USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, Volume II > Part 45
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After his graduation from the high school in Austin, Minn., Quentin J. Rowley entered the
University of Minnesota, where he took the full course of study, receiving the degree of B. A. Subsequently, as chemist of the Minnesota state board of health, he spent two years at Red Wing. Going from there to New York City, he began the study of medicine at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, from which he was gradu- ated with the degree of M. D., in March, 1884. Deciding to locate in California, Dr. Rowley came by water, via Galveston, Tex., to the Pa- cific coast, arriving just as the memorable epi- demic of smallpox was at its height, and was immediately appointed by the California state board of health as inspector, a position that he filled with ability and fidelity for three years. Locating in Downey in 1887, he built up an ex- tensive and remunerative practice in that vicin- ity, where he is esteemed and respected as a citizen of worth and integrity, and is very popu- lar as a physician and surgeon, his knowledge and judgment being recognized and appreciated. He is an able business man, and in the early fall of 1905 was made vice-president of the Los Nie- tos Bank of Downey. In August, 1906, Dr. Rowley removed his office to the Grosse building, Los Angeles.
Dr. Rowley has been twice married, first, in June, 1887, at San Bernardino, Cal., to Mattie C. Browning, a native of Alabama. She died October 30, 1898, leaving three children, namely : Gladys, aged seventeen years; Earl, a bright lad of fifteen years, now attending Pomona Col- lege, and Mattie, aged seven years. June 25, 1903, Dr. Rowley married Lida Ardis Craw- ford, the descendant of a prominent pioneer family of Los Angeles county. Fraternally he is associated with many secret organizations, be- ing a member of Downey Lodge, No. 220, F. & A. M .: Independent Order of Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees, and of the Fraternal Aid Society. Religiously he belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal Church and is a liberal contributor to- wards its support.
ERNEST S. HOWE. Adjacent to the vil- lage of Ramona lies the small and well-kept ranch that is owned and occupied by the Howe family and that bears an air of orderli-
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ness and thrift indicative of the proprietor's energy and industrious habits. The sixty-five acres are kept in a high state of cultivation and are tilled in such a manner as to produce the greatest possible results in return for the care bestowed upon them. A specialty is made of the dairy business, for which industry the land is well adapted. Ernest S. Howe, who has made his home upon the tract for some years and who is responsible for its improved appearance, came from Iowa at the age of twelve years, and during much of the time since then has lived in Southern California. His parents, James M. and Sarah (Nims) Howe, were natives respectively of New York and Illinois and in early life removed to Iowa, where they met and married. While they were living at Osage. Mitchell county, that state, their son was born November 5, 1873, and in that locality he received his primary educa- tion.
By reason of the serious physical decline of the father in 1885 the family removed from the rigorous climate of northern Iowa and sought the more favorable environment of California, although they scarcely dared to hope that the invalid would be permanently restored to health. However, they were grat- ified to see a quick improvement and in a short time the father had regained his health. For two years after coming west the home was at Otay and in 1887 removal was made to Ramona, where a ranch was purchased and occupied. Some years ago the property was sold and the father removed to Montana, where he died in the spring of 1906, aged sev- enty-eight years.
During the years of youth Ernest S. Howe made his home with his parents, leaving their home when he established a home of his own. October 12, 1899, he was united in marriage with Concepcion Stokes, member of the pio- neer family of Ramona valley and a sister of Aristides E. Stokes. Born of their union are three children, Dora Ann, Josephine May and Ernest S., Jr. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Howe took his wife to Washington and for a year he worked in the Franklin mines in that state. From there he removed to Townsend, Mont., where his father then lived, and for
three years he was employed in that section. During the residence of the family there the elder two children were born. Since leaving Montana they have made their home upon their farm near Ramona, where they have a large circle of personal friends. In religious belief Mrs. Howe was reared in the Catholic faith and always has been a sincere member of that church, attending its services and con- tributing to its maintenance and its charitable enterprises. While Mr. Howe has never been partisan in politics, he keeps well posted con- cerning matters pertaining to the welfare of our country and the prosperity of the nation, and in national elections he casts his ballot for Republican candidates, although in local matters he votes for the man rather than the principle involved and maintains an independ- ent attitude.
EDWARD W. GILMORE was born in Man- chester, N. H., of Scotch-Irish parentage, July 8, 1849. The Gilmore family was among the earliest settlers of the American continent, and the grandfather of Edward fought valiantly in the Revolutionary cause. The father, also Adam Gilmore, was born in Bedford, N. H., on his father's farm. In 1849, when the excitement attendant upon the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia had penetrated to every remote portion of the country, it did not leave the Gilmore household untouched, and Edward's father was among those who chose the Panama way as the quickest to reach the land of gold. He reached his destination safely and while quite successful in mining operations at Rich Gulch and Dutch Flat the life did not satisfy him and he set his face eastward again. When he reached Wiscon- sin he decided to remain there and settled at Sauk City, buying land on Honey Creek near that point. He started to manufacture lumber and continued in the business for two years, then went to Sauk City and engaged in the buying and selling of grain. Later he worked up a lumber business on the Wisconsin river. It was in these days that lumbering in that state was wielding such fabulous returns and the great fortunes of the present Wisconsin lumber kings
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were made. The settlers who penetrated into the forests and made clearings that they might cultivate the rich soil and make for themselves and their families a home in the wonderful new country needed provisions and in this Adam Gil- more saw his opportunity. He had now ac- quired a grain, stock and provision store and he supplemented this trade by selling produce to the pioneers. This produce was delivered on sleds in the winter time and the pay for the same was taken in lumber which was rafted down the river when the spring freshets started. In this man- ner the elder Gilmore built up a very large and lucrative business, which he continuously en- gaged in until his death. He was a member of the Congregational Church, which established so many outlying posts at the lumber camps and new towns on the frontier in those days, and the support of one of them by a man of Mr. Gil- more's means and influence was especially needed and appreciated. His wife, who survived him, was Mary Ann Watson, born in New Hamp- shire, the daughter of Ebenezer Watson. He was a hotel keeper in New Hampshire and in 1850 removed to Baraboo, Wis., where he en- gaged in the same business. His wife was Mary Corbin, a sister of Austin Corbin, Sr. Edward's mother later removed to California and died at Coronado.
Edward W. Gilmore was brought up in Sank City and was educated in the public schools and at the University of Wisconsin. On account of ill health he did not complete his course, and deciding that a trip across the plains would be of benefit to him he started out in 1868, when but eighteen years of age. He left Hays City, the terminus of the railroad, and went from there on horseback to Ft. Sumner, N. Mex. From there he removed to Ft. Stanton, where he was quartermaster clerk. He accompanied the gov- ernment expedition to Yuma, Ariz., in 1869, and after a fight between the soldiers and the Apache Indians at Stein's Pass he returned to Ft. Stan- ton. With a party of seven men he later made his way from New Mexico to central Texas, at a time when the Indians had full possession of the country. Up to that time this was the smallest party that had attempted to make the trip. In Comanche and Erath counties he en- gaged in the stock business for a short time,
and in the spring of 1870 returned to Wisconsin and took up farming. After this began his ca- reer as a railroad contractor, his first work being on the Chicago & Northwestern, then being built between Madison and Elroy. After the com- pletion of this line he entered the employ of the company as a station agent and the last two years of his ten years' service with the company were directly under Albert Keet, the president of the railroad, he having charge of right of way matters and supplies.
In 1887 Mr. Gilmore removed to San Diego and entered heartily into the boom which was at its height in that city at the time, but he met with the same losses as others and in 1800 left for Tacoma, Wash., where for six years he en- gaged in contract railroad building, street paving, etc. The year 1895 found him once more in San Diego, where he secured the government contract to build the jetties at Coronado. On completion of this work he formed a partnership with J. A. Fairchild and transacted business un- der the firm name of Fairchild & Gilmore and The Alcatraz Asphalt Paving Company, and has since been engaged in general contracting and street paving in Los Angeles, doing the most extensive business of any firm of a like nature in the city at the present time. In the year 1905 their contracts amounted to the magnificent total of $1,250,000. For the past six years they have employed from five to six hundred men. In 1902 Mr. Wilton became a member of the firm, which was then incorporated as Fairchild-Gilmore-Wil- ton Co. Mr. Gilmore is also largely interested in mining properties in California and has de- veloped, as well, copper mines in Arizona, and has been instrumental in the promotion of the Naples and Naples Extension land tracts, besides having valuable land interests in other parts of the state.
Mr. Gilmore was married in Milwaukee, Wis .. to Clara M. Saxton, who was born in Man- chester, N. H., and there have been born to them three children : Mary, who is now Mrs. H. W. Squires of Sheep Ranch Mines, Calaveras coun- ty: Edward Saxton, engaged in ranching in San Bernardino county ; and Charles Adam, who lives with his parents. Mrs. Gilmore is a member of the Episcopal Church. The family residence is at No. 2007 Ocean avenue, where Mr. Gilmore
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has built one of the finest homes in Los Angeles. They also have a fine cottage at Alamitos . Bay, where they enjoy the pleasures of beach life dur- ing the heated months of the summer season. Mr. Gilmore is a member of the Channel Club at Alamitos Bay, and the Jonathan Club of Los Angeles. Politically he has always given his support to the Republican party, and he holds membership in several lodges, including the Ma- sonic, which he joined at Reedsburg, Wis., and is now a member of Southern California Lodge No. 278, F. & A. M .; was made a Royal Arch Mason at Reedsburg, and from there transferred to Signet Chapter No. 57, Los Angeles; was made a Knight Templar at Reedsburg and is now a member of the Los Angeles Commandery No. 9; belongs to the Al Malaikalı Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and both Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore are members of the Order of Eastern Star.
JUDGE JAMES P. NELSON. Seeking health amid the sanguine surroundings of Southern California, Judge James P. Nelson has so far renewed his youth that he is now enjoying in peace and quietude the evening of his days far removed from the scene of his early activities, but in no sense less a part of his carcer, for to his honor be it said he has given time, means and influence toward the upbuilding and development of the city he has made his home. Judge Nelson is a native of New York and was born in Allegany county, in the town of North Horton, April 30, 1827; his father, David Nelson, was a native of Scot- land and an early settler of New York, where for many years he operated a grist mill in con- nection with his farm. He died in Pennsyl- vania, as did his wife, formerly Mary Lash- baugh, a native of Milton, that state.
James P. Nelson was reared in his native town and Clearfield county, Pa., receiving his education in the common schools of the first place and a select institution in the latter. He read law with Judge Barrett of Clearfield, Pa., where he was admitted to the bar and began his practice. While a resident of Clearfield he was clected district judge and also associate judge of Elk county, serving in this capacity for several years. He then located in Eau
Claire, Wis., and continued his profession un- til his removal to Marshall county, Minn., where he served as county attorney and clerk of the district court for many years, establish- ing a splendid record. During his residence in that state Judge Nelson also became inter- ested in real estate operations, purchasing about eight thousand acres of railroad land and organizing a stock company, which engaged in the raising of wheat.
In 1884 Judge Nelson came to California and in Pasadena purchased ten acres of land on what is now North Fair Oaks, and set out oranges, lemons, prunes, pears and other fruits. Later on he bought thirty acres in another part of the city, disposing of it finally at a profit. He had first been induced to seek Southern California because of impaired health and here he remained, content to abandon his law prac- tice and in a manner retire from public activ- ity for the sake of the health-giving climate. He has become the owner of large holdings, owning a handsome residence at No. 1850 North Fair Oaks avenue, where, although he is now quite advanced in years, he is still en- joying lifc.
The judge has been thrice married, his first wife being in maidenhood Susan Graham, a na- tive of Pennsylvania. They became the par- ents of two children, Elmer B., a prominent banker and politician of northern Minnesota, and Lenore, the wife of William R. Hoyt, of Indian Territory. Judge Nelson's second mar- riage, in 1899, was to Mrs. Elizabeth McKee, who was born at Harper's Ferry, Va. ; they had one daughter, Helen, the wife of F. D. Bel- lows, of Los Angeles. His third marriage was to Mrs. Elizabeth (Proper) Noble, who was born in Venango county, Pa., the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hooper) Proper, both of Pennsylvania. Her first marriage was to Don- ald Noble, a native of Scotland. He was en- gaged in the harness business in Decorah, Iowa, from 1862 until his death in 1897. She came to Pasadena in 1898.
Judge Nelson is entitled to pride in the fact that he has built up for himself an honorable record in four states-Pennsylvania, Wiscon- sin, Minnesota and California-having held public office in each of them excepting the lat-
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ter. He is a member of the Odd Fellows or- ganization with which he has been identified for many years. He is held in high esteem by all who have ever known him for his energetic character and conscientious citizenship.
CHARLES L. HEARTWELL. No finan- cier of Long Beach is more familiar with its resources than the gentleman who holds the positions of vice-president of the First Nation- al Bank and president of the Citizens Sav- ings Bank, and who was the chief factor in the organization of both. The national insti- tution opened its doors for business June 26, 1900, with a capital stock of $25,000, which has since been increased to $500,000,' and a sur- plus of $100,000 has accumulated, the entire resources of the bank aggregating more than $2,250,000. The savings bank was opened February 1, 1901, with a captial stock of $25,- 000, and has since been increased to $250,000, with resources of over $1,000,000. Both banks are under the same management and their rapid growth furnishes abundant testimony as to the conservative spirit guiding their sub- stantial development.
Charles L. Heartwell was born in Geneva, N. Y., July 1, 1869, and received exceptional advantages in the gaining of an education. After having completed the studies of the high school of Hastings, Neb., he took a course in Hastings College in that city, which was founded by his father, Hon. J. B. Heartwell. With the intention of adopting the medical profession for his life work he entered the School of Medicine in Paris, France, in 1887, but circumstances altered his plans and turned his aspirations into other fields of activity. For two years he was a student in the Uni- versity of Switzerland at Zurich. During va- cation seasons he took bicycle tours through Europe for the purpose of studying national and political economy, altogether traveling six thousand miles, visiting many points of his- toric interest. The trips were enjoyable and gave him an insight into the customs and hab- its of the people in the countries visited. On his return from Europe in 1889 he settled in Hastings, Neb., and engaged in the banking
business at that point, hut on account of im- paired health was obliged to give up indoor work for a time and in 1893 came to Riverside and engaged in orange culture. His grove, which was planted by himself and brother, is known as the Alta-Mesa grove, planted under the Wright act, and was one of the first start- ed in that section of the state. The ranch comprised thirty acres of navel oranges and ten acres of lemon trees. In the culture of oranges and lemons the Heartwell brothers were very successful and their fruit command- ed highest prices.
Mr. Heartwell's connection with the bank- ing institutions of Long Beach began in 1897, when he became assistant cashier in the Bank of Long Beach. With his father he organ- ized the banks of which he is now respectively vice-president and president. Besides his con- nection with these institutions he acts as a director of the Long Beach Water Company, capital $750,000 ; the Masonic Temple Associa- tion (in the work of which he has been ac- tively interested and largely through his ef- forts was built the beautiful Masonic Tem- ple), the First National Bank of Huntington Beach, while in 1904 he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Compton, in the town of the same name. He was one of the organizers and at present a director of the Long Beach Hotel & Land Co., capitalized for $1,000,000, and the company is now erect- ing a six story fireproof hotel on the Ocean Front. Under Mr. Heartwell's supervision the First National bank in 1906 completed one of the largest and most elaborate office build- ing in Long Beach, being a six story, steel structure. He assisted in organizing The Nel- son-Napier Navigation Company, which runs boats between San Pedro and San Diego, and is a director and treasurer of the company. He is also interested in the San Pedro Salt Works and occupies the office of treasurer in the company which owns them, and is di- rector and treasurer of the Long Beach Build- ing and Loan Association, of which he was one of the organizers. Since 1898 he has served as treasurer of the city of Long Beach, and was a member of the board that framed the present city charter.
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After coming to Long Beach Mr. Heartwell met and married Miss LaVerne Lowe, who was born in Syracuse, Neb. He is a Presby- terian, and the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation of Long Beach has the benefit of his warm sympathy and active support, not only by contributions of money and time, but also through his faithful service in the office of treasurer. Mr. Heartwell is an enthusiastic automobilist and in 1904 assisted in the or- ganization of the Long Beach Automobile Club, and has served as its president since its inception. In this connection it may be men- tioned that he is greatly interested in the good-roads movement and lends his influence to the bettering of the public highways in this section of the state, and was one to help frame a law for the construction of boulevards in the state of California and with others championed the building of Pacific boulevard, which ex- tends from the city of Los Angeles without a curve to Long Beach. He is an active member of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and also belongs to the Jonathan and Union League clubs of Los Angeles. In matters fraternal he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias at Long Beach, where for one term he officiated as commander of the lodge. The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks numbers him among its members, and in additon he is active in Masonry, being asso- ciated with Long Beach Lodge No. 347, F. & A. M .; Long Beach Chapter No. 84, R. A. M., of which he acts as treasurer; Long Beach Commandery No. 44, K. T., in which he offi- ciates as treasurer; Los Angeles Consistory thirty-second degree, and Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Los Angeles.
JOSEPH POMEROY WIDNEY has been a resident of Los Angeles for a period dating from the pioneer days of the state and in the material upbuilding of Southern California has given the support of an active and able mind and character. He is a native of Miami coun- ty, Ohio, born December 26, 1841, a son of Wilson and Arabella (Maclay) Widney, and a grandson of Judge John Widney, one of the honored pioneers of Ohio. In youth Joseph
Pomeroy Widney received a preliminary edu- cation through the medium of the common schools of Ohio, supplementing the course lat- er with an attendance at various universities, receiving the degree of Master of Arts in the University of the Pacific, the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the University of California, and Doctor of Laws in Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. He first came to California in the fall of 1862 with his mother and family, his father having passed away in Ohio when his son was a child in years. He served in the Civil war and also served as post surgeon and on scout duty in the Apache wars in 1867 and 1868 in Arizona. He still has in his posses- sion the rifle which he carried in the Civil war, and which was then an old relic in the Widney family, and also owns the rifle carried by the famous Morgan on his raids in Kentucky.
In October, 1868, Dr. Widney returned to California and established his home in Los Angeles, where he has ever since remained an active force in its upbuilding and development. The practice of his profession and literary work have occupied the greater part of his attention, and through these lines he has aided in the advancement of other important issues. He established the College of Medicine in the University of Southern California and held the office of dean of same for many years, and also served as professor of the theory and prac- tice of medicine for about ten years of this time. Later he held the presidency of the Uni- versity of Southern California for four years. After the close of his university work Dr. Wid- ney retired from the active practice of his pro- fession, but remained a prominent figure in public affairs. He has published many mag- azine articles on scientific and literary sub- jects and was one of the three writers of the Centennial history of Los Angeles; among his writings are "California of the South," the "Way of Life," "Via Domini," the "Race Life of the Aryan People." the last named being in two volumes, and others of equal importance. Before the Chamber of Commerce of Los An- geles was established he for many years pre- pared all the documents forwarded to Con- gress in the San Pedro harbor improvement, and personally secured the survey for the out-
& Townsend
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er sea-wall. He was active in bringing the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to South- ern California, the affair being planned in the office of himself and Dr. J. S. Griffin. He was a member of the state board of health several terms and was also president of the city board of education. It was also Dr. Widney who first proposed setting aside the three forestry reservations that have secured the present wa- ter supply of Los Angeles. A man of keen per- ception, there is little wonder that as early as twenty-five years ago he led the movement for the division of the state of California, realiz- ing that time must necessarily bring the mat- ter before the minds of the public. In 1873, in an article published in the "Overland Month- ly," he proposed the reflooding of the Colorado desert for the climatic changes it would pro- duce. All these things have had their effect upon the growth and development of this sec- tion, and to Dr. Widney much credit is due for his stanch efforts and unfailing activity in the interests of his adopted state and city.
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