USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, Volume II > Part 15
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There is some doubt as to the birthplace of Don Juan Bandini. The testimony of his elder children is to the effect that he was a native of Castile, Spain. Don Jose, father of Don Juan, although a commander in the Span- ish navy, had a home and owned much prop-
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erty in Lima, Peru, and it is, perhaps, for this reason that some of the records have it that his son was born in Peru. With his father, Don Juan came to California just about the time he attained his majority. His first ap- pearance in public life was as a member of the assembly or deputation which met at Monte- rey in 1827-28. From 1828 to 1832 he was commissioner of revenue for San Diego. In 1832 he was a leader in an uprising, some- times called the Bandini Rebellion, against the tyranny and incapacity of Governor Vic- toria, whom Mr. Bandini and his associates succeeded in displacing. In 1833 Mr. Bandini was sent to the City of Mexico as a member of Congress. Among other acts, he offered a resolution urging the founding of an acad- emy in California, showing the great need there was for such an institution. In 1834 he was appointed inspector of customs for the southern province of California, and in 1838 administrator of the San Gabriel Mission. From 1842 to 1844 he held various public offi- ces.
Like many of the leading Californians, Don Juan Bandini had been for a long time thor- oughly dissatisfied with the misrule of the offi- cials appointed by the Mexican government for the territory. For this reason, upon the coming of the Americans, he decided to assist them, believing that the government of the United States would be much superior to that of Mexico. He gave liberally of horses, cattle and supplies to Commodore Stockton and. his troops. He also gave possession of a wing of his house in San Diego, which was a very large one, to the American commodore for himself and staff. For these acts Mr. Bandini lost his vast Mexican possessions, the Guada- lupe, Tecati, and other ranchos, which are to- day veritably "no man's land," since, without the signature of the Bandini heirs, no man can hold title, and that family are still debarred from their rights. In 1847 Mr. Bandini was one of the seven leading men of the state, Spanish and American, appointed by John C. Fremont under orders of Commodore Stock- ton to meet as an assembly to arrange laws for the new territory. On account of the de- parture of Stockton and the disagreement be-
tween General Kearney and Fremont which resulted in the removal of the latter from his position as governor, this assembly was never convened.
Mr. Bandini was a lawyer of ability and a ready writer. His articles upon the land ques- tions published shortly after the war were con- sidered a most able exposition of the subject. In the so-called "Bancroft Library" now, happily, in the hands of the State University, and soon to be opened to the public, there are some twenty-eight of his manuscripts, one of them a history of California from its discovery to the time of the Mexican war. Beside his Mex- ican possessions Don Juan had large holdings in Southern California. Among these was the Jurupa rancho, the present site of Riverside, and a large portion of the land where San Diego now stands. At the latter place was the Bandini homestead. The house was very large, being two-story and surrounding a large court. Here for many years was dispensed that hospitality for which the Californians were noted. Bancroft says of Mr. Bandini that he must be regarded as one of the most prominent men of his time and place. Gen- eral Fremont, between whom and himself there existed a warm friendship, spoke of him in the highest terms, and says that he was a native of Spain.
Don Juan Bandini was twice married. In 1823 he was married to Dolores, daughter of Capt. Jose Estudillo, a distinguished citizen of the province, who for many years held the position of commandante at Monterey, later occupying a like position in San Diego. The second wife of Don Juan was Refugio, daugh- ter of Capt. Santiago Arguello, and grand- daughter of the pioneer Capt. Jose Dario Ar- guello, one of the foremost men in the settle- ment of the territory. As the representative of Spain he it was who conferred upon the twenty-four families which founded Los An- geles title to their lands. He was for some time acting governor of California, leaving that position to become governor of the peninsula.
Dona Refugio, by virtue of her noble pres- ence and character, her youth and beauty, as well as her position as wife of Don Juan Ban- dini, was, perhaps, the most prominent woman
Fre Heams
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Arcadia- B de Baker
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Stearns would have been considered so cred- itable as his earnest endeavor, during the years preceding the Mexican war, to win the misgoverned, neglected province of Califor- nia to consent to a peaceful annexation to the United States, As the confidential agent of the government at Washington, Mr. Stearns worked in the south, as did Mr. Larkins in the north, toward this end. They had almost suc- ceeded, when the untimely ebullition of Com- modore Jones of the American navy in assum- ing that there was a state of war and taking possession of Monterey, made the Califor- nians suspicious of the brotherly intentions of the United States. The American commodore, when he discovered what a grave mistake he had made, did all that was in his power to undo the harm. Patiently Mr. Larkins and Mr. Stearns went on with their plans for a peaceful solution of the difficulties that were troubling California. So wise were their plans, so strong their influence over the prominent men of the territory, that they began to have hopes of success, when the episode of the Bear Flag and the events which followed that movement precipitated war.
Mr. Stearns was devoted to the interests of the Californians. He was a member of the famous convention which drafted the consti- tution of 1849, representing the district of Los Angeles; later he was assemblyman, super- visor and councilman. In 1868 he built the Arcadia block on the Los Angeles street front of his property. It was the largest business block in town, and around it centered the in- terests of the city for many years. In its sec- ond story was Stearns hall, where took place many social and political events of interest in the history of the pueblo. Mr. Stearns was one of the largest land owners in California, and at his death, which occurred in 1871, left a large estate to his widow.
No account of the life of Don Abel Stearns or of the history of the city of Los Angeles would be complete without mention being made of his wife, who is now Arcadia Bandini de Baker. One spring morning many years ago the ceremony took place at the San Ga- briel Mission, which united this lovely young girl of sixteen to a man older than her father,
whose features were considered by the people of his time to be unusually homely. One might naturally exclaim, "What a sacrifice!" but, although Mrs. Stearns became the social leader of Los Angeles and vicinity, acknowl- edged by Americans and Californians to be one of the most beautiful women in a country renowned for its lovely women, yet the match was a happy one. Through his life Don Abel was proud of the attention paid his wife, whose beauty it was his delight to adorn, while Mrs. Stearns was fond and proud of her genial and clever husband. Mr. Stearns' herd- ers made up a little song over which their master often chuckled ; translated it was some- thing as follows :
"Two little doves sang on a laurel,
How lovely Dona Arcadia, how homely Don Abel."
After the unfortunate flag raising of Com- modore Jones he hastened to San Pedro and there waited on his ships while he sent a mes- senger up to his countryman, Don Abel, urg- ing him to mediate between him and Governor Micheltorena, who was at that time living in Los Angeles. Mr. Stearns succeeded in ar- ranging a meeting at his house, and the fol- lowing is the account given by Dona Arcadia of the historic event :
"We gave a dinner to the governor, the commodore and their attendants; everything was very friendly ; they seemed to enjoy them- selves and the uniforms of the two countries were most beautiful. On the next day but one the governor gave a ball, which was to be at his house, the only two-story house in Los Angeles. To show the Americans how patri- otic were the people of California, the gov- ernor requested, in the invitations, that all the ladies wear white with a scarf of the Mexi- can colors, red, green and white. Of course we gladly complied, though some of us had to work hard to get our costumes ready.
"The day of the ball came, but with it came rain, such a storm as I had never seen. As it drew toward evening the water came down faster and faster. The governor had the only carriage in California, and this he was to send for the Commodore, Mr. Stearns, Ysidora, and
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myself, but the poor young officers had to walk, and their faces were long when they looked at the rain, then at their fine uniforms and shiny boots.
"Our California horses were unused to pull- ing loads, and in the storm refused to work, so the cholo soldiers of the governor served as horses; they took us as safely, and we had a delightful time. Everybody was happy; the commodore and the governor sat together and exchanged courtesies and compliments."
Some years after the death of Mr. Stearns his widow married R. S. Baker, a native of Rhode Island, who had large sheep interests in Southern California. Mr. and Mrs. Baker built the Baker block at the corner of Main and Arcadia streets, which is a model of sub- stantial construction. Mr. and Mrs. Baker and Senator Jones gave the land, three hun- dred and fifty acres, for the Soldiers' Home, near Santa Monica. Mr. Baker is deceased. Mrs. Baker lives in Santa Monica. She is one of the largest land owners in Southern Cali- fornia. She enjoys the best of health, and is a most delightful and correct relator of the events of early California which go to make history.
CHARLES M. SKILLEN. Like many an- other of the brave defenders of the Union dur- ing her Civil strife Charles M. Skillen ( famil- iarly known as "Major") returned from the bat- tlefield with the full conviction that from hence- forward the plan of his life must lie along lines which he had little anticipated when he entered the service. In young manhood his tastes and ambition led him to take up the study of law, and to fit himself for the profession he had ma- triculated as a student in the University of Mich- igan in Ann Arbor in 1861. It was not long after this that the whole country was thrown into confusion by the breaking out of the war, and among those who enlisted in the country's service from Ohio was Mr. Skillen, who after one year's term in college had become the pride of his instructors, who found in him an ambitious and promising student. Entering as a private in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, he was later promoted to ser-
geant of his regiment, his superior officer being Colonel Reed, of Delaware, Ohio. The rigors of warfare and camp life soon began to make inroads upon Mr. Skillen's health and while on a forced march from Louisville to Perryville he was stricken with progressive paralysis, a malady which had been threatening for some time. Go- ing into camp at Louisville he there received every attention possible, but all seemed of no avail and in 1863 he was honorably discharged. Although his service had been short he had nev- ertheless proved himself worthy of promotion, and without his knowledge, while his regiment was on dress parade in Louisville, he was chosen and later commissioned a captain. Returning to his Ohio home, being unable to resume his law studies he instead became interested in a manufacturing business in Mount Vernon, that state. After following this with a fair degree of success for some time, in 1874 he came to the west in the hope that a change of climate and surroundings might hasten the recovery of his health. In this he was not disappointed, and the thirty years and more that he has been a resident of Pasadena have been the happiest and most ยท useful years of his life.
The ancestry of the Skillen family is traced to the Highlands of Scotland. The grandfather, John Skillen, married a lady from the Lowland country, a Miss Douglass. The first immigrant of the family was George Skillen, the father of our subject, who came to the United States during young manhood and settled in New York City, where he was subsequently married .. By trade he was a painter and grainer in imitation of woods and marble, an expert workman in his line, and in the eastern metropolis where he made his home for a time he executed many large contracts. Subsequently he removed to Knox county, Ohio, where his wife, who was formerly Hannah Davies, a native of Wales, passed away. He survived a number of years, passing the evening of his days in the Land of Sunshine and Flowers, and died at the home of his son in Pasadena, when over ninety-three years of age.
Of the four children born to his parents Charles M. Skillen was the second in order of birth and is now the only survivor. His birth occurred while the family were residing in New York City, December 28, 1838. As his parents re-
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moved to Ohio while he was still young his early life was associated almost wholly with that state, and especially with Knox county, where his pa- rents settled and where he attended school. From liis father he learned the painter's trade, but as his tastes inclined him more toward a pro- fessional career he did not follow it, but instead began to read law under the direction of Sapp & Simon of Mount Vernon. Subsequently he ma- triculated as a student in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, as previously stated. The breaking out of the Civil war and his subsequent illness put a stop to further progress in the line of his profession, and indeed for several years after 1863 he was unable to carry on any business. Shortly before coming to Pasadena however he was engaged in the manufacturing business in Mount Vernon.
