Banning Library District

Biographical Note

Ernest and Nelle Boud lived in San Diego, California from 1926 to 1955, where Ernest served as a San Diego City Councilman from 1941 to 1947. Mr. Boud was a Captain in World War I and worked as a representative for a Pittsburgh steel company before retiring. He was a member of the American Legion for 41 years and Nelle was affiliated with the Red Cross for 25 years. After retirement the Bouds moved to Banning in 1955, where they were well known in the communities of the San Gorgonio Pass and appreciated for their volunteer work. While living in Banning the Bouds continued adding to their extensive collection of Western history books.

Charles Omar (C. O.) Barker settled in Banning, California in 1884 after relocating from Iowa. He is best remembered as a politician and a cattle and farming entrepreneur. While serving as a California State Assemblyman he introduced a bill creating the County of Riverside in 1893. Mr. Barker was instrumental in the establishment of water rights for Banning and the Morongo Indian Reservation and developed large portions of Banning for agricultural use.