Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 6 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 20

An enterprising and progressive resident of the Rolinda section of Fresno County, is James P. Gregory, merchant and rancher who has become one of the leading men in his community, where he is very popular. He was born near Chattanooga, Tenn., December 3, 1876, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Milam) Gregory, who were both born in that state. The elder Gregory was both a merchant and farmer, and conducted a mercantile establishment in Daisy, Hamilton County, and later in Hill City, Tenn. Subsequently he removed to the Cherokee Nation and engaged in farm pursuits at Vian and there he passed to his reward. Mrs. Gregory died in Tennessee. They were the parents of two children: James P., of this review, and Mrs. J. C. Bach, of Barstow Colony. By a former marriage Thomas Gregory was the father of three children, and by a later one, of one son, Lawrence, now in the United States Army.

James P. was educated in the public schools in Tennessee until his removal with the family to the Cherokee Nation in 1891, there he continued his studies in the public school and completed at the academy. During the interval he assisted his father on the farm. Having a desire to see the Pacific Coast country, in 1901 he left for California and came direct to Fresno. He soon found employment in the store at Kearney Park owned by the late M. Theo. Kearney, and there, by careful attention to the interests of his employer, he soon became known as a young man of ability and was made manager of the store.

In 1905, having gained a good insight into local conditions and become familiar with the methods of carrying on the general merchandise business here. Mr. Gregory saw a good opening for a like enterprise on White's Bridge Road, one-half mile east of Rolinda Station. He leased an acre of land and the small building that had been erected for him, and began on a small scale. There were but few ranches in the locality and the little store was the only building at the four corners. Being well and favorably known, he soon drew trade from former patrons of the Kearney store and gradually his business grew. Before three years had passed he was able to buy the land where his store stood and some besides, making two and one-half acres: he tore down the old building and erected a more commodious structure and by close application to business prospered beyond his expectations. He it was who gave the name of Rolinda to the settlement; also named Rolinda Avenue, running north and south. During the time he was carrying on the store he also farmed some land across the road from his store and raised some good crops. On account of ill health caused by too close confinement in the store, Mr. Gregory sold out the stock of merchandise in March, 1919, and then turned his attention to the development of a ranch of sixty acres that he purchased in July, 1918, and which is located on McKinley Avenue. Later, he expects to reenter the mercantile field at Rolinda. He is a member of the California Associated Raisin Company and he served as a deputy under Sheriffs Chittenden, McSwain, Thorwaldsen and Jones. As a republican he has ever sought to do his duty at the polls; also has shown an interest in educational affairs and is serving as a trustee of the Houghton school district. Fraternally, he is a member of Houghton Lodge of the Fraternal Brotherhood at Rolinda and of Pitiaches Tribe, I. O. R. M., at Fresno.

The marriage of James P. Gregory and Miss Bena Jacobsen, the daughter of P. C. Jacobsen, a pioneer resident of this section, was celebrated in February, 1904. Of this union six children have been born: Ruth, Emma, Edna, Tames, Clarence, and Parker, who add to the charm of the Gregory household, and with their parents enjoy the good will and esteem of their many friends.