Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 5 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 39

The genial proprietor of the Pine Ridge Hotel and store is John W. Armstrong, who has been a resident of California for fifty years. He was born in Shelby County, Ill., February 12, 1861; his parents Washington and Delilah (Renfrew) Armstrong; brought their family across the plains in an ox-team train in 1869, and located near Stockton, where they resided for ten years, then moved on to a ranch on Little Dry Creeks above Academy in Fresno County, and there they spent their last days.

John W., then a lad of eight and the youngest of four children, well remembers the trip across the plains with the slow-moving ox-teams and wagons. His schooling was obtained in the district where they lived in San Joaquin County. In 1879 he came to Little Dry Creek with his parents and soon started raising stock on his own account and in time purchased his father's farm and continued there for a few years. Then he sold and started in the livery business at the corner of L and Kern streets, the present site of the Auditorium. His brother James was in partnership with him and they operated under the firm name of Armstrong Brothers, proprietors of the Club Stables. They continued in business for twenty years, when they sold out in 1907.

As early as 1903, Mr. Armstrong had purchased the Pine Ridge Hotel, and since 1907 has resided there and continued to run it as a first class hotel, and it has been a popular stopping place for stockmen and travelers. The hotel is a large two-story structure and was erected by Sam Jennings in an open space cleared from the pine and cedar timber. It is supplied by water from a mountain spring nearby. Mr. Armstrong also runs a general merchandise store, the building having been erected in 1877 by Gus Bernig. Mr. Armstrong has been postmaster of Pine Ridge post-office for the past twelve years. The ranch comprises 400 acres upon which he raises cattle. There is also a full-bearing orchard of apples and pears, a delight to the travelers, as well as the mountain towns close by whose inhabitants appreciate the delicate flavor of the fruit.

Mr. Armstrong was married in Fresno, being united with Miss Leota Ingram, who came to California from her native state of Arkansas and they have one child, John W. Jr. Mr. Armstrong is a well-known and influential citizen and with his estimable wife is popular and well-liked.