JAMES W. CASS has gained distinction in the Valley owing to his mechanical still and ability in handling automobile repair work. He is a native son and his birth occurred in Stockton, March 8, 1886 son of Charles L. and Lenie (Stevens) Cass, deceased. His Father died in Stockton, May, 1917, and is buried in Stockton. His mother died February 18, 1907, and was buried in the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery in San Francisco, California. James W. acquired his education in the public schools. He started out in life at an early age. He engaged in the express and draying business in Vallcjo, and in San Francisco, and followed this vocation for two years. He engaged in the tea and coffee business for a time, and at the age of twenty-one he learned the automobile trade, which he has since followed. In 1912, Mr. Cass came to Imperial Valley out of curiosity. He did not intend to remain, but seeing the possibilities, he opened his present concern, which is the largest in the city. Owing to his expert mechanical skill, his business grew to such an extent he had to eliminate the selling of gasoline and changing tires. Mr. Cass has employed as high as eight first-class mechanics.  Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Imperial In politics he votes for the man, irrespective of party. He was married in Los Angeles, California. January 29, 1908, to Miss Ethel Bell Chamberlain, daughter of Riley Chamberlain, a prominent actor in the east; his death occurred in 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Cass have four children: Marjorie E., born February 18, 1912 ; Jennie C, born November 1, 1914 ; Halbert S., born March 30, 1916, and Rena, born August 10, 1917. Mr. Cass has a vast amount of energy and enterprise and has a host of friends both in business and socially. [The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

WILLIAM HENRY BEST.—A highly esteemed and respected citizen of Brawley, William Henry Best is eminently worthy of special mention in the first history of Imperial County. Few of the pioneers of the county met with such success as fell to the portion of Mr. Best, who is now the owner of the finest property in the county, consisting of 320 acres, which has been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Possessed of progressive ideas, energy and enterprise, he made his ventures a success. William H. Best is the senior member of the firm of Best, DcBlois and Covington, and came to the county in March, 1904, He purchased a half section in No. 4, and a half section in No. 5; about three years later he invested in stock of the Imperial Valley Savings Bank, and in 1912 he was appointed vice-president. He has served as president of Water Company No. 4 for the past seven years, and has been identified as chairman of the advisory board of the Imperial County Water Companies for a period of two years, and is still serving as chairman .of that board. Mr. Best was born in Port Williams, Nova Scotia, September 28, 1865, son of Newton W. and Anna C.  (Holmes) Best. Mr. Best’s father resides in Turlock, California, and is 79 years of age. His mother died December 12. 1912 and is buried in Santa Ana. Mr. Best received his education in the California schools, having accompanied his parents to this State via the Panama route. He assisted on the home place at Santa Ana until he was of age. He then went to Beaumont, California, where he purchased land and rented more and engaged in the livestock business. Here he remained until 1894. He then returned to Orange County and rented land. Later he purchased a ranch and remained at Tustin until he removed to Imperial County. In politics Mr. Best is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O.F. lodge. He was married at Redlands, California, December 27, 1892, to Miss Anna Covington, daughter of Peter H. and Martha A. Covington. Her father’s death occurred in 1917, at the age of seventy-one, and her mother resides at Santa Ana, California. To Mr. and Mrs. Best have been born two children Hallie M.T born January 23, 1894, wife of Dr. R. 0. Thompson of Imperial, California, and Arthur L., born April 5, 1901, attending the Northwestern Military Academy. Mr. Best has had considerable experience in placing loans in the Valley, and has been actively engaged in the real estate business for the past six years. His motto appears to be “First know the land, then tell the truth.”” That Mr. Best knows Imperial Valley land is a well known tact to all of his business associates. There is probably not another man in the district so well acquainted with soil conditions in the Valley as Mr. Best. At a time when money was scarcer than overcoats in Imperial Valley, Mr. Best made two trips to Washington for the purpose of getting government aid for building a levee in Mexico and succeeded In getting it.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

