USA > California > Imperial County > The history of Imperial County, California > Part 35
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JOHN E. DAVIS .- Thoroughly identified with the business growth and prosperity of El Centro is John E. Davis, who takes an abiding interest in all that concerns the welfare and progress of the town. Mr. Davis has been actively engaged in the drug business since 1908, hav- ing the distinction of being longer identified with the drug business in
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the Valley than any other store. He has by hard work and good judg- ment made a financial success and has one of the most modern phar- macies in southern California. Mr. Davis was born in Salem, New Jer- sey, June 21, 1877, a son of Daniel T. and Ruth A. (Ayres) Davis. The subject of this review acquired his education in the public school of his native town. At an early age he went to work at the drug busi- ness, where he continued for a period of ten years and later studied and acquired his degree in chemistry and pharmacy in 1896, returning to the drug store where he served his apprenticeship. Mr. Davis took charge of the business and in 1899 he purchased the business from his former employer. Here he remained until 1902, when he disposed of the store and came to Los Angeles, California, owing to his health. After remaining here for a time Mr. Davis decided to return to the east, and after remaining there for a time he decided to cast his lot with the Golden State, where he could enjoy better health. In 1905 he settled on a ranch southeast of Holtville, where he remained until 1908, and finally regained his health. He came to El Centro and purchased the present drug store, where he has achieved success, and it has been gained by honorable and upright business dealings and, methods. Mr. Davis established the only drug store in Holtville, which he disposed of in 1912 to his brother, owing to his other interests which required his attention. He also has the distinction of erecting the first brick building in Seeley, where he established another drug store. The oppor- tunities that Imperial County and California offer to men of enterprise and sterling worth are nowhere better exemplified than in the success- ful career of John E. Davis. Fraternally, he is a member of the K. of P., and is a charter member. He also holds membership in the B. P. O. E. and is a charter member, and at present is one of the trustees of that order. He is a director of the El Centro National Bank and is a director of the El Centro Chamber of Commerce, having served as a director three terms. On December 14. 1898, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta B. Guest, a daughter of Charles B. and Louise B. Guest, of Salem, New Jersey. Mrs. Davis' father was one of the prominent business men of his town, being identified with the hard- ware and plumbing business in Salem for forty years. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Davis: Kennett, born in 1899, in the U. S. Navy Yeomen School; Miriam G., attending high school,
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was born in 1901 ; Henry and Helen are twins and were born in 1910, and were the first twins born in the city of El Centro.
VERN M. BISHOP is numbered among the representative men of El Centro. Among his fraternal brothers he is known as one of the most reliable and worthy representatives in his chosen lodge. Mr. Bishop has been honored by the members of the B. P. O. E. and now holds the highest office that lodge can bestow on any of its members, that of "Exalted Ruler." This office he has held since 1917. He was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, June 19, 1875, a son of Ira D. and Albina (Mar- shall) Bishop. Mr. Bishop received his education in the public and high schools of Aurora, Nebraska. Later he attended the Bradley Poly- technic School at Peoria, Illinois, and in 1890 he took the horological and optical course, graduating from this college. He was identified with his profession in various places before coming to El Centro, California. In 1913 he engaged in business here with E. B. Smith, where he has met with marked success. Mr. Bishop was united in marriage in Santa Ana, California, September 26, 1906, to Miss Nan Cutler. One daugh- ter, Virginia, was born to them on September 22, 1912. Mr. Bishop's ancestors are of German extraction, but came to this country previous to the Revolutionary War, and settled first in Rhode Island.
HENRY L. LOUD .- This history presents the record of no other citizen more thoroughly infused with the spirit of public progress than the subject of this review. Henry L. Loud has been identified with real estate interests of Imperial County, and has maintained offices in which he does a general real estate, insurance and investment business at 136 N. Fifth Street. He was born in Pomona, California, April 11, 1892, a son of Charles L. and Margaret (Eccles) Loud, both residing in Po- mona. Henry L. acquired his education in the public and high schools of Pomona, after which he entered Stanford University, where he graduated with the class of 1913, receiving the degree of A. B. He im- mediately, after finishing his education, embarked in the real estate business without previous experience. Mr. Loud was encouraged when he engaged in this business and it shows what may be accomplished when determination and energy lead the way. He has large realty hold- ings of his own, and he leases 1200 acres across the line in Mexico. He
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raises cotton, corn and alfalfa and now is numbered among the sub- stantial farmers in this locality. Politically, he is a Republican. He was married in Los Angeles June 28, 1916, to Miss Marguerite Knox, a daughter of Mrs. Regina Knox, of Los Angeles. To Mr. and Mrs. Loud has been born one daughter, Margaret. They have a wide circle of friends and are held in high esteem by all who know them socially and in a business way.
JOSEPH F. SEYMOUR, JR., one of the prominent and influential attorneys of Imperial County, is a native-born citizen and a son of one of the representative families of Oakland, California. He has been ac- tively identified with Imperial County for some years and is one of the real progressive lawyers of the city of El Centro. He was born in Oak- land, California, September 7, 1881, a son of J. F. and Susan A. (Rey- nolds) Seymour. Joseph F. acquired his education in the public schools of Benicia and high schools of Oakland and graduated from the Uni- versity of Southern California, June 16th, 1904, receiving the degree of LL. B. Mr. Seymour started to practice his profession in Los Angeles, and then removed to El Centro. He is a member of the County Bar Association, chairman of the City Improvement Committee of the El Centro Chamber of Commerce, being listed as number one among the members; a member of the El Centro Fire Department. Fraternally Mr. Seymour is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the F. O. E., and serves as president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Imperial County. Politically he is a Republican, having taken active leadership in the "dry" movement. Mr. Seymour's principal work is trial work. Mr. Seymour was united in marriage in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, October 15th, 1905, to Miss Lynlie Eldridge, daughter of Ed- ward (deceased) and Ora Eldridge. Mrs. Seymour's mother makes her home in El Centro. To Mr. and Mrs. Seymour have been born two children, Katherine L., aged eleven, and Eldridge, aged eight. Mr. Sey- mour's ancestors are numbered among the pioneers of Vermont.
ARGYLE MCLACHLAN .- The man bearing the name which heads this review is one of the well known men of Imperial Valley. He is an enterprising, progressive and public spirited man and a prominent fac- tor in the development of the county. He was born in Groton, New
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York, July 12, 1882, a son of Duncan and Hannah E. (Hill) McLach- lan. He acquired his education in the public and high school at Dryden, N. Y. He then entered the University of Syracuse, N. Y., in 1900 and graduated from that institution with the class of 1904, receiving the degree of A. B. He then entered the government employ in the agricul- tural department and became proficient in the department of cotton breeding, remaining with the government for a period of ten years. In 1915 he resigned from his government position, came to Imperial County and was elected president of the cotton growers' association, which office he now holds to the entire satisfaction of his associates. Mr. McLachlan was united in marriage at Victoria, Texas, December 20, 1910, to Miss Pauline V. Clark, a daughter of Robert and Pauline (Shirkey) Clark. The father of Mrs. McLachlan was an extensive cattle dealer and was agent for the Morgan line, extensive shippers in the south. To Mr. and Mrs. McLachlan has been born one son, Argyle Jr., born September 9, 1915. Mr. McLachlan is popular in both busi- ness and social circles, and he and his wife enjoy a large circle of friends in Imperial County. Mr. McLachlan's grandfather came from Argyleshire, Scotland, to America, in 1854, and is buried in the Groton cemetery, N. Y.
JOHN EDWARD O'NEILL .- Prominent among the business men of Calipatria is John Edward O'Neill, general manager of the firm of Coats and Williamson, Inc., who are farming under contract with Bal- four Guthrie Company, the lessees of ten thousand acres of agricul- tural land in the vicinity of Calipatria. Mr. O'Neill is a type of the modern, thorough-going and up-to-date successful men of affairs. He is a man of splendid executive ability, far-sightedness and practic- ability. He is able not only to do ample justice to the business of the firm of Coats and Williamson, Inc., but finds time to take an active part in a 320-acre ranch with Thomas P. Daly near Calipatria, besides being a shareholder with his brother-in-law, M. O. Emert of Calexico, in two theaters in that city. Mr. O'Neill was born in Ottawa, Canada, October 7, 1893, a son of Andrew and Katherine O'Neill who now re- side in Calipatria. He acquired his education in the public schools and Ottawa College. At the age of sixteen Mr. O'Neill became stenographer for the Canadian Oak Leather Company. At the age of eighteen he
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traveled through Canada for his firm and the following year he was promoted and took the management of the Ottawa branch, which posi- tion he held until he came to California and to the Imperial Valley. His first venture in the Valley was to become identified with the Pacific Cotton Company of Calexico, as stenographer. In six months he re- signed his position and became associated with his present firm as bookkeeper. Owing to his executive ability he forged ahead until he became manager of his company. Mr. O'Neill's ancestors were of Irish descent and date back a century ago in Canada. He was united in mar- riage in Los Angeles, California, January 10, 1918, to Miss Hughina Burnet, a native of Van Kleek Hill, Ontario. Mr. O'Neill is part owner of the McCollough Building in Calipatria. His rise has been remark- able. Such is the case, however, and it is due to the energies of men of perseverance and progressive ideas that Calipatria and the surrounding territory is at present in such a prosperous condition.
