COLONEL THOMAS BAKER - It may be stated without fear of contradiction that no man has lived in Kern County who labored more diligently and devoted more years of unselfish energy and toil to the material development of Kern County in general and Bakersfield in particular than the late Colonel Thomas Baker. The history of the later years of his busy life might likewise be called an early history of the thriving little city which bears his revered name. The publishers of this work can pay no greater tribute to his memory than to reproduce a brief sketch of this man, which was written by an able biographer who knew him intimately during his busiest years, and which reads as follows:
Colonel Thomas Baker was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, November 5, 1810, his birthplace being in the beautiful valley extending from Newark to Dresden, through which the Ohio canal runs. A military bent was given to the youthful ambitions of Colonel Baker by the times in which he was educated and the circumstances in which he was placed. He was appointed a Colonel in the Ohio State militia before be attained his majority; but peace became so well assured that he turned his attention to civil pursuits.
Reared on a farm and familiar with surveying he studied law with the intention of making land law his specialty. Shortly after his admission to the bar he moved to Illinois, where, however, he remained but a short period. The rapid influx of population into the Territory of Iowa induced him to go there, and his ambitions as a lawyer were soon rewarded with success. He was appointed the first United States District Attorney of that Territory and retained the office until the adoption of the State constitution. He was then elected Senator, and on the organization of the Legislature was chosen President of the Senate, becoming under the now constitution ex officio Lieutenant Governor, the first in that office in Iowa. He was subsequently returned several times to the State Senate. No man had a larger share in the early legislation of that powerful State; and many of her important laws on her statute books were devised and drafted by him.
Influenced by the gold excitement and his bias for adventure, he finally determined to emigrate to the Pacific coast. In the autumn of 1850, after the usual tedious and dangerous overland made by most men of those days, he arrived at Benicia, where he remained a few months, when he removed to Stockton. In 1852 he removed to Tulare County, and was one of the founders of the town of Visalia. In 1855 he was chosen Representative of that district to the State Assembly. During the next fall he was appointed Receiver of the United States Land Office, which position he held during the administration of President Buchanan. In 1861 {Page 280} he was elected State Senator from Tulare and Fresno counties, and served in the sessions of 1861-'62.
September 20, 1863, he arrived on Kern Island with his family, preparatory to commencing his work of reclamation, remarking at the time, "Here at last I have found a resting place, and here I expect to lay my bones. "To him the country was neither new nor strange. He had visited and explored it, and carefully noted its capabilities years before. He was a man of keen perception, broad views, and comprehended fully the natural resources and peculiar advantages of a country, and systematically set about the prosecution of his work of reclaiming and developing his lands. He was liberal to a fault, and that was with him an almost entire abrogation of self. Often, when his ingenuity was taxed to supply his own wants, he was found willing to aid those who were worthily in dire need, and the stranger was always a welcomed guest at his home. His friends, like those of President Jefferson, delighted with his genial manners and hospitality, seemed never to suspect that his store could be exhausted. The leading trait of his character was his uniform good nature and his philosophical placidity and coolness of temper and disposition. Nothing seemed to disturb his equanimity and self-poise for a moment. One of his favorite mottoes was, "Time will justify a man who means to do right. "He thought it unworthy a rational being to indulge in vain regrets. Whatever ills he suffered he wasted no time in brooding over them, and it was this peculiarity of mind or mental training that often gave him the mastery over adverse circumstances and enabled him to extricate himself.
He knew better how to make a fortune than how to keep it. The result was that, though several times in his life he might have retired wealthy, fortunes were lost with seeming indifference. His ambition was not so much to acquire lands as it was to develop them, and in this he succeeded to a greater extent probably than any other man in the State of California. His absorbing desire was to see his lands improved and occupied by settlers as soon as possible; and in furtherance of this object be was invariably more liberal than the national Government itself.
He was the original owner of the town site of Bakersfield, and induced the erection of several of the public buildings there by his liberality. In fact he was the projector of nearly all the public works and improvements. His great experience, intuitive sagacity, indomitable perseverance and public spirit made him a useful man to his people.
