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 90

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

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The line of descent is traced through Col- one! Mackintosh and his wife, Abigail Whit- ing, to their son, Gideon, who married Me- hitable Dewing. Their son, Gideon, Jr., mar- ried Nancy Sherman, and among their chil- dren was a daughter, Nancy Sherman Mac- kintosh, who became the wife of Capt. Alonzo Follansbee. The Sherman ancestry is dis- tinguished in the annals of New England, and is traced to England, where Dedham. Essex, was the seat of the family even before the opening years of the sixteenth century. There Edmond Sherman founded a school, Sher- man Hall, which is still in existence. In the same town there stands a church that was "restored" by a friend of Edmond about the same time that the latter built, endowed and presented to the town the hall above-men- tioned. One of the conspicuous adornments

of the church is a stained-glass memorial win- dow dedicated to Edmond. By his second wife, Anne Cleve, Edmond Sherman had sev- eral sons, from one of whom the present Earl of Rosebery is descended.

Another member of the family, John, had a son of the same name, who about 1634 emi- grated from England to the new world with his cousins, Rev. John and Samuel Sherman. The last-named was the ancestor of Gen. Will- iam Tecumseh Sherman and United States Senator John Sherman. John, the ancestor of Roger Sherman, served as a captain of the militia. In 1635 he settled at Watertown, Mass., with his wife, Martha, daughter of Roger Palmer, of Long Sutton, Southampton, England. The lands granted him were ad- jacent to those owned by the ancestors of President Garfield. He was a surveyor as well as a farmer and aided Governor Win- throp in fixing the northern boundary of Mas- sachusetts. For a time he served as, clerk of Watertown, which he also represented in the general court, and in addition he held the office of steward of Harvard College. His son, Jo- seph, married Elizabeth, daughter of Lieut. Edward Winship, of Cambridge. Born of their union were eleven children, the nintlı being William, father of Roger Sherman. Soon after his marriage to Mehitabel Well- ington he removed to Newton, Mass., and from there to what is now Canton, Norfolk county (then a part of Stoughton). The record shows that their marriage was solemnized at Water- town, Mass., September 3, 1715; the bride, who was his second wife, was a daughter of Benjamin Wellington, Esq., of that place, and was baptized March 4, 1688. While they were residing at Newton, Middlesex county, their son, Roger, was born April 19, 1721, he being the third child of their union.

In Roger Sherman the earlier generations of the family liad their most distinguished rep- resentative. Mention of his service as jurist and statesman appears in numerous historical works, among them being Lamb's Biographi- cal Dictionary, the National Cyclopedia of American Biography, Universal Cyclopedia, Genealogical Dictionary of New England, Town Records of Stoughton (Canton), Mass., also those of Watertown and Milton. Dur- ing 1743 Roger Sherman moved to New Mil- ford, Conn., and in June, 1761, became a resi- dent of New Haven, that state, where he died July 23, 1793. His public service began in 1755, when he represented New Milford, Conn., in the general assembly, to which po- sition he was later again elected, serving from 1758 to 1761. In 1764 he was elected to rep-

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resent New Haven in the legislature, and two years later he was honored by being chosen as a member of the senate, serving as such until 1785. Meanwhile he was a judge of the su- perior court from 1766 until 1789. His activity as a patriot began with the effort of the crown to enforce the stamp act, which he op- posed with all the energy of his forceful mind. On the repeal of the act in 1766 he was a member of the committee of three appointed by the legislature to prepare an address of thanks to the king. In 1774 he was chosen a mem- ber of the committee to consider the claims of the settlers near the Susquehanna river. From 1774 to 1781 he was a delegate from Connec- ticut to the Continental Congress, also in 1783-84, serving on the most important com- mittees. With Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Livingston, he was chosen, June 11, 1776, to draft the Declaration of Independence, of which he was one of the signers. He assisted in preparing the Articles of Confederation and those of the Connecticut Council of Safe- ty in 1777-79. The convention of 1787, of which he was a member, became famous for its Connecticut Compromise, and all histor- ians agree that Mr. Sherman was solely re- sponsible for that plan of action, by which was made possible a union of the states, also a national government. Roger Sherman was the only delegate in the Continental Congress who signed all of the four great state papers which were signed by all of the delegates of all of the colonies, namely : the Declaration of 1774, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Federal Constitution. Together with Judge Richard Long he revised the statute laws of Connecti- cut in 1783. To prevent a Tory from becom- ing mayor of New Haven, he was chosen the first incumbent of that office in the city and continued in the office until his death. also was serving as senator when he passed from life's activities. From 1765 until 1776 he held office as treasurer of Yale College. from which institution in 1768 he received the degree of Master of Arts.

