A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, also containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present, Volume I, Part 111

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1184

USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, also containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present, Volume I > Part 111

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During his residence there he filled the office of school trustee. In early manhood he married Mary Jane Wakefield, who was born in Illinois and died in Los Angeles in 1903.

There were fourteen children in the family of Alexander Hamilton Willard, Jr., and of these four sons and two daughters are now liv- ing, namely: John, a farmer residing near Lilac, San Diego county; Henry, a farmer in Glenn county; Hamilton, who is engaged in farming in San Bernardino county; Franklin Pierce, an attorney at Escondido; Emma, Mrs. Hawkins, of Tulare county, and Mrs. Colista Scott, of Ocean Park. Until fourteen years of age Franklin Pierce Willard lived on the home ranch on Cache creek, but afterward he made his own way in the world. Through his own determined and unaided efforts it was made possible for him to enjoy a complete course of study in Hesperian College, Woodland, from which he was graduated in 1871, and during 1872-73 he was a student in the University of California, class of 1876. With other members of his class he was present at the laying of the corner stone of the first building belonging to the present set of buildings on the university ground.

During 1873 Mr. Willard was engaged as mechanical and mining engineer in the Ida El- more mines in Idaho, after which he became superintendent and mining expert at the Cornu- copia mines in Nevada. Afterward he made his home for seventeen years at Bodie, Mono county, Cal., where he was engaged as superintendent of mines and mining engineer, and while in that town he completed the study of law, and in 1883 was admitted to the bar. Besides con- ducting a general practice in that town he was employed as deputy district attorney. In 1893 he came to Escondido, where, in addition to his private practice, he has served continuously as city attorney and attorney for the First National Bank. Working in the interests of the tax- payers, he took an active part in the liquidation of the Escondido bonds, which amounted to $350,000 principal and $150,000 interest. Through his efforts, acting in harmony with others intimately connected with the matter, he had the indebtedness settled for $208,000, and the burning of the bonds was made the interest- ing feature of a ceremonious occasion and ap- propriate celebration on the part of the people. The water system also has received thoughtful attention on his part, it being his claim that the water belongs to the land and the two are in- separable, through which stand he has done much in behalf of the land-owners.

The Willard homestead in Escondido con- sists of eight acres, improved with a neat resi- dence and with an orchard of fruit and a meadow

Chafformas

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of alfalfa. In 1879 Mr. Willard married Miss Emma Gregg, who was born on the Sand- wich Islands while her father, Hon. David L. Gregg, was officiating as minister at Hawaii under President Lincoln. Previous to his serv- ice abroad Mr. Gregg had been a prominent at- torney and leading Republican, and for a time acted as superintendent of the United States mint at Carson, Nev., where he died. The fam- ily of Mr. and Mrs. Willard comprises five children, namely: Dora and Edna, who are members respectively of the classes of 1906 and 1908, University of California; Frankie, who is attending Pomona College: Alexander Gregg and Reba, who are students in the local schools. The family are identified with the Episcopal Church and prominent in local society. While living in Nevada Mr. Willard was initiated into the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1874. Under his enthusiastic` leadership Bodie Lodge No. 279 was established and organized and he officiated as one of its officers, also on two occa- sions represented it in the Grand Lodge. At this writing he is a member of Escondido Lodge No. 344, I. O. O. F., and holds the office of dis- trict deputy. With his wife he holds member- ship in the Order of Rebekahs. Since the or- ganization of the Woodmen of the World at Escondido he has served as clerk, and he has also been past chancellor and past grand repre- sentative of the Knights of Pythias in Escondido. At one time he was actively identified with the San Diego Parlor Native Sons of the Golden West. Politically he has always been a loyal adherent of the Republican party and has given his support to its candidates, both at local elec- tions and in national campaigns.

GEN. CHARLES FORMAN. The Forman family descends from Scotch and English an- cestry and has been identified with the new world ever since the period of our colonial history. One of their representatives in the Revolutionary war was Miles Forman, whose son, Sands, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Tioga county, N. Y., for many years and until his death. The wife of Sands Forman was Mary Mathews, a native of Tioga coun- ty and the daughter of Isaiah S. Mathews, a Revolutionary soldier. Among their children was a son. Edward, who was a member of an Illinois regiment during the Civil war. An- other son, Charles, whose name introduces this narrative, and who is the only member of the family on the coast, was born and reared near Owego, Tioga county, N. Y., and in 1853 came via Panama to California, arriv- ing at the Golden Gate with many other east- erners on board the famous old ship. John L.

Stevens. At that time his uncle, Col. Ferris Forman, was postmaster at Sacramento and he was given employment in the postoffice, later, at the close of the term, going to Wash- ington, D. C., in order to close the accounts with the government. Not only was Colonel Forman a veteran of the Mexican war and a colonel in the Civil war, but he also was hon- ored with office as secretary of state, and his nephew on returning from the east became deputy for one term in the secretary's office. From there he went to Nevada and became connected with the Eclipse Mill and Mining Company, the Pitte Mill and Mining Com- pany, and other similar enterprises near Vir- ginia City and at Gold Hill. While there he served as major-general of the Nevada Vol- unteers under Governor John H. Kinkead.

As early as 1865 General Forman had made investments in Los Angeles property and in 1882 he removed his family to this city, al- though he did not take up his permanent resi- dence here until five years later. At that time he became interested in the City and Cen- tral Railway Company, of which he was gen- cral manager as well as vice-president. Af- ter eighteen months the title was changed to the Los Angeles Cable Railway Company and in 1890 he disposed of his interest in the plant. On account of somewhat impaired health he relinquished active business affairs for a time. but was still able to superintend his invest- ments and mining interests. On the recovery of his health he again took up commercial and other activities. At this writing he is presi- dent of the Kern River Company, which be- gan construction work in 1902 and has built canals, tunnels and flumes extending over twelve and one-half miles. The water is taken from the river at Kernville and at the end of the flume at Borel there are five water-wheels vielding eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty horse-power, conveyed to Los Angeles with butt a small loss in transmission. In ad- dition to the presidency of this company he aided in organizing and acts as secretary of the Pacific Light and Power Company, which is the parent company of eight similar organi- zations, including the Kern River Company. Mentone Power Company, San Gabriel Elec- tric Company, Sierra Power Company and San Bernardino Gas and Electric Company.

In Los Angeles occurred the marriage of General Forman to Miss Mary Grav, member of an old family of Southern California, and by this union there are two children, Charles and Eloise. In politics General Forman was a Democrat until the Silver craze, and since then supports Republican measures and can- didates, while socially he holds membership

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with the Jonathan Club. Besides his city real estate he is the owner of a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres on the Los Ange- les river four miles from the city, where he has one hundred and fifty acres under cultivation to walnuts.

RUSSELL JUDSON WATERS. Abun- dlantly significant of the ability of Mr. Waters is the record of his rise to prominence, notwith- standing the necessity of overcoming obstacles more than ordinarily discouraging. Taking up the trials and hardships of life at the age of eight years, when most iads are enjoying the splendid advantages offered by our public school system, he has never faltered in his persistent efforts to establish for himself a place of honor among the representative men of our fair country, many times battling against the loss of health and many times winning a victory that enabled him to con- tinue his work of personal progress and devel- opment.

Mr. Waters had the advantage of inheriting many of the qualities which have proven such potent factors in his career, being the descendant of an old New England family. Born in Ver- mont June 6, 1843, he was one of the youngest in a family of thirteen children, left fatherless when he was only four years old. Shortly after the death of the father, the mother removed to Colerain, Franklin county, Mass., where, four years later, young Russell found employment in a cotton mill to assist in the support of the fam- ily. He remained in this occupation for two years, receiving as compensation $1.25 per week, but was finally compelled to give up the work on account of declining health. He was then sent to Deerfield, Mass., where on a farm he re- covered the youth and strength so nearly lost. During the two years which he passed there he attended the public school for a short time, which taste of knowledge gave him so keen a desire to progress further that he allowed nothing after- ward to come between him and the accomplish- ment of this desire. Thereafter his efforts for a livelihood were always divided with study, every year finding him nearer the goal until his final graduation from Franklin Institute. This was ac- complished by strenuous self-denial and con- stant economy. After his return to the city from the farm at Deerfield, he entered the cut- lery factory, working for two years as operator on one of the machines, when the family having in the meantime located in Richville, N. Y., he also located there. While in that part of the state he found employment on a farm at fifty cents a clay and in the winter worked at chopping cord wood at fifty cents a cord. The open air and out- door life gave to him the underlying strength

