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 140

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 140

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

from that time his strength began to decline. Against the advice of his physicians in November he came to Redlands. Passionately devoted to his winter home, he had yearned for it and had made the trip hither in spite of weakened phy- sical condition. From the time of his arrival it was found that his condition was critical, and. feeling that the end was near, he prepared his business affairs for the change. With a calm and tranquil resignation he faced death and forti- fied with a Christian's hope he passed into eternity.

A man of simple tastes, averse to display, noth- ing could be further from the wishes of Mr. Smiley than to have fulsome flattery bestowed upon his life-achievements ; hence his funeral was simple. However, the admiration of the people for his character found expression in many ways. The words of the funeral address voiced the senti- ment of all: "We had a feeling toward him deeper than respect, though we thoroughly re- spected him. We had a feeling deeper than honor, though we highly honored him. We loved him. He had won our hearts. The old proverb reads: 'He that hath friends must show himself friendly.' He him- self loved the town of his adoption. He loved Redlands. He loved its scenery, he loved its people. That was a touching proof of his real feeling when, in the opinion of physicians and friends he was too sick to take a journey of three thousand miles, he had so set his heart upon coming that everything had to give way to that one great desire. Better than rest, better than medicine or careful nursing, in his feeling was to be back again in the sunshine of his Redlands home, back within sight of the mountains and the orange groves so conspicuous from his house. And I love to think that the mountains and the groves, and his home nestled in the hillside, wel- comed their friend and lover, who had come back to end his life among them. And I as sure the people of Redlands felt a welcome they have not been permitted to speak. I hope he realized in some small degree at least the wealth of interest and sympathy and affection which centered about that house on the hill during his sickness. It is a grand thing when people give money to pro- mote public happiness and advancement ; but Mr. Smiley's greatest gift has been himself, and this has won the hearts of the people as nothing else could. His life has been a benediction to this town. It is a picture to look back upon. His face mirrored his soul. He has left an impress upon the town, an impress of beauty added to the landscape, an impress upon the moral char- acter, giving tone and strength to every good cause."

RAPHAEL HOWARD DINSMOOR. Prior to the war of the Revolution members of the Dinsmoor family came to America and settled in New England, where several genera- tions labored as tillers of the soil. Daniel, who was a native of New Hampshire, married Huldah Stone of New York, and six children were born of their union, among these being R. H., whose birth occurred on the home farm in Athens county, Ohio, March 22, 1836. The family had little of this world's goods and the children were forced to enter upon the strug- gle for a livelihood, foregoing all or nearly all the educational advantages they desired. How- ever, they usually attended country school for three months of the year, being spared from farm work during the leisure months of win- 1er.

Being solicitous to acquire a better educa- tion than his limited advantages rendered pos- sible. R. H. Dinsmoor at the age of eighteen years entered the Free Soil academy, where white and colored students worked side by side. To aid in the expenses of his education he worked two hours each day for six cents per hour, his task being to get out oak timber to be used by a broom-corn house. Later. when he secured the work by the job, his earn- ings were increased. The institution which he attended was conducted upon a basis of self- help and many of the students defrayed their expenses by working in the farm, brush and broom factory or the tailor shop connected with the school.

When the parents of Mr. Dinsmoor removed from Ohio to Wisconsin he accompanied them to their new location and traveled by wagon ten miles bevond the terminus of the most westerly railroad. By accident their horses got loose and started back along the road they had come. Father and son hastened after thein and traveled along different roads. When sixty-five miles from home the son found the team and returned riding one horse and lead- ing the other. The family took up the difficult task of converting raw prairie soil into culti- vated farm land and worked together in har- mony for their mutual interests. When the Civil war began the father was too old to en- list. but two of the sons went to the front and another, whose name introduces this article. being unable to leave home, helped the cause by collecting money from those who were nin- able to enlist, but wished to contribute to the financial support of the movement.

The marriage of Mr Dinsmoor occurred in 1859 and united him with Miss Caroline Hull. who was born in New York, being a daughter of Aaron Hull, for years a deacon in the Pres- bvterian Church. In 1865 Mr. and Mrs. Dins-

28 Planter

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

moor removed to the wilds of Minnesota and settled upon an unimproved tract of land near Austin, Mower county, in a region where neighbors were few. For twenty years they remained on that place, which increased in size under the owner's energetic management until there were sixteen hundred acres in one body and under his shrewd financial oversight an indebtedness of $20,000 was eventually en- tirely defrayed. Crops varied on the farm in their productiveness, as in every region where wheat is the main product. In 1877 he raised sixteen thousand bushels of grain, of which ten thousand were wheat, but the following year the tide of fortune changed and he lost the entire crop of wheat, comprising seven hundred acres.

The first visit made by Mr. Dinsmoor to California was during the winter of 1875-76. Again he came west in 1887, and then on New Year's day of 1895 he arrived to remain as a permanent settler. For a year he rented a farm and then bought fifteen acres near Comp- ton, where he now resides. Eleven acres of the place are in alfalfa and corn and four acres in fruit, the whole forming a well-improved tract and a desirable home. With his wife he belongs to the Methodist Church and takes an interest in religious, educational and charita- ble plans. Of their two children the younger. a daughter, is at home with them, while the older. Adelbert, who is a graduate of the Min- nesota State University, superintends their large landed estate and makes Minnesota his home.

E. L. PLANTICO. To a large degree the prosperity which has rewarded the efforts of Mr. Plantico may be attributed to the thor- ough education which he received in the schools of his native land and also in a large degree to his wisdom in selecting a location where favorable results might be gained from his painstaking efforts. Of German birth and ancestry, he was born near the city of Star- gard, in the province of Pomerania, October I, 1857. and received a grammar-school educa- tion, after which he prepared for the univers- ity by studying in the gymnasium at Star- gard, also at Dramburg. It had been the in- tention of the family to educate him for the ministry and his earlier studies were conduct- ed with that object in view, but the death of his father changed all of his plans, for, being the eldest son. it became necessary for him to return to the family home in order to set- tle up the estate.

Hearing much concerning the favorable openings offered by the United States to

young men of energy and intelligence, Mr. Plantico decided to emigrate, and in 1886 he crossed the ocean to New York and thence proceeded to Nebraska, where he not only worked by day, but of evenings studied the English language in order to familiarize him- self with the, to him, unfamiliar tongue. From Nebraska he soon came to California, where he remained in South Riverside four years and then went to Los Angeles. In his native land he had acquired familiarity with civil engineering and had also gained considerable experience in the laying of drain tile, so he was qualified to study irrigation from a sci- entific standpoint. For eight years he had charge of the laying of irrigation lines for the sewer pipe association. after which he em- barked in business for himself as a contractor of irrigation, sewers and all cement work. In the line of his specialties he has established an enviable reputation through all of South- ern California. Upon the opening up of sew- erage in Long Beach he installed districts Nos. 1, 2 and 5, and in the sewerage work gave employment to about one hundred and fifty men, besides which he now employs many men in the work of cement contracting in Long Beach. Two steam mixers are used in the manufacture of the cement work, and in addition he utilizes other modern appli- ances. Since January of 1904 he has made his home in Long Beach, also owns various building sites in Alamitos, and is a stockhold- er in hotel, mining and oil enterprises. His office is at Nos. 208-209 Bixby building in Los Angeles.

From the original period of his identifica- tion with Long Beach its possibilities have been upheld by Mr. Plantico and all of its progressive movements have been supported by personal contributions of time and means. Schools, churches and charities alike have had the benefit of his co-operation and sympathy, and in every instance he has proved himself to be a man of broad philanthropic spirit and generous sympathies, one to whom the hand of want is never stretched in vain and from whom the appeal for aid never lacks ready re- sponse. Reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church. he has always been a member of its communion and a contributor to its mainte- nance. In fraternal relations he holds mem- bership with Temescal Lodge No. 314. F. & A. M., of Corona, and Long Beach Chapter No. 384, R. A. M., besides which he is asso- ciated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Circle Lodge No. 317, of Corona. Since becoming a citizen of the United States he has affiliated with the Republican party, but displays no partisan-

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ship in his opinions, it being rather his aim to support for office those whom he deems best qualified to represent the people.

JAMES P. GRANT. A well-known and pros- perous agriculturist of Hynes, James P. Grant is successfully employed in the prosecution of a calling upon which the wealth and material prog- ress of the nation largely depend. A man of energy and resolution, industrious and persever- ing, he is continually adding to the improvements of his ranch, and although a comparatively new- comer here is contributing his part toward the industrial development and growth of this part of the county. A son of John M. Grant, he was born, October 30, 1862, in Missouri, where he was reared and educated, attending the district schools.

Born in Kentucky, John M. Grant was reared to agricultural pursuits, and during his entire life was a tiller of the soil, living first in his native state, and afterwards in Missouri, where he held an honored position among the pioneer settlers. He was a man of strong character, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and an uncompromising Democrat in his politi- cal relations. He married Sarah Knight, a na- tive of old Virginia, and they became the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven sons and one daughter are now living.

Brought up on the parental homestead, James P. Grant was early initiated into the various duties that fall upon a farmer's son, his help being needed, when out of school, by his father. On attaining his majority he began working with his father, later being in company with one of his brothers for some time. Desiring a change, he came to California, but after remaining here looking about for nearly two years he returned to his old home in Missouri and resumed ranch- ing. In 1894 he again came to the Pacific coast, this time to make for himself a permanent home in Los Angeles county, attracted by its genial climate and fertile soil. Locating immediately in Hynes, he bought his present home ranch, and has since devoted its twenty acres to the rais- ing of alfalfa and stock. He has made many im- provements, having a pumping plant, and as a chicken raiser and dairyman is meeting with marked success, keeping about fifteen cows, and a large amount of poultry.

In 1893. in Los Angeles, Mr. Grant married Emma Mount, who was born in Suffolk, En- gland, and came to this country with one of her sisters. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Mount, were born in England, and there her father, now seventy-five years of age, is still liv- ing. , Her mother died in her native country, on May 16, 1902. Politically Mr. Grant, true to the

faith in which he was reared, is a stanch Demo- crat. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters. As neighbors and friends Mr. and Mrs. Grant are held in high regard throughout the community in which they dwell, and are valued members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church South.

GEORGE WILLIAM HOOVER. no one more than to Mr. Hoover is credit due for the existence of Hollywood, which came into being as an incorporated village in November of 1903. The Pacific Boulevard and Development Com- pany, in which he was a stockholder, purchased four hundred acres of land which they subdi- vided and sold in lots, and after securing the requisite number of signers to entitle them to articles of incorporation the electors granted a franchise to the new town. It has since had a steady and substantial growth, and in every way has lived up to the claims made for it by its sponsors. Such was Mr. Hoover's faith in the village, that before its incorporation, in Febru- ary, 1902, he with others started what was then known as the Bank of Hollywood, with a capital stock of $25,000, under the banking laws of California. For three years, or until 1905, this was conducted as a state institution, but in the latter year it was dis-incorporated and was im- mediately re-incorporated under the United States laws and was thereafter known as the First National Bank of Hollywood. The of- ficers of the present institution are: G. W. Hoover, president; J. C. Kays, first vice-presi- dent ; John Law, second vice-president ; and J. Eugene Law, cashier. The following figures, taken from the bank report of June, 1906, will serve to show the strength of the organization : Capital stock paid in, $25,000; surplus and undi- vided profits, $6,071.87; circulation, $24,095; and deposits, $165,330.64.

The Hoover family is of eastern origin, and George W. Hoover was born in Lancaster, Pa .. December 19, 1840, his father being a carriage- maker in the latter city. When he had com- pleted his education in the schools of Lancaster he served an apprenticeship under his father and for some years worked as a journeyman. Going to York, Pa., in 1886, he there established a carriage and wagon manufactory which he con- ducted until 1899, selling out in that year to a company which has since conducted the business under the name of the Hoover Wagon Company. After selling out his business in the east Mr. Hoover came to Cal- ifornia as a tourist and with no intention of re- maining permanently. However, he was so fa- vorably impressed with the surroundings that he determined to make his home in the west. Feb-

J.M. Stances

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ruary of 1900 found him established in Los Angeles, and the following month he purchased five acres of lemon orchard, in addition to buy- ing a home in the city for his family. Witlı keen perception he realized the possibilities awaiting the man who had the courage and abil- ity to push the settlement of the district lying adjacent to Los Angeles. It was with this prompting that he came to Hollywood during the same year and erected two houses, later building the Hotel Hollywood, which is con- ceded to be one of the finest hostelries in South- ern California. In April, 1904, it was merged into a stock company, capitalized at $100,000. A number of substantial residences and other struc- tures stand as monuments to his enterprise. The foregoing does not represent the limit of Mr. Hoover's abilities, varied and important as they are, for many business enterprises, both in Holly- wood and elsewhere, receive the stimulation and benefit which his judgment can give. Besides operating quite extensively in real estate with others he has recently bought ten acres of land.

In Lancaster, Pa., George W. Hoover was united in marriage with Mary C. Schauer, the daughter of Samuel and Charlotte (Hain) Schauer, the ceremony being celebrated May 24, 1863. Of the children born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, William J. was taken from them by death in March, 1902, at the age of thirty-one years. He was interested in the Santa Ana Tin Mining Company, of which Mr. Hoover is vice-president. The children still liv- ing are Caroline Margaret, now the wife of Harry C. Rodenhouse, and Mary A., the wife of John S. Walker, both families residents of Hollywood ; and George, of Canton, Ohio. Politically Mr. Hoover is an active Republican, taking the same interest in party affairs that he does in his own private undertakings.

FRANK W. STEARNS. One of the en- thusiastic advocates of Long Beach and the surrounding country is Frank W. Stearns, who has here found a field for his activities as promoter and president of several of the largest investment companies which have done so much toward the material upbuilding of Southern California. Among them are the Inner Harbor Gas and Electric Company, Stearns-Counts Investment Company, Alfalfa Land and Water Company, Compton Land and Water Company and the Industrial Land Company of Los Angeles. He was one of the organizers of the Stearns-Counts Bay tract, Stearns-Counts Park tract, American Heights tract, and was also heavily interested in both the Mira Mar tract and in

Belmont Heights. He is now developing the property belonging to the Alfalfa Land and Water Company, a tract of about one thou- sand acres near Pomona. As one of the lead- ing industries of Long Beach special men- tion should be made of the Inner Harbor Gas and Electric Company, which was organized in 1905 for the purpose of supplying gas and electricity to Long Beach, an undertaking which is proving a success and is meeting with universal favor. Mr. Stearns has been a resi- dent of California and of this city for only fours years, yet he has ably demonstrated his ability in his chosen occupation, which has proven a source of financial betterment for himself, as well as a potent force in its influ- once upon the best interests of the community.

Mr. Stearns was born in Webster county, Iowa, October 20, 1862, upon the farm owned by his father, T. P. Stearns, an early pioneer settler of that section. During the winter months he attended the district school in the vicinity of his home, while in the summers he worked on the farm, thus being trained in both the theoretical and practical duties of life. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching school in Iowa and continued for ten years in this occupation. for a part of the time combining a general merchandise busi- ness in Hancock county. Following this he located in California on account of impaired health. In 1888 he married Ida Woodard, and five children were born of this union, namely : 'Cameron, Newell, Ethel, Vere and Clay. Upon locating in Southern California Mr. Stearns purchased a ranch which he ran for eight months, when he established a real-es- tate business in Long Beach, his faith in its future development and upbuilding leading him to invest his means liberally in lands. In 1905 he organized the present real-estate con- cern, known as F. W. Stearns & Company, which does business in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, and which has already ac- ouired a prominency in the affairs of many of the cities throughout this section. His home is located on the corner of Anaheim and Chest- nut streets, having been built in 1904.

Mr. Stearns is prominent fraternally, being a member of Corwith Lodge No. 883, I. O. O. F., of Corwith, Iowa; the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks ; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a stanch adherent of the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party. He is a man of energy and ability, self-made in that he be- gan life entirely on his own merits, and has ac- quired a gratifying success, and with many

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qualities of citizenship, one of which is his loy- alty to the city of his adoption, for the ad- vancement of which he gives his best efforts.

PROF. WILL. L. FREW. A man of talent, culture and scholarly attainments, public- spirited and enterprising, Prof. Will L. Frew, principal of the Compton high school, has ac- quired distinction as an instructor, and a place of prominence and influence among the foremost citizens of the place. Broad and progressive in his views, he has done much within the past four years to advance the educational status of this part of the county, and has, likewise, been a recognized force in promoting its material and moral growth. A native of Iowa, he was born, September 2, 1862, in the eastern part of the state, and there received his rudimentary educa- tion. His parents, John and Eliza (Gregg) Frew, were both born and brought up in Penn- sylvania, but subsequently settled in the west. His father has passed to the life beyond, but his mother is still living, and spends a part of her time in Southern California, the remainder being passed at her old home in the east.

Having finished the course of study in the public schools, Will L. Frew was graduated from the Nebraska Wesleyan University, and from the Bryant Normal University. In the lat- ter institution, he afterwards filled the chair of mathematics for four consecutive years, as a teacher, being very successful. Coming then to California, he taught in the public schools of Los Angeles for five years, the following three years having charge of the high school at Long Beach. Winning an excellent reputation in these places, his services were in demand in different cities. Accepting his present position in Compton, he has since had charge of the high school, which, under his efficient management, has grown and prospered. In 1903, two years after the pro- fessor came here, the present high school building was erected at a cost of $20,000. It is a fine, handsomely equipped edifice, with ample accommodations, and is devoted entirely to high school work, for the successful carrying on of which eight teachers are employed. Under the special guidance of Professor Frew the number of pupils of the school has greatly increased, the enrollment when he came here having been but fifty, while now one hundred and thirty-five names are enrolled. The work of the classes is of a much higher grade than formerly, ranking with that of the best high schools of the state, and this school is now fully accredited with the State University. During the past year the pro- fessor has introduced a commercial department into the school, and in this are forty students who are taking a thorough business course, this

being one of the most practical and popular de- partments of the institution.

December 25, 1893, Professor Frew married Mamie Wilde, a native of Iowa, and they are the parents of three children, namely: Donald, Helen and Harold. Active in establishing pub- lic enterprises conducive to the benefit of the community in which he resides, Professor Frew was one of the organizers of the Home Tele- phone Company of Compton, and is now serv- ing as its president, and he is also one of the stockholders and the assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Compton. In national politics he is a stanch Republican, but in local matters he votes for the best men and measures, regardless of party restrictions. Fraternally he belongs to Anchor Lodge, No. 273. F. & A. M., and religiously he is an active and valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DONLICK MCGRATH. Quite a number of the leading and prominent citizens of Ventura county are of alien birth, and have transported to this land of fertility and plenty the thrifty ha- bits of their native country. Among these there is none better known or more highly respected than Donlick McGrath, an extensive and well- to-do agriculturist of the town of Oxnard. He is what may be termed a self-made man, as he had but little capital when he crossed the breast of the stormy Atlantic and landed on American shores. His excellent business tact, coupled with his industry and frugality, have, however, won for him a fine property, placing him among the men of wealth and influence. He was born Feb- ruary 16, 1835, in the Emerald Isle, where his parents were born, lived and died, passing away at a ripe old age. He and a brother who died in San Francisco were the only members of the parental household to immigrate to the United States.

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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 140

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