USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, Volume II > Part 65
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building when completed will cost $1,000,000 and will be the largest of its kind west of Chicago and is to be a lasting monument to the memory and genius of their father.
WILLIAM J. WASHBURN, president of the Equitable Savings Bank, and one of the promi- nent men in financial and educational circles in Los Angeles, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., September 30, 1852. His father, William Washburn, the descendant of an old New York family, engaged for many years in mercantile pursuits in his native state, finally removing to St. Louis, Mo., where he became active in com- mercial affairs. With a competency the result of his undivided efforts, he retired from business life in 1888, and in the same year came to Cali- fornia and established his home in Pasadena, in which city his death occurred November 5, 1898. He was a man of strong integrity of character and a loyal and patriotic citizen; he enlisted for service in the Civil war and was at once promoted to a captaincy, serving under General Grant and being in the division that received the surrender of General Lee. Through- out his entire life he held a position among the representative men of the section in which he made his home, his name always being found among those who were seeking to further the highest interests of the community at large. He is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Mary R. Johnson, a native of New York, whose home is now in Los Angeles. They became the parents of three sons and one daughter, of whom Will- iam J. Washburn is the only survivor. Charles A. was engaged in the insurance business in Denver, Colo .; Frank E. was interested with his brother, W. J., in the banking business in Los Angeles until his death; and Jennie B. died in childhood.
The boyhood of William J. Washburn was passed in his native state, where he received a preliminary education in the public schools. He completed his studies in Lima Seminary, after which he followed his parents to St. Louis. His father having become identified with commercial affairs in that city, it was but natural that he should follow the same pursuit. Later he was recognized as one of the leading merchants of
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St. Louis and during the fifteen years of his business life there he built up an extensive pat- ronage and wide custom, which brought him satisfactory financial returns. In 1888 he disposed of his business interests in St. Louis and came to California. For the sake of a location in the west Mr. Washburn sacrificed an established business in a field where he had ably de- monstrated his ability in important affairs, bring- ing with him to the Pacific state the qualities, ripened by years of experience and contact with the world, which had proven winning factors in his career. Shortly after his location in Los Angeles Mr. Washburn was elected president of the Bank of Commerce, which had been founded two years previously under the name of the East Side Bank. Soon after Mr. Wash- burn's connection with the bank it was removed to a more central location at the corner of First Street and Broadway. Under the conservative management of its officers business gradually increased until 1903, when it was consolidated with the American National Bank, one of the strongest financial institutions of Los Angeles, of which he was made vice-president. In the meantime he had served as secretary of the Equitable Loan Society, which was later merged into the Equitable Savings Bank, and upon its organization he became president and has served in that capacity since.
In his identification with the banking institu- tions of Los Angeles Mr. Washburn has developed those qualities possessed only by the ablest finan- cier, and with the passing years has risen to a commanding position among the representative men of this class. He is regarded as a leader in the conservative element of the city, trusted implicitly for his integrity, and withal is pro- gressive and public-spirited. In addition to the positions already mentioned he was appointed re- ceiver for the City Bank, which failed in 1893, and also served in like capacity for the Bankers' Alliance, ably discharging the duties devolving upon him. As foreman of the grand jury of Los Angeles county he served with fidelity and impartiality. Throughout his entire residence in this city he has taken a lively interest in edu- cational affairs, and as a member of the board of education for five years and president of the same for three years, he sought to advance the
standard of the public schools. Many improve- ments in point of equipment and excellence were added largely through Mr. Washburn's influence. For many years an active member of the Cham- ber of Commerce, he was chosen in 1906 as president of this honorable body, and as in the past will prove a power in the advancement of commercial affairs in Los Angeles. Mr. Wash- burn is identified with the Republican element in politics, but is in no sense a partisan; re- cognized first as a loyal citizen, he is always to be counted upon in the support of the best movements for the material prosperity of the city, county and state. In the midst of his busy affairs he has found time to ally himself with fraternal and social bodies, being a Thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite Mason, and member of the California, University and Sunset Clubs of this city.
In St. Louis, Mo., in 1878, Mr. Washburn was united in marriage with Miss Helen E. Rowell, who for some years had resided in Bloomington, Ill., where she had received a liberal education in the normal school. She is a woman of rare worth of character, inherent qualities of heart and mind, unspoiled even in the midst of her association with the world. She is prom- inent in social circles and has served as presi- dent of the Ruskin Art Club for two years. As a member of the Juvenile Court Commission she is active in a work whose influence is far- reaching, while she is also a member of the Municipal Art Commission.
CEPHAS LITTLE BARD, M. D. No man has more opportunity to endear himself to the members of a community, rich and poor, high and low, old and young, than has the physician, who not only ministers to the sufferings of the afflicted ones, but brings cheer to the house- hold of those whose physical pains he relieves. Dr. Cephas L. Bard was one of those who was loved, honored, respected and almost rever- enced by every inhabitant of Ventura city and in the country for many miles around. Dr. Bard was born at Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., April 7, 1843, a member of an old estab- lished family which came to this country in colonial days.
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The great-great-grandfather, Archibald Bard, came to this country before 1741. We find him settled with his family in Adams county, Pa., on a farm granted to him by the proprietaries in 1741. Here his son Richard Bard and his wife, the great-grandparents of Dr. Bard, were captured by Indians. Richard Bard made his escape at the urgent solicitation of his wife, after his body had been painted by the Indians in colors indi- cating that he was doomed to torture and death. After making many hazardous attempts to res- cue his wife he eventually succeeded in ransom- ing her from captivity, which had continued for more than two years. Richard Bard was a prom- inent citizen of Cumberland, now Franklin county, Pa., and was a member of the Penn- sylvania convention that ratified the Federal con- stitution. Among Richard Bard's sons was Thomas Bard, a captain in the war of 1812. His son, Robert M. Bard, the father of Dr. Bard, was for many years a prominent lawyer at Chambersburg, Pa. He was a man of great talent and ability in his profession, recognized as the leading member of the local bar. He was a Whig, took an active part in politics and was a candidate for congress at the time of his last illness. He died in 1851. It is not true, as has been stated in published notices of his death, that Dr. Bard was con- nected with the family which was represented by Dr. John Bard and his son, Dr. Samuel Bard, distinguished over a century ago as physicians of the City of New York. If there be any connection between the two families it is very remote. But his taste for the medical profession was inher- ited by Dr. Bard from the maternal side of his house. His grandfather, Dr. P. W. Little, a student under Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a promi- nent physician at Mercersburg, Pa., and had two sons, both of whom were physicians: Dr. Robert Parker Little, who practiced at Colum- bus, Ohio, and Dr. B. Rush Little, who at the time of his death was professor of obstetrics in the Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College.
Dr. P. W. Little's wife, Mary Parker, was the daughter of Col. Robert Parker, who served with distinction in the Revolutionary war. Col- onel Parker's sister was married to General Andrew Porter, from whom descended David
Rittenhouse Porter, governor of Pennsylvania, and his illustrious son, General Horace Porter, late ambassador to France.
While still very young C. L. Bard had deter- mined to devote himself to the medical profes- sion and after completing a course of classical studies at the Chambersburg Academy he en- tered the office of Dr. A. H. Senseny, one of Pennsylvania's most talented physicians, and began to read medicine. This was at the time of the Civil war and when the news of McClel- lan's reverses reached him he decided to re- spond to the call of patriotism and enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania Vol- unteers and with that regiment participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fred- ericksburg and Chancellorsville. His term of service having expired he attended a course of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, and after passing a satisfactory examination secured the appointment as assistant surgeon of a regi- ment of Pennsylvania volunteers and remained in the war until the surrender of General Lee, when he returned to his old home and prac- ticed at his profession until 1868. He then came to San Buenaventura, Cal., the place being at that time but a very small village. He was the first doctor to locate there and with the ex- ception of short intervals of time in which he attended post-graduate courses in Eastern med- ical schools, lived in San Buenaventura until death. At the first county election in Ventura county he was unanimously elected coroner, both parties having nominated him, and for twenty years he served as county physician and surgeon, and was also an efficient health officer. He was popular in all medical circles having filled the office of president of the Ventura County Med- ical Society, being an active participant in the actions of the California State Medical Society, of which he was made president for one term, and at various times was a member of the Board of Pension Examiners.
He was a man of well rounded interests and took a leading part in social and civic life, was a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the military order of the Loyal Le- gion, and was a Knights Templar. True to his ancestral teachings he adhered to the beliefs of
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the Presbyterian denomination. One of the dear- est dreams and ambitions of Dr. Bard during his lifetime was the establishment of a complete and modern hospital at Ventura, and for years he studied and planned the details of the build- ing, its arrangements and fittings. The culmi- nation of his desire was realized the last year of his life when the beautiful Elizabeth Bard Memorial Hospital at Ventura, erected to the memory of a loving mother, was completed by the two sons, Dr. Cephas L. and Hon. Thomas R. Bard.
His attention to the exceedingly large prac- tice which he had built up in this section of the state did not prevent him from taking an ac- tive interest in all public enterprises. He was a stalwart patriot and his love for the flag and pride in the institutions for which it stands were as strong as his love for his profession and pride in his medical and surgical skill. His death, April 20, 1902, removed one of the most valued citizens and well beloved men in Ventura county. Of his qualities of mind his literary talent was most remarkable and he found time during a busy professional career to read the classics, be- come familiar with the riches of literary artists, and write numerous literary productions. His inventive genius was also of a high order and contributed to his remarkable success as a sur- geon and practitioner. That he had the quali- ties of a great man none who knew him will deny ; that he would have been great in any call- ing in life there is no doubt ; and that he was the most dearly beloved and most highly esteemed man in the community is a fact acknowledged by all.
FERD K. RULE, widely known as an upbuild- ing factor in the interests of Los Angeles, was born in St. Louis, Mo., December 6, 1853, the representative of southern ancestry. His father, Orville G. Rule, also born in St. Louis, was a son of William Kennett. who, in Kentucky, mar- ried Nancy Clinton, a native of Virginia. The grandfather became a pioneer merchant of St. Louis, where he was successful in business and social affairs and besides a competence won a place of importance in the citizenship of that place. His death occurred at an advanced age.
Orville G. Rule entered business life in early manhood and rose rapidly to a position of im- portance. For thirty years prior to his death he held the position of general manager of the St. Louis Shot & Lead Works and discharged the duties in a thoroughly capable manner. Like his father he was esteemed for both business and so- cial qualities. He married Miss Margaret Eliz- abeth Ashley, who was born in Bowling Green, Ky., and died in St. Louis.
Receiving his primary education in the public schools of his native city, Ferd K. Rule prepared for and entered the University of St. Louis, from which institution he was later graduated. Subse- quently he entered the employ of the Waters- Pierce Oil Company and remained in this con- nection for a number of years, looking after their interests throughout the states of Missouri, Ar- kansas and Texas and also Old Mexico. Dur- ing a large portion of his service he was district auditor, his work being of such a nature that he was helped materially in the formation of bus- iness methods and habits which have been invalu- able in his later efforts. Deciding to take up a business enterprise on his own account he lo- cated in Kansas City in 1887 and engaged as a banker and broker. Too close application to his duties told upon his health and in 1890 he was im- pelled to dispose of his business interests and seek recuperation in the milder climate of Southern California.
