Frank Huston Mogle was born on June 9, 1892 in Cucamonga, the son of Harvey E. and Myrmeta (Phillips) Mogle. In 1893 his family moved to Chino and was engaged in truck farming. Frank attended schools in Chino and obtained one year of college at the University of California in 1911. He later homesteaded some property 20 miles west of Victorville and in 1916 left that area for good when he went into the military service.
During World War I Frank was with the 23rd Engineers Battalion. From about 1918 to 1920 he was in France rebuilding and reconstructing roads and bridges. He was released from active duty in 1920 and returned to his family’s Chino farm and, in partnership with his brother, opened the Mogle Brothers Machinery Repair Shop. A short time later, as the business prospered, they added a sales line of farm machinery and pumping equipment and did contract well drilling. He continued to operate and manage the family’s walnut and produce ranch.
Frank and Marjorie Herricks, a Los Angeles school teacher, were married in Los Angeles on July 5, 1926. They resided in Chino where Mrs. Mogle continued to teach at the local school. They had no children.
Mr. Mogle made many friends in the Chino and Ontario areas and was active in civic affairs. Following the sudden death on May 17, 1933 of Fourth District Supervisor Milton P. Cheney, who had been ill for several months, many candidates were suggested to Governor James Rolph for appointment to fill the vacancy. Mr. Mogle’s chief supporter was Dr. Harold R. Miller, who stated: “I am supporting Frank Mogle of Chino for Fourth District Supervisor. His record has been one of political harmony and diplomacy. He is alert and capable and I deem him qualified and his appointment expedient and have so stated to the governor.”
Governor Rolph announced his selection of Frank Mogle on May 27, 1933, and he was sworn in on May 29. He was then reelected five times and was chairman of the board from 1944 to 1952. At the age of 62 he resigned his position effective October 1, 1954 and Paul J. Young was appointed to succeed him and took the office the following month.
Mr. Mogle was well acquainted with every area of the county through his various business associations. In 1951 the San Bernardino County Fair was dedicated to his honor. During an interview in 1949, the problems he recommended as needing the most attention were improved highways, adequate flood control, water, welfare, together with hospital and jail facilities. He gave these needs considerable attention while in office and many improvements were achieved. Several flood control and water conservation projects in the West End, outlined by R.V. Ward and sponsored by Frank Mogle during the 1930s, were approved. Among these were the Prado Flood Control Dam on the Santa Ana River, completed by the United States Corps of Engineers in 1941, improvements to the San Antonio, Chino, Day and Cucamonga creeks, the Turner and Red Hill basins, the College Heights Spreading Grounds, the 19th Street and Hillside Avenue storm drains and several other facilities.
In about 1950, the Mogles bought a ranch in Arizona which they developed for nursery stock. Except for occasional visits, Mr. Mogle supervised the venture from Chino. That property was sold in 1964 and they bought some property in Upland where their final home was built. Another venture was a bankrupt nursery in Palo Alto which they bought in 1959. This was a poor decision and it was sold in 1961. Having become an expert on water development in California, Mr. Mogle served as a member of water groups both locally and statewide. He was the owner and operator of Mogle Brothers Pumps and Wells Company of Chino for many years.
Mr. Mogle was a charter member and president of the Chino Rotary Club, and a founder and charter member of the Chino American Legion Post in which he had held all of the offices. He was a member of the Masonic Order and was a past commander of his lodge in Chino. He was chairman of the California Supervisors Association. He was chairman of the California Supervisors Highway Committee. He was a member of the State Legislative Committee for four terms. He was the chairman of the county’s flood control program for many years. Other organizations in which he held membership included the National Reclamation Association, the National Association of County Officials, the National Water Conservation Association, the National Rivers and Harbors Committee, the Sutter Club of Sacramento and he was a board member of San Antonio Community Hospital.
Frank Mogle died on June 8, 1982, just two hours short of his 90th birthday. He was survived by his wife, Marjorie, two sisters, Bette Simpson and Edith Mogle, both of Fullerton, and by several nieces and nephews.