C ORSMOND BULLIS.—One of the commanding figures in the agricultural life of Imperial County is C. Orsmond Bullis, of El Centro. He has made steady progress towards prominence and is today largely connected with the agricultural interests of Imperial County.  He is associated with H. H. Timken, the famous roller bearing man, as secretary-treasurer and manager of the Timken Ranch Company.  This million dollar concern owns four thousand acres of highly cultivated land, and has other financial interests in Imperial County, The Timken Ranch Company Is numbered among the most prosperous and enterprising concerns in California. The management of its interests here stands high among the far sighted, energetic men who are rendering such material assistance in developing and advancing the agricultural prosperity of this section of California. Mr. Bullis has been and is today in a large measure instrumental in making that concern what it is, one of the most flourishing and substantial ranch companies in the state. He was born at Sheldon, Iowa, January 10, 1883, a son of Charles Henry and Mar>r L. (Barrett) Bullis, both deceased. Mr. Bullis’ grandmother, on his father’s side, was Lydia P. Lapham. The Lapham family has been one of prominence and influence in America since the colonial epoch in our national history. The family genealogy dates back to John Lapham, who was born In 1635 and is of English descent.  Among his descendants many notables were in the family, and among the more recent members may be mentioned Susan B. Anthony and Hetty Green. C. Orsmond Bulfis acquired his education in the public and high schools of Sheldon, Iowa, graduating from the latter in 1899.  He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University and received the B. A. degree in 1913. After several years of active business life he again entered college in 1911 and graduated with the class of 1912, Yale College. He took a short farm course in Cornell University. During his early business career he was identified with the International Harvester Company and later .with the loan department of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at its Sheldon. Iowa, office. After being associated with this concern for some time he accepted a position as cashier in the freight department of the C, St. P., M. & O. Ry. of the Northwestern Line at Sheldon, Iowa, He was afterwards made assistant agent at Mitchell, South Dakota, and later chief clerk to the general freight agent at Sioux City, Iowa.  After three years Mr. Bullis severed his connection with the railroad with which he had filled these positions with marked ability. From 1907 to 1911 he engaged in the real estate business and at the same time managed his own farm interests at Benson, Minnesota. From the fall of 1912 to 1914 he was identified with the San Diego Securities Company of San Diego, California, after which he became Imperial Valley loan agent for H. H. Timken. When the Timken Ranch Company was organized in 1915 he was made secretary-treasurer and manager. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He has recently been appointed a member of the farm labor committee of the State Council of Defense.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

CHARLES L. DAVIS was born in Mayne County, Iowa, April 13, 1870, a son of Thomas Jefferson and Emiline (Shrom) Davis. His father was a school teacher and farmer, and his death occurred November 14, 1884. Mr. Davis’ mother died June 3, 1881. Charles L., the subject of this review, received his education in the public schools of Rock Island County, Illinois, and Leavenworth County, Kansas, and San Joaquin Valley, California. At the age of eighteen Mr. Davis came to California and located in Fresno. While a resident of that city, he took two terms in the school of complete steam engineering. He operated a threshing outfit in various places and naturally grew in to the blacksmith trade. He has been in Southern California since 1903, and in 1908 Mr. Davis came to Imperial Valley. He found employment with the Southern Pacific Railroad as watchman, and in the sheriff’s office in El Centro and city marshal’s office in Holtville and EI Centre. He removed to Calexico in September, 1916, and now is the sole proprietor of the valley blacksmith shop. In connection with his shop Mr. Davis carries a line of agricultural implements. In his political affiliations he votes the Democratic ticket, but has never aspired to office. Fraternally he is a member of Court No, 33, I.O. F., of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Davis was married to Nannie M, Bradley, a native of Indiana, February 14, 1914, and her death occurred June 20. 1916. There was one child born to Mrs. Davis by a former marriage, Marvel, the wife of Victor L. Cook of Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Davis is a member of the Calexico chamber of commerce and takes an active part in matters pertaining to the welfare of Calexico and Imperial County.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

HARRY N. DYKE.—One of the essentially able and representative members of the bar of Imperial County is Harry N. Dyke, who is now filling the office of city attorney, with offices in Imperial, The oldest of two children born to Eugene B. and Emily (Gilbert) Dyke, his mother is now residing in San Diego and in her sixty-fifth year, Mr. Dyke’s birth occurred in Iowa in 1873. Eugene B. Dyke was a man of high mental attainments and widely known throughout Iowa as a brilliant and successful journalist. For a full quarter of a century he was editor of the Charles City Intelligencer, of which he kept complete files rendering the paper especially useful for reference when questions of moment arose in regard to public or private affairs. He was an able and fearless writer, and his death, which occurred in 1897, was a distinct loss to the community and to the journalistic world, as well as to his immediate family. Brought up in Iowa, Harry Dyke acquired his elementary knowledge in the public schools, after leaving the high school entering the law department of the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. He was admitted to the bar the same year, and began the practice of law in Iowa. After the death of his father he assumed the management of the Charles City Intelligencer, with which he was identified for four years. In 1901. deciding That the extreme West was the proper place for an ambitious young man to begin his career, Mr. Dyke came to California, and in 1902 located in the Imperial Valley, settling here in pioneer days. He took up one hundred and sixty acres of wild desert land, but where he had made many improvements sold it at an advantage. In 1904, when Imperial became incorporated, Mr, Dyke had the honor of being elected the first city clerk, and held the office continuously until 1910. For three years he served as secretary of the Imperial Chamber of Commerce, and for a brief period was justice of the peace. He is now devoting himself to his profession, and as an attorney has built up a good patronage in Imperial and vicinity. Mr. Dyke married, in 1898, Adele Hammer, and they have one child, a. daughter named Dorothy.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

PRESTON E. FULLER, proprietor of the King Cotton Hotel at Imperial, came to the Valley in 1903, and being possessed of progressive ideas, lias managed his hotel in such a way that it has been a successful venture. Mr. Fuller has been proprietor since November 15. 1917.  He was born near Topeka, Kansas, January 25, 1865, son of Johnson M. and Mary (Coaley) Fuller, The parents of Mr. Fuller were among the sturdy pioneers who located near Topeka in the early days. Both parents are deceased and are burred in Kansas. The family are of English origin, and came to America at a very early date, Mr. Fuller’s father and two brothers, Perry and Daniel, fought in the Civil war for four years. Preston B., the subject of this review, received a limited education. He assisted on the home place and attended the district school of Cherokee County. He remained at home until 1888. He then prospected in Colorado. Arizona. Nevada and California, and practically followed this life until 1891.  He prospected in the desert counties of California from 1903 to 1911. He then took up one hundred and sixty acres of land at Corizo Creek, and his land is the only holding in the Valley which has a running stream of water. This is on the route of the old Butterfield stage route and part of the old adobe station is still standing. This old station was quite a noted stopping place in the old days, Mr. Fuller is fortunate in having this stream of water, as the place is self supporting as far as water is concerned. Mr. Fuller is identified with the Stock business. Politically he is a Republican. Mr.  Fuller’s ranch is noted for its hospitality. He never charges the weary traveler who may stop there, and many a man has been spared his life after a long journey over the desert by stopping here. Mr. Fuller is held in high esteem by all who know him.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

ROGER MERRITT LINEKIN was born at Vineland, New Jersey, March 16, 1880, a son of Orlando and Julia (Merritt) Linekin. His father followed the seas and for many years was a sea captain and followed this vocation practically all his life. He was in the merchant marine service and visited many countries, now residing in New York.  The family is of old American descent, but originally came to this country from France. Roger M. acquired his education in the public schools of New Jersey. Early in life he learned the shoe manufacturing business, which he followed for seventeen years. Coming to California, Mr. Linekin found employment with the Sperry Flour Company of Los Angeles, where he remained for nearly four years. In 1914 Mr.  Linekin removed to El Centro and purchased the Suitotorium, which business he has since conducted with gratifying success. Politically he is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the M. W. O A. Mr.  Linekin married at Vineland, New Jersey. April 9, 1903, Miss Gertrude McAlister. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H, McAlister, both deceased and buried in Bridgetown, New Jersey. To Mr. and Mrs.  Linekin was born one daughter, born at Camden, New Jersey, November 18, 1907.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