Agricultural pursuits occupied the attention of Mr. Rule for a time after his arrival in the state, his first interest being the purchase of a ranch in the vicinity of Pasadena. After two years spent in this outdoor work he felt eager and able to enter again upon a business career. It was in 1891 that he became connected with the old Los Angeles Terminal Railroad in the capac- ity of auditor and as such he served until 1899. in which year he assumed the duties of general manager. His advancement was the result of ability accompanied by the absolutely necessary adjuncts of energy and perseverance. Upon sell- ing a half interest in the road to Senator W. A. Clark in 1901 and the construction of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad he be- came a director and later treasurer of the entire system. No one man was more active in the com- pletion of this enterprise than Mr. Rule and to
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110 one is more credit due, for it has been a move- ment of importance to Los Angeles as well as to all Southern California. In December, 1905, Mr. Rule resigned his position of treasurer and finally severed his connection with the Salt Lake Railroad, after which he organized and incor- porated what is now known as the Rule-Belford Company, an investment and real-estate enter- prise which bids fair to rank with the best that Los Angeles affords. In addition to these in- terests named he is identified with others of equal importance, among them that of the Pro- tective Mutual Building & Loan Association, in which he serves as president. He takes an act- ive interest in all measures for the promotion of business enterprises and is ever found ready to respond to the call for the benefit of his ex- perience and ability.
In San Francisco, in 1877. Mr. Rule was unit- ed in marriage with Miss Alice M. Cross, a na- tive of Placer county, Cal., her birth having oc- curred in the vicinity of Auburn. Her father, Thomas J. Cross, was one of the early pioneers of California and is now making his home in Napa county. Mr. and Mrs. Rule are the parents of three sons, of whom Frank Kennett is en- gaged in business in Los Angeles, a member of the Rule-McDonald Company; Orville Rey is associated with his father; and Gerald Ashley is in the employ of the Salt Lake Railroad. The home of the Rule family is located on West Washington street, where the evidences of com- fort and elegance both of the exterior and in- terior reflect the refined and cultured tastes of its occupants.
Mr. Rule's association with the different or- ganizations of the city in all avenues of activity has been such that he is accounted one of the most enterprising factors in its development. He is a devoted friend of education and is unstinted in his support of all measures to advance such interests, and as president of the library board for two years was instrumental in bringing about many beneficial reforms. A stanch Republican he has always taken an active part in local af- fairs and at the time Mr. Eaton was elected mayor he was serving as chairman of the Repub- lican central committee. He has also served for several years as a member of the Republican ' he has come in contact.
county central committee, and in 1904 he acted as delegate to the National Republican convention in Chicago, when Mr. Roosevelt was nominated for president. As a member of the Union League Club he is one of the most prominent men of this locality and indeed of the state, serving as pres- ident of the California State League of Repub- lican clubs and acting as representative from California in the National League. In 1903 Mr. Rule served as president of the Chamber of Com- merce and during his administration the new building was erected, and as has been said of him he truly rendered this section of the state serv- ices that cannot be overestimated in their value to all residents of Southern California. Social- ly he is identified with a number of the prominent organizations of Los Angeles, having assisted in the organization of the Jonathan Club, in which he served as first president. After serving eight years in this capacity he accepted the vice-pres- idency. He is also a member of the California and Sunset Clubs of Los Angeles ; of the Trans- portation Club of San Francisco; and the Hamil- ton Club of Chicago. Fraternally he stands high in Masonic circles, being a member of Southern California Lodge No. 278, F. & A. M .; Signet Chapter No. 57, R. A. M .; Los Angeles Com- mandery No. 9. K. T .; Los Angeles Consistory ; and Al Malaikalı Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In addition to these multifold in- terests he also occupies a prominent position on the directorate of a number of successful min- ing, industrial, manufacturing and banking cor- porations, and is an indefatigable worker in pro- moting the best interests of Southern California.
The personality of Mr. Rule has been the mo- tive power in winning for him the many posi- tions of honor which have fallen to him during his residence in Los Angeles. Althoughi en- dowed with business attributes of strongest char- acter he has not allowed his nature to become warped to this one line, but throughout his en- tire career has endeavored to cultivate the best traits of his manhood. His popularity has not been won by catering to public opinion, but by a strict observance of principle, which has giv- en him the respect and esteem of all with whom
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GEORGE FINLEY BOVARD, D. D. When the persecution of the Huguenots in France cul- minated in the massacre of St. Bartholomew and the members of that sect were forced to flee for their lives, the Bovard family sought refuge in the north of Ireland and thus by accident be- came planted upon Irish soil. From the Emerald Isle George Bovard, the grandfather of the sub- ject of this article, came to America a stalwart young pioneer, well qualified for the arduous task of hewing a home out of the primeval wilderness. The family assisted in the agri- cultural development of the vicinity of Steuben- ville and there James, a son of George, was born, reared and educated. While still very young he removed to Indiana and settled near the hamlet of Alpha, Scott county, where he labored for years to transform a dense forest into an im- proved farm. On the organization of the Re- publican party he became one of its upholders and when the Civil war began he was enthusias- tic in his defense of Union principles. During 1862 he was accepted as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana In- fantry, assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, and sent to the south, where he partici- pated in various engagements and the march to the sea. On the expiration of the war he re- turned to his home and resumed the cultivation of his farm and the discharge of the duties fall- ing upon him as a private citizen. From early youth until the close of life he was an earnest believer in Methodist doctrines and a generous · supporter of the church.
During his early years James Bovard met and married Sarah Young, who was born on a farm now included within the city limits of Cincin- nati, her father, Abner Young, having removed thither from his native Pennsylvania at an early day. Both James Bovard and his wife remained in Indiana from middle age until death and there they reared a large family, whose brilliant mental attainments have made them conspicuous in their various places of residence. Three of their sons are now deceased. but eight still survive, as well as their only daughter, Mrs. Maria J. Griffith, of Abingdon, Ill. Freeman D., who is a graduate of Depauw University at Greencastle, Ind., of- ficiated as vice-president of the University of Southern California from 1880 until 1885, and
now is editor of the California Christian Advo- cate in San Francisco. Rev. Marion McK. Bo- vard, a graduate of Depauw University, bore an active part in the founding of the University of Southern California, and held the office of presi- dent from that time ( 1880) until his death ten years later. William, a graduate of the Univer- sity of Southern California in 1888, is now dean of the College of Theology in Grant University, Chattanooga, Tenn. Rev. Melville Y., who com- pleted his education at Moores Hill, Ind., holds the pastorate of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Port Chester, N. Y. Rev. Charles L. Bovard, also a Methodist Episcopal minister, has a pastorate in Butte, Mont. Abner C. is a news- paper man in Kansas City, Mo. Ulysses Grant is engaged in the banking business at Paris, Ind., and Morton Ellsworth is a farmer in Illinois near the town of Abingdon.
While the family were living on their Indiana homestead George Finley Bovard was born August 8, 1856. His education was primarily obtained in country schools and later he attended the State Normal School at Paoli, Orange county, subsequently for three years teaching five months in the autumn and winter and then spending three months in the spring at Depauw Univer- sity, where in that brief period he completed the work of the entire year. The strain of constant study told upon his health and he was obliged to discontinue his untiring application to his books. In 1879 he joined his brothers in Cal- ifornia and shortly afterward was licensed to preach by the quarterly conference at Orange, Cal., his first sermon being delivered at a camp meeting near Compton. During the fall of 1879 he was appointed supply pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church at San Bernardino, and then served for one year as a missionary in Arizona, making his headquarters at Phoenix, which at the time boasted of only one brick building. Under his leadership a congregation of Meth- odists was established and a house of worship erected on the corner of Second and Washington streets, where now stands the Ford hotel. For this site the church paid $300. When he re- turned to Arizona later as superintendent of missions the lot was sold for $15,000 and a tract three times as large was purchased on Second and Monroe streets for $7,000, where the church
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