USA > California > Imperial County > The history of Imperial County, California > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48
448
HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
HARRISON PAYTON HOPGOOD, who has a fine ranch of thirty acres on R. F. D. No. 2, El Centro, is considered one of the able agri- culturists in his locality. Mr. Hopgood came to Imperial County in Oc- tober, 1912, and was born in Union County, Kentucky, January 30, 1867, a son of Daniel and Kate (Victor) Hopgood. The family is of Irish origin and the first of the Hopgoods came to America previous to the Revolutionary war. Mr. Hopgood's father has reached the ripe old age of eighty-eight years, and resides in Union County, Kentucky, and his mother passed away in 1885, and is buried in Morganfield, Union County, Kentucky. Harrison P. received his education in the public schools of his native county. He resided on the home place until he be- came twenty-two years of age. He then married and kept on farming until he came to this county. Upon locating in Imperial County, he went on a forty-acre ranch and followed a dairying business. Selling out he bought forty acres on Dogwood Canal, where he engaged in the dairy business until he came to his present ranch, which was not entirely im- proved. Mr. Hopgood built fences, erected a substantial house and im- proved his place generally, and erected a silo. He now has a string of fourteen milch cows in addition to young stock. Mr. Hopgood owns a fine ranch of thirty acres on Dogwood Canal which his son manages. Politically he is a Democrat. He was married at Henshaw, Kentucky, March 21, 1889, to Miss Sallie Henshaw, a daughter of William B. and Kate (Young) Henshaw. Her father died in 1897 and is buried at Morganfield, Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Hopgood have been born five children : Mamie Kate, wife of Glen Smith, residing in Stockton; Cur- tis, engaged with Water Company No. 1; Harry, residing at home; George, in the aviation corps at San Diego, and William T., at home. In matters of citizenship his influence and support are given on the side of advancement and progress.
ARTHUR E. LONG .- The growth of Imperial County in the short space of a few years from a barren stretch of desert, undeveloped in any way, to a community of prosperous farms and commercial cen- ters, has been brought about by men of progressive spirit. One who has been active in the agricultural life is Arthur E. Long. He is a native son and was born September 30, 1875, in Susanville, Lassen County, and is a son of Thomas N. and Mary Long. His father was a native of Ala-
449
BIOGRAPHICAL
bama and his mother was born in Oregon. In the parents' family there were thirteen children, seven of whom are living. Arthur E. acquired his education in the public schools, after which he became identified with ranching and stock raising in various places on the coast. He came to Imperial County in 1907, and was associated with his brother, G. A., who was in the packing-house business in Imperial. Both Arthur E. and his brother, G. A., are extensively interested in large ranch hold- ings, and in 1917 raised 3760 hogs and have much land in alfalfa and corn. Mr. Long has erected substantial buildings and has every modern convenience such as corrals, scales, and his place is fenced with hog wire, which extends all around the ranch. The ranch is located half way between El Centro and Imperial, and he makes a specialty of hogs and cattle. His home place consists of five acres, one mile and a quarter west of El Centro. Here he has erected a most modern bungalow and has every modern convenience. Mr. Long has a six-acre feed place and in 1917 he fed 1000 head of steers, and in 1916 he fed 1500 steers before shipping. In politics he is independent and always supports the best man. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias. He was united in marriage November 27, 1907, with Viola B. Mitchell, a native of Big Meadows, Plumas County, California. To this union have been born two daughters: Zelma and Melba. Mrs. Long is a member of Rebekah Lodge and the Ten Thou- sand Club and takes an active part in the social events of Imperial County. She is also chairman of the Welfare League. Mr. Long's father came to California when he was eighteen years of age. He owned and operated the stage lines from Marysville to Idaho. He passed away in his eighty-fourth year and was buried in the family cemetery at Susan- ville. He was of Scotch ancestry, while Mr. Long's mother was born in the New England states. She died at the age of sixty. Mrs. Long's parents are both deceased. Mr. Long is essentially one of the represen- tative men of Imperial County, and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
DAVID C. CLARAHAN .- In recording the names of the pioneers of Imperial County the first history of the county would not be complete were there failure to mention David C. Clarahan, whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Clarahan first came to Imperial County in 1903. He was
