USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, Volume II > Part 7
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
Coming to California with his parents in 1885, Stoddard Jess organized the First Na- tional Bank of Pomona in 1886, remaining as its cashier until January, 1898. In whatever locality Mr. Jess resided his qualities for guid- ing and directing affairs of a public nature were soon recognized and thus it was that while he was still a comparatively late ac- quisition to Pomona, he was made its first treasurer. He took an active part in the or- ganization of the board of trade, and for the first two years of its existence was its presi- dent. For many years he was a member of the board of library trustees, and during the last three years of his residence there was presi- dent of the board. The strenuous life which he had lead finally began to tell upon his health and a complete rest and change of scene were prescribed as the only restorative. Resigning his position as cashier of the bank
35
558
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1898 he began a course of travels that ex- tended over six years, during which time he completely recovered his former health. It was in 1904 that he was tendered his present position of vice-president of the First National Bank of Los Angeles, and the same year he located in this city with his family. The First National Bank of Los Angeles ranks high among the monetary institutions of the state, and is the largest bank in the city, thus Mr. Jess' call to the position of vice-president was a double honor. Since locating here he has also become interested in a number of other interests and has been made a director in the following institutions: Los Angeles Trust Company, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Com- pany, L. D. Powell Company (law book pub- lishers), and the Huntington Beach Company ; of the latter company he is also vice-president.
In Monroe county, Wis., in 1879, Mr. Jess was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Helen Chenoweth, a native of that part of Wiscon- sin, and a daughter of Benjamin Chenoweth, representative of one of the old families in the southern part of that state. One son, George Benjamin, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jess. As will be seen from the foregoing Mr. Jess is thoroughly conversant with banking affairs, and at one time he was a member of the executive council of the California Bank- ers' Association. He is also well known in fraternal circles and was made a Mason in Pomona Lodge No. 37, F. & A. M. He has since taken all of the degrees of the order, now belonging to the chapter and commandery at Pomona, the consistory of Los Angeles, and also to the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Los Angeles. He is also identified with the Ben- evolent Protective Order of Elks of Pomona. The Republican party has a stanch supporter in Mr. Jess, and the business element of the city of Los Angeles find his membership in the Chamber of Commerce of material assist- ance in discussing the matters that come be- fore that body. Notwithstanding the multi- plicity of affairs that enter into the life of Mr. Jess, he yet finds time for recreation of a purely social nature, the Jonathan Club, Union League Club and California Club all welcom- ing him as one of their members. Mr. Jess is
of the same religious belief as was his father, and is a member of the Unitarian Church of Los Angeles.
FRANK M. KELSEY. As an off-shoot of the First National Bank of Los Angeles, so to speak, the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Com- pany of this city came into being May 1, 1905, with a capital stock of $250,000, and a surplus of $25,000. The entire stock is owned by the parent organization, and the directors of the former bank hold the same relation in the newer organization, these two facts combining to give it the stability and prestige which, though so young an organization, places it among the re- liable monetary institutions of the city and state. The Metropolitan gives considerable attention to the enlargement of its trust department, while at the same time it transacts a general commercial and savings bank business. The bank building is a three-story structure on the northwest corner of Sixth and Spring streets, owned by the com- pany, and admirably located in the heart of the business district. Under the direct supervision of its president, Frank P. Flint, and Frank M. Kelsey, vice-president, a conservative business is conducted which reflects great credit upon the wise judgment and keen discrimination of its officers.
Mr. Kelsey is proud of the fact that he is a native Californian, for he is intensely loyal to the state and devoted to its progress along every line of advancement. He was born on a farm in the San Joaquin valley March 31, 1857, a son of Dr. J. M. Kelsey, who though a native of Ohio spent his most active and influential years in the Golden state, whither he came as a pioneer. Having re- ceived his diploma from one of the most cele- brated medical colleges of the Union, Dr. Kel- sey located for practice in Stockton, where his reputation as a practitioner of merit made his services in great demand, which incidentally made him a man of large means. He was also well known in political and business circles, having served for two terms as county treasurer of Santa Clara county as a Republican candidate, and at the time of his death, in 1877, he was president of the Stockton Savings and Loan So- ciety. His marriage united him with Miss Algie
Niles Pease
561
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
C. Childers, who though born in Missouri spent the greater part of her life in California.
Mr. Kelsey's earliest recollections take him back in memory to Stockton, where he attended the public schools and prepared himself to enter as a student in the University at Berkeley. Two years in that institution marked the limit of school days, for upon leaving the university in 1878 he entered upon a business career by establishing himself in the real estate business in Abilene, Tex. His efforts in this undertaking resulted in a flourishing business, but thinking he saw even better prospects in the growing city of Los An- geles he gave up his interest in the south and located in Los Angeles in 1886 and engaged in the real estate, insurance and surety bond busi- ness until becoming connected with the banking business. While still continuing his interests in this line he promoted the plan which finally re- sulted in the organization of the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, assisting in the per- fection of the new institution under the banking laws of the government, since which time he has held the office of vice-president.
Mr. Kelsey's married life began in 1879, dur- ing which year he married Miss Ada Field, a daughter of Benjamin F. Field, an old resident of Stockton. Three children have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey, as follows : Jack M., who was born while his parents were residing in Texas; Van R., and Lawrence F., the latter of whom is still in school. Following in his father's footsteps in the matter of politics, Mr. Kelsey is a Republican in his views, and fra- ternally is identified with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and the Maccabees. By right of birth he is eligible to the Native Sons of the Golden West, a privilege which he is proud to avail him- self of, hence his membership in Ramona Parlor. In Los Angeles, where he has made his home for so many years, he has a host of warm personal friends, to whom his prosperity is a source of gratification.
NILES PEASE. The commercial activity of Los Angeles has had in Niles Pease, for- merly president of the Niles Pease Furniture Company, one of its strongest and most suc- cessful men and one who has added 'steadily
to its prestige for the past twenty years. When he first came to the Pacific coast it was after a period of twenty-four years of success- ful work as a manufacturer and merchant in his native town, and with the capital and ex- perience thus gained easily established himself in a secure business position here. The suc- cess achieved by Mr. Pease has been the re- sult of earnest, indefatigable labor, sturdy ap- plication and well-directed zeal, and bespeaks possession of the strongest characteristics of manhood.
Mr. Pcase is of eastern birth and ancestry, the name being widely known and honored in Connecticut, where his grandfather, Simeon Pease, enlisted for service in the Revolution- ary war. His parents, Wells and Betsey Pease, were also natives of Connecticut, where in the vicinity of Thompsonville, on the 13th of October, 1838, their son was born. He was reared to young manhood in his native local- ity, receiving his education in the public schools until he was eighteen years old, when be became apprenticed to learn the trade of tinsmith. Three years later he engaged in this occupation, establishing a manufactory and dealing in stoves and tinwarc. He met with success in his enterprise and gradually enlarged his operations until he was well known throughout the state and largely iden- tified with its business interests. In 1876 he suspended this branch of his business, and devoted his efforts entirely to the sale of fur- niture.
Finally deciding to locate on the Pacific coast, Mr. Pease sold out his interests in 1884 and in the same year came to California, where he identified himself with the Los Angeles Furniture Company as a partner in the con- cern. They established a store at No. 122 South Spring street and began business. At the end of the year Mr. Pease purchased the entire interest of the business, and as his trade increased enlarged his operations and added to his stock. In 1887 he removed to the Har- ris block, between Third and Fourth streets, on South Spring, and there he had a well- equipped carpet and furniture salesroom. With the splendid increase in patronage which came with the passing years Mr. Pease found
562
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
it necessary to seek more commodious quar- ters, and accordingly, in 1897, moved into the large five-story building at No. 439 South Spring street, this being built by L. Harris at that time to accommodate the Niles Pease Furniture Company. On the 25th of Septem- ber, 1897, this business was incorporated under the latter name, his children being taken into the concern. With the passing of years they built up one of the largest and most extensive trades in Southern California, their patronage extending also to Arizona. December I, 1905, the business passed into the hands of the Pa- cific Purchasing Company, the latter repre- senting the combined business of five similar enterprises in this city.
In February, 1905, Mr. Pease incorporated the Niles Pease Investment Company, a close family corporation. This company has erected a magnificent reinforced concrete building on Hill street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, seventy-five feet front and eight stories, which is occupied by the Pease Brothers Furniture Company and is the finest establishment of its kind west of Chicago. His two sons, Sher- man and Herbert, have large interests and manage the business.
Aside from his other interests Mr. Pease has been interested for a number of years in various enterprises. He served for some years as a director of the Columbia Savings Bank ; is at present a director in the Central Bank of Los Angeles; the Dollar Savings Bank and the Provident Building and Loan Associa- tion; is a prominent member and a di- rector of the Los Angeles Chamber of Com- merce ; and for four years, ending January I, 1906, served as president of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association. Ever since deciding to cast in his fortunes with those of the commercial interests of this city, Mr. Pease has taken a deep interest in the ad- vancement of its best interests, and has added the force of a solid and substantial man of af- fairs to the municipality's growth. In his po- litical convictions he is a Republican, and while a resident of Connecticut, in 1876, was chosen by his party to the state legislature, where he served with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his constituency. Frater-
nally he is a Knight Templar and a Thirty- second degree Mason and stands exceptionally high in the organization. For some years he has been identified with the Unitarian Church, to whose philanthropies he is a liberal con- tributor, and served as trustee of the church for some time.
The marriage of Mr. Pease occurred in Thompsonville, Conn., March 25, 1860, and united him with Miss Cornelia Gleason, a na- tive of that place, and born of this union are the following children: Grace G., Jessie F., Sherman, Jewell, Anna, Herbert and Flor- ence. Mr. Pease is passing on to a peaceful and happy old age, surrounded by the com- forts and luxuries which his years of labor and effort have brought him, serene in the conviction of duty cheerfully done wherever met in his noteworthy career; of success achieved ; of friendships won ; and ranking as one of the representative men of Los Angeles and of Southern California.
In the fall election of 1906 Mr. Pease was urged very earnestly by prominent citizens to be a candidate for councilman of the Fourth ward of the city. He did not desire any public office, but as a matter of duty to a city he loved he consented and was elected for a term of three years, ending January 1, 1910. At the time of organizing he was unanimously chosen as their president, a position which will occupy much of his time during these years.
EDGAR EUGENE SELPH enjoys a high position in the citizenship of Los Angeles county, where he has been located since 1898, and from that date to the present writing he has taken an active part in the advancement and development of this section of Southern California. Although not a native Californian, he was born on the Pacific coast and all his life has been passed here. His father, William Selph, came to California in the early days of the state in search of gold, cross- ing the plains from Tennessee, his birthplace, and following this pursuit for some time. Deciding to locate in Oregon, in 1852 he went north to that state and there combined his trade of blacksmith- ing with the occupation of farming. He was first located in the vicinity of Salem, but finally
0
<
565
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
removed to Jackson county, where he is still liv- ing at an advanced age. His wife, formerly Julia Chitwood, a native of Iowa and of English de- scent, went to Oregon in 1853, there married, and there her earth life came to close in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Selph became the parents of four chil- dren, three of whom attained maturity, one daughter and one son only surviving at the present time.
Born in Salem, Marion county, Ore., in 1860, Edgar Eugene Selph spent the years of boyhood and young manhood in his native state. Because of the moderate means of his parents he was early compelled to depend upon his own efforts, and, nothing daunted by the prospects, he set out in the world at the age of twelve years. His first employment was on a farm, where he worked for some years. In the meantime he secured a com- mon school education through an attendance of the district school nearby and qualified himself for a teacher. Not content with what he had gained he worked his way through McMinnville College, which he entered in 1880, and where he remained for five years. While teaching he began the study of law under W. D. Fenton, one of the foremost lawyers in Portland, Ore. Being ad- mitted to the Oregon bar in April, 1890, he began his professional career in his native state. He had built up a large general practice when, in 1898, he decided to locate in Southern California because of his wife's health. He first made his home in Pasadena, but later came to Los An- geles and here he has since resided.
Mr. Selph succeeded in building up a large general practice in this section, and now ranks among the ablest attorneys of Southern Califor- nia. At the same time he has taken a keen in- terest in public affairs, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. In Feb- ruary, 1906, he was appointed deputy attorney- general to succeed J. C. Daly of Ventura and was re-appointed in January of the following year by Attorney-General Webb, an appointment which he held until March, 1907. when he resigned to accept the office of justice of the peace of Los Angeles township. Politically he is a stanch ad- vocate of the principles of the Republican party and seeks in every way to advance their best in- terests. Fraternally he is also prominent, hav- ing been made a Mason in Tillamook, Ore., and
is now a member of Palestine Lodge No. 351, F. & A. M., of Los Angeles, of which he was the first master : Signet Chapter No. 57. R. A. M .; Southern California Commandery No. 49, K. T .; and Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He was made an Odd Fellow in Sheridan, Ore .. and is now a member of Commercial Lodge in Los Angeles ; and is also affiliated with the Wood- men of the World and the Fraternal Brotherhood. Personally Mr. Selph has won a wide circle of friends through the demonstration of the highest traits of character both as a man and citizen, and as a representative of the best in American citizen- ship he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
ARTHUR C. HARPER, the present mayor of Los Angeles, is a man and citizen who has ably demonstrated his ability along both business and municipal lines, although deeply engrossed in financial enterprises of import- ance throughout his commercial career in this city, keeping in close touch with the municipal affairs. Because of this observation and past interest he was in possession of such informa- tion as enabled him to assume intelligent and practical control of the city government when entering upon his administration as the city's chief executive. Mr. Harper is one of the early residents of this section of Southern California, where he has practically spent his entire life, being but two years old when brought to the state by his parents, Charles F. and Martha W. (Mullen) Harper. Both father and mother were of southern birth and lineage, the former born in North Carolina July 14, 1832, and the latter in Mississippi, June 17, 1838. The maternal grandparents were George and Mary (Cross) Mullen, residents of the south, where they passed their entire lives. Charles F. Harper engaged as a hardware merchant in Mississippi after the close of the Civil war (in which he participated first as a soldier in the Fourteenth Regiment Missis- sippi Infantry, and later on detached service), and upon disposing of his business enterprise in 1868, came to Southern California. He at once established a similar enterprise in Los Angeles, at the corner of Spring and Temple
566
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
streets, and from this small beginning has grown one of the most extensive concerns of its kind in this city. He finally retired from the active management of affairs, which had been incorporated in 1880 as the Harper-Rey- nolds Company, and is now making his home in Hollywood on a beautiful estate known as the Ceilia Vista, so called because of its loca- tion on the mountainside overlooking the beautiful Cahuenga valley. His wife enjoys with him the evening of their days in their beautiful home. Five of their ten children sur- vive, and in Southern California are active in various pursuits.
Arthur C. Harper was born in Mississippi March 13. 1866, and in the month of June, two years later, was brought to Los Angeles. Herc he received his education through the medium of the public schools, becoming a student in the high school and graduating therefrom in June, 1885. From boyhood he had received business training from his father, and upon leaving school he at once entered his father's store and prepared to master the details of the business. That he succeeded is demonstrated by the fact that he soon became known among the most prominent business men of Los An- geles, gradually relieving his father of much of the management, and to-day is recognized as a business man of unusual ability and executive requirements. During his years of business association he kept in close touch with all municipal improvements, and when in 1906 he received the election of the Demo- cratic voters to the office of mayor, there were many who marveled at the ease and confidence with which he assumed the reins of govern- ment. It was not, however, a misplaced judg- ment from a careless or superficial study of the conditions, but was rather the thoughtful research of a man and citizen bent upon the practical enlargement and improvement of af- fairs. No citizen at the time of his election could have been found to more perfectly grasp the details and more intelligently manifest his ability to cope with the situation. His popu- larity as a citizen and a business man has fol- lowed him into his official position and he is more than justifying the high regard which placed him there. Much is expected of him,
and from his past record much will be re- ceived during his administration.
In addition to his interests in the Harper- Reynolds Company, Mr. Harper is associated with various business concerns, being presi- dent of the Consolidated Pipe Company, was cashier of the State Bank & Trust Company, of which he is now vice-president ; organized the Southwestern Packing Company and was a prominent factor in the organization of the St. Louis Brick Company, and is also largely interested in many important real estate deals, as well as oil wells and gold mines. Socially. he is a member of the Jonathan and Athletic Clubs, the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion and the Democratic Club, in which he is an office, and fraternally is identified with the Masons, being a Shriner ; belongs to the Ben- evolent Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles and Fraternal Brotherhood, and in spite of the many demands made upon his time is actively interested in all of them. His home is located in Los Angeles at No. 1128 West Twenty- eighth street, and is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Minnie Hamilton, whom he mar- ried in this city. They have five children, three sons and two daughters. Both as a man and a citizen Mr. Harper enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens, honored for his sterling integrity, and with the confidence and trust of the people whom he is serving, bids fair to bring to his adopted city a material improve- ment and betterment in the municipal condi- tions.
HON. JAMES MCLACHLAN, M. C. The heights to which men can rise are limited by their mental endowments and their physical powers. A rugged and stalwart physique, capable of long endurance, is not less necessary to success than a strong intellect and broad mental gifts, and the man who possesses the two qualifications enjoys the open sesame to power and prominence. In studying the success which Mr. Mclachlan has attained and the prominent position to which he has risen we find that he owes much to a "sound mind in a sound body," for he inherited from a long line of Scotch ancestors a robust constitu- tion, remarkable power of will, and a mind re-
567
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sponsive to training and cultivation. With these qualities, backed by tireless industry and energy, he has steadily worked his way forward unaided by moneyed friends or prestige until now he is in a position commanding the respect of all who know him.
The bleak and rock-bound coast of the shire of Argyll. Scotland, was the home of generations of the McLachlan family, and Congressman Mc- Lachlan was born there in 1852, being a son of poor parents of honored name and honorable ancestry. When he was three years of age the family sought the larger opportunities of Amer- ica and crossed the ocean to New York, where they settled on a farm in Tompkins county. In that locality he learned the first lessons of life, attended country schools and aided in the farm work at home. Eager to acquire knowledge, and being a diligent student, he was ready to begin teaching when only sixteen years of age, and at that time took up the calling near his home. In his leisure hours he continued his studies so that he fitted himself for a college course, and with the money earned in teaching he paid his ex- penses while at Hamilton College. From that institution he was graduated in 1878, after which he took up the study of law, and in 1880 was admitted to practice by the supreme court of the state of New York. Opening an office at Ithaca, N. Y., he built up a growing practice in that city and continued there until 1888, when he removed to California and took up professional practice in Pasadena, his present home.
Ever since early youth Mr. Mclachlan has been an active worker in the Republican party and has been prominently identified with political affairs in the various places of his residence. He is a forceful and convincing speaker and is con- .sidered one of the best campaigners in the state. The first office he filled was that of school com- missioner of Tompkins county, to which position he was elected on his party ticket in 1877. Two years after coming to Los Angeles county he was elected district attorney and the splendid record which he made in that office not only established a precedent difficult to be surpassed by his suc- cessors, but also it brought him before the pub- lic in such a favorable light that his name was deemed worthy of consideration for higher offi- ces. The seventh district chose him to be their
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.