JAMES E. HODGE began his independent career at an early age and his record since that time furnishes many splendid examples of the value of energy and perseverance in the attainment of success. Mr. Hodge was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, October 19, 1850, a son of William and Nancy ( Hazzard) Hodge, both of whom are deceased and buried at Columbia, Missouri. He attended the country schools, re- ceiving a limited education, and owing to the fact that his brothers en- listed in the war on the side of the Confederacy, James E. was obliged to assist on the home place and provide for his parents. Here he re- mained until he reached the age of thirty-two, and two years after his marriage. He then engaged in farming with his brother-in-law, W. W. McKim. They purchased the farm of Mrs. Hodge's father which they operated until 1885, when Mr. Hodge disposed of his holdings. He then engaged in the mercantile business in Stephens, Missouri, where he remained until 1898. He then removed to Fulton, Mo., where he remained in business until 1903. Mr. Hodge then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he carried on a teaming and contracting business, remain- ing in St. Louis until he came to California and located in Imperial County, which was in 1906. Mr. Hodge was impressed with the possi- bilities of this Valley and purchased 360 acres, where he farmed with success. He still owns 160 acres six miles east of Imperial, which he
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has rented. December 13, 1880, Mr. Hodge was united in marriage to Miss Jennie McKim at Calloway County, Mo., a daughter of Joseph M. and Mary (Ayres) McKim, both deceased and buried in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Calloway County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Hodge have three sons and one daughter, Lona, wife of F. P. Wade, residing in Centralia, Mo .; William M., identified with Varney Brothers at El Centro, Cal .; Walter F., associated with his father in business; Edward McKim, a resident of St. Louis, Mo. The family is of Scotch origin, but has been in America for several centuries. Three brothers of Mr. Hodge fought in the Civil War, his brother John was killed in action and Samuel died in a war prison in St. Louis after the surrender of Vicksburg. Eli, an- other brother, who was in Shelby's brigade, is still a resident of Colum- bia, Mo. The family is one of the representative and highly esteemed families of Imperial County.
WILLIAM FLEMING .- One of the successful and representative business men of El Centro has been a resident of the county since 1911. He has been manager of the Auto Tire Company, Inc., located at 481 Main Street, since April, 1917. He was born at Hopkinsville, Ken- tucky, April 30th, 1876, a son of R. D. and Anna Virginia (Watson){ Fleming. Mr. Fleming's father died in 1899 and is buried in the ceme- tery at Warrenton, North Carolina, and his mother is at present a resi- dent of Palmer's Springs, Virginia. Mr. Fleming acquired his educa- tion in the public and high school of Warrenton, North Carolina, the Wake Forest College of North Carolina, and the University of Vir- ginia, where he received the degree of A. B. in 1898. Completing his education he became connected with a wholesale grocery company of Richmond, Virginia, until 1905. Mr. Fleming then went on his farm in North Carolina until 1908. Returning to Richmond, he then became connected with the firm of C. R. Carey & Company, wholesale grocers, where he was previously connected. He later removed to Clovis, New Mexico, where he became identified with the Santa Fe railroad, as ac- countant. He remained in the employ of the Santa Fe until he came to El Centro, which was in 1911. He became connected with Edgar Broth- ers and had charge of the office and clerical force until he became asso- ciated with the Auto Tire Company, Inc., as manager. Fraternally, Mr. Fleming is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, being a member of the
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Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine. Politically he is a Dem- ocrat. Mr. Fleming was married in Humboldt, Tennessee, December 18, 1901, to Miss Margaret Scott, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. D. Scott, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming has been born one daughter, Margaret. Mr. Fleming's ancestors were of Scotch - Irish descent.
