San Bernardino County CA

Biographies of Southern California

The biographies featured in “An Illustrated History of Southern California,” published by the Lewis Publishing Company in 1890, highlight prominent figures from the counties of San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange. This extensive collection currently focuses on San Bernardino County, with plans to expand to other regions. It provides insights into the lives and contributions of numerous individuals, including professionals, politicians, and community leaders, thus offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Southern California’s historical narrative.

Biography of Joseph C. Rich

Joseph C. Rich, born in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1841, was the eldest son of Judge Charles C. Rich. He experienced the tumultuous journey of the Mormon exodus and contributed significantly to the settlement of the Salt Lake Valley and southeastern Idaho. An active Democrat, he held numerous political offices, advocating for women’s suffrage and fighting against the disenfranchisement of the Mormon community. Rich was elected to numerous legislative roles and served as a respected judge, recognized for his fairness and commitment to justice. He married Ann Eliza Hunter and fathered six children.

Biography of Charles C. Rich

Charles C. Rich, born in 1809 in Kentucky, was a pivotal figure in the early settlement and development of Utah, California, and Idaho. A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he played a significant role in establishing the city of Paris, Idaho, and was instrumental in founding Santa Bernardino in California. Rich was a leader among the pioneers, actively participating in their affairs, and served multiple church missions, including a notable one in Europe. He was married six times and fathered fifty-two children, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities he helped shape. Rich passed away in 1883, remembered for his leadership and contributions to the region.

Bork, Agnes R. – Obituary

Agnes R. Bork, 92, passed away on September 1, 1992, in Highland, California. Born on August 19, 1900, in Flora, Oregon, she was the eldest of three children. Agnes married William Bork in 1919 and they lived on a ranch for many years before moving to the Stateline area. A founding member of the Stateline Seventh-Day Adventist Church, she was an active teacher and participant in church activities. She is survived by one son, one daughter, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home.

Humburg, Ruby E. – Obituary

Ruby E. Humburg, born March 27, 1896, passed away on May 17, 1984, in Woodlands, California. A former resident of Enterprise, Wallowa County, she lived there from 1969 until her move to Colusa in 1982. Preceded in death by her husband in 1959, she is survived by her daughter, Delores Preece, and two sons, Ralph and Gene, along with nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. A member of various local organizations, memorial services were conducted by the Rebekahs.

McClellan, Vella – Obituary

Vella McClellan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McClellan of Union, passed away on February 9, 1922, in San Bernardino, California, after years of being an invalid. Her remains were sent to Union, where the funeral took place at the Latter Day Saints church on February 14, followed by interment in the Union cemetery.

Young, Bryce J., Dr. – Obituary

Dr. Bryce J. Young, 73, a former resident of La Grande, Oregon, died in a bicycling accident in Argentina on February 4, 2004. Born on June 3, 1930, in Glendive, Montana, he was educated at Walla Walla College and Loma Linda University. He practiced medicine in various locations before retiring in 1992. An avid traveler and bird-watcher, he was involved in numerous mission trips and community service through Rotary International. He is survived by three children, two grandchildren, and a sister.

Lehman, Holly Jean – Obituary

Holly Jean Lehman, 51, of La Grande, passed away on September 1, 2006, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise. Born on April 18, 1955, in San Francisco, she moved to La Grande in 2002 after living in Berkeley. She is remembered for her love of gardening, crafts, astrology, and cats. A celebration of her life will be held on September 9 at her mother’s home. She is survived by her companion, mother, siblings, and other relatives. Memorial contributions can be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association.

Johnson, Robert E. – Obituary

Robert E. “B.J.” Johnson, 74, of Barstow, California, died on February 15, 2008, from complications of colon cancer. Born on April 2, 1933, in St. Paul, Arkansas, Johnson served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing a career in aviation and managing La Grande Airport. He was married to Zana Lea Ellison and had four children. Johnson logged over 18,000 flying hours and later drove heavy-duty trucks. He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Healthwell Foundation.

Asemissen, Maurice D. – Obituary

Maurice D. “Ozzie” Asemissen, 82, passed away on March 21 at an adult foster care home following complications from a stroke. Born on July 1, 1925, in Moneta, Iowa, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ozzie later earned a degree in education before transitioning to the electronics industry. A long-time resident of Island City, he was instrumental in community initiatives, including serving with the Lions Club and co-founding Hog Wild Day. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, and extended family.

