ohn Wallace Fox Diss was born at San Francisco, September 22, 1860, and passed the first thirty years of his life in that city. At eighteen years of age he entered journalism, which he followed for ten years, filling all positions, from reporter to editor, on the dailies and weeklies of San Francisco. In 1889 he came to Redlands, where, after a year as a horticulturist, he became an accountant in the First National Bank. Still devoting some of his time to horticulture, he represented Redlands at several of the citrus fairs, notably at the one in which Redlands took first premium at Los Angeles for its wonderful display of oranges, the principal feature of which was a representation of the Bear Valley dam. Mr. Diss was a member of the first board of directors of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and was its treasurer until his election to a county office in 1894. He was also one of the editors and owners of the Orange Belt, published in the interests of Alessandro and Moreno. He served as school trustee in the Crafton district from 1892 to '94 and was elected president of the Union High School board.

In 1894 the offices of county clerk, recorder and auditor for San Bernardino County were consolidated and Mr. Diss was elected to fill them, an important position which he still holds. He has always taken an active interest in fraternal affairs. He was one of the organizers of Redlands Parlor No. 168, N. S. G. W., and its first president, and is now a member of the Grand Parlor of the order and District Deputy Grand President at large for the state. He is a charter member of Redlands Lodge NO. 186, Knights of Pythias; a member of Redlands Council No. 7, Jr. O. U. A. M., Redlands Lodge No. 300, F. and A. M., Redlands Chapter No. 77, R. A. M. and St. Bernard Commandery, No. 23, Knights Templar. In 1881 he became actively interested in the National Guard of California, and soon after his arrival at Redlands he organized Co. "G" of which he was the first captain. He served two years as such, was re-elected for a second term and remained captain until promoted to be major and inspecting officer of the First Brigade, November 5, 1895. He organized the Perkins Club of San Bernardino, one of the notable features in local parades during the last presidential campaign. Major Diss is an active member of the Republican party in San Bernardino County. Although the duties of his office require his residence in San Bernardino he has never lost his interest in Redlands and in her prosperity.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 13)