To have lived a life of real experiences, full of good works for humanity in general and contentment in his lot on earth, Joseph L. Colvin has been an example of such endeavors in the communities in which he lived and his passing has left a vacancy in the ranks of Pomona's public-spirited men. He was a Kentuckian by birth, born in Covington, April 30, 1844, a son of John and Amelia E. (Newport) Colvin, of Quaker parentage on both sides, the father a lawyer in the Southern State, and a farmer in Illinois, whither he had moved about 1850. Joseph L. received his education in the public schools in Mt. Palatine, Ill., and graduated from the law department of Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Ill., in 1876.
Moving to Iroquois County, he farmed there for fifteen years, and also practiced law in the meantime. Always active in public affairs, he was a strong advocate of the temperance movement and was equally opposed to tobacco in any form. His marriage, which occurred in LaSalle County, December 27, 1882, united him with Miss Ada Bassett, a daughter of Barzilla Bassett, and they farmed in Iroquois County for ten years, and in 1893 came to Pomona Valley and here Mr. Colvin invested in ranch properties and became well known throughout the Valley for his interest in public affairs as an advocate for advancing the educational and moral life of the community, as well as its civic and financial progress. A Democrat in politics, he voted, however, for the man best suited for office, regardless of party affiliations, and he served on the jury in many cases, his law training causing him to frequently be chosen foreman of that body, and it was while serving in that capacity that he contracted a cold and died from the results.
During his many years of residence here Mr. Colvin passed through all the experiences of the early settlers, discouragements were numerous, but he stuck to his task and was successful in the end; a very companionable man and fond of young folks, he was popular in the community, and his death, occurring on Easter Sunday in 1912, was sincerely mourned by all who had come in contact with his fine character.
Since his death Mrs. Colvin has continued in her place in the community life, where she is active in social affairs, and is also successfully carrying on the ranching activities, which comprise twenty acres in walnuts and ten acres in alfalfa, and is a member of the Walnut Growers Association.
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 9/16/08, Pages 394-397
Los Angeles County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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