Kings County
Biographies
SAMUEL M. BROWN
The record of Mr. Brown is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to one of comparative prominence in the community where he lives, and as a faithful and competent public official he has won and retains the sincere will and respect of his fellow citizens. He was born in Kansas, Illinois, on the 18th day of April, 1881. Early in his life he was taken by his parents to the state of Oregon, where he secured a good common school education. His first employment was with the Pacific Coast Glass Company of San Francisco, which he entered as an apprentice, and with which concern he remained for sixteen years. He had completely mastered the mechanical equipment of the plant and later was placed in charge of all machinery. In 1916 Mr. Brown became a special agent for the J. R. Watkins Products, in which capacity he came to Hanford, his territory covering Kings and a part of Tulare and Fresno counties. He continued in that business until April, 1922, when he resigned in order to accept an appointment to the police force in Hanford. He proved an efficient officer and in 1924 was appointed city marshal. This position, equivalent to that of chief of police, is a responsible one, but Mr. Brown has discharged his duties in a manner that has won him popular commendation. In addition to his police duties Mr. Brown is also city tax collector and health officer. Hanford has wisely provided for proper sanitation inspection and has also provided a city health center, with a paid trained nurse. This police force consists of one day man and two night men and this comparatively small force has adequately provided its citizens with protection and maintained good order at all times. It is worthy of note that during his entire active career Mr. Brown had had but three employers.
Mr. Brown was married to Miss Margaret Gillian, a native of Ohio. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World and the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan.
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California – Kathleen Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 531
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama
CARROLL V. BUCKNER
Among the public-spirited and progressive citizens of Kings county, none is more deserving of public confidence and respect than Carroll V. Buckner, the present mayor of Lemoore. He is a native of Kings county, born in Hanford, on the 25th day of December, 1893. His father, W. V. Buckner, who still resides in this county, was the first sheriff of Kings county and held the office for the unusual period of eighteen years. He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, came to California in the middle ‘70s and about ten years later located in what is now Kings county, where he followed farming.
Carroll V. Buckner secured his education in the public schools of Hanford, and when twenty years of age engaged in the garage business in that city. His business plans were interrupted by the entry of the United States into the World war and he enlisted, being sent to the naval aviation station in San Diego, California. After his discharge from the service he located in Lemoore, in March, 1919, and secured the agency for the Hudson and Essex automobiles, in the handling of which he met with gratifying success. In 1922 Mr. Buckner was elected a trustee of the city of Lemoore and two years later the board elected him mayor of the city, of which position he is still the incumbent. Under his administration the city has made long forward strides in public improvements, among which may be mentioned the new city hall, the new high school building, the new American Legion building, a big improvement in the water system, including the laying of new water mains, and the bringing of the fire department up to first-class condition. He firmly believes that the citizens are deserving of the best municipal conditions that can be secured and he is a stanch advocate of constant progress along all the legitimate lines of development.
Mr. Buckner was married to Miss Leona Kreyenhagen, of Hanford, and they have a son: Lawrence, aged four years. Mr. Buckner is a member and past post commander of the American Legion. He is deservedly popular in his community, and the qualities of keen discrimination, sound judgment and executive ability enter very largely into his make-up and have been the contributing elements to his success.
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California – Kathleen Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 532
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama