Bessant

Biographical Sketch of John Bessant

John Bessant, one of the enterprising farmers on Base Line, three miles east of San Bernardino city, has a fine ranch and a neat residence in Warm Spring district, where, with his family, he is enjoying the pleasures of life as much, perhaps, as any man in the valley. By birth he is an Englishman. His father, Isaac Bessant, came to America at an early day and crossed the plains to California in 1853, when our subject was but two years of age. His boyhood was spent in hard work; hence his educational advantages were not of the best. May … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Bessant

James Bessant was born in England, November 5, 1817, and is a son of Isaac Bessant, a well-known pioneer of this valley. Our subject had to endure the hardships of the early days, but at this time he has for his labors and industry a pleasant home on Base Line, two and one half-miles northeast of San Bernardino. He has recently built a neat residence and with his family is enjoying the comforts of life. He was married December 25, 1874, to Miss Elsie Cline, born at El Monte, Los Angeles County, in February 1856. She is a daughter of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Bessant

Isaac Bessant, a farmer of San Bernardino County, was born in Barclay, England in 1816. He was married there in 1844 to Miss Mary A. Mitchell, and in 1853 they sailed from Liverpool and after a voyage of forty-two days landed in New Orleans. They went by steamer to St. Louis, and at the end of six weeks to Keokuk, Iowa. Here Mr. Bessant worked at brick-making and burning lime, etc. He then bought a team and went by land, 300 miles, to Council Bluffs, where he arrived July 4, 1853, and from that place crossed the plains to Utah, … Read more