USA > California > Los Angeles County > Los Angeles > A history of California and an extended history of Los Angeles and environs, Biographical, Volume III > Part 48
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discoveries to adopt Los Angeles, Cal., as the basis of his future operations. Soon after his arrival in Los Angeles he repeated the tests above referred to, demonstrating under the supervision of many physicians, and by experiments made, as before, upon his own body, that when a man has been freed from what he had found to be the basic and pre-disposing cause of disease, Patho- gen, he is perfectly immune, the vilest germs then known to science, malignant pustule, tuber- culosis, glanders, diphtheria and typhoid fever, having been introduced into his body by every available route, from ingestion to hypodermic in- oculation, without producing the slightest discern- ible injury.
In 1900 Dr. Powell originated the electro- dynamic method of eradicating deep-seated dis- orders, comprehending a combination of agencies, mechanical and electrical, whereby the requisite remedies are forced from the surface of the body, where they must of necessity be applied, through the skin and into the deep-seated areas where the basic cause of the trouble, Pathogen, is embedded, as it is in a multitude of maladies, the result of a timely and duly faithful effort of the kind being the cure of a great variety of problematic dis- orders, including several of the so-called incur- able diseases, diabetes, Bright's disease, dropsy, heart disease, apoplexy, paralysis, nervous de- bility and locomotor ataxia.
There is much in Dr. Powell's theories to justify the conclusion that he has made an epoch- making discovery, that he has obtained a definite knowledge both of the power that rules on the vital plane, as gravitation does on the physical, and of the rules by which it is governed, the principia, it would seem, of the domain of ani- mated nature.
Dr. Powell was twice married, his first mar- riage being to Margaret Ianthe Rife, the wedding taking place December 18, 1859, at her mother's country home in Logan county, Ky. The eight children born of this union follow: Charles Thomas, Ianthe Florence, William Rife, Arthur Leon, Effie May, Nellie Caroline, George Fideles and Verne Q. Powell. Dr. Powell's second wife was before her marriage Clarissa Jeannette Pond, the ceremony taking place June 25, 1893. One child came to this union, Ruth Jeannette. The doctor is a member of several social and scientific organizations, among which are the Masonic fra- ternity, the Celtic Club, American Public Health
Association, American Health League, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association for the Study of and Pre- vention of Infant Mortality, and the Southern California Academy of Sciences. In recognition of his contributions to medical science he has recently been made an honorary member of the National Health Guard of New York City, New York, and also the Royal Societies Club of Lon- don, England, while one of the largest sana- toriums in Germany has adopted Dr. Powell's teaching and practices.
HARRY GARNET MINES. In 1910 H. G. Mines became identified with the California Macaroni Company, when the plant was located on Lyon street, becoming president and manager. Later, as the business was increased, the com- pany moved to more commodious quarters on Los Angeles street, and when that place burned down in 1913 the company moved to its present location at No. 1560 Industrial street, where ample room is provided for the manufacture and handling of macaroni under sanitary conditions. It was Mr. Mines who originated the name "Calmaco" brand, which is so well known and extensively advertised throughout the southwest. Since 1914 this company has been doing a large and growing business in imported olive oils. To the president and manager's persistency of purpose and close attention to detail are due the success and growth of the business.
Mr. Mines was born in Montreal, Canada, August 1, 1879, a son of Dr. W. W. and Amelia Mines, both of whom are now deceased, the former having been a prominent physician in Montreal for many years. After receiving his education in the public schools of Montreal, Harry G. Mines struck out for himself, later com- ing to California, where he was associated in the real estate business for a number of years with his brother, in the meantime becoming thoroughly conversant with values throughout Southern Cali- fornia. He continued in the real estate business with a marked degree of success until deciding to embark in the manufacturing business, to which he now gives his undivided attention.
The marriage of Mr. Mines with Marie L. Pratt occurred in Los Angeles in 1903; they have three children, Elizabeth, Lillian and Harry G.,
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Jr. Mr. Mines is a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, and is a member of the California, Jona- than and Los Angeles Athletic Clubs of this city.
D. JOSEPH COYNE. Prominent among the attorneys of Los Angeles is D. Joseph Coyne, who since 1905 has made his home in this city, and during that time has been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession. Though still a young man, he has made an enviable record for himself before the bar of the state, and he has as well been prominently before the people on various political questions.
Mr. Coyne is a native of Illinois, having been born in Chicago, July 11, 1882, the son of Martin J. and Catherine (McMahon) Coyne. His boy- hood was spent in his native city, where he re- ceived his education, graduating first from the public schools and later from the Atheneum Busi- ness College and Lewis Institute. His law studies were pursued at the law department of Lake Forest University, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1905, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. During that same month he was admitted to the bar of Illinois, and in the following December he was admitted to practice in the courts of California.
Immediately after coming to California Mr. Coyne located in Los Angeles and became as- sociated with the law office of Earl Rogers and Luther G. Brown, remaining with this firm throughout 1906. In January, 1907, he formed a co-partnership with John P. Coyne, under the firm name of Coyne & Coyne, under which name business has since been carried on.
In religion Mr. Coyne is a Catholic, and is a member and past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus. During the year 1915 he was president of the local division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also associated with the Young Men's Institute, Catholic Order of Foresters and the Newman and Celtic Clubs, and is especially well known among the Elks, of which he is a member. During the years 1906-7-8 he served as a member of Company A, Seventh Regiment, National Guard of California.
In his political affiliations Mr. Coyne is a Re- publican. He is well read and thoroughly in- formed on all party questions, is a clear thinker and an able talker, and is deeply interested in all
governmental questions. He is also in high stand- ing with the Los Angeles Bar Association, of which he is a member.
The marriage of Mr. Coyne occurred in Los Angeles, September 14, 1910, uniting him with Miss Johanna Slaney, the daughter of William and Johanna (Hartnelt) Slaney, a native of Cali- fornia, born at Los Angeles, March 1, 1884. Of this marriage have been born a son and daughter, Bernard P. and Blanche J. Coyne.
WILLIAM JOHNSON WASHBURN. Born in Springwater, Livingston county, N. Y., September 30, 1852, William Johnson Washburn was the son of Capt. William and Mary R. (Johnson) Washburn. His father, the descendant of an old New England family, was for many years engaged in merchandising in his native state, which pursuit he followed for a number of years later in St. Louis. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the army and served as captain of Company G, One Hundred and Eighty- ninth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, belonging to the division that received the sur- render of General Lee's army. His death oc- curred November 5, 1898, in Pasadena, Cal., he having made his home in California since the year 1889. Of his three sons and one daughter, but one son, William J., is now living. The others were as follows: Charles A., who was engaged in the general insurance business in Denver, Colo .; Frank E., who was interested with his brother William J. in the banking business in Los An- geles ; and Jennie B., who died when a child.
The education of William J. Washburn was received in the public schools and at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. At the age of seventeen he left school and engaged as clerk in a general merchandise store in Cohocton, N. Y., until the age of nineteen, when he went to St. Joseph, Mo., and afterwards to St. Louis. In 1874 he went into the general produce and com- mission business as a member of the firm of William Washburn & Sons and became known as one of the leading merchants of St. Louis. Dis- posing of his interests in that city in 1888 he came to Los Angeles and in 1890 became presi- dent of the Bank of Commerce, which position he retained until 1903, when it was merged with the American National Bank.
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In 1903 Mr. Washburn organized the Equitable Savings Bank and served as its president until its consolidation with the Security Trust and Savings Bank, January 1, 1912, since which time he has been a member of its board of directors and its loan committee.
A man prominent in business and educational circles in Los Angeles, Mr. Washburn has held other important business connections, among them being the receivership of the City Bank which failed in 1893, and also of the Bankers' Alliance. He was foreman of the grand jury of Los Angeles county in 1897 and again in 1914, president of the Los Angeles Chamber of Com- merce in 1906, a member of the city council and chairman of the financial committee in 1911 and 1912, and in 1914-15 one of the government rep- resentatives of the National Currency Association of Los Angeles under the Aldrich & Vreeland act. He was a member of the Board of Educa- tion from 1899 to 1903, again in 1905 and 1906, and president of the same board in 1902 and 1903 and from 1905 to 1906, many school improve- ments having been made under his direction. His fraternal and social interests also are wide, he being a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the California, University, Sun- set and Los Angeles Country Clubs, of Los An- geles. His political affiliations are with the Republicans.
