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 115

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 115


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1866, he had been stationed at the drum bar- racks while serving in the Fourteenth In- fantry.


For two years, from 1874 to 1876, Mr. Sav- age was in the employ of the Wilmington Transportation Company, engaged in packing lumber, after which he was made foreman of the plant, a position which he held for some time. While in the employ of the latter com- pany he carried on the study of law during his spare moments, and later took up the study in earnest under James G. Howard and H. A. Bartley, both of Los Angeles. Admitted to the bar in 1879, he at once began to practice in Los Angeles, giving this office up the follow- ing year to establish a practice in Tombstone, Ariz. It was while there in 1883 that he was made a member of the territorial legislature, and in 1885 he was made district attorney of Cochise county, Ariz. Returning to California in 1887, the same year he came to San Pedro and engaged in the practice of law, also having an office in Los Angeles for about two years. Entering at once into the business life of the young and growing town he became a mem- ber of the board of trustees, and in the capacity of city attorney drew up all of the original city ordinances. His election to the assembly from the seventy-second district occurred in 1902, and in both houses he served as chair- man of the committee on municipal corpora- tions. Two years later he was the Republican candidate for state senator from the thirty- fourth senatorial district, his election following in due time, thus winning a victory over his opponent. His constituents have every reason to feel proud of their selection as a representa- tive in the government of the state, and in his hands they feel that their interests will not suffer for lack of attention.


In Westfield, Mass., Hon. W. H. Savage was married to Miss Mary A. White, a native of London, England, seven children resulting from their marriage as follows: Nellie, now Mrs. Martin; Josephine; Kate, the wife of John F. Dodson, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere; Margaret, the wife of J. F. Dewer; Clara, the wife of George Nicholson ; Frances, and Robert, all of the children being residents of San Pedro. In 1873 Mr. Savage was made a Mason in Invo county, this state, but has since had his membership transferred to Wilmington and is still identified with the lodge at that place, while he is a member of the chapter at San Pedro. His fraternal con- nections also extend to the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, being a charter member of the Wilmington lodge of the latter order, which was organized a quarter of a century


ago, and of which he is a past officer, and is now grand master of the order in the state of California. At present he holds the office of grand foreman of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of California. He is also a member of Bartlett & Logan Post, G. A. R., of Los Angeles, of which he has been commander sev- eral times, and is commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy Republican League of Cali- fornia, an organization which has a member- ship of forty thousand. The Chamber of Com- merce of San Pedro also profits by his mem- bership, as do all organizations with which he has to do, his careful and conservative judg- ment having the sanie weight in the lesser as in the heavier matters of state.


WILLIAM J. WARNOCK. One of the best known and most highly esteemed agriculturists of Ramona valley is William J. Warnock, who is distinguished both as a native-born son and as a representative of an honored pioneer family. Spending his entire life in San Diego county, his record as a man and a citizen is creditable to himself and also to his good parents, who reared him in the paths of industry and integrity. instilling into his youthful mind those lessons of truthfulness, honesty and justice that have been his guiding principles from youth upward. A son of the late William Warnock, he was born, October 3, 1859, in San Diego, of Irish ancestry.


William Warnock was born in County Cork. Ireland, in 1826. Immigrating to America, he settled first in Philadelphia, Pa., but in that city found no congenial employment. In 1857, there- fore, he came by water to California, locating in San Diego, which was then in its pristine wild- ness. At that time there were neither railways nor wagon roads, all freight being packed across the mountain trails on the backs of mules. He was a hard working man, and, with his good wife, passed bravely through all the privations and trials incident to pioneer life. Clearing and improving a ranch, he made a specialty of stock and general produce, which he marketed in San Diego, besides this carrying on a small dairy. He was a man of much force of will, and was influ- ential in public affairs. Politically he was a Dem- ocrat, and a member of the Catholic Church. His death occurred in 1898, at the age of sev- enty-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Ellen Derrig, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1830, and died in San Diego county in 1897, aged sixty-seven years. Eight children blessed their union, five of whom survive.


Educated in Los Angeles principally. William J. Warnock attended school in all about five years, a part of that time being spent at St. Vin-


James atos hay.


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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


cent's College. Working with his father, he was early initiated into the mysteries of general farm- ing, becoming well acquainted with its many branches. Profiting by the instruction received from his father, he started in life for himself as a farmer at the age of twenty-one years, set- tling in Ramona valley, then called Santa Maria valley, and taking up a government claim of one hundred and sixty acres. By sturdy, persevering labor, he cleared and improved a fine ranch, which he has since managed successfully, carry- ing on general farming. In addition to raising grain and fruit, the staple productions of this locality, he has a large apiary, which yields him a good annual income without an expensive out- lay of either time or money.


In 1880 Mr. Warnock married Miriam Knowles, who was born in Ohio. Although a Republican in national politics, Mr. Warnock has the courage of his convictions in local affairs, voting independent of party relations. He takes an intelligent interest in town and country, and has rendered excellent service as school trustee, and for eight years was constable.


JAMES A. FOSHAY. The services ren- dered by Prof. James A. Foshay in an educa- tional line in Los Angeles have been such as to ineradicably associate his name with this work, although he has recently resigned his position as superintendent to enter upon the responsible duties which are his as president of the Fraternal Brotherhood. Since 1895 he has served as superintendent of the schools in the city of Los Angeles and with each passing year has contributed more and more to their improvement, his peculiar fitness for the work serving to bring out the highest capabilities of the teachers under his supervision. He is a native of Cold Spring, N. Y., born November 25, 1856, a son of Andrew Jackson and Eme- line (Griffin) Foshay. The father was born January 21, 1830, on a farm in Kent, N. Y., where his parents, Lynes and Ruhannah (Smalley) Foshay, spent their entire lives. The professor's great-grandfather. John Fo- shay, served in the Revolutionary war with distinction, as did also the maternal great- grandfather, John Smalley.


Reared to young manhood in his native state, James A. Foshay received a preliminary education in the district school in the vicinity of his home, after which, in 1875, he entered what is now known as the State Normal Col- lege at Albany, N. Y., from which he was graduated with honors. For the ensuing three years he taught in the public schools, at the -emy of Sciences. He has also taken an active close of that time being elected school commis- sioner of Putnam county, N. Y. Re-elected to


the office, he combined with the discharge of his duties those of secretary of the New York State Association of School Commissioners and Superintendents. He gave to each the an tention and characteristic energy which may. distinguished every phase of his ca Fand An 1885 was re-elected to that important trust


Mr. Foshay came to California in 1887 and located in Monrovia, Los Angeles county, where he secured a position in the schools, and in the following . July wat Nected principal. A year later he was appointed a member of the Board of Education of Los An- geles county, and in 1891-92 served as presi- dent. In all public capacities he gave evidence of his unusual ability and also of the thorough- ness of his work, gradually assuming a promi- nence which called him to higher positions than any he had yet filled. In 1893 he became deputy superintendent of the schools of the city of Los Angeles under Professor Brown, and was re-elected the following year. In 1895 he was chosen superintendent, entering upon his important duties before reaching his thirty- ninth birthday. The marked success of his first eight years in California was but a pro- phecy of his future career, for he has in every way lived up to the promise of his young man- hood. Eleven years have passed since he as- sumed the responsibilities of this position and each term has witnessed his resumption of the duties incumbent upon him as superintendent. and to his efforts are due the great progress and development which have characterized the public schools of this city. When he took charge of the work there were only ten thou- sand, one hundred forty-four pupils, while there are to-day thirty-four thousand, seven hundred and ninety-five: the school property at that time was valued at $740,670 and to-day at $2.670,000.


The educational work of Dr. Foshay has been far-reaching, its influence keenly felt throughout Southern California, and indeed thoroughly appreciated all over the state. In 1898 he attended the convention of the Nation- al Educational Association (of which he was second vice-president), and against considera- ble opposition secured the next meeting in Los Angeles, where the following year a most en- tertaining and successful session was held. He has proven an upbuilding factor in the South- ern California Teachers' Association, having served efficiently as president. He was also elected a member of the California Council of Education, the National Council of Education. and a director of the Southern California Acad-


part in musical culture and literary societies. He has made many addresses upon important


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educational topics indicative of his mental at- tude and thought, and these have proven a source of study and development of inestimable value to the teachers under him. The crown- ing work of Dr. Foshay was his successful ad- vocacy of the scheme of bonding the city in 1905 for $780,000 for the purpose of raising funds to add to the public school buildings and equipment ; through some defect in the bonds this matter was taken to the supreme court and in February, 1906, was approved, when the bonds sold for $7,000 premium. He also labored zealously at this time to have the building power transferred from the council to the Board of Education, and succeeded in ac- complishing this end. As advisor of the board all plans for building and remodeling were submitted to him for approval before being carried out. Significant of the high esteem in which Professor Foshay is held was the con- ferring upon him of the degree of Doctor of Pedagogy by his alma mater; this is a degree that cannot be earned by the passing of exam- inations, but is given to those only who have distinguished themselves as educators.


Dr. Foshay's prominence in fraternal circles (being a Knight Templar Mason and hav- ing served as eminent commander of Los Angeles Commandery No. 9, and also as grand master of the Grand Lodge of California) has given him a wide acquaintance throughout the state and the entire Pacific coast, as well as the United States, and this was the means of his being elected to the presidency of the Fra- ternal Brotherhood at a large salary. Dr. Fo- shay takes a broad interest in all questions of the day and a personal stand that leaves no room for doubt as to his convictions. In poli- tics he endorses the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party and votes that ticket, although in the smaller sense of the word he is not a partisan. He is a mem- ber and director of the University Club.


Dr. Foshay's home, located at No. 1023 West Sixth street, is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Phebe Powell Miller, with whom he was united in marriage March 18, 1885. She was born in Carmel, Putnam coun- ty, N. Y., May 2, 1856. a daughter of John Griffin and Phebe Powell (Carpenter) Miller, both of whom were natives of Amawalk, Westchester county, same state. Both Dr. Fo- shay and his wife are members of the Baptist church and are prominent in social circles.


A résumé of the salient points in the career of Dr. Foshay bring out forcibly his natural traits of character and the ability which is his both through inheritance and years of study and training. These have made it possible for him to grasp the opportunity which his keen


perception recognized, and have brought to him a thorough understanding of the situation. The ability, tact and power of decision might in themselves never have accomplished their ends, to those who know him these seem but subordinate qualities, for that which makes them forceful is the sincerity of the man, his honesty of purpose, and the fearless manhood which has stood for the right against every ob- stacle during the course of his splendid career.


EDWARD R. BRADLEY, M. D. A success- ful career in his chosen field of labor is accorded Dr. Bradley by all who know him, his position being one of exceptional importance in the city of Los Angeles, where his entire professional life has been passed. He is a native son of the state, his birth having occurred at Folsom, Sac- ramento county, February 24, 1865, his father, Cyrus H. Bradley, a native of Indiana, having crossed the plains to California in the year 1852. He was a man of exceptional ability from his earliest venture in a business career, and although much was required of a man in the pioneer days of the state to warrant success, he easily assumed and held a place of importance in com- mercial affairs of Sacramento county. He en- gaged in the grocery business in Folsom until 1867, when he went to Oakland and continued in the same line of business until he came to the city of Los Angeles and established the business which is now known as the Los An- geles Furniture Company. He met with suc- cess both as to financial returns and the position which he won as a citizen of worth and ability. He is now retired from the active cares of life and is enjoying the fruits of his early industry. His wife, formerly Cordelia A. Rickey, is a native of Iowa, in which state she was married and shortly afterward crossed the plains with her husband to found a new home among the un- developed resources of the west.


The boyhood of Edward R. Bradley was passed in the paternal home in Folsom, Oak- land and Los Angeles, to which latter city the family removed when he was only a lad in years. He received a preliminary education in the public schools of Los Angeles and easily mastered the studies as they came to him in advancing grades. graduating in 1885. He was an apt pupil and eager for knowledge. Not desiring to follow the commercial pursuits of his father, he early decided upon a professional career, and accord- ingly became a student in the medical department of the University of Southern California, now un- der the presidency of his intimate friend and brother-in-law, Dr. George F. Bovard. Complet- ing the course in 1888 he went at once to New York City and entered Bellevue Hospital, from


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which he was graduated the following year with high honors. He remained in the east for a time, accepting the position of physician and surgeon of Bellevue Hospital, where he discharged his duties efficiently. In 1890 he returned to Los Angeles well equipped for the practice which he has since built up, the devotion to his profession bespeaking a successful career, while his person- ality has won for him the confidence of all who have had occasion to require his services. He is a student in the truest sense of the word, keeping well abreast of all advance in medicine or surgery and taking an unflagging interest in all matters pertaining to his profession, making a speciality of the diseases of children. He is a valued member of various medical societies, among them the Los Angeles County Medical Society, State Medical Society and the Ameri- can Medical Association. For the last ten years he has served as physician and surgeon of the Los Angeles Orphans Home, and also in other positions of importance.


In October, 1893, Dr. Bradley was united in marriage with Miss Virginia Burton William- son a native of Iowa and a daughter of Charles W. Williamson an old and honored resident of this city, and born of this union is one child, Gertrude Muriel.


ANDREW W. RYAN. In the vicinity of Kilkenny, Ireland, Andrew W. Ryan was born April 14, 1844, a son of Patrick, likewise a native of that country. The elder man was reared to manhood in Ireland, receiving a good common school education. He married Mary Leahey and in 1852 brought his wife and children to the United States, after landing in New York City going direct to Burlington, Iowa, where he con- tinued to reside until his death. Shortly after his arrival in that city he secured work as a con- tractor in the construction of the roadbed for what is now known as the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later he was connected with many of the public works of Burlington and through his efforts acquired a competency. The death of his wife also occurred in their home in that city.


Andrew W. Ryan was eight years old when he accompanied his parents to his new home in Burlington, in which city he attended the public and high schools, and later entered Burlington University. In 1860 he put aside his studies to take up the practical duties of life, accepting a place as clerk in a general store, where he re- mained for about two years. The training thus received was of incalculable benefit to him and gave him a knowledge of the business world which he found of practical use in the years that followed. About this time Mr. Ryan with other


young men about his age (only one of the party being over nineteen years old) decided to seek their fortunes in the more remote west, and ac- cordingly after having secured all necessary equipments set out for the trip across the plains. Their journey was made with mule teams and without mishap to Virginia City and there it was unanimously decided to stop and engage in min- ing for a time. They were fairly successful and acquired some means, with which they continued their journey to . California, making their way on foot to Visalia, this state. There Mr. Ryan purchased a horse and came on to Los Angeles, the others of the party scattering to various parts of the state.


Mr. Ryan's first work in this section of Cal- ifornia was in the capacity of roustabout at Wil- mington, where he continued until a friend se- cured him employment as a driver for General Banning, who was then occupied in freighting to the mines of Mexico. With the means ac- cumulated in the ensuing six months Mr. Ryan purchased a farm in the vicinity of Downey at a time when land was cheap, and engaged in the raising of corn and hogs. Until 1867 he re- mained in this occupation and while conducting his agricultural interests was elected to the of- fice of justice of the peace, which position he retained for six years. With the passing years he gradually assumed a place of importance in the affairs of the community and as a stanch adherent of the principles of the Democratic party became an important factor in their ad- vancement. In 1875 he was elected assessor of Los Angeles county, and having in the mean- time located in the city of Los Angeles, two years later became a member of the city council from the third ward. In September, 1884, he entered the employ of the Los Angeles City Water Company and remained with them for eighteen years, when the plant was sold to the city. Since that time he has been identified with the State Bank and Trust Company as a director and appraiser, at the present time ( 1906) hold- ing the office of vice-president, and is also a valued member of the finance committee. For a number of years he remained the owner of two fine ranches in Los Angeles county, but later disposed of them, being at the present time, however, the possessor of considerable valuable city and county property.


In 1864 Mr. Ryan was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Johnson, a native of Texas, but a resident of Los Angeles county since she was three years old. Her father, Micajah Johnson, was a pioneer who came to this county in 1852. Six children were born of this union, of whom three are now living, namely: William A., at home : Annie, the wife of N. E. Wilson, a merchant of Los Angeles; and Ida, wife of R.


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R. Sutherland, manager of the Gregory Dried Fruit Company, at Colton, Cal. Such men as Mr. Ryan increase materially the importance of a city or state and add to its prosperity, for with others he is named as a man who stands out prom- inently as a financial factor in its growth and up- building. The intelligence of such men cannot fail to be a power for good in local affairs and their keen intellectual faculties promote not only their individual success, but that of their fellow citizens as well. During his residence of over forty years in Southern California Mr. Ryan has been identified with various enterprises and has always contributed liberally of his means, time and influence toward the building up and maintenance of those interests that have made this part of California what it is today. He is unostentatious in his manner and never has de- sired public prominence, satisfied that what he has done will be a lasting remembrance to those closely associated with him. In the evening of his days he can look back upon a work well done, and while he has retired from active business life he still keeps in touch with current events. At his home, No. 433 South Olive street, he ex- tends a hearty welcome to his friends. He was made a Mason in Los Angeles county in 1873 and raised to the Royal Arch degree in 1876.


D. WINSLOW HUNT, M. D. Prominent among the leading physicians and surgeons of Southern California is D. Winslow Hunt, M. D., who has built up an extensive and remunerative practice in Glendale, where he is now located. A man of culture, possessing great business judg- ment, tact and ability, he has been actively identified with the higher interests of town and county since coming here, and is widely and fa- vorably known in professional, financial and so- cial circles. A son of Nehemiah Asa Hunt, he was born. June 11, 1845, in Mason, Hillsboro county, N. H., the descendant of an old, well- established family. The immigrant ancestor of that branch of the Hunt family to which he be- longs came from England to this country in 1635, settling first in Concord, Mass., some of his descendants subsequently becoming pioneers of Hillsboro county, N. H. They were men of stamina and brain, influential in local and na- tional affairs, several members of the Hunt fam- ily of New Hampshire serving in the Revolu- tionary war. One of the members, Major Ed- ward B. Hunt, was the first husband of Helen Hunt Jackson, the noted authoress. The sur- name, Hunt, originated many hundred years ago. and was spelled Hunti, meaning, in old Saxon. wolf.


David Hunt, the doctor's grandfather, was a life-long resident of the Granite state, and


among its rocks and hills was engaged in tilling the soil, his farm being situated near Mason, only fifty miles from Boston. Five of his children, three sons and two daughters, grew to years of maturity. One of these, also named David Hunt, remained on the old ancestral homestead, which he converted into a dairy farm. The milk produced on it he shipped to Boston, where he received the highest market price. He built up a substantial business in this industry, and be- came wealthy for his time.


Brought up on the home farm, Nehemiah Asa Hunt acquired his elementary education in the common schools of Mason, and after preparatory study at the academy in New Ipswich, N. H., he entered Oberlin (Ohio) College, from which he was graduated in theology and medicine. He subsequently went to Illinois, and at the Jack- sonville Medical College took a full course, in- tending then to enter the missionary field in for- eign countries, but to this his friends would not consent. Settling then in southern Illinois, he served for many years as home missionary in Bond and Williamson counties, and likewise prac- ticed medicine and surgery, being very success- ful in both professions, and performing many operations of a difficult nature. In many ways he was a remarkable man, possessing high as- . pirations and lofty ideals. On retiring from ac- tive pursuits he settled in Orange county, Cal., where he resided for some time, although he died in Minnesota, his death occurring in 1900, at the age of four score and four years. His body was brought back to California, however, and interred in the beautiful cemetery at Riverside, beside that of his beloved wife, who preceded him, passing away at the age of seventy-eight years. Her maiden name was Clarissa A. Con- rad. She bore him nine children, all of whom received college educations, and besides these children of their own they brought up two adopted children, giving to them the same ten- der care and love that they did their own,




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