Moncrief, E. J.

E. J. Moncrief was born in Nevada, Missouri, on November 29, 1888, to C. E. Moncrief and his wife. He moved to California with his parents in 1904, living in Rodeo where he worked for a powder company before joining the Sunset Monarch Oil Company in Maricopa. In 1908, he returned to his native town of Nevada, Missouri, to marry his former schoolmate, Miss Olive Hogge.

In June 1912, E. J. relocated to Parlier, California, and established a business dealing in hay, grain, oils, wood, and ice. He served as the local public weighmaster and managed ice distribution for Parlier and the surrounding area from his property adjoining the town. Raising his two children, Charlie and Oliver, in a modern bungalow east of Parlier, he built a solid reputation as a prosperous merchant and valued member of the Woodmen of the World.