The selection of any
individual to fill an important position is naturally an evidence of that
person's ability and efficiency. The standard of excellence among railroad
men all over the country is being constantly raised and the Southern Pacific
Railroad is fortunate in having for its passenger and freight agent William
C. Eaton, who has held this important position at Brawley, California, since
1905. Mr. Eaton was born in Cleveland, New York, May 26, 1877, a son of
William H. and Arvilla (Rice) Eaton. The family were among the first to
settle in Massachusetts, and Mr. Easton's ancestors took part in the
Revolutionary War. His father died September 10, 1910, at the age of
fifty-eight years and is buried in Galesburg, Michigan. Mr. Eaton's mother
is still living and resides in Galesburg. Mr. Eaton acquired his education
in the public and high schools of Galesburg, Michigan, graduating from the
latter in 1895. He studied telegraphy and accepted a position in the
Michigan Central Railroad, holding this position until 1900. At the outbreak
of the Spanish-American war he volunteered as telegraph operator during the
period of the war in the signal corps. Coming to California, he became
identified with the Southern Pacific Railroad as operator; this position he
held until he was promoted to his present position as passenger and freight
agent at Brawley, California. Mr. Eaton is identified with ranching and owns
eighty acres, on which is grown grain. Mr. Eaton gives his personal
supervision to his ranch, which brings good financial results. Mr. Eaton
serves as president of the Board of Trustees of the Brawley high school.
Fraternally he is a Mason, holding membership in the Blue Lodge of Brawley.
He was married at Fennville, Michigan, June 18, 1902, to Miss Allie
Goodrich, a daughter of George F. and Annah (Whitbeck) Goodrich. Her
father's death occurred in December, 1911, at the age of fifty-seven years,
and her mother resides at Fennville, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have two
children: Venola M., born September 8, 1904, and Georgianna, born August 13,
1911.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 358-359.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.
No better example of what
may be accomplished by the man of energy and enterprise may be found in
Imperial County than the career of Denver D. Pellet of Brawley, who is now
serving as assistant postmaster. Since 1912, given the gift to recognize and
appreciate the opportunities that have presented themselves, he has also
possessed the courage to grasp them and the ability to carry his ventures
through to a successful conclusion. Mr. Pellet and his sister Nellie came to
Imperial Valley in November, 1902, and were among the first settlers here in
this section. Mr. Pellet was born in Kilburn City, Wisconsin, February 13,
1875, a son of Edward E. and Aura (Sweet) Pellet, both deceased and buried
in Monrovia, California. The family are of French origin and the
great-grandfather, Ezra Pellet, settled in the Prairie du Chien country in
Wisconsin. Mr. Pellet received his education in Jetmore, Kansas, and left
school at the age of seventeen. He learned the printer's trade and followed
this vocation in many cities before coming to Imperial County. On his
arrival here he edited the Imperial Press; this position he held for several
months. He removed to Brawley when the town was laid out and purchased some
lots. In conjunction with farming Mr. Pellet engaged in newspaper work until
1909, when he again removed to Imperial and took the editorial management of
The Press. He moved the plant to El Centro, which is now the Imperial Valley
Press. In September, following the county seat election, Mr. Pellet engaged
in the job business for eighteen months. He then returned to Brawley to look
after his ranch interests, remaining on the ranch until he took his present
position as assistant postmaster. Mr. Pellet assisted in organizing a board
of trustees of El Centro with J. Stanley Brown. His sister has been
postmaster of Brawley since 1907. After completing her studies in Harlan,
Iowa. she taught school for several years in Iowa, and for two years served
as official stenographer in the Circuit Court of the Seventh District in
Kansas. Politically he is a Democrat. He was united in marriage at Imperial,
California, with Ella May Mead, April 12, 1903, daughter of Edwin and Belle
Mead, pioneers of Imperial Valley. Mr. Pellet's daughters: Margaret Eloise,
was born at El Centro, California, February 16, 1907, and Elizabeth May, was
born at Ontario, California, March 21, 1911.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 359-360.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.