Riverside County CA

A History of California’s Great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley

Down memory lane : a historical record of people and events in California's great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley

“Down Memory Lane: A Historical Record of People and Events in California’s Great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley,” compiled by Homer D. King in an Anniversary Supplement to the Hemet News on September 15, 1960, offers a detailed and vibrant exploration of this unique area’s past and present. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone fascinated by the intricate web of stories that constitute our collective past.

Williams, Maxine McGrath Mrs. – Obituary

Maxine Williams, 84, of Sun City, California, passed away on January 18, 2005. Born in Union and raised in North Powder, she was the daughter of Walter and Leila McGrath. She married Russell Williams in 1939 and spent most of her life in Payette, Idaho, where she worked in various roles, including deputy county treasurer. An active community member and bridge organizer, she enjoyed knitting, reading, and travel. Maxine is survived by her two daughters, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Dean, Dallas – Obituary

Dallas Dean, 81, of Baker City, passed away on August 26 at his home. Born on July 1, 1925, he graduated from Union High School and served in the Army during World War II. He worked in various businesses, owning a Shell service station before retiring in 1990. After marrying Charlene Lee Moffit in 1990, they enjoyed winters in California before settling in La Grande and later returning to Baker City. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepson, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Horn, Terri – Obituary

Terri Horn, age 51, passed away on May 19 in Palm Springs, California, following a long illness. Born on December 15, 1955, in Las Vegas, she spent most of her life in Fairbanks, Alaska. A dedicated grocery clerk, Terri worked at Carrs Foodland and later at Albertsons in La Grande, where she moved in 1995. Remembered for her warmth and love of outdoor activities, she is survived by her children, grandchildren, mother, and siblings. Services will be held in her memory.

Carroll, Dan Thomas – Obituary

Dan Thomas Carroll, 38, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on July 28. Born on March 31, 1969, in Martinez, California, he was raised in Pleasant Hill and La Grande. He married Christy Harper in 1989 and served with the La Grande National Guard. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Island City Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, two children, parents, siblings, and in-laws. Viewing will be held at Loveland Funeral Chapel prior to the service.

Buoy, Wayland L. – Obituary

Wayland L. “Buck” Buoy, 92, of Hermiston, formerly of Imbler, passed away on August 10. Born January 22, 1915, in Prescott, Washington, he served in the Navy during WWII and worked as a mechanic in Oregon and California. He was married to Jean Swartz in 1969. Buck was an active member of several lodges and Our Lady of Angels Church, enjoying hunting, fishing, and family gatherings. He is survived by his wife, daughter, sisters, and grandsons, and was preceded in death by a brother and granddaughter.

Cross, Evalyn Lois – Obituary

Evalyn Lois Cross, 92, of La Grande, passed away on October 1 at a care center. Born on April 11, 1917, in Mount Vernon, Iowa, she moved to California in 1938 and married Harry Cross in 1943. Evalyn, a devoted homemaker and volunteer, was involved in her community through arts and crafts, and she supported various charitable organizations. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Daniels-Knopp Funeral Center, with burial following at Cove Cemetery.

Moseley, Mark Everett – Obituary

Mark Everett Moseley, 46, passed away on July 19, 2005, in Palm Springs, California. Born on April 22, 1959, in Whittier, California, he was raised in Oregon and graduated from Parkrose High School in 1977. Mark had a varied career, including roles as an entrepreneur, respiratory therapist, massage therapist, and truck driver. He enjoyed summer visits with his grandparents in Halfway and had a passion for country music and horses. He is survived by his father, siblings, grandmother, and friends.

Swint, E. Faye Allen Mrs. – Obituary

E. Faye Allen Swint, born on June 28, 1936, in Baker, passed away on May 24, 2005, in Banning, California. A graduate of Baker High School, she dedicated 31 years of service to Riverside Community Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Lee, Faye is survived by her mother, brother, and several nieces and nephews. A private memorial service took place at Riverside National Cemetery, with the family requesting no flowers, instead suggesting donations to a favorite charity.

Williams, Russell Davis – Obituary

Russell Davis Williams, born September 16, 1913, in Muddy Creek, Oregon, passed away on December 13, 2004, in Sun City, California, due to emphysema. A descendent of pioneer families, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later worked for Basche-Sage Hardware Company. Russell married Cleo Maxine McGrath in 1939, and they raised two daughters in Idaho. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, and several siblings.

Hunt, Richard Douglas – Obituary

Richard Douglas Hunt, 64, formerly of Baker City, passed away on September 28, 2004, at his home in Boise after a brief illness. He was born on January 26, 1940, in Baker City and was a Baker High School graduate. A former broker, he enjoyed basketball, fly fishing, and the outdoors. He is survived by his four brothers and three sisters, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held at Relyea Funeral Chapel in Boise, followed by a graveside service at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Biography of John Down

John Down, born in England in 1849, arrived in Riverside in 1874 as a skilled bricklayer. He established a brickyard with E.M. Sheldon, later forming the firm Down & Alguire. A successful businessman, he owned substantial land and contributed to Riverside’s brick construction. An active community member, Down supported local enterprises and was involved in various organizations, including the Methodist Church. Married to Lois Sheldon, he faced personal tragedy with the loss of their only child. His legacy is intertwined with Riverside’s growth and development.

Biography of Ashman P. Combs

Ashman P. Combs, born in 1829 in Canada, is a prominent businessman in Riverside, California. He entered the real estate and insurance sectors after moving to Riverside in 1876, having initially worked in horticulture and established a successful nursery. Known for his exceptional orange cultivation, Combs’s two and a half acres yielded $1,800 in 1887. A dedicated citizen, he helped form the Riverside and Arlington Railway and is active in the Methodist Church and Republican politics. Combs married Susan J. Inglehart in 1856.

Biography of John Aberdein

John Aberdein, originally from Scotland, settled in Riverside, California, in 1880, purchasing a two-and-a-half-acre block where he cultivated citrus and deciduous fruits. He built a notable residence, exemplifying the region’s horticultural potential. Born in 1821, Aberdein served in the Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, earning promotion despite being seriously wounded. After the war, he worked in various occupations, including clerk of the Circuit Court in Illinois, before relocating to California. He married Candace M. Johnson and had four children.

Biography of John B. Crawford

John B. Crawford, born in Canada in 1826, arrived on the Pacific coast in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. After various entrepreneurial ventures, he settled in Riverside in 1875, transforming his forty-acre tract into a thriving orchard of orange trees and a family residence. His significant contributions to the local community included real estate development and involvement in public enterprises. A dedicated Presbyterian and a family man, Crawford’s legacy includes four children and a reputation as a respected citizen of Riverside.

Biography of Edwin Chidsey Seymour

Edwin Chidsey Seymour, born in 1845 in New York, served as Sheriff of San Bernardino County after a notable military career with the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. Following his return to civilian life, he engaged in various businesses, including lumber and construction. Seymour moved to California in 1881 for his wife’s health, later becoming a respected political figure and fraternal leader. He was married to Martha M. Goddard, with whom he had four children, and he actively contributed to local organizations and agriculture.

Biography of Kelita Davis Shugart, M. D.

Dr. Kelita Davis Shugart was a key figure in the establishment of Riverside, California, having moved there in 1870 as part of the Southern California Colony Association. He was instrumental in selecting land for the colony and planting the first citrus trees and olive trees in Riverside. In addition to his horticultural pursuits, Dr. Shugart was an active community member, involved in organizing schools and participating in politics. A respected physician, he also made significant contributions to the local medical society and was a devoted family man.