Since locating in Pasadena Mr. Skillen has become interested in the real-estate business, a number of large subdivisions bearing his name. In 1880 he purchased fifteen acres, including the land between Los Robles and east Colorado streets, which he platted into Skillen's subdi- vision. This land, which had previously been used only as a sheep pasture, was laid out into fine ranches, which with the securing of water made the raising of oranges a very lucrative venture. The main thoroughfare through this subdivision was made to run parallel with Los Robles street and this he named Euclid avenue, a name of which all Ohioans are proud. Still later Mr. Skillen divided the property into lots, from the sale of which he realized handsomely. In partnership with Samuel Stratton he also pur- chased property on the corner of Colorado street and Marengo avenue, which was subdivided and known as Skillen and Stratton's subdivision. The sale of these lots also netted the owners a good income on their investment. Besides his con- nection with real estate matters Mr. Skillen's name has become well known in affairs which affect even more directly the city's welfare. He was one of the organizers of the electric light company and served as one of its directors until the plant was soll. He was also instrumental in having east Colorado street widened from a fifty-foot street to its present width of one hun- (Ired feet. At first the idea met with considerable opposition on the part of landowners, who were
opposed to it on account of the heavy expenditure which it would involve. As proof of his sin- cerity in promoting the undertaking, for $5,000 Mr. Skillen purchased fifty feet frontage on the street from the last and only owner who would not sign the petition, and on this one act of business depended the widening of the now one hundred foot thoroughfare of Pasadena. All are now grateful to Mr. Skillen for his per- sistency in carrying the measure through, for collectively and individually all have been bene- fited thereby.
In 1865 Charles M. Skillen was united in marriage with Miss M. Jennie Stephens, a native of Pennsylvania, and later a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio, where her father, William Ste- phiens, was an old resident and much-esteemed citizen. Her brother, Capt. Harrison Stephens, was also well known in educational circles in that part of Ohio. One son has blessed the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Skillen, Dr. Ralph G. Skillen, who graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in April, 1897. Be- fore his graduation, in 1896, he was demonstrator in the Pennsylvania Dental College; in 1897-98 was chief demonstrator of crown and bridge work and dental anatomy in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, Pa .; and from 1898 to 1900 held the chair of crown and bridge work and oral surgery in the dental department of the University of California. He is not following the practice of his profession, however, but as a member of the firm of Skillen & Skillen is engaged in a confectionery business in Pasadena. Mr. Skillen's early religious training was re- ceived in the Episcopal Church, and since coming to this city he has been a contributor to various denominations here represented. Mrs. Skillen is a member and liberal supporter of the Meth- odist Church. Though he has always been in- terested in Republican politics Mr. Skillen has never been induced to accept public office, not- withstanding many flattering offers. In Monte- zuma, lowa, he was made a Mason in 1864, his membership subsequently being transferred to Mount Zion Lodge No. 9 of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and still later he was one of the organ- izers of Pasadena Lodge No. 272. He is now a member of Corona Lodge of Pasadena and is
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a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and is still successfully carried on although un- also belongs to Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. der different management. M. S., of Los Angeles.
HON. MEREDITH P. SNYDER. There are names so closely associated with the per- manent development of Los Angeles that the mention of the city's growth brings to the old residents thoughts of the personality of these citizens and their important contribution to local progress. None has been more active than Mr. Snyder in promoting measures for the welfare of the city; none has been more deeply interested in municipal affairs, and few have been more influential in fostering enterprises necessary to the city's material, commercial and educational growth. Hence L'on! annals his name is worthy of perpetu- ation, and a complete history of the place could po be written without giving due mention to Do. odl. enship of this prominent man.