Miller, Louise L. – Obituary

Louise L. Miller, 91, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on May 2, 2008, at her home. Born on March 1, 1917, in Dwight, Illinois, she had a lengthy career in education, teaching for over 40 years in Montana and California, including in one-room schools. Louise was married twice, first to Harold Magee and then to Charles Miller. After moving to La Grande in 2000, she remained active in her community, teaching citizenship to immigrants. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many former students.

Fortney, Jefferson S. – Obituary

Jefferson S. Fortney, 85, passed away on December 17 in Yucaipa, California. Born on August 29, 1893, in Warm Springs, he was the son of Levi and Julia Hayes Fortney. He married Alice Anderson in Ellensburg in 1913 and worked for the Milwaukee Railroad, retiring in 1958. Fortney relocated to California in 1968 after his wife’s death in 1962. He is survived by a son, three daughters, 14 grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at IOOF Cemetery.

Hammond, Betty Leah Pease – Obituary

Betty Leah Hammond, age 44, passed away and was remembered in funeral services held in Fremont, California. Originally from Union, Oregon, she spent her formative years in Ellensburg and graduated from Thorp High School. Betty lived in Fremont for 23 years, leaving behind her husband Wesley and three children, Kirk, Kathryn, and Mary Ann. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Pease, and two brothers. Donations in her memory can be made to Children’s Hospital in Oakland, California.

Hammer, Loren D. “Butch” – Obituary

Loren D. “Butch” Hammer, 35, tragically died in an aviation accident while serving in Afghanistan. Born on November 26, 1969, in Needles, California, he was an Eagle Scout and a 1988 graduate of Redmond High School. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he became a pilot at Butler Aircraft, where he flew various aircraft for firefighting efforts. He is survived by his parents, siblings, and five nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at Butler Aircraft.

Marvin, Rebecca Louise “Becky” Ladwig Mrs. – Obituary

Rebecca Louise “Becky” Ladwig Marvin, 56, formerly of Baker City, passed away from cancer on August 6, 2005, in Victorville, California. A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Dudley Apple Valley Mortuary, with private inurnment at Sunset Hills Memorial Park. Becky spent 26 years in Apple Valley, working as a medical records statistics clerk. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, sisters, and aunt. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Victor Valley.

Kelso, Bonnie May Nedrow Scott, Mrs. – Obituary

Bonnie May Nedrow (Scott) Kelso, aged 73, passed away on July 5, 2005, after battling cancer, surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 17, 1931, in Oregon, she lived in several Idaho towns throughout her life. Bonnie married multiple times and had a passion for genealogy and community service. She worked for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare until retiring in 1995 and briefly ran a candy store. Bonnie is survived by her husband, children, and many grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Welch, Roy – Obituary

Roy Jackson Welch, a retired barber, passed away on September 20, 1973, in San Bernardino, California. Born on September 22, 1904, in Haines, Oregon, he spent fifty years in the barbering profession, owning shops in Haines and California. Welch was buried in Hemet, California. He is survived by his wife Lucille, a daughter, a step-daughter, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and siblings. He was preceded in death by a son and several siblings. Graveside services took place on September 24.

Biography of Charles P. Hayt

Charles P. Hayt, a prominent businessman in Riverside, founded Hayt Klinefelter and established the Fashion Stables, known for their exceptional horses and carriages. Arriving in Riverside in 1879 with no capital but a strong work ethic, he initially operated a meat market before expanding into the livery business. Hayt transformed a small enterprise into a leading livery service, also managing a stage and express line until railroads took over. He became involved in local governance and community initiatives while supporting various organizations. Hayt married Minnie M. Morey in 1884, with whom he had one son.

Biography of David A. Correll

David A. Correll, born in Ohio in 1845, is a prominent figure in Riverside as the owner of the Blue Front Grocery Store, a cornerstone of the community since 1883. After various jobs and serving in the Civil War, he moved to Riverside in 1882, where he began his grocery career. By 1887, he managed the Blue Front alone, expanding its success through dedicated service. Correll, known for his geniality and community support, also pursued horticulture, cultivating orange groves. He was a devoted Republican and family man, married to Naomi Harshburger with two children.

Biography of Edward Heller

Edward Heller, born in 1824 in Prussia, was a successful furrier before immigrating to the United States in 1849. He operated a thriving hat and fur business in Illinois for over thirty years and became a prominent local merchant. In 1888, seeking a warmer climate, he relocated to California, where he has excelled in horticulture, managing a ten-acre orange grove and other crops. Married to Mary A. Schottle, he has five children and has established a comfortable home in the Riverside colony.