Newhall Rancher Mentioned in 1932 for Prohibition Presidential Race.
H. Clay Needham, Newhall rancher and nationally known dry law advocate who was mentioned for the Presidency by the Prohibition party at the age of 80 years, died early yesterday in his ranch house. He was 84 years of age.
Funeral services, to be arranged by Breese Brothers Mortuary, will be conducted from the Wee Kirk o' the Heather at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Mr. Needham, who maintained his city home at 396½ South Bonnie Brae street, spent a colorful life in the Southland since his arrival here in 1888, during which he became established as a leading rancher, real estate operator and oil industrialist. His own property, three miles south of Newhall, was the center of valuable petroleum land.
Born in Eliabethtown, Ky., Mr. Needham came to Los Angeles when he was 37 years of age. Ranching had always been his occupation.
Although he had been retired for more than a decade at the time of his death, Mr. Needham had continued his activities on behalf of Prohibition.
Uncompromising in his views, he insisted on complete abstinence and would not join the light wines and beer movement.
From his ranch at Newhall he conducted campaigns for every United States Congressional and executive office, "to keep the name of the party alive." His last mention for political office on the Prohibition slate was in the spring of 1932, when friends sought his nomination for the Presidency.
He was the author of the legislation which formed the basis of Kansas' strong dry law many years ago.
In the early 1900s he was a County Supervisor here.
Mr. Needham leaves his widow, Mrs. Lillie F. Needham, of Los Angeles; two daughters, Mrs. Nelle M. Miller of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Pearl Segerstrom of Sonora, and three sons, Russell and Neil of Los Angeles, and Lieut. H.P. Needham, stationed with the United States Marine Corps at San Diego.
©1936 Los Angeles Times.