Kings County
Biographies
PETER COLI
Among the honored and respected citizens of Lemoore who, beginning life under the most humble circumstances but endowed with courage, determination and a willingness to work, eventually succeeded in the ambition to become independent, the name of Peter Coli stands prominent. He as born at Arona, Spain, and was reared and educated in his native land. He came to the United States at the age of twenty-eight years and arrived at Visalia, Tulare county, in 1888 with a cash capital of eighty cents. Nothing daunted, he immediately sought work and accepted anything that was offered. He herded sheep in the mountains back of Porterville, cut timber, worked in the Lucerne vineyards, bought and sold hides, shot coyotes and wildcats and herded sheep on the Jacobs ranch. He killed over six hundred of the wild animals for which he received the state bounty of five dollars a head. He was employed for a while on the Valley railroad near Corcoran and then was employed by Dr. Musgrave in Hanford. At length, having carefully husbanded his funds, Mr. Coli opened a grocery store in Lemoore and has been successful in that business from the start, covering a period of over eighteen years. He carries a large and well selected stock of groceries and kindred lines and because of his courteous manner and efforts to please his customers he enjoys a large patronage. As he has prospered he has wisely invested his money and is now the owner of some valuable real estate in Lemoore.
Mr. Coli is a member of the Portuguese lodge, I. D. E. S. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the community and gives his support to every movement tending to promote the well being or stimulate the growth of the city. Modest and unassuming, he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
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 617
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama
W. H. CORTRIGHT
W. H. Cortright is too well known in Hanford and throughout Kings county to need any introduction to the people of either city or county, for he has long been recognized as a man of more than ordinary business acumen and ability. He was born and reared in Hillsdale, Michigan, a son of Frank and Margaret (Dow) Cortright. After completing his elemental education in the public schools, he entered Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, from which he was graduated. He then became a student in the Michigan State Agricultural College, where he took the course in civil engineering. Coming then to the west, he first located in Colorado, where for a time he was occupied in various lands and irrigation projects, followed by nine months of similar work in Arizona. Going then to Los Angeles, Mr. Cortright engaged in the concrete pipe business, in which he was successful, and was, after four years there, induced to go to San Diego, where he operated in a similar line for eight years. In 1915 Mr. Cortright came to Hanford and, in partnership with a Mr. Adell, engaged in general cement contracting. Subsequently Mr. Adell’s interest was acquired by Mr. McDougal and today the firm of Adell-Cortright Company is one of the best known contracting firms in the San Joaquin valley. They engage in the installation of irrigation systems, all kinds of reservoirs, siphons, and have done much other work of a general character, including the making of many concrete bridges. They have gained a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness that has given them favorable consideration whenever they go after a job and they have handled the major portion of work in their line in this vicinity.
Mr. Cortright was married to Miss Pearl Trembly, who was born and reared in the state of Illinois. Mr. Cortright is a republican in his political views and takes a deep interest in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with every-day common sense, are among his chief characteristics and, while advancing individual success, he has also contributed in every way possible to the moral and material welfare of the community.
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 603
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama