If the visitor to Plainfield, California, should inquire for the largest and best equipped dairy in the locality, he would no doubt be directed to that of R. H. Durham & Sons. R. H. Durham, the head of this prosperous and well managed dairy, was born in Suffolk, England. In the early years of his manhood he was a farmer on the estate of Lord Rendlesom. In 1877 and 1878 he was in Australia and New Zealand. From there he went to the Cape of Good Hope, where he remained for a time, finally returning to England by way of the Suez Canal. After his return to his native land he married Miss Mary E. Burton and a little later came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Durham have two sons and four daughters : Herbert H., Alice Mary, Florence, Thomas C., Helen Kate and Bessie. Herbert H. married Amanda Kingsbury and has one son, Robert H. Thomas C. married Gladys Harlan and has two children, Harlan Charles and Neva.
The Durham Dairy consists of a herd of almost pure blood Holstein cattle, about forty of which are constantly in service as mulch cows. Both sons are partners in the enterprise. They own seven hundred and twenty acres and lease another seven hundred and twenty. Part of this land is irrigated and in 1924 they raised about fifty acres of alfalfa, besides other crops. There are three dwelling houses on the ranch, with modern cattle barns and other outbuildings necessary for successful dairying.
The two sons are somewhat active in fraternal matters. Herbert H. is a past master of San Miguel Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Thomas C. is also an Odd Fellow.
Source: History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California : cradle of California’s history and romance : dating from the planting of the cross of Christendom upon the shores of Monterey Bay by Fr. Junipero Serra, and those intrepid adventurers who accompanied him, down to the present day. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1925.