California Genealogy and History Archives
Biographies
of
San Bernardino County and Riverside County
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WILLIAM
B. CULROSS. — While almost every branch of industrial and
commercial activity is well represented in San Bernardino County, it
must be admitted that those connected with the production and marketing
of fruits are of paramount importance, as this is especially a
fruit-growing section of the country. Much stress has been laid upon the
energy, foresight and aggressiveness of the men who are devoting
themselves to the deciduous industry, and the half has not been told,
but the same is equally true of those who afford a market for the
products of the orchards and bring the producer into contact with the
marts of trade. One of the men whose entire life has been spent in this
line of work is William B. Culross, of Colton, who is now manager of the
Colton plant of the Golden State Canneries, a man known all over this
part of the state as an exponent of effectiveness and sound business
methods. William B. Culross was born
at Rochester, New York, August 27, 1882, and comes of Colonial stock on
his mother's side, and of Scotch descent on his father's side. He is a
son of careful parents who sent him to school at Rochester for a couple
of years, but in 1890 the family came to California and settled at San
Bernardino, where they spent a year, the lad attending the San
Bernardino schools. In 1893 a return was made to Rochester, but in 1894
the family once more came to California, and took up permanent residence
at Rialto. William B. Culross had two more years in the San Bernardino
schools and a year in the Riverside Business College, and then was ready
for his contact with the actualities of life. He became associated with
A. Gregory, an orange grower and shipper at Redlands, as stenographer,
and in this connection learned one end of the business, so that when he
came to Colton it was as secretary of the Gregory Fruit Company, and he
held that position until the concern was absorbed by the Golden State
Canneries, at which time he was made manager of the Colton plant, and
still holds this responsible position. While he votes the republican
ticket, he has never concerned himself greatly about politics, but when
elected to the Colton City Council rendered such efficient service to
his ward and city that he has been re-elected several times and is now
serving his ninth consecutive year in that body, the last seven years
being the presiding officer. He is a Mason. |
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Source: Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011 |