Preston B. Fuller, proprietor of the King Cotton Hotel at
Imperial, came to the Valley in 1903, and being possessed of progressive
ideas, has 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 buried 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.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ., 1918, pp. 326-327.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, October, 2006.
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 E. 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.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ., 1918, pp. 327-328.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, October, 2006.