Amador
County
Biographies
HOWARD L. DAYTON
The
Jackson Cleaners, under which name Howard L. and K. N. Dayton are conducting a
cleaning establishment at Jackson, is the leading concern in its line in Amador
County, its success being due to the up-to-date methods of the
proprietors. Howard L. Dayton was born
in Hollister, San Benito County, California, on the 13th of July,
1895, and is a son of Frank M. and Maggie B. (Speegle) Dayton. The father, who was a native of Michigan,
came to California in young manhood and engaged in ranching and cattle raising,
but after his marriage returned to Michigan, where he resided for eight
years. On again coming to California he
engaged in the meat business at Morgan Hill, but because of failing health went
to Siskiyou County, this state, where he continued in the same line of
business. Subsequently he and his son
Howard L. engaged in the laundry business together for seventeen years, or up
to the time of his death in 1926. His
widow, who is still living, is a native of California, the Speegle’s
being numbered among the earliest pioneers of this state.
Howard
L. Dayton received his education in the public schools of Michigan and
California, after which he became associated with his father in the laundry
business. On the entrance of the United
States into the World War he volunteered, enlisting in the Engineer Corps in
Oregon, and was sent overseas. There he
saw nineteen months and five days of service, driving cars for the members of
the army staff up and down the front lines, often during heavy engagements with
the enemy. He was honorably discharged
at Camp Lewis, Washington, after which he rejoined his father in the laundry
business at Dorris. They sold out there
in 1921, and Howard L. Dayton came to Jackson, where in 1923, in partnership
with his brother, K. N. Dayton, he established the present business, which is
conducted under the name of the Jackson Cleaners. They have an up-to-date plant, in which they
do high class work, and they have built up a large and steadily increasing
business, covering all of Amador County.
Mr.
Dayton was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite Laird, whose father crossed
the plains in an early day and drove stage through the mountains during the
eventful period prior to the coming of railroads into this part of the
country. In his political views Mr.
Dayton maintains an independent attitude, voting for the candidate whom he
regards as best qualified for the offices they seek, regardless of party
lines. He is a member of the Jackson
Post of the American Legion, of which he is a past commander. He has been active in the civic affairs of
his town and county, giving his supports to every measure which has for its
object the betterment of the community.
He is recognized as a capable business man, a public-spirited citizen
and a loyal and sincere friend and neighbor.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
Wooldridge, J.W.Major History of Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 435-436. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Amador County Biographies