Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 5 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 9

Among the leading raisin-growers in the Selma section, Mr. Elmer Thomas Wall stands prominently forth for his skill and success as a viticulturist. He is an example of a hard-working man endowed with firmness of character and determination of purpose, qualities that bespeak the ability and energy which have caused him to attain his well merited success.

A native of Missouri, he was born in Johnson County, May 2, 1872, and is the son of Lieut. James M. and Nancy B. (Gray) Wall. His father was the owner of an 800-acre stock farm in Missouri and was a large raiser of mules, horses and beef cattle. A native of North Carolina, he served with distinction as lieutenant during the Civil War, on the Confederate side, was body-guard of General Price, and was twice wounded during his time of service. In 1888 he disposed of his business interests in Missouri and came to California on account of his wife's health, where, four years later, in 1892, he died. His wife, who survived him, is living in Fresno. Of the five children of the parental home, three are living. Benjamin F., who settled near Selma, died twelve years ago, leaving two children, Lois and Ethel by name. A daughter, Ona B., single, died in California. The living children are: Sydney Jackson, a fruit-buyer residing in Fresno; Elmer Thomas; and Erna Ethel, wife of A. M. Haldeman, who is employed on the Fresno Republican and owns a twenty-acre ranch adjoining Elmer Thomas' place.

Elmer Thomas received his education in the public and high school at Windsor, Mo. A lad sixteen years of age when he came with his parents to California, in 1888, he engaged with his father in the fruit-growing business. He purchased forty acres southeast of Fresno, near Malaga, which he improved and afterwards sold. He bought his present place in 1916.

He chose as his life partner Miss Addie J. Barr, to whom he was united in 1894. She is the daughter of Thomas A. Barr, and is a sister of Dr. W. T. Barr of Fresno. Mr. and Mrs. Wall are the parents of three bright and interesting children: Gladys, a graduate of the Fresno high school, now sophomore in Redlands University; Thelma, attending the Selma high school; and Warden, a student in the grammar school.

Mr. Wall has always taken a lively interest in educational work and was school trustee for fifteen years at Malaga. He has also served as juryman. While he is a Democrat politically, he votes for the man best fitted for the position, regardless of party. Mr. Wall and his family are prominent members of the Baptist Church of Selma. Mr. Wall is greatly interested in all that advances his community, and he and his family are highly respected.