450
HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
born in Columbus, Ohio, October 4, 1850, a son of John and Catharine Clarahan. Both have passed away and are buried at Baden, Iowa, where they removed in 1854, and were among the pioneers of that locality. The family is of Irish origin. David C. received a limited education in Keokuk County, Iowa, leaving school at the age of twelve years. He was compelled to assist at home owing to 'the Civil war. Here he re- mained until he was nineteen years of age. In 1874 Mr. Clarahan trav- eled through various states, and while in Colorado he did freighting in the mountains. This vocation he followed until 1882. From Colorado he went through New Mexico to Arizona, and freighted with ox teams up to 1900. While at Phoenix Mr. Clarahan did freighting, farming, railroad work, threshing, baling hay and other vocations on contract. He also farmed for himself near Phoenix, coming to the coast in 1900, and did teaming and other work at Redlands and Huntington Beach. In 1902 he came to Imperial as a ranch hand, and in 1903 he removed to Holtville and rented land. In 1907 he took up 166 acres under the Southside Water Company. Each year he has added to the improve- ments on his land, and today has one of the model ranches in his local- ity. Mr. Clarahan is the owner of a threshing outfit, which he utilizes on his own place as well as threshing on other ranches. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Clarahan was married at Phoenix, Arizona, in 1895, to Miss Pearl E. Holmes, and her death occurred December 14, 1909. Mrs. Clarahan had one daughter by a former marriage, now Mrs. A. C. Wilson, residing on the home place.
HOWARD T. JONES .- In reviewing the lives of men of Imperial County whose record will go down to posterity in the first history of Imperial County, special mention should be made of Howard T. Jones. He has achieved success in life as a result of his own efforts, and he is today one of the representative business men of his chosen county. Mr. Jones came to Imperial County in June, 1907. He was born April 23, 1882, a son of Charles E. and Margaret (Welsh) Jones, both resi- dents of Cincinnati, Ohio. Howard T. received his education in the public and high schools of his native county, graduating from the lat- ter in 1900. He later attended the University of Cincinnati for three years. In 1903 he engaged with the Wagner Electric Company of St. Louis, Missouri, and was made local representative in Cincinnati,
451
BIOGRAPHICAL
Ohio. He filled that position to the satisfaction of his company and when the exposition opened at St. Louis, Mr. Jones became identified with the concession department until the end of the fair. Returning to Cincinnati, he became designer for the D. T. Williams Valve Company for two years. In January, 1907, he came west and located in Los Angeles. He then became engaged with the F. O. Engstrom Construc- tion Company until he came to Holtville, which was in June, 1907. He worked for the Imperial Creamery for a time and later worked for L. F. Shaw for a very brief period. He then walked from the ranch to Holtville and took a position with C. H. Eckert, and while in his em- ploy Mr. Jones filed on 160 acres of land, which he sold for $500 six weeks after filing. He then bought an 80-acre relinquishment two miles northeast of Holtville, in which he planted 20 acres of cantaloupes and 20 acres of grapes. That season Mr. Jones lost $500 on his cantaloupes. By hard, faithful labor he leveled the balance of his land, which has since been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Jones has fifty acres of grapes and has fifty acres in watermelons. In 1910 he was elec- ted city clerk and later engaged in the real estate and insurance busi- ness, which vocation he followed for four years. Mr. Jones with Mr. F. S. Shumate purchased the grocery business of Carl Morford, and after six months Mr. Jones purchased his partner's interest and now has one of the finest stores in Imperial County. Mr. Jones is city chair- man of the war savings stamp committee. He is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epislon, a college fraternity. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge and served as master for one year. Mr. Jones was mar- ried in Los Angeles, April 8, 1916, to Laura Howard, a sister of Mrs. Porter and Albert Ferguson of Holtville.
JACOB ALSON HOLMES is a man much esteemed by all who know him for his integrity and upright business principles. Mr. Holmes is now filling the position as manager for Varney Bros. & Company at Holtville, being made manager January 1, 1918. He came to Imperial County in September, 1911, and was born in Zavala County, Texas, September 20, 1893, a son of Ned W. and Dora A. (Blakenay) Holmes, residents of Imperial Valley. The Holmes family is of old English an- cestry and settled in America many generations ago. Jacob A., the sub- ject of this review, received his education in the public schools and
.
452
HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
high school of Batesville, Texas. At the age of seventeen Mr. Holmes accepted a position with Varney Bros. & Company at Brawley. Here he remained for a period of six years when he was appointed to his pres- ent position. In politics he is a Democrat. Fraternally Mr. Holmes is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Holmes was united in marriage in Brawley, March 8, 1916, with Miss Blanche Lee Purdy, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Purdy of Calipatria, California. To this union have been born one daughter, Mary Jane, born in El Centro, California, November 26, 1917. Mr. Holmes is a man of sterling character and good business ca- pacity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holmes take an active part in the social life of Holtville.
ARTHUR D. STUMP enjoys recognition as one of the leading and enterprising business men of Calexico. He has won merited success as manager for the Pacific Land and Cattle Company and has been iden- tified with that concern since June, 1916. In every sense of the word he is a self-made man. Through his energy and business foresight the concern with which he is associated has prospered. Mr. Stump is a na- tive of Kansas, his birth occurring September 19, 1873, son of Thomas and Emma Stump. His father was a native of Ohio, while his mother was born in Indiana. His mother passed away when Arthur D. was a mere boy of five years. His father makes his home in Kansas City with his daughters. Arthur D. acquired his education in the public schools of Kansas and Iowa. Leaving school he found employment on farms and in the coal mines at Richmond, Missouri, for a period of five years. He enlisted in G troop, Seventh Cavalry, during the Spanish-American war and saw service in Cuba. He received his discharge on April 22, 1899. Returning to Kansas, he entered the retail meat business in Topeka for a period of seven years. Coming to Los Angeles, he worked at his trade for twelve years. Coming to Calexico, he took the manage- ment of the Calexico meat market and the city market, both owned by the Pacific Land and Cattle Company. Mr. Stump was united in mar- riage with Carrie L. Reynolds of Fall River, Massachusetts, and they - have two children : Shirley Fay and Arthur Delbert. Fraternally Mr. Stump is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Topeka, Kansas. He is also a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans. His grandfather
le of. Johnson
453
BIOGRAPHICAL
fought all through the Civil war and was wounded while in action. He drew a pension for service rendered his country. While a resident of Calexico Mr. Stump has made a success of his company's business and through his management the company has greatly prospered.
CHARLES FREDERICK JOHNSON .- In reviewing the careers of the pioneers of Imperial Valley, prominent mention should be made of the subject of this review. He is in every respect a self-made man. He started out in life on his own resources and through his energy and business foresight he has accumulated a handsome competency and has achieved success in life as a result of his own efforts. Mr. Johnson has overcome many obstacles in life, as he was left fatherless when he was young. He was born in Sweden, July 15, 1858, and in 1882 he came to America. His father died when he was five years of age. His mother passed away the following year. Mr. Johnson located in Princeton, where he found employment at farming for some months. He then worked for the C. B. & Q. railroad when that company was constructing a double track between Chicago and Council Bluffs, and again took up farming, which he continued in Illinois until he was twenty-three. He worked for others until he was married. He then rented land and in 1893 he removed to Wichita, Kansas, and purchased eighty acres of land seven miles from that city. Here he remained for seven years. In 1907 he purchased fifty acres and paid cash. Mr. Johnson improved that place and disposed of his holdings and came to Imperial County and bought his present place of one hundred acres, which have been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Corn and alfalfa have been planted successfully each year. Mr. Johnson disposed of twenty acres in the fall of 1917 to his son-in-law, T. I. Young. Mr. Johnson acquired only a limited education, but has gained a wider scope of knowledge in the school of experience. His buildings are of the most modern type. All of his stock are of superior grade. While a resident of Illinois, Mr. Johnson was married in 1887 to Miss Sarah E. Wickblad, who is a na- tive of that far-off land of Sweden. Her birth occurred in 1866. She came to America in 1881, and was a daughter of John and Sarah Wick- blad. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born nine children : William L., born in 1888, has served in the U. S. army for five years; Mamie D., born in 1890, now the wife of G. P. Pruitt; Lillie E., born in 1891,
454
HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
wife of Thomas I. Young, residing opposite Mr. Johnson; Fritz H., born in 1894, now serving in the U. S. army and at present located at Camp Lewis ; Laura M., born in 1899; Veva H., born in 1901 ; Sumner C., born in 1904; Roy C., born in 1906; and Hattie C., born in 1908. The last four children are residing at home. Mr. Johnson has never aspired to public office, but takes an interest in matters that will better the conditions in his locality. The Johnson family are well known in Calexico and vicinity and are esteemed by all.
GEORGE RICHARD BUCKEL maintains the reputation as one of the able and successful ranchers of Imperial County. He is progressive in citizenship and has gained the confidence and the good-will of all who have in any way been been associated with him. Mr. Buckel was born in St. Louis, Missouri, November 10, 1890. He came to Imperial County in June, 1915, and his brother, Leonard J., came to this county in August, 1913. The subject of this biography acquired his education in the public schools of St. Louis. At an early age he assisted his father. At the age of nineteen he started out in life for himself and traveled extensively. He assisted on a threshing machine in Canada for some time. Returning to St. Louis, he engaged in contracting and teaming and followed this vocation until he came to Imperial Valley, when he engaged in raising farm products. Politically Mr. Buckel is a Republi- can. He was married in St. Louis, Missouri, June 5, 1915, to Miss Edna Huth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Huth, both residents of St. Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. Buckel have been born one daughter, Adele. Mr. Buckel has a string of seventy-five milch cows, as well as a hundred head of young stock. He is a self-made man. He started out in life with- out financial aid or money and has worked his way up and accumulated a handsome competency. Mr. George Richard Buckel and his two brothers, Leonard J. and Dewey W., are partners and have succeeded in the same influential manner. Both were born in St. Louis, Missouri, where they received their education.
WALTER M. PAIN .- From comparative obscurity Walter M. Pain has advanced steadily in agricultural connections until he became one of the representative ranchers of Imperial County. He is esteemed and popular in his neighborhood for his manly qualities and close conform-
455
BIOGRAPHICAL
ity to the principles of right and honor. Mr. Pain was born at Bangor, Maine, July 23, 1867, a son of Castenos and Theresa (McKeen)' Pain. His father died in 1912 at the age of eighty-three years and is buried in San Diego, California. Mr. Pain's mother is a resident of Imperial County. The family is of old English origin and dates back to the May- flower. Walter M. received his education mostly in the schools of ex- perience. At the age of fourteen he began to make his own livelihood, working on farms and following other pursuits. Mr. Pain first came to Imperial Valley in 1887, when the Valley was a vast desert. He camped with his cattle at Blue Lake, where he secured ninety acres of land which he leveled and improved. He erected substantial buildings and now has one of the fine ranches in this county. In politics Mr. Pain is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. He was married in Escon- dido, California, September 15, 1902, to Miss Catherine McVey, a daughter of John and Catherine McVey. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war and is now deceased and buried in the soldiers' cemetery at Sawtelle, California. To Mr. and Mrs. Pain have been born three children : Frank, born at Julian, San Diego County, California ; Theresa and William, born in Escondido. Mr. Pain has one of the best appointed ranches in the Valley and makes a specialty of alfalfa and barley. He keeps one hundred head of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Pain have a host of friends and acquaintances in the county.
JAMES LAUGHRIN .- Through his own efforts, James Laughrin at- tained a place among the successful ranchers of Imperial County and stands today an excellent example of the self-made man of whom the Imperial Valley is so proud. Mr. Laughrin has a well-appointed place of 148 acres in Water Company No. 8, near Brawley. He came to the Valley in November, 1911. He was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, March 27, 1866, a son of Owen and Sarah (Forbes) Laughrin. His father was among the pioneers of Illinois and died in 1906 and is buried in Beaver County, Oklahoma. His mother resides in Beaver City, Okla- homa. The family is of Irish origin and came to America before the Revolutionary war. Mr. Laughrin received his education in Carroll County and assisted on his father's farm in Oklahoma. Starting out in life, Mr. Laughrin engaged in ranching in Oklahoma. Here he remained until he came to Imperial County. He purchased forty acres which he
456
HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
improved and finally sold. He then purchased 67 acres and filed on other land and now has a model place of 148 acres. Mr. Laughrin was mar- ried near Beaver City, Oklahoma, August 10, 1892, to Miss Mary Etta Black, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Black, a pioneer farmer and merchant of Tologa, Oklahoma. To this union have been born ten chil- dren : Thomas Owen, a rancher in Imperial County ; Robert James, in Battery D., U. S. A .; Eunice Berry, attending business college in San Diego; Esther Belle, attending school at Brawley; Edward, Richard, Lindell, Evelyn, Gertrude and Mary Fay. Mr. Laughrin has the most unique and scenic ranch in the Valley. The fact that most of his land is in the river bottom caused by the overflow of the Colorado is some- thing out of the ordinary. His residence, barns and other buildings are located about sixty feet above his ranch. It is a picturesque sight to stand on the bank and gaze upon the fertile section below, which is in alfalfa and other crops.
