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 97

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

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MARK KEPPEL. One of the most im- portant offices in the educational field is that of county superintendent of schools. The educa- tional interests of the county are delivered into his hands and he is held responsible for the con- duct and advancement of all schools coming with- in his jurisdiction. It is a position demanding talents of a high order and the man who fills it successfully must be endowed with rare in- telligence and executive ability. Los Angeles county is particularly fortunate in securing the right man for the place in Mark Keppel, its earnest and efficient superintendent of schools.

Mark Keppel's father, Garret Keppel, was a native of Holland, born at Gorkum in 1835. He came with his parents to the United States in 1844. The family lived for a time at Baltimore, Md., then in Michigan and later in Keokuk, Iowa. He attended the public schools of Michi- gan and Iowa. His wife was Rebecca Hurl- burt, a native of Missouri. Her father. Isaiah Hurlburt. was a native of Canada, and her mother, in maidenhood Rebecca Breeden, was a native of Kentucky. Mr. Keppel was one of the pioneers of California, immigrating to the west in 1859. His objective point was Pike's Peak, Colo., but owing to unfavorable reports received while en route he changed his course and desti-

nation and crossed the plains to Oroville, Cal., and became one of the leading farmers of Butte county. His wife died in Butte county in 1882, and twenty years later, in 1902, he also passed away at his Butte county home.

Mark Keppel was the second child born in his father's family of eleven children, his birthday being April 1I, 1867. His early years were passed on the farm. At nine years of age he entered the public school and laid the strongest, most perfect foundation for a successful future in whatever line he should elect to follow. The instinct for a higher education was deep rooted in the boy and as soon as he was able to do so he entered San Joaquin Valley College at Wood- bridge, graduating from that institution in 1892 with the degree of Ph. B. He returned to the farm and remained there one year, then ac- cepted a position as teacher in San Joaquin Valley College, which he filled for one year, and the next year following was a teacher at Fair- view, Yolo county.

Mr. Keppel came to Los Angeles in 1895 and was first engaged as a teacher in the Eighth street school. In 1896 he became principal of Harper, now Vermont Avenue school; in 1897 he was made principal of the Union Avenue school, where he remained until March, 1902, when he was promoted to the principalship of Twentieth Street school, where he remained until his term of office as county superintendent of schools began in January, 1903.

During Mr. Keppel's incumbency there has been a constant period of transition, due to re- vision of text books and the rapid development of the county. Mr. Keppel has proven himself equal to the task imposed upon him and has met all demands upon his time and ingenuity with most satisfying results. The present excellent condition of the schools throughout the county attests his capable management and places him in the front ranks as a successful educator in the broadest sense of the word.

Mr. Keppel is ex-president of the School Masters Club of Los Angeles : member of the School Masters Club of Southern California; president of the Southern California Teachers Association ; and a member of the State Teachers Association, and of the National Educational Association.

Mr. Keppel married Miss Mae Hubbard, daughter of Hanford Hubbard of Yolo county. April 15, 1894. Mrs. Keppel is a native of Yolo county. They have one daughter, Ester Mae Keppel. Mr. Keppel is a Republican, hav- ing served for years as a member of the Republi- can county central committee. He is also a member of numerous fraternal organizations : Ramona Parlor, N. S. G. W .: Woodmen of the World; Knights of the Maccahees; Fraternal

IL, Futterman

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Brotherhood; and a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. His popularity is unquestioned. He is devoted to educational work and his clear comprehension of the duties devolving on him in his official capacity, together with his efficient management, has been of material advantage to the schools of Los An- geles county.

ISAAC L. FETTERMAN. Not the least prominent and influential representative of the pioneers of Long Beach is the gentleman whose name introduces this article and whose personality is familiar to the leading citizens of the place. When he came to his present lo- cation in 1888 the now thriving city was a mere hamlet of insignificant dimensions, scarcely worthy of a place on a state map or mention in a state history. Shortly after his arrival he started a livery business which was the second of the kind in the town and in ad- dition he conducted a hotel, but after about eight years he turned his attention to the grading industry, in which he was the pio- neer, having charge of the first official grad- ing done in the city and conducting an en- terprise that was and yet is the largest of its line in the community. When the first board of town trustees was organized he was elected a member of the same and continued faithfully to discharge the duties of the position for two terms.

Mr. Fetterman was born in Venango coun- ty, Pa., April 7, 1849. being a son of Isaac and Nancy (Titus) Fetterman, the former a farmer by occupation and at an early date a captain in the state militia. The Titus family became identified with Pennsylvania during the colon- jal period and founded the town of Titusville, which was named in their honor. During the vear 1853 the Fetterman family removed to the then new state of Iowa, where the father took up a tract of unimproved farm land and remained until his death five years later. His wife died two years prior to his demise. At that time their son, Isaac L., was but a small lad, not vet prepared to earn his own liveli- hood, but in a comparatively short time he de- veloped into a self-reliant, capable youth. ready to take his part in the world's activities. When sixteen years of age he was employed around the oil wells in Pennsylvania during the first oil boom there, and for four years continued in that work, after which he re- moved to Kansas and started out as a farmer and stock-raiser in a new country. Various causes conspired to prevent satisfactory re- sults and after six years he disposed of his

holdings in that state and came to the Pacific coast.

Agricultural pursuits in Kern county for a brief period occupied the time and thought of Mr. Fetterman, but soon he relinquished such work in order to accept a position as fore- man of the Goose lake canal and a year later moved to Los Angeles county, where since he has made his home. Supplementary to farm- ing he engaged in the buying and selling of hogs, but four years later he entered the con- tracting business with the Dodsworth Pack- ing Company. For eight years he continued with the same firm, and during a portion of the time owned an interest in the business. On retiring from the firm he removed to Long Beach and since then has been associated with the growth of this city, where he is uni- versally known and honored as an old settler and a man of high principles.

In 1904 he began improvements on Camp Fetterman at the corner of Sixth and Main streets, where he owns a half block of two acres, very conveniently located near the Daisy Street School building. He began by erecting a modern seven-room house, to be followed by a California bungalow 24x36, with all mod- ern conveniences, to shelter his employes. There is also a blacksmith shop where all his repair work and shoeing his animals is done. This is well equipped with all necessary ap- pliances to work with, and his stable room, when finished, will be two story. 50x90, con- nected with a one-story structure. 48x60. He has an increasing volume of business as a street grader and for excavations of all kinds, em- ploying from thirty to sixty teams and fifty men. His business office is also located on the premises, both connected with telephones. The valuation of his property, when fully com- pleted, will be more than $50,000, and is a great credit to the city.

Like all the members of his family (among whom was a cousin, Captain Fetterman, who was killed in the struggle with the Indians at the fort named in his honor), Mr. Fetterman displays courage in every crisis, unfailing rectitude in every transaction, and generosity in his treatment of others. While he has never been a fraternity man, yet he is not without fraternal connections, having for years heen an active member of Long Beach Lodge No. 327. F. & A. M., in the work of which he main- tains a warm interest. After going to Kan- sas Mr. Fetterman formed domestic ties in his early manhood. In Butler county, that state. in 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Carey, a native of Indiana. Nine children were born of their union, but two of the number have passed from earth. Walter

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being two years old and Frederick an infant of six months at the time of death. Those now living are as follows: George W., Charles E. and Leonard, all of whom are employed in Los Angeles ; Samuel, who makes Long Beach his home; Maude May, who married Lester Nye and resides in Los Angeles ; Clarence and Minnie, who are with their parents at the Long Beach homestead.

FRED H. TAFT. Numbered among the in- fluential law firms of Los Angeles is that which had its origin in the partnership of Tanner & Taft, in March of. 1894, and to which later Mr. Odell was admitted. The firm is unique in that each of its members bears a governor's name and holds some distant relationship to prominent statesmen of the age. In addition to the offices in the Coulter building, Los Angeles, an office is maintained at Santa Monica, where one mem- ber or another has been city attorney most of the time for almost twenty years until January I, 1907, when the subject of this sketch resigned the office on account of pressure of other busi- ness. The firm has always avoided criminal cases and has made real-estate law and corpora- tion matters, if anything, a specialty. At this writing they are counsel for several large cor- porations in Los Angeles, as well as a number of important corporations and banking houses elsewhere. Perhaps the most prominent case in which they have recently participated is that of the city of Los Angeles against hundreds of land owners for control of the waters of the San Fernando valley, a case that has gained almost national prominence and is the most im- portant in its relation to the water question ever tried in the entire west.

While the family of Rev. Stephen H. Taft was residing in the village of Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson county, N. Y., the subject of this sketch was born. His father platted and founded the village of Humboldt, in Humboldt county, and also founded Humboldt College, with which he was intimately connected for many years, as he was also with the religious upbuilding and moral welfare of the village. Later he, too, came to California, and now makes Sawtelle his home. In the college established by his father the son received a classical education and was graduated in 1879. During his college course and after graduating he was engaged in news- paper work as publisher of the Humboldt Kosmos, the only paper of that name in the United States ; in addition, he for a time had the distinction of being the youngest editor in the country. Later he was connected with news- paper work at Sioux City and for three and one- half years edited the Fort Dodge Messenger.

While still engaged in newspaper work Mr. Taft took up the study of law in the North- western University at Sioux City, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892. On New Year's day of 1893 he arrived in California, and since then has been identified with the pro- fession of law in the county of Los Angeles, his home being in Santa Monica, where he ranks among the more progressive of its citizens. None of the secret fraternal organizations have ever won his allegiance with the exception of the Independent Order of Good Templars, with which he became identified by reason of his sympathy with its purposes in creating a senti- ment against the liquor traffic, and an early few years membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he has always sup- ported the Republican party, but his inclinations have never tended toward official life, he choos- ing, instead, his private professional work. Dur- ing his residence in Iowa he met and married Frances M., daughter of Hon. Ira L. Welch, M. D., one time a member of the legislature from the Humboldt district, and one of the most successful physicians of northern Iowa. Their family comprises two children, Muriel C. and Harris W., both of whom are now seniors in Stanford University.

TIMOTHY A. STEPHENS. When T. A. Stephens, president of the Star Mill and Lumber Company of Long Beach, first came to Califor- nia with the idea of looking over the country to see what the prospects were for a young man just starting out in life, he was so thoroughly impressed with what he saw that he decided to remain in Southern California. Subsequent events have proven the wisdom of his choice.

Mr. Stephens was born in Monroe county, Ohio, October 19, 1872. He attended the pub- lic schools of Senecaville until he was eighteen years of age, thus acquiring a substantial educa- tion, the very best preparation for the future a young man can make. Two years later, in 1892, he came to California. His first work in the state was in a lumber yard at San Pedro hand- ling lumber. After working there two years he came to Long Beach and went to work for the San Pedro Lumber Company. Long Beach at that time was a very insignificent place ; 110 improvements of any consequence had been be- gun and there was not a graded street in the town. During the eight years he remained in the employ of the company he learned the lum- ber business from the foundation up and became thoroughly familiar with it in all its branches. As the town began to grow and new buildings were erected he saw an opportunity to go into business for himself. Soon he had a small plan-

If morton

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ing mill in operation and was employing three men. His first venture was on a small scale, but as the town grew and prospered his business advanced also. There was an increasing demand for his products and he enlarged his plant to keep pace with the times and growth of the city.

The business of buying and selling lumber seems to be a natural accompaniment of a plan- ing mill and Mr. Stephens enlarged his plant to take in that branch of the trade. From a very small beginning he has watched his business in- crease with the brightest of prospects for future growth and prosperity. Starting with one small gasoline engine and inferior facilities for doing his work he enlarged his plant until he had a fully equipped and up-to-date planing mill. In 1904 he organized the Star Mill and Lumber Company, of which he is president, and which has developed wonderfully since its organization. Mr. Stephens is a man of shrewd, sound judg- ment and enterprising spirit, and by reason of these qualities he has made a success of his business.

In 1899 Mr. Stephens married Miss Grace L. Shaw of Long Beach, and they have one child, a son, Kenneth L. Mr. Stephens is a liberal sup- porter of all church work and a member of several fraternal organizations, among them the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, Be- nevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Board of Trade and a direc- tor in the State Bank of Long Beach, also a member of the Cosmopolitan Club.

For four years he served as a member of the City Council and has been chosen delegate to represent the city in county convention. He may, with truth, be classed as one of the representa- tive men of Long Beach.

JOHN J. MORTON. One of the most high- lv esteemed residents of Compton, John J. Morton, has been prominently identified with its development and progress, and is distin- guished not only for his life work, but as being one of the five men selected by the original settlers of this community to choose the site of the town of Compton, the committee being composed of the following-named men : W. M. Morton, T. J. Morton, Griffith Dickinson Comp- ton, William Fowler, and Jonas L. Miller. A son of William Morton, he was born March 13, 1839, in Michigan, where he grew to manhood, attending the common and high schools of his native town, and completing his studies in a select school under Professor Tennev.

Born and reared in New York, William Mor- ton remained there until after his marriage with Mary A. Moore, also a native of that state.

About a year and a half later, in 1834, he re- moved with his family to Michigan, where he resided for twenty-five years. In 1859 he came to California and located near Lodi, San Joa- quin county, where he engaged in grain ranch- ing. Eight years later, in 1867, he came to Los Angeles county, settling in Compton, where both he and his good wife spent their remaining years, his death occurring in 1874, and hers many years later, in 1905. For forty years he was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and she was a communicant of the same for three score years. Six children were born of their union, namely: Plinn, who died in infancy ; John J., the subject of this sketch ; Eunice A., who died at the age of eight years; William H., who came to Cali- fornia when his parents did, and died here in 1902; Charles Henry, who died at the age of three years; and Ella C., widow of the late Isaac Ingraham, by whom she had a large family of children, three of whom died within three weeks and were buried in the Compton cemetery.

Coming to California in 1859, John J. Mor- ton settled first on the Mokelumne river, San Joaquin valley, twelve miles north of Stock- ton, where he was engaged in tilling the soil for a few years. In 1867 he was one of a small colony of sturdy, enterprising men who came down to Los Angeles county, and as pioneers of this section selected the site of the present town of Compton, as previously · stated. Having accomplished his purpose, Mr. Morton returned to the San Joaquin val- ley, disposed of his property there, and in De- cember, 1867, came back and bought the eighty-six acres included in his present ranch, also buying a tract of sixty-five acres north of the town. Laboring industriously, he has made improvements of value, erected commodious and convenient farm buildings, and has since carried on general farming, dairying and stock- raising in a skilful and intelligent manner. be- ing well repaid by the substantial pecuniary reward that he receives each season.

Returning to Michigan in 1864. Mr. Mor- ton there married Catherine Cooley, who was born and brought up in the same neighbor- hood that he was. Into the happy household thus established ten children were born, name- ly : Jasper S., who died in 1904: Anna, wife of Edward Putney: Eva, who was accidentally shot and killed when twenty-three years of age : John, who married Lizzie Duke and re- sides near Compton : Jerry I., of Los Angeles, who married Ninna Hecock. of Compton ; Katie and Willie, twins, the latter of whom married Mattie Clawson and resides in Los Angeles: Lydia, the wife of Leo W. Marden ;

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and Richard and Asa, both of the latter living at home. In the growth and prosperity of Compton Mr. Morton takes a lively interest, willingly contributing of his time and means to further its interests. He has served with fidelity in the various offices within the gift of his fellow-men, having been justice of the peace, school trustee and road overseer, and from 1876 until 1879 was county supervisor. He is a stanch Republican, running for the position of assemblyman before the party was strong enough to elect him, and was one of the first Republicans to be elected to any of- fice in this county. Fraternally he is promi- nent in Masonic circles. He is a member of Anchor Lodge No. 273, F. & A. M., of Comp- ton. which he has served twice as master. and for sixteen years the secretary; of Long Beach Chapter No. 83. R. A. M .; of Long Beach Commandery No. 47. K. T .; of the Los Angeles Council No. II. R. & S. M., and Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Los An- geles. He also assisted in organizing Cen- tennial Lodge No. 247, I. O. O. F., of Comp- ton, in which he has passed all of the chairs, being the only charter member whose name is still on the rolls; belongs to the Veteran Odd Fellows, and is likewise a member of the Pioneers of Southern California. Religiously he is in sympathy with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GILBERT KIDSON. The ten-acre tract forming the homestead of Gilbert Kidson occu- pies an advantageous location at Palms, on the Short Line electric railway. At the time of ac- quiring the land, for which he paid $250 an acre, it was considered that the price was high, but since then he has made important improve- ments, including substantial barns and modern residence. The improvements, together with the great advance in all lands, brings the present value of the property to a point many times great- er than that of the cost price; indeed, those who consider themselves authorities in land values assert that his ranch is easily worth $2,000 per acre. After acquiring the home place he bought forty acres of alfalfa, grain and corn land, now worth $1,000 per acre, its high value being due not only to fertility of the soil, but also especially to the close proximity of Venice.

The birth of Gilbert Kidson occurred in Jack- son county, Iowa, May 18, 1859, his father be- ing Richard Kidson, represented elsewhere in this volume and now living retired in Los An- geles. Educated in country schools and reared on a farm, Gilbert Kidson laid the foundation of future success by the development of sturdy, self- reliant traits of character. On leaving home to

earn his own livelihood he worked out for eight months, but this first experience as a wage-earner proved discouraging, for he was cheated out of his wages. For two years afterward he operat- ed a rented farm and also operated a threshing machine for two years. In 1883 he disposed of his interests in Iowa and removed to California, where for a year he rented land at Pomona. The following year he rented three hundred and twenty acres near Inglewood. At the expiration of two years he bought the ranch which he now conducts and occupies. In addition to the man- agement of the the ranch he engages in team- ing, and also since 1900 he has been road fore- man of his district, which responsible position he fills with satisfaction to all concerned.

The first marriage of Mr. Kidson was solem- nized April 18, 1889, and united him with Miss Caroline Brown, who was born in Minnesota and came to California in girlhood. At her death in 1894 she left three children, Gilbert R., Henry J. and Bertha C., the latter of whom joined her mother October 29, 1906. Subse- quently Mr. Kidson was united in marriage with Miss Annie Ray, who was born in Germany, but in infancy was brought to California by her par- ents and received an excellent education in Los Angeles county schools. The three children of this union are named Arthur, Harold and Violet. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Kidson has voted the Republican ticket at national and local elections and has kept well posted concern- ing political affairs. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Woodmen of the World. As a pioneer of Palms, he maintains a constant interest in the development of the town and has been a contributor to its rapid growth. Not many years have passed since he plowed the furrows where now the trees are planted on the town site, but these years have witnessed a steady increase of population, a steady advance in land values, a steady development of educa- tional facilities and a corresponding gratification on the part of residents.

CHARLES JONES HARGIS. As a con- tractor and builder Charles Jones Hargis is en- gaged in an active upbuilding of the city of Long Beach, where he has been a resident since Novem- ber. 1900. He is a native of Bell county, Ken- tucky, born September 17, 1855, a son of Samuel Hargis, who went from Virgina to Kentucky after his marriage and located as a farmer in Bell county, where his death eventually occurred. His wife, Frances Callaway, was born in North Caro- lina and died in Kentucky. They were the par- ents of four children, three sons and one daughter, of whom Charles Jones Hargis was the oldest. He received his education in the

R.P. Traité

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common schools of Kentucky, where, in young manhood, he engaged in general farming. He remained in his native state as a farmer until 1887, when he located in Pineville, Bell county, and followed a general merchandise business and later engaged as a brick manufacturer and builder. Deciding to locate in the more remote west he came to California in November, 1900, and in Long Beach followed the carpenter's trade for two years, when he took up contracting and building, which has since occupied his entire time and attention. He has invested his means liberally in real estate, in both this city and Mon- rovia, where he now owns several dwellings.

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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 97

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