Tulare County
Biographies
EDGAR L. BRANDON
About 1908 Edward Brandon and his son, Edgar L., came to California from their native state of Ohio. The father entered the employ of the firm of White & Green, owners of the Porterville Gas Company, as foreman of the gas works. Later he went to Coalinga, Fresno county, where for two years he was in charge of the local gas plant, and he then came to Visalia to accept the position of foreman of the gas works at that place. Subsequently he was made district superintendent for the Central Counties Gas Company, with supervision over the gas plants at Visalia, Exeter, Porterville and Tulare.
Edgar L. Brandon was about fourteen years of age when he accompanied is father to California, having been born in Auglaize, Ohio, May 2, 1894. He had attended the public schools in Auglaize and completed his education in the public schools of Porterville after coming to California. Upon leaving school he started in to work for the gas company at Porterville. His first job was with the pick and shovel, which he was not too proud to use, hence it may be said that he began at the lowest round of the ladder and has learned the business from the bottom up. After a time he was made service man, in which position he faithfully discharged his duties, and he was then promoted to his present position as superintendent of the Visalia plant of the Central Counties Gas Company.
Although Mr. Brandon takes an interest in all questions affecting the general good of Visalia and Tulare county, the greater part of his time is devoted to his business, improving the service of the gas company, studying methods of reducing the overhead expenses, etc. His wife, whose maiden name was Clother, was born in Orange county, California. They have three children: Catherine, Edna and Orval.
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California – Kathleen Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 439
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama
EDWARD L. BRANDON
Among those who have been especially active in the development of the public utilities of Tulare county in recent years is Edward L. Brandon, general superintendent of the Central Counties Gas Company, with headquarters in Visalia. He was born June 2, 1873, on a farm in Mercer county, Ohio, a son of Lewis and Mary E. (Downing) Brandon. The father was a farmer, and also worked at times at the trade of mason. Both parents are deceased.
Edward L. Brandon attended the district schools until he was seventeen years of age, when he was forced by circumstances to become the architect of his own fortune and found employment in running a steam engine. Since then he has learned many lessons in the school of experience, which by reading and observation he has acquired a practical knowledge of men and affairs. He continued to follow the occupation of stationary engineer until he came to California in 1908. His first employment in this state was as a well driller in Porterville. He was then with the Porterville Gas Company for about six months, when he resumed well drilling in the oil fields for the Standard Oil Company. Six months later he returned to the gas company in Porterville and was employed there until the company passed into the hands of a receiver. For the next three years he followed trucking with fair success.
The Central Counties Gas Company was formed in 1918 and soon afterwards Francis H. Hunger, vice president and general manager of the new corporation, induced Mr. Brandon to accept the position of superintendent of the plant at Visalia. Mr. Hunter afterward became president of the company, and Mr. Brandon, since May, 1922, has occupied the position of general superintendent. The company supplies six towns, and the entire outfit, including buildings, transmission lines, etc., is under Mr. Brandon’s immediate supervision. The company owes much of its success to his tireless energy and knowledge of gas works.
Before leaving Ohio Mr. Brandon was married to Miss Etta G. Harshbarger, and they have three children: Edgar Leroy, Nellie Marie and Ralph Loree. While Mr. Brandon takes a commendable interest in all questions affecting the public good, he is not a politician. In local matters especially he places the man of good character and reputation above party considerations. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California – Kathleen Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 327
Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama