USA > California > Imperial County > The history of Imperial County, California > Part 37
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HARRY ROBERT BEALE .- The growth of Calipatria in the short space of four years from a barren stretch of desert, uncultivated and undeveloped in any way, to a community with modern buildings and a commercial center of the North End, has been almost phenomenal. It has been brought about by men of progressive spirit. One who has played an important part in the development of the town is Harry Rob- ert Beale, proprietor of the Calipatria Ice and Cold Storage. Mr. Beale came to this section before the town was laid out. He is truly a pioneer in this section, for he came when there was only a pencil sketch of what is now Calipatria. He was born in Brighton, Sussex, England, January 13, 1877, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Beale, who were old time resi-
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dents of that far-away land. The subject of this review received a lim- ited education in London, England. At the age of fourteen he followed the seas for some years, coming to Chicago, Illinois, during the World's Fair in 1893. In the fall of that year he drifted west and followed ranching and mining and was also identified with other pursuits. Hear- ing of the wonderful Imperial Valley and the possibilities in this sec- tion, he volunteered to take a chance and came to Calipatria. He saw the chance to engage in this business and has achieved success through his own ability and well directed endeavors. Mr. Beale is now starting a commodious plant for general and cold storage and will have an ice cream plant in connection. Mr. Beale was married in Pomona, Califor- nia, August 4, 1900, to Miss Lillie May Mortensen, daughter of Henry and Annie Mortensen of Ogden, Utah. To Mr. and Mrs. Beale have been born five children: Calipatria, who has the distinction of being the first child born in the town bearing that name; Etta Christina, Har- ry M. Jr., Charles A. and William Howard. Mr. Beale is essentially one of the representative men of Imperial County and he has the con- fidence and esteem of all his fellowmen.
WILLIAM H. LAVAYEA .- This history presents the record of no other citizen more thoroughly infused with the spirit of public prog- ress than the subject of this review, and Imperial Valley numbers him among its valued citizens. Mr. Lavayea was born in Missouri, August II, 1880, and is a son of William H. and Anna C. (Fable) Lavayea. William H. acquired his education in the public schools in California, where his parents removed when he was but seven years of age. After completing his high school education he entered Stanford University, where he remained until 1906. He then became identified with agricul- tural pursuits and took an interest in and is a director in the People's Abstract Company, 616 Main Street, El Centro, California, March 15, 1913. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Lavayea was married at Pasadena, California, September 9, 1909, to Miss Gladys Grow. One daughter has been born to this union, Eva Rea. The family of Mr. Lavayea originally came to this country from France. His grandfather, Mador Lavayea, was in charge under General Grant of the government yards in St. Louis and assisted in the construction of the war vessels that took part in the
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Harvey Mbollough
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Civil war. Mr. Lavayea has a fine residence in El Centro, and both he and his wife take an active part in the social life of that city.
HARVEY McCOLLOUGH .- In recording the names of Imperial County men, special mention should be made of Harvey McCollough, who is a pioneer of this community. He merits the title of self-made man, since he has depended on his own resources from his youth up. Mr. McCollough was born in Fayette County, Alabama, September 3, 1862, son of Jasper and Elizabeth McCollough, who were both natives of that state. In the parents' family there were four children. Harvey acquired a limited education in the public schools. His father was a farmer and blacksmith and Harvey learned the trade of blacksmith while living at home, and he also took an active part in farm work. At the age of seventeen he started out in life. For seventeen years he was connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad in the track department. In 1906 Mr. McCollough came to Imperial Valley. He was in Calexico before the town started and was employed by the water company for seven years. In 1913 he engaged in the blacksmith business, in a small way, and under his management it grew until he now has one of the largest and best equipped shops in the Valley. In 1914 George Ander- son became identified with Mr. McCollough. The firm does all kinds of automobile, machinery, wagon and buggy work. Mr. McCollough has a ten-acre ranch one mile from Calexico, which has been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Here he makes his home. Politically he is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married to Della Mcclendon, a native of Mississippi, and to this union have been born six children: Henry, Myrtle, William, Minnie, John and Grace. Personally, Mr. McCollough owns three valuable lots and the firm owns two lots on Imperial Avenue, where the shop is located.
CHARLES B. FOLSOM is one of the progressive and successful business men of El Centro, California, and has made many friends in a business and social way who esteem him for his business ability and personal characteristics. He is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was born March 7, 1868, a son of N. R. and M. O. Folsom. He received his education in Nebraska, where his parents removed, and they were numbered among the pioneers of their locality, settling in Tekamah,
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Burt County, Nebraska, where Mr. Folsom's father and grandfather founded the town and county in 1854. At the age of seventeen Mr. Folsom started to learn the plumbing business. He resided in Omaha, Nebraska, for a period of twenty years where he successfully carried on a business. He made several trips to California and settled in Santa Monica. He came to El Centro in 1909. At that period the sanitary con- ditions were very crude and it was largely through his efforts and his broader knowledge along lies of sanitation that he did much to improve the health of his chosen community and especially in El Centro, where he brought health conditions up to a high state of development. In 1910 he installed the cast iron water mains in the City of El Centro. He did the plumbing in all the schools in El Centro, the California Central Creameries, which is the most modern in Southern California, as well as many of the business blocks and handsome residences in this city. He has always taken an active part in the civic development of El Centro. He has held membership in the Chamber of Commerce since its organization. He is at present chief of the El Centro Fire Depart- ment. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, holding mem- bership in the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is also a Knight Templar and Shriner. The ancestors of Mr. Folsom are among those who came to this country in the Mayflower and settled in the New England states and their offspring settled in New York state.
WILLIAM KELLY .- One of the representative business men of El Centro and one who is known as honorable and has the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen, is William Kelly, engaged in the seed and nursery business at 630 Main Street, El Centro, since 1903. He can be termed a pioneer in Imperial County. His birth occurred at Kingston, Canada, August 17, 1846, a son of William and Sarah (Smith) Kelly. His father passed away in Kingston, Canada, some years ago, and his body lies in the pretty cemetery in Kingston, while his wife was buried near Friendship, Wisconsin. Mr. Kelly acquired a limited education in New York state and at the age of sixteen he sailed before the mast on the Great Lakes. He rose to second mate in eighteen months, and in the following year he enlisted in the United States Army and for eighteen months he fought in the Civil war. Receiving an honorable discharge, he took up salesmanship and traveled, and since 1874 he has
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continuously been identified with the nursery business, characterized by the same energetic vigor and business foresight that distinguished his forefathers. William Kelly came into Imperial Valley on horseback when only a few settlers were located here. Under adverse conditions he started the nursery business, and he has the honor of being the oldest nurseryman in Imperial County. Owing to his long activity in and knowledge of this business, he has succeeded while others failed. Fraternally Mr. Kelly is a Mason, being a member of F. & A. M. in El Centro. He married Miss Ada M. English March 31, 1880, a daugh- ter of Commodore A. and Elizabeth English. Both of her parents are buried in Santa Cruz. To this union has been born one son, now de- ceased. Their adopted daughter, Elizabeth, is now teaching at Orange, California. The family resides at 651 Park Avenue.
CHARLES DOWNING .- While not a resident of Imperial County for as long a period as some, Charles Downing has met with a large measure of success since coming to this locality. He is now at the head of the Calexico store of the H. P. Fites Company, of which he is the manager. This concern has grown to be one of the city's leading enter- prises. In the Fites store may be found a well chosen stock of farm machinery of the latest and most highly improved type. The store also carries a complete line of harness and has the agency for the J. I. Case tractors and threshers. Everything that goes to make up a first- class establishment can be found here. Mr. Downing was born in John- son County, Missouri, February 17, 1884. He acquired his education in the public schools. Finishing his education he engaged in farming for himself in Missouri and Oklahoma. In 1913 Mr. Downing came to California and located in El Centro, where he worked for the Delta Implement Company for a period of four years. He then became con- nected with his present concern, of which he is local manager in Cal- exico. Fraternally Mr. Downing is a member of the Modern Woodmen.
ROLAND D. KINNEY is an enterprising and enthusiastic business man of Calexico. Roland D. Kinney is intimately associated with the automobile business in Imperial County. He traveled extensively and has devoted his energies to this line of endeavor. He is a native of Aus- tin, Texas; his birth occurred July 27, 1890, a son of Daniel and Beu-
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lah H. Kinney. He acquired his education in the public and high schools, after which he studied the automobile business and became proficient at that trade. He worked in Dallas, Texas, and later engaged in business in that city. In 1914 he left Dallas and came to California, locating in Long Beach, where he had the management of the Mission Garage for a period of three years. Coming to Calexico he became identified with the motor service garage with Samuel Dick, now in the United States Army, and C. J. Medberry, Jr., of Los Angeles, Califor- nia. Mr. Medberry is president and Mr. Kinney is secretary and man- ager of the corporation. Fraternally Mr. Kinney is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Long Beach, California. He was united in marriage in Colorado Springs to Miss Adeline Price, a native of Colorado, Janu- ary 25, 1910, a daughter of Thomas A. and Mary Price. Her mother is deceased and her father is a resident of Wyoming. Mr. Kinney is a thorough business man and a public-spirited citizen, and is held in the highest esteem by his associates. -
FRANK H. McIVER is an active representative of business interests in Imperial County. He is successfully filling the office of secretary of the Imperial Irrigation District, with offices at Fifth and State Streets, El Centro, California, since 1916. He is a man of enterprise and ability and is an active factor in the promotion of activities of his chosen county. Mr. McIver was born in Denver, Colorado, September 3, 1885, a son of Roderick and Sarah McIver. His father passed away in Den- ver in 1913 and his mother resides in Denver, and during the winter makes her home in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, California. Frank H., the subject of this review, acquired his education in the
public and high schools of Denver, graduating from the latter in 1903. He then learned the plumbing business and was identified with his fath- er in business until the death of his father. Mr. McIver disposed of the business and came to El Centro, California, in 1913. For a brief period he was identified with the People's Abstract Company as clerk. He then accepted the position of assistant secretary of the Imperial Irrigation Company, which was organized under the laws of California in 191I. In politics Mr. McIver is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was married in Denver, Colorado, May 26, 1909, to Miss Bessie B. Berry, a daughter of Charles and Grace M.
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Berry. Mrs. McIver's father was formerly secretary of the Imperial Irrigation District. To Mr. and Mrs. McIver have been born two sons, Frank Berry and Charles Frederick. The parents of Mr. McIver were natives of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. McIver have a large circle of friends and are well and favorably known in Imperial County.
NEWTON OLIVER EMERT, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading, enterprising business and theatrical men in Southern Califor- nia, has won merited success. He has been identified with the show business for many years. Mr. Emert was born in Pike County, Illinois, December 3, 1878, a son of F. P. and Catherine Emert. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native county. After acquiring his ed- ucation he became interested in theatrical work and operated moving picture shows in Pocatello, Mt. Pelia and Crawford. He traveled on the road for a period of three years and came to Imperial County in 1913. His big venture when he came to Calexico was to construct the most novel roof garden in the State, on top of the Harris building, which burned after it was completed but six weeks. On the opening night there were fifteen hundred people in attendance. The roof garden had many innovations for the accommodation of the lovers of the silent drama and dancing. Everything was at their command for a good time, especially during the heated term. The ladies could come here at their will in the afternoon and sew and chat and pass their opinions upon the wonderfully pleasant entertainments during the evenings. After the fire Mr. Emert erected the Emert Theatre, and after Mr. Carr had com- pleted the Majestic Theatre, Mr. Emert and Mr. O'Neil leased this handsome show house, which is equal in comparison with the show places of the large cities. Fraternally, Mr. Emert is a member of the Modern Woodmen. He was twice married, the first union was to Miss Iva Lezeart, and her death occurred July 9, 1909. The second marriage was to Mary O'Neil, a daughter of Andrew and Catherine O'Neil, resi- dents of Ontario, Canada. The father of Mr. Emert was born in Illi- nois, December 1, 1843. He followed contracting for many years in the East, and then came west, locating in San Diego, California, where he remained for two years. He then removed to Los Angeles, where he did contracting and erected over three hundred homes. He is now retired and living in Los Angeles. Mr. Emert, Sr., married twice, his first wife,
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Artessie Green, died many years ago. The second marriage was to Catherine Elizabeth Parker, and nine children have been born, five of whom are living. Mr. Emert's grandfather was a veteran of the war of 1812 and the family dates back to Revolutionary stock. Mr. Emert's father had two brothers in the Civil war, one wounded while in action and died from the effects of injuries received, and the other brother returned. Mr. Emert is foremost in promoting the interests of the com- munity ; has the best shows that can be procured, and has the high es- teem of all who know him.
JOHN S. LAREW .- John S. Larew, who has been actively engaged in practice as attorney at El Centro, California, since 1909, is an able and representative member of his profession. Mr. Larew was born near Red Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, West Virginia, December 15, 1862, a son of John M. and Sarah S. (Peters) Larew. He acquired his education in the public schools. At the age of seventeen Mr. Larew be- gan to teach and continued in this vocation in the public schools of Monroe County, West Virginia, until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to Kansas, where he taught for one year. In 1885 he removed to California and taught school until 1893. He then entered the office of his brother, W. H. Larew, in Madera, an attorney of that city, and studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1895. In 1898 he went to Washington, D. C., and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Returning to California, Mr. Larew en- gaged in the practice of law in Mariposa County from 1896 to 1909, and from November, 1909, he has been identified with Imperial County, with offices in El Centro. During his residence in Mariposa County Mr. Larew served as a member of the County Board of Education. He also served for six years preceding his leaving Mariposa County as inspec- tor of the Masonic district embracing Mariposa County, and for five years he was master of Mariposa Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M. In his re- ligious views he is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has been an elder of his church for the past eight years. He was married in Riv- erside, California, September 14, 1916, to Lizzie Wright Daniel, of Louisville, Kentucky, a daughter of C. V. and Ella Daniel. Her father served as a Union soldier and Mr. Larew's father fought on the side of the Confederacy. His grandfather, Col. Peters, fought in the War
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of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Larew reside at 641 State Street, El Centro. Mr. Larew has done much in the promotion of many worthy causes that will be of material benefit to the community.
JAMES WILLIAM BRAGG .- One of the strong, forceful and re- sourceful men, active and energetic among the pioneers of Imperial County, is James William Bragg of Calexico. He is an active factor in business circles and is regarded as one of the enterprising and pro- gressive men of the community in many ways. Mr. Bragg is a native of Missouri and was born March 4, 1860, a son of Samuel Henry and Sarah (Moore-Smith) Bragg, who were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Mr. Bragg's father came to Imperial Valley owing to his health, and his death occurred in April, 1911, and his wife passed away in April, 1917. The parents and two sisters of Mr. Bragg are buried in the cemetery of El Centro. James William Bragg received a limited education in the country school. He assisted on the home place and attended school during the winter months. When he became of age he bought eighty acres near Wichita, Kansas. Here he remained until he removed to Calexico, California. Mr. Bragg came to the Valley to seek better climatic conditions for his wife. Mr. Bragg worked at ranching for one year and then purchased forty acres; he remained on the ranch until 1913. He then resided.in Holtville for two years and has made his home in Calexico since. He married Laura Victoria Tear, a native of Illinois, March 29, 1885, and to this union have been born five children: Lorena, wife of W. F. Hannaford; her birth occurred in Kansas, September 29, 1889, and her one son, William Fiske Hannaford, Jr., was born March 17, 1916; Floyd Lawson, born March 14, 1892, married Muriel J. Hevener, March 12, 1913, and their one son, James Floyd, was born February 25, 1914. Hazel Marguerite, born in Kansas, November 4, 1894, now in training for a nurse in Cali- fornia Hospital, Los Angeles, California; Alice, born February 28, 1898, now in the music department of Varney Brothers' store ; John, born August 4, 1905, at home. Mr. Bragg is an active worker in the ranks of the Prohibition party and the family are members of the Methodist Church. Fraternally Mr. Bragg is a member of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. and Mrs. Bragg have a wide circle of friends in Im- perial County.