Tle Sp der family is of southern origin, North Carolina becoming the scene of their labors during the colonial period of our coun- try. At Lexington Court House, in that state, October 22, 1859, Meredith P. Snyder was born, the son of K. D. and Elizabeth (Heiher) -der. Both parents passed away when their - ad in years, and the estate be- less by the devastating ef- ar he was compelled to seek a ! ! ihood farly in life. Of a studious na- ture through inheritance he devoted all the time he could possibly spare to securing an education, accumulating sufficient means to give him considerable collegiate training, al- though he did not g . duate. In 1880 he be- came a resident of Los Angeles, where he has since made his home and successfully estab- lished for himself a place among the repre- sentative men of this city. His first occupa- tion was as clerk in a furniture store, after which he engaged in like capacity for B. F. Coulter Dry Goods Company and had charge for four years of the drapery department. Following this clerkship he engaged in the real-estate business for eight years, when, for a similar period, he was at the head of the M. P. Snyder Shoe Company, a business which
A Democrat in his political convictions Mr. Snyder early became associated with this party in Los Angeles and was chosen to represent the people in various positions of trust and responsibility. For twelve years he was the leader of the Democratic party in the city and practically controlled their movements. Elect- ed in 1891 a member of the police commission he served acceptably until the expiration of his term, when he was re-elected. Two years later he was elected to represent the second ward in the city council, where he took an ac- tive part in all movements tending toward the upbuilding of the town. Careful and dis- criminating in his public office as he has al- ways been in business life, he considered the worth of all measures introduced before giv- ing them his support, and after having once made up his mind nothing could swerve him from his point. An evidence of his standing as a citizen and his prominence in the Demo- cratic party was his nomination in the fall of 1896 for the office of mayor. His election by a large majority followed and in January, 1897, he took his seat and began an adminis- tration which has meant no little in the wel- fre of the city. Although exercising a con- Alling influence in local affairs this influ- ence was used only for the best purposes and for the distinct good of the municipality. Be- tween the expiration of this term and his re- election in 1899 he engaged in the real-es- tate business, his interests being confined to acreage subdivisions, in which he met with success. Again chosen to the office in 1899 he began his administration in 1900, and was re-elected in 1902, closing his third term as mayor of the city of Los Angeles in 1905. His record is one which may well be emulated by aspirants to this office, because he had always in mind the welfare of the municipality, its growth and upbuilding, and with this his aim made a success of his work. His reasons for political actions have always been based upon sound judgment and common sense, a careful study of the point in question from all view points. after which he has taken decisive ac- tion. He is universally esteemed by thought-
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ful men whether of his party or another, and justly named among the men who have done much for the upbuilding of the city.
Like all men who work for the good of a municipality Mr. Snyder's hobby was and is municipal ownership of the water supply. Before his entrance into official politics he served as secretary of a municipal water works club and very strongly advocated a supply of pure water, firmly believing that the city would need an unlimited supply. Not liking the methods employed by the old water com- pany he fought them for twelve years, en- deavoring to induce them to sell out to the city. He was elected to the office of mayor on the platform of municipal water works owner- ship. He finally induced the old company to set a figure of $2,000,000, at which time he opened a campaign, taking the platform and working to have the city bonded for that amount. When success attended his efforts and the bonds were floated in New York City by attorneys Dillon and Hubbard it was found they were faulty and could not be disposed of until they were out of the hands of the water company. After considerable discussion the water company agreed to deed the works to a trustee and the city selected the same man and even though Mr. Snyder had fought them for years, yet the water company chose him as the party and for fifteen days he was sole owner, without bond, of that all-important source of the city's development. By this means the bonds could be negotiated and from this the present system has developed. He appointed the first commission which was the one that brought about the present Owens river project. In 1904 Mr. Snyder organized the California Savings Bank and became its president. A company had secured the char- ter for a bank but were unable to effect its organization, finally giving the entire matter into the hands of Mr. Snyder. They began with a capital stock of $300,000 and in the brief time that has elapsed have become one of the strong banking institutions of this city. Their growth has been phenomenal and they now find their building, located at the corner of Fifth and Broadway, inadequate for their needs. In the near future they contemplate
the erection of a new building, Mr. Snyder is vice-president and director of the Gardena Bank & Trust Company and one of the original stockholders in the Central Bank.
The home of Mr. Snyder is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss May Ross, with whom he was united in 1888. She is a daugh- ter of William W. Ross, who served in the body guard of President Lincoln during the Civil war and later became a prominent citi- zen of Topeka, Kans., where he served as mayor and in other prominent positions. Her uncle, Hon. Edmund G. Ross, was governor of New Mexico and also served as United States senator. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have one son, Ross. In his fraternal relations Mr. Snyder is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias, and various others, being very prominent in these circles. In his business transactions he has been open and always in favor of a square deal. While a prominent Democrat his election as mayor was upon a much broader basis; it was "For the people and by the people." While in of- fice he gave his undivided attention to the peo- ple's interests with the same fidelity that he would give to his own. Such men as he build for all time and leave a monument to their memory in substantial form, as well as a heri- tage to their posterity and an example worthy of emulation.
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