California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley 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 the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905 Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176 JAMES A. BERNARD. The financial genius of a Bernard stepped into a waiting niche in the crude pioneer days of Kern City, developed its resources with far-sighted and correctly gauged judgment, and eventually handed over the splendid results of his toil to his son and heir, no less painstaking and wise in the discharge of a responsibility which bears slight impress of his own making. Of James A. Bernard, engaged in managing his father's large real estate interests, it may be said, that while he is scarcely a self-made man, he has not been unmade by the good fortune which has come his way, a fact equally worthy of commendation. He was born in Rusk, Cherokee county, Tex., January 9, 1854, a son of Arsene P. and Eliza (Miller) Bernard, the latter born in Missouri, and reared and married in Texas, and who is still living in San Francisco. Arsene P. Bernard was born near Lake Pontchartrain, in the vicinity of New Orleans, La., February 22, 1824, the son of John Bernard, who came from France and was a planter in Louisiana long before the purchase of the territory was consummated. The fertility of the region netted him a handsome fortune, but he died at middle age, when his son Arsene was three years old. The latter had excellent educational advantages, and after graduating from the Jesuit College in St. Louis returned to New Orleans, soon after removing to Cherokee county, Tex., where he engaged in a general merchandise business in a wild and sparsely settled country. In 1857 he went to Central America as an officer in the commissary department of Walker's filibustering expedition, and March 1, 1859, arrived in San Francisco with his wife and only son, James A. For a year he lived in Sacramento, and in 1860 went to Vacaville and engaged in a general merchandise business until 1872, in the meantime becoming prominent in various enterprises for the upbuilding of that section. He was one of the builders of the Vaca Valley Railroad from Elmira to Vacaville, and which is now a part of the Central Pacific Railroad, his partners being men by (he name of Mason and Stevenson, who profited equally with him in the ambitious venture. Mr. Bernard arrived in what was then Sumner, now Kern City, in 1872, finding few houses, and but few signs of future prosperity. He inaugurated the first 'bus line between Kern and Bakersfield, and while carrying the mail and express until about 1 88 1, made money with a degree of rapidity scarcely appreciated by followers of the business to-day. Feeling the natural decline of his powers, he retired to his home in Kern City, and died there July 20, 1891, at the age of sixty-seven. While in the stage business he invested his earnings in Kern property, eventually accumulating an estate now valued at $300,000. He bought the south half of the section of land adjoining the town on the north, and much more scattered throughout the community. The Bernard addition is unquestionably the finest residence section in the city, and as such brings the highest prices and commands the patronage of the best class of people. He was somewhat of a politician, and though never seeking office, was elected county treasurer on the Democratic ticket on two occasions. A quiet, unassuming man, he impressed all with his ability and public spirit, his fine personal characteristics winning and retaining a host of friends, as well as influence and prominence in general affairs. He was one of the great majority who gave of their vitalizing energy, their substantiality, and clear judgment to the advancement of civilization in the coast country, and as such his name will go down in history, especially that part of it which has to do with the upbuilding of Kern City. James A. Bernard is the only child born to his parents and was educated at Santa Clara College, attending for three years. He became of valuable assistance to his father in his 'bus business, and in 1880 embarked upon a railroading career, which at that time he intended to follow indefinitely. He took readily to the occupation, worked as a fireman for three years, and afterward ran a freight engine from Kern to Los Angeles, also from Kern to Tulare. The death of his father in 1891 put an end to his railroading career, for he had been appointed administrator of the estate, and heir with his mother to the splendid legacy of his sire. He has since managed the property with that conscientious regard for details and accuracy which is partly inherited and partly acquired, and which gives assurance that the inheritance will lose nothing of the dignity and integritv associated with its accumulation. Mr. Bernard maintains the family interest in Democratic politics, and filled the office of first trustee of the town of Kern after its incorporation. In 1876 he was united in marriage with Edith Long, a native of Vacaville, Cal., and of this union seven children have been born, one of whom died in infancy. Clophine and Arsene Reed are living at home, and the latter is an engineer on the Southern Pacific Railroad ; Edgar Louis is a jeweler at Bakersfield ; and Correnah, James A., Jr., and Alton J. are members of the home circle. Mr. Bernard is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias, and his wife is a member of the Rathbone' Sisters. He is one of the most prominent business men of Kern, and has a reputation for reliability and sagacity commensurate with his training,' his adaptability and his progressive tendencies.