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 117

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

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mained in the same location, but at the expira- tion of that period reports concerning the climate of California led him to seek a home on the Pacific coast, a decision which his pres- ent success leaves him no reason to regret. Since his removal to the new world he has given his attention so closely to professional labors that he has had no leisure for participa- tion in public affairs and fraternal organiza- tions. However, he is keenly alive to the im- portance of promoting measures for the gen- eral welfare and in devotion to his adopted country he is unsurpassed by none. Move- ments for the development of local resources receive his support and no duty devolving up- on a public-spirited citizen is neglected; yet it is as a physician and more especially as a surgeon that he is best known and most hon- ored in Southern California.

Dr. Mills has a large general practice and in the Anderson building has a suite of rooms simply yet elegantly furnished. Here he has his office and during office hours attends to the professional needs of his patients. Much of his time, however, is devoted to the Marl- borough hospital, where he is the dominant factor in the maintenance of the reputation which is already attached to this institution, the success he has achieved placing him in the foremost rank of physicians and surgeons of Southern California and indeed of the entire state. He is identified with several medical societies, among them San Bernardino Medi- cal Society, and the American Medical Asso- ciation. Dr. Mills also holds the chair of genito-urinary and venereal diseases in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Los Angeles, and has an office in the Delta build- ing in that city. Personally the doctor is a man of winning characteristics, genial and kindly in disposition, and hospitable to all who meet him, and by the force of his man- hood, his sterling integrity and conscientious discharge of duty he has won a high position among the representative citizens of South- ern California.

JAMES McGREGOR FRASER. Widely known as a prosperous agriculturist of Ramona. James McG. Fraser has been very successful in the work to which he has devoted his time and attention for thirty or more years, his home ranch comparing favorably in size, location, fer- tility and productiveness, with any in the vicinity. Honest, industrious and capable, he is numbered among the citizens of good repute and high stand- ing in the community, and as a man of integ- rity is held in high respect. He was born, July 20, 1832, in Nova Scotia, where he obtained a

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practical common school education. His father, John Fraser, a life-long farmer, spent his sixty- four years of life in Nova Scotia, there marry- ing Margaret Fraser, who survived him, dying at the age of seventy-three years. Eight children were born of their union, two of whom are living, namely : James McG., the subject of this sketch, and Kate Wagner, a resident of Nova Scotia. The parents were true Christian people, and ac- tive members of the Presbyterian Church.

On leaving school James McG. Fraser learned the mason's trade, which he subsequently follow- ed in his native town for two years. Immigrating to Massachusetts in 1856, he worked as a plas- terer in Boston for a few years. Migrating to California in 1860, he lived for two years in San Francisco, and the ensuing six years was suc- cessfully engaged in mining in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Subsequently, after spending an- other year in San Francisco, he followed his trade in San Diego for a number of years. In 1874 he located on his present ranch, which he pur- chased from the government as a homestead claim, and on its three hundred and twenty acres of land has since been busily and successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising.

In 1877 Mr. Fraser married Emily Aldrich, a native of Michigan, but a resident of California since 1874, and one of the pioneer teachers of San Diego county, being the first teacher in Fall- brook. They have two children, namely: Guy, residing in Berkeley, Cal., and Ella Harriett, a teacher at Spring Hill. Politically Mr. Fraser stanchly supports the principles of the Republi- can party. In religious belief he is true to the doctrine in which he was trained, being a Pres- byterian, while Mrs. Fraser is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

BAKER PERKINS LEE. The Rev Mr. Lee, who is at present rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, is considered one of

the most brilliant or- ators in the church. He is young, elo- quent, enthusiastic, fearless and liberal. These qualities have endeared him to the great body of the church, and those outside of it who care nothing for litanies and prayer books and have no reverence for amice and stole, but to whose hearts geniality and nobility are a passport and liberality of thought and opinion a sign of in- vitation and a symbol of fellowship. Gifted by nature with unusual powers of personal magnet- ism and by grace with a heart regenerated from "malice, hatred and all uncharitableness" he has shown how closely affiliated may be the pulpit and the pew; how the Christian may be in the world and not of it. Faces rarely before seen inside of a church building look into his with

