Bearing the distinction of being the first white child in El Monte, Moses C. Cuddeback was born January 22, 1853 or 1854 (the exact year not being definitely established). At the time, his parents were living with the family of Nicholas Smith on Valley Boulevard in an adobe house, which remains at the location to this day. Moses C. Cuddeback was the son of Grant P. and Almira Cuddeback, their native state being New York. History tells that the family came to California in 1850, and that the death of the father, Grant P. occurred in 1905. The mother died in 1874.

Moses C. Cuddeback received his education in the limited facilities of the early schools of El Monte. After reaching his majority, he settled on a tract of land near El Monte and farmed for a number of years. About 1868 he went to Tehachapi and engaged for several years in ranching and stock raising. Mr. Cuddeback was thrice married. In about 1870, while ranching near Tehachapi, he was married to Miss Sarah Davenport, daughter of Jessie and Jane Davenport, natives of Illinois. By the first marriage, there were two children, namely: Jessie of Bakersfield, and Mary, (Mrs. S.O. Ritchart) of El Monte. In about 1878, the mother was taken by death. Desiring that his children be given a mother’s care, Mr. Cuddeback was a year or so later married a second time to Mrs. Kate Powell-Beck, a native of California. To them were born two children, Edith, (Mrs. R.E. Dancer) of Baldwin Park, and Arthur, now residing in Bakersfield.

In about 1883, Mr. Cuddeback moved with his family to Orange where he acquired a small ranch home. Death claimed his second wife while they were living in Orange, the year of her death being about 1893.

Mr. Cuddeback’s third wife was Mrs. Cloa Kent-Irons, of whose people no records were to be found. The third marriage occurred in about 1900 as nearly as can be ascertained. To this union were born three children, namely: Margaret (Mrs. Herman Bohnhard) of Woodland, Washington; Leon, of Reno, Nevada; and Clinton, of Winnemucca, Nevada.