USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, Volume II > Part 35
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In Boston, Mass., Dr. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Florence Cook, a native of Chelsea, that state, and they have one daugh- ter, Lorna Catherine. Fraternally the doctor is associated with various organizations, hav- ing become a member of La Grande Lodge No. 9. of the Fraternal Brotherhood, and served on its examining board until election to the present position he holds. He is a charter member of the Uniform Rank of the Fraternal Brotherhood, which he helped to or- ganize, and of which he is now surgeon-gen- eral. He was made a Mason in Pentalpha Lodge No. 202, F. & A. M., of Los Angeles, and now belongs to Signet Chapter No. 57, R. A. M., Los Angeles Commandery No. 9, K. T., and Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He was made an Odd Fellow in Amer- ica Lodge, of Los Angeles, and is also a mem- her of the encampment, and is also identified with the Woodmen of the World. He belongs to the Jonathan and University Clubs, two of the prominent social organizations of Los An- geles. In religion he is a member. of the Memorial Baptist Church, and liberally sup- ports all its charities. Politically he is a stanch advocate of Republican principles. Dr. Pierce is public-spirited and enterprising and brings to his chosen work an intelligent study and re- search which places him in the front ranks of those similarly occupied.
FRANK BRYSON. The public interests of Los Angeles have in Frank Bryson an earnest and loyal supporter, his personal affairs always lying parallel with those of general growth. Al- though young in years he has the advantage of a connection with Southern California interests through his grandfather and father, both of whom were prominent citizens of Los Angeles,
upbuilders and promoters, and left the name of Bryson indelibly stamped upon the progress and advancement of the city and section. The grand- father was John Bryson, Sr., a name familiar in the annals of the city; he inherited the splen- did traits of character which made his career successful from Scotch-Irish ancestors, who set- tled in Lancaster county, Pa., where he was born June 20, 1819. He was one of the eldest in a large family of children and early became de- pendent upon his own resources. He became a cabinet maker and followed this occupation for more than twenty years. He lived in Ohio for a time, then went to Iowa, and made his home in Washington, the county seat of Washington county. There, after years of effort, he suc- ceeded in acquiring a fortune, with which he came to Los Angeles in 1879 and invested in various avenues which contributed no little to- ward the material development of the city and also the upbuilding of his personal fortunes. The Bryson block stands to-day as a monument to his faith in the city which had just passed through the perils of a "boom," this being erected in 1888, a year after the close of activities here. He served efficiently as mayor and brought to bear in his administration the same qualities which had given him personal success, while other official honors could have been his had he been disposed to accept them. He was both brawn and brain in the advancement of the city, the power behind the apparently hopeless condition of affairs. As such his name to-day holds a prominent place among the citizens of Southern California. His son, John Bryson, Jr., was born in lowa, and in manhood engaged in the lumber business in Red Oak, where he made his home until 1877. In this year he brought his family to Los Angeles and here established a lumber business which was known as Bryson & Sons Lumber Co., and continued in this busi- ness until his final retirement from the active cares of life. His wife, formerly Mary Washam, was born in Missouri of an old southern family, and died in Los Angeles.
The only child of his parents, Frank Bryson was born in Red Oak, Montgomery county, Iowa, May 21, 1872. He was only five years old when brought to Los Angeles, and here in the public schools and also private institutions he received
J. a. MenDonald
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his preliminary education, attending Professor Henderson's school in Los Angeles, and Pro- fessor Stoneman's school at San Gabriel. He was then sent east to attend high school in Ham- burg, Iowa, from which he was graduated, then attended Tabor College, in Tabor, lowa. In his senior year he left college and going to Wyom- ing engaged in the cattle business in the employ of the Middlesex Live Stock Company, of Bos- ton, remaining with them for about three years. Going at the expiration of that time to Seattle, Wash., he became purser on the steamer Has- salau running out of that city; at the time of the fire in that city in 1889 he came to Los Angeles. Here he entered the employ of the Los Angeles Hat Company, later became manager of the Harris & Frank Clothing Company, continuing with them for six years. The ensuing four years were spent as manager for Mullen & Bluett, after which he established the firm of Bryson & Logan, hatters and haberdashers. Eighteen months later he sold out to his partner and then assumed the management of the new store opened by Harris & Frank on South Spring street, con- tinuing with them until January I, 1907. In the meantime he was nominated by acclamation on the Republican ticket to the office of public ad- ministrator and was later elected by the second largest majority on that ticket. On the 7th of January he took the oath of office and is now devoting his entire time and attention to these interests, his office being in the Bullard block.
In Los Angeles, March 4, 1894, Mr. Bryson was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Beaver, a native of Toronto, Canada; she is a member of the Episcopal Church. In his fra- ternal relations Mr. Bryson is a Mason, having been made a member of the order in Southern California Lodge No. 278, F. & A. M .; and is also a member of Signet Chapter No. 57, R. A. M .; Southern California Commandery No. 9, K. T. ; and Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., being a member of the patrol. He also belongs to Marathon Lodge No. 182, K. of P., to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being past exalted ruler of Lodge No. 99, and a delegate to the Grand Lodge at Denver in 1906; and the Knights of the Maccabees, being past commander of Los Angeles Tent No. 2. For six years, from 1887 to 1893, he served in Company F, Seventh
Regiment of the California National Guards. Politically he is a stanchi advocate of Republican principles. In his personal traits of character, Mr. Bryson is a noteworthy citizen-gifted with business ability which is winning him financial returns, stanch in friendship which has given him many friends, and loyal in the discharge of all duties which have come to him in a public or private capacity.
FRANK ANDREW McDONALD. Among the young men of affairs who are contributing towards enhancing the business and commer- cial importance of Los Angeles, we find F. A. McDonald, who is the son of Alexander B. McDonald, president of the Occidental Trust and Savings Bank, and whose biography ap- pears elsewhere in this work. He was born at Sauk Center, Minn., December 8, 1879, and received his education in the public schools and at Fargo College. At the age of seventeen he left college while in his senior year to ac- cept the position of managing editor of the Fargo Daily Argus. During this time he be- came interested in politics and took an active part in forwarding the interests of the Repub- lican party and with great credit to himself. After three years he resigned as managing editor of the Argus and he and his father were among the first to begin the settlement of the Mouse River Valley in North Dakota. In- ducing settlers to locate there they established a mail route and laid out the town of Ren- ville. This occupied a period of three years, when, on account of his health and needing a business respite, he entered the law depart- ment of Northwestern University, where he attended until March. 1903. His parents lo- cating in Los Angeles permanently at that time, he decided to cast his lot here, too, and soon became largely interested in real estate. He was well and favorably known and was successful in his operations. In the spring of 1906 the mines of Nevada attracted his at- tention to such a degree that he concluded to engage in mining and established an office in the Bradbury building, where he is now ex- tensively engaged in handling stocks and bonds, having incorporated the F. A. McDon-
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ald Company with a capital stock of $250,000. world and finally settled at Malone, Franklin He is president of the company. He is also county, N. Y. The second war with England made demands upon the service of those able to take up arms in defense of the young country, and among those who responded to the call was John Pallady, Sr. engaged in developing mines in South Ne- vada, having organized the Mohawk Junior, of which he is secretary. He is also secretary of the Goldfield Gold Elk and the Daisy Ex- tension. Mr. McDonald is also interested in copper mines at Yerington, Nev., and in Ari- zona.
In Los Angeles Mr. McDonald married Miss Clara Milner, who is a native daughter of Los Angeles and the daughter of the late John Milner, who was cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank from the foundation of that institution until his death, and who receives no small credit for the success of that institu- tion.
Mr. McDonald organized the Los Angeles Mining Exchange and is an active member. He is a member of the Fargo Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also the Consistory and Al Zagal Tem- ple, N. M. S., and was the youngest thirty- second degree Mason and Shriner in the United States at the time of his admission. He is a member of Fargo Lodge, B. P. O. E. Mr. McDonald is just completing a $25,000 residence on Alvarado Terrace, one of the ele- gant residences in the city. He has one of the finest private art collections, including many paintings of the old masters. Though young in years, his strong personal attributes are generally recognized and these character- istics, taken in conjunction with his manifest public spirit, his breadth of mind and his gen- erosity of heart, have given him a place in the esteem of his associates which few men attain at his age of life.
JOHN PALLADY. The years that have elapsed since the death of John Pallady have not effaced from the minds of those who knew him the splendid characteristics and qualities of man- hood shown in his career in the middle west, principally in Illinois and Iowa, where he was well known as a merchant and farmer. He was the representative of an old French family, his father, John Pallady, having been born in France in the latter part of the nineteenth century. While still a young man he came to the new
It was while the family were making their home in Plattsburg, Clinton county, N. Y., that John Pallady, Jr., was born July 10, 1822. He removed with the family to Franklin county, and in Malone Academy received the finishing touches to his educational training. His school days over, he entered enthusiastically upon the busi- ness life which lay before him, engaging in the boot and shoe business in Malone. The attrac- tions and inducements of the middle west, how- ever, subsequently induced them to locate in Springfield, Ill., there, as in the east, Mr. Pal- lady continuing in the boot and shoe business, to which he also added dealing in harness. Still later they removed to Atlanta, Logan county, Ill., he continuing the same line of business, which had grown in magnitude and warranted the erection of a large store building to accom- modate his stock. There also they erected a commodious residence, in which the family re- sided as long as they made their home in Illinois. Upon disposing of their interests in that state Mr. and Mrs. Pallady removed to Wayne coun- ty, Iowa, and near Corydon improved a fine farm and built a large brick residence and farm build- ings in keeping. Upon this farm of three hun- dred and twenty acres they made a specialty of stock-raising, and in this as in previous under- takings they made a success. His death on his Iowa farm May 31, 1893, brought to a close a life of usefulness, one which reflected credit not only upon himself, but one which had done much for the upbuilding and betterment of his fellow- citizens, for in whatever community he made his home his interests and influence were always on the side of the better element and no worthy cause was allowed to lag for want of his support. During young manhood he united with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and throughout life he adhered to the teachings of the faith to which he gave allegiance. Fraternally he was a Mas- ter Mason, and in his political preferences he espoused Republican principles.
In Malone, N. Y., November 28, 1842, John
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Pallady was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Spencer, a native of that city, born February 6, 1825, the daughter of James C. and Mary (Thomas) Spencer, natives of Massachusetts and Brattleboro, Vt., respectively. Mr. Spencer was a farmer and stock dealer in the vicinity of Ma- lone, and his death occurred in Albany. Mrs. Pallady is of English descent on the maternal side, her grandfather, John Thomas, having been born in London, England. After the old family home in London was destroyed by fire the Metho- dists purchased the property and subsequently erected the first church of that denomination in London. Under the altar of this primitive struc- ture repose the mortal remains of John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism. Upon coming to the United States Mr. Thomas settled in Brattleboro, Vt., where he rounded out a creditable career as vineyardist and farmer. Following in her religious faith the teachings of her parents, Mrs. Pallady is a Methodist, having been converted at the age of ten years. At that early age, too. she united with the church, and throughout her life she has exemplified the sincer- ity of her belief. Nature gifted her with a fine voice, and throughout her life her singing has been greatly appreciated in the communities where she has made her home. She was the eld- est of seven children, of whom four are living, and she was educated in Malone Academy.
Of the seven children born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pallady six grew to years of ma- turity as follows: Emma E., Mrs. Capt. Bos- well, of Oregon; Melville J., who died in Kan- sas; Loyal, a resident of Oklahoma, as is also Albert, the youngest child ; Flora, at home; and George, who still makes his home in Wayne county, Iowa. Some years after the death of her husband Mrs. Pallady removed to California and settled in Pasadena, and for a number of years has owned and occupied the residence at No. 827 W. Washington street. Wherever cir- cumstances have placed her Mrs. Pallady has radiated an influence that purifies and uplifts those about her, her kindness and rare worth of character endearing her to all. Mrs. Pallady and her daughter Flora, who has been very active and useful in the church, are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Los An- geles.
ANSEL E. GAMMON. Pasadena is the home of a number of octogenarians who have come here primarily for their health, and in se- curing the prize for which they came have thus added years to their lives. In 1899, at the age of seventy-five, Mr. Gammon came to Pasadena in the hope of restoring his lost health, and the fact that he is now well and strong for a man of nearly eighty-three years speaks volumes for what the climate has accomplished in his case. The records do not state in what year the Gam- mon family became established on American soil, but it is known beyond a doubt that the family is of Scotch-Irish origin and that its appearance in America ante-dated the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Daniel Gammon, who was born in Gorham, Me., was a participant in that strug- gle when only sixteen years of age, and took part in the memorable battle of Bunker Hill. The second war with England found his son, Samuel Gammon, among the defenders of the colonies, rendering a creditable service, for which he re- ceived a pension throughout the remainder of his life. Samuel Gammon was also born in Gor- ham, Me., his wife, formerly Malinda Quint, also being a native of that state.
Ansel E. Gammon was born in Somerset county, Me., March 1, 1824, and considering the difficulties and disadvantages under which all children of that early period labored in secur- ing an education he became fairly well informed and subsequently was privileged to attend a se- lect school at Lexington, Me. His first effort at gaining a livelihood was as a helper in the logging camps of his native state. When he was nineteen years old, in 1843. his parents removed to what was then considered the west, locating on a farm in DeKalb county, Ill., and Mr. Gam- mon vividly recalls the hardships they had to endure from the lack of necessities. He was an adept with the axe, however, and with this he started for Chicago, about sixty miles distant, and through the winter of 1843-44 he chopped cord wood west of what is now Lincoln Park, in that city. In the spring he returned to De- Kalb county and engaged in farming near Shab- bona Grove until 1852, when he went to Living- ston county and remained. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company D. Fifty- second Illinois Infantry, Colonel (later Briga-
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dier-General) Sweney commanding the regiment. With his regiment Mr. Gammon went south and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, be- sides many other battles participating in the bat- tle of Fort Donelson. After this memorable struggle he lay sick in the hospital for some time and was finally discharged on a physician's cer- tificate of disability. Returning to Illinois, he located first in Odell and engaged in the hard- ware business and later, in 1875, went to Chi- cago, where he engaged in a general teaming business. Notwithstanding the fact that the business was remunerative he disposed of it in 1883 and with his son, John P., went to Wyo- ming and engaged in the stock business, making a specialty of handling horses and cattle, and built up one of the finest ranches of the country at that time, remaining there from 1883 until 1893. Thereafter he returned to Chicago and lived retired until he came to California. Throughout his life Mr. Gammon thus far had worked unceasingly and the constant strain had made inroads upon his constitution to such an extent that he was advised to try the climate of California in order to recuperate his strength. It was this advice that brought him to Pasa- dena in 1899, and the fact that he is now hale and hearty and in the possession of all of his fac- ulties at over eighty-three years is proof con- clusive that he made no mistake in locating in this garden spot.
In 1852 Mr. Gammon married Miss Sophia Wilber, and they had four children, as follows : John P., who is now conducting a large horse ranch in Wyoming; Malinda, who died aged seventeen years, and Marinda, a twin, who with her husband, Allen W. Greenman, resides in Idaho; and Jennie G., who is the wife of W. S. Metz, of Sheridan, Wyo., who is engaged in the stock business in the adjoining state of Montana. In 1877 Mr. Gammon was again mar- ried, Maria Wise of Pittsburg, Pa., a lady of culture and refinement, becoming his wife. Mr. Gammon is the proud grandfather of thirteen children and has five great-grandchildren. Both himself and his wife are members of the Con- gregational Church, to whose support they both give liberally. Politically he is a Republican, supporting its principles from the time of cast- ing his vote for J. G. Birney, the anti-slavery
candidate for president in 1844. He is a mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, belong- ing to John F. Goddard Post of Pasadena, and is a member of the lodge, chapter and com- mandery in Masonary, all of Pasadena.
