In recording the names of the prominent
business men of Imperial County, mention should be made of Forrest F.
Palmerlee, who well merits the title of self-made man. He was born at
Spangle, Washington, November 6, 1885, son of Frank D., and Ida A. Palmerlee.
His father was a native of Dodge Center, Minnesota, and his mother was born
in Napa County, California. The subject of this review acquired his
education in the public schools of Washington and California. Leaving
Washington State his parents removed to Santa Rosa, California. Mr.
Palmerlee's father is deceased, his death occurred in September, 1915. His
mother resides in Long Beach, California. Finishing his public school
education, Forrest F. took a business course and later became identified
with the San Pedro Lumber Company at Long Beach as a stenographer for eleven
months. He then became associated with the First National Bank of Long
Beach, California, as assistant bookkeeper for six months. He then went with
the Citizens Savings Bank of Long Beach as book-keeper, where he remained
for two years. In February, 1907, he removed to Imperial County, and
accepted a position with the Calexico State Bank, and afterward was expert
accountant for the county for six months. He then went with the Imperial
Valley Bank at Brawley, as cashier, and in December, 1909, the First
National Bank was organized and Mr. Palmerlee accepted the position as
cashier. This position he held until January 1, 1918, when he took an
interest with Otto C. Brackney in the Buick and G. M. C. truck agency for
Imperial Valley. Mr. Palmerlee was married November 15, 1906, to Miss
Marguerite E. Steiner, a native of Texas. To this union has been born one
son, Marvin Glenn, born August 8, 1912. Mr. Palmerlee was appointed city
commissioner in October, 1916. He served as city treasurer for a period of
two years. Mr. Palmerlee is much esteemed by those who know him for the
sterling character of manhood and his good business judgment.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ., 1918, p.321.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, October, 2006.
Berkeley V. Ezell is one of
the progressive business men of Imperial Valley. He is proprietor of the
Ezell Sheet Metal Works at 645 Main Street, El Centro. He was born at Mexia,
Texas, January 28, 1883, a son of John and Jennie (Berkley) Ezell. His
father passed away in1884, and his mother resides in Berkeley, California.
Mr. Ezell acquired a limited education in the public schools at
Stevensville, Texas. At an early age he started to learn his trade. He
followed his vocation working in Texas and New Mexico, and in 1903 he
removed to Los Angeles, where he worked for the Southern California Supply
Company for a period of five years. In 1908, he engaged in business for
himself and continued for one year. He then worked for the Colton Hardware
Company, where he remained until he came to El Centro, where he established
business March 1, 1913. Here he has met with business success. Mr. Ezell
manufactures all kinds of sheet metal work, such as skylights, cornice work,
tanks for water systems. He also does heating and ventilating systems. He
installed the heating system in the El Centro High School and many other
important buildings in the Valley. Mr. Ezell was twice married, the first
union being to Della Baker, and her death occurred at Colton, California. To
this marriage there were two children: Madeline, born January 6, 1906, and
Vivian, born June 21, 1909. The second marriage occurred at Colton,
California, January 3, 1913, to Florence Forsee, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Forsee, who reside in San Diego, California. Two children have been
born of the second union: Clyde Berkley, born January 19, 1914, and Herbert
W., born June 6, 1916. Mr. Ezell has been gratified with success in the
business world and he and his wife have a host of friends in El Centro.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ., 1918 pp.322-323.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, October, 2006.