In the town of Stoughton (now Canton), Mass., Roger Sherman was united in marriage by Rev. Samuel Dunbar with Elizabeth Hart- well, eldest daughter of Deacon Joseph Hart- well of Stoughton. Her death occurred in New Haven, Conn., October 19. 1760. The eldest son of the union, Capt. John Sherman, was born in New Milford, Conn., September 5, 1750; married at Milton, Mass., October 7, 1793, Annie Tucker, daughter of James Tucker, Esq., and a native of Milton, born September 27, 1763. The captain died at Can- ton, Mass., August 8, 1802. Among his chil-

dren was a daughter, Nancy, who was born at Canton, Mass., November 28, 1794, and died in the same town September 19, 1836. In her home town, November 5, 1812, she was united in marriage with Gideon Mackintosh, Jr., who was born May 13, 1789, and died September 19, 1859. Their daughter, who bore her mother's name, was born at Canton, July 10, 1813, and is still living, making her home at Dedham, Mass. Nancy Sherman Mackin- tosh became the wife of Capt. Alonzo Follans- bee at Canton, Mass., October 23, 1836. The captain was born at Pittston, Me., August 19, 1809, and died January 6, 1857. Born in Pitts- ton, Me., Elizabeth Ann Follansbee was taken to Brooklyn, N. Y., by her parents, where they resided until the death of her father. For four years she spent her time abroad in school, and after her return continued her studies in Boston. For a time she taught in the Green Mountain Institute and later in Hillside Sem- inary at Montclair, N. J., but resigned her work in the east on account of delicate health. Coming to California in 1873 she taught in Napa City, studied for one term in the Uni- versity of California, and then matriculated in the medical department of the University of Michigan. Just prior to the date of her graduation she accepted a position as interne in the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. In 1877 she was gradu- ated from the Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia and won the prize of $50 for the best essay of the graduating class, her sub- ject being "Review of Medical Progress."

After her graduation Dr. Follansbee began to practice in San Francisco, but was obliged by reason of health to seek a different climate, and in February, 1883, came to Los Angeles, where under the influence of a beneficent cli- mate she was soon restored to strength and entered actively upon professional work. Upon the organization of the medical department of the University of California she was called to the chair of diseases of children, in which specialty she has won a widely extended reput- tation. Organizations connected with the pro- fession enlist her warm interest, and she has been actively associated with the Los Angeles County, Southern California. California State and American Medical Associations. While her chosen profession has commanded her time and strength, it has not done so to the exclu- sion of other avenues of mental activity ; on the other hand, she is familiar, to an unusual extent, with literature and art. She has given deserved honor to her ancestors through her association with the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution and the Colonial Dames of the State of Connecticut.

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JOHN BODGER. Buyers of seeds through- out the entire country are familiar with the firm name of John Bodger & Sons, whose seed farms are situated three and one-half miles from Gar- (cna, Los Angeles county, and whose wholesale business has grown to large proportions. Al- though the founder of the business started with- out any capital, he has built up an industry of which he may well be proud. The firm of which he is the head owns three hundred and twenty acres in one tract and leases adjoining tracts. making an aggregate of five hundred and eighty acres under their control. In addition farmers in the vicinity work under their instructions, so that the seed from about one thousand acres is handled. One of the sons, Walter, travels on the road as solicitor and agent for the firm, and the other son, Charles, has the management of the farm, the father residing in Los Angeles, but re- taining personal supervision of the seed business. The specialties in seeds are lima and pole beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots and salsify : and in flowers they carry asters, balsams, stocks, petunias, verbenas, phlox, sweet peas, cosmos, zinnia and mignonette, as well as the leading novelties.

In Somersetshire, England, where he was born January 17, 1846, John Bodger passed the years of boyhood at home and in school. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to a gardener, working for two years in a private garden and for a brief period in a nursery. On the comple- tion of his time at the age of nineteen years he began to work for wages and for two years was employed as gardener in a private establishment, after which he embarked in the nursery and seed business. During January of 1891 he came to the United States, landing in New York City. whence he came to Ventura, Cal., joining a son who had settled there two years before. For a time he worked in the gardens of a successful florist there. Upon selling his business in Eng- land he removed to Santa Paula, leased lands for the growing of seeds, and continued in business for twelve years. At the expiration of that time he had six hundred acres in garden and seed beans, and he also operated forty acres which he had purchased in San Luis Obispo county.

Disposing of his lands in the central coast re- gion. in 1904 Mr. Bodger came to Los Angeles county and secured the tracts he now operates near Gardena, meanwhile establishing his home in Los Angeles. While still living in England he met and married Miss Susan Marks, who was born in Devonshire, came to California in 1802. and died here February 22, 1898. In religion she was a faithful member of the Church of England. Seven children were born of that union, namely : William James, who is employed in a seed store in Los Angeles: Anna Marks, wife of Herbert

E. George; Louise, wife of Chester F. Hewitt, who works with the firm of John Bodger & Sons ; Walter, who is associated with his father in busi- ness ; Ellen, wife of Jesse D. Foster, of Ventura, Cal. : John Charles, a partner with his father and brother ; and Tom Marks, who resides with his father. The present wife of Mr. Bodger was Mrs. Helen Becker, a native of Pennsylvania. In political views father and sons affiliate with the Republican party and give their stanch support to its principles ; fraternally they have never been active in secret orders or social clubs, the only one affiliating with such an organization being Wal- ter, who holds membership with the Independent Order of Foresters.

HON. WILLIAM H. WICKERSHAM. The association of Hon. William H. Wickersham (better known as "Billie") with the interests of Southern California dates from his first business venture in manhood, as he was but three years old when he was brought to the state by his parents, and was here reared to maturity. He is a native of Chester county, Pa., his birth having occurred in Media, November 21, 1872, the fan- ily having been located in that state by an Eng- lish Quaker. John Wickersham, who crossed the water with William Penn. Succeeding genera- tions made Pennsylvania their home, and there Isaac Wickersham, the father, engaged as a stock dealer until the year 1875. He then came to California and in Los Angeles engaged in the same business until his retirement from active cares which occurred early in 1905. He now makes his home in Los Angeles at the age of seventy-three years, enjoying the fruits of his early industry. His wife is also living. In maid- enhood she was Sarah Baker, a native of Chester county. Pa., and the daughter of Evans Baker and his wife, formerly a Miss Mitchell, a direct descendant of the Harlan family. Mr. Baker was a farmer by occupation, but was a man high in public importance, having served as state treas- tirer. Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham became the parents of ten children, five sons and five daugh- ters. all of whom are living.

The third son and the fifth child in order of birth, William H. Wickersham was reared in Los Angeles, receiving an education in the public schools of that city. At the age of fourteen years he entered the employ of the Haniman Fish Com- pany, of Los Angeles, beginning at the foot of the ladder in the business. His close application to the work and his thorough knowledge of it served to bring him early reward, and until April 17. 1898, he acted as manager of the company. In the meantime, as early as 1893. he began to make trips to San Pedro in the purchase of prod- tice, and gradually he became interested in the

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

prospects held out to the business man by this place. Resigning from his position in 1898, he became connected with the Morgan Oyster Com- pany as salesman and the following year as- sumed the duties of manager and located in San Pedro in charge of this office, whose headquarters are in San Francisco. He has erected a residence in this city and takes a keen interest in its progress and development, serving at present as chairman of the board of school trustees. In® addition to his interests with the Morgan Oyster Company he also owns an interest in several fishing boats and outfits, and is well known along the bay.

In Los Angeles Mr. Wickersham was united in marriage with Elizabeth Nerney, a native of La Salle, Ill., and the daughter of John Nerney, of Los Angeles. They are the parents of one son, Howard Hollingsworth. In addition to his manifold business duties Mr. Wickersham has found time to take an interest in the politics of his adopted state, becoming prominent in the Republican party, which in 1904 elected him to the state legislature by a majority of twenty- six hundred votes, the largest majority ever obtained by an assemblyman in California. He served during the session of 1905 and was a prominent factor on several important commit- tees, among them being that on prison reform; education ; commerce and navigation ; and public morals. During this session he had the pleasure of working and voting for F. P. Flint, and in all avenues served his district with efficiency and honor. For twelve years he has served as a member of the county central committee, and has been prominent on its executive committee. In his fraternal relations Mr. Wickersham was made a Mason in San Pedro, and also belongs to the Eagles and is an Esteemed Knight in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. As a man and citizen Mr. Wickersham holds a high place in San Pedro; as a politician he enjoys the re- spect of his opponents ; and as a business man has met with gratifying success which places him among the first men of the city.

HERMAN W. HELLMAN. The enter- prises sustained by the financial aid and un- erring business ability of Herman W. Hell- man have given to Los Angeles within the past few years a decided impetus toward a phenomenal growth and development. For- tunately a wise conservatism has held in check any movement which might have tended to inflate values, attract the speculator, and thus produce a condition disastrous to permanent development, Mr. Hellman's long association with the banking institutions of this city prov- ing his peculiar fitness as a leader in financial

circles. A résume of the life of this substan- tial pioneer is one which cannot fail to inter- est those who have witnessed his rapid rise in the business world, his subjugation of obsta- cles in his path, and the position of esteem and respect which he has won among the citi- zens of the city.

Born September 25, 1843, in Bavaria, Ger- many, he was the son of natives of that coun- try, by whom he was reared to the age of fifteen years, receiving a practical training in the common branches of study and also the foundation for the principles which have dis- tinguished his business career. At the age of fifteen years he decided to try his fortunes away from the shelter of the paternal roof, and accordingly took passage on a vessel bound for California. The city of Los An- geles and its vicinity attracted him first and practically continuous has been his residence since. From the time of his location in the city he was interested in commercial affairs, accepting, in June, 1859, a position as freight clerk in the forwarding and commission busi- ness at Wilmington, conducted by Gen. Phi- neas Banning. He held the position until ac- quiring some means, when he resigned and returning to Los Angeles he connected him- self with the stationery business in partner- ship with a cousin. After conducting a suc- cessful enterprise for several years Mr. Hell- man withdrew to take up the work on his own responsibility, also dealing in fancy goods, for which he found a constantly in- creasing market. Having been absent from his native land for nearly eleven years, he dis- posed of his business interests in March, 1870, and spent the following year in Germany and other countries of Europe, enjoying the asso- ciations of his boyhood years. Returning to Los Angeles in November, 1871, he entered into partnership with Jacob Haas, a former schoolmate of his, and established a wholesale grocery business under the firm name of Hell- man, Haas & Co., and for the ensuing nine- teen years catered to an extensive trade throughout Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, the strong, forceful man- agement of the men who had proven their ability adding materially to the commercial supremacy of this section of the state. In the meantime Mr. Hellman had become associ- ated with various enterprises in Los Angeles. an important movement heing the purchase of stock in the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank. In 1890 he retired from the firm of Hellman. Haas & Co., disposing of his interest to Haas. Barnett & Co., and became vice-president and local manager of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, since which time he has hecame one of

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the most widely known bankers in the state of California. Shortly after his assumption of duties in this bank the financial panic of '93 brought disaster to many of the monetary in- stitutions throughout the United States; the security with which this bank stood out among others whose doors were closed either tempo- rarily or permanently, and the long era of prosperity which has followed that crisis, are largely due to the wise conservatism and sa- gacious judgment of Mr. Hellman. That the deposits have increased from $2,300,000 to $8,000,000 since his association with the bank are an evidence of the confidence inspired by the policy which has been elemental in the building up of this bank. Outside of his asso- ciation with the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank Mr. Hellman has been intimately identified with other financial institutions of the city, in July, 1903, accepting the presidency of the Merchants' National Bank, after his resigna- tion in May, of the vice-presidency of the former institution. At the present writing he is acting as president, vice-president and di- rector in twelve other banks, in this city and Southern California, in the business of all bringing to bear that energy and ambition which have assured his success in whatever enterprise he lias been engaged. Mr. Hellman has also been associated with other business movements in Los Angeles, one of the most important being the erection of an imposing eight-story and attic building, fireproof and modern in every particular, and accounted one of the finest office buildings west of New York City. The material used in the exterior is a native light gray granite in the lower two stories, and hydraulic pressed brick and terra cotta in the upper stories; the corridors are floored and wainscoted with white Italian mar- ble. The finish of the ground floor is of ma- hogany and all the office floors of quarter- sawed white oak. The Security Savings Bank, one of the largest institutions of its kind in the west, and other business enterprises, occupy the first floor, while above are well-equipped offices, well-lighted and ventilated, and with hot and cold water and every modern con- venience; in the basement is one of the finest grille rooms in Los Angeles, The Bristol. This immense building was erected at a cost of $1,000,000, and represents one of the larg- est individual investments of this character in California.

The home of Mr. Hellman is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Ida Heimann, with whom he was united in marriage in Italy, July 26, 1874. Mrs. Hellman was born in Tre- viso, near Venice, Italy. She is a woman of rare culture and refinement and well endowed

by nature with those qualities which have won tor her a wide friendsnip and esteem. She is the mother of two daughters, Frida, married to L. M. Cole, of Los Angeles, and Amy, and two sons, Marco and Irving. Mr. and Mrs. Hellman are prominent members of the Re- formed Jewish Congregation B'nai B'rith, Los Angeles, of which he was president up to 1901 ; under his administration there was erect- ed on the corner of Ninth and Hope streets the elegant temple, one of the most beautiful houses of worship in the city of Los Angeles. The family are liberal supporters of all char- itable movements, whether of the city, county or state, and are intensely loyal to the inter- ests of Southern California.

Notwithstanding his engrossing business cares Mr. Hellman has found time to associate himself with clubs and fraternal organizations, being a member of the California, Jonathan, Concordia and several other clubs of the city and county, and is prominent in Masonic cir- cles. He became an apprentice Mason in Sep- tember, 1869, and on March 21, 1870, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft; and June 14, 1870, was raised to the sublime degree of Mas- ter Mason, in Pentalpha Lodge No. 202, of which he is still a member. On the 10th of July he was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master; inducted and presided in the Oriental clair as past master July 17, re- ceived and acknowledged Most Excellent Master August 8, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason August 14, 1883, in Signet Chapter No. 57, of which he is still a member. In 1906 he also took the Scottish Rite and is now a Thirty-second degree Mason; and is also a Shriner, belonging to Al Malaikah Temple.

In reviewing the life of Mr. Hellman an impression is gained not of the opportunities which presented themselves throughout his ca- reer, but by the manner in which he under- stood and grasped a situation. Practically empty-handed he came to the Pacific slope in boyhood. at a time when the country was law- less, when the survival of the fittest was the unwritten decree, when it was far easier to sink into insignificance with the multitudes than to rise to the heights which few were success- fully attempting. That he proved himself ca- pable of holding his own in the beginning, the later position which he assumed as factor in the most important enterprises of this sec- tion of the Pacific coast have demonstrated. The multifold duties which are his as one of the most prominent citizens and business men of the city have not overburdened him, but have rather spurred him on to stronger and more forceful thought and effort and have

H.V. Markham

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

brought out all the latent ability with which nature endowed him. His position to-day is one acquired by the few even where oppor- tunities have abounded as in Southern Cali- fornia, for it requires a quick, mental vision and an unerring decision to know and improve the opportune time. Loyal to the country of his adoption and the city wherein has been passed his eventful career, Mr. Hellman is honored as a citizen whose worth and works have been tested.

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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 90

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