Little, H. M.

Born in McLeod County, Minnesota, in 1860, H. M. Little was one of nine children born to David and Sarah Little. In early life he learned the blacksmith trade, a craft he practiced successfully for decades after relocating to California in 1887 during the regional boom. Before settling in Fresno County, he operated shops in Rivera and La Habra while acquiring real estate across Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties.

In 1916, Little established his home in the foothill region of Tivy Valley, developing a 427-acre property for stock grazing and intensive poultry farming. His operation featured a flock of over 600 White Leghorn chickens along with extensive livestock facilities. Married in 1885 to Flora Curtis of Maine, with whom he had three children, Little remained a well-regarded rancher and active participant in local community affairs.