Michigan

Biography of Mrs. Ellen Woods Crafts Meacham

Mrs. Ellen Woods Crafts Meacham, originally from Jackson, Michigan, is a notable figure in San Bernardino County, residing at Crafton Retreat, a site established by her father, Myron Harwood Crafts. After a diverse education spanning several states, she moved to California in 1865 and enjoyed a successful career in teaching and real estate. Mrs. Meacham, a strong advocate for women’s issues, continues to enhance Crafton Retreat, a beautiful locale surrounded by orchards and scenic views, reflecting her commitment to community and nature.

Biography of L. M. Holt

L. M. Holt, born in 1840 in Michigan, faced early adversity, becoming self-reliant after his father’s death. He pursued education and a career in printing before transitioning to teaching and eventually publishing various newspapers in Iowa and California. Holt became instrumental in the development of orange culture in Southern California, organizing the Southern California Horticultural Society and leading initiatives for irrigation reforms. His notable efforts included a successful citrus fair in Chicago, boosting regional economic growth, and establishing himself as a key authority in horticulture.

Biography of Charles C. Trowbridge

Charles C. Trowbridge, born in Detroit in 1864, moved to San Francisco in 1876 and entered business at seventeen with Cunningham, Curtis & Welch. He relocated to Riverside in 1887, co-founding Trowbridge Maynard, a prominent bookselling and stationery firm. Their business flourished, noted for its extensive stock and fine appointments. Trowbridge actively engaged with the community, gained a reputation for fairness, and served as Deputy County Clerk. In 1889, he married Edith S. Sharp, daughter of a notable San Francisco capitalist.

Biography of Barnabas Tibbals

Barnabas Tibbals, born in 1824 in New York, became a notable figure in horticulture after moving to Riverside, California, in 1887. He purchased a ten-acre orange grove, diligently cultivating a mix of Washington Navels and seedlings. Originally raised as a pioneer in Michigan, Tibbals had a diverse agricultural career before settling in Riverside. A dedicated citizen and supporter of local progress, he was active in the Baptist Church and the Masonic fraternity. Tibbals was twice married, with two daughters from his second marriage.

Biographical Sketch of Lucas Hoagland

Lucas Hoagland, born in Michigan in 1837, was a notable rancher near San Bernardino. The eldest of seven, he served in the Mexican War before moving westward. After several stints including running a pack team in California and teaming in Montana, he settled in San Bernardino County, where he cultivated a sixty-acre ranch. Hoagland experienced personal loss, with two marriages resulting in seven children. A true pioneer, he actively supported initiatives aimed at enhancing his community, showcasing a commitment to local development throughout his life.

Biography of Rev. Berry Edmiston

Rev. Berry Edmiston, born in 1831 in Tennessee, relocated to Riverside, California, in 1878 seeking a healthier climate. He initially engaged in horticulture, cultivating budded orange trees, apricots, and grapes. A dedicated minister, he established the Swedenborgian church in Riverside in 1885, serving as its first pastor. Educated at Adrian College, he had a diverse career in ministry and education across several states before settling in California. Along with his wife Ednah, he raised three children, contributing significantly to the local community and church.

Biography of Alva A. Warren

Alva A. Warren, born on July 21, 1836, in Michigan, was the son of pioneer educator Z. J. Warren. His family migrated through several states before settling in California in 1859. Alva married Betsey Parks in 1865, with whom he had seven children. A trained assayer, he later focused on farming and ranching in San Bernardino County. An active community member, he contributed significantly to local education and was nominated for tax collector in 1888. Warren is remembered as a dedicated and principled citizen.

Biography of Rev. B. L. Baldridge

Rev. B. L. Baldridge was born on February 9, 1821, in Ohio. His father, Rev. William Baldridge, a Revolutionary War veteran, was a long-serving minister. B. L. was educated at Miami University and ordained in 1851. He pastored in Michigan and later became a missionary in Kansas, where he founded a church. He served as a U.S. Army Chaplain until 1884. After retirement, he managed a fruit ranch in California and advocated for Prohibition. He married Sarah M. Gilmore and had two children.

Biography of W. Ladd

W. Ladd, born in Ontario in 1826, journeyed to California in 1851, initially mining in Virginia City. After a brief return to Michigan, he ventured west again in 1859, where he continued mining, worked as a millwright, and later became a contractor. In 1882, he settled in Redlands, cultivating a successful orange orchard. He was married twice, with three daughters from his second marriage to Mary Quillin. Ladd passed away in 1886, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and perseverance in California’s burgeoning landscape.

Biography of George H. Crafts

George H. Crafts was born in 1844 in New York City and moved to California in 1861 with his father, Myron H. Crafts, a notable pioneer in various trades. Myron established a successful ranch in Grafton, near Redlands, where he cultivated grains and fruits. George served in the Eighth California Volunteers during the Civil War before working in Arizona and attending Cornell University. He married Joanna Craig and became a horticulturist, managing a 700-acre ranch. He was active in community organizations and had two children.

Biography of Colonel William R. Tolles

Colonel William R. Tolles, born in 1823 in Connecticut, became a notable figure in San Bernardino, California, after a distinguished military career in the Civil War. Originally from Ohio, he ventured west for health reasons, settling in Redlands where he pioneered orange cultivation despite initial skepticism. An enterprising landowner, he improved substantial acreage and contributed significantly to local agriculture, ultimately serving as president of the San Bernardino Board of Trade. Tolles was married three times and had children from his second wife.

Biography of Alonzo D. Haight

Alonzo D. Haight, an early settler of Riverside since 1876, transformed a government claim into a prosperous 25-acre orange grove, showcasing his horticultural expertise. Born in New York in 1834, he had a varied career as a surveyor, teacher, and merchant across several states, earning local prominence in Kansas during the border wars. A Republican and Union supporter, he married Betsey A. Green in 1862 and raised five children. Haight’s substantial residence and well-maintained grounds reflect his successful contributions to the community.

Basman, Cyril Louis “Louie”, Jr. – Obituary

Cyril Louis “Louie” Basman Jr., 80, passed away on January 7, 2004, in Richland, Oregon, where he had long resided. Born January 1, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan, he served as a Navy pilot during World War II and later married June Ankrom in 1944. The couple lived in Bakersfield, California, for 33 years before retiring to Richland. Louie worked in heating and air conditioning and had a passion for woodworking and reading. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and grandchildren.

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.

Biography of Professor David B. Sturges

Born in 1839 in Michigan, Professor David B. Sturges became a prominent classical scholar after relocating to California in 1876. He founded the San Bernardino Academy in February 1883, driven by the desire to provide a higher standard of education than local public schools. Under his leadership, the academy flourished, offering advanced courses that allowed graduates to enter the University of California without examination. With the support of his wife, an accomplished educator, Sturges built a respected institution valued at $10,000 to $12,000.

Biographical Sketch of H. L. Drew

H. L. Drew, originally from Michigan, spent his early career in lumbering and merchandising before serving as a Captain in the Union army during the Civil War. After struggling with health issues linked to severe forest fires, he relocated to San Bernardino in 1875. Known for his public spirit, Drew has actively contributed to the city’s development, notably helping secure railroad construction in the valley. He also engages in agriculture, owning a significant ranch dedicated to citrus fruit cultivation.

Achiligonan Tribe

The Achiligonan Tribe, existing between 1640 and 1670 along the north shore of Lake Huron, predominantly occupied the area around the French River extending westward to Sault Ste Marie. By 1670, they were affiliated with the Sault mission, primarily visiting for fishing purposes. Historical accounts indicate their fluctuating location over the years, with mentions of their trade with the Cree and a likely connection to either the Chippewa or Nipissing bands.