PERRY N. SIMS, M. D .- Conspicuous among the enterprising and popular citizens of Imperial County, is Dr. Perry N. Sims, a well- known physician of Calexico, who, during the comparatively short time in which he has been here engaged in the practice of his profes- sion, has met with noteworthy success. Dr. Sims was born in Colum- bus, Indiana, August 21, 1884, son of John and Mary (Ross) Sims, the parents of two children, the subject of this review, and a brother, Wal- ter, identified with the American Wire and Steel Company. Dr. Sims acquired his education in the public and high schools of his native city, after which he attended the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery, graduating with the class of 1910. He served as interne in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Mexico and practiced two years in Chihuahua, and was resident physician of the Sierra Mining Company. Owing to the revolution, he left Mexico and located in Cal- exico in 1915, where he has met with gratifying success and has since practiced his profession. In September, 1917, Dr. Sims was appointed City Physician Health Officer, and is a member of the Board of Health. Fraternally he is affiliated with the K. of P., and is Past Chancellor of his lodge, and the I. O. O. F. of Calexico. He was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Beatty, May 18, 1912, a native of Canada. To this union have been born John Ross, born April 15, 1913; and Margaret Mary, born July 24, 1916. Dr. Sims' success has been attained through the medium of his own efforts and he is today a worthy representative of his profession. The esteem in which he is held by his associates testifies to his absolute integrity.
ALMON A. HALL .- Prominent among the wide-awake and progres- sive business men of Calipatria, is Almon A. Hall, proprietor of the Calipatria Drug Company. Mr. Hall came to the county in April, 1914. He was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, February 17, 1884, a son
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of Asa and Matilda (Irwin) Hall. Mr. Hall's father is now serving as deputy city auditor of Los Angeles, and his mother passed away in Los Angeles and is buried in the Hollywood cemetery. The ancestors of Mr. Hall are of old Scotch origin, and his forefathers were among the first to settle in Canada. Almon A. acquired his education in the Azusa, California, public schools, graduating from the high school of that place in 1903. For three years he took charge of his father's orange grove. From 1906 to 1914 Mr. Hall was secretary to Percy H. Clark of Los Angeles. In 1914 he came to Imperial County and served as sec- retary to the manager of the Imperial Farm Land Association. He is a man of culture and talent, whose mind has been broadened by coming in contact with men of affairs. Mr. Hall has made most judicious in- vestments in the valley and in addition to being proprietor of the Cali- patria Drug Company, he farms eighty acres of valuable land on which he grows cotton and corn. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge, holding membership in Arlington Lodge of Los Angeles. He is a member of the Scottish Rite of Imperial Valley. Both in his business and agricultural pursuits, Mr. Hall is carrying on his labors after the most approved modern methods, and is meeting with well deserved success.
RUFUS E. JAUMAN needs no introduction to the people of Imperial County. He has become widely and favorably known as a man whose integrity and excellent business ability constitute him a factor in com- munity advancement and progress. He is a native of Delphos, Ohio, and was born April 12, 1870, and is a son of Antone and Crencentia (Graf) Jauman. His father died November, 1913, at the age of 85 years, and is buried in the cemetery at Delphos, Ohio. Mr. Jauman's mother, who is in her eighty-seventh year, still resides in Delphos. The subject of this review acquired a limited education in the country school. He assisted his father on the farm and attended school during the winter months. After he reached his thirteenth birthday he did not attend school any longer, but assisted on the home place until he be- came of age. He then took up the tailoring business and followed this vocation three years. Owing to his eyesight he gave up the tailoring business and engaged as clerk in the furniture business, remaining two years. He then worked for the Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City rail-
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road, as firemen, for eight years. He was promoted to locomotive en- gineer and after four years' service he was in a wreck which disabled him for three years. Mr. Jauman then came to Los Angeles, where he engaged in the real estate business. He became acquainted with Ira L. Wilson, who told him of the wonderful possibilities in this county, and he decided to remove here and engaged with Mr. Wilson in the real estate line for two years. Mr. Jauman buys and sells all classes of real estate, specializing in ranches. When he came here there were no rail- roads and El Centro had not been thought of at that time. In event he missed the stage at Flowing Wells it would be necessary to walk to Imperial. When El Centro was started Mr. Jauman was the first real estate man to handle the townsite. He has the distinction of being the first city treasurer, and for five years he served on the school board. Fraternally, Mr. Jauman is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Yuma, Ari- zona. He assisted in organizing the K. O. T. M. of Delphos, Ohio. He was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 26, 1897, to Miss Marie Goetz, a daughter of Joseph and Rosa Goetz, residents of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Jauman was twice married. His first wife died December 23, 1900, and is buried in Rosedale cemetery, Cincinnati. To this union was born one son, Karl, born August 9, 1900. The second marriage was to Miss Mary S. Pritchard, August 12, 1914, a daughter of Mary S. Pritchard of Denver, Colorado, both deceased .. Mr. Jauman owns considerable valuable property in El Centro and has a fine residence on West El Centro Street. Mr. Jauman makes a specialty of improved lands and has had his real estate office at 472 Main Street since 1907.
WALTER L. HODGES .- Prominent among the leading business men of Imperial County may be mentioned Walter L. Hodges, president of the Hodges Cattle and Loan Company, which was organized Novem- ber I, 1915. He was born in Richmond, Vermont, July 18, 1865, a son of Norman and Caroline (Smith) Hodges. His grandfather was a pio- neer of Vermont. Walter L. acquired his education in Stowe, Vermont, leaving school at an early age. He went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he found employment in a hardware store. Later he clerked in a carpet store ; later he became identified with F. M. Lytzen, a wholesale cigar firm, as bookkeeper, and later was employed as traveling salesman for a period of five years. Later he traveled for Conway and Knickerbocker
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of Sioux City, Iowa. Mr. Hodges' father engaged in the lumber busi- ness at Alta, Iowa, and Walter L. took charge of his father's business for about four years. Owing to his mother's health he accompanied her to California, remaining with her until her death. Mr. Hodges became interested in a small way in the rock and gravel business, and owing to his management the business grew until it is now the leading concern on the coast of its kind. During 1916 the Pacific Rock & Gravel Com- pany, of which Mr. Hodges is president, shipped 26,000 cars. The com- pany owns two hundred acres and leases fourteen hundred acres of rock and gravel of superior quality. He served as president and is now vice-president of the National Bank of Monrovia, and the Granite Savings Bank. Mr. Hodges owned seven hundred and sixty acres of land in the Valley. He disposed of four hundred acres; the balance of his land is under cultivation and receives his personal attention. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Alta, Iowa; the B. P. O. E. of Los Angeles, and the K. of P. of Alhambra, California. Mr. Hodges was married in Los Angeles, California, May 22, 1902, to Miss Agnes Alexander, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Alexander. Her father is deceased and buried in the Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles. Mrs. Hodges' mother resides in Los Angeles, and is eighty-eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Hodges have one daughter, Marion Ynez, born November I, 1904, a student at Pomona Convent. Mr. Hodges' parents are both buried in the Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles, California. His father died November 22, 1909, and his mother passed away in 1906.
WALTER C. THOMAS .- In reviewing the lives of men of Imperial County, due mention should be made of the name of Walter C. Thomas. He has been an important factor in the upbuilding of a busi- ness that has meant much to the people of El Centro and adjoining lo- calities. Mr. Thomas comes from a Colonial and honored family. His early ancestors came to America on the Mayflower, and fought in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather also fought in the Mexican and Civil Wars. On his wife's side of the house also were those staunch Americans with a history. Walter C. Thomas was born in Meridian, Texas, June 20, 1887, a son of Micajah and Lucina ( Blythe) Thomas. Mr. Thomas received his education in the public schools of California,
LO Bannister
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and at the age of sixteen he started out in life and followed various vocations. He engaged in the transfer business for three years. Com- ing to Imperial County he went into the bottling business, with office and factory at 126 South Third Street, El Centro. He has been here since October, 1908. He was married to Miss Lyle French, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George French, January 19, 1909. Mrs. Thomas' father is engaged in grading and railroad construction work. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born three children : Walter C. Jr., Marian L. and George D. Mr. Thomas is a progressive and enterprising busi- ness man and gives his support to any movement for the betterment of conditions in El Centro and Imperial County.
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