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 89

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

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Exceptional advantages for securing an edu- cation fell to the lot of James V. Baldwin, his realization of this fact spurring him to greater effort as he went from school to col- lege. His graduation from the high school was followed by his matriculation in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, that state. Before graduating from that institution how- ever he discontinued his studies and took a position in his father's mercantile establish- inent in Weston, remaining there for a short time, after which he embarked in business and for five years carried on a very successful and growing enterprise independently. In the meantime he had satisfied himself regarding the chances for a young man in the west and hither he came in 1896, coming directly to Los Angeles. During the ten years of his residence here he made a name and place for himself in the business circles of the city, and is es- pecially well known in real-estate circles, his transactions in this line being extensive and numerous. Among the tracts which he has purchased and subdivided into lots may be mentioned Seaside Park, West Adams Heights and Westmoreland Heights, while with others he is interested and has been a leading factor in the Playa Del Rey tract, Westminster Place. Wellington Place, Wilshire Hills and the Fair Oaks Land Company. The present improve- ments on Wilshire boulevard, in the extreme western part of the city, are due to the efforts of Mr. Baldwin, at whose instigation the pres- ent syndicate was formed. His plan was the purchase of hundreds of acres in that locality for the purpose of subdivision and sale as city lots, and the wisdom of his keen forethought is seen in the fine improvements which now grace that boulevard.

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Before locating in the west Mr. Baldwin formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Maude L. Munn in Weston, Ohio, she also being a native of that town. After attend- ing the primary schools of Weston she com- pleted her education in the higher schools of Oxford, Ohio. One child, Andrew Edward. has blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bald- win. To say that Mr. Baldwin is a Repub- lican is superfluous when it is stated that his name is on the roster of Teddy's Terrors and the Republican Club. Other social organiza- tions with which he is identified are the Jonathan Club, the California Club, the Country Club and the Ocean Park Country Club. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. Besides his interests already noted he is identified with various important corporations of this city, be- ing a director of the California Savings Bank, and also of the Union Home Telephone & Telegraph corporation. which has a capital of $10,000,000 and covers Southern California.

JOHN L. BEVERIDGE. As in the heyday of youth men long for the giant possibilities with- in the borders of cities, so in after life, with faculities matured and illusions vanished, they again gravitate towards those ceaseless activities which whet their interests, and tune their hearts and minds to a more than bountiful present. Such an one is John L. Beveridge, strong in mind and character, brave and resourceful in emer- gency, and since December, 1895, a resident of Hollywood, Cal. On both sides of the family he is descended from a long line of Scotch an- cestors, who bequeathed to their children and children's children all of the characteristics for which that sturdy nationality is noted. The paternal grandfather. Andrew Beveridge, was the first of the family to come to the new world, leaving his home in Scotland in 1770, when a lad of eighteen years, and settling in Washington county, N. Y. Fifteen years later, in 1785, the maternal grandparents. James and Agnes (Robertson) Hoy, also came to the United States, they too settling in the same county in New York. Both grandparents spent the remainder of their lives in the Empire state and their remains lie buried in the Hebron and Cambridge Cemeteries in Washington county. Among the children born to the paternal grandparents were eight sons, and of these George (the father of our subject ) and James enlisted for service in the war of 1812; while on their way to Plattsburg to partici- pate in the battle of Lake Champlain, hostilities came to an end and there was no further need of their services. However, at considerable dis- tance from the scene of the conflict, they could

hear the boom of cannon echo and re-echo across the lake. Retracing their footsteps they returned to their home in Washington county and were mustered out of the service.

Born and reared in Washington county, N. Y., George Beveridge was early in life initiated in the hard work which fell to the lot of the farmer before the era of labor-saving machinery. For many years he followed this vocation in his native county, but in middle life, when his son John L. was in his eighteenth year, he removed to Illinois, settling in DeKalb county. There as in the east he followed the peaceful life of the agriculturist, and on the farm which he there established his earth life came to a close, his wife, who was in maidenhood Ann Hoy, also dying on the Illinois homestead.

While his parents were still living in New York state Jolın L. Beveridge was born in Green- wich, Washington county, July 6, 1824. He re- ceived such education as the schools of his home district afforded, but as his parents could main- tain their family only by the most rigid economy, all thought of going away to college, which was then his greatest ambition, had to be abondoned. Until he was eighteen years of age he assisted in the work of the home farm in Washington county, and after the removal of the family to Illinois still continued farming, teaching school during the winter months in order to provide means with which to prosecute his studies. It was in the fall of 1842 that he entered the academy at Granville, Putnam county, 111., where he spent one term, later entering Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, where he completed his academic course in the fall of 1845. His parents and brothers were anxious to have him follow this training by a course in college, but as his means were insufficient for this undertaking and not caring to be a burden to his family. who were anxious and willing to help him, he packed his trunk and with all the money he had ($40) started for the south to seek his fortune. Going to Tennessee, he tanglit school in Wilson, Overton and Jackson counties, interspersing the reading of law as his other duties would permit. As the result of his studious habits and persistency in the course which he had mapped out for himself he was admitted to the bar in Jackson county in November 1850.

It was in December of 1847 that Mr. Beve- ridge returned to the north, and on January 20 following was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Judson. the ceremony being performed in the old Clark Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Chicago, of which her father was then pastor. During the spring of 1848 he returned to Ternessee with his bride, and in that state their two children, Alla May and Philo Judson, were born. Mismanagement on the part of an

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

associate with whom he had entrusted his means dent of the military commission in St. Louis. On May 1, 1865, he was commissioned brigadier- general by brevet, and received his final discharge February 7, 1866, having been four years and fifty-five days in active service, and one hundred and eleven days on recruiting service. threw him in debt in the fall of 1849, and as soon as he could earn the amount of his indebtedness and clear himself he returned to Illinois, and in Sycamore, the county-seat of DeKalb county, be- gan to practice the profession of law. His recent financial experience had left him practically with- Returning at once to Chicago, Mr. Beveridge resumed the practice of law, but at considerable clisadvantage, for he was without a library and out funds, so that it was only by the most rigid economy that he was able to earn enough from his legal practice to support his family. As op- . his former clientage had become scattered. In portunity offered he did outside work, such as keeping books for some of the business houses of the town, besides some railroad engineering. A dawn of brighter prospects began to appear when, in the spring of 1854, he removed to Evanston, a town twelve miles north of Chicago, which had recently been laid out under the super- vision of the Northwestern University, a Metho- dist institution, of which his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. The following year Mr. Beveridge opened a law office in Chicago, meeting with some discouragements at first, but finally gathering around him a large and influential clientele. November of 1866 he was elected sheriff of Cook county, a position which he filled for one term, after which he again practiced law until Novem- ber, 1870, the latter date marking his election as state senator. One year later, in November of 1871, he was elected congressman at large, and in November of 1872 was elected lieutenant- governor on the ticket with Governor Oglesby. The election of the latter to the United States senate resulted in Mr. Beveridge becoming gover- nor of Illinois, taking his chair January 21, 1873. From the foregoing it will be seen that honor up- on honor was placed upon him in rapid succes- sion, any one of which would have satisfied the most ambitious.

There is probably no epoch in Mr. Beveridge's long and brilliant career of which he is more proud than the four years and fifty-five days spent in his country's service during the Civil war. It was on August 25, 1861, that he signed the muster roll and recruited Company F, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, receiving rapid promotion from his superiors, who soon noted his knowledge and ability in the line of military tactics. From captain of Company F he was promoted to major. As a part of the Army of the Potomac his regi- ment was active in the campaign of 1862-63, and participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, in the seven days fight around Richmond, White Oak Swamp. Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In the campaign of 1863 his regiment had the post of honor, the right of the First Brigade, First Division of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac. In command of his regiment he held the advance of the army to Gettysburg and his regiment was the first to receive the fire of the enemy on that memorable battle field. It was at the request of Governor Richard Yates that on November 2, 1863, Mr. Beveridge resigned his commission as major to accept the rank of colonel of a cavalry regiment authorized to be raised by the secretary of war. Later he recruited and or- ganized the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, of which he was commissioned colonel, his rank to date from January 28, 1864. He served with his regiment in the department of Missouri, taking an active part in the Price raid. For some time after his regiment was mustered out he was re- tained by order of the secretary of war as presi-

After the close of his gubernatorial term Mr. Beveridge became associated in business with D. B. Dewey, under the firm name of Beveridge & Dewey, as bankers and dealers in commercial paper, with offices in the McCormick Block, Chicago. In November, 1881. he was made assistant United States treasurer, a position which he filled with ability until September 1885. On account of ill-health he retired from active life about this time making his home in Evans- ton, until December, 1895, when he removed to California, and has since made his home in Holly- wood. The wife of his youth is still spared to him and together they are spending their last days in the quietness and serenity which is the just reward for noble and consecrated living. Both of their children have been trained to lives of usefulness and are now filling their place in the world's activities. The eldest child, Alla May, is now the wife of Samuel B. Raymond, and they make their home in Chicago, Ill .; the only son, Philo Judson, has taken an active part in pro- moting the interests of Hollywood, and at this writing (1906) is traveling abroad with his fam- ily. Mr. Beveridge's early religious training was in the faith of the United Presbyterain Church, but during later years he became a member of the Episcopal Church. As a member of the Illinois Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Mr. Beveridge, on February 8, 1885, read a paper entitled The First Gun at Gettysburg, and as he said of the conflict, so we say of his life, "The battle was fought, the victory was won."

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

COL. JOHN KASTLE. Familiarity with California soil, climate and possibilities, ac- quired through twenty years of residence within the state, has made Colonel Kastle an authority concerning real estate values, particularly those pertaining to the southern half of the common- wealth. While he was for years prominent in the real estate development of San Diego and for two terms officiated as president of the Chamber of Commerce in that city, for some time past he has made his home in Oxnard, whose growing opportunities and great possibilities attracted him to its citizenship and caused him to invest in property desirable for improvement. Since com- ing to the city he has engaged in the real estate business and has had charge of various sales for others, as well as buying vacant property and im- proving it himself for later sale.

The Kastle family is of French lineage and was established in America by John Kastle, Sr., who in 1843 became a resident of New Orleans, La., but after two years removed to Kentucky. For years he held a prominent position among the men of affairs in Lexington, where he was proprietor of a large shoe store, and that city continued to be his home until death. The lady whom he married, Sophia Devning, was a mem- ber of a French Huguenot family belonging to the nobility. Among their children there was one son, Charles, who served throughout the period of the Civil war and took part in Sherman's march to the sea ; another son, Daniel, makes his home in Kentucky. The third, Col. John Kastle, was born in Strasburg, France, in 1833, and re- ceived his primary education in French schools. At the age of ten years he accompanied the fam- ily to the United States, settling in New Orleans, whence he removed to Lexington, Ky., in 1845, and there completed his education in the city schools. Upon leaving school he entered his father's store and soon acquired a thorough knowledge of the shoe business, which he con- ducted successfully for a quarter of a century, meanwhile gaining a reputation for keen business judgment and substantial worth as a citizen.

Removing to Kansas City in 1880 Colonel Kastle remained a resident of that place for six years, and meantime, as in Kentucky, became prominently identified with local politics and wielded a large influence in public affairs. At the same time he engaged in the real estate busi- ness and handled many important deals in town property. While making his home in Kansas City he married and not long afterward suffered the misfortune of losing his wife by death. On his arrival in California in 1887 he selected San Diego as his location, being attracted by its equa- ble climate. In a short time he had made several important investments in real estate, including . business locations on Fifth and Sixth streets. On

various of his vacant lots he erected buildings, among these being the Kastle block, which is still one of the substantial structures of the town. In addition he erected a number of cottages and laid out on First street an addition of five acres to the city. While he has disposed of considerable property in San Diego, he still has valuable hold- ings in the city and receives a regular income from the same.

Not only has Colonel Kastle traveled exten- sively in the United States, but he has also visited points of interest in Europe and was a visitor at the Paris Exposition of 1867. In all of his travels he has found no country with a fairer climate than California, nor has he found any possessing greater material advantages or larger opportuni- ties. Politically he has affiliated with the Demo- cratic party since early manhood and has been a warm admirer of the principles for which Will- iam J. Bryan stands. During his residence in San Diego he took a prominent part in the work of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. As early as 1855 he was made a Mason in Lexing- ton, Ky., and in 1866 was raised to the Royal Arch Chapter in the same state. At this writing he affiliates with Oxnard Lodge No. 341, F. & A. M., Oxnard Chapter, R. A. M., and Ventura Commandery, K. T., and maintains a deep inter- est in the philanthropic work of the order. For some time he has officiated as a warden of the Episcopal Church. Personally he possesses many genial traits of character and furnishes a type of the famous "Kentucky colonel," whose hospital- ity, good fellowship and friendly impulses are known the world around.

ROBERT CATHCART. In reading over the events and happenings associated with the life of Mr. Cathcart one immediately recognizes the at- tributes that individualized his character, namely, faithfulness to every duty and his purpose of will. It was in 1853, when a youth of seventeen years, that he accompanied his parents to California, and from the year 1876 until his death, Novem- ber 9, 1904. he was a continuous resident of the Pomona valley, and as a pioneer of this com- munity he took a prominent part in all measures of an upbuilding and progressive nature; in fact, no one labored more zealously to bring this sec- tion of Los Angeles county into public notice than did Mr. Cathcart. His efforts along this line were of a practical nature, and any prospective ' settler viewing his thrifty ranch was almost in- variably counted as a newcomer. As a result of his untiring efforts, an interest in horticulture was established which transformed the barren valley into a garden spot, and during his more active years his ranch and nursery were counted among the show places in this part of the county.

Elisabeth h. Follanche.

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

A native of Missouri, Robert Cathcart was born in St. Louis in 1837, a son of Robert and Hannah (Lee) Cathcart, both of whom were na- tives of Scotland. Coming to the United States during his youth, the father located in St. Louis, Mo., where as an engineer his services were in great demand. To him was given the credit of building the first steam flouring mill ever erected in that now flourishing city, and in many other substantial ways was he identified with its early upbuilding efforts. He keenly appreciated the city's advantageous position on the river, and was largely interested in steamboating between St. Louis and New Orleans, owning the packet line which he ran between these two points.

Until in his seventeenth year of age Robert Cathcart remained in his native city, and in the meantime received an excellent education in the schools of St. Louis. Upon the removal of the family to California in 1853 he also came and settled with them on the ranch which the father purchased in Santa Cruz county. Eight years later he opened a general merchandise establish- ment in Santa Cruz, which he conducted two years, and then, from 1863 to 1866, was propri- etor of a livery stable in that town. Thereafter he again associated himself with mercantile in- terests, and for ten years, or until 1876, conduct- ed a general store. Selling out his stock and good-will that year he came to Los Angeles coun- ty and settled in the San Jose valley about two miles north of Pomona. From A. R. Meserve he purchased a one hundred acre tract of land which was about as uninviting and unpromising as it is possible to imagine, but with a purpose he set to work to make it habitable and productive, and that his energy was well expended all will con- cede who have followed his career. The Cathcart ranch on San Antonio avenue has long been a landmark in this section. During his later years he disposed of a large part of his ranch, and at the time of his death owned only thirty acres of the original tract. and of this twenty-seven acres were in oranges and the remainder in walnuts. He was very successful in the sinking of artesian wells, and at one time had ten wells on his prop- erty. In 1889 he with others was instrumental in securing a contract for piping water into Po- mona. an innovation which was a distinct advan- tage to the citizens.

In 1867. in Santa Cruz, Mr. Cathcart was mar- ried to Miss Augusta Durr, who was born in Ohio. July 13, 1844, one of five children born to her parents and only one of the number is now living, a resident of San Francisco. Mrs. Cath- cart died at her home on San Antonio avenue. Pomona, March, 1907, having survived her hus- band less than two and a half years. When a child of eleven years she accompanied her par- ents, John Durr and wife, to California. coming

by way of the isthmus, and thence by boat to Monterey county. The mother did not long sur- vive the tedious journey to the west, but the father, who was a native of Germany, lived until 1867. Four children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cathcart, all of whom are living with one exception and in homes of their own. Frank Baynham, lives in Los Angeles and is the father of one child; John Lee, married Miss Amy Green, and with his wife and two children lives in San Bernardino; Charles H. is deceased ; Rob- ert, married Miss Bessie Loebier and is also a resident of San Bernardino. Politically Mr. Cathcart was a stanch supporter of Democratic principles. Throughout Los Angeles county Mr. Cathcart was well known and honored for his whole-souled generosity and kindly disposition, ever in touch with the needs of his friends and associates, and he enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of business and social associates.

ELIZABETH A. FOLLANSBEE, M. D. To be descended from ancestors who assisted in the establishment of American independence and in framing the laws that became the foun- dation of the new national life, is a distinc- tion of which any true patriot may be justly proud. To the prestige of such ancestry Dr. Follansbee has added the honors of a broad and liberal professional education and as- sured success, so that both by reason of dis- tinguished lineage and personal prominence she is entitled to the influential position she occupies in the citizenship of Los Angeles. The line of her maternal genealogy is traced back to that gallant soldier of the army of patriots, Col. William Mackintosh, whose his- tory with the record of his brave services is preserved in the archives of the State House at Boston. Born at Dedham, Norfolk county, Mass., June 17, 1722, Colonel Mackintosh was a son of William and Johanna (Lyon) Mac- kintosh, and a grandson of William and Ex- perience Mackintosh. His public service be- gan during the French war, and he was pres- ent at Crown Point, Lake Champlain and Lake George, receiving a commission as en- sign September 9. 1755, at Lake George. Dur- ing the war, and in recognition of his faithful services, he was promoted to be first lieuten- ant, the commission to the office bearing date of March 13. 1758. At the expiration of the war he returned to his home.

Some years afterward, when the struggle with England commenced, Lieutenant Mac- kintosh was qualified by experience in mili- tarv tactics to be of distinct service to his adopted country, whose cause he espoused with all the ardor of his enthusiastic nature.

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The memorable engagements at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill gave him his first baptism of blood in the cause of independence. With his sons he was present at Dorchester Heights. On the same night there were pres- ent, with their horses and oxen, Dr. Follans- bee's great-great-grandfather, Henry Dewing, Esq., with his sons, and another great-great- grandfather, James Tucker, Esq., also accom- panied by his sons. On the 14th of February, 1776, by the council of the state of Massa- chusetts, Lieutenant Mackintosh was appoint- ed colonel of the first regiment of militia in the county of Suffolk. Under this appointment he went into the army and was engaged in many of the important battles of the Revolu- tion. By General Washington he was desig- nated as "an efficient officer and a brave man." Hanging in the library of Charles Gideon Mackintosh of Peabody, Mass., an uncle of Dr. Follansbee, is a personal letter from the General to Colonel Mackintosh.

But it was not only in the field that Col- onel Mackintosh rendered valuable service to the country. In 1779 he was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and in 1788 he was a member of the convention that framed the constitution of the United States. After an unusually active and influential ca- reer he passed into eternity January 3, 1813, at his home in Needham, Mass. It had been his privilege to participate in two of the early wars of our country ard to contribute to the glory of American arms. When the second struggle with England arose he was an aged man, no longer able to endure the vicissitudes of the camp and the battlefield, and death came to him ere his country had gained its second victory in the conflict with the mother coun- try.

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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 89

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