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 139

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 139

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At Highland, San Bernardino county, October 17, 1888. Mr. Fuqua married Miss Lula Hidden, who was born in Kansas, the daughter of Charles Hidden. Mr. Fuqua and his wife are both members of the Christian Church of Po- mona, supporting with a liberal hand its various charitable and benevolent organizations. In his political sympathies Mr. Fuqua is a Democrat in national politics, although in local elections he is guided by the candidate's qualifications re- gardless of party name. The only fraternal or- ganization of which he is a member is the Modern Woodmen of America, holding membership in the camp at Lemon, in which he at one time was an officer.

HERBERT JOHN WALLIS. Though one of the comparatively late comers to Clare- mont Mr. Wallis has made such rapid strides from. a business standpoint as to place him on record as one of the town's substantial citi- zens and thoroughgoing business men. In September of 1905 he came to the town and purchased the site of his present livery stable, and erected thereon a barn 36x80 feet, which gives ample room for his livery and sales stables and also for the handling of feed. The Claremont Livery stable has taken its place among the other live enterprises of the town. The proprietor caters to the traveling public, meeting all trains, and for those who ride or drive for pleasure he has a fine equipment of horses and up-to-date vehicles.

The Wallis family is of English origin, and it was the grandfather, John Wallis, who es- tablished the family on this continent, settling as a farmer in Huntingdon county, Quebec. On this farm his son, Frederick Wallis, was born, but later years found him a resident of Vermont, his death occurring in Waitsfield, that state, in 1903. His marriage united him with Martha Ann Cooper, who like himself was born in Huntingdon county, Quebec, the daughter of Merrill Cooper, the latter a na- tive of Vermont and the descendant of a long line of New England ancestors. Mrs. Martha Ann Wallis is now living in Morden, Mani- toba.

Four children gathered around the family fireside in Huntingdon county. all of whom are still living, and Herbert J. is the eldest. He was born March 13, 1858, and after attend- ing the public schools in the vicinity of his home assisted in the care of the home farm until he was twenty-five years of age. Going to Manitoba in 1883 he bought a quarter sec- tion of new land, which he improved, devot- ing it to the raising of wheat and to stock- raising. The virgin soil was exceedingly pro- ductive and during the seventeen years that he remained there he reaped rich harvests of grain and raised large herds of cattle. In 1900 he rented his farm near Morden and came to California, and for several years was interested in horticulture at Upland, San Ber- nardino county. having in the mean time, in 1902, sold his farm in Manitoba. September of 1905 witnessed Mr. Wallis' removal to Claremont, and if the success which the past year has brought to him still continues it is safe to say that Claremont will retain him as a citizen permanently.

In Ormstown, Quebec, Mr. Wallis was mar- ried to Miss Jennie Armstrong, who is a na- tive of that city. While living in Upland both became members of the Presbyterian

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Church of that place, and were active in the work connected therewith, Mr. Wallis serv- ing as secretary of the Sunday-school, but as yet they have not transferred their member- ship to any church organization in Claremont. Mr. Wallis was made an Odd Fellow while in Manitoba, joining Nelson Lodge No. 9, in Morden, and in Upland, Cal., affiliated with Euclid Lodge No. 68, of which he is still a member, and is also a member of the en- campment of Upland.

ALLEN J. TAYLOR. Far back into the early history of the United States the name of Taylor was connected with the colony of North Caro- lina, and genealogical records trace the relation- ship of the family to Lord Wellington, also to Charles Wesley, whose name has been handed down to fame with that of his brother John. Allen, a son of Joseph Taylor, was born in Edgecombe county, N. C., in 1789, and removed at an early age to Kentucky, settling in Warren county, where his son, Alfred was born in January of 1818. The latter was a man of ex- ceptional ability and sterling integrity, an active worker in the Christian Church, and often chosen to settle up estates, the choice being based upon the universal confidence in his judgment and probity. Though he began life with little means. through his energy and persistence he accumu- lated three hundred and seventy acres of land, and at the time of his demise was among the well-to-do planters of his county. In 1843 he married Caroline M., daughter of E. P. Daven- port, and four children were born of their union. one of these being the gentleman whose name introduces this article, and who was formerly one of the progressive dairymen of Los An- geles county.

The common schools offered Allen J. Taylor only a desultory education, but early in boyhood he developed a taste for reading and soon be- came conversant with the best authors and stored his mind with much useful information. From early years his life was one of unceasing activ- ity, for his temperament did not permit of idle - ness. At the age of twenty-eight he purchased two hundred and thirty acres and this tract he developed into one of the best-improved planta- tions in the entire county, his crops of tobacco and grain being the equal of any raised for miles around. September 17, 1874, he married Miss Nannie Alexander, whose counsel and co-opera- tion were helpful in the attainment of success. Their only son, Charles A., who was born June 27, 1875, was associated with his father in dairy- ing and ranching until the death of the father June 2. 1906, since which time he has carried on the work of the ranch.

On coming to California Mr. Taylor rented a ranch, thinking it might prove wiser to rent for a time, until familiar with conditions and soils. In the fall of 1897 he settled near Comp- ton, where for six years he rented land. For two years he sold milk to the Anchorage cream- ery and then purchased an interest in the Eureka creamery, where he served as a member of the board of directors. Through his efforts, as- sociated with other interested parties, the price of milk was raised to a considerable degree, and he was thus helpful to the dairymen of the vi- cinity. As a representative of the creamery he became a delegate to the Los Angeles Board of Trade and during the last year of his service was honored with the chairmanship of the board. Experience taught him that diversified farming was more profitable than specialties, this being especially true on a dairy ranch, as milk cows. to be profitable, must be given a variety of feed. After coming to the state he became a close student of the lands, soils, conditions, etc., and he found that a high state of cultivation was absolutely necessary in securing the best results. After a visit of four months in the east and south he returned to Compton and resumed the dairy business, from then until his death furnish- ing milk from thirty cows directly to the milk- men of Los Angeles. With his son he owned a ranch of twenty-five acres and operated forty- five acres of rented land in the interests of the dairy industry. During the last six years of his residence in Kentucky he was interested in breeding saddle horses and Jersey cattle, and up- on the organization of the American Saddle Horsemen's Association he became one of its charter members, but discontinued his member- ship after retiring from the business. A Repub- lican in views, he took a warm interest in the political contest of the day and kept thoroughly posted concerning the problems affecting the prosperity of our country.

GRATIAN BIDART. France has contribut- ted her share to the citizenship of Southern Cali- fornia and among the number is Gratian Bidard, well known in the vicinity of Puente, where with his brother, Bertrand, he owns a ranch of thirty- two and a half acres, formerly a part of the Thomas Rowland estate. Born in Basses-Pyre- nees, France, March 6, 1877, he is a son of Jean and Marie (Falsa) Bidart, both born in the same part of France as was their son. Leaving his wife and children in their native land Jean Bidart came to California in 1888 and established him- self in the sheep business at Newport, a busi- ness which prospered under his careful handling. and later he removed to the Chino rancho, where he branched out on a larger scale. In the mean

ALFRED H. SMILEY

ALBERT K. SMILEY

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

time, in 1891, he had been joined by his wife and children, and for nine years they made their home on the ranch just mentioned. At the end of this time, however, the parents and several of the children returned to their native land, where Mr. Bidart has large property holdings, and where he carries on a farm and stock ranch. Of their eight children, four are in France with their parents, Maria, Mariana, Jennie M. and Martin, while the others, Gratian. Bertrand, Marie and Jean, are residents of California.

Gratian Bidart was a lad of about fourteen years when with his mother and the other chil- dren he came to America to join his father. He was of an age to be useful on the ranch which his father had established in California and so thoroughly had he learned the details of the busi- ness that when his father retired from business and returned to France in 1900 he purchased the business in partnership with his brother Bert- rand, their brother Marie also being interested in the business. For one year the brothers con- tinued on the Chino rancho, and in taking an inventory of their stock at that time found they had six thousand sheep. In order to secure more commodious range land for their rapidly increas- ing herds in 1901 they removed to the vicinity of Lemon and ranged their sheep on the Wright ranch. Five years later, however, they sold out their sheep industry and have since been inter- ested in raising alfalfa, for which purpose they purchased thirty-two and a half acres of the Thomas Rowland tract. all but seven acres of the entire acreage being in alfalfa. The ranch is well watered from the San José ditch. The four brothers who are in California, Gratian, Bertrand and Marie in Puente, and Jean in Red- lands, are maintaining with dignity the reputa- tion of a family name well known on the other side of the Atlantic, the ancestors having flour- ished in lower France for many generations. Gratian Bidart is a Republican in his political affiliations, belongs to the society of Druids, in which he finds a pleasant relaxation from busi- ness cares, and is also a member of the French Hospital Society of Los Angeles.

ALBERT KEITH SMILEY. So similar in experiences were the boyhood days of the twin brothers, Albert K. and Alfred H. Smiley, so closely associated their manhood years, so united their tastes, so harmonious their temperaments, that it seemed as if one life only were being lived ; yet the two-fold energy thrown into every pursuit brought the larger results of such effort, hence their lives, so united in aims and purposes. were unusually lasting in benefits wrought and improvements made. Both were college grad- uates, having completed the course after study-

ing side by side during the entire term. Bothı took up teaching in the same institution and later founded an academy, whose upbuilding was ac- complished through their self-sacrificing and wise management. As both were talented educators, so both proved to be successful business men, and as landlords they were courteous, hospitable and genial, indeed proving ideal hosts to men and women of culture and broad education.

The Smiley family was originally from Scot- land, emigrating ancestors locating in London- derry; Ireland, and thence transplanting the name to the New England states, where descendants changed from the Presbyterian to the Quaker faith. David Smiley removed from New Hamp- shire to Maine, where he reared his family, a son, Daniel, heing the father of the twin brothers. Their mother was Phoebe Howland, a native of Maine and a daughter of Joseph Howland, whose ancestry can be traced to the Puritans, John How- land being a passenger on the Mayflower and a prominent character, his brother being his busi- ness partner, in England and the Colonies was the progenitor of the family of which the Smiley brothers are descendants. The birth of the brothers occurred at Vassalboro, Me., March 17, 1828, their parents rearing a large family of chil- dren, of whom the survivors are besides Albert K., Joseph H., of Vassalboro, Me .; Sarah F., of Washington, a prominent lecturer of international reputation on religious topics and the founder of a correspondence school on the Bible and Church history, of the Episcopalian denomination ; Daniel and Rebecca. After a course of academic training the brothers were graduated from Haver- ford College in 1849 and later received the de- gree of A. M., while the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon Albert K. in June, 1906. In 1875 he received the honorary degree of A. M. at Brown University. After leaving college they engaged in teaching and for three years had charge of the department of English at Haver- ford, at the expiration of that time founding an academy at Philadelphia. Alfred H. severed his connection with this institution after two years, and removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, while Albert K. continued his educational work there two years longer, and then joined his brother in Iowa for one year. In 1858 he was called to take charge of a boarding school at his old home, which he did for two years. They were again identified in the educational work when in 1860 they as- sumed charge of a Semi-Collegiate Friends' School at Providence, R. I., Albert K. remaining with the school as its principal and superintendent until 1879, a period of nineteen years.

During his connection with this school Albert K. established a hotel at Lake Mohonk which was managed by his brother for some time and as it proved profitable, additions were erected to ac-

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commodate the increasing number of guests. Eventually he acquired a beautiful structure with a capacity for four hundred and fifty guests. In 1875 Alfred H. bought twenty-five hundred acres at Lake Minnewaska, seven miles from Lake Mohonk, and added by purchase until seven thou- sand acres were acquired for the hotel grounds. On this tract a hotel was erected and opened in 1879 under his management, with every conven- ience for the comfort of guests. The improve- ment of their grounds was one of the favorite pursuits of the brothers, drives to the extent of many miles being laid out upon them, while the landscape gardening surrounding the hotels rep- resented the highest ideals of art. Hotel Mo- honk has entertained more than four thousand guests during the season, and those who once visit the resort leave with delightful memories of the refined and attractive life centered there. From the first the hotels have been maintained as on strictly temperance plans. When it was ad- vertised at the opening of Mohionk that liquor would not be sold at the bar or served at the table many were the predictions of failure and financial ruin. However, it soon appeared that many wished to be free from the presence of liquor, and families felt it safe to bring their children here, so that from the first the enterprise prospered.

One of the features of both Mohonk and Min- newaska is the daily morning prayer service at- tended voluntarily by the guests. The service is simple and occupies only a few minutes, but the guests go to their daily pleasures with a spiritual unlift. The Lord's Day has been observed and guests are asked neither to arrive nor depart at that time, yet there is no constraint about the day and no parade of Sabbath-keeping. The spirit of the Quaker training of the brothers was apparent and pervaded the place, and the guests felt its uplifting influence in their own hearts and lives.

Coming to California during 1889, the brothers toured the entire state in search of a desirable location and selected Redlands as their future home. In making this decision they were it- fluenced by the climate and the scenery. Shortly after their arrival they purchased two hundred acres on the northern crest of the San Timoteo cañon, which they immediately named Cañon Crest Park, but which is more familiarly known to-day as Smiley Heights. In the park they erected two residences for their winter homes. At their own expense they beautified the crest and maintained it for the public. The results of their efforts need no words to tell, for they speak for themselves in the beauty of a spot that stands alone and unique among California's attractions. With its splendid natural beauty, its magnificent views of the surrounding country, its untold

treasures of trees and flowers, it proves the fact that no land can boast of greater scenic attrac- tions than California. Besides improving the park and making of it one of the beauty spots of the west, the brothers did much to promote the material development of Redlands and were ever alert to aid any important movement. The cause of good roads had in them intelligent cham- pions. They encouraged the citrus-fruit industry and rejoiced to see the sage-brush replaced by fine orange groves. Especially were they in- terested in the A. K. Smiley public library, Alfred H. being president of the board of trustees from its organization until his death. The building, costing $41,000, and an eight-acre park surround- ing, costing $30,000, were gifts of A. K. Smiley. In November, 1893, Alfred H. raised the first fund of $2,000 for the establishment of a library and for the purchase of books, but having no building a room was rented for that purpose and maintained until the present building was erected which was opened in April, 1898. Appropriations were carefully husbanded. Lists of books to be purchased were studied with care. Trips were made to other cities for the purpose of inspecting libraries. One of the last letters written by Mr. Smiley before his death referred to the library, dwelling at length upon its needs for the year and expressing gratitude to the city trustees for their generous support of the public-spirited! project. The library stands as a monument to the progressive spirit of Albert K. Smiley and the devotion to the city where he makes his winter home. The architecture is peculiarly adapted to the picturesque environment of the beautiful city. Tourists from other parts of the country and from abroad invariably comment upon the sym- metry of the building architecturally and the beauty of the classic design. But not alone as an aid to the architectural completeness of the city has the library proved a valuable gift. Beyond and above any benefit from exterior elegance and interior beauty is the benefit derived from the perusal by the people of the choice gems of literature contained within the walls of the build- ing and selected with the greatest care by the trustees. When the movement was first planned a few believed a public library to be little needed in a city of well-to-do people with choice and numerous private libraries, but the outcome proved the wise judgment of the founder, for the library has been well patronized from the first and has proved of invaluable assistance in the intellectual development of the people. The number of volumes has increased from fourteen hundred to more than twelve thousand. Another valuable incentive to the beautifying of the city of Redlands was his offering of prizes for the best kept grounds in the city, which resulted in

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

making of the place one of the most beautiful in Southern California.

Not the least prominent in the career of Albert K. Smiley was his identification with the Indian affairs of the country for a period of something like twenty-four years, having received this ap- pointment in 1879. In the fall of each year he would invite all interested in Indian affairs to a conference at Lake Mohonk, entertaining them as his guests for four days, the duration of each meeting. He served as chairman of the Com- mission that gave the Mission Indians their reservation in Southern California some years ago. He is the founder of the International Arbi- tration conference, which meets in the spring of each year as his guests at the hotel at Lake Mo- honk, composed of more than three hundred and twenty-five, the most intellectual citizens of the world, and justly declared to be one of the most distinguished bodies that meets in the country. This was called three years prior to the Czar's rescript, calling for the conference of the nations for the Peace tribunal. In recognition of his services in this conference and his interest in Indian affairs, he received the degree of LL. D. from his Alma Mater in June, 1906. He has always taken the keenest interest in educational affairs. He has been a trustee of Brown Uni- versity since 1875, is one of the original trustees of Bryn Mawr College, president of the New York State Normal and is now serving as trustee of Pomona College. Politically he is a Republi- can and stanch in his advocacy of these principles as concerning the national government, although locally he can be counted upon to support the best interests of the community regardless of po- litical affiliations. Mr. Smiley enjoys a wide friendship among those who have known him in his residence east and west, appreciated for the quiet, unostentatious qualities of his character, the uprightness of his manhood, and the kindly courtesy which has influenced his entire career.

ALFRED HOWLAND SMILEY. Although identified with the development and history of Redlands for a period of only fourteen years, the name and memory of Alfred H. Smiley are in- dissolubly associated with the annals of the city, and the place has never boasted of citizens more public-spirited and progressive than himself and his twin brother, Albert K. To write a history of the town is to make frequent mention of their names and their services. Strangers coming to Southern California are invariably invited to drive to Smiley Heights (known as Cañon Crest Park), and en route to that charming spot they usually hear much concerning the personalities of the men whose originality and love of the beau-

tiful caused the development of the tract. Men who had the privilege of meeting the twin broth- ers found them even more interesting than their home. So alike were they in form, features, ex- pression and voice, that few except intimate friends could distinguish one from the other, and it is also significant that they were singularly alike in temperament and tastes.

Descended from Quaker parentage, the broth- ers were born in Vassalboro, Me., March 17, 1828, receiving their preliminary education in the pub- lic schools after which they attended and grad- uated from Haverford College in 1849. While at school they studied from the same book and shared every article in common. After leaving college they began educational work together, teaching English at Haverford and later estab- lishing an academy at Philadelphia. They then parted for a time, Alfred H. removing to Oska- loosa, Iowa, where he was principal of the high school and superintendent of the county schools. On his return east he joined his brother in edu- cational work, the two having charge of the Friends' School, at Providence, R. I., from 1860 to 1868. While his brother retained his position as principal of this school Alfred H. entered the hotel business, taking charge of a hotel at Lake Mohonk, owned by his brother, where he con- tinued ten years, and then assuming the manage- ment of his own hotel at Lake Minnewaska.

In search of a suitable location for a winter home the brothers came to California in 1889 and shortly afterward purchased two hundred acres on the northern crest of the San Timoteo Cañon, where afterward they improved one of the most beautiful parks in Southern California. The park was adorned with rare flowers and beautiful trees, and contained the residences of the broth- ers, modeled in a style of architecture appropriate to the place and the picturesque environment. Together with his brother he gave every effort toward the material development and improve- ment of the place, interested in every movement to advance the general welfare. Particularly was he interested in the establishment and maintain- ence of the A. K. Smiley public library, which together with the park adjoining were gifts from Albert K., and in this connection as well as others his name will long be remembered.

Surviving Alfred H. Smiley are his widow and six children, namely : Edward A., of Minne- waska ; Frederick A., of Fredalba Park: George H., of Minnewaska ; Mrs. Susan S. Underhill, of Redlands ; Mrs. Fannie S. Baldwin, of East Orange, N. J .; and Mrs. Abbie S. Lathrop, of Summit, N. J. The death of Mr. Smiley occurred at his winter home near Redlands January 23, 1903, after a long illness. While engaged in sur- veying operations at his summer hotel at Lake Minnewaska he met with an accidental fall, and

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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 139

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