The marriage of Mr. Washburn, which oc- curred in St. Louis, May 30, 1878, united him with Miss Helen E. Rowell, a native of Littleton, N. H., and a sister of Clinton Rowell of St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Washburn is a most cultured woman, who has been president of the Ruskin Art Club of Los Angeles, and a member of the Juvenile Court Commission and of the Municipal Art Commission.
LEWIS C. TORRANCE. A native of the Empire state, Mr. Torrance was born at Go- wanda, Cattaraugus county, in 1855, and is a son of C. C. and Mary Torrance. He attended the public schools there and later De Veaux College at Niagara Falls. After graduating from college he entered the flour milling business and con- tinued in it for several years, or until 1887, when he came to Pasadena, Cal., and finally decided to locate here. Soon thereafter he became presi- dent and general manager of the Pasadena Elec-
tric Light and Power Company, which position he retained for about ten years, when the prop- erty was disposed of to the Edison Company, and for a year thereafter he traveled abroad.
Following his return, Mr. Torrance located in Los Angeles and entered the stock and bond busi- ness under the firm name of Torrance & Dicken- son, and continued in this line of business for some years, when he decided to withdraw and enter the oil business. He assisted in the forma- tion of the United Oil Company and thereafter organized the Rock Oil Company and became its president and manager, which position he still holds. Among the enterprises which today claim his attention more than any others is the Santa Monica Bay Home Telephone Company, of which he is chief stockholder, president and manager. This enterprise is noted for the efficiency of its service, a quality which can only be attained through careful personal effort. He at one time owned and occupied a ranch in Sierra Madre, and during his residence there was city treasurer and also a director of the First National Bank of that city.
At Buffalo, N. Y., Mr. Torrance was married to Miss Minnie Henderson, the daughter of Judge William H. Henderson, of Randolph, N. Y., and they now have two children. The daughter, Miss Katherine T., is a graduate of the Marlborough School for Girls of this city, and of Mrs. Finch's Private School for Girls of New York city. The son, Lewis C., is at present a student of the Harvard Military School, this city. Mr. Tor- rance and his family reside in the Wilshire dis- trict, and he is identified with a number of clubs, such as the Calfornia and Sierra Madre Clubs.
FRED H. HOWARD. The corporation known as Howard & Smith, florists, nurserymen and landscape artists, of which Fred H. Howard is the president, with his brothers, O. W., Paul J. and Arthur P. Howard, associated with him, is the largest nursery devoted to ornamental horticulture on the Pacific coast. Besides their main offices and display rooms at Ninth and Olive streets in Los Angeles they maintain seventy-five acres of nurseries at Montebello, Cal., of which forty acres are devoted entirely to the culture of roses. Their business extends to all parts of the world, their seeds and bulbs being shipped to all
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foreign countries. They conduct the largest landscape department on the western coast, this branch of the business being under the super- vision of O. W. Howard. The success of this department has been one of the main forces in making the company so well known throughout Southern California during the past twenty years by the laying out of and beautifying the grounds surrounding a majority of the finest homes to be found in the Southland.
A native of Los Angeles, Fred H. Howard was born September 1, 1873, a son of Dr. F. P. and Caroline E. Howard. Dr. Howard was a native of Devonshire, England, born in 1836. After graduating from a medical college he be- came an interne in Guys Hospital, London. In 1865 he removed to the United States, settling in San Francisco, and entered the government serv- ice as army surgeon. Fred H. Howard, as well as his brothers, was educated in the grammar and high schools of Los Angeles. In 1892 he became interested in the nursery business in Los Angeles, and has continued in that occupation ever since. He was united in marriage in 1908, at Ventura, Cal., with Minnie P. Jones.
In 1914 the business was incorporated, F. H. Howard and his brothers becoming sole owners, and by working together harmoniously they have brought the company to its high standing in the state. They are Republicans and stand for the advancement of the people's interests rather than strict adherence to party lines.
