Riverside
County
Biographies
JOSEPH SHIPP BORDWELL
Diligence and fidelity to trust have
ever been salient traits in the career of Joseph Shipp Bordwell, whose life
record is the story of an orderly progression that has brought him from a
humble position to that of auditor of the Southern Sierras Power & Light
Company at Riverside. He was born in
Marshall, Michigan, August 20, 1878, a son of Herbert Wilson Bordwell and a
grandson of David B. and Martha B. Bordwell, who were natives of the state of
New York. Herbert W. Bordwell was born
in Michigan and became a real estate dealer, operating extensively in that
field. In 1887 he journeyed westward to
California, locating at Palm Springs, Riverside County, and as superintendent
of the Palm Valley Land & Water Company had charge of the construction of
the railroad there. A capable executive
and a practical businessman of mature judgment, he was an important factor in
the development of that part of the state.
He married Frances M. Shipp, who was born in Michigan and is now
deceased.
Joseph Shipp Bordwell, an only
child, was but nine years of age when he came with his parents to California
and his educational advantages were those afforded by the grammar and high
schools of Riverside. As a clerk he
entered the service of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, with which he
spent three years, and next worked in the Kingman (Arizona) office of the
Arizona & Utah Railroad. Afterward
he was with the Cannea Consolidated Copper Company,
starting as a stenographer, and acted in succession as clerk, assistant auditor
and auditor. In 1913 he returned to
Riverside and has since been associated with the Southern Sierras Power &
Light Company, working his way steadily upward.
Beginning as a clerk, he was promoted to chief clerk in 1914 and proved
so capable that he was made assistant auditor soon afterward, while on April 1,
1930, he qualified for the post of auditor of this large corporation and its
subsidiaries. His is one of the best
managed departments of the business and by reason of his systematic, efficient
work he has thoroughly justified the confidence reposed in him.
In 1903 Mr. Bordwell was married to
Miss Anna Rice, a daughter of Charles T. and Emma J. (Noland) Rice of
Riverside, and they have one son, Dr. Alden S. Bordwell, physician, surgeon and
osteopath. He married Cordelia Reed and
they reside in Riverside. Mrs. John S.
Bordwell is regent of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution and figures prominently in club and social circles of
Riverside. In Masonry Mr. Bordwell has
connection with Riverside Lodge, No. 635, F. & A. M., and also belongs to
Riverside Lodge, No. 643, B. P. O. E., and to the Lions Club. To the best of his ability he has fulfilled
life’s duties and obligations and is highly esteemed in the city which has been
his home for many years and to which he is deeply attached.
Transcribed by
V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. III, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 407-408, Clarke Publ.,
Chicago, Los Angeles,
Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
GOLDEN
NUGGET'S RIVERSIDE BIOGRAPIES