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J. W. PERRINS has, by his own energy and enterprise, worked his way upward and is one of Imperial County's representative business men. He is manager of Brydon Brothers Harness & Saddlery Com- pany, Inc., of El Centro, California. He was born at Berkeley, Califor- nia, November 25, 1888, a son of J. E. Perrins, one of the substantial men of the Bay section. Mr. Perrins received his education in the pub- lic schools of Los Angeles and later attended business college. After his schooling he served his apprenticeship at the leather business. He worked in Los Angeles for a time and was connected with his father and then engaged in business for himself, remaining in Los Angeles from 1893 to 1915. In 1912 he engaged with Brydon Brothers of Los Angeles as bookkeeper and filled other positions with this firm. He was given the management of the El Centro branch and has filled this po- sition to the entire satisfaction of his firm. In his political views he is a Democrat. Mr. Perrins was married in Los Angeles, June 9, 1908, to Miss Josie Tull, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tull, residents of Hollywood. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Perrins, Rosemary. Mr. Perrins' ancestors were originally from England.
WILLIAM J. PURCELL of El Centro has been actively engaged in the real estate and livestock business since 1909. Ceaseless industry, supplemented by sound judgment, has rendered possible the success gained by Mr. Purcell. Ten years have elapsed since he came to Im- perial County, and Mr. Purcell may be termed a pioneer. He was iden- tified with the Southern Pacific and was transferred to Imperial in 1907, where he used a box car for an office, passenger station and bag- gage room. He worked under these conditions for two years, and, see- ing the possibilities in this section, he resigned and took a position with the California Cream and Butter Company. By close application to business he eventually became identified with the livestock business for himself, and later the real estate line was engaged in. Unaided, and through his energy, he has risen to be one of Imperial County's leading business men. Mr. Purcell was born at Kilburn, Wisconsin, August 29, 1881, a son of John J. and Mary (Tanguey) Purcell, both still resid- ing in Kilburn, Wisconsin. The subject of our review received his edu- cation in the public and high schools of his native town, graduating from the high school at the age of eighteen. He took up telegraphy and
Chas H Ruth
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was identified with various railroads in that capacity until he came to Imperial Valley. Politically Mr. Purcell is a Republican. His parents originally came from Ireland, but were of old American descent. Mr. Purcell resides at the Oregon Hotel. He is a genial and companionable man and his success has been well deserved.
CHARLES H. RUTH, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading and enterprising business men of Imperial County, has won merited success as the inventor of the Ruth dredger. Ambition, energy and pro- gressive spirit have brought Charles H. Ruth to a position of promi- nence and distinction. He was born in Osborne, Kansas, November 24, 1871, a son of Richard and Sarah Ruth. His father was a tailor by trade and was numbered among the substantial citizens of his locality. Both parents of Mr. Ruth are deceased and buried in Osborne, Kansas. Charles H. acquired his schooling in Kansas. He followed farming for a time and later took up the blacksmith trade. At the age of twenty-two he engaged in business in Downs, Kansas, for a period of seven years. In 1903 he came to Brawley, where he followed farming for one year and then for about a year he followed teaming. Mr. Ruth then engaged in the blacksmith business. He invented the celebrated Ruth dredger for cleaning and building new ditches. This device was conceived and de- veloped and patented by Mr. Ruth. In the face of existing conditions and in competition with all other methods and machines in use, the Ruth dredger made its advent in Imperial County, and in the center of the greatest continuously irrigated area in the United States. This ma- chine combines economy, efficiency and durability of construction not equaled by any other make of dredger. Eighteen of the Ruth dredgers are operating in the Imperial Valley alone. Mr. Ruth has received testi- monials from the most practical and eminent irrigation men as well as prominent engineers in various parts of the country. The first Ruth dredger, put out in 1908, is in good condition today, and has been in use almost constantly, and much of the time it has operated night and day. Mr. Ruth was united in marriage to Grace D. Robb, a native of Kan- sas, May 22, 1901. To this union have been born four children, three of whom are living-Harold M., Charles E., Ellen M. and Florence, who died in infancy. Mrs. Ruth is a daughter of Rev. E. P. Robb, a resident of Bethel, California.
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