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CLARK PUFFER
In the afternoon of one's life no greater compensation can be afforded than the sense of having at all times exemplified
high and honorable principles, and of having aided to the best of one's ability in the struggle for the betterment
of mankind in general. Able to enjoy this consolation, by virtue of a well spent and useful life, Clark Puffer
found peace and comfort in his well appointed home at Riverside during the last days of his career. He was born
in Tioga county, N. Y., February 6, 1834, into the family home of Timothy and Catherine (Howe) Puffer. He spent
his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the common school during the winter months, and later worked as a
farm hand on the various farms in his neighborhood. At the age of twenty he went to La Crosse county, Wis., and
purchasing eighty acres of land, carried on general farming for some years. After disposing of this land he moved
to Blue Earth county, Minn., and four years later we find him in Otoe county, Neb., where he improved a farm and
continued farming until 1893, when he disposed of his holdings and moved to Riverside county, Cal., to enjoy the
comforts and prosperity of a favored location of which he had heard naught but the highest praise. He purchased
twenty acres on the corner of Victoria avenue and Mary street, and from that date began its improvement from sage
brush and greasewood. He erected a modern house a little later and planted his place to the finest qualities of
oranges, which yielded him a handsome profit as they began to come in bearing. He also threw himself into the civic
development of his adopted home city and county and never was found to be backward about lending support to every
movement brought to his attention that had for its ultimate object the best interests of the citizens and the upbuilding
of the city he called home. His one pride was the beautifying of Victoria avenue and he labored unceasingly towards
that end, as all who knew him willingly testify.
Mr. Puffer was thrice married. His first wife, Miss Polly A. Gillespie, to whom he was united on May 16, 1857,
passed away leaving one son, Jesse C., a well known resident of Riverside. His second marriage, with Lucy McManus,
resulted in the birth of two children: Carroll A., now a resident of Redlands; and Ira J., who died at the age
of twenty four years. Mrs. Lucy Puffer died in Riverside and left to mourn her passing a large circle of friends
who had been drawn to her for her many kindnesses shown during her residence in the city. In April, 1899, in San
Bernardino, occurred the last marriage of Mr. Puffer and united him with Mrs. Mary (McAlpin) Krahl. Together they
labored to make a happy and comfortable home in their declining years. Mr. Puffer passed away after a short illness,
April 21, 1912, leaving to mourn his death his widow and his two sons, Jesse C. and Carroll A. Never robust, yet
he was possessed of an energy and courage that were displayed many times, a kindly consideration for others was
always uppermost in his mind and he never neglected the opportunity to assist his more unfortunate fellowman. At
all times he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He was a Republican in political
belief and gave his hearty support to the party at all times. As a member of the Christian Church of Riverside
his religious life was both serene and practical.
From:
History of Riverside County, California
With a Biographical Review
History by Elmer Wallace Holmes
And other well known writers
Historic Record Company
Los Angeles, California 1912
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