Rev. E. H. Gammon, a brother of Ansel E. Gammon, was for many years prominently con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and at the time of his death was a member of the Rock River Conference. He was also the founder of Freedman's Theological College at Atlanta, Ga., devoting a large part of his means for the construction of the buildings. On account of trouble with his throat he resigned from the ministry and engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business, which with other business investments resulted in the accumula- tion of a large fortune, and at his death he left about $500,000 to Freedman's College.
JOHN MILNER. Prominent among the men to whom the city of Los Angeles is deeply indebted for its wonderful development, rapid progress and present prosperity, was the late John Milner. During his residence here of a quarter of a century he was identified with the establishment of various beneficial measures, by his enthusiastic and able support contributing to- ward their success. He was recognized as a man of unquestioned integrity, straightforward and honest in all of his transactions, and as one of the most successful and competent financiers of his time. A native of Germany, he was born, February 5, 1834, in the city of Hanover, where he received a collegiate education.
Leaving the Fatherland at the age of nineteen years, John Milner immigrated to the United States, and for about five years resided in the city of New York. In 1858 he made his first trip to California, coming via the Isthmus, and for about two years was employed in mining. In 1860 he returned to the east, and upon the breaking out of the Civil war entered the quar- termaster's department, in which he served until the close of the conflict. Mr. Milner then came again to Los Angeles county, and, under Cap- tain Swazey, served in the quartermaster's de- partment in Wilmington for a number of years. Resigning from the army, he entered the em-
Tameroch
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ploy of General Banning, becoming business agent for the Los Angeles & Wilmington Rail- road Company, with headquarters in Wilming- ton. In 1874, giving up that position, Mr. Milner became associated with the management of the newly organized Farmers and Merchants Bank of Los Angeles, first as secretary, and then as cashier of the institution. Showing marked financial ability, he retained this responsible position until his sudden death, April 27, 1895. For twenty-one years Mr. Milner was connected officially with the bank, and by his superior busi- ness tact and judgment did much toward plac- ing it among the strong and substantial financial institutions of Southern California. A man of rare ability, quick and accurate in discernment, he was ever equal to all emergencies, and exerted a good influence in business circles. Inherent in him were the qualities of a noble manhood, his unselfishness, amiability, broad views, and high- minded principles winning him the esteem and love of all with whom he was brought in con- tact. His death was a public loss.
Mr. Milner was a stanch Republican in poli- ties, a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, a devoted Episcopalian, and belonged to the Masonic order. Mr. Milner was happy in his social home life. Mrs. Milner came to Califor- nia in 1861, and since 1864 has been a resident of Los Angeles.
A. E. POMEROY. The association of A. E. Pomeroy with business affairs of Los An- geles during the past twenty-five years has contributed materially to the development and advancement of various enterprises which have resulted in the commercial supremacy of this city. He became a resident of Southern California in 1881, removing at that time from Santa Clara county, where, in San Jose, he had taken a prominent part in public affairs for a number of years, having served officially as county clerk and commercially as cashier of the San Jose Savings Bank. His executive ability, received both through inheritance and training, was such as to enable him to acquire a high position among the enterprising citizens of Los Angeles by reason of his efforts to ad- vance its interests commercially.
Born in New England of ancestry long established on American soil and participants in her movement for independence and suprem- acy, Mr. Pomeroy inherited the traits of character which have long distinguished the citizens of this section of our country. His education was received in the public schools of California, and he is a graduate of the Uni- versity of the Pacific, San Jose, Cal. After his school days were over he engaged in an independent effort to gain a livelihood. He became a pioneer of California in 1853 and since that date has given his efforts toward the advancement of the commonwealth, believing firmly in the future of the state and manifest- ing his faith in a substantial manner. While in San Jose he took an active part in the city's advancement, rising to a position of promi- nence among the business men, as county clerk of Santa Clara county discharging his duties in an able and efficient manner. In his ca- pacity of cashier of the San Jose Savings Bank he was instrumental in furthering the bank- ing interests of that city and won for himself a high reputation for his sagacity and judg- ment in financial matters.
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