splendid ex- ample of the men of courage and enterprising spirit. In 1907 the pres- ent site of Seeley was not even under cultivation, and in 1912 it had risen to the rank of a third-class postoffice. This remarkable growth was largely due to the foresight of Mr. Ferguson, who saw the neces- sity of a town somewhere near the present site of Seeley. He divided his holdings into town lots and laid off streets and sold most of the lots in the townsite. Mr. Ferguson's birth occurred in Wayne County, West Virginia, December 14, 1867, a son of Jefferson and Cornelia (Smith) Ferguson. His father was a native of West Virginia, and his mother was born in Virginia. In the parents' family were ten children. He was reared and acquired his education in his native state. At the age of twenty-two he came to California and engaged in the horticultural business in San Diego, where he remained for a period of fifteen years. In 1907 Mr. Ferguson came to Imperial County and took up one hun- dred and sixty acres of land and put on the townsite of Seeley. In 1911 the Seeley postoffice was established, through Mr. Ferguson's efforts, and in one year it was rated as a third-class office. Mr. Ferguson served as the first postmaster. The town was laid out on a generous plan, all streets being eighty feet wide. Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Olive Peters, daughter of John N. and Nancy R. (Harris) Peters, her father being a native of Kentucky, and the moth- er of Virginia. Mrs. Ferguson was born in Wayne County, West Vir- ginia, and was a teacher in the public schools previous to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have been born five children, four of whom are deceased. Their daughter, Olivia Roberta, was born July 21, 1913. Fraternally Mr. Ferguson is identified with the Masonic Lodge of El Centro, and is a Knight Templar. He is also a member of the Shrine of San Diego. Mr. Ferguson has attained success, and through his ef- forts and by the co-operation of his wife he has attained a place among the representative men of Imperial County. He stands today an ex- cellent example of what may be termed a self-made man. Mr. Fergu- son has financial interests and maintains a fine summer home in Bur- bank, California.
CHRIS H. MEIER .- Ambition, energy and progressive spirit have brought Chris H. Meier to be regarded as a representative business
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man of Imperial County. He needs no introduction to the people of the Valley, as he has become favorably known as the proprietor of the King Cotton Bakery and Restaurant of Calexico. He is probably the first baker to come to the county. He took up his residence in 1906 and located in Calexico. He was born at sea, his father being a sailor for many years. Mr. Meier enlisted as a private in Company K, Twenty- first Regular Infantry, on the 4th of August, 1884. He saw service for five years and received an honorable discharge on the 3rd day of Aug- ust, 1889. He fought in the Indian wars in Colorado, and during one battle, which took place thirty miles from Fort Lewis, he was cut across the throat and injured in the leg. While in the service he attend- ed school and by the aid of friends in New York, he learned the bak- ery trade in Williamsburg, New York. He followed this vocation all over the country and while in Denver he enlisted. Mr. Meier operated three shops in Los Angeles previous to coming to Imperial County. He erected the building in Calexico where he has a most modern bakery and restaurant.
SEBE T. ROBINSON is one of the men who are making their influ- ence felt in Imperial County. Through perseverance and industry he has accomplished results. Mr. Robinson has served as postmaster at Seeley since February 25, 1915. He was born in Greenville, Tennessee, June II, 1879, a son of Allen G. and Nannie (McKnabb) Robinson. His father followed agriculture, and died in 1901, at the old home- stead in Tennessee. His mother is still living and resides in Greenville, Tenessee, on the same farm. The ancestors of Mr. Robinson came to this country previous to the Revolutionary war. The subject of this biographical sketch received his education in Greenville, Tennessee, and later was a student at Tusculum College, in Tenessee, where he received the degree of A. B. in 1900. He then taught school for one year. Coming to California, he located in Los Angeles and engaged in the fruit business for about four years. For three years he became identified with mining ; he prospected and was in charge of a mine em- ploying a number of men. Coming to Imperial County to look over the situation, he determined to cast his lot with this county, and the fol- lowing winter he brought cattle in and by hard and faithful labor was successful in his undertaking. Following the cattle business for about
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two and one-half years, he then engaged in general contracting work under the firm name of the Seeley Transfer Company, of which he is part owner. Mr. Robinson owns two hundred acres of the most valu- able land in his section. He devoted his land largely to the growing of cotton. Mr. Robinson manifests a warm interest in every public im- provement or effort towards the welfare of the people of his section, and he commands the good will of all who know him. Politically Mr. Robinson is a Democrat and is now serving as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is a member of the K. of P. of El Centro. He was mar- ried at Ramona, California, December 25, 1913, to Louise Murillo, and their one son, Allen Temple, was born August 29, 1916.
WILLIAM K. WALKER .- Prominent among the business men of Calexico is William K. Walker, who is a type of the modern and up-to- date successful men of affairs. He was born in Edison Park, Illinois, now a suburb of Chicago, June 16, 1893, son of Joseph W. and Florence A. Walker. His father is a musician of note and has been identified with various musical organizations throughout the country. He served as president of the Musicians' Union in various cities, and is now a resident of Oakland, California. Mr. Walker's mother has occupied a prominent place among the portrait artists in the east, having been identified with various firms in Chicago. William K. attended the pub- lic and high schools of Denver, where his parents lived previous to coming to the coast. Finishing his education, he took up photography and worked for the De Lux Studio in Denver. Mr. Walker spent the summer of 1910 in Imperial Valley and then returned to Denver. In 1914 he returned to the Valley and engaged in business in El Centro. July 1, 1917, he purchased the Sunset Studio in Calexico and makes a specialty of portrait work and enlarging. He also has every facility for doing commercial work. He was married to Miss Merle M. Knights, June 16, 1915. The grandfather and grandmother on Mr. Walker's father's side were natives of Leeds, England. Mr. Walker has taken a prominent place among the business citizens of Calexico.
JAMES A. SHEFFIELD .- One of the leading representatives of business interests of Brawley is James A. Sheffield, manager of the Im- perial Valley Hardware Company of Brawley, California, since July,
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1913. This institution is one of the largest, best-conducted and most successful business houses in Imperial County. Mr. Sheffield was born at Salome Spring, Benton County, Arkansas, March 2, 1870, son of George W. and Frances (Walker)| Sheffield, both deceased and buried near Silome Spring, Arkansas. Mr. Sheffield's family comes from old Scotch ancestry and came to America before the Revolutionary war. Mr. Sheffield's father fought in the Civil war on the side of the Con- federacy. James A. acquired his education in the schools of Arkansas and assisted on the home farm. Early in life he came west and located at Jerome, Arizona, where he found employment in a general mer- chandise store. Here he remained for some years, previous to coming to Imperial Valley. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office. Fraternally Mr. Sheffield is affiliated with the Modern Wood- men of the World. He was united in marriage in Jerome, Arizona, August, 1899, to Miss Verone M. Harris. To this union have been born three children : Cora A., George H., and Charles N. Mr. Sheffield has the confidence and high regard of all those who know him and his standing in the community is such as to justify his representation in the first history of Imperial County.
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