September 12, 1857, Colonel Baker was married to Miss E. M. Alverson, daughter of Dr. L. Alverson, in Visalia. Dr. Alverson, on coming to Kern County in 1870 from Iowa, practiced medicine in Tulare and Kern counties, and died here in 1879. By this marriage there were four children, three of whom survive: May, now Mrs. H. A. Jastro; Thomas A., the present Treasurer of Kern County; and Lotus, still at home. An older daughter married 0. C. Cowgill of Bakersfield, and is deceased. Colonel Baker died November 24, 1872. Mrs. Baker, the widow of the Colonel, was married January 19, 1875, to F. A. Tracy, a leading pioneer of Kern County, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. HON. ALVAH RUSSELL CONKLIN, of Bakersfield, was born, at Mehoopany, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1835. He came of the Mohawk valley branch of the Conklin family, State of New York, upon his father's side. His mother was one of the Vermont Redfields. He was educated at Kingston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, at the Wyoming Seminary. He was a practical printer and was such until he was twenty years old, having edited two different newspapers before he arrived at that age. His legal education was acquired under the tutelage of Hon. Lyman Hakes, in Wilkes Barre, and with Hon. George S. Tutton, in Tunkhannock, {Page 281} Pennsylvania. He emigrated to Missouri in 1858, and pursued his profession in Forest City, Holt County. From 1859 tip to the time of the breaking out of the civil war, he was publishing the Forest City Courier. Early in 1861 he was waylaid and shot down in the highway while recruiting a company for the Thirteenth Missouri Infantry, Colonel Peabody's Regiment of Volunteers, being the second person "bushwhacked" in the State of Missouri.
His family consists of his wife, two sons and two daughters. He is a resident of Bakersfield, Kern County, California, and occupies the position of Judge of the Superior Court of that County, to which position he was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. R. E. Arick.
Such is all epitome of the history of one who since 1849 has been very actively engaged in business in the great State of California - one who has had an opportunity to mark the wonderful growth of the State, who has had much to do in digging the golden treasures from her mines, who has been largely interested in the manufacture of her trees into lumber, and who is now devoting his attention to the development of her rich fruit interests.
The name of John W. Short is inseparably connected with the newspaper history of Fresno, alike creditably to himself and to that important factor in the growth and development of the community. His pen is always used in the cause of humanity and in the amelioration of civilized life.
In politics he is a Republican. Personally he is vivacious, courteous and obliging, and his many estimable qualities have surrounded him with a large circle of friends.
He was married in Sonoma County, in 1883, to Miss Clara Farnsworth, a native of California, and they have four children, - Ralph, Clifford, Raymond and Bessie. Mr. Ayers is a member of Welcome Lodge, No. 255, F. &. A. M., at Lemoore. He was appointed Postmaster of Grangeville in September, 1889, by John Wanamaker, Postmaster General.
Mr. Houghton was married, December 25. 1880, to Miss Ella Said of Bakersfield, and they are the parents of two children. Their residence is a model of its kind and is located at the corner of G street and Railroad avenue.
Mr. Goodin was united in marriage in 1884, with Miss Matinee liable, a native of Sonoma County, California. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and to him belongs the distinction of having been appointed the first Postmaster of Orosi.
Mr. Madden is one of these noble men.
The old slavery times have passed away, thank God. A man's soul is filled with disgust at the heinousness of the law in a great free country like the United States that made it possible to hold such a man in bondage.
In 1859 Mr. Glasscock made the journey to the far West, stopped one winter in Nevada, then came to California and settled in Tulare County. For seven years be was successfully engaged in the cattle business.
HUGO KUHL is one of the business men who have contributed to Tehachapi's prosperity. He came to this State with his parents in 1864, and has since been identified with its interests.
As a business man and citizen, Mr. Kuhl bears a most honorable name. He is Chief Ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters, Tehachapi.
Mr. Quinn is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and the A. 0. U. W., and also of the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, F. & A. M., Visalia. He built his present large and handsome residence in 1890, at a cost of $5,000, and with the highly improved grounds surrounding the house: his place is the most beautiful and attractive in his section of the valley.
Mr. Lee is active in the social circle of Tehachapi, and as popular is he is jovial and uniformally courteous. Although a single man he is domestic in his taste, owns a new residence and has it presided over by his sister, Miss Allies a young lady of culture, winning manners and womanly graces. He also has a sister Minnie and a brother Fred, residing with him.
Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have four children: Fred H., Arthur D., Byron L. and Clara H. The sons are all landholders, and are settled conveniently near the home place.
In satisfying his aesthetic tastes Mr. Malter has just finished the erection of a handsome three-story residence, complete in every detail for the requirements of bachelor life. The tipper floor of the building is used exclusively to store his carefully selected library, which comprises upwards of 4,000 volumes, mostly standard works of Greek, Latin, German, French and English literature, and among them many valuable works now out of print.
Mr. Yribarne has two brothers, Michael and John, who came to America in 1887 and 1889 respectively, and are in his employ. His eminent success in his chosen industry is due to his great diligence in business matters, his acquired technical knowledge of sheep-raising and his sagacious business methods.
Mr. Williams is a Mason and a member of Fresno Lodge, Trigo Chapter and Fresno Commandery, Knights Templar.
With his sons, George D. and John L., Mr. Hutchison owns a forty-acre ranch at Selma, twenty acres Of which are in raisin-grape vines, the rest to be set out to vines in 1891. They also own improved city property.
With all his enterprises Mr. Rawlins was not neglectful of religious privileges, and partly through his efforts and financial aid the Lapis copal Church was erected on Doughty street, Hanford, in 1882. He has sold his former land holdings, and now owns eighty acres near town, where he now resides, twenty-five acres of which are in fruit and vines, the rest being in alfalfa. Mr. Rawlins keeps about twenty-five head of fine horses, and breeds for driving purposes.
Mr. Peaslee is a native of Upton, Maine; born August 19, 1855. He came West in December, 1886; spent eighteen months in Monrovia, California, where he erected many handsome cottages and business blocks, and in 1890 located in Tehachapi. Here he built a workshop, is doing a thriving business, and has gained an enviable reputation as a thorough skillful and conscientious workman.
Mr. Buckman was married in 1885, to Miss Mary E. Vastness, a native of California, daughter of William and Amelia (Miller) Voorhess, who came to this State in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Buckman have four children: Mary Ada, Lily A., William Enoch and John Andrew. He is a Democrat and a member of the Farmers' Alliance; is a capable business man and has served as deputy county auditor two terms.
He was married, March 5, 1888, to Miss Belle Lander, of Merced.
He and his wife are the parents of two children: Charles M., born in 1876, and Hattie L., born in 1878. Both are at home attending school. Having been deprived of educational advantages in his youth, Mr. Burleigh is the more careful that his children shall be educated. He has met with serious reverses during his career in Fresno, but by diligence and perseverance overcame and settled a loss of $15,000, and now carries on a lucrative and satisfactory business.
Mr. Brite has taken a somewhat active part in shaping the civil affairs in Kern County. He was one of its original petitioners for a county organization in 1865. He served on its first County Board, succeeding Colonel Bishop, and since that time has served fourteen Years. While not a blind partizan, he was born and reared a Democrat and votes the ticket straight when he regards it as consistent with the principles of good government. He has always been found foremost in favoring any movement tending to the social and educational advancement of the county; and, while not professing to be a religious man, he has always lived and reared his family on a high plain of morality, believing that temperance in all things is essential to useful living and the highest type of happiness.
March 6, 1851, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of J. H. Dircks, deceased, a soldier of the regular army. Mrs. Wiggins was born in the Choctaw Nation. She died, leaving. six children: Henry F.; Lucinda, wife of John {Page 298} Durnel; Alice, wife of G. W. Bryant; Emma wife of Daniel Davenport, John W.; and Martha, wife of Frank Collins.
Mr. Tombs was married in Merced County in 1861 to Miss Madeleine Beighle, a Native of Pennsylvania. They have a family of six children.
Mr. Deas is a modern and model farmer, and his success in life is due entirely to his own personal industry and business tact. The orderly arrangement and solid improvements on his ranch and the taste displayed in and about his home is a true index of the character and thrift of Mr. Deas and his estimable wife.
He was married in 1870, to Katherine Ockert, who was born at his native home in Germany. She died in 1881 at the age of thirty years leaving three children, two daughters and one soil, namely: Annie, now Mrs. David Clark, of Tehachapi, and Finley and Amelia.
E. E. Manheim is a native of California, born in San Francisco in 1868. His father, Isaac Manheim, came to California about 1852, followed mercantile life in Humboldt County until 1863, when he settled at San Francisco and continued the business there for many years. He is now an insurance and commission broker. E. E. Manheim was educated in the high school at San Francisco. Entering his father's office, he acquired a knowledge of bookkeeping and in 1889 came to Hanford, in the employ of Kutner, Goldstein & Co. A short time ago the Kutner-Goldstein Company purchased an additional 25 x 150 feet on the west side of the present site, and after the Construction of their new store will have a larger amount of square feet than any other store in the county. They also do an extensive grain business, handling two-thirds of the crop brought to this market.
Considering the opportunities for a professional man much better in the West than in the East, Mr. Cory returned to California, and in 1884 settled in his old home, San Jose. The following year he removed to Fresno, where be has since resided. He is a partner in the well-known law firm of Church & Cory, of which Mr. George E. Church is the senior member. The firm has an extensive practice throughout {Page 301} Central California, being employed in many of the most important cases of litigation. Mr. Cory was married in 1882, to Miss Carrie Ayres Martin, a native of New Jersey, and their union has been blessed by two children.
Judge Short was married in Fresno, in October, 1885, to Miss Emma Packard, and their union has been blessed with one son, Frank H. Short, Jr., who is now three years old.
Be was married at Elk Station, Johnson County, Nebraska, in 1865, to Miss Mary M. Gray, a native of Wisconsin, and daughter of Hon. A. W. Gray, whose biography appears elsewhere in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Cody have three children living, - Thorley G., Harvey P. and Andrew Milo. Two are dead, Guy Trivial and Marenda Josephine.
Mr. and Mrs. Covalt have five children, three sons and two daughters, all living in Oakland.
Mr. Foster died in 1878, at the age of seventy-three {Page 304} years. His good wife followed him in 1880, dying at the age of seventy-four years, leaving five children to mourn their loss: Frances, now Mrs. J. F. Brooks, a rancher north of Hanford; Sarah, now Mrs. P. Byrd of Visalia; William W., George S. and John C. The brothers are all unmarried, and upon the sale of their father's estate they combined their interests, purchased forty acres west of Grangeville in the edge of the town, and erected a commodious and handsome cottage, where they reside in harmonious unity. They have a fine vineyard of sixteen acres, with six acres in deciduous fruits and the remainder in alfalfa and pasture. They are recognized among the substantial residents of Grangeville, and are highly esteemed among their town people.
Mr. Davenport has been twice married. His first wife, nee Cynthia Hart departed, this life in 1877, leaving one son, Milton. His second marriage occurred April 29, 1882, to Miss Emma daughter of Judge W. C. Wiggins of Tehachapi. By her he has six children: Edna, Jesse, Mary, Berenice, James and Henry.
He was married in 1858 to Miss M. J. Strother, who, like himself, was born and reared {Page 305} in Mississippi, she being just four years younger. They have a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters, viz.: George, a resident of New Mexico; John M., who has charge of the ranch; Eliza, now Mrs. Ambrose of Arizona; Carrie, Lela, Lizzie and Mittie.
His family of four children consists of Benjamin M., a resident of Visalia; Alice, now Mrs. Dr. Reid of Tulare; L. E. Baird, living in Oregon; and Florence G., now Mrs. R. E. Keeler.
{Page 306} After the close of the war he spent about eight years as a stationary engineer in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, then traveled extensively throughout the United States, Mexico and British Columbia, and in 1885 located oil his present ranch. His property is located in section ten, and comprises 240 acres, timber and farming land. He has also some mining property which *he jointly holds with Mr. S. D. Furber. Mr. Harris is a single man, and his hospitality and great generous heart make him popular, and class him among the old-time Californians. As a business man and a citizen, none stand higher in the estimation of the local public than George Harris.
Mr. Tucker was married in Fresno County, in May, 1882, to Miss Amanda Jackson Ward, a native of California. Four children have come to brighten their home.
Mr. Furber, while yet a comparatively very young man, has shown much enterprise as a miner, and the success so richly merited is only the {Page 307} natural result of industry and all irrepressible ambition. He is favorably known as a man of sterling business principles and strict temperate habits.
At the age of twenty-one Mr. Harrington left home and that year (1841) married Miss Charlotte Cooper, a native of Washington County, Maryland, born May 17, 1820. Her father, Cunningham Cooper, a farmer by occupation, removed from Maryland to Ohio in 1827, becoming one of the pioneers of the Buckeye State. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington lived in Kentucky about six months. In 1842 they removed to Iowa and located in Van Buren County, where they made their home for fifteen years. In 1857 they started across the plains to California with their family of seven children, making the journey with an ox team and being six months en route. They located in Shasta County. There they lived for twenty-eight years, reared a large family, developed a comfortable home and accumulated some property. In 1885 he sold his real-estate interests and for a short time lived in the town of Red Bluff, then six years in Arizona, and from there he came to Kern County and located in the Tehachapi valley. Four miles front the village of Tehachapi he owns eighty acres of well-improved land and a comfortable home. He and his wife have ten children, forty grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all occupying honorable and prosperous positions in life. The following is a record of their children's names and dates of birth: Catharine, wife of Ezekiel Thatcher of Shasta County, was born December 28, 1842; Cunningham, born May 26, 1843, lives in Arizona; George W., April 26, 1845, a farmer of Humboldt County, California, Clemens, December 22, 1847, became the wife of John Klotz, and is now deceased; Mary A., August 17, 1851, is Dow Mrs. Bidwell of Shasta; Rhoda A., April 4, 1853, is the wife of G. W. Munsey of Tehachapi; Morgan, October 4, 1955, resides in Shasta County; Cinderella, September 4, 1857, is the wife of A. H. Edwards of Shasta valley, California; Stephen T., February 26, 1860. resides at Reno, Nevada; and Charlotte is now Mrs. W. Black of Tehachapi.
The Captain is a modest, unassuming old gentleman and truly a representative American. He went into the great war the staunchest kind of a Democrat, and came out an equally strong Republican and the latter party has since had his fealty. He is a Knight Templar, Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Duncan was married in 1870, to Miss Miller, and has three sons and one daughter, namely: Andrew F., Ellen, Roy and Ray. The oldest is now attending college at Stockton.
He was married December 12, 1888, to Miss Lulu E. Mizner, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Mr. Coffee is associated with the A.0.U.W. and the K. of P.
Mr. Hyde is a member of Fresno Lodge, No. 186, I.0.0.F. Wahtoke Tribe, No. 63, I.0.R.M., of which he is Sachem; Fresno Lodge, No. 3455, Knights of Honor; and Parlor No. 24, Native Suns of the Golden West.
In politics Mr. Ruggles is a Republican, and while in Yale County he was a member of the Board of Supervisors. In 1880 he was Republican candidate for the State Assembly, and ran 100 votes ahead of his ticket. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and his church affiliations are with the Methodists, he being a trustee of the Methodist Church of Traver. Mr. Ruggles is widely known in Tulare and several other counties of the State, and wherever known highly respected and esteemed.
BERNARD PRESSING, deceased, was one of the respected pioneers of Central California.
Mrs. Kessing is a lady of business tact and executive ability and conducts her business affairs in a most creditable manner. She has a son at Bakersfield, and one daughter, an accomplished young lady, at home.
The Judge is an active member of the I. 0. 0. F., and for years has been a member of the Grand Lodge. Politically he is a Democrat. He has given much of his time and attention to politics and has also done much to promote the growth and development of the country; is liberal with his means both in private and public affairs. As a judge his decisions are made with great fairness and legal acuteness and are very seldom reversed. With the legal profession he stands high as a lawyer, and the general opinion of the citizens of his county is that he is the peer of any judge in the State.
In 1891 he was elected the first president of the newly formed Selma Irrigation District Company.
He has introduced the following acts which will become laws, and are all most excellent measures:
Supplemental to an Act entitled "An Act to provide for the Organization and Government of Irrigation Districts and to provide for the acquisition of water and other property, and for the distribution of the water thereby for irrigation purposes," approved March 7, 1887, and to provide for the examination, approval and confirmation of proceedings for the issue and sale of bonds issued under the provision of said act.
Mr. Buckman was born a Democrat, and has taken a deep interest in local politics. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W., and by all who know him he is regarded as a most reliable citizen.
He was married in San Francisco, in January, 1887, to Miss Emma S. Maddon, a native of Stockton, California. They have two children: Mary Gertrude, born July 9, 1888, and Irma E., born May 5, 1891. Mr. Bell is a member of Fresno Lodge, No. 247, F. & A. M.; Vineland Lodge, No. 67, K. of P., and Fresno Lodge, No. 3455, Knights of Honor. Of the last named lodge he is a charter member.
Mr. Power is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and is Second Vice President of the parlor to which he belongs
Mr. Knapp is one of Tehachapi's most thrifty citizens and a member of the town school board.
In politics Mr. Patterson is a Democrat. He was a member of the State Assembly, and was instrumental in having the bill passed for the erection of the fine county courthouse. Although Mr. Patterson has witnessed the changes that forty years have wrought on this coast, still he appears strong and vigorous. He is a man of high moral character and strong convictions, commanding the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Mr. Dixon was married, in 1889, to Miss Mead, a native of New York. They have one child.
September 1, 1878, Mr. Jefferds married Frankie C. Thorns, a native of Visalia, and the daughter of A. 0. Thoms, one of the pioneers of this coast, who at one time ran a stage line from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferds have two children, - Cleora, born December 11, 1879, and Amos 0., born December 11, 1881. {Page 318} His residence is on South Court street, and his Office in Harrell Block.
P. BERNAMAYOU is one of the prosperous farmers Of Cummings valley. He was born in France, January 17, 1858, and was reared as a farmer. At the age of sixteen years he came to America, landing in San Francisco. After spending some months on cattle ranges in Southern California, be came to Kern County in 1885 and located at Tehachapi. Here he engaged in stock-raising in Cummings valley and subsequently turned his attention to grain farming, in which be has been very successful, one year raising as high as 10,000 sacks of barley, from which he realized $12,000. He owns 640 acres of land, section 35, all under fence He is one of the most enterprising, of men, and is a representative member of the French colony in that region.
Mr. Collier was married in Los Angeles, in July, 1887, to Miss Dora Church, daughter of Judge Firman Church, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Collier died may 8, 1891, leaving two children: Dora E., born April 26, 1891, and Augusta, born in January, 1890. Mr. Collier is secretary of the Fresno Water Company, and is Ordnance Sergeant of Company Cc National Guards of California. By close attention to his business and by careful and judicious investment of his earnings, Mr. Collier has accumulated considerable city property in Fresno.
March 1, 1889, he established the business house of which he is the head at Tehachapi, area which is one of the most extensive of its kind in Kern County. He erected the present spacious building which the firm occupies and {Page 319} which is well adapted to the wants of the business. Its shelves and warerooms are stocked with a choice line of merchandise calculated to meet the various demands of the agriculturist, stockman, miner sheep-rancher, artisan and mechanic. Mr. Heineman conducted this business alone until the following May, when he associated himself with L. Bachman, his uncle, a merchant and capitalist of San Francisco. As a member of the warehouse firm of John Iribarne & Co., Mr. Heineman is interested in handling a large share of the heavy grain product of the valley. The substantial evidences of Mr. Heineman's success at Tehachapi is a natural result of the purchase of merchandise in large quantities at the place of manufacture, at the lowest possible cash price, and giving to his customers full value - in quality and quantity. This he regards as the legitimate mission and moral obligation of the merchant.
Mr. Thompson was married in Detroit, in 1870, to Miss Annie Deering, a native of Massachusetts. Of their six children, all born in California, five are living-three sons and two daughters. Their names are as follows: Charles R., Arthur Al., Amy F., Annie M. and Hugh D. In connection with his farming operations, Mr. Thompson is engaged in raising choice fruits, his ranch being located half a mile north of Farmersville. In politics he has been a lifelong Republican, and as a worthy citizen he has the respect of all who know him.
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