USA > California > Imperial County > The history of Imperial County, California > Part 45
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SANFORD E. BEACH is one of the energetic and representative business men of Calexico. He has, by hard work and good judgment, made a success. He is one of the well known progressive and public- spirited citizens of Imperial County. His birth occurred in Canada, August 24, 1855, a son of Solomon and Jennett Beach, both natives of Canada. His father was a farmer and one of the well known men of his community. Mr. Beach's parents are both deceased. Sanford E. re- ceived his education in the public schools of Canada. He started out in life at an early age and followed various vocations. He worked at the carpenter trade for some time and then took up farming. He followed mining and in 1897 he removed to Yuma, Arizona, where he engaged in ranching and was in the stock business. For five years he was identi- fied with the C. D. Company. He then returned to Yuma and ranched for three years, when he disposed of his ranch holdings and in May, 1915, removed to Calexico. He is now the proprietor of the Calexico Hotel, one of the best hotels and most modern in Imperial County. In politics Mr. Beach is a Republican. He has never aspired to office and can always be counted upon to support the best man. Mr. Beach was married to Willahmana Reider in April, 1912, a native of Germany. Mr. Beach on February 15, 1918, took over the Studebaker agency, with offices in El Centro, under the firm name of the. Imperial Valley Auto Company.
HARRY LYON .- The growth and development of Imperial County during the past fifteen years have been remarkable, and the visitor can hardly believe that a short time ago such productive farming land was a wide stretch of barren desert. Such is the case, and it is due to the en- ergies of such men as Harry Lyon, owner of the Silsbee mercantile
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store and postmaster, that the Valley is at present in such a prosperous condition. Mr. Lyon came to the Valley in 1904. He was born at Marso- van, Turkey, November 2, 1882, where the famous Anatolian College in Asia Minor is located. Early in life he came to America and located at Fresno, California. Here he farmed for five years and worked in the vineyards. He made a success through his own efforts and is a self- made man. Coming to Imperial Valley, he was one of the pioneers. Mr. Lyon set out the first vineyard in the Valley at Meloland. Here he re- mained for five years, ranching at Meloland and Mesquite Lake. He then removed to Kern County, where he engaged in the bakery, confec- tionery and ice-cream business for five years. Returning to the Valley he farmed for Daly Brothers in Lower California and managed 700 acres of cotton land for two years. Later he engaged in partnership with Sugg Brothers Cotton Company, and later formed a corporation under the name of Sugg, Baker & Lyon, having an option on 640 acres for the growing of cotton, corn and barley. In politics Mr. Lyon is a Republi- can, but has never aspired to public office. He was married at Hot Springs, Arkansas, September 2, 1908, to Miss Julia Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Thomas. Mrs. Lyon has one son, Barry, by for- mer marriage, now at home and assisting in the store. Mr. Lyon has the distinction of having installed the first telephone, and he had the first bath-tub in his locality. When Mr. Lyon had his large ranch hold- ings in Lower California Mrs. Lyon was identified in various pursuits. She rode horseback and looked after seventy-five Chinese, thus saving the expense of a foreman. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon have a host of friends and acquaintances in the Valley.
JOHN W. KRAMAR .- In recording the names of the pioneers of the Imperial Valley prominent place should be given John W. Kramar, who is well and favorably known throughout this section. Mr. Kramar came to the Valley in June, 1905, and his family came in August of that year. He remained on the Nelson place for a time and later bought 160 acres, four miles from Seeley. Mr. Kramar was born in Jones County, Iowa, January 17, 1855, a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Graff) Kramar. When John W.'s father was only five years of age his parents removed from Ohio to Iowa. His parents lived together for fifty years. Both parents are buried within two miles of where they resided most of their
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lives, in the Central Church cemetery. The subject of this review re- ceived his education in the public schools of Iowa, after which he took a three-year scientific course at Cornell College, Iowa. Mr. Kramar was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Winette Burnight, Sep- tember 22, 1886, a daughter of Fletcher and Melissa Burnight, both being among the early pioneer families of Iowa. Mrs. Kramar's par- ents are both deceased. Her father died at the age of eighty-six and her mother passed away in her sixty-third year. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kramar: Etta Elizabeth, wife of T. Oden of Imperial County ; David Glenn, assistant manager of an electric power plant on the Sacramento River; Veta, wife of Lee Havens, died Octo- ber 4, 1914; Adam Ray, in the U. S. service, at present at Camp Lewis ; Amy Victoria, wife of Felix Havens; Lowell Graff, attending the Uni- versity of California at Berkeley ; John Francis, attending high school, and Florence Esther, residing at home. Mr. Kramar served as con- stable in an efficient manner for a period of four years. The family attend the Seeley Methodist church. Mr. Kramar's great-grandfather, Adam, fought in the Revolutionary war. His grandfather fought in the war of 1812 and had charge of a six-mule team which hauled ammuni- tion and supplies for the U. S. army. Mr. Kramar had an uncle who saw service all through the Civil war, and he has a son in the present war. Mrs. Kramar's oldest brother fought in the Civil war. Her father died in the Valley on March 26, 1906, and is buried in Pasadena, California.
DAVID WALTER CLARK has been identified with agricultural pur- suits in Imperial County since 1911. It is readily conceded that the rapid growth of Imperial County and its cities is due to the intelligent efforts of its ranchers. One of the men who stand high in his locality is David Walter Clark, owning forty acres of land on the Star route. He was born at Grand Junction, Colorado, August 6, 1877, a son of David Thomas and Isidora (Haskell) Clark. His father is a resident of Den- ver and is a prominent sheepman of Colorado. Mr. Clark received his education in the public schools of Grand Junction and is a graduate of the high school of that city. Mr. Clark engaged in stock raising and continued in this business until he removed to Imperial County. On his arrival here he purchased forty acres and engaged in the dairy business. He rents eighty acres which he uses for pasture, and has a string of
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forty-five cows in addition to other stock. Fraternally Mr. Clark is affil- iated with the Masonic Lodge of Grand Junction, Colorado, and holds membership in the B. P. O. E. He was united in marriage at Grand Junction, Colorado, December 19, 1901, with Miss Pearl E. Powelson, a daughter of Rev. B. F. and Mersylvia (Austin) Powelson. Mrs. Clark's father was formerly a minister of the First Presbyterian church of Grand Junction, Colorado. His death occurred in 1915. Mr. Powel- son is buried at Boulder, Colorado. Mrs. Clark's mother is a resident of Boulder, Colorado. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born one daughter, Cornelia. Mr. Clark can always be counted upon in the fur- therance of any plan for the advancement of his locality.
PHILIP W. BROOKS .- In reviewing the careers of those men promi- nently identified in the agricultural life of the Imperial Valley, and who are honored for their integrity and ability, mention should be made of Philip W. Brooks, whose excellent ranching property is located at Meloland. He was born and reared at Cambridge, Massachusetts, May 15, 1883, son of Eugene D. and Sarah M. Brooks. Mr. Brooks acquired his education in the public and private schools. He attended the Massa- chusetts State College at Amherst, and graduated from that institution in 1903. Immediately following his graduation from college, Mr. Brooks came to Imperial Valley and located at Meloland, where he became identified with agricultural pursuits. He was appointed receiver of the U. S. Land Office at El Centro and held this position from September I, 1916, to February 15, 1917, when he resigned to take the manage- ment of the Britten-Cook Land and Live-Stock Company. This cor- poration has recently purchased several hundred acres of the choicest land in the Valley, located between El Centro and Holtville, and are engaged exclusively in the raising of hogs. Their farms are in separate units of 160 acres each, and improvements of a high order have been made on each ranch. Mr. Brooks has demonstrated that he is possessed of the ability to carry on operations of an extensive nature. The manner in which he is conducting his business of hog raising gives him a prominent place among the men who follow this line of enterprise. Mr. Brooks also has one hundred acres set out to grapes on his home place at Meloland. He is a man of energy, industry and perseverance, and has progressive ideas. He now has a prominent position among the
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leading men of the Valley and has met with success. Mr. Brooks was united in marriage with Miss Gladys M. Cuthbertson, a native of Charlestown, Massachusetts, November 8, 1911.
EDWARD H. ROBINSON has been actively engaged in business in Brawley since July, 1915. He is proprietor of the Brawley Welding Works, the only business of its kind in the city. Mr. Robinson came to Imperial County in March, 1914. He was born at Longmont, Colorado, January 27, 1884, a son of James C. and Ida M. (Savage) Robinson, residing in Los Angeles. His father is retired and for many years was identified with building and carpenter work. Mr. Robinson received his education in the public schools of California and Washington. Early in life he was associated with an uncle for two years, and then found em- ployment as fireman on the M. K. & T. railroad for nearly three years. For nine years he was identified with the automobile business in Wash- ington. Coming to Brawley, he engaged with Bryden and Shenk for over a year. Mr. Robinson then established the present concern, which has met with every success. He is now erecting a large and commodious building for his increasing business and about one-third of the building will be taken over by the Overland agency. Fraternally Mr. Robinson is a member of the K. of P., the Woodmen of America, the Yeomen and the Foresters of America. He was married in Bellingham, Washington, to Miss Agnes C. Fretheim, October 17, 1907, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Fretheim. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born three children-Leslie E., born August 30, 1908; Elliott F., born September 22, 1910, and Warren M., born February 9, 1916.
FRANK CECH .- Ranching in Imperial County during the past few years has progressed on a colossal scale. Among those ranchers who have made a success of this enterprise is Frank Cech of Westmoreland. Mr. Cech, located in Water Company No. 8, is the owner of eighty acres of very valuable land. His holdings has been brought up to a high state of cultivation and command the attention of every one owing to the many modern conveniences which are to be found there. Frank, the subject of this review, came to Imperial County, January 15, 1911. He was born in Moravia, Austria-Hungary, March 4, 1888, and re- ceived his education in his native country, leaving school at the age of
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19 years. While in his native land, and immediately following his time at school, Mr. Cech was engaged with the co-operative creamery for one year, and after severing his connection with that concern Mr. Cech migrated to the United States. Following his arrival in America he worked as a farm hand and also secured employment in a creamery in Iowa for three years before coming to Imperial County. Mr. Cech's first undertaking in this county was a dairy with twenty-three head of cat- tle, which he conducted successfully until he purchased the present property. Mr. Cech at present operates a dairy with eighty-five head of cattle on the place, which, incidentally, is an enterprise bringing in lucrative returns. Mr. Cech was married at Oxford Junction, Iowa, January II, 1911, to Miss Mary Drozd of Moravia, Austria-Hungary. As the result of this union three children have been born in Imperial County-Mary A., Frank J. and Agnes B.
ROY KELLERSTRAUS .- One of the prominent and influential citi- zens of Imperial County is Roy Kellerstraus, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Kellerstraus is the distributor throughout the Valley for the Sperry Flour Company and has acted in this capacity since 1915. Mr. Keller- straus came to Imperial County during May, 1913, and was born at Peoria, Illinois, February 19, 1886, a son of Richard and Susan (Race) Kellerstraus. The father of Mr. Kellerstraus died when the subject of this review was but a boy. The mother is at present residing in Peoria. Mr. Kellerstraus received his education in the public schools of Peoria and graduated from high school in 1904. He then secured employment with Block & Kuhl, department store owners in Peoria, where he re- mained for three and one-half years. Later Mr. Kellerstraus came to Riverside County, where he took charge of a twenty-acre orange ranch for his stepfather, T. W. Hill, in which capacity he worked for two years. For six months he was connected with a reclamation company in the Mojave Desert. Returning east to Peoria, Mr. Kellerstraus again affiliated his interests with those of his stepfather and acted as a sales- man in the wholesale fruit and produce business for two years. From Peoria Mr. Kellerstraus came to Imperial County, and upon his arrival in the Valley engaged with R. R. Snow in the poultry business, acting as buyer. During this period he was secretary of the Imperial Valley Bee Keepers' Association, which position he resigned for the purpose
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of establishing himself in the business of producing and buying for the honey market. At present Mr. Kellerstraus continues to carry on this undertaking, acting as the largest individual shipper of honey in the Valley. Politically Mr. Kellerstraus votes for the best man. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order Knights of Khoras- san, Pythian Sisters and Independent Order of Foresters. He was mar- ried at Calexico, February 19, 1914, to Miss Sophie Crawford, a daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Crawford. Mr. Crawford is a rancher near Calexico. As the result of this union two children have been born: Virginia Lee, died in infancy, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery ; and Mary Ann, born in El Centro.
