California Biographies

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


EDWARD ELDEN SCRANTON. The mercantile interests of Tulare are ably represented 
by the enterprising firm of Anderson & Scranton, which has attained a high standing in business 
circles. Beginning in a modest way, these gentlemen have established one of the most complete 
and best-stocked dry goods houses in this part of the county, and are conducting a profitable 
and a rapidly increasing trade. Edward Elden Scranton, the junior member of this firm, was 
born December 10, 1S66, in West Liberty, Muscatine county, Iowa, a son of Irving W. Scranton. 

A native of Ohio, Irving W. Scranton began life for himself as a merchant in West Liberty, 
Iowa. He subsequently removed to Missouri, locating first in Westboro. where he engaged for 
a time in mercantile pursuits, from there going to Mound City, and there residing until his death. 
Enlisting in an Iowa regiment during the Civil war, he took part in several engagements, in one 
battle being wounded. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah J. Maguire, was born in Penn- 
sylvania, and is now a resident of St. Joseph, Mo. She bore her husband two daughters and 
four sons, all of whom are living, Edward Elden being the second child. 

Having completed the course of study in the district schools of West Liberty, Iowa, and West- 
boro, Mo., Edward E. Scranton began to earn his own living when a lad of fourteen or fifteen 
years, for three years thereafter working in a livery stable in his native town. Entering then 
a store located just across the street from the stable, he was first employed in a modest position, 
but securing a clerkship by applying for a vacancy, he remained with his employers from 1886 
until 1890, giving much satisfaction to the firm, and becoming familiar with the details of the 
business. Coming to Tulare in 1890, Mr. Scranton secured a situation with F. M. Shultz, for 
ten years having charge of the dry goods department of his store. Resigning the position in 
1900, he formed a partnership with Frank E. Anderson, a brief sketch of whom may be found 
elsewhere in this biographical volume, and March 15, 1900, they embarked in business under the 
present firm name of Anderson & Scranton, and by straightforward dealings and honest methods 
have built up a lucrative trade, their patronage being extensive and lucrative and constantly 
growing. 

In Westboro, Mo., Mr. Scranton married Roberta Hightower, who was born in Nebraska 
City, Neb., and they have one child, Grace B. Public-spirited and enterprising, Mr. Scranton 
takes an intelligent interest in local affairs, and is a member of the board of library trustees ; a 
member and a director of the Tulare Building and Loan Association; and one of the directors of 
the Odd Fellows' building. He was made an Odd Fellow in Westboro, Mo., and is now past grand 
of Tulare City Lodge No. 306, I. O. O. F. ; and a member of the Fraternal Aid. He also belongs 
to the Tulare Board of Trade. In his religious beliefs he is a Methodist, and is a valued mem- 
ber of the church of that denomination. Politically he supports the principles of the Republican 
party by voice and vote.