Foremost among those who have brought the manufacture of concrete pipe forward as a California industry, while advancing its state scientifically and technically, must be mentioned Henry J. and John B. Brubaker, under the firm name of Brubaker Bros., whose office is at 25 Acacia Street, San Dimas. Henry J. was born on a farm in Franklin County, Kans., on March 6, 1886, while his brother, John B. Brubaker, was born on January 16, 1884. Their parents were Joseph L. and Mary S. (Garber) Brubaker, natives of Tennessee and Illinois, respectively, who were farmers in Iowa, and later in Kansas.
The family early moved to Wyoming, and after four years proceeded, in the fall of 1890, overland to California, being three and a half months on the way. They spent a year at Fresno, and then they were at Norwalk until 1893. For another three years they remained at Little Rock, Antelope Valley, on the Mojave desert, and in 1896 came to San Dimas, where the father died; his widow survives him.
Henry obtained his education in the public schools of California, but at fourteen he went to work, and the balance of his studying was in the great school of life and human experience. For five years he clerked in a general merchandise store with his brother, and all the time was preparing for the later and more important work of his life.
In 1907 Brubaker Bros. established their business here, and it has been conducted in this vicinity ever since, the operations extending in particular over Riverside and Los Angeles counties. They employ an average of thirty men, and their pay roll runs over $2,000 a month. In 1912 Brubaker Bros. perfected a new concrete pipe making machine, which they patented and now use in their business. This machine facilitates the manufacture as well as makes a stronger and superior pipe. It is equipped to run by power. The manufactured pipe is shipped into different parts of Southern California and as far north as Kern County and is in much demand for its superior quality. The machine has been adopted by the state of California in the manufacture of concrete pipe for the state land settlements. Being much interested in the development and growth of Pomona Valley, they have the satisfaction of knowing that they have contributed something definite to bring about definite results.
On June 5, 1909, Henry J. Brubaker was married to Miss Dora Ehersman, a native of Indiana, and they have two children, Mary Elizabeth and Stuart Brubaker. John B. Brubaker married Miss Hattie Teague, the daughter of D. C. Teague, a pioneer of San Dimas. John B. Brubaker was bereaved of his wife three years ago, leaving him a daughter, Hattie May. The Brubakers are Republicans, also members of the Pomona Lodge No. 789, B. P. O. Elks, and are active in the Chamber of Commerce.
History of Pomona Valley, California, with Biographical Sketches
of The Leading Men and Women of the Valley Who Have Been
Identified With Its Growth and Development from the Early Days
to the Present
Published in Los Angeles, Cal., by the Historic Record Company
1920
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 11/12/08, Page 685
Los Angeles County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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