Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason is pleased to present another fascinating story of the many great county residents that have served in his position since 1853.

Albert G. Kendall was born in 1859 in Janesville, Wisconsin, and raised in Vermont until the age of 18.  He traveled west where he established his home in St. Paul, Nebraska. While residing in Nebraska, he was a businessman and also took an active interest in politics. He became the youngest member elected to the Constitutional Convention, which adopted the constitution of the State of Nebraska.

Kendall eventually relocated to Ontario, California in 1887. In 1891, he was elected as the county tax collector, followed by his election as the county assessor in 1899. He later served as a county supervisor from 1918 to 1926.

In recognition of his service, Kendall Drive in north San Bernardino was named after him. This story begins in 1924 when civic leaders came up with the idea to construct a safety highway designed to bypass the dangerous “Death Curve” where Cajon Boulevard makes a sharp bend.

The road’s construction took about two years to complete. During that time, a decision was made to name the new highway after Kendall, who was a notable civic leader in San Bernardino County.

Kendall passed away in 1926, which devastated the entire community. A resolution of sorrow was spread upon the minutes of the Board of Supervisors of San Bernardino County marking the passing of the beloved Chairman Albert G. Kendall.

The passage of the resolution was the only agenda item addressed during the regular meeting after board members had been informed of his death at the Loma Linda hospital. Many recalled him to be a true friend and faithful public servant.


Additional County Update News – April 11, 2024