DR. JOSEPH A. MILLER.—A man of vigorous mentality and of great versatility of talent, Dr. Joseph A. Miller, of Brawley, California, has now a position of note among the leading members of the medical profession of England, Canada and the United States, his professional knowledge and ability being recognized and appreciated. Dr. Miller was born in Toronto, Canada. September 3, 1829. He acquired his education in Toronto, Canada, attending the Toronto University and Literary College. He studied medicine and practiced in London, Toronto and Hamilton. Canada, He came to the coast in 1853, where he practiced. He spent some years in British Columbia and the Arctic region.  Dr. Miller was united in marriage in Paso Robles, California, September 3, 1889, to Charlotte Angieline Wood, daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte Wood.  Her father was a native of Illinois, and he came to California overland in 1857. On the trip across the plains the Indians attacked the caravan about 100 miles north of Salt Lake City. In the fight which ensued Mr. Wood and his brothers, James and William, were wounded. There were eight men and two women in the party.  The wife and daughter of James Wood were killed and five head of mules were taken by the Indians. Mrs. Miller’s father settled in Contra Costa County from 1857 to 1862. He later removed to Hayward and then went to Monterey, where he remained twenty years. Dr. Miller resided in Monterey, California, from 1889 to 1899, when he removed to Sonoma County, where he practiced his profession for five years. In 1905 he removed to Brawley and practiced with gratifying success until 1910, when he retired owing to his health. Mrs. Miller has been conspicuous in the W. C. T. U. work in the Valley for a number of years and was the founder of the work here. She served as president of that body for eight years. She takes an active part in church work and has been identified with newspaper work for some years in the Valley. Dr. Miller is much esteemed by those who know him for the sterling character of his manhood. Mrs. Miller has always been prominent in religious work and has countless warm friends in the Valley. She taught school in the State for eight years.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

NOLES JAMES MORIN has been an important factor in the business life of Brawley since 1911. He was born in Chatham, Ontario, November 15, 1874, son of Lucian and Catherine Morin. His father was a native of Canada and his mother came from Canada, The parents removed to Kansas when Noles was very young. He was reared and attended the public school. He learned the blacksmith trade partially with his father during his boyhood days, and finished his trade in the railroad shops of the Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. Mr.  Morin started a shop and it has increased in volume of business until he now has one of the largest and best equipped plants in the Imperial Valley. He does general blacksmith work and specializes in automobile repairing. He was married in Prescott, Arizona, to Nellie Sanderfur, December 29, 1907, a daughter of Allen and Jane Sanderfur, Mr. Morin has a ten acre orange grove in Monrovia, California, which has been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Brawley and holds membership in the B. P. O. E. of Prescott, Arizona. Mr. Morin’s parents are both deceased; his father died in 1909, and his mother passed away in July, 1916; both are buried in Salina, Kansas. Mrs. Morin’s mother died in July, 1917, and her father died in 1908; both are buried in Monrovia, California.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

ENOS J. NORRISH.—The efficient and popular justice of the peace and recorder of the thriving city of Holtville, came to Imperial County in Septemher, 1904. He is one of the representative men and loyal citizens of his locality, Mr. Norrish was born in Ontario, Canada, March 22. 1861, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth Norrish. His father passed away at the age of seventy-six and his mother resides in Toronto, Canada, and is now in her ninety-second year. The family records On both sides of the house go back to old English ancestry. The subject of this review received his education in the public schools of Canada. He entered the normal school of Canada and graduated at the age of twenty-three. He taught school for several years in various places and when he took up his residence in the town of Imperial, he was made principal of the school, serving for four years, this being the first school in Imperial, Mr. Norrish possessed unbounded faith in the agricultural possibilities of Imperial County, and removed to Holtville. Here he purchased a fine ranch and brought it up to a high state of cultivation He erected substantial buildings and still resides on the ranch. He engaged in alfalfa growing for years when he changed the crop to cotton.  Mr. Norrish is at present clerk of the high school board of Holtville, and serves as a member of the county board of education. Fraternally he is a member of the K. of P. of Holtville. He was united in marriage to Miss Grace Beckett of St. Catharine's, Ontario, April 19, 1889, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Beckett, both deceased, Mrs. Norrish’s father was buried near Effingham. Canada, and her mother was buried at Santa Ana, California. To Mr. and Mrs. Norrish have been born two children: Ernest S., now in the engineering corps with the United States Army at Camp Lewis; Agnes E. is at present attending high school. In choosing its representatives for various official positions the city of Holtville is fortunate in having a man whose former record has been clearly established. Mr. Norrish has shown himself to be a capable public official. He has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances among Imperial County’s best citizenship.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

JAMES DUVAL PHELAN, Democrat, native of San Francisco, graduated from St. Ignatius University with degree of A. B.; honorary degree Ph, D. Santa Clara University  studied Law at the University of California; was vice-president of California World’s Columbian Commission, 1893 ; elected three times mayor of San Francisco, 1897-1902; after San Francisco disaster was president of relief and Red Cross fund; served as regent of the University of California; member of library trustees and park commission; chairman charter association which gave new charter to San Francisco; president adornment association which procured the Burnham plans for that city : member of the Society of California Pioneers; president of the hail association of the Native Sons of the Golden West; president of the Mutual Savings Bank, and director in the First National Bank and First Federal Trust Co. of San Francisco. He received complimentary vote for United States Senator in the California Legislature in 1900; was commissioned by appointment of State Department to Europe, 1913, on behalf of the United States Government to support the invitation of the President to foreign countries to participate in the Panama Pacific Exposition; in December, 1914, was appointed by State Department, under special authority from the President, to investigate the fitness of the American minister to the Dominican Republic; was nominated in Democratic primaries August, 1914, as party candidate for the United States Senate by popular election : elected November of the same year, receiving a plurality of 25,000 votes, carrying 39 counties to his opponents” 19. His term of service will expire March 3, 1921. Address, 2249 R Street, Washington, D. C.; PheIan Building, or residence, 2150 Washington Street, San Francisco; country residence, Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, Santa Clara County, Cal.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

CHARLES ROBINSON ROCKWOOD.—It has been the portion of this honored and representative citizen of Imperial County, California, to gain more than a usual quota of experience as a pioneer of the West and especially Southern California, and he has marked the passing years with worthy accomplishment. He has had many experiences, which give him a wonderful store of interesting reminiscences. Genial, kindly, generous and broad minded, he is held by the closest of ties to a veritable army of friends, and as the first man and permanent settler in the beautiful Imperial Valley, as well as one who has contributed in splendid measure to the development and up building of this favored section, he is specially entitled to be called the “Father of Imperial County.” Charles Robinson Rockwood was born on a farm near Flint, Michigan, May 14, 1860 His parents were of old Puritan stock. His mother was a descendant of John Robinson, who was the organizer of the Mayflower expedition in 1620. As a boy Mr. Robinson became endured to the arduous duties of the farm, and in the meanwhile he attended the primitive schools of his home neighborhood. He thus laid the solid foundation for the broad fund of knowledge which he has gained through self-discipline. Bent upon having a better education, he entered the high school of Flint, Michigan, at the age of fifteen and graduated at the head of his class in 1878. His father being unable to furnish him with sufficient money to continue his education, Mr. Rockwood borrowed funds and entered the University of Michigan in the fall of 1878, and took a course in engineering. He studied too hard and his eyes failed him before he finished. For three months he was obliged to wear a bandage while at study. Finally he was obliged to quit the university and get out into the open. On May 13, 1881, he left home and went to Denver, Colorado. This was the day before his twenty-first birthday. Upon reaching Denver he became identified with the engineering department of the Denver and Rio Grande Railway as assistant engineer. The first engineering work done by Mr. Rockwood was on the Blue and Grand rivers in Colorado. The following winter he made a survey in Utah, down the Green River, the other great tributary of the Colorado. In 1882 he came to California and entered the services of the Southern Pacific Railway. His first work in their service was in July, 1882, when he went to Yuma and from there up the Colorado to the Needles, and from there on surveyed (under William Hood, chief engineer) to Mojave and across the Mojave Desert. Mr. Rockwood remained in the employ of the Southern Pacific until 1889. During 1889-1890 he served as assistant engineer in the U.S. Geological Survey on the first irrigation investigations undertaken by the Government. 1890-1892 he was chief engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad in a project to irrigate the Yakima Valley, Washington. He left the Yakima Valley in October, 1892, and came to the Colorado Desert for the Arizona and Sonora Land and Irrigation Company to investigate the Sonora project of that concern. He reported unfavorably on that project and turned his attention to the canals in Lower California and California, since known as the Imperial Valley. Rockwood’s reports on this project being favorable, the Denver company decided to go ahead with it, and organized the Colorado River Land and Irrigation Company for this purpose. This company failed in the panic of 1893, and in 1895 Mr. Rockwood decided to undertake the promotion of the project, organizing for this purpose the California Development Company. He found the work of financing an irrigation project in the Colorado Desert more difficult than he anticipated, but after numerous failures, succeeded in starting construction in August, 1900. He remained with the work as chief engineer until 1906, when due to the breaking into the Valley of the entire river, the project was thrown under the control of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and Mr.  Rockwood resigned. From 1906 to 1909 he lived in Los Angeles, developing land interests in the Valley and fighting the Southern Pacific Company to get something for himself and associates out of the stock of the California Development Company, which failed, the stockholders never receiving a cent, Mr. Rockwood was identified with the oil and railroad development work in the Santa Maria Valley. As chief engineer, he located and built the Santa Maria Valley Railroad. In November, 1914, he returned to the Imperial Valley as chief engineer and general manager of the Imperial Irrigation District, remaining in this capacity until January 1, 1917. The work now being projected is practically all in the plans outlined by Mr. Rockwood. He is now engaged for himself in developing a nine-thousand acre cotton ranch under the canal system in Lower California, Mr. Rockwood was twice married, the first union being to Katherine Davenport of Vacaville, California. To this union one daughter was born, Estelle, born in 1888 The second marriage occurred in 1906 to Mrs. Mildred Cassin. a native of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. In his political views Mr.  Rockwood is a Republican, but has never aspired to office.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

HERMAN J. SCHITTERER, numbered among the enterprising and prosperous business men of Imperial County, is the name that heads this review. He was born in San Diego, California, December 31, 1891, a son of Herman and Elizabeth (Newcomb] Schitterer, who reside in San Diego, His father being one of the representative business men of that city. Herman JL acquired his education in the public schools of San Diego. At an early age he learned the jewelry manufacturing trade, which vocation he has always followed. When Mr. Schitterer came to El Centro it was impossible to secure a location, and when the annex to the Armstead Building was completed he secured a location. After being in El Centro one week he secured a room five feet wide to commence business. With a small capital Mr. Schitterer commenced business and now his business has increased to one of the important industries of El Centro, for he is the only jewelry manufacturer in the Valley. He does a wholesale as well as retail business, and he is favorably known as one who can produce exclusive designs and productions in his chosen field. Fraternally he is a member of Sunset Lodge, I.    O. O. F., of San Diego, California .[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

HOWARD SHORES—The changes that have taken place in Imperial County since the arrival of Howard Shores, are many, and they have been brought about by the enterprising methods and energetic activities of just such men as Mr. Shores. He was born In Jonesboro, Craighead County, Arkansas, July 28, 1885, son of Levi and Ola Shores, both natives of Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Shores acquired his education En the public schools of his native State and later attended college In Arkadelphia and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Mr. Shores joined the National Guard, serving two years. For a time he was a guard at the St. Louis Exposition, and in January, 1905, the parents removed to California and were identified with the hotel business for a period of ten years. Previous to locating in Brawley, Mr. Shores made several trips to the Valley, and in 1914 he engaged in the gents furnishing business with his brother, Gus B. Mr. Shores purchased a ranch of forty acres two miles from Brawley, where he made his home until the spring of 1918. Mr. Shores’ brother is a well known, business man of Los Angeles. He was identified with and was manager of the rug department of A. J. Sloan, and for some time was associated with the Goodwin and Jenkins Furniture Company. He also had charge of the rug department for that concern. November 2, 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and at the present writing he is stationed at American Lake, Washington. Both brothers are members of the B. P.O, E. lodge of El Centro. Mr. Shores’ mother is deceased and his father resides in Arkansas. The subject of this review, with Purl Willis, organized Battery D, which was largely made up of Imperial County men. Battery D went into the 143^rd held artillery and is now stationed at Camp Kearny.  Fourteen non-commissioned officers and four commissioned officers were selected from Imperial County to serve in the 143^rd field artillery.  Mr. Shores, aside from his mercantile business, finds time to look after his ranch, which Is now leased. It has been set over to grapefruit, dates and vegetables. Shores Bros, have shown marked business ability and they have the confidence and good will of their business associates.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

HENRY A. STAHL.—Among the business men of Imperial County, and especially one who has been identified with the upbuilding of a greater Brawley, is Henry A. Stahl. a member of the firm of Stahl Brothers Company, one of the largest and most metropolitan stores in Southern California. Henry A. Stahl is vice president of the firm and has been actively identified with the mercantile life of the county since 1903. He was bom in Winesburg, Ohio, March 21, 1879, a son of Valentine J. and Elizabeth (Frankhauser) Stahl, both residing in Winesburg, Ohio. His father is now in his eighty-first year and his mother is seventy-six. Henry A. acquired his education in the public schools of his native town. At the age of sixteen he started out in life and worked at Akron, Ohio, in the rubber works of that city. In 1901 he came west, teaching school and doing manual labor. With his brothers, Charles, William. Edward, John and Fred, the brothers were engaged in leveling and for the large crops which were to be planted.  Stahl Brothers leveled about one thousand acres of Land adjacent to Brawley, and they were the first to have an interest in the corn crop, which was planted on the site where Brawley is situated and which was an unbroken desert. In 1906, Stahl Brothers opened a modest dry goods and gents’ furnishing store, and by fair business methods the store has grown to be one of the leading establishments of its kind in the county. The subject of this review owns and cultivates one hundred and ten acres which is planted to corn and potatoes. Fraternally he is a member of the K. of P of Brawley. He was married in Brawley, California. December 20, 1909, to Miss Minnie A, Garber, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Garber. Mrs. Garber's. death occurred in February, 1910, and is buried in the Brawley Cemetery. One daughter blessed this union, Ellen Elizabeth, born July 31, 1913. When Mr.  Stahl came to what is now the flourishing city of Brawley, there were two adobe houses and a few tent houses. He has thus contributed to the industrial and civic progress of this favored section of the county.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]

EDWARD E. WILLIAMS is numbered among the substantial business men of Brawley, California, and is engaged in the business of selling new and second hand furniture. He has since the start been doing a profitable business,. Mr. Williams was born in Canada, March 5, 1879, son of Thomas and Maria Williams. He attended the public schools in Canada and after finishing his schooling he followed farming until he was twenty-seven years of age. For six years he followed carpenter work after coming to the coast. In 1915 he returned to Canada owing to his mother’s death, and then returned to Ontario, California, where he engaged in the furniture business. Mr. Williams removed his stock from Ontario to Brawley, where he has since remained, Mr. Williams was married December 25, 1902, to Miss Lula M, Gidney, a native of Canada. To this union have been born seven children: Edna L,, Clarence Edward, Frank George Earl, Harold Alvin, Rodger Ray,  Marvin Lewis and Eiva Alice. Fraternally Mr. Williams is a member of the Yeomen Lodge of Brawley. The family are members of the Free Methodist Church.[The History of Imperial County, F.C. Farr, 1918-Transcribed by Marie Miller]