WALTER E. PACKARD — A history of Imperial Valley would not be complete without a mention of Walter E. Packard, who is one of the most highly esteemed and deservedly respected citizens of the Valley. He has been closely associated with the agricultural development since 1909 as the local representative of the College of Agriculture of the University of California. His work at the Imperial Valley Experiment Farm, of which he was superintendent, has had an important influence in moulding the farming practice of the Valley. Mr. Packard has taken an active interest in irrigation affairs, having represented Imperial Valley in conferences in Washington on two different occasions. As president of the Farm Bureau he took a leading part in promoting agricultural co-operation. Mr. Packard was born in Oak Park, Illinois, February 22, 1884, a son of Samuel Ware and Clara A. (Fish) Packard. His father was a native of Massachusetts and his mother was a native of New York. In the parents' family there were five children. Walter E., after attending the Oak Park Public and high school, graduated from the Iowa State College and later took the degree of master of science from the University of California. He spent some time in Idaho in developing a claim and later took a position as special investigator for the office of Irrigation Investigations of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. In 1909 Mr. Packard took the position as special representative of the College of Agriculture in Imperial Valley, and as a result of his work several bulletins have been published by the University of California. In July, 1917, Mr. Packard accepted the position as Assistant State Leader of Farm Advisers in California. Mr. Packard was united in marriage December 20, 1909, to Miss Emma Leonard, of Waukee, Iowa. Two children have been born, Clara Eleanor, born November 2, 1910, and Emma Louise, born April 15, 1914. Mrs. Packard graduated from the Iowa State College in 1907 as a classmate of Mr. Packard and, before her marriage, spent some time in South Carolina in social work among the mill workers. While in the Valley Mrs. Packard took an active interest in child study work as chairman of the Home Economics section of the Woman's Ten Thousand Club.

BENJAMIN SHANK.—One of Imperial County's progressive and influential ranchers is Benjamin Shank, the subject of this review. Incidentally Mr. Shank is the owner of 160 acres of highly cultivated land in Water Company No. 5, near Brawley. Success has come to Mr. Shank, and it is primarily through his individual efforts, coupled with broad business foresight, that he has achieved the enviable position which is his today. Mr. Shank came to Imperial County in the fall of 1905, and can, as the result, be well and truly classed among the pioneers of the Valley which was once a vast desert, with the water holes few and far between. He was born in Saline county, Kansas, January 9, 1885, the son of Bernard H. and Katherine (Wieland) Shank. Benjamin received his education in Saline County's public schools and left the institutions of learning at the age of 17 years. Being practical, Mr. Shank engaged as a ranch hand until he came to this county, where he engaged for a while with Thomas O'Brien. Later he filed on eighty acres and some time thereafter purchased the balance of his land, all of which at the time was rough, barren, desert land. This he leveled and rounded out in such shape that shortly he was able to raise crops most successfully, and now his holding is producing a yearly harvest which is highly remunerative. Mr. Shank has planted 600 trees and all the buildings since erected about the place are modern in every detail. In the raising of cattle and particularly hogs Mr. Shank has been most successful. He also sells grain extensively. Mr. Shank is a stockholder of the Imperial Valley Bank, and when he votes on political questions can always be depended upon to affix his mark next to the name of the man most deserving. He was married at Brawley, California, October 25, 1910, to Miss Emma Schoneman. Their three children are Evelyn, born in El Centra ; Ella, born on the ranch, and Burton, born on the home place. Mr. Shank, undoubtedly, comes under the head of selfmade men. He is industrious at all times, and devotes his energies in the direction of pursuits which are far-reaching in their effectiveness. All he has gained today in the way of worldly goods represents an achievement which resulted from his own individual efforts.

LOYAL A. STRIEBY.—Prominent among the wide-awake and progressive ranchers of Imperial County is Loyal A. Strieby. He has done much in advancing the material prosperity of this county and has the good-will and esteem of all who know him. Mr. Strieby came to the Valley in 1908. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1866, a son of Samuel and Eliza (Johnston) Strieby. His grandfather fought in the war of 1812. Mr. Strieby's parents are both deceased and buried in Ontario, California. Loyal A. acquired his education in the public schools of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, after which he attended the Greensboro Academy. He came to Imperial Valley in 1908. Upon his arrival here he purchased his present ranch of 160 acres, which is now in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Strieby is largely identified with the stock business and owns about 200 head of fine stock. His place is well adapted for stock and general ranching and under Mr. Strieby's management the ranch has been made to prosper materially. He was married at Cucamonga, California, April 4, 1904, to Miss Grace Fifield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey Fifield, who reside at Cucamonga, California. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Strieby: Margaret and Samuel were born in Cucamonga, and William and Florence were born on the ranch. Mr. Strieby is in every respect a self-made man. He started out in life without influential friends or funds and through his own energy and business foresight he has made a handsome competency.

ROBERT GRAHAM ELMORE.—Prominent mention should be made in the pages of this, the first standard history of Imperial County, of Robert Graham Elmore, one of the Valley's most practical ranchers and the owner of 160 acres of highly cultivated land in Water Company No. 5, near Brawley. Mr. Elmore is a pioneer of the Valley, having arrived in this fertile zone during February, 1908. He was born in Pettis County, Missouri, August 28, 1889, the son of John E. and Carrie May (Jenkins) Elmore. Mr. Elmore's father came to the Valley in March, 1908, and owns, with his wife, 640 acres of land which is prized property of the county. Originally this holding was rough, desert country, but through the efforts put forth, coupled with a thorough knowledge of agriculture, it is now noted for its productiveness. Mr. Elmore received his education in the public school of Corona, California, and for six months he attended the Los Angeles High School. He left the high school and for over three years attended Polytechnic. Robert G. has always lived on a ranch and has always found it expedient to assist his parents on the home place whenever possible. Even during his school days Mr. Elmore devoted his activities to orchard work and later to general farming, raising barley, wheat and corn most successfully. He has stock of his own and yearly finds an opportunity to sell considerable pasturage. Politically Mr. Elmore always votes for the best man and does not allow party politics to sway his superior judgment in this matter. He is a worthy member of the Christian Church. Mr. Elmore was married at Banning, California, August 16, 191 3, to Miss Lela Belle Eli, daughter of William E. and Flora Belle (Hastein) Eli, prominent residents of Imperial County. To this union two children have been born: Robert G., Jr., born July 14, 1914, in Brawley, and Beauford William, born on the ranch, February 10, 1916. The Elmore family is of English origin and the Jenkins of Scotch origin. The family is ably represented as far back as five generations, both sides taking active part in the Civil war. About the Elmore ranch there is an appearance of attractiveness which is appealing. The numerous trees and the buildings in general add greatly to the effectiveness of the scene, and Mr. Elmore is to be congratulated owing to his keen foresight in achieving the noteworthy results which are so evident everywhere.

JAMES WILLIAM COLSON.—In the lexicon of human endeavor the world waits for no man, and he who achieves today a laudable ambition is placed very naturally in the column which represents the survival of the fittest. In passing it might be stated with utmost sincerity that James William Colson, owner of a 280-acre ranch in Water Company No. 5, near Holtville, is entitled to prominent mention in these pages, as he is one of the progressive and influential citizens of the Valley. James W. came to Imperial County in February, 1908, and was born at Gays, Illinois, September 10, 1874, the son of Joseph and Mary I. (Curry) Colson. The father of Mr. Colson died from the effects of valiant service during the Civil war. His death occurred in 1886 and he is buried at Ashgrove, Illinois. The mother of Mr. Colson at this time resides at Riverside, California. Mr. Colson received his early education in his home town, leaving school at the age of 11 years. During later years he assisted on the home place and while still young matured a crop of corn which easily proved his knowledge of ranching at that stage. Coming to California in 1902, he settled temporarily at Redlands where he engaged in the orange growing business until he came to El Centro. Upon his arrival in the Valley, Mr. Colson proceeded to branch out in the real estate and insurance business. This pursuit he followed for eight years. During February, 1916, James W. purchased the present property. He also rented 320 acres of land, and thus having 600 acres at his disposal planted the foregoing acreage in cotton. Politically Mr. Colson votes for the best man on the ticket despite party affiliations. Fraternally he is a member of Tee Court of Honor, Springfield, Illinois. He was married in Los Angeles, November 12, 1913, to Miss Hallie Bailey of Indiana.

ROY EUGENE GONDER.—Individually and collectively, Roy Eugene Gonder is listed among the progressive ranchers of Imperial County. He is the owner of 320 acres of highly cultivated land in Water Company No. 5, near Brawley, is ranching on a large, remunerative scale, and is held high in the esteem of all who know him. Mr. Gonder came to Imperial County April 19, 1902, and was born at Duncan Falls, Ohio, November 18, 1876, the son of George W. and Mary E. (Smith) Gonder. The family is of old American stock. The family tree of Mr. Gonder's mother dates back to the English, but there are generations of both sides represented in this country. The parents of Mr. Gonder have passed away; the father died in 1917 and the mother during February, 1888. Both are buried at Duncan Falls, Ohio. As a boy Mr. Gonder received his early education near Duncan Falls, but continued his progress in the way of learning until he reached the age of 20 years, having attended various institutions in the meanwhile. For five years Mr. Gonder was a school teacher. Prior to that time, however, he assisted his parents during vacation periods on the home place. It was at this point in his life that Mr. Gonder turned his eyes in the direction of Imperial County. Upon his arrival here he filed on his present property, leveled the same, and has one of the most valuable holdings in the county at this time. The year Mr. Gonder arrived in the Valley there was nothing much for the human eye to gaze upon. Vast stretches of desert could be seen everywhere, with not even so much as a soulinspiring oasis to lift the imagination to the heights of joy. He was a pioneer in every sense of the word. As a practical rancher, Mr. Gonder specializes in the growing of grain. He has been very successful in this pursuit. His yearly returns are large and remunerative. More than 1000 trees have been planted by Mr. Gonder, and the general appearance of attractiveness noted about the Gonder ranch is due entirely to the foresight and energy of the owner thereof. Whenever election rolls around Mr. Gonder can always be found attaching his mark on the Republican side of the column. He is also a member of the Royal Arch, F. & A. M. Mr. Gonder was married at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1916, to Miss Maud Liggitt, daughter of Walker and Mary (McCord) Liggitt. The parents are both deceased and are buried at Chandlersville, Ohio. John A. McCord, grandfather of Mrs. Gonder, came from historic Crookstown, Ireland. The Liggitt family also comes of English and Irish origin. Four brothers of the mother of Mrs. Gonder did valiant service and fought unstintingly for the cause during the Civil war. Their names on the escutcheon of fame are: John A. McCord, Dr. George McCord, Samuel and William. Mr. Gonder in the early days was affiliated with the old California Development Company, having acted as foreman for the corporation during that period which witnessed the beginning of the Imperial Valley. All his achievements during the years he has been a resident of the county are primarily due to his broad, conservative methods in attaching himself to conditions in general.

BEN DYER IRVINE.—One of the fine ranches of Imperial County is owned by Ben Dyer Irvine, a property holding which comprises 353 acres in Water Company No. 5, near Brawley. Practical knowledge of agriculture has been the magnet which has caused Mr. Irvine to bend his efforts toward his chosen field of industry, and he has undoubtedly achieved vast results. He came to Imperial County August 22, 1907, and was born in Marshall, Missouri, January 17, 1875, the son of Henry B. and Martha Elizabeth (Lewis) Irvine. The grandparents on both sides of the family came from Virginia during 1836 and located in Missouri, where they were among the pioneers. The country thereabouts at that time represented a vast prairie. The Lewis family are of old Virginia stock, members of which fought the Indians during many tempestuous days, while there is a sprinkling of the Scotch-Irish on both sides. History will show that the members of the family, in tracing the lineage thereof, came to this country long before the Revolutionary war. Mr. Irvine received his education in his native state at the grammar school, leaving the institution at the age of 16 years. He then as sisted his parents until he reached the age of 20 years. Later he established himself in the wallpaper and paint business in Kansas City and Marshall, Missouri, where he carried on his vocation for ten years. Coming to Pasadena, California, in 1907, he tried for a location and settled first of all in this county, near Holtville, where he was engaged as overseer for Dr. C. S. Lombard of Redlands, California, on a ranch comprising 320 acres. He also handled a hog ranch for five months for the same party. Later he filed on his present property, which was rough, barren, desert country. Mr. Irvine has labored hard and industriously and has brought his property up to a high state of productiveness. He received his title to the land in 1916. He is now cultivating 350 acres and follows principally grain growing and stock raising. He owns more than 210 head of hogs and also some thoroughbred hogs at the present time. Mr. Irvine organized the M. E. Church at Alamorio, and also helped to build the Magnolia School and Brawley High School. Great credit is due Mrs. Irvine, who insisted in sharing all privations with her husband during his fight here on the desert. She was with him during the hot summer months and never murmured for a moment about overwhelming odds, but with that steadfastness which is one of her most charming characteristics remained as a true and loyal wife should at the side of her husband, all of which adds very splendidly to her many personal and wifely accomplishments. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine were married at Blackwater, Missouri, June 11, 1895. The maiden name of Mrs. Irvine was Katherine Turley, she being the daughter of Christopher and Susan Elsie Turley, pioneers of Missouri, who came to this state from Missouri. Mr. Turley resides at Pasadena. The mother died when Mrs. Irvine was an infant and is buried at Arrow Rock, Missouri. The parents of Mr. Irvine reside at Hutchinson, Kansas, with his brothers—George M. and Robert C.—both of whom are traveling salesmen. As can be readily seen in the foregoing, Mr. Irvine represents most practically all the worthy attributes which go with the self-made man.

ROLAND REED.—Of the younger generation of business men in Imperial County none have met with a larger measure of success than that which has attended the efforts of Roland Reed, general manager of the Reed-Williams corporation, which owns several ranches in Imperial Valley, comprising several hundred acres. The corporation of which Mr. Reed is general manager, is largely interested in the hog business, and the business they have built up is enormous. The company has entered the date-growing business on a very large scale, and they have made a success of the grapefruit business. Thoroughly alert and up to the minute in modern ideas, operating his ventures in a strictly legitimate manner and in a way that will benefit the community, Mr. Reed's work places him among the representative men of the county. Mr. Reed came to Imperial County in October, 1911. He was born in Ida Grove, Iowa, June 18, 1887, a son of James W. and Ella (Wilkinson) Reed. Both parents now reside in Los Angeles. His father is the president of the corporation. In Mr. Reed's parents' family there are six children: R. C, with the Reed-Williams company; Ruth R., wife of Harry Van Patten of Chicago; Mary R., wife of Noah Williams, vice-president of the company, and Russell and Renfield, residing at home. The subject of this review acquired his education in the schools of Iowa and the University of Wisconsin. Upon leaving the university he assisted in his father's bank. Later he assisted on his father's cattle ranch in Canada. Here he remained for several years before coming to Imperial County to remain permanently. Fraternally Mr. Reed is a Royal Arch Mason of Ida Grove, Iowa. He is also a member of the Delta-Tau Delta of the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Reed was united in marriage in Kansas City, Missouri, April 12, 1913, with Miss Grace Hutchinson, daughter of A.M. and Emma (Johnson) Hutchinson. Her father is deceased and is buried in the family cemetery at Libertyville, Illinois. Mrs. Reed's mother resides in Imperial County. Mrs. Reed was born in Kingsley, Iowa, and is a graduate of the Ida Grove High School. She remained with her parents until her marriage to Mr. Reed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed have a host of friends in Imperial County.

GEORGE CLIFFORD RICHARDS.—One of the commanding figures in the agricultural life of Imperial County is George Clifford Richards. Coming to Imperial County in December, 1907, when the country was a vast desert, he has seen a wonderful transformation since it has been made a place of great productiveness and wealth. Mr. Richards is the owner of one hundred acres of choice land in the Southside Water Company No. 1, El Centro. He was born in Adams County, Illinois, May 31, 1864, a son of John W. and Margaret (Potter) Richards. His parents were among the early settlers in Illinois, having located in that state in 1836. The Richards family is of old English descent and came to America before the Revolutionary war. They settled first in Loudon County, Virginia, and later moved to Illinois. Both parents are buried in Burton, Adams County, Illinois. The subject of this review received his education in Adams County, and left high school at the age of 18, and owing to his father's ill health he was obliged to take charge of the home place. He remained at home ten years after his father's death. Going to northwestern Nebraska for a time, Mr. Richards returned home, where he spent seven years. He then removed to Trinidad, Colorado, where he engaged in the feed business for four years. Disposing of his interests in Colorado, Mr. Richards with his family went to Redondo Beach, and spent one year there. He then brought horses to Imperial Valley for another party and after being in the Valley for a year he purchased two hundred and forty acres, which he has improved and which has been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Richards erected substantial buildings and set out all the trees and shrubbery around his place. He is a large grower of grain and cotton and deals extensively in stock. Politically Mr. Richards is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married at his wife's home place in Adams County, Illinois, January 4, 1893, t0 Miss Emma Cate, daughter of Walter Cate. Both Mrs. Richard's parents are deceased and buried in Columbus, Adams County, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Richards had three children: Mildred died in infancy; Lawrence, born in Illinois, is now aged twenty-three and is now at home, and Edith, born in Illinois, attending high school at Holtville.

FOSTER McCONNELL.—One of the commanding figures in the agricultural life of Imperial County is Foster McConnell. He is a figure of importance in the life of the Valley and understands every phase of ranch development. A man of progressive spirit and good business foresight, Mr. McConnell is a native son and was born at Corona, California, March 21, 1893, a son of H. F. and Lora McConnell. His father passed away May 3, 1912, and is buried at Corona, California. His mother resides in the home place. The ancestors of Mr. McConnell originally came from Ireland, but owing to political troubles they moved to Scotland. Foster, the subject of this review, received his education in the public schools of Corona. At the age of fifteen years he began ranching on the present place, which then consisted of 252 acres and only ninety acres was leveled. Mr. McConnell is imbued with a progressive spirit and he at once started to level the balance of his land. Other tracts were bought at various times until he now owns 535 acres. Each year he has added improvements. In 1917 Mr. McConnell took a commercial course. He has ninety milch cows and 350 head of other stock. He also set out all of the trees in his splendid orchard and has thus added greatly to the attractiveness of his place in general. Mr. McConnell is largely interested in hogs and poultry. Foster and his brother, Leslie, are partners in their ranch affairs and their efforts have brought about great changes on their ranch. Leslie was born in Redlands, California, October 4, 1889, and received his education in Santa Ana, California, and later took a business course. Leaving school at the age of sixteen, he went with his parents to Corona, where his father owned a ranch, and remained there until the family removed to Imperial County. Leslie was united in marriage February 4, 1917, with Miss Caroline Heil, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Heil. Her father is deceased and is buried in Santa Ana. The mother resides in El Centre McConnell Brothers' ranch has been brought up to a high state of cultivation and is one of the model places of Imperial County. Their father's death was deeply mourned by all who knew him. He led an honorable and useful life, and his career bore the closest investigation and scrutiny. His life record gained for him the unqualified respect and esteem of the people in every locality where he lived. His life was ambitious and was founded on honorable and progressive ideas. His wife and family may find justifiable pride in the fact that he not only achieved success in a material way, but his deeds and actions as a model father and loving husband will be perpetuated in the history of Imperial County, which is a monument to his career.

LINZA B. ROGERS.—Careful readers of this, the first standard history of Imperial County, will find many names of prominent and influential ranchers mentioned therein. Hence the declaration that the name of Linza B. Rogers, the subject of this review, should be prominently displayed within these pages, as Mr. Rogers is one of the Valley's most progressive and wide-awake citizens. He owns 320 acres of land in Water Company No. 5, at Brawley, which is noted for its remunerative productiveness. Mr. Rogers was born in Orange County, October 27, 1875, being a native son, and came to Imperial County in the year 1906, which makes him a pioneer of the Valley. Linza A. is the son of Ben and Orpha Rogers. His father died when Mr. Rogers was yet in infancy. After a long and useful life his mother passed away May 30, 1915, and is buried at Long Beach, California. The body of Mr. Roger's father has been interred at Santa Ana, California. Linza B. received his education at Long Beach, and left school at the age of thirteen years. With characteristic foresight, Mr. Rogers has, to use an apt expression, "been paddling his own canoe," ever since a boy, and what has come to him during all those years of endeavor in the way of hard-earned success is due to his own practical knowledge of the world and conditions in general. For ten years Mr. Rogers worked for wages. Later he started to raise sugar beets in Los Angeles County, which venture lasted for about ten years. After trying the grain-growing business for a season, Mr. Rogers came to Imperial County, having filed on his present property in the year 1903. At the time his holding was rough, desert country, which Mr. Rogers leveled and made farmworthy. There was not a ditch within one-half mile at the time and many overwhelming obstacles were naturally encountered. However, Mr. Rogers valiantly stuck to his task and today has a finely-appointed ranch in a high state of cultivation. He makes a specialty of raising grain, has had good success with hogs and cattle, and at one time totaled 1800 brooders on his place. Every tree on the place has been planted by Mr. Rogers, and he has solved the water question by piping artesian water for a distance of one mile. He has a fine residence on the home place, as pretentious as it is modern, while all the outbuildings lend an attractive appearance to the ranch in general. Politically Mr. Rogers has never aspired for office, but he always votes for the right man at the right time and does not let party politics sway him when a deserving man is seeking office. He was married at Long Beach, California, November 27, 1902, to Miss Dora Belle Brady, daughter of John and Mary Brady. Mrs. Rogers' father is buried in the Long Beach cemetery. Mrs. Brady resides at Long Beach. As the result of their happy union two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers: Dorothea Leona, born at Long Beach, and Lillian Rose, born on the home place in this county.

SAMUEL H. ATKINS.—Practical ranching has developed Imperial County from a bleak, barren desert to the thriving and blossoming oasis of productiveness which is so noteworthy today. Since the beginning of the county many hands have tilled the soil successfully. One of the moving factors in the development of the Valley has been Samuel H. Atkins, the subject of this review. Colossal agricultural enterprise is what appeals mostly to Mr. Atkins. He is the owner of eighty acres of rich, loamy soil in Water Company No. 5, near Brawley, and his returns yearly are large and remunerative. He came to Imperial County in December, 1909, and was born near Springfield, Tennessee, September 27, 1873, tne son 0I J- S. and Loretta (Crutcher) Atkins. The family is of old English origin, members of which came to this country many years prior to the Revolutionary war. Mr. Atkins' father was a non-commissioned officer during the Civil war and fought valiantly during that conflict. His death occurred July 2, 1917. The mother of Mr. Atkins passed away in March, 1892. Both are buried in the Evergreen Cemetery, Fulton, Kentucky. Mr. Atkins received his education at the Fulton Normal School and Bordwell College, Kentucky. He left the college at the age of 21 years with a certificate entitling him to teach in public institutions. He followed this vocation for one year, after which he came to Imperial County. From here Mr. Atkins went to Los Angeles, where he was employed for a time with the J. H. Waddingham Company, starting as a laborer and finally working his way up until he was named foreman. Samuel H. remained with this concern for seven years. Upon his return to this county Mr. Atkins leased a farm in Water Company No. I, three miles south of El Centro, where he lived in a tent house. He was successful in cultivating eighty acres of cotton the first year, during the water shortage. However, he struggled along and made some money. Going over to Water Company No. 6, Mr. Atkins raised cotton for three years and all his efforts were highly successful. Later he tried out his hand in Water Company No. 5, cultivating cotton on 150 acres of land, but owing to the cheap prices paid during that year (1914), he did not come out swimmingly. At present Mr. Atkins is raising cotton on a large scale and in a most successful manner. For his own use he keeps a large herd of stock and is otherwise adding to his holdings in general. Politically Mr. Atkins is a Democrat, but whenever he votes can be depended upon to ballot for the best man despite party choice. Fraternally he is a member of the K. O. T. M. of Los Angeles, also the Royal Highlanders of that city. He was married in Kentucky to Miss Emma Price, who died in 1899, and is buried near Bordwell, Kentucky. To this union two children were born. Hazel died in infancy and is buried in Bordwell, while Mary is the wife of G. A. Young, a gasoline engineer, residing in Imperial County, California. Mr. Atkins' second marriage occurred in Los Angeles on October 8, 1907, to Miss Edith Sharrett, daughter of D. F. and Mary Sharrett of Huntington Beach, California, both of whom reside at that place.

JAMES P. CASEY.—Prominent mention should be made of the name of James P. Casey in recording the names of the pioneers in the first history of Imperial County. His activities along agricultural lines have assisted materially in making Imperial County what it is today, the garden spot of California. James P. Casey has 160 acres of choice land in Water Company No. 5, near Brawley. He came to the Valley in November, 1906. He was born in Webster County, Iowa, April II, 1866, a son of James and Mary (Quinlan) Casey. The Casey family is of old Irish origin, members of which were among the respected pioneers and farmers of Iowa, coming to that state originally in 1856. Both parents of Mr. Casey are deceased. His father died in 1878 and his mother passed away in 1905. Both parents are buried in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The subject of this sketch received a limited education. He remained at home and assisted on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. For a time he worked on the railroads and then returned to the home place, where he worked until he was married. Mr. Casey then purchased a farm and there he remained until he came to Imperial County and bought his present place of 160 acres. Mr. Casey has achieved success in the Valley, the result of his own efforts, and now has one of the best appointed ranches in the county. He did the leveling on his land and erected substantial buildings and planted all the shrubbery and trees on his place. Mr. Casey was married to Miss Margaret Ward, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Reynolds) Ward, April 27, 1892. Mrs. Casey's death occurred March 6, 1910, and is buried at Pomona, California. Her parents were pioneers of Iowa. Her father died November 21, 1917, and is buried at Fort Dodge, Iowa. Her mother is at present a resident of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Casey have four children: John Ward, born in Iowa; George V., Charles and Thomas were all born at Fort Dodge. James P. Casey has achieved success in life as a result of his own efforts. He has not had financial assistance offered him from influential friends. He is a self-made man.

JOHN EHRLICH is a man of broad, conservative views. He is one of the influential citizens of the county and is the owner of the Magnolia store, at Magnolia, near Brawley, California. Mr. Ehrlich came to Imperial County, April 4, 1914, and was born in Transylvania, February 7, 1885. He received his early education in his native country, coming to the United States in the year 1909. Upon his arrival here, Mr. Ehrlich took pains to complete his education through his individual efforts and without the assistance, either financial or otherwise, of anyone. Later he started to farm at Corona, California, until he left for Pasadena, where he did landscape gardening successfully. Still later he followed teaming for two and one-half years, following which venture he came to Brawley, having been engaged prior thereto by Dr. William Brill of Los Angeles as a ranch hand. Having keen business foresight, Mr. Ehrlich engaged with the South Mercantile Company of Alamorio for about two years and later went in with R. W. Maddox at the Magnolia store. In this pursuit Mr. Ehrlich was doubly successful. Business continued good and Mr. Ehrlich purchased Mr. Maddox's share on December 20, 1917, and is now the sole proprietor. In conjunction with his business undertaking, the subject of this review is farming 140 acres of land which is highly cultivated property. Mr. Ehrlich received his citizenship papers May 26, 1917, and is registered as a staunch Republican. Fraternally he is a Joeman. Mr. Ehrlich was married in Los Angeles, September 6, 1916, to Miss Mary Drolleff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Drolleff of Transylvania. The father of Mrs. Ehrlich is buried in his native country. The mother resides at that place. To this union has been born one child—Dorothea Elizabeth—born December 29, 1917, at Brawley, California. Mr. Ehrlich is in every sense of the word a selfmade man, as it has been primarily through his energy and progressive foresight that he has achieved success.

EUGENE S. LACK.—Prominent among the wide-awake and progressive business men of Brawley is E. S. Lack, whose mind has been broadened by extensive travel. Of the younger generation of business men of Brawley, none have met with a larger measure of success than that which has attended the efforts of Mr. Lack. He was born December 9, 1873, son of Charles A. and Janie E. Lack. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother was born in Kentucky. Mr. Lack's parents removed to Denver, Colorado, when he was young. He acquired his education in the public and high schools, after which he accepted a position on the road and followed this vocation for fifteen years. In 1906 he came to California and engaged in the automobile business in Los Angeles until 1915, when he removed to Imperial County and located in Brawley. He at once engaged in the same business and now has one of the best equipped and most modern places in the Valley. Thoroughly alert and progressive in modern business methods places him among Brawley's representative men. Mr. Lack was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Dougherty, a native of California, in 1908.

NAPOLEON B. HASTAIN.—The opportunities held forth to ambitious men in Imperial County cannot be surpassed in any section of the country. There must be tireless energy and progressive and enterprising spirit. These are the secrets that have made N. B. Hastain one of the representative men of the county. Mr. Hastain has 100 acres in Water Company No. 5, and he first came to the Valley in 1905. He was born in Henry County, Missouri, May 1, 1866, a son of John G. and Martha J. (Austin)l Hastain. The Hastain family came from Tennessee on the mother's side and located in Missouri in 1800. Mr. Hastain's father died in 1906 at the age of seventy-six, and is buried near Cripple Creek, Colorado. Mr. Hastain's mother makes her home with him on the ranch. In the parents' family there were eight children : James W., residing on the ranch; Napoleon B., the subject of this review; Christopher C, died in 1912 and is buried near San Diego; Flora B., wife of W. E. Eli ; Stella C, residing in San Diego ; Harvey A., residing in Brawley ; Mary E. ; Fanny D., died in 1906 and is buried in Oklahoma ; Evelina W. and Ira, both died in infancy. Napoleon B. received his education in Missouri and at the same time assisted on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. He then started out in life for himself and went to Oregon, where he rode the range and became interested in cattle for himself. Later he engaged in the livery business and subsequently went to Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he followed mining and prospecting for about four years. Coming to Imperial Valley, he worked for Mr. Peck in Water Company No. 7 for six months. Mr. Hastain then followed mining in Nevada for one year when he again went to Colorado for a time and followed mining. Upon his return to Imperial County he purchased his present ranch of 100 acres, which he has brought up to a high state of cultivation, raising corn, barley and alfalfa. Mr. Hastain has as high as twenty-five head of horses and other live-stock. He erected a modern residence and numerous outbuildings and set out all the trees around his ranch. Mr. Hastain at present is not affiliated with any fraternal orders, but has taken an active part in the ranks of the I. O. O. F. James Austin, uncle of Mr. Hastain, fought in the Civil war. The family have a host of friends and are esteemed by all who know them.

JOHN ALFRED WIEST – An industrious and well-to-do agriculturist, John Alfred Wiest, is the owner of a finely improved and valuable ranch at Wiest, California, in Water Company No. 5. His ranch in regard to appointment compares favorably with any in his locality. In all he has 160 acres. Mr. Wiest came to Imperial County November 6, 1903, and was born in Arcadia, Kansas, January 6, 1882, the son of Phillip A. and Elmina E. (Johns) Wiest. The father of Mr. Wiest died in 1906 and is buried in Arcadia, Kansas. Mr. Wiest’s mother resides in this county. The family is of old Pennsylvania origin, members of which came to this country long before the Revolutionary war from France and Wales. Owing to wounds received during the Civil war, Mr. Wiest’s father succumbed in 1906, as above mentioned. The effect of imprisonment and the hardships at Libby prison, where he spent nine months in 1863, had much to do with breaking down the health of Mr. Wiest’s father. George Wiest, uncle of the subject of this review, was a captain in the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Mr. Wiest’s father was in the 51st Pennsylvania Volunteers. Mr. Wiest received his education in Arcadia, Kansas, where his parents were listed among the pioneers from 1878 until 1902, when they moved to California. John A. left school at the age of 18 years and went to Spokane, Washington, for the purpose of locating on a homestead. After that, however, he had attended school at Fullerton, California. Later he took up electrical engineering at Pasadena for twelve months, coming to the Valley on November 6, 1903. He located at Wiest, filing on 160 acres of desert land, being the first permanent settler. Mr. Wiest returned to Kansas some time afterward, where he remained for sixteen months. Then, on November 3, 1905, he again set foot on California soil and immediately began cultivating his property in this county, which, at present, has been brought to a high state of cultivation. During the year 1910 Mr. Wiest filed on an additional 160 acres of land, and Mrs. Wiest also filed on 320 acres. That same year he also purchased another 160 acres, making in all a total of 800 acres of finely situated and valuable land. It was in 1912 that Mr. Wiest sold 640 acres of land for $19,000, which had been improved prior to the selling. Politically Mr. Wiest is a Republican, and is also one of the first trustees in the school district at Wiest. He is a raiser of thoroughbred hogs in his district. Fraternally Mr. Wiest is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Brawley. In the beginning of things the town of Wiest, wherein Mr. Wiest resides, was called after the Wiest family, and was formally named by Congressman Smith of the 81st District. John Alfred Wiest was the first pioneer within many miles when he first came to the county of Imperial. John A. was married at Wiest, August 21, 1909, to Miss Winifred Netta Robertson, daughter of James W. and Margaret Anna Robertson, of Honolulu, having been born and raised in that city. The father died February 4, 1900, and is buried in Honolulu. Her mother died in 1894 and is buried at Stockton, California. Mr. and Mrs. Wiest have three children: Bya Joy, born in Los Angeles; John Adam, born in Wiest, California; and Clinton Edward, born at Wiest, California. Mr. Wiest has found dairying and hog raising very remunerative, milking as many as 110 cows at one time, but has discontinued the business in order to devote his time to other pursuits. In the good-road movement in this county he has been an active factor. For six years he has been roadmaster, and was a delegate to the Southern California road convention at Los Angeles in 1911. Politics also have taken up much of Mr. Wiest’s time. His fine home was destroyed by fire, but since that disastrous conflagration he has construed a new, modern and more pretentious dwelling. Originally Mr. Wiest was a grading contractor and leveled more than 15,000 acres of land in Imperial County, all of which is now producing heavily each year. He has experimented with dates, asparagus and other fruits in the county successfully. Mr. Wiest went through many hardships to achieve the results which are so apparent today. He has labored hard during his time in the Valley, and it has been primarily through thrift and well-concerted energy that he has acquired his place of prominence among his fellow men.

RICHARD C. STARNER, one of the representative ranchers of Imperial County is in every respect a self-made man. He has achieved success in life as a result of his own efforts and has been earnest and upright, and has gained the esteem of all who know him. Mr. Starner was born in Carroll County, Maryland, June 22, 1876, a son of Calvin and Annie Starner. His parents were both natives of Maryland. Farming was his father’s vocation and his life was spent in hard, faithful labor. He was one of the substantial citizens of his locality. Richard C. acquired his education in the public schools, after which he assisted on the home place for one year. He then worked out until he reached the age of twenty-five, when he went to Colorado and remained one year, and then spent a year in Portland, Oregon, where he worked in the freight house for twelve months. Previous to coming to California he had managed to save $250. He heard of the great possibilities of the Imperial Valley and in 1904 cast his lot with the pioneers in this locality. He took up his present place of 240 acres of land, and the re-survey in 1906 took off twenty-five and a fraction acres. Mr. Starner now owns 225 1/9 acres, which is considered one of the best appointed ranches in Imperial County. It is devoted exclusively to grain, and Mr. Starner has made a phenomenal success of the chicken business. He has 600 brown leghorns and ships large quantities outside of the Valley as well as supplying the local market. He set out all of the trees and beautiful shrubbery around his house, which is a modern, well-built bungalow, and has every convenience that can be found in the cities. He erected a 3000-gallon water tank, which gives him ample water for domestic purposes. Mr. Starner’s mother is deceased and his father resides in Maryland, half a mile from the old homestead. He resided on his original farm for forty years. Mr. Starner was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ida Williams, a native of Maryland, October 22, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Starner are active workers in the Methodist church of Holtville. Two brothers of Mr. Starner reside in the Valley. William C. Starner, his nephew, came to the county in December, 1908, and also pioneered with Mr. Starner, helping to level the entire ranch of Mr. Starner. He came here at the age of 17 years and is now a ranch owner of Imperial County. Edward O., another brother, came to the Valley in September, 1917, and Harry K. located in the Valley in October, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Starner have a host of friends and acquaintances in Holtville and vicinity.

ELMER D. PIDGE, after a long and varied career, during which time he has made a success of all his efforts in the way of agricultural development, is now classed among the enterprising and progressive ranchers of Imperial County. He is the owner of forty acres of highly cultivated land in Water Company No. 8, at Brawley, and is held in high esteem. He came to this county in March, 1908, and was born in Syracuse, New York, May 5, 1888, the son of Lee and Cora (Barber) Pidge; both parents have passed away and are buried in New Hope, New York. Mr. Pidge, the subject of this review, received his education near Syracuse and left the public schools at the age of thirteen years. He then assisted his grandparents, Addison and Juliette Barber, about the home place until he started out for himself at the age of 18 years. Later he worked in various places on farms until he came to Brawley, California, where he worked industriously as a ranch hand for two years, prior to the time he rented land for the purpose of raising grain and other agricultural commodities. During 1912 Mr. Pidge purchased his present property, which, at the time, was only partly improved. At present the property is very productive, having been brought to this state of cultivation through the efforts of Mr. Pidge. Trees have been planted by Elmer D. and the home place in general has an appearance of attractiveness which is appealing. Mr. Pidge is now devoting his activities to the dairy business and is meeting with success. In hog and poultry raising Mr. Pidge is classed among those who yearly achieve results in this particular line of endeavor. He keeps 16 cows, all milking, and has about sixty thoroughbred hogs. Politically Mr. Pidge votes for the man most deserving. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 408 of Brawley. He was married in Brawley, January 20, 1917, to Miss May Snyder, of Azusa, California. Mr. Pidge is, in every sense of the word, a self-made man. He started out in life without financial assistance from anyone and throughout his years he has achieved an enviable position among his fellow men.

VESS GOODRICH WAY – The growth of Imperial County in the short space of a few years from a barren stretch of desert, undeveloped in any way, to a land of prosperous farms, has been brought about by men of progressive spirit. One who has been active in the agricultural life is Vess Goodrich Way, owner of 160 acres in water Company No. 8, near Westmoreland. Mr. Way came to Imperial County December 12, 1907, and was born at Chillicothe, Missouri, March 16, 1887, the son of Sylvester and Ella (Piersol) Way. Mr. Way’s mother died August 25, 1905, and is buried in Pasadena, California. His father resides at the old home place in Missouri. The family is of old Scotch-Irish origin. The parents of Mr. Way settled in Livingston County, Missouri, many years ago. Mr. Way, the subject of this review, received his education in Chillicothe, Missouri, leaving school at the age of 16 years. In 1904 he came to Pasadena, California, where he worked in the Pasadena foundry for eighteen month. He then took up civil engineering and later obtained a position as instrument man with the Huntington Land Company and held this job until July, 1907, when he came to the Imperial Valley, where he worked on ranches for seven months. He then rented eighty acres of land for three years and 160 acres for four years, raising grain and hogs until he purchased the present property from the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. At present Mr. Way has brought his property to a high state of cultivation and has made many extensive improvements about the place in general. He follows the new method of raising grain and livestock and is meeting with meritorious success. Politically Mr. Way is a Republican. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and is past noble grand of No. 408, Brawley. He was married at Berkeley, California, August 20, 1911, to Miss Eula Pirtle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Pirtle; both reside at Bard, California. To this union have been born two children: Margaret Ellen, born February 19, 1913, at Brawley, California, and Robert Vess, both October 8, 1914, at the same birthplace. Mr. Way, throughout his broad, conservative methods, has achieved noteworthy success in all his undertakings in the Valley and is held high esteem by all who know him.

EGBERT M. SAWYER – Perseverance and industry have done much for Egbert M. Sawyer, the subject of this review. Also, it might be stated, that it is primarily through his individual efforts that Mr. Sawyer has been classed among the wide-awake and enterprising ranchers of Imperial County. The owner of eighty acres of highly-cultivated land at Brawley, in Water Company No. 8, Mr. Sawyer, since his arrival in the county, February 1, 1910, has been foremost among those intent on formulating and developing broad, conservative ideas pertaining to agricultural pursuits. Egbert M. was born at Rolling Prairie, Wisconsin, December 24, 1870, the son of Francis L. and Lydia (Miller) Sawyer. Both have since passed away. The father is buried in Ontario, California, while the body of Mr. Sawyer’s mother rests in the Burnett cemetery, Burnett, Wisconsin. The family is of English origin and, tracing the lineage thereof, one finds that it dates back many years. It is interesting to note that Benjamin C. Sawyer came to this country in the historic Mayflower, and Charles Miller fought valiantly during the Civil War. With characteristic ambition, Mr. Sawyer received his early education in the public and high schools of Horicon, Wisconsin, leaving the latter institution at the age of 21 years. He then went to Chicago as collector for the Remington Typewriter Company, with which concern he remained two years. Owing to ill health, he returned to his home, where he remained until 1894, when he came to California and settled at North Ontario, engaging in electrical and engineering pursuits. In 1906 he established himself in the meat market business, where he made rapid progress, which brought success and which also enabled him to later purchase his present property in this county, which at the time of changing hands, was a relinquishment, being rough desert country. Mr. Sawyer stuck steadily at the task of leveling the same, and owing to this method of procedure, coupled with his practical knowledge of agriculture, Egbert M. has made his holding one of the prized items of interest in the county. More than 1200 trees have been systematically laid out, a modern home of pretentious design has been constructed, and, all in all, Mr. Sawyer is to be congratulated upon the modern appearance of his place in general. The ranch has been stocked with registered Holstein and grade Holstein cattle. In addition Mr. Sawyer is raising about sixty hogs and more than eighty head of cattle. Politically Mr. Sawyer is a Democrat, and although he has never aspired for our public office, he can be depended upon to vote for the right man if the occasion requires. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Euclid 68 of Upland, and the F. O. E., No. 1082. Mr. Sawyer was married at Upland, California, June 28, 1901, to Miss Ada L. Larrabee, daughter of Nathan Russell and Ellen C. (Moon) Larrabee. Both the father and mother of Mrs. Sawyer have passed away. Mr. Larrabee died February 22, 1917, and is buried in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. The mother died January 22, 1918, the body having been interred in the Rosedale cemetery at Los Angeles.

WILLIAM E. VAN HORN – Prominent mention should be made in these pages of William E. Van Horn, proprietor of the Ford Repair Shop, No. 563 Broadway, El Centro, California. Mr. Van Horn, through his progressive methods has built up a large and remunerative business and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He came to Imperial Valley December 17, 1900, and was born at Ashland, Oregon, March 29 1886, a son of Loreteus M. and Elizabeth (Firestone) Van Horn. The family is of old Holland Dutch origin, coming to this country when New York State was being settled mostly by Holland emigrants. Members of this family fought valiantly during the war for independence and also during the strife of ’61. Mr. Van Horn’s mother died in 1894 and is buried in Ashland, Oregon. Mr. Van Horn’s father is one of the oldest pioneers in point of residence in the Imperial Valley. He did the first construction work on the canal system of the county, and at present is an active factor in the development of the county. He put in his first work on the canals December 19, 1900. When Mr. Van Horn’s father came to the Valley there were but three water holes. One of these was at Cameron Lake, three miles from Calexico, another at Blue Lake, and the Pot Hole, six miles out of Imperial. Mr. Van Horn received his education in the public schools of Imperial County and left the institution at the age of 18 years. He then learned the electrical trade, which he followed for seven years, and after devoting his energies to gasoline engines, automobiles, tractors and other mechanical affairs, he branched out and still follows this interesting and remunerative vocation. Whenever Mr. Van Horn votes he always attaches his mark next the name of the man the most deserving on the ticket. He was married at Olympia, Washington, September 24, 1910, to Miss Selma Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Peterson, both residents at this time of Olympia. To this union three children have been born: Clyde E., born at Bishop, California; Gladys, born at Brawley, California, and Charles L., born at El Centro, July 14, 1916. Mr. Van Horn represents the self-made man in every respect. He started out in life on his own resources and the business he has built up, and which is now such a gratifying monument to his individual efforts, merely bears out the impression that Mr. Van Horn has worked hard for success and that his achievement has been a noteworthy one. He is now having built more specious premises at Eighth and Main streets, El Centro, which will be ready to occupy in July, 1918.

