Tulare County
Biographies
EKLOF, CHARLES JOHN
Numbered conspicuously among the thrifty and prosperous orchardists of Tulare county is Charles John Eklof, born October 10, 1869, in Sweden. In April 1889, when he was about twenty years old, he landed in New York, equipped with a good education obtained in the public schools of his native land. His early training had laid a splendid foundation on which to enter the struggle for success in America, to which he dedicated himself, his ambitions and his energies. Mr. Eklof had been born and brought up on a farm, and it was as a farm hand in Nebraska that he passed the first year of his life in America. In 1890 he went to the Northwest, into Washington, where he remained three years and four months, and in 1894 he embarked for San Francisco, whence he soon made his way to Fresno, being here employed in a vineyard till 1907. In the year last mentioned he located near Lindsay and engaged in the nursery business, which commanded his efforts for twelve years and brought him fairly good financial recompense. Then he began to buy land, securing forty acres and then twenty, forty of which were put into an orange orchard. The estimated value of his crop in 1912 is $10,000 and he is one of the most successful men in his line in his vicinity, with promising plans for the future.
In 1911 Mr. Eklof married Mrs. Mary B. Frans, a native of Ohio. As a citizen he is loyal and patriotic, taking an active interest in the welfare of his community. His success has been great, for he started with nothing and could now turn his interests into $50,000 cash, but it has been the success of a self-made man, well deserved.
SOURCE: History of Tulare and Kings Counties, California with Biographical Sketches - Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company, 1913 Pp 423
Transcribed by: Craig A Hahn
ADAMS, WILLIAM J.
The life of the late William J. Adams of Visalia, Tulare county, spanned the period from April 4, 1837, to June 8, 1909. He was born in Graves county, Ky., and died at his California home. Reared and educated in his native state he left there with a herd of cattle which he drove to Texas and from there across the plains to California, arriving in 1859. Settling near Tulare Lake in Tulare county, he ranged cattle for many years and later removed them to the mountains on Adams Flat, where he expanded his enterprise by raising both cattle and horses.
In 1871 Mr. Adams disposed of his cattle and horse interests and gave his attention to sheep herding. For two years he operated in Oregon, then came back to California and settled near Madera on the Fresno river, in Madera county, but after two years spent there, he returned to Tulare county and for twelve years farmed the old Murray ranch, near Visalia.
In January, 1865, Mr. Adams married Miss Mary Fannie Murray, a native of Missouri, a daughter of Abram H. Murray, who crossed the plains in 1852 and settled his family in the Visalia neighborhood, There their children have since become known and respected. They are Sarah, Mrs. E. Hilton, of Porterville; Abram P.; Frank C., a biographical sketch of whom is elsewhere in these pages, and Russell, who has passed away.
A man of strong character, upright in his dealing with all, ready at all times to do all in his power for the uplift or development of the community, Mr. Adams was a helpful citizen and the county and its people are benefited by his influence among them.
SOURCE: History of Tulare and Kings Counties, California with Biographical Sketches - Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company, 1913 Pp 423, 424
Transcribed by: Craig A Hahn