USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, Volume II > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
1064
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gineering, a line of work for which he has a special adaptation, and therefore is meeting with success. He is a member of the Foulkes-Gaylord Company of Los Angeles, who do a general elec- trical engineering and contracting business.
Mr. Gaylord was married in Pasadena to Miss Elizabeth Emery, a native of Bay City, Mich., and the daughter of Hiram Emery, a promi- nent lumberman of that place. They have one son, Emery Stafford Gaylord. Mr. Gaylord is prominent in the Masonic organization, being a member of the lodge, chapter, commandery and thirty-second degree Scottish Rite.
JESSE R. UMSTED. For a quarter of a century Mr. Umsted has been a resident of Los Angeles and during this time has identified him- self prominently with the development of this section of the state. His father, Nicholas Um- sted, was a native of Maryland and when twelve years old was taken to Ohio, where he first en- gaged in farming with his father, and later estab- lished himself independently, continuing in that work until 1872, when he removed to the city of Toledo. From there he went to Omaha, Neb., and became connected with the Western Union Telegraph Company, holding a position with the company for about twelve years, when his death removed a trusted employe and respected citizen. Politically he affiliated with the Republican party. The mother, who was Elizabeth Adams before her marriage, was a native of Pennsylvania, and with her husband was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Umsted was the mother of three children, two of whom survive, her death occurring in Omaha, Neb.
The birth of Jesse R. Umsted occurred No- vember 11, 1845, at Tiffin, Ohio, where lie re- ceived his preliminary education before entering the Ohio Wesleyan University. He was in school when the Civil war began, and when his father, who was a member of the National Guards, was summoned to the Potomac river for guard duty, the son went as his substitute. Although the father was later drafted for regular service he was immediatly discharged for physical disability. When the son's term of service expired he re- turned to his school work and graduated from college in 1867. Subsequently he became
superintendent of public schools at Rising Sun, Ind. Still later he began to read law and was admitted to the bar at Xenia, Ohio, afterwards practicing for seven years at Toledo. Following this period he engaged in farming for three years in Ohio, then came to California, and has since been engaged in the real estate, life and fire in- surance business here. Mr. Umsted owns a dairy ranch stocked with fifty head of Jersey cattle, which is now being run by two of his sons. It is located on Florence and Vermont avenues and the greater part of the herd is the increase from the one Jersey cow which Mr. Umsted pur- chased shortly after his arrival here.
Immediately after his admission to the bar Mr. Umsted was married to Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Tiffin, Ohio, and a daughter of Hon. Joel W. and Mary Elizabeth (Moe) Wilson. Her mother was born February 23, 1817, and although she is now blind from an attack of the grip, she still lives, making her home with a daughter who resides in Toledo. She is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father was a very prominent political leader in Ohio and filled a number of important official positions. He was prosecuting attorney of Seneca county, was a member of the house of representatives, was president of the state senate and was adjutant general and acting governor of the state. In 1851 he was appointed by the governor of Ohio as attorney for the state to pursue the parties who had forcibly taken from the state into captivity in Kentucky and Virginia the eight children of a colored family and sold them into slavery. The family was widely scattered over the mountains when the kidnap- pers were finally caught, and claiming that they were innocent purchasers refused to give up the negroes. Mr. Wilson immediately began proceed- ings in court for their recovery and after several trials of the case (three for those in Kentucky, each resulting favorably) the children were final- ly restored to freedom. Mr. Wilson was not a native of Ohio, his birthplace being Bridgeport, Vt., but he was one of her most illustrious citi- zens. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party, and on the day preceding his funeral he was to have given an address on politi- cal matters before a large county mass meeting at Tiffin.
1065
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
One of the most active workers in church affairs, Mrs. Umsted fills a number of important official positions in the various societies connected therewith. She is treasurer of the Ladies Aid Society, and for a number of years has been secretary of the Pacific branch of The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also president of the Uni- versity auxiliary of the last named; is also a member of the home missionary society, and a member of the official board of University Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Umsted are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the family of five children born to them four sons are living, and of them we make the following mention : Leon W., who married Kate Green, is superintendent of the mailing department at the Station C postoffice; Walter N., engaged in the dairy business, married Edith Tremberth in Omaha ; Howard C., who married Nellie Ben- nett, is associated with his brother just mentioned in the dairy business; Rolla P., a rancher near San Diego, married Grace Thomason. Mr. Umsted is well informed on all matters of civic, social and economic interest and exerts an elevat- ing influence on the community in which he re- sides and where he is held in the highest esteem.
CHARLES B. WOODHEAD. In naming the prominent business men and upbuilding fac- tors of Southern California in general and of Los Angeles in particular, mention belongs to Charles B. Woodhead, who came here as early as the fall of 1873 and has since been deeply in- terested in its welfare. He was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, September 20, 1845, of English descent and the son of Thomas and Virginia (Burton) Woodhead. When he was a lad of ten years, in the spring of 1855, the parents re- moved to Iowa, settling in Burlington, where Charles B. received a good education in the pub- lic schools. The call to arms at the opening of the Civil war fired his patriotic spirit and when only nineteen years old he enlisted in Company G, Forty-fifth Iowa Volunteers. For a time after his return to civil life he was variously employed and when twenty-one years old he be- came interested in contracting and general build- ing. It was not his intention, however, to con-
tinue in business at that time, his one ambition being to secure a university education and the proceeds of his work were carefully laid aside for that purpose. During the winter months he attended the Baptist College at Burlington, and during the spring, summer and fall he contin- ued the work previously mentioned. The returns from a fortunate real estate investment enabled him to pursue his studies continuously, and in 1870 he entered the lowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1873.
In the fall following his graduation Mr. Wood- head came to the west intending to travel a year and then return east and enter law school. Upon coming to Los Angeles, however, in 1874, he be- came interested in the country and decided to remain and go into business. In the summer of 1876 he started in the fruit and commission busi- ness, at first alone, but soon afterward he ad- mitted Leslie F. Gay into the partnership. Under the firm name of Woodhead & Gay a lucrative business was conducted until 1883, when it was sold to Porter Brothers. During the business career of Woodhead & Gay they opened branch houses at Yuma, Phoenix, Tombstone and Tuc- son, Ariz., in this way helping to push the mar- ket for California products as far east as New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. Believing in the future of Los Angeles Mr. Woodhead made numerous investments in real estate during the summer of 1882, this too at a time when the real estate market of Los Angeles was dead and unpromising. Since that time he has also been interested in a general live stock business, having given a great deal of attention to the breeding of Jersey cattle. Mr. Woodhead was one of the company that pushed Long Beach to the front as a seaside resort, in fact he it was who christ- ened it Long Beach, a name so fittingly appro- priate for that beautiful resort.
In the fall of 1882 Mr. Woodhead returned east, and the February following he was united in marriage with Miss Ida E. Gard, of Spring- field, Ohio, the daughter of Silas and Mary E. Gard. In March, 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Wood- head returned to Los Angeles, which city has ever since continued to be their home. Mr. Woodhead has always been interested in the temperance and charity work of this city, and
1066
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
especially in the Los Angeles Orphan Home, at the corner of Yale and Alpine streets. This in- stitution was started and incorporated in 1880, Mr. Woodhead being one of its stanchest sup- porters. Mrs. Woodhead was elected a member of the board during the spring of 1883 and was also made recording secretary, a position which she held continuously until 1906. During the years which she has been connected with the in- stitution she has ably filled the positions of vice- president and president, and was released from the presidency in May of 1906 in order to ac- company her husband and children on an Euro- pean trip. Through her earnest effort and sym- pathy she not only got in touch with the work- ings of the institution in all its minutia, but by a deep mother love she endeared herself to the little orphans as they came to the home, hold- ing the love of many of the children after they had left the home and had grown up to be use- ful members of society.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodhead have four daughters, Blanche E., Florence M., Lora M. and Helen Charlene. The three eldest graduated from the academy of the University of Southern Califor- nia in the summer of 1906, after which Mr. and Mrs. Woodhead and their four children spent a year in European travel.
A. S. ROBBINS. The late A. S. Robbins is remembered as one of the upbuilding factors of Los Angeles, whither he came and located as early as 1878. A native of Ohio, he was born in Windham, Portage county, the son of Samnel and Lydia (Seymour) Robbins, the former of Scotch descent and a native of Exeter, N. H. After their marriage they came to what was then considered the frontier, becoming pioneers of the Western Reserve. It was while the par- ents were making their home in Windham, Ohio, that A. S. Robbins was born and in the public schools of that place he conned his lessons, hav- ing as one of his schoolmates James A. Gar- field. When Mr. Garfield went to the front in the service of his country during the Civil war Mr. Robbins presented him with a magnificent charger, as a bond of the friendship which had existed between them during the years of their boyhood and young manhood.
During young manhood Mr. Robbins went to Cleveland, Ohio, and engaged in the merchan- dise business, as a wholesale and retail dealer in art goods, at the corner of Seneca and Superior streets, a business which netted him an excellent income, and one in which he continued until 1874. It was during this year that he disposed of his holdings in Cleveland and came to Cali- fornia, locating in Oakland, where he lived re- tired for four years or until 1878, when he came to Los Angeles to make his home. From the first he had great faith in the future of the city, a faith which he exemplified by investing heavily in real estate. Both directly and indirectly this had a salutary effect upon the young city, for others were induced to do likewise. During the same year, 1878, he built a large residence at No. 923 South Figueroa street, a part of the city that was then considered out in the country, purchasing at that time half of the block in which his residence was located. Here he spent the remainder of his life, his earth life coming to a close September 21, 1904. The family con- tinned to make this their home until March, 1907, when Mrs. Robbins disposed of the prop- erty. Besides making large investments in rea! estate Mr. Robbins was considerably interested in mining, and was one of the principal men interested in the organization of the Bisbee West Copper Company, of which he was president up to the time of his death. At the time this com- pany was organized probably none of those in terested in it expected to live to see it reach its present proportions, for it is today a very valu able property. This was but another example of the penetration and forethought possessed by Mr. Robbins, and those who were privileged to know him were wont to refer to his judgment in many matters. This fact was especially true of young men, for whom Mr. Robbins seemed to have a special fondness, and he lost no oppor- tunity to give them a helping hand. Many a young man of Los Angeles owes his start and success in business to Mr. Robbins' encourage- ment and financial support.
Before her marriage Mrs. Robbins was Miss Anna Spencer Evans, a native of Canton, Ohio, and the daughter of William Fayette and Mary (Spencer) Evans, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Pennsylvania. During
1067
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
her girlhood Mrs. Robbins was a close neighbor and friend of the Saxton family, to which Mrs. Mckinley belonged. She is a woman of many rare qualities, which have endeared her to many friends. She is a member of the Friday Morn- ing Club and is a charter member of the Imman- uel Presbyterian Church. In the founding of the latter organization Mr. Robbins took an important part and throughout his life he con- tinued to support its charities. Fraternally he was a Mason of the Knight Templar degree, and politically he was a supporter of Republican doctrines.
ANDREW W. FRANCISCO. From authen- tic records it has been proven that the Francisco family originated in Castilia, Spain, the emigrat- ing ancestor thence removing to France in an early day and there the family flourished for many generations. To write the history of the family while in that country would mean in part to write the history of the Huguenots in general, for such they were, and the Revocation of the Edict . of Nantes was the withdrawal of all hope for peace or safety in the land which had long been the home of their ancestors. Henry Francisco was born in France prior to the removal of the family to England in the early part of the seven- teenth century, as a result of the decree issued by Louis XIV. He subsequently came to the United States, and at the time of his death in Whitehall, N. Y., had attained the remarkable age of one hundred and thirty-four years. The fact that he attained a great age would be meaningless were it not also recorded that his life was cor- respondingly useful, and among his other achieve- ments it is known that he participated in Queen Anne's war, the French and Indian war and the Revolution.
Andrew W. Francisco, Sr., was born in Cincin- nati, Ohio, and in that vicinity almost his entire life was passed. Following closely upon his graduation from St. Xavier's College in that city he entered a printing office as a "devil." ris- ing from that lowly position step by step until he became manager and editor. From manager of the Cincinnati Enquirer he passed to the man- agement of the Cincinnati Penny Press, and still later was editor and one of the proprietors of the
Cincinnati Times. Disposing of his interest in the latter paper he became one of the owners of the Ohio State Journal, which was published in Co- lumbus, but in 1882 he sold his interest to pur- chase an ownership in the Commercial Telegram of Toledo, Ohio. It was while in charge of the latter paper and through the instrumentality of his life-long friend, General Otis, that he became financially interested in the Los Angeles Times, and the year 1883 witnessed his removal to this city. For a number of years afterward he was associated with the latter paper, but his elec- tion to public offices made it necessary for him to relinquish all other duties. After the completion of one term as county supervisor he was ap- pointed by President Mckinley, who was one of his most intimate friends, to the office of col- lector of customs at the port of Los Angeles, and at the time of his death in 1897 had filled the position two years. He was a man of ex- ceptional characteristics, and in whatever he un- dertook displayed those principles of honesty and integrity of purpose which have been the guid- ing stars of all truly great men. Politically he was a Republican. His marriage united him with Ella C. Clark, who like himself was a na- tive of Cincinnati, Ohio, and who died in Los Angeles in 1893. Named in order of birth the children comprising the parental family are as follows: A. N., engaged in the real estate busi- ness in Los Angeles ; A. C., employed in the state printing office in Sacramento; Mrs. Mamie F. Okey, a resident of Los Angeles : J. Bond, a vio- linist of note in this city; Andrew Wiggins ; and Mrs. Beatrice Pemberton, also of this city.
Next to the youngest child in his parents' family Andrew W. Francisco, Jr., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 5. 1866, remaining in his native state until the family removed to Los Angeles in 1883. Prior to this he attended the public schools of Cincinnati and also attended the high school at Columbus. It was with this preliminary training that he became a student in St. Vincent's College in Los Angeles, graduat- ing from this institution in 1886. Thereafter he began to read law in the office of Thomas J. Carran, and from the time of his admission to the bar in 1891 until 1895 practiced his pro- fession in this city. While T. E. Newlin was in office as county clerk he was appointed as deputy
1068
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
being reappointed under Charles W. Bell and is now serving as deputy county clerk under C. G. Keyes, having charge of Department No. 9. To some extent he is interested in mining, own- ing property in Arizona and Alaska.
The family home at No. 2024 Magnolia avenue is presided over by Mrs. Francisco, who as Miss Selma Weid was married to Mr. Francisco in Los Angeles, December 14, 1901. She is a na- tive of this city and the daughter of Ivar A. Weid, one of the pioneer settlers of Los Angeles. He served with distinction in the Civil war, becom- ing captain of his company, and was also a mem- ber of the Loyal Legion. His wife was Marie (Magnus) Weid, of Ocean Park, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Francisco have one child, whom they have named Alix. Many fraternal orders claim Mr. Francisco's membership, his identification with Masonry dating from his initiation into Southgate Lodge No. 320, F. & A. M., in 1901. He is also identified with the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, Fraternal Brotherhood and the Knights of the Maccabees, being past com- mander of California Tent No. 6 in the latter order. Other organizations with which his name is prominently associated in this city are the Chamber of Commerce and Teddy's Terrors, while the only exclusively social organization to which he belongs is the Union League Club. Politically he is a believer in Republican principles and votes that party ticket at all national elec- tions.
JAMES LEE BRICE. Although somewhat varied in his business career, for some years past James Lee Brice has given his attention al- most exclusively to mining enterprises, in which he has met with a success which justifies his continuance in this line. He is a native of Han- cock county, Ohio, his birth having occurred in the vicinity of Findlay in 1863; his father, Jo- seph, was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Henry, the representative of an old Maryland family. Henry Brice became a farmer in Washington county, Pa., where he enlisted for service in the war of 1812, following the example of his father, who served as a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war. Joseph Brice engaged in sailing on Lake Erie and finally located near
Findlay, Ohio, where he engaged as a manufac- turer. He eventually removed to Lima, same state, where both himself and wife passed away at advanced ages. She was formerly Lucinda Wolf, a native of Ohio, and a representative of a pioneer family of the middle west.
James Lee Brice received his education through the medium of the public and high schools of his native state, and in young man- hood engaged in pedagogical work for a time. In the spring of 1886 he followed the example of his forefathers who sought newer fields for pio- neer enterprises and came as far west as Denver, Colo. Thence he went to Lyons, same state, and there engaged with a partner in the mercantile business, the firm being known as Scanlon & Brice. Three years later, at the time of the Cripple Creek excitement, he went to the latter city for the purpose of engaging in a mercantile enterprise, but instead turned his attention to mining. This occupation proved more fascinat- ing and remunerative than merchandising, and thenceforward his attention was given to it ex- clusely. He engaged in mining and prospecting in different parts of Colorado, then spent five years mining in Leadville; in 1899 he went to Idaho and in the Coeur d'Alene country engaged in mining pursuits, working in different mines until he became a practical mining engineer. While a resident of that state he was for a time editor of the mining department of the Idaho State Tribune, and also established, in February, 1906, and edited the Idaho Mines and Metals until 1907, when he sold out his interests. He is variously connected with mining enterprises throughout the west, now serving in the capac- ity of president and manager of the Snowstorm Extension Copper Mining Company, of which he was one of the developers, and also in a sim- ilar capacity for the Idaho Lead Silver Mining Company and the Whipple Mountain Gold and Copper Company, of San Bernardino county, Cal. He has established his home in Southern Cali- fornia, having erected a fine mission-style resi- dence at Coeur d'Alene Place, near Venice, which is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Josephine M. Van Hausen. She is a native of Nebraska, her birth having occurred near Schuyler. They have one daughter, Beatrice M. Mr. Brice is eminently public-spirited in all his
1069
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
actions, taking a broad interest in the general upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home, and giving liberally of time and means for this purpose. In his political convictions he is a stanch advocate of Republican principles on all national issues, although locally he aims to support the candidate best qualified for the office.
CAPT. HARMON D. RYUS. Among the representative citizens of Los Angeles is Capt. H. D. Ryus, a man of pronounced ability and worth, who as manager of the White Garage Company is carrying on a substantial business. Born in Topeka, Kans., June 2, 1872, he is a son of Charles W. Ryus, a native of New York state, and the descendant of Welsh ancestors. During pioneer days he came west, locating in Leaven- worth, Kans., and for many years was captain of trains on the old trail between Leavenworth and Santa Fe, N. Mex., an experience which was filled with hair-breadth escapes from Indian at- tacks. During the Civil war he served his coun- try as a member of a Kansas regiment and when peace was once more established he resumed his interest in civic life by becoming general claim agent for the Santa Fe Railroad at Topeka. When he had been in the service of the company for twenty-five years, at which time he had reached the age of sixty years, he was given a pension by the company, this being the first in- stance of the kind among employes in the history of the Santa Fe. At a ripe old age he is now residing in Los Angeles. Through all the inter- vening years he has kept in touch with his com- rades of war days and is now affiliated with the Grand Army post at Los Angeles. Fraternally he is a Mason and in his political preferences he is a Republican. Mrs. Ryus, who is also still living, was before her marriage Celeste John- son, a native of Philadelphia and the daughter of Harmon Johnson, who at one time owned a beautiful residence at the Falls of the Schuykill. Wissehecken drive has since been laid through the estate, and forms a part of one of the most beautiful parks in Philadelphia. The Johnson family came of German antecedents, and was represented in the new world prior to the Revo- lutionary war, in which members of the family
were participants. On one of his visits to America LaFayette was a guest of the family.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.