which enabled him to devote himself so persist- ently to study later on. In Massachusetts, to which state he returned, he learned the trade of machinist and by prosecution of this work and the teaching of two terms of school he secured means with which to complete his studies at Franklin Institute. Though only twenty-four years old, he was offered and accepted a position as professor of Latin and mathematics in his alma mater, in which work he remained for one year.

In 1868 Mr. Waters became a resident of Chi- cago, Ill., where he took up the study of law, which he mastered after two years, being then admitted to the bar of the state and the United States. The same application and energy which had distinguished him as a student entered largely into the practice of his profession and it was not long before he became recognized as one of the rising young attorneys of Chicago. However, his health began to suffer under the strain of intense application and constant duty which cov- ered a period of more than sixteen years, and in 1886 he found it necessary to relinquish his ex- tensive clientele. At the same time he sought a milder climate and in Southern California es- tablished his home and interests-both of which have meant so much in the development of this section. He became associated with the Califor- nia-Chicago Colonization Association as chair- man and commissioner, in which capacity he pur- chased what has since become one of the most beautiful tracts of land in Southern California, where the widely famed city of Redlands is now situated. Mr. Waters has been called the "fa- ther of Redlands" and it is but a just tribute to the man whose efforts, more than any others, have meant so much to the progress of that city, and in truth it has been said that no enterprise calculated to promote its interests have ever been considered complete without his name and influ- ence. He promoted the building of the city in the first place and served for one year as its attorney. Through his efforts the Santa Fé Railroad Com- pany extended its lines from San Bernardino to Redlands, comprising what is now known as the "kite-shaped track," one of the attractive features of Southern California to tourists. At various times he was a director of the Union bank, the First National Bank, the Crafton Water Com- pany, the East Redlands Water Company and the Redlands Hotel Company, which built the Windsor hotel. He built and operated the Red- lands Street Railway Company, of which he was president. He was also closely identified with the Bear Valley Irrigation Company, as its manager bringing to bear his strong business traits which effectually changed the status of the company. its stock being almost doubled in value, its indebted- ness reduced to a minimum and its credit practi- cally unlimited. His splendid ability and far-

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sighted judgment are nowhere more apparent than in his identification with this company.

In 1894 Mr. Waters located in Los Angeles; where he has ever since made his home. Need- less to say he has proven as important a factor in its growth and progress as in Redlands and has taken as keen an interest in its upbuilding. A number of banking institutions, among them the Citizens' National Bank and Columbia Sav- ings Bank, and the State Bank of San Jacinto, receive the support of his counsel and director- ship, while he has served with distinction as a member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Com- merce and president of the Los Angeles Directory Company. As a member of the board of park commissioners he served efficiently, being forced, however, to resign on account of the many de- mands made upon him through his business as- sociations. Innumerable outside enterprises have from time to time made demands upon his time and attention, among them the Pasadena Con- solidated Gas Company, of which he was presi- dent ; president and principal owner of the San Jacinto Valley Water Company, which is now constructing sixteen miles of cement ditches to distribute the water to the fruit growers and dairymen of that beautiful valley. the future prosperity of that section depending largely upon this water system; president of the Columbia Commercial Company, whose operations and property are in Orange county ; president of the California Cattle Company, whose holdings are principally in Riverside county ; and a director of the American Savings Bank of Los Angeles.

At the same time that Mr. Waters had been acquiring a personal success, resulting in financial returns and a high position of respect among his fellow citizens, he had also risen prominently before the public as one who could safely be en- trusted with public honor. At the earnest solici- tation of friends he allowed his name to be used as a candidate for congress from the sixth district in the year 1898, and scored a victory which was unprecedented in the district. At the congres- sional convention in Sacramento he was non- inated by acclamation with no dissenting votes. The nomination speech was made by his old-time friend, ex-Governor John L. Beveridge, of Illi- nois, and was the subject of much favorable com- ment at the time. Mr. Waters carried his district after a vigorous campaign, by thirty-five hundred and forty-two votes. His record in the halls of congress from 1899 to 1903 was distinctively a history of the progress of Southern California for that time, as his undivided efforts were given to advance the measures supported by his constit- uency. It has been repeatedly said of him that his methods were very unlike those of the average politician, the explanation lying in the fact that he was not a politician, but rather a practical,

business man whose work in congress could only have been accomplished by that type of man. He took an active part in the introduction of cer- tain measures approved by the Southern Cali- fornia Forestry Commission, thereby making it a criminal offense to leave camp fires burning and thus endangering the forests. He introduced a bill appropriating over half a million dollars for improvements in San Pedro Harbor, and was especially active in defending the Nicaragua Canal bill, a project that is of the utmost im- portance to Southern Californians. Among the orders of greatest importance obtained by Mr. Waters was that of commissioner general of the land office, Hon. Binger Hermann, suspending the filing of lien scrip upon land until after a full and complete investigation by special agents of the department. This and a bill introduced by Mr. Waters to authorize the entry and patenting of lands containing petroleum and other mineral oils under placer mining laws in the United States were of material value to oil men of Southern California. To Mr. Waters is also due much credit for the establishment of rural routes in the sixth district, while eleven post- offices have been added during his term of serv- ice. Perhaps no stronger feeling exists as to the value of Mr. Waters' service than that given him by the supporters of the pensions for the old war veterans and their widows, in which work he was very active and met with gratifying success.

The home of Mr. Waters is located on Adams street, Los Angeles, where he is surrounded by every evidence of comfort and refinement. With all his busy outside interests he is devoted to his home and family and finds his greatest con- tentment in their midst. Since his return from Washington he has continued, however, his for- mer engrossing pursuits. his wide experience and sound business principles inducing his asso- ciates in various enterprises to offer him many responsible offices. In 1903 he was elected pres- ident of the Citizens' National Bank, and the fol- lowing year of the Home Savings Bank. He is president of the State Bank of San Jacinto, di- rector in the First National Bank of San Jacinto, president of the San Jacinto Water Company, president of the Citizens' Security Company, treasurer of the Equitable Security Company. treasurer of the Las Vegas & Tonopah Railroad. director of the Citizens' National Bank of Red- lands, treasurer of the Continental Life Insurance Company of Salt Lake City, and president of the Bav Island Club of Newport.

The personal character of Mr. Waters is such as to give him a place antong not only the repre- sentative business men of Los Angeles and Southern California, but also among the citizens whose worth has been proven by their works. Al- though possessing rare business ability, if the

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

other requisites had been wanting he would prob- ably have missed the position he has attained, for energy, perseverance and an abounding courage in the face of all difficulties are worth more to the possessor and are harder to possess, because they are largely a matter of training. Mr. Waters possesses these characteristics and has justly won the honor to which he is entitled. Neither his struggle nor his success, however, has had an ill effect upon his nature ; in cheerfulness of spirit he has retained youth and made each year one of pleasure in his life. He has delighted in all that has led up to outward and inner refine- ment, music being especially held as one of the highest arts. He possesses strong musical talent which he developed by thorough training and still leads his family orchestra of eight pieces. His busy cares of later years have not prevented him occasionally contributing articles of fact and fic- tion to the magazines of the day. Many of his poems have been published in the past three years and he is now working on "An Epic Poem" and other verses which will be published in the near future.

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 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-

chester R. Barton

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

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 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.

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A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, also containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present, Volume I, Part 111

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company Number of Pages: 1184

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1184