EABY, GEORGE M. -- That a man need not own extensive acreage in order to exercise important influence in a community is demonstrated by George M. Eaby, the proud possessor of a modest but enviable grove of citrus and walnut trees, who has had a hand in the late development of La Habra and vicinity. He was born near Laton, Rooks County, Kans., on May 21, 1876, the son of Aaron S. and Cordelia (Gregory) Eaby, early settlers of the "Garden of the West," the father, a Pennsylvanian, having moved there in 1874, a year after the mother, who came from Iowa. Aaron Eaby was a farmer; hence, while he attended the local schools, George spent his boyhood and youth on the home farm. Later, he attended the Kansas Wesleyan University at Salina, there completing his days of schooling.
In 1896 Mr. Eaby came to California and settled at Whittier, where he worked on various ranches. The next year, on September 23, he was married to Mrs. Alice Prentice, a native of Iowa, where she was born near Des Moines. Her maiden name was Alice Hites, and she was the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Hites; and she attended the country school near Des Moines.
In 1906 Mr. Eaby purchased six acres on La Mirada Avenue, west of La Habra, three acres of which were set out to walnuts; and the remaining three acres he set out to Valencia oranges. Seven years later he built his own home there. He buys the water he needs for irrigation from the La Habra Water Company, markets his walnuts through the La Habra Walnut Growers Association, and his oranges through the Index Orchards of the M. O. D. of Redlands.
A Republican in matters of national political import, and always ready to advance the principles long set forth by that great body, Mr. Eaby is a broad-minded American, favoring the best men and the best measures, particularly in local movements, for the attainment of ends difficult or impossible when partisanship prevails. He takes a keen interest in all that happens at La Habra, having the utmost confidence in the ever-increasing prosperity of this highly-favored region.
