California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


ROBERT JAMES DRYDEN.� The proprietor of the Little Lake sta- 
bles has been interested in the livery business at Willits since 1900, when he 
opened a small barn on the present site on Main street and embarked in the 
business that he still follows. Having very little capital, he was forced to 
begin upon a small scale, but it was not long before he had gained the confi- 
dence of business men and was establishing a trade that gave gratifying 
promise for the future. At first he kept very few horses ; now he has twenty- 
one head of good drivers. Needing more room, he erected his present large 
stable, 72x120 feet, two floors, all devoted to the livery business. The equip- 
ment of vehicles is complete, well-assorted and modern. Everything pertain- 
ing to the carriages and harness is maintained in first-class condition, indica- 
tive of the careful, close oversight of the proprietor. In 1914, seeing the need 
of garage and automobile livery in Willits, he associated himself with Barney 
Schow and built a garage 62x130 feet, adjoining his stables, but facing Hum- 
boldt street. This is a two-story steel building, the first floor for automobile 
storage and repair shop and second floor for painting and storage. Automo- 
biles are kept on hand for hire as well as for sale. 

While giving his attention closely to the building up of a good trade and 
the enlargement of his business, he has not neglected the duties of good citi- 
zenship, but has found time to serve as a member of the city school board and 
the board of trustees of Willits, in which capacities he has labored to promote 
the best interests of the people. 

The son of Nathaniel Dryden, a California pioneer who crossed the plains 
from Missouri during the summer of 1849, Robert J. Dryden was born at 
Georgetown, Eldorado county, this state, November 6, 1867, and passed the 
first fifteen years of life in his native county. During 1882 he came to Little 
Lake. Mendocino county, and found employment on a ranch, after which, 
either in the employ of others or in working for his own interests, he engaged 
in raising sheep and cattle in the valley. Always he was skilled in the treat- 
ment of stock and was regarded as an expert judge of horses, which he could 
break and manage with skill, and it was this fondness for horses that led him 
into establishing a livery barn at Willits. Since coming here he has been 
made a Mason in Willits Lodge, No. 365, F. & A. M., and with his wife is a 
member of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Eagles, Odd Fellows 
and the Woodmen of the World. By his marriage to Lillie Longland, a 
native of the county and a daughter of George Longland, one of Mendocino 
county's most honored pioneers, he has two children, Roberta and Ernest.