he Pioneer Meat Market, one of the solid business houses of Redlands, is owned and conducted by John S. Crosley, who has been a familiar figure among the business men of Redlands since 1889. Born in Ohio, July 12, 1834, Mr. Crosley crossed the Missouri river on his way to California, April 24, 1852, and during his residence of 45 years in this state and adjoining states and territories, has made but one visit to his old home in the East. Mr. Crosley's first overland journey was made with an ox team, and he arrived in California August, 1, 1852. For 16 years he lived in Eldorado county, being engaged the most of this time in mining. Mr. Crosley afterward spent three years in Virginia City, and then was for ten years in Oakland, as a dealer in produce. In 1880 he went to Tucson, Arizona, and there engaged in the butcher business, which he has followed since. After five years' residence in Tucson Mr.Crosley returned to Oakland for a year and then came to Southern California, living in Los Angeles and San Diego two years. In 1889 he came to Redlands and opened the Pioneer Market, in the same location, on State Street, which he still occupies.

As Redlands has grown Mr. Crosley has kept pace with the march of improvements in a successful effort to furnish his patrons with the best in his line. Almost everybody enjoys a juicy steak or a tender roast but few who have not made a study of this very plain but important subject understand the effort required to render meats palatable and wholesome. They must be kept at the right temperature just long enough and not too long and they must be cut and served when at their prime. Mrs. Crosley's establishment is fitted with every facility, including two expensive Gurney refrigerators, for this purpose, and he has never spared pains or expense to accomplish the best results. The sequel is his still growing and prosperous business of to-day.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 70.)