JAMES F. S. HOWLAND, a man, who, by his own initiative, hard work and good judgment, has made a success and is now the proprietor of the general store at Meloland. Mr. Howland came to Imperial Coun- ty in June, 1914, and was born at Lampton Mills, Canada, September 2, 1880, a son of Fred A. and Jane (Ford) Howland. His father died in 1883, and is buried in western Ontario, and his mother is a resident of Los Angeles, California. The Howland family is of old English ori- gin and descendants of John Howland of Puritan fame. James F. S. Howland acquired his education in the schools of Toronto. At an early age he engaged with the Gutta Percha Rubber Company, where he re- mained for a period of three years. Coming to Los Angeles, he became identified with Howland & Company, a kodak supply house. Here he remained for seven years. Mr. Howland then took up ranching near Los Angeles, and upon coming to Imperial County he rented land for one year. He then engaged in business at Meloland, which he has car- ried on up to the present time. Mr. Howland, owing to his energy and business foresight, has achieved success by earnest and upright deal- ings. He was married in Los Angeles, May 28, 1914, to Miss Myrta E. Turk, daughter of Frank S. and Sarah T. Turk. Her father passed away in June 9, 1913, and her mother is a resident of Los Angeles, California.
ALFRED PARK WALTON .- After a long and varied career, during which he traveled extensively and devoted his energies to numerous kinds of endeavor, Alfred Park Walton is now a leading rancher of
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Imperial County. He started out in life on his own resources at the age of nine years and is a self-made man. Mr. Walton came to Imperial County in 1912, and is now the owner of seventy-seven and one-half acres of land located within Water Company No. I. He was born near Quincy, Illinois, June 16, 1861, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walton. Both parents died when Alfred P. was a mere boy of nine years. He received his education in the school of experience. After his parents' death, Mr. Walton stayed with his brother until he was four- teen years of age. Owing to bad treatment at his brothers' house he ran away and found employment on a ranch in Coleman County, Texas, with T. W. Mahoney. Here he remained over four years and received the same pay as an older and more experienced hand. In 1879 Mr. Walton went on a trail to Dodge City, Kansas. Returning to Dennison, Texas, he worked at dairying for twelve years. In 1912 he came to Im- perial County, and, after the first year, he has been identified with the dairy business. He now has seventy-two head of cows and is in a com- fortable position financially, besides having a commodious home. Mr. Walton maintains an excellent reputation among his associates and is held in high esteem. He was married at Sherman, Texas, January 17, 1903, to Mrs. Belle Murphy, a daughter of Frank S. and Molly Murphy. Both parents of Mrs. Walton died when she was an infant. Mr. Walton is an enterprising and enthusiastic rancher and takes an active part in all matters that are for the betterment of conditions generally in his locality.
WILLIAM BRANDENBURG is numbered among the substantial and progressive ranchers of Imperial County. He is a native of Switzerland and was born January 19, 1870, and came to America in 1887. He lo- cated in New York City and later made his home in New Jersey. He remained in the East about seven years. Removing to Oregon and later to California where he took up ranching near Stockton. Coming to Im- perial County, he became identified with the California-Mexico Land & Cattle Company. He leveled land for the company and operated an out- fit on both the American and Mexican sides. Mr. Brandenburg bought city property in Calexico which has become valuable. He at one time worked fifteen hundred acres on the Mexican side for the California- Mexico Land & Cattle Company. Mr. Brandenburg was educated in his
F. R. Hess
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native country, and in 1887, on his arrival in New York from Switzer- land, he became identified for a time with his uncle, who was engaged in the silk ribbon manufacturing business. Mr. Brandenburg is recog- nized as one of the pioneers of Imperial Valley. He was married to Miss Anna Anthony, a native of Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to this union-Eugenia and William, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg have gained an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances in Imperial County, and they are highly respected by all in their community.
FREDERICK C. HESS .- Among the names entitled to prominent mention in the first history of Imperial County is that of Frederick C. Hess, one of the Valley's progressive ranchers in Water Company No. 8. Mr. Hess, known throughout the Valley for his enterprising attitude in everything pertaining to the development of agriculture, is the own- er of 160 acres of highly-cultivated land. He came to the county Feb- ruary 3, 1908, and was born in San Luis Obispo County, November 24, 1873, the son of Henry and Susanna, both residents of Arroyo Grande, California. Frederick C. received his education in the Arroyo Grande public, high and normal schools, leaving the latter institution at the age of 19 years. During his school days he assisted his parents on the home place, and after leaving the institution of learning continued in this ca- pacity until he reached the age of 24 years, when he rented 105 acres from his uncle, Charles Haub, where he raised beans for eleven years. He then, accompanied by his wife, left for Nome, Alaska, where he staged successfully for five months. Following this effort Mr. Hess re- turned to his former ranch, where he raised more beans and barley, extending his endeavors over a period of two years. Later he farmed his father's ranch for two years and then decided to come to the Im- perial Valley. Upon his arrival here he settled on the Oakley ranch, west of Brawley, where he planted and raised several crops of alfalfa. The following year he purchased a relinquishment west of Rockwood, on the river, and improved the same extensively. He was successful in selling out at a fancy price and turned his efforts to city lots in Braw- ley. In this line Mr. Hess was unusually successful, as he finally traded some of his city property for a forty-acre ranch west of Brawley, and he resided for four years on Imperial Avenue in Brawley. For three years and a half Mr. Hess bought stock for the Cudahy Packing Com-
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pany of Los Angeles. He filed on his present property in 1914, which he has improved from rough land to a holding which is now valuable property. Politically Mr. Hess is a Republican. He was married at San Luis Obispo, September 15, 1897, to Miss Tessie Ransom, daughter of Amos and Mary, both deceased. The parents of Mrs. Hess are buried at San Jose, California. To this union have been born three children : Freda, born at Arroyo Grande; Carl, born March 26, 1904, and Henry, born August 3, 19II.
EDWARD ARTHUR DE BLOIS .- In the Brawley district of the beautiful and productive Imperial Valley there has been none more prominently and influentially concerned with civic, industrial and gen- eral business development and progress than the name which heads this review. Mr. De Blois has shown distinctive enterprise and pro- gressiveness, has taken the initiative in many important ventures which have conserved the social and material advancement of the community. He has shown unwavering confidence in the magnificent future in store for this locality. Edward Arthur De Blois was born November 22, 1864, at Wethersfield, Connecticut, son of William B. and Martha De Blois. His father was a native of Rhode Island and his mother was born in Connecticut. Mr. De Blois is a descendant of a family whose name has been worthily and prominently linked with the annals of American his- tory from the early Colonial epoch, and representatives of the name on both sides of the house were found numbered as soldiers in the various Colonial wars, including that of the Revolutionary war. Mr. De Blois' mother is of Huguenot descent. On his father's side the family dates back to William the Conqueror, and Stephen De Blois, the fourth king of England. Among the founders of the De Blois family in America were three brothers who settled on the St. Lawrence River. One of the brothers journeyed to Rhode Island, where he established a fleet of sailing boats which were later destroyed by the French during the war of 1812. Mr. De Blois' father fought all through the Civil war and took part in many important battles. He enlisted first from Rhode Island and was attached to the First Rhode Island Regulars. He later was at- tached to the 12th Connecticut Regulars. He was later assigned and had charge of prison work in Rhode Island and Connecticut. His death occurred in 1913. Mr. De Blois' mother is still living and makes her
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home with her daughter in Syracuse, New York. Edward Arthur De Blois received his education in the grammar and high schools of his native town. He accepted a position with the Pope Manufacturing Com- pany and was identified with that corporation for seventeen years, trav- eling extensively establishing agencies. During this time and for several years he was a member of the Columbia racing team and won many valuable prizes and bicycle championships. He severed his connection with this firm and established the firm of Burdick & De Blois Manu- facturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. De Blois was identi- fied with this organization for three years, manufacturing cash registers. He controlled one half of the stock, serving as treasurer and general manager. Disposing of his interests, Mr. De Blois came to California and spent the winter of 1903-04. The following March he came to Im- perial Valley and purchased 320 acres of ranch property, which he dis- posed of before improvements were made. He also invested extensively in city property. Mr. De Blois bought an interest in the Imperial Light, Water and Power Company, and served as secretary of that organiza- tion, making his home in Imperial. In 1905 he disposed of his interest in the Imperial light, Water and Power Company, and removed to Brawley, where he became a member of the Brawley Land Co. He is now a member of the firm of Best, De Blois & Covington, extensively identified with the real estate interests of Brawley and vicinity. He was united in marriage August 20, 1908, with Dr. Edna Myrtle Wellcome, a native of Minnesota and daughter of George T. and Cevilla Well- come. Her mother is deceased and her father is a resident of Los Angeles. To Mr. and Mrs. De Blois have been born four daughters- Cevilla, Edna, Marion and Ethelyn. Fraternally Mr. De Blois is a Knight Templar, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and is a 32nd degree Mason. Mrs. De Blois is a member and past matron of the Eastern Star of Brawley. She served as resident physician of the Pacific Hos- pital of Los Angeles, California, at the time of her marriage. Mr. De Blois is a thorough business man and public-spirited citizen. He retains the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, and the family have a large circle of friends in Imperial County.
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