HENRY HARTWELL HOWELL, SR. – The History of Imperial County would to be complete without the name of Henry Hartwell Howell, Sr., a successful rancher owning eighty acres of land in Water Company No. 8, at Brawley. Dr. Howell can rightly be classed among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Imperial Valley. He came to Imperial County in September, 1908, and was born in Pope County, Arkansas, July 20, 1846, the son of James A. and Sarah E. Howell. Both passed away and are buried near Modesto, California. The family is of old Scotch-English origin. With his parents, Henry H. migrated from Arkansas at the age of seven years. California was the magnet which drew their footsteps westward. The subject of this sketch received his education near Stockton, California, in the public schools and the S.M. institution, also known as the Pacific Methodist College, at Vacaville, California. In 1879 he graduated from the medical branch of the University of California with a degree of M.D. Following this he devoted his time largely to the study of medicine and practiced his profession for ten years at Bishop, California. Teaching school was also one of Dr. Howell’s professions at this time. Since giving up the practice of medicine Dr. Howell has turned to practical farming and has been thus engaged ever since. When he first came to the Valley he rented land until he purchased his present property, which was in 1914. He has improved his ranch and has one of the most valuable holdings in the county. In addition to this he owns eighteen acres near Fullerton, California. Politically he is a Prohibitionist. He was married at San Francisco, December 31, 1875, to Miss S. G. Summers, a daughter of Dr. G. M. and Amanda Summers, both of whom are buried at Fresno, California. To this union six children have been born: Mabel c., wife of W. T. Morris of Kern County; Thurman B., a rancher of Orange County, California; Ethel G., wife of George M. Warren, lieutenant in the home guards at Portland, Oregon; Frank T., employed in the shipyards at San Pedro; Jessie L., wife of Arthur D. Evers, interested in the ship chandlery business; and Henry H. Howell, Jr., located at the submarine base at San Pedro, California. Dr. Howell is a member of the State and American Medical Society. It has been primarily through the individual efforts of Dr. Howell that he has achieved the success which is rightly his due. He is conscientious, an enterprising and influential citizen and is always foremost among those who are constantly boosting for better conditions in the county at large.

AUGUST MAYER – Ambition is what makes this wide old world such a habitable place to live in. ambition is what gave to August Mayer, the subject of this review, a desire to achieve a worthy object, which culminated in the forty-acre ranch which Mayer now owns in Water Company No. 8, in the Westmoreland district. In the year 1909, on the 25th day of December, to be exact, August Mayer came to Imperial County, and he has never regretted the impulse which started him in the direction of the highly productive fields of this county, as success, with all its smiling attributes, has come to the man whose history is chronicled in this sketch. August Mayer was born in Germany, November 26, 1882, and came to this country in the year 1907, having received his early education in his native land, leaving school at the age of 14 years. With stalwart perseverance and a determination to make good despite overwhelming odds, Mr. Mayer cast a stern eye about him for some logical undertaking which he might pursue advantageously and which in the end would make him a livelihood worthy of his station in life. Being of strong physique, Mr. Mayer followed work on the ranches for two years in various parts, and upon his arrival in Imperial County rented his present holding and later bought from the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Mr. Mayer has constructed a comfortable dwelling of pretentious design on his property, where he lives with his family. At present Mr. Mayer is engaged in general farming, and each year harvests his crops with the knowledge that the financial returns far exceed his expectations. He has had splendid success in the way of raising alfalfa and livestock of a high grade. Mr. Mayer was married at El Centro, California, May 25, 1914, to Miss Marie Hora of Bohemia. They have one son, Eugene George, both in the north end, May 29, 1916. A glance over the ranch of Mr. Mayer convinces one that it has been primarily through hard and conscientious work that he has made the marked progress which is noted there.

WALTER P. CASEY – Prominent among the wide-awake and progressive business men of Brawley is Walter P. Casey. He has contributed materially to the welfare of the city, and is holding a place of prominence in business, social and fraternal life. The ancestors of Mr. Casey, on both sides of the family, are of colonial stock, coming from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Walter P. Casey, the subject of this review, was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, April 23, 1885, son of Albert W. and Nettie G. (Pevear) Casey. He received his education largely in the public schools of Utah. Mr. Casey’s father, owing to ill health, traveled extensively and now makes his home in Glendora, California, where he has a well improved orange and lemon grove. Finishing his education, Walter P. worked for the Pacific Electric road for three years in Los Angeles. He spent one summer ten miles from Death Valley, and returned to Los Angeles and entered the employ of Warren & Bailey Manufacturing Company. He then became connected with the San Dimas Lemon Association with the view of learning the citrus business. In February, 1913, he removed to Imperial County, locating in Brawley. Here he was associated with Peter B. Hovley in the real estate and ranch business. Mr. Hovley had large ranch holdings and Mr. Casey assisted in handling these. In May, 1916, Mr. Casey purchased the insurance part of the business and also engaged in the grain business, and buys independently of the large dealers. He erected a warehouse and put in a spur track and now ships barley, wheat and maize to leading points in the United States. The ancestors of his mother were among the large morocco leather manufacturers in Lynn and Boston, Massachusetts, and his ancestry traces back to the whalers of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the Pilgrim Fathers. Mr. Casey is serving as president of the chamber of commerce, and secretary of the Brawley Hotel corporation. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Brawley. He was married April 29, 1913, to Miss Irene La Fetra, a native daughter and the first white girl born in Long Beach, California. Mrs. Casey’s father is deceased, and her mother resides in Glendora. Mr. Casey represents the largest and most prominent insurance companies in the United States and England.

RAYMOND H HENDERSON – In the career of Raymond H Henderson, one of the leading citizens, we find an excellent example of the self-made man, who started out in life without funds and by his own efforts he has gained the esteem of all those who know him, as he has attained the full measure of success. Mr. Henderson was born in Postville, Iowa, May 28, 1877, a son of E. T. and A. E. Henderson. His parents were natives of Wisconsin and Iowa and were the parents of six children. He afterwards took a business course in San Diego, where his parents moved twenty-five years ago. After completing his education he took up bookkeeping for a time and went to Tennessee, where he remained for a time. Returning to Los Angeles, he spent one year in that city, when he removed to Imperial Valley in 1901. Mr. Henderson is truly a pioneer of this section. When he came here it was a vast desert, and he has seen it pass from the desert stage to a place of great productiveness and wealth. He filed on 160 acres which he improved and lost it by contest. He afterwards purchased eighty acres following the overflow, which is all highly improved land and set out largely in asparagus. Mr. Henderson was married in August, 1913, to Miss George Dunagan, a native of Arizona and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Dunagan, who have a well improved dairy ranch near Imperial and are among the well to do and honored the people of that section. To Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have been two children: Raymond, Jr., aged three, and Evelyn, aged six months. Mr. Henderson’s parents are still living. On his father’s side the family dates back to Scotch origin, while on his mother’s side the family is old English ancestry. Mr. Henderson is of a progressive spirit, as each year finds him making permanent improvements on his ranch.

SYLVANUS G HASKELL – Noteworthy among the active, prosperous ranchers of Imperial County is Sylvanus G. Haskell, who owns and occupies an eighty-acre place. It is well appointed and well managed, and he is numbered among the prosperous men of his locality. Mr. Haskell was born in Belfast, Maine, October, 11, 1861, son of John Green and Mary Haskell, who were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters. Mr. Haskell received a limited education in the public school. At the age of twelve he worked out and remained with his employer for four years. He then spent two years in Kennebec County. In 1881 Mr. Haskell came to California and located in Riverside. Here he worked at ranching for one year. Sylvanus and his two brothers then went to Cucumonga, California, and bought sixty acres and later took on forty acres more. This was all orange land and the brothers set out twenty acres to oranges. In the fall of 1897 they went to Westminster, Orange County, and rented land. Then after spending three years in Whittier, California, Mr. Haskell came to Imperial County, where he now farms eighty acres. He intends to engage in alfalfa and hogs and will operate a small dairy. Politically Mr. Haskell is a Republican but has never aspired to office. He married Georgiana Eady, a native of Whittier, California, June, 1901. There has been born seven children: Ralph True, attending high school; Lloyd Elsburg, Glenn Douglas, Le Roy, Paul Valentine, Vivian and Sylvanus, Jr. Mrs. Haskell comes from old English stock and her ancestors came to this country at a very early date. Mr. Haskell comes from Scotch ancestors and his grandparents were early settlers in Maine. Mr. Haskell will shortly move his present house back and erect a new residence, and will put in five acres to grapefruit.

HENRY E CLAY, the subject of this review, is one of the practical ranchers of Imperial County. He owns 160 acres of land at Brawley, in Water Company No. 8, and has the distinction of having brought his property up to a highly productive state, and is a firm believer in the conservation of natural resources. Mr. Clay came to Imperial County in 1904, when this part of the country was a rolling desert waste. He was born at Prescott, Arizona, July 10, 1885, the son of James W. and Sarah F. (Graham) Clay. The father of Mr. Clay died in 1909 and is buried in Mendocino County, California. Incidentally, Mr. Clay’s mother resides in Modesto, California. Mr. Clay received his early education at Escondido, California, and left the high school during his junior year, which was in 1900. After leaving school, Mr. Clay tried his hand at the grocery business, and while he achieved success in this venture, he eventually turned to farming, being employed first as a farm hand, until he rented the present property from his father. Later he purchased the holding from the family estate and immediately stocked the plantation with livestock. Here Henry E. was successful. He finally laid out the property, planting 2000 trees and constructing a substantial dwelling, which, together with numerous other outbuildings, has greatly added to the general and modern appearance of the place in general. Henry E was married in Brawley, the event in fact being the first since the organization of the town. This nuptial affair occurred June 11, 1908. The bride was Miss Lena Neil, daughter of Mr and Mrs Samuel Neil, pioneers of Mendocino County, where also resided the father of Mr Clay. It has been primarily through the conscientious efforts of Mr Clay that he has succeeded in the ranch world as he has. He has received little assistance during his endeavors and is thereby entitled to all the emoluments of the season for his sterling achievements.

WILLIS F BEAL – Prominent among the leading citizens of Imperial County is Willis F Beal, a man of sterling integrity and worth, who is widely known as a successful business man and rancher. Mr Beal’s birth occurred at Jacksonville, California, July 31, 1879. He is a son of J M and Rhoda (Packwood) Beal, both deceased and buried in Watsonville, California. He acquired his education in the public schools of Santa Cruz, leaving school at the age of eighteen. Mr Beal enlisted and served as a volunteer in the Spanish American war. After the war he returned to the coast and spent four years in San Francisco. He came to Brawley in 1903, when it was in a primitive state. There were only a few tents and one shack in the town when Mr Beal came here. He was employed that summer with the Southern Pacific and assisted in putting down the rails along the line into the Valley. Mr Beal then took up one hundred and sixty acres in Water Company No 8, which he improved, making a success of his venture. He still owns the original homestead and has added to his holdings until he now has, all told, one thousand acres in Imperial County. He leases part of his land and gives his personal attention to the cultivation of the balance. Mr Beal, with his brother, Robert B., engaged in the grain business and erected a fine warehouse, and while identified with this business he became interested in the Brawley Creamery and Cold Storage Company, and served as president of that concern since 1913. Mr Beal served as city trustee for a period of six years, and has been further honored by being a member of the board of supervisors, which office he has held for the past six years. He was united in marriage in Brawley, California, January 8, 1910, to Miss Grace L Blackwell, a daughter of Mr and Mrs John Blackwell of Seattle, Washington. To this union have been born two sons: Willis L., Jr., born July 11, 1911, and James Monroe, born January 15, 1913. Mr Beal recognized the opportunities offered to business men in Imperial Valley from the start. He has increased his scope of operations and has met with exceptional success in every line, and takes rank with the leading men of the Valley.

WILLIAM H BREON – One of the model ranches in Imperial County is owned by William H Breon. Mr Breon’s forty acres are situated near Westmoreland, in Water Company No 8, and are highly productive. Mr. Breon, the subject of this review, came to Imperial County in 1910. He was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1866, the son of Jacob and Mary (Barrel) Breon, both of whom are now dead and buried in the Oak Ridge cemetery, at Altoona, Pennsylvania. The family is of old French origin and came to this country long before the Revolution. William H received his education in the public schools of his native state and left school at the age of 14 years for the purpose of making his way in the world. Farming for a few years thereafter, William H met with success in his endeavors, but later took up the carpenter trade, which he followed actively for thirty-six years. Mr Breon took up this calling at the age of 17 years. Arriving in Los Angeles, Mr. Breon eventually turned his eyes in the direction of Imperial County, and upon arriving in this locality rented land until he was able to purchase his present property, which was in November, 1916. Unqualified success came to Mr Breon during his early ventures in the county in the way of raising alfalfa and corn and stock for his own use. Politically Mr Breon is a Republican; fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. William H was married at Altoona, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1885, to Miss Sadie Strought, daughter of Harry and Maggie Strought, both have since passed away. Their bodies rest in Altoona. To this union two children have been born: Chester J., a soldier in the national army at Camp Kearny, California, and Bessie P., wife of Wilbur Randall, son of Professor Randall of the El Centro High School. Mr Breon’s son-in-law is a prominent young attorney of Imperial County. Throughout his residence in Imperial County Mr Breon has demonstrated his individual worth in many progressive ways. He is foremost among those who are constantly boosting for the higher development of agriculture in general, and what he has already attained in this pursuit has placed him in an enviable position with his fellow men.

HERNANDO J MESSINGER – After a long and varied career, during which he has traveled extensively and devoted his energies to numerous lines of endeavor, Hernando J Messinger is now one of the leading business men of Imperial County. He is now vice-president of the Davenport-Messinger-Kavanaugh Company of Holtville. The firm’s progressive and enterprising methods have won for them success. Mr Messinger came to Imperial County in 1902. He was born at Easton, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1860, a son of D K and Malinda M Messinger. His father is deceased and his mother resides in Philadelphia. Mr. Messinger acquired his education in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he worked for A R Dunn, a wholesale tobacco firm of Easton, Pennsylvania, and traveled on the road for a period of nine years. At the age of twenty-six he entered the Government Indian Service in New Mexico, remaining in this capacity for four years. He then engaged in the mercantile line and traveled among the various Indian reservations for six years, with headquarters at Navajo Springs. From that period to 1902 Mr. Messinger went into the Apache country and was identified in business. He had many horses and cattle and when the Phoenix and Eastern Railway was put through he assisted in the construction work. December 20, 1902, he came to Imperial Valley, which was just being started. Here he engaged in the business of leveling land. He still carries on this business and is the only one in the county who has been identified in this enterprise for so long a period. Mr Messinger started the first livery business and the first laundry in Holtville. He also started the first store that Edgar and Varney Bros occupied. Mr. Messinger is one of those who have thoroughly demonstrated the possibilities of successful ranching on two farms of 480 acres. Politically Mr. Messinger is a Democrat and has served as city trustee as well as being councilman for four years. He was married in Phoenix, Arizona, February 22, 1902, to Miss Ernestine W Warnake. To this union has been born one son, Marcus A., born September 19, 1905, and who has the distinction of being the first boy born in Holtville. Mr. Messinger is a self-made man of whom the West is so proud. He started out in life without friends, influence and capital, and through his own efforts he has placed himself among the substantial men of Imperial County.

CHARLES M TYNER, a proprietor of the Alamo Garage at Holtville, California, has been a resident of Imperial County since 1905, and Holtville proper since 1916. Wherever progress and industry are mentioned as broad factors in the development of Imperial County the name of Mr. Tyner can always be found prominently displayed. Mr. Tyner was born in Benton County, Arkansas, January 28, 1877, the son of William C and Lucy (Sanders) Tyner. At the present time Mr Tyner’s father is residing in Los Angeles. His mother passed away in 1913, the body having been interred in the cemetery at Artesia, California. The family is of English origin, members of which came to this country prior to the Revolution. Charles M., the subject of this sketch, received his early education at Mountain City, Kansas, and left school at the age of 17 years. Shortly thereafter he assisted his father on the farms, working in Kansas, Oregon and California, until he reached the age of 22 years. He then started as a fireman with the Southern Pacific where he remained for two years, and then obtained a position as engineer with the Holton Interurban Railway, for which concern he worked seven years. Previously to this Mr. Tyner had been employed by the Holton Interurban as a fireman, acting in this capacity for two years. Leaving the Holton people, Mr. Tyner purchased his present lucrative business and which is now rated as one of the largest of its kind in the county. He employs three mechanics steadily and is thus proving to the satisfaction of every one that his business is without a doubt one of the most successful. Politically Mr. Tyner is a Democrat, although he has never aspired for public office. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Holtville. Mr. Tyner was married at Yuma, Arizona, December 28, 1902, to Miss Charlotte M. Taggart of San Antonio, Texas. They have one son, Charles Victor, born at Yuma, February 23, 1904.

PEAR Z LUND has been successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Imperial County since April, 1914. Mr. Lund has a model ranch of seventy acres and rents additional land. He is a native of Guttenburg, Sweden, and his birth occurred on April 6, 1874, son of Nills Pedro and Anna Lund. Both parents are deceased. His father was a government surveyor in his native land and was highly esteemed in his locality. Mr. Lund received his education in his native land and came to American in May, 1892. Intent upon having a better education, when he came to this country he attended night school while he worked on a railroad at Rockford, Illinois. He worked in the coal mines of Iowa and later worked at the carpenter trade. He contracted in Des Moines and then went to Fort Whipple, where he had charge of the roof-slating contract at the army post for one year. Coming to Los Angeles, he was a carpenter foreman for about four years. Removing to San Diego, for seven years he erected several houses and acted as foreman for contracting companies. Without knowing anything about ranching, he traded his San Diego place for his present farm. His first year at ranching was practically a failure, but after learning the system in vogue in Imperial County, he has made a success. Mr. Lund has followed rotation farming and this year he will have fifty acres in corn, and by using the silo system he expects to feed two head of stock to the acre. Last season he purchased his first silo and each year he expects to add another. He now has 85 head of stock and will continue to increase his herd until he has 100 head. Mr. Lund has been a citizen of this country since 1897 and in his political affiliations he votes for the man irrespective of party. Fraternally he is a member of the American Yeoman and the Swedish order of Vaso of San Diego. He was married in Des Moines, Iowa, May 14, 1898, to Miss Minnie Swanson, daughter of S. J. Swanson. Her father still resides in his native land and her mother is deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lund: Anna, born in Des Moines, Iowa, a student in the El Centro high school; Halga, born in Los Angeles, and Alice, born in San Diego.

GEORGE E. WIEST is one of the commanding figures in the agricultural life of Imperial County. He was one of the first settlers in the town of Wiest, named after members of the Wiest family. Mr. Wiest is the owner of 172 acres of highly-cultivated land in Water Company No. 5, all located at Wiest, California. George E. came to Imperial County October 5, 1906, and was born in Arcadia, Knsas, January 6, 1885, the son of Phillip A. and Elmina E. (Johns) Weist. Mr. Wiest’s father died in 1906 and is buried in Arcadia, Kansas. The mother of Mr. Wiest resides with him on the home place in this county. Before his death, the father of Mr. Wiest filed on 80 acres of land in Imperial County. The family comes of old Eastern stock and for generations have been active factors in the development of the country. The town of Wiest was called after the family, they having been the first settlers in this part of the Valley. Among the pioneers on the Wiest side who took up land here were John A., Daniel W., Edward L. and George Ellis Wiest. Mr. Wiest received his education in the public and high schools in Kansas, and left the institution at the age of 17 years. He then came directly to Pasadena and Monrovia, where he was an inspector for the Pacific Electric Railroad for four years. Later he filed on his present property, which was wild, desert country. Mr. Wiest has brought his holding up to a high state of productiveness and follows the general method of farming. In raising grain, cotton, alfalfa, etc., he has been successful. He also is cultivating a mixed orchard of twenty acres and has planted about 1500 fruit trees and 2000 of the eucalyptus variety. Beautiful shrubbery runs around the yards and the buildings in general, together with a finely appointed residence, and modern in every detail. George E. organized the R. F. D., Route No. A., running out of Brawley, and is also one of the four members who organized the Valley Telephone Company. Altogether, Mr. Wiest is cultivating 414 acres in Imperial County, in addition to 100 acres in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Politically he is a Republican, and for some time has been a trustee of the Mulberry school. It is interesting to note that in the early days and prior to Mr. Wiest’s success in life, he labored hard to achieve the success which is his allotment today. Mr. Wiest at one point in his career walked from Brawley to Wiest owing to the fact that he did not have sufficient cash in his pockets to enable him to ride as other knights of the period, in a buggy or an automobile. Mr. Wiest represents the self-made man, with all its exacting details and emoluments attached.

HERSCHEL GLOVER, proprietor of the Alamorio blacksmith shop, near Brawley, came to Imperial County, August 7, 1911, and was born in Independence, Missouri, September 5, 1864, the son of James and Jeanette (Brite) Glover. Mr. Glover is one of the progressive and influential citizens of Imperial County. He is interested in all big, broad and worthy issues of the day and is a factor in county development. The Glover family is of old Kentucky stock, members of whom were among the pioneers of Missouri and Kentucky. Captain Brite, one of Mr. Glover’s ancestors, did valiant service during the Revolutionary war. Mr. Glover’s father fought under General Price during the strife of ’61 as an officer. He died in 1871 from the effects of gunshot wounds received during intense fighting and was buried at Mokane, Missouri. Mr. Glover’s mother passed away in 1870. Her body rests beside that of her husband in Missouri. Thomas, a brother of Mr. Glover, was killed during the historic battle of Gettysburg. Mr. Glover was in the service during the Spanish-American war. Mr. Glover received his education at Chillicothe, Missouri, having been raised from boyhood by a family going under the name of M. C. Rupert, people who were well known and highly respected in the community where in they resided for so many years. He left school at the age of 18 years. Starting out in life, Mr. Glover followed the trade of a machinist for three years, during which time he was actively connected with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, with headquarters at St. Louis. Later he returned to Chillicothe, where he established himself as a machinist and blacksmith, carrying on the business successfully until he came to the coast, where he worked in the machine shops at Randsburg, California. Coming to Imperial Valley, Mr. Glover established his present remunerative business, which is one of the most commodious concerns of its kind in the county. Mr. Glover is popular in his community and is held in high esteem. As a result his business is thriving nicely and will continue to do so indefinitely as Mr. Glover is a man of his word, ambitious, an upright citizen, and in every quarter is referred to as a must dependable and worthy factor in the development of Imperial County. He is active in silver, copper, lead and other mining interests. When he votes he always attaches his mark to the ballot opposite the man most deserving, and is not swayed by party politics. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., having been affiliated with the order for twenty-seven years. Mr. Glover was married at Bloomfield, Missouri, April 3, 1880, to Miss Mildred Bagby, who died in 1898, and is buried in Cedar City, Missouri. To this union three children were born: Nettie, wife of H. Black, Callowey, Missouri; Geneva, wife of Leonard Rumsey, Brawley, California; Ambrose, who died in infancy and is buried in Cedar City, Missouri. The second marriage of Mr. Glover occurred at Tibet, Missouri, on January 24, 1901, to Miss Sarah Day, daughter of Samuel H. and Maggie (Fitzgerald) Day, old settlers in Missouri. Mrs. Glover has a brother residing in Jefferson City, Missouri. Her father died June 26, 1910. As the result of this latter union Mr. and Mrs. Glover have six children: Berneta, born in Dixie, Missouri; Thurman, born at Toledo, Missouri; Edgar, Born at Yucatan, Missouri; Samuel, born at McCredie, Missouri, and Ethel, born at Alamorio, and Roy, born at the same place. All in all, Mr. Glover has achieved considerable during his time in Imperial County.

WILLIAM L GOLDMAN is actively identified with the business interests of Calexico, and is associated with W. F. Keeline in the manufacture of awnings, tents and auto tops. Mr. Goldman is a progressive and up-to-date business man, and is constantly adding to his establishment the latest methods and machinery, with the view of giving the people of Calexico and vicinity the best possible work that can be secured. Mr. Goldman was born at Stephen Point, Wisconsin, June 25, 1888, a son of John and Mary Goldman, both natives of Poland. His parents came to American forty-five years ago. His father is still a resident of Portland, Oregon, and his mother passed away in 1899. Mr. Goldman’s father has been identified with the Southern Pacific Railroad for more than 30 years. William L acquired his education in the public schools of Portland, Oregon. In 1908 he went to Los Angeles where he learned the butcher business. He worked at his trade for some time and later engaged in business in Los Angeles. October 27, 1917, Mr. Goldman came to Imperial County and became associated with Mr. Keeline and has had the management of the Calexico office since that time. On December 25, 1908, Mr. Goldman was united in marriage to Pearl J. Pawling, a daughter of P. L. Pawling. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican, but always votes for the best man irrespective of party. The subject of this review served in the Spanish-American war and was a member of Company C, 14th Infantry Regiment, and was stationed in Vancouver, Washington. He received his discharge owing to disability. Mr. Goldman has achieved success in his chosen field and has the confidence and goodwill of his fellow business men in Calexico.

EDWIN A MERRIAM, one of the successful and prominent ranchers of Imperial County whose interests have extended to many fields of endeavor, is a native of Washington, D. C. He was born August 31, 1864, a son of Major G. F. and Nina (Scott) Merriam. His father was a graduate of the U.S. naval academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and was a member of the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery. He volunteered and fought in the Civil war and was wounded and lost his hearing owing to heavy artillery fire. His death occurred in 1914, at the age of seventy-nine years, the result of a street-car accident. His remains, with those of his wife life in Arlington National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia. The family is of old English and Dutch origin and the first of the family came to America in 1612. The great-grandfather of Mr. Merriam fought in the war of 1812, and Nathaniel Merriam fought in the Revolutionary way, and took part in the Boston tea party. Mr. Merriam’s uncle, James S., served as ambassador to France for many years. Edwin A. acquired his education in the public schools of California. He attended the University of California and at the age of twenty established a packing house at Escondido. This he operated for six years in conjunction with a large vineyard. In 1899 he went to Mexico, where he was largely identified with gold and silver mining. Owing to the revolution he left that country in 1913. He is now one of the leading agriculturists in the Valley, operating 8700 acres, which is largely devoted to cotton. Mr. Merriam also has five different mining properties which are very valuable. Politically he is a Republican, but has never aspired for public office. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias of Escondido. He was married June 15, 1916, to Mrs. Janette Hart of San Diego, California, a pioneer of Imperial County since 1908, and has a son by a former marriage, Jerome S., both at Escondido, California, September 12, 1897. Mr. Merriam understands ranching in principle and detail, and his long experience and practical methods have brought him a gratifying degree of success. He is now one of the leaders in his chosen field of endeavor in Imperial County.