ALLEN DODD. Coming to California for his wife's health in 1895, for two years Mr. Dodd engaged in ranching near Elsinore, Riverside county, and has been a resident of Los Angeles since 1897. He was associated with the Southern Pacific Railroad in various capacities until 1912, when he resigned to go into the business of load- ing and unloading automobiles, calling his organ- ization the Auto Handling Company, and main- taining offices in the Wilcox building. In this venture he has met with success and employs regularly from five to seven expert men unload- ing automobiles. From time to time he adds facilities for the greater convenience of his men and also for the greater safety to the cars.
Mr. Dodd is a native of Arkansas, born at Little Rock, November 14, 1875, the son of David
A. and Abbie I. Dodd, and an own cousin of David O. Dodd, known in Civil war history as the martyr boy of Arkansas and a distinguished mem- ber of the Southern Confederate Chapter. He attended public and high school in his native city until he was sixteen years of age and then became private secretary to the governor of the state, occupying this position for two years. Follow- ing this he engaged with the Cotton Belt Railroad as rate clerk and stenographer for two years, and then entered the employ of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway as private secre- tary to the superintendent, remaining in this con- nection until 1895. His wife's health being seriously impaired at this time, he determined to come to California for a rest and change, and two years of ranch life in the mountains restored her health. For a time Mr. Dodd was stenographer with the Southern Pacific Railroad, and later became Pullman ticket clerk, and then coupon ticket clerk, and finally claim agent for the south- ern territory. Lastly he was contracting freight agent and handled all the automobile business of the road until 1912, when he resigned to engage in his present line.
Mr. Dodd is well known throughout many fraternal and club circles in Los Angeles, where he has a host of friends. He has been a member of the Elks for sixteen years, and is a Republican in his political preferences, although he has never been actively associated with the affairs of his party. In his religious belief he is a Methodist and a member of that church. The marriage of Mr. Dodd and Miss Marguerite Shelton was solemnized in Springfield, Mo., August 3, 1894, and they have one son, Allen, Jr., who is corporal of Company F, Seventh California State Militia.
LAWRENCE B. BURCK. The marvelous growth of Southern California, and especially of Los Angeles and vicinity during the past two decades, has, of necessity, offered vast opportuni- ties in the real estate field for financial profits, as well as a fascinating scope for the exercise of executive ability and business acumen. This combination never fails to attract to its standard men of great ability, integrity and worth, and they, in turn, give of their brain and strength to the upbuilding of the community where they find their greatest interests. One such citizen of Los
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Angeles is Lawrence B. Burck, president of the California Real Estate and Building Company, its organizer and principal stockholder, and one of the most prominent and influential real estate men in the city today, as well as one of those who have been most vitally concerned with the substantial growth and development of the city of his adop- tion. Since coming here to make his home he has been constantly interested in the real estate busi- ness, although not always under his present firm name. His interest in the welfare of the munici- pality has always been keen and well poised, and he has always stood for progress along the best lines and for social and civic advancement of the highest order.
Mr. Burck is a native of Texas, born in Gal- veston, September 1, 1872, the son of Samuel B. and Henrietta A. (Lawrence) Burck. His boy- hood was passed in his native city, where he attended the public and high schools, graduating from the latter in June, 1887. He then attended the Agricultural and Mechanical College and University of Texas, graduating as a civil en- gineer with the class of 1889. His father was largely interested in cotton in Galveston at that time, and the large business of the enormous wholesale supply houses there (receiving annu- ally two-thirds of the entire crop of Texas, dis- tributing in exchange to that extent all that the people of the state ate, wore or used) interested him so that he entered that field. In 1892 he resigned to engage in a wholesale brokerage busi- ness for himself as The Lawrence B. Burck Co. Early in 1900 he disposed of his interests in this company, and incorporated the Southern Coffee Company, becoming its secretary and treasurer. This company engaged in an extensive business in the importation of teas, coffees and spices from all over the world, and was one of the largest and most prosperous of its class in the South, when the great Galveston flood came, September 8, 1900. Their losses were extremely heavy, their factory and warehouses being totally destroyed by the storm, together with all their contents. The spirit of courage and progress was not des- troyed, however, and within a short time the company was rehabilitated under the able direc- tion of Mr. Burck, he giving his personal atten- tion to the outside sales, especially to the open- ing up of new territory, and like important mat- ters, and within four years the business was again in splendid condition, with all indebtedness dis-
charged. Mr. Burke's personal losses had also been wiped out, and in January, 1905, he disposed of his interests in Galveston and came to Cali- fornia to make his home.
Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, which was his objective point from the beginning, Mr. Burck organized the real estate firm known as the Burck-Gwynn Company, which was dissolved in 1908, Mr. Burck continuing in business as the Lawrence B. Burck Company. In 1910 he in- corporated and became president and sole pro- prietor of this company, and in 1912 the name was changed to the California Real Estate and Building Company, with a subscribed paid-in cap- ital of $250,000. During his ten years residence in Los Angeles this able and energetic man has done his full share in the development of the city and county, has been instrumental in the erection of more than twenty-two hundred build- ings and has participated in many millions of dollars worth of real estate transactions. He has put twenty-five or more tracts on the market as subdivisions, aggregating more than five thousand lots, and many miles of our city streets, with their improvements and buildings, owe their existence to him.
Aside from his business prominence, Mr. Burck is popular socially with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He is a Mason and is also a member of a number of prominent clubs, including the California, Los Angeles Ath- letic, Midwick Country, Los Angeles Country and the Bolsa Chico Gun Clubs of Los Angeles, and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, and while never participating actively in politics with any desire for official preferment, he has nevertheless been recognized as a power in local party affairs.
The marriage of Mr. Burck took place in Los Angeles, September 6, 1906, uniting him with Miss Phila B. Johnson, of this city, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gail B. Johnson. Of this union have been born three children, two sons and a daughter, all natives of the Angel City. They are Gail J., Barbara L., and Lawrence B., Jr.
DENNIS A. WARNER. One who has seen Los Angeles grow from an insignificant town to its present magnificent proportions, and with it has come up through hard times and persistent struggle to ease and retirement
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from active business life, is Dennis A. Warner, a new apartment houses on Western avenue, near native of Ohio, where he was born in Lake Pico street. Having now retired from active business life, he spends his time attending to his real estate investments, and although in early times he had a hard struggle to get ahead, he nevertheless, with the help of his wife, persevered faithfully so that he is now reaping the benefits of his early endeavors. Before her marriage, Mrs. Warner was Miss Millie Banning, a native of Kinsman, Trumbull county, Ohio, and the daughter of Timothy and Sarah Peabody Ban- ning. county, July 27, 1849, the son of Oliver and Nina C. (Church) Warner. His father was a very suc- cessful farmer, owning two large farms. Dennis A. grew up on a farm and later farmed inde- pendently on two hundred and ten acres. Through unfortunate speculations Mr. Warner lost every- thing he had accumulated, and it was after this that he came to Los Angeles in the year 1888. In the spring of 1889 he settled upon a small place at Glendale and while there lost his left foot, which had to be amputated above the ankle as the result of an accidental discharge of his gun while J. WISEMAN MACDONALD. A prominent member of the Los Angeles Bar Association, James Wiseman MacDonald was born in Mazo- manie, Wis., January 17, 1866, the son of Allan and Eleanor (Wiseman) MacDonald. He is a descendant of the famed MacDonalds of Clan Ranald, of the Western Highlands of Scotland, whose name is frequently mentioned in song and story. An interesting fact in the history of the MacDonald family is that for several generations its members were under the displeasure of the present royal family on account of their ad- herence to the Stuart cause and the part they took in the Jacobite wars of 1715 and 1745. Mr. Mac- Donald married Jane Boland, a native of Ireland, in San Francisco, June 23, 1902. They have three children, Allan, Eleanor and James Wise- man MacDonald, Jr., all born in Los Angeles. out hunting. Mr. Warner's outlook upon life at this time was about as gloomy as it could be. His good wife, however, stood by him bravely and they rented a small rooming house at No. 113 South Broadway, near the spot where the Mason Opera House now stands. This was con- ducted by Mr. Warner's wife, while he himself bought a small fruit stand near by, carrying on a light luncheon counter in connection with it. Selling this out, he decided to go into the restau- rant business on a larger scale, and as this was during the hard times of 1893, when money was scarce, he hired a room on Second street, below San Pedro street, establishing there a restaurant, the price for a regular meal being five cents, and besides that he served two meals a week free to all needy persons for a period of about three months, during the hardest part of the panic. This was casting bread upon the waters, but it proved a success, and his business consequently grew and prospered.
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