Notes for Bernal Merza HOPPER: Bernal received his name from a poem by Whittier about the Mexican War, Battle of Buena Vista (the name of Bernal appears in the 8th stanza). He was educated at Prairie School, Fresno, CA, Selma High School and graduated from Stanford University in Mathematics and Science. He taught in high schools for some time, then he became a farmer in Fresno Co., CA. He became a prominent financier, showing much initiative. He was a director in the Pacific Southwest Bank, which later became National Security Bank. In 1935 he was appointed as chairman of the State Cotton Control Board. He was Bank Director of the First National Bank of Parlier from 1910-1916, Director of Valley Bank of Fresno 1920-1922, and Security First National 1922-1930. He was also Director of the California Peach Growers Association. He perfected the system of girdling grapes that was originated by his brother Maximilian. His chief interest has been science. He loved to play billiards.
Children of Bernal Merza HOPPER and Bessie WELLS are:
Bernal Merza HOPPER (b. February 12, 1878, d. January 1949)
Notes for Bernal Merza HOPPER: