San Bernardino California

Biography of Nelson Sleppy

Nelson Sleppy, successor to the firm of Sleppy & Bullis, is one of the representative business men of Colton. He is at the head of one of the largest hardware establishments in that city and the pioneer in the business in Colton, having established his store in 1882. He conducted the establishment alone until 1888, when he formed a partnership with William S. Bullis, now the mayor of Colton, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Sleppy & Bullis, with Mr. Sleppy as the chief and managing partner, until February 5, 1890. The subject of this sketch … Read more

Biography of Hon. Byron Waters

Hon. Byron Waters.-Not a few of the persons who have so stamped their individuality upon their age and shaped the great events of their time that their names are inseparably interwoven in history, and whose lives and deeds stand out as milestones making the march of the world’s progress, are self-made men. These characters, by their inherent strength, indomitable will, resistless energy and persistent industry, surmount obstacles and overcome opposition that would dishearten and crush lesser spirits and rise to the summit of human attainment. In this struggling with adversity are developed a power of mind and fertility of resource … Read more

Biography of Dr. S. C. Bogart

Dr. S. C. Bogart, one of the leading practitioners of dentistry in San Bernardino County, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in October 1852. His parents being what are termed Pennsylvania Germans, spoke and taught their children the language of the fatherland as the sole medium of communication in the family. His mother died in his childhood and he became self-supporting from the age of fifteen years. Soon after attaining his majority he went to Illinois and began the study of dentistry in Macomb; and after completing the study of the profession and a short time of practice in that … Read more

Biography of Henry Goodcell, Jr.

Henry Goodcell, Jr., attorney at law, and secretary of the San Bernardino Bar Association, was born in Dover, England, and was forty years of age in November 1888. When a child of four years he emigrated with his parents to the United States, and came to San Bernardino when nine years old; hence he has resided here thirty-two years. He graduated from the California State Normal School in 1873, the first graduate of that institution from San Bernardino County. When entering the school he expected to pursue the profession of teaching, but after completing the course, upon the advice of … Read more

Biography of George W. Suttonfield

George W. Suttonfield was born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, February 14, 1825. His father, Colonel William Suttonfield, a native of Virginia, was in the regular army, under General Harrison, in the Black Hawk war. He built the first house in Fort Wayne and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1841. His wife, Laura (Taylor) Suttonfield, was a native of Connecticut. They had six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth. He attended Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Indiana, for four years, and in 1849 came to California. He started from Fort Smith, Arkansas, in April, … Read more

Biography of Mrs. Ellen Woods Crafts Meacham

Mrs. Ellen Woods Crafts Meacham. This lady, who, with her husband and family, occupies as a residence one of the old landmarks of the county (the well known Crafton Retreat), is a native of Jackson, Michigan, and daughter of Myron Harwood and Miranda (Capen) Crafts. Her father, who was born in Whately, the family seat, was a man of great force of character. He came to San Bernardino County when the country was new, locating at the place which took his name, and left the impress of his character indelibly upon the community. His unusual business ability, while securing for … Read more

Spriet, Frank Julian – Obituary

Frank Julian Spriet, 95, of San Bernardino, Calif., a former Baker City resident, died Aug. 26, 2007, at the home of his daughter, Darlene. His funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Montecito Memorial Park at Colton, Calif. Frank was born on Dec. 30, 1911, at Baker City. He worked as a carpenter and building contractor for 36 years. He was skilled in every phase of building. He had an inventive mind and always had projects in the making. Frank’s favorite sports were hunting and boxing. He was a faithful Catholic until he was “born again” in 1974, his … Read more

McClellan, Vella – Obituary

Died at San Bernardino, California, February 9, 1922 Vella McClellan. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McClellan of Union. She had been an invalid for a number of years and was staying with an aunt in California. Her remains were shipped to Union, arriving Tuesday morning. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, February 14, at 2 o’clock p.m., at the Latter Day Saints church. Interment in the Union cemetery. Contributed by: Larry Rader

Biography of John Henry Stewart

John Henry Stewart, one of the most prominent citizens of San Bernardino, was born of Scotch parents in Williamstown, Massachusetts, April 28, 1823. His father, Samuel Stewart, removed his family to Oswego County, New York, when John Henry was but two years old, and his childhood and youth were passed there. At an early age he learned the trade of house carpentering and joining, which he followed for many years. Being the oldest in a family of eight children and his father not enjoying good health, a large share of the support of the family fell on his shoulders,-a burden … Read more

Biography of Hon. Henry Montague Willis

Hon. Henry Montague Willis, San Bernardino, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 21. 1831. His ancestors were among the first English settlers of the colony of Virginia and Maryland prior to the Revolution. His father, Mr. Henry H. Willis, was a captain in the merchant marine, with whom the subject of this memoir made a number of voyages before he was twelve years of age, alternating between school and the sea. At the age of twelve he adopted a seafaring life, and during six years’ sailing the briny deep he visited the ports of the Mediterranean, England, France, Ireland, Rio … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Reuben L. Dewitt

Reuben L. Dewitt, of San Bernardino, was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, October 19, 1815, the son of John and Jane (Potter) DeWitt, natives of Indiana and New York respectively. His grandmother, Elizabeth Sheridan, was an aunt of the late General Sheridan. He was left an orphan at the age of fourteen years. For several years he traveled around in different counties of Illinois and Iowa. In 1851 he crossed the plains to Salt Lake City, where he spent two years, and from there came to San Bernardino County, where he has lived ever since. His first purchase of real … Read more

Biography of Albert E. Phelan, M. D.

Albert E. Phelan, M. D., one of the leading physicians of San Bernardino County, and a representative of the progressive school of medicine, was born in Montreal thirty-two years ago; he was graduated at the University of Bishop’s College in that city in 1886, and the following year was graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Quebec, having had charge during the years 1886-’87 of the Western Hospital as house surgeon. He came to San Bernardino in September 1887, and immediately settled in practice, forming a partnership with Dr. C. G. Campbell, a prominent old physician of the … Read more

Biography of Dudley R. Dickey, M. D.

Dudley R. Dickey, M. D., is a California pioneer of 1850, and the longest in the medical practice of all physicians in San Bernardino County. He is a Buckeye by nativity, born in Washington County, Ohio, January 11, 1829. His paternal grandfather, who had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, settled in Athens County in that State soon after the birth of our republic, and there the Doctor’s father, Thomas Dickey, was born. He moved from Washington County and settled in Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1836, when that State was a part of Wisconsin Territory. Dr. Dickey was … Read more