CHARLES F. BOARTS .- One of the pioneers of Imperial County and a man who is justly entitled to special mention in these pages is Charles F. Boarts, the subject of this review, and the owner of two ranches in Water Company No. 8, at Brawley, comprising eighty acres each. Through his energy, put forth and coupled with his practical knowledge of agriculture in general, Charles F. has made a name for himself in the north end of the county which is worthy of chronicle. Mr. Boarts came to Imperial County in March, 1908, when the (then) vast desert tract was in an embryo stage and during which period at- tained considerable notoriety as "The Hollow in God's Hand." Charles F. was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, February 13, 1871, the son of Fred and Sarah J. (Marsh) Boarts. The mother of Mr. Boarts resides at Kittanning, Pennsylvania, the father being buried in the Brick Church cemetery, Armstrong County. The family is of Hol- land origin and came to this country prior to the Revolution. Mr. Boarts received his education in the public schools of his native state and left the institution of learning at the age of 16 years. He then start- ed to learn the flour milling business and after a few years retired owing to ill health. Later he learned the carpenter trade, and as a journeyman and contractor being engaged in this pursuit for sixteen years in various cities of the Union. Upon his arrival in Imperial
457
BIOGRAPHICAL
County he purchased his present holdings. He is now residing on the property, originally a relinquishment, which was rough and very un- even ground in the beginning, and which has now been brought up to a high state of cultivation. In the dairy business and the raising of hogs, Mr. Boarts has made a success of both enterprises. He is keeping about 100 head of cattle and is milking 50 cows at the present time. In addi- tion Mr. Boarts has on the place as high as 150 head of hogs. The sub- ject of this review is a director of Water Company No. 8, a director of the Brawley Chamber of Commerce and a director of the Imperial County Farm Bureau, which he helped to organize, and is also chair- man of the Westmoreland Farm Center. Mr. Boarts is a director of the Brawley Creamery & Cold Storage Company, and lends his services ably to various other interests which demand his attention. Although he does not boast of his political affiliations, Mr. Boarts can always be depended upon to jot his mark in the square for the most deserving man on the ballot. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O.O. F. of Brawley Encampment. He was married in Armstrong County, Penn- sylvania, December 10, 1902, to Miss Mamie B. Klingensmith, daughter of Joseph and Lucy Klingensmith. The father of Mrs. Boarts died in 1913, and is buried in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. A mother of Mrs. Boarts resides at Leechburg, Pennsylvania, on the home property near that place. At one time Mr. Boarts was clerk of the Westmoreland School Board, and plans were drawn under his direction for the erec- tion of one of the finest school buildings and surroundings in the coun- ty. . The plan incorporates numerous facilities and equipment, which is of the most modern design, all of which is a source of civic pride to the community.
JOHN R. TILLY is a man of progressive ideas and one of the sub- stantial and representative men of Imperial County, and has served as secretary of Water Company No. 12 since August, 1917. Mr. Tilly came to the Valley in 1914, and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land located ten miles northwest of Imperial, in Water Com- pany No. 12, and the success he has attained has been gratifying. He is engaged in raising cotton, alfalfa and corn, and improvements of a high order have been made on every hand. Mr. Tilly was born in Har- rison County, Missouri, March 4, 1888, son of Oliver and Bertha
458
HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
(Brown) Tilly. His parents are among the early settlers of Harrison County, and are still living. Mr. Tilly acquired his education in the pub- lic schools, graduating from the Bethany high in his county. He became associated with the Harrison County Bank, as bookkeeper and assistant cashier, remaining here for five years. He came west and es- tablished a retail hardware store in San Diego, which he operated for eighteen months and then traded his stock of merchandise for his ranch holdings in this county. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Politically he votes the Republican ticket. Mr. Tilly married in Bethany, Missouri, October 9, 1912, to Miss Ree Neff, a daughter of Daniel Neff, who is retired and lives in Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Tilly have one son, Norman G., born August 21. 1913.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.