rapt attention while he tells the "old, old story." Men whose boast it is that they needed not the Divine help have forgotten their avowed skepti- cism in appreciation of a brother man who showed them the sweetness of religious faith without the fetters of religious dogma. Young men whose wont it was to avoid "the cloth" find in the warm- hearted preacher the cameraderie of good fellow- ship and ardent, impulsive affection. Many a mother has gone to this lover of mankind and asked him to quietly seek out her wayward boy, to reclaim him from evil haunts and habits, for his special work and influence has been among men, and he is known as a man's preacher. In his sermons he uses no manuscript, but with rapid, clear delivery and characteristic force presents one exquisite picture after another with mar- velously vivid and ornate word painting.

As the name would suggest the Lees are of southern origin, and were among the earliest set- tlers in Virginia, being direct descendants of Richard Henry Lee. Through Francis Lee, the great-grandfather, the line continues through William Lee to Baker P. Lee, Sr., also a native of Virginia, whose father owned large estates which had been in the family for several generations. His wife was Mary Esther Simpkins. Baker P. Lee, Jr., was born in Hampton in 1869. He was provided with exceptional advantages for an ed- ucation, entering as a student in the State Mili- tary Academy at Staunton and later the Virginia Military Institute, which is recognized as the West Point of the south.

Following his graduation therefrom in 1892 he taught for one year in the Danville Military Institute, at the expiration of which time he was to join his father, Judge Baker P. Lee, a noted politician and lawyer, in his office, as he had been educated and intended for the law, but it was at this juncture his thoughts and attentions were turned towards preparation for the ministry, his entrance in the Episcopal Theological Seminary at Alexandria, Va., following. After a course of three years in this institution he was ordained a minister in June, 1896, and in August of the same year was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Lee Skinner, of Danville, Va., a daughter of The- odore Clay Skinner, a representative of one of the prominent old families of that state. The fol- lowing children were born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Baker P., Jr., Theodore Skin- ner, Lionel Randolph (deceased), Lulu Cortlandt (deceased), Alicia Ludwell and Richard Henry.

Mr. Lee's first charge was in Farmville, Prince Edward county, Va., having four congre- gations under his care, and as these were quite scattered his labors were much more fatiguing as a consequence. It was the rule rather than the exception that he conducted three services each Sunday during this time. Leaving Farm-

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ville he accepted a charge at Columbia, Tenn., leaving there two and a half years later to be- come dean of the Cathedral at Lexington. It was while filling the latter charge that he was called to Grace Church, Chicago, Ill., which is con- ceded to be the largest congregation of the Episcopal faith west of the Allegheny mountains. A very successful pastorate in the diocese of Lexington was brought to a close by his call to and acceptance of the charge of Christ Church, Los Angeles, which responsible position he has filled from May 1, 1905, up to the present time.

Since locating in Los Angeles Mr. Lee has exerted a wide influence for good in the religious as well as secular circles. The following is taken from the official organ of the church. "The growth of this church since the present rector has been here almost surpasses belief. The members of the church have some vague ideas concerning the growth and activities of the par- ish, but comparatively few realize what has ac- tually been accomplished. It seems incredible that one man could do what the rector has done.

"When he came to this church there were a little more than six hundred members. In the last year the membership has increased to more than twelve hundred. This is the first time in the history of the Episcopal Church that a parish of any size has doubled its membership in one year. Christ Church is now the largest Episcopal Church west of Chicago, nearly all of which is due to the energy and foresight of one man, who saw the glorious possibilities that lay before the parish, and knew how to direct and guide our movements so as to obtain the best results.

"In exterior the church stands without a peer in architectural design and beauty, it being con- structed of stone. The interior arrangements are of the latest design, appropriateness and harmony being noticeable even in the smallest details. The acoustic properties have received special atten- tion, resulting in an arrangement by which it is possible for the speaker to be distinctly heard in the most remote part of the building without undue effort on the part of either speaker or hearer. Christ Church claims the distinction of having the only telephone system in the United States by means of which those of the congrega- tion who are unable to attend the services may receive every word of the service in their homes. This is a unique plan and one which is original with the present rector, who had it installed after he assumed charge of the congregation. The music is furnished by a vested choir of seventy voices.

"The rector takes a special interest in the children and young people of his congregation, for he realizes that on their spiritual training depends the future of the church in particular. and the well being of the nation in general. With

this idea in mind he has made a special effort to make the Sunday school attractive and thus hold the interest and keep up the attendance of the pupils. His inauguration of a military system in the work of the school has had the desired effect, a plan which appeals to children from the fact that each has a part to perform and each one takes a personal pride and interest in the success of the whole. There is a physical culture class for girls, two cadet corps for boys and a vested choir for the Sunday school of over fifty trained children's voices which furnish music for the Sunday school and the children's serv- ice held once a month in the church.

"Important missionary work is being done by competent laymen under the direction of Mr. Lee, but the work nearest the rector's heart is the Men's Church Club. Plans for the erection of a handsome club house in the Westmoreland tract, are now under way, the estimated cost of the building to be between $25,000 and $27,000. Here with every modern convenience and comfort, legitimate and healthful pleasure may be enjoyed under refining influences in this church home, where friend holds fellowship with friend."

GEORGE D. ROWAN was born in Corfu, N. Y., in 1844. He was reared in Batavia, N. Y., where his father, James Rowan, was en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. At the age of twenty he went into business in partnership with his brother-in-law, E. B. Millar, at Lan- sing, Mich., where they conducted a wholesale grocery.

In 1873 Mr. Rowan married Miss Fannie Arnold, a native of Sand Lake, Rensselaer county, N. Y., where her father, George Ar- nold, was engaged as a woolen manufacturer. A few years later the firm of E. B. Millar & Co. moved to Chicago, where they are still one of the largest concerns of the kind in that city. The city interests were looked after by Mr. Millar while Mr. Rowan went to the Orient, and in Yokahoma made his home for a little over a year.

In 1876, owing to his health, Mr. Rowan came to Los Angeles and opened a grocery store on North Main street, which he conduct- ed until 1884. He then moved to San Francis- co, and for a short time was engaged as a com- mission merchant with the firm known as Jen- nings & Rowan. In 1885 he returned to Los Angeles, and went into the real estate busi- ness, which he conducted until 1888, during which time he became associated with Col. J. B. Lankershim and O. H. Churchill in a num- ber of transactions. In 1889 he retired from active business and became a resident of Pasa- dena. In 1893 the partnership with Col. J. B.

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Lankershim was dissolved. In 1898 Mr. Row- an returned to Los Angeles, where he made his home until his death, which occurred Sep- tember 7, 1902.

Politically Mr. Rowan was an adherent of Republican principles. He also was one of the early members of the Chamber of Commerce. He left a family of eight children, Robert A., Fred S., Earl Bruce, Paul, Philip D., Benja- min, Fannie F. and Flossie, all of whom are now living.

ROBERT A. ROWAN was born in Chi- cago, August 27, 1876, At the age of three months he came to Los Angeles with his par- ents, and his education was received in the public schools of Los Angeles and Pasadena. His first business experience was in New York City, where for about a year he was em- ployed by the firm of Ward & Huntington, ex- porters of hardware to South America.

In 1897 Mr. Rowan went into the real estate business, and in 1905 the business was reor- ganized and incorporated under the name of R. A. Rowan & Co., real estate brokers, with R. A. Rowan as president, F. S. Rowan secre- tary and P. D. Rowan treasurer, with offices on the second floor of the Herman W. Hell- man building. In partnership with A. C. Bil- icke, the Hotel Alexandria was built during the years 1905-1906.

Mr. Rowan was married February 28, 1903, to Miss Laura Schwarz, of Los Angeles, a daughter of Louis and Lena Schwarz.

JOHN THOMAS WILSON. A man of en- ergy and ability, practical and progressive, John Thomas Wilson, of Fernando, has been identi- fied with the leading interests of this part of the county for many years. He has been active in assisting the development of its agricultural re- sources, and is now carrying on a substantial business as a dealer in real estate, in this ca- pacity bringing to the notice of investors and rural home seekers its many superior advantages as a place of residence. A man of sterling qual- ities and recognized worth, he has gained a high standing in the community as a citizen, the es- teem of a wide circle of friends and the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He was born, January 10, 1861, in Meadville, Pa., a son of C. M. Wilson, and grandson of John North Wilson, who was born in Ireland, immigrated to the United States, and settled in Zanesville, Ohio.

A native of Ohio, C. M. Wilson was fitted for the legal profession, and after his admission to the bar began the practice of law at Meadville. Pa. Establishing an excellent reputation for skill

and ability, he became influential in public life, and for a time was connected with the United States Treasury department at Washington, D. C. Coming with his family to California in 1871, he located in Los Angeles, then a small city, with but fifteen thousand inhabitants, and there con- tinued his law practice, becoming well known as an attorney, and now, at the age of seventy- six years, is an honored and respected citizen of that place. He married Jane Estep, who was born in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, and died in Fernando, Cal. Six children were born of their union, and four are living, John T., the special subject of this sketch, being the third child in order of birth.

But ten years of age when he came with his parents to Los Angeles, John T. Wilson continued his studies in that city, attending first a private institution and then the public schools. After spending a few years in his father's law office he turned his attention to agriculture, for four years being engaged in general farming in Los Angeles county. Locating in Fernando in 1882, he ac- cepted a position as superintendent of the Ex Mission Ranch, and in the management of its twenty thousand acres of land was very success- ful, making the hitherto wild and barren soil yield abundantly of the grains and fruits com- mon to this locality. He developed water for irrigating purposes, assisted in organizing the Ex Mission Water Company, becoming one of its directors ; set out one hundred and seventy-five acres to oranges, ten acres to lemons ; divided the ranch into different posts; and in the carrying on of the vast estate employed many men and kept at least one hundred and fifty head of horses in constant use.

Resigning his position in 1899, Mr. Wilson leased a part of the ranch, and for three years carried on general farming on his own account, in the work meeting with great success. Taking up his residence in Fernando in 1902, he has since established an extensive and lucrative busi- ness as a real-estate and insurance agent, becom- ing widely known and much liked. In 1905 he was appointed superintendent of the old ranch by the Fernando Mission Land Company, and on its sixteen thousand acres is making excellent improvements, one of the most valuable being the developing of more water for irrigation. As an agriculturist and horticulturist he shows marked ability and wisdom, his ventures in that line meeting with most satisfactory results.

In Fernando, Cal., Mr. Wilson married Grace Lopez, a native daughter, and they have two chil- dren, John and Rowland. Politically Mr. Wil- son is a Democrat, active in party ranks, and a member of the Democratic central committee. He takes great interest in the promotion of edu- cational facilities, and for many years has served

Jours Quedens

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as school trustee. He assisted in organizing the high school district, and is now one of the high school trustees. In 1902 he was the Democratic nominee for sheriff of Los Angeles county, which is a Republican stronghold, with a majority of eleven thousand, and was defeated by twenty- eight hundred votes, only, an incident showing his popularity with both parties. Fraternally he is a member and past grand of Fernando Lodge No. 365, I. O. O. F. He is one of the leading business men of the city, and is now serving as president of the Fernando Board of Trade, which was organized largely through his active efforts.

LOUIS ROEDER. The citizens of Los Angeles whom Destiny has attracted hither during the recent era of remarkable develop- ment cannot form an adequate conception of the environment under which the pioneers were thrown. Spanish supremacy was at all end, but American enterprise had not yet be- come interested in the sleepy little hamlet and to a man whose habits of observation were merely superficial the possibilities of the place seemed meagre and limited. Among the home- seekers arriving here during the '50s, few re- main to the present day, and one of the few is Louis Roeder, who came to Southern Cali- fornia during the latter part of 1856, only a few years after he had left his native land, to carve out a fruitful future in the undeveloped regions of the new world.

On the farm in Hesse-Darmstadt. Germany, where he was born January 28, 1832, Louis Roeder passed the uneventful years of early youth, and aided his father, Nicolaus, in the care of the land. He also learned the trade of wagon maker, at which he served a full apprenticeship, between fourteen and nineteen years of age. At the expiration of his time he decided to settle in the United States and at once left the old home to make a livelihood tpon the shores of an unknown world. On the 2nd of July. 1851, he landed in New York City, joining an uncle and soon securing work at his trade. In the spring of 1856 he took passage on the steamer Jonathan to Nicaragua, and, land- ing there, was obliged to wait for three days before it was possible to continue the journey to California. May 10, 1856, he landed in the harbor of the Golden Gate. Work was scarce in San Francisco. Many men were vainly seeking for employment. While he sought work he not only had to pay his own board, but did the same for a friend, a cabinet-maker, destitute and out of employment. After a time he was hired for $28 a month and board, and continued in the same position for six months, meanwhile saving his earnings in order to se-

cure the amount necessary to defray his ex- penses to the southern part of the state. The steamer from which he debarked at San Pedro on the 28th of December, 1856, brought the news of the election of James Buchanan as president of the United States, and it was thus Mr. Roeder's privilege to witness the celebra- tion of an election in true western style. In Los Angeles he secured employment with the only wagon-maker in the town, the owner of a small shop on Los Angeles street, between Commercial and Laguna streets. While still tilling this position he made his first invest- ment in city property, for he had abundant faith in the future of the place and felt no hesi- tancy in investing his earnings in real estate. Buying a lot with sixty-foot frontage on Main street for $700, he built a shanty of primitive architecture and meagre dimensions, and this he rented, at the same time rooming there.

After having worked as a salaried employe for a considerable period, Mr. Roeder felt jus- tified in embarking in business for himself. Accordingly, in 1863, he rented a site on the corner of Main and First streets, and in 1865 formed a partnership with Louis Lichtenber- ger in the wagon-making business, the part- ners in 1866 purchasing a lot at No. 128 South Main street and erecting a small shop. Three years later a two-story wagon shop was erect- ed at the northwest corner of Second and Main street, and this was also utilized as a black- smith shop. After a partnership of five years, Mr. Roeder sold his interest to his partner for $13,000 cash. Shortly afterward he erected a building opposite the site of the German Bank, on the corner of Main and First streets. His next step was a trip to San Francisco, where he invested $9,000 in tools and stock, and return- ing embarked in business on a large scale. Dur- ing the five years of his connection with the business at that point he became the owner of a lot, 150x100 feet, on the corner of First and Spring streets, where now he owns a two- story building. After a long and arduous busi- ness career in 1885 he sold out his equipment and retired from the wagon-manufacturing business.

Some years after coming to Los Angeles Mr. Roeder established domestic ties. During May of 1863 he was united with Miss Wil- helmina Hoth, who was born in New York and in 1856 came to San Francisco, thence ac- companying her father to Los Angeles in 1861. Six children were born to the union of Nr. and Mrs. Roeder, namely: Henry, who is engaged in business in Los Angeles as a dec- crator and paper hanger: Elizabeth, wife of Charles Dodge of Ocean Park: Carrie, Mrs. Frank Johansen, of Los Angeles ; Minnie, Mrs.

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John Joughin ; Anna C., at home; and Louis Jr., who is manager of a drug store in Los An- geles. The family have a pleasant home at No. 1137 West Lake avenue and are surround- ed by the comforts rendered possible by Mr. Roeder's long and active business life. As early as 1858 he became connected with Lodge No. 35, I. O. O. F., in Los Angeles, and he is also a member of the Turn-Verein. Since be- coming a citizen of the United States he has voted both the Democratic and Republican tickets and maintained a warm interest in the welfare of his adopted country and the pro- mulgation of its principles, but always de- clined office, with the exception of a service of four years in the city council during an early period in the city's history. During his service the franchise was granted to the Los Angeles City Water Company, an important movement in the development of the city, although it was many years before there was anything like an adequate supply of this much-needed commod- ity. Though his life has been one of great ac- tivity and though he has now reached an age and position when retirement and total release from business cares would be expected, such is his temperament we find him still lingering in the commercial and civic activities of his municipality, still keeping in touch with every phase of local progress, and still lending his generous assistance to niovements for the pub- lic welfare.

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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 117

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