Oliver, Orie Odell

Orie Odell Oliver was born in Ohio on July 12, 1866, to parents William G. and Sarah Jane Radabaugh Oliver. After being raised and educated in his native state, he moved to Kansas and eventually migrated to California in 1892, where he worked for the General Electric Company until 1897. Settling at Centerville as one of its earliest residents, he bought an initial seventeen acres of land to grow grapes and oranges and later expanded his holdings by purchasing an additional 110 surrounding acres.

Outside of managing his original ranch in Centerville, Oliver conducted business operations in Sanger as manager of the Lucius Powers Fruit Company, shipping green fruit via the Southern Pacific Railroad. His horticulturist expertise earned him an appointment as Deputy Horticultural Inspector for the State of California under Mr. Rouillard. Married in 1891 to Eve Dimmick, he raised six children—William D., Harvey W., Leo E., Firman L., Orion R., and Evelyn J.—while actively serving as Noble Grand and secretary for Orangedale Lodge No. 211, I. O. O. F., at Centerville.