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 II, Part 100

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1234

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One year after coming to California Mr. Morse formed domestic ties by his marriage with Mardula Carney, their marriage being celebrated in October, 1881.

JOSEPH INGERSOLL. Listed among thie business enterprises of San Bernardino that have experienced a steady growth and gratifying pros- perity may be mentioned the Ingersoll & Esler Company, of which Joseph Ingersoll acts as president. From the time of the establishment of the business in March, 1891, until 1904, the company existed as a co-partnership, but during the latter year papers of incorporation were tak- en out under the laws of the state of California, the capital stock being $60,000. At this writing the officers are as follows: Joseph Ingersoll, president ; Frederick John Esler, vice-president ; and John Batchellor, secretary. Besides the wholesale business in wines and liquors, the firm is largely interested in the Brookside winery at Brookside, San Bernardino county, incorporated under the title of E. Vaché & Co. Large wine cellars are utilized for the storage of wines, and distilleries with modern improvements afford ample facilities for the manufacture of an out- put recommended for its purity. The winery. which has a capacity of two hundred and fifty thousand gallons per year, contains an equip- ment which is said to be unsurpassed by any similar plant in the entire state.

The president of the company is a native of Michigan and was born at Watertown, Eaton county, where he received a fair common-school education and grew to manhood. Remaining a resident of Michigan until 1881, he then removed to California and settled at San Bernardino. where for a time he was employed at the Brook- side winery. In a few years he purchased stock in the business and associated with himself Mr. Esler, also a practical business man. The com- pany has established a large local trade and also

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ships extensively to many parts of California and into Nevada and New Mexico. While devot- ing his attention closely to the management of the plant and the development of the large and important trade, Mr. Ingersoll has found leis- ure to identify himself with other commercial interests, including the following: the Home Gas Company, of which he is a stockholder; the Lytle Creek Light and Power Company, of whose board of directors he is a member; the Building and Loan Association of San Bernar- dino, in which he owns stock; and the Seal of Gold Mining Company of California, all of which organizations receive from him the attention and sagacious supervision which their importance renders necessary, and with his partner, F. J. Esler, is interested in the growing of oranges.

Before coming to California Mr. Ingersoll was united in marriage with Miss Alice Stoddard, of Detroit, Mich. They have two daughters, of whom Mamie was born in Michigan and Lozie M., in California. Fraternally Mr. Ingersoll is identified with San Bernardino Lodge No. 348, F. & A. M .; San Bernardino Lodge No. 146, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand, also a member of the Encampment ; and Aerie No. 506, Order of Eagles, of which he is past worthy president. While stanch in his allegiance to the Republican party, he has never consented to hold office and political honors have been unsought at his hands, but, nevertheless, he was elected one of the Freeholders that got up the new city charter. He gives generously of his time and means to promote movements for the benefit of his home city and is ardently loyal to the wel- fare of his state.

MRS. MABEL L. HACKMAN. An accom- plished, enterprising and progressive business woman, Mrs. Mabel L. Hackman is actively iden- tified with the mercantile, agricultural and horti- cultural progress of Glendale, where she is now serving as postmaster. She is a clear-headed, brainy woman, possessing excellent judgment and great executive ability ; with her brother-in-law she owns a large department store in Glendale, and in addition to owning and managing a large fruit ranch she has title to much real estate in this vicinity. Notwithstanding her many respon- sibilities she looks carefully after all of her af- fairs, and as a landholder and a merchant has met with success and very few discouragements. A native of New England, she was born in Harri- son, Me., a daughter of Eleazer Newcomb, being descended from one of the early colonial families. .

A native of Maine, Eleazer Newcomb sprung from an old English family, and, as shown by the genealogy of the Newcomb family, can trace his lineage back to Henry VIII. His emigrant

ancestor came from England to America at an early date, and by marriage and intermar- riage his descendants of to-day are closely re- lated to the distinguished family of Wentworths, one of whom, Benning Wentworth, was the first governor of New Hampshire. Mr. Newcomb was a millwright in his earlier years, and dur- ing the Civil war served as a soldier in Company B, Twenty-third Maine Volunteer Infantry. He married Ellen Brown, also a native of Maine, and they are now living in Glendale, making their home with their daughter, Mrs. Hackman. She is a woman of talent and culture, and al- though seventy-three years of age, writes a good deal and contributes many articles of merit to the local literary club. At the age of sixty years, without any previous instruction, she took up painting, and among her productions are numer- ous beautiful pictures of flowers and fruit.

After leaving her native state Mabel L. New- comb lived for awhile in Chicago, in its schools receiving her elementary education. Subse- quently going to Plattsmouth, Neb., she was graduated from the high school, and afterwards taught school for two years in Kansas City, Mo. Giving up her position as a teacher Miss New- comb married David M. Hackman, and for a number of years resided in that city.

A native of Pennsylvania David M. Hackman was born in Bethlehem, Lehigh county, where his carly ancestors settled when they first came to America. He is of patriotic stock, some of his kinsmen having fought in the Revolutionary war. He was reared and educated in his native state, but in early manhood went to Chicago, Ill., where he embarked in mercantile pursuits, being for a time in the employ of Partridge & Co. Still re- taining his connection with that firm, he went to Kansas City, where he had a part interest in their store, and of which he was general manager for several years. As a merchant he has been ex- ceedingly prosperous, and is now a part owner and the superintendent of one of the largest de- partment stores in Pittsburg, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Hackman have one child, Eulalie W. Hackman, who attended first the public schools of Kansas City, later going to the Marlborough School and the Girls' Collegiate Institute of Los Angeles. Fraternally Mr. Hackman is a thirty-second de- gree Mason.

Coming with her parents to Los Angeles county, in 1886, Mrs. Hackman purchased a ranch of forty acres on First street and Verdugo road, Glendale, and has since improved it, having now a valuable orchard of deciduous fruit trees, which she is managing successfully and profita- bly. In 1903, with her brother-in-law, Walter C. Fraley, she embarked in mercantile pursuits, buying a store, which they have enlarged, con- verting it into a fine department store, one of the

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best in its equipment of any in the vicinity. The postoffice is located in her store, and since Oc- tober, 1904, she has served most acceptably to all as postmaster. In addition to her property in Glendale Mrs. Hackman has other interests, be- ing owner of considerable real estate and other property of value in the east. Mrs. Hackman is a member of the Tuesday Afternoon Club of Glendale, and is very popular and prominent in social circles throughout the valley.

THOMAS A. BLAKELY. The establish- ment of the important business enterprise with which the name of Mr. Blakely is indissolubly associated dates back to the year 1899, when in conjunction with Prof. S. M. Woodbridge, of Pasadena, he embarked in the manufacture of chemical fertilizer at San Bernardino. Three years later the Woodbridge Chemical Works were incorporated with a capital stock of $50,- 000, and the following officers: Hiram M. Bar- ton, president; Samuel M. Woodbridge, vice- president ; and Thomas A. Blakely, treasurer. The works are situated in the southeastern part of the city of San Bernardino, occupying a plant erected especially to meet the needs of the busi- ness, and equipped with modern machinery oper- ated by electricity. The bones of which the fer- tilizer is largely composed are bought at slaugh- ter houses. The potash is imported from Ham- burg, Germany. and the other ingredients are brought from Chile, South America, thus secur- ing in each instance the pure and unadulterated article and material. The output of the plant is purchased in large quantities by the orange- growers of Southern California and also by market gardeners, and the value of the product has become so widely recognized that orders fre- quently have to be filled from Arizona, New Mexico and other points outside of the area of the home trade.

The treasurer of the company, who owns two- thirds of the stock in the incorporation, has lived in the United States since he was nineteen years of age. Born in Ireland, November 2, 1863, he is a son of Ambrose Blakely, an Englishman by birth and education, but for years prosper- ously engaged in business in Ireland. His edu- cation was received in the schools of the Irish town where his father engaged in business. From an early age he had been ambitious to come to America, and as soon as he was per- mitted to start out in the world for himself he crossed the ocean to the new world. For eigh- teen months he was employed in Ohio and then went to Missouri. Two and one-half years later he went to Kansas City, that state, and em- harked in the cattle business, buying and selling to the large cattle-dealers in the state. For this

work he had the advantage of previous exper- ience in Ireland, where he had received a thor- ough training in the handling of thoroughbred and pedigreed stock. The parties by whom he was employed and with whom later he was as- sociated owned a number of animals each of which they valued at thousands of dollars.

Disposing of his interests in Kansas City in 1891 Mr. Blakely came to California and estab- lished his home at Redlands, where soon he acquired valuable property. While for fourteen years he made his home in Redlands he mean- while acquired important interests at San Ber- nardino and eventually in 1902 moved to this town, where now he makes his home at No. 369 D street. At the time of the organization of the San Bernardino County Savings Bