Tulare County
Biographies
CHARLES W. BERRY
Charles W. Berry, proprietor of the Hotel Johnson at Visalia and one of the best known men in Tulare county, was born in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, January 9, 1875, and is a son of James M. and Martha L. Berry, both of whom also were born in that city, members of old families there. Reared at Atlanta, Mr. Berry had a high school education and then became engaged in newspaper work, a line which occupied his attention until in the summer of 1903, when he left his home town and came to California. On November 17, 1917 he assumed a proprietary interest in the Hotel Johnson, which he opened with new equipment, and has since been engaged in the hotel business. In addition to his hotel interests Mr. Berry has other interest of a substantial character and has considerable investments in the oil fields, in the mining fields, and in ranch property in this county. On April 29, 1896, at Atlanta, Mr. Berry was united in marriage to Miss Kate Shivers, who also was born in Atlanta, and they have one child, a daughter, Elma, wife of George W. West of Atlanta. Politically Mr. and Mrs. Berry are democrats. Mr. Berry is an active member of the locally influential Rotary Club of Visalia and is also affiliated with the local lodges of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is an ardent devotee of outdoor sports and his prowess as a golfer, hunter and fisherman is widely recognized among his friends.
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 387
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama
JOE X. BETTENCUT
One of the most enterprising of Tulare county’s younger generation of successful business men is he whose name appears at the head of this article Although not a native of this country he has come closely in touch with the customs of his adopted land and is now a loyal supporter of our institutions. Joe X. Bettencut, who operates a successful dairy farm six miles west of Tipton, is a native of Azores islands, where he was born on the 28th of December, 1896. He was reared on his father’s farm and secured his education in the public schools of his native place. In 1914 he came to the United States, locating at once in California. He obtained employment on dairy farms, where he thoroughly learned the business, and a few years later went into business for himself. He first located at Visalia but since 1920 he has operated the F. W. Naumann ranch, consisting of two hundred and forty acres of good land. He has one hundred and four head of cattle, of which number he always has eighty or more milkers. They are high grade Holstein stock and he is meeting with splendid success in his enterprise. Mr. Bettencut also raises hogs, keeping from forty to sixty head which he fattens on the skim milk from the separators. He is a member of the Tulare County Dairymen’s Association and the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Mr. Bettencut’s brother, John, who came to this country from the Azores in 1918, is associated with him in the business.
Mr. Bettencut was married to Miss Mary Nunas, who also is a native of the Azores islands. She was a schoolmate of Mr. Bettencut and at the age of fifteen years came to the United States alone. To Mr. and Mrs. Bettencut have been born four children, namely: Eva X., Ina X., Mary X. and Armour X. Mr. Bettencut’s well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and this together with his kindly disposition and public spirit have gained for him the respect and good will of the entire 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 493
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama