. T. Gifford was born at Rochester, N. Y., June 24, 1851, and spent his boyhood in that city, in Syracuse and in Buffalo. He was educated in the public schools, an academy in Buffalo and Cornell University. After leaving college, Mr. Gifford was a clerk in business houses for some time, and was in the Buffalo office of the Michigan Central for three years. Afterward he became head clerk in the office of Felthausen & Whittet, steam fitters and dealers in plumbers' supplies. In July, 1888, Mr. Gifford came to San Francisco, and was afterward employed by George W. Meade, then in business in Fresno, for a few months. Coming to Redlands in 1889, Mr. Gifford entered the office of Messrs. Judson & Brown, and a little later went to New York City with an exhibit from San Bernardino county. Returning to California, he became "Mayor of Allesandro," and had charge of receiving and distributing the immense quantities of iron and vitrified pipes used by the Bear Valley Irrigation Company in constructing its lines to Moreno and Allesandro. In July, 1894, Mr. Gifford returned to Redlands for a permanent residence. January last he was elected secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and also acts as deputy county clerk for Redlands. He was married July 19, 1891, to Mrs. Emma Frances Hale.

Since the first of January last, Mr. Gifford has engaged in an insurance and loan business with an office in the First National Bank block. Among the companies which re represent are the Preferred new York, in accident insurance; the New Your Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the following in fire insurance: The Home and The Westchester, of New York; The Providence-Washington, of Providence, R. I.; the Atlas, of London; the Northern and the Sun. He is also secretary of the local board of fire underwriters. He is also prepared to negotiate loans upon approved security, to attend to the examining of titles, securing of affidavits and depositions, pay taxes, collection and similar business for non0-residents. Mr. Gifford is a notary public and will give attention to any business requiring a notarial seal.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 75.)