USA > California > Los Angeles County > Los Angeles > A history of California and an extended history of Los Angeles and environs, Biographical, Volume II > Part 49
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MADAME MARY E. LINDLEY. The first representative of the Banta family in America arrived on Manhattan Island from Holland as early as 1659. From that date successive genera-
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tions were characterized by a high degree of in- telligence and patriotism. The importance of the element of patriotism as a family attribute may be inferred from the statement that the grandfather of Madame Lindley and three of her uncles served in the Revolution, other relatives fought in the war of 1812 and the Mexican war, while her four brothers were gallant officers in the Union army during the Civil war. The daughter of a Virginian father and a Kentucky mother, she was born at Vevay, Ind., in 1829, and during girlhood was given exceptional educa- tional advantages and was also trained to be faithful in home and church duties. At Belle- ville, Ind., in 1849 she became the bride of Milton Lindley, and from that time until they removed to Southern California in 1875 they continued to make their home in Indiana, with the exception of nine years (1866-75) spent in the city of Minneapolis.
Upon coming to California Madame Lindley made her home on a farm adjoining the western limits of Los Angeles, now a beautiful residence section known as Ellendale Place. Associated with Madame Severance she founded the first kindergarten for poor children in Los Angeles and remained a director until it was merged into the public school system. On the organization of the First Christian Church she became a charter member. By nature ethical and of a religious temperament, she found great joy in the teaching of a Bible class for women in that church, and not until she had reached her seventieth anniver- sary did she give up this labor of love. On each of her anniversaries after that time she received messages of affection from members of the class, and none mourned her passing with a sense of keener personal loss than those matrons who long had profited by her profound knowledge of the Scriptures and her desire to be of service in the world. That desire also took expression in help- fulness to poor girls out of employment. It was her custom to invite these to come to her in trouble and she made her home a haven for them. Besides finding them places, if possible. in every instance she kept in touch with their progress and gave them the benefit of her continued sympathy. At the founding of the Los Angeles Orphans' Home she was a leading worker and contributor, and at the age of eighty-two she counted it a privilege to attend the laying of the corner-stone of the splendid new structures near Colegrove.
In view of the present general interest in the "new woman" movement, it may be appropriate to state that, while Madame Lindley exalted the home as the center of the affections and duties of the true woman, and while her own example was that of the ideal wife, mother and hostess, she was likewise a firm believer in woman suffrage and cast her ballot at the polls whenever the opportunity was offered. After the death of Mr. Lindley in 1895 she was tenderly cared for by her daughter, Miss Ida B., and received the affectionate consideration of other members of her family and a host of warm personal friends, to each and all of whom her passing. November 3, 1913, was an occasion for the most sincere and profound regret. The helper of the poor, the promoter of civic enterprises, upholding Chris- tianity by precept and example, she had lived well and nobly, and her name is written deep in the hearts of those who knew her. Her daughters, Miss Ida B. Lindley and Mrs. John E. Coffin, in- herited her own graciousness and dignity, while her sons have risen to a prominence worthy of the honored name they bear, Dr. Walter Lindley being foremost among physicians and surgeons of Los Angeles ; Hervey, a banker of Seattle ; Albert, president of the Order of Railway Employees. an insurance company at San Francisco, and with extensive farming interests in the delta land near Stockton, and Arthur, a resident of the Imperial Valley.
WILLIAM ATWELL CHENEY. A pioneer of 1882 in Los Angeles. William Atwell Cheney, counselor-at-law. was born in Boston, Mass., February 18, 1848. the son of Benjamin Franklin and Martha (Whitney) Cheney. In 1871, at New Haven, Conn., he married Anna E. Skinner of that city, and to them was born there a son, Harvey D. Cheney, now a practicing attorney in Los Angeles. Judge Cheney is descended from notable New England stock, the members of his family on both sides having been distinguished in the history of Massachusetts.
W. A. Cheney was educated in public schools and private academies of Boston. His education was interrupted when he was eighteen years of age by failing health, and leaving school he spent one year on a trading vessel. He made his first trip to California in the latter part of 1867 via
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Panama, but after remaining about three years, returned to Boston. In 1875 he again came to California, where he has since made his home. He first located in San Francisco, then settled in Plumas county and prosecuted his law studies, being admitted to the bar shortly after his arrival, and in 1877 was elected Superior Judge of Plumas county. He remained on the bench until the old Constitution was changed and the new district created, in 1880, and was then elected to the state senate from the district Plumas, Butte and Lassen counties, serving in the senate for three sessions and during that time was a member of the judiciary committee, having in charge the revision of the legal codes. He was at this time also in partnership with Creed Hammond of Sacramento.
In 1882, before the expiration of his term as state senator, Mr. Cheney moved to Los Angeles and there took up the practice of his profession. He also took an active part in politics and stumped the southern part of the state in behalf of the national Republican party. Shortly after his arrival in Los Angeles he was elected a member of the board of education and served for a year. He was at this time in partnership with Lieuten- ant Governor John Mansfield of California.
In 1884 Mr. Cheney was elected to the Superior bench of Los Angeles county. He and Judge Anson Brunson were the only judges at that time and, incidentally, the only Republicans who had been elected to the Los Angeles county bench up to that period. Mr. Cheney had charge of the criminal department of the court and for six years administered justice in such manner that his name stands among the most honored in the history of California jurisprudence. In 1891 he retired from the bench to re-enter private practice and became associated with Cornelius Cronin. Shortly after- ward he was chosen chief counsel for the Los Angeles Gas and Electric Corporation and sub- sidiary companies, and is still in that position.
Mr. Cheney has been one of the stanchest supporters of the Republican party in the west for more than a quarter of a century, and, as one of the powerful orators in its ranks, has spoken in dozens of campaigns. He was a promi- nent figure in state, county and district conven- tions from his entry into politics until press of private business prevented longer an active political life. A philosophy which he has always put into practice, is that a man to be a successful
counselor to others shouldl "know everything about some things and something about every thing." He believes that whatever intellectual power any man may have, whether small or great, it may double itself by rest acquired through a process of alternation. Mr. Cheney has exemplified this philosophy by turning his ener- gies to other directions than those in which he has become temporarily wearied. He is, there- fore, no stranger in the field of painting, sculpture and science. It is for this professional and philosophic reason and because he believes in getting as much out of life as life has for a man's mind, that his life, despite his public and semi- public activities, has been that of a student. He has devoted much time to the study and discus- sion of scientific subjects, including biology, philosophy and sociology. He has been a prolific writer on these and legal matters, one of his principal works being a brief in book form, en- titled "Can We Be Sure of Mortality ?"
Judge Cheney stands at the top of his pro- fession, is a member of the Los Angeles Bar Association and a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences. He also is lecturer on Constitutional Law at the University of Southern California Law School.
JUDGE ALBERT M. STEPHENS. Forty years of splendid legal practice in Los Angeles is the record of Judge Albert M. Stephens, who, although now nearing his seventieth year, is still caring for an extensive clientelle, in which arduous task he is assisted by two of his sons. both of whom are also well known in the legal circles of California. The record of Judge Stephens, judged alone from its legal worth, is of more than ordinary merit, and his standing among his brothers of the bar throughout the state is exceptionally high.
Judge Stephens is a native of Tennessee, hav- ing been born at Jackson, March 22. 1846. the son of William and Barbara (Miller) Stephens. His father was a native of Havre de Grace. Md., where he was partly educated. later graduating from the University of Tennessee, at Nashville. He then engaged in the practice of law at Jackson, Tenn., until June, 1875, when he came to Cali- fornia and lived in retirement on a beautiful orange grove near San Gabriel. He was a man
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of more than customary attainments and won much distinction in his profession. In ante-bellum times he was a leading Whig and was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Tennessee. During the Civil war he served with distinction as a colonel in the Sixth Tennessee Regiment. The son, Albert M., attended private schools at Jack- son. Later he entered the University of Mis- sissippi, finishing his course in 1866, after which he attended the law school in Lebanon, Tenn., completing the course in 1868 Immediately there- after he was admitted to the bar of the state and commenced practicing in Memphis, Tenn. He served the county of Shelby as district attorney from 1870 to 1874, and then came to California, locating at Los Angeles, where he has since made his home, being continuously identified with the legal interests of the city and state. He has served with distinction on the bench, being ele- vated to that position in 1877, and serving as Probate Judge during 1877, 1878 and 1879. In his political affiliations Judge Stephens is a mem- ber of the Democratic party and has always stood high in the confidence of that organization. In his religious views he is a member of the Epis- copal church and a regular attendant on the services of that denomination.
The marriage of Judge Stephens was solem- nized in Memphis, Tenn., in November, 1870, the bride of his choice being Miss Matilda Jarvis Wicks, of that city. They have become the parents of five children, all of whom are still living. They are: William W., now a resident of Leavenworth, Wash .; Albert M., Jr., a law partner with his father; Irene, now Mrs. Donald Frick, her husband being one of the leading physicians of Los Angeles; Moye W., a promi- nent real estate dealer of Los Angeles ; and Ray- mond W., also in his father's law office as a junior partner.
WILLIAM LACY. One of the pioneer busi- ness men of Southern California who left his imprint upon the community was William Lacy, a native of England, born in London, June 11, 1835, and there he was reared to years of matur- ity. In young manhood he decided to seek his fortune among the larger opportunities of the western world, and accordingly located in Illinois,
and near the city of Chicago met and married Isabella Rigg, also a native of England, born and reared in Northumberland. It was in 1864 that they first became numbered among the pioneer citizens of California, in that year making the journey to the Pacific coast via the Isthmus of Panama, and locating in Marin county, where in Bolinas Mr. Lacy established a general merchan- dise business. Four years later he disposed of these interests and going to San Diego became interested in the upbuilding and development of that place as one of its pioneer residents. Oppor- tunities presenting themselves in Los Angeles, he came to this city in 1874, and until the time of his death, August 7, 1897, at the age of sixty-two years, was foremost in the advancement of all projects which had for their end the upbuilding and development of the best interests of the gen- eral community. He was first and for some years engaged as cashier of the Commercial, now the First National Bank, discharging the duties of this office in an efficient manner, while he at the same time gave thought and enterprise to other lines. Chief among these was the organiza- tion of the Puente Oil Company, in which he was the prime mover, and after the completion of the enterprise they at once began prospecting and developing wells in the great Puente oil field, the second oil field to be developed in Southern Cali- fornia. The responsibilities of the presidency of this company proving too engrossing with his other interests, he finally resigned the cashiership in order to devote his time and attention to the other project and to the close of his career he remained actively identified with the oil interests of this section. Later he also became interested in real estate and in the passing years laid out several additions to East Los Angeles, which have materially extended the corporate limits. In the municipal advancement of the city he was always active and no citizen took a keener interest in the upbuilding of the general welfare.
In his political affiliations Mr. Lacy was a stanch adherent to the principles advocated in the platform of the Democratic party, and al- though never desirous of personal recognition, always gave his aid in the advancement of these interests. His wife survived him some years, passing away in Los Angeles in February, 1905. They were the parents of six children, namely : William, Jr., president of the Lacy Manufactur- ing Company ; Richard H., secretary and treas-
H. D. Engelhardt
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urer of the Lacy Manufacturing Company ; Ed- ward, engaged in the mines of Old Mexico; Fred G., who died at the age of twenty-eight years; Sophia and Isabelle, of Los Angeles.
HENRY D. ENGELHARDT. A native of Germany, but a resident of the United States from the time he was a child of three years, Henry D. Engelhardt was for many years a resident of Glendora, and a loyal and devoted citizen of his adopted country he in- deed proved himself to be. He served his adopted country loyally during the great Civil war and participated in many of the great battles of the Mississippi region. During his residence in Glendora, covering almost thirty years, he became an extensive land owner in that vicinity, the property that he purchased being developed and improved while in his hands. His death occurred in Glendora in September, 1910, and since that time his widow, Mrs. Catherine Engelhardt, has con- tinued to reside on the old home place.
Mr. Engelhardt was born in Germany in December, 1847, and when he was three years of age his mother brought him to America, coming by way of New Orleans, and joining her husband in Ohio county, Ind., whither he had journeyed two years previously. In that locality the parents carried on farming, the son growing to maturity on the farm and attending the district school, and assisting with the farm duties. In June, 1862, he en- listed in Company C, Eighty-third Indiana In- fantry, which was assigned to the Fifteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Engelhardt was in the battles of Black's Bayou, Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Dallas, and other important engage- ments. As a result of wounds received in the engagement at Dallas he was confined in the hospital for two months. Later he was assigned as a nurse in a hospital of the Fifteenth Army Corps in North Carolina. Following his honor- able discharge in June, 1865, he returned to Indiana, where he engaged in farming for a time, then he removed to Platte county, Mo., and continued the same business until 1883, when he disposed of his holdings and came to
California. Arriving in Los Angeles county, Mr. Engelhardt at once purchased forty acres of land at Glendora. A part of this was later disposed of and the remainder planted to orange trees. Ten acres now remain of the old home place, and here Mrs. Engelhardt makes her home. Besides the home place Mr. Engel- hardt also purchased other land in the vicinity, which, after developing and planting orange groves, he sold at a handsome profit when the trees came into bearing. He also owned forty acres at Beaumont and a residence property at Banning, both in Riverside county.
The marriage of Mr. Engelhardt and Miss Catherine Kampefhner, of Platte county, Mo., occurred February 16, 1870, in that state. The issue of this marriage was five children, two sons, now deceased, and three daughters, all well known in Glendora, where they lived for many years. There are: Mrs. Anna Store, re- siding in Beaumont, Riverside county, and the mother of four children; Mrs. Clara Rietzke, also residing in Beaumont, and the mother of four children ; and Mrs. May Cullen, of Glen- dora, the mother of two children. As was her husband, Mrs. Engelhardt is well known in Glendora, where she has many warm friends. She is also a member of the Christian Church, she and her husband becoming charter mem- bers of the organization. The children are also members of this church. Mr. Engelhardt was identified with many public matters, and was an influential member of the Fraternal Brother- hood.
H. BERT ELLIS, A. B., M. D. One of the leading physicians of California, and especially prominent in Los Angeles, where he has made his home for many years, is Dr. H. Bert Ellis. He is acknowledged to be a citizen of more than ordinary worth, and the services that have been rendered to the city by him are varied and valu- able, for he has been closely allied with many phases of progressive health and sanitary legisla- tion, both as a citizen, a practicing physician and a teacher. For many years he has been intensely and practically interested in the welfare of the city from a physical and moral standpoint par- ticularly, and his wide knowledge of affairs and
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men has made it possible for him to render service of extraordinary value.
Dr. Ellis is a native of Maine, having been born at Lincoln, May 17, 1863. He is descended from sturdy old English ancestry, his father being James Henry Ellis, whose forebears are directly descended from one of the lord mayors of London ; while his mother was Annie M. (Bul- lard) Ellis, descended in a direct line from William Bradford, the second governor of Massa- chusetts and the head of the little colony of Puritans at Plymouth. James Henry Ellis was a native of Massachusetts, born in Middleboro, April 23, 1836. He became one of the leading dental surgeons in the maritime provinces, and from 1867 to 1883 was located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. His wife was a native of Maine, born August 21, 1838. Their son, H. Bert Ellis, received his early education in the public schools of his district, and later attended and graduated from the high school, where he also prepared for more advanced work, spending one year at the University of New Brunswick. In 1881 he entered Acadia University, Wolfsville, Nova Scotia, graduating three years later.
It was in 1884 that Dr. Ellis first came to Los Angeles. For a year he was engaged in business and agricultural pursuits in Los An- geles and Pasadena, and then entered the Medical College of the University of Southern California (Los Angeles), from which he was graduated with honors in April, 1888. For a portion of this time he had served as an interne at the Los An- geles County Hospital, and so was equipped, not only with theoretical knowledge, but also pos- sessed an appreciable amount of practical expe- rience as well. Following his graduation he went at once to Europe, where he pursued his studies for several years, doing post-graduate work at the University of Gottingen, Germany, and at the University of Vienna, at Vienna, Austria. After completing his studies abroad Dr. Ellis re- turned to Los Angeles and at once took up the practice of his profession here, and has since that time been constantly so engaged. Since 1893 he has devoted himself exclusively to the treat- ment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and has won wide distinction in this difficult and important field of medical practice.
Aside from his regular practice Dr. Ellis has won the confidence of his contemporaries, and has been signally honored in many ways, receiving
manifestations of confidence and esteem which he has so well merited. He has filled many po- sitions of trust and responsibility with great ability and satisfaction, and has proven himself to be a man of great native ability, of wide sym- pathies and keen appreciations. Among the spe- cial positions that have been so ably filled by Dr. Ellis may be mentioned that of lecturer on physiology in the College of Medicine at the Uni- versity of Southern California, to which he re- ceived appointment in October, 1889, soon after establishing his practice here. In October of the following year he was elected professor of the same department, continuing in this capacity un- til in January, 1896, when he was elected to the chair of ophthalmology. In November, 1898, he was further honored by being made treasurer of the college of medicine.
Dr. Ellis is also prominently identified with the medical organizations of the state, and especially of the Southland, having served in an official ca- pacity in most of them. He was president of the Southern California Medical Society in 1889 and 1900; was senior vice-president of the American Medical College Association, and has served con- stantly as secretary, or assistant secretary, of the Los Angeles County and Southern California Medical Associations, the American Medical Editors Association, and of the Doctors Social Club of Los Angeles. Quite apart from his professional standing Dr. Ellis has a wide circle of personal friends and admirers, with whom he is deservedly popular. He is a prominent member of several of the best known local social clubs, among which may be men- tioned the California, Los Angeles, Athletic, Los Angeles Country and Sunset Clubs, and the Sci- ence Association of Southern California. Fra- ternally he is prominent among the Masons and the Elks.
In his political affiliations Dr. Ellis is a stanch Republican, giving his support to its men and measures, but always standing four-square for what he honestly believes to be the best policy for the city, state and nation, and being especially open minded and progressive on all questions of local import, favoring at all times that which is for the general betterment of the municipality, and for civic uplift and progress. He has ren- dered valuable service to the city as a member of the Board of Education, having been president of the board during 1903 and 1904.
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Personally Dr. Ellis possesses many ideal qual- ifications for a true physician. He is a disciple of the gospel of good cheer, is gentle, patient and sympathetic, and the allegiance given him by those who have come under his ministering care for physical pain and suffering is in itself a suf- ficient testimony to the truth and worth of his character as a man, as well as to his ability as a physician.
The marriage of Dr. Ellis took place in Phila- delphia, May 27, 1907, uniting him with Mrs. Florence E. Chandler, the daughter of James Dascom, and a native of Stamford, Connecticut, born at Stamford November 1, 1871.
CROMWELL GALPIN. A native of Wau- kesha county, Wis., where he was born in 1852, Cromwell Galpin was taken by his parents when a small child to Appleton, that state, where he was educated in the public schools and at Lawrence University. After he had completed the college course he took up the study of law at Ann Ar- bor, Mich., going thence to East Saginaw, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until 1880, then becoming editor of the Evening News of Saginaw and continuing until 1883. In July of that year he came to California, stopping for a short time in National City, San Diego county, and in September of that same year he arrived in Los Angeles. The train on which his family, con- sisting of his wife, three children and himself, were passengers, arrived at the old depot on North Main street at twelve o'clock at night, and as there was no conveyance to carry them up town they walked to the old Grand Central hotel, where they secured rooms. Later they rented a house at the corner of Fifth and what is now Figueroa street, then known as Pearl street, and by the old settlers as Grasshopper street. After a few days Mr. Galpin and a friend decided to go hunting pigeons and wild ducks and wan- dered into Eagle Rock valley. This section was found to have rich black soil which impressed Mr. Galpin favorably. The land was then con- trolled by Judge A. M. Stevens and M. L. Wicks as administrators of the old Watts estate, but in January, 1884, Mr. Galpin purchased twenty- eight acres of what was called the Addleman rancho and at once began to improve it by planting apples, pears, peaches and apricots, working all
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