Imperial County Biographies

GEORGE ANDERSON

No firm has done more to promote the interests of Imperial County than that of McCollough and Anderson of Calexico, the members of which are well known citizens of that community from the early days. They are doing an extensive business in the blacksmith and automobile line. They also do all kinds of farm and machinery repairing and make a specialty of new work. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden in 1884, May 20th. He was educated in his native land and came to America in 1901, locating in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked at his trade. In 1903 he came west and located in Calexico, where he followed his vocation for some years. In 1914 he became connected with Harvey McCollough in business. He has thirty acres near Calexico and one hundred and sixty acres east of Calexico, which he disposed of. When the first canals were put through the Valley Mr. Anderson was identified with Mr. Rockwood and assisted in surveying. He was for three years connected with this work. Previous to taking an interest with his present partner, Mr. Anderson conducted a blacksmith shop and did general repairing and did much work for the water company and all over the Valley. The firm are increasing their scope of operations as rapidly as possible.

Source: "The History of Imperial County, California," Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, p. 347.

Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, November, 2006.

CEYETANO BELENDEZ

Prominently identified with the active and enterprising business men of Calexico, is Ceyetano Belendez. He is a man of ability and is numbered among the substantial men of Imperial County. He is successfully engaged in the Mexican brokerage and transfer business, with offices in Calexico. Mr. Belendez acquired his education in Mexico. His birth occurred at Laredo, August 14, 1886. In 1915 he came to Imperial County, engaging in his present business, which has grown to be one of the leading and representative firms of Calexico which make a specialty of custom house business. The business was incorporated under the laws of California in 1917, and Mr. Belendez is president of the corporation. He was united in marriage to Ernestine Campbell, a native of Mexico, January 4, 1908. To this union were born five children: Ygnacio, born February 7, 1909; Lidia, born August 3, 1910; Ceyetano, born July 4, 1912; Estella, born March 31, 1914; and Virginia, born February, 21, 1917. Mr. Belendez's father was a prominent merchant at Laredo for many years. The family come from representative stock and date back many years. Mr. Belendez's mother passed away in March, 1900.

Source: "The History of Imperial County, California," Elms & Franks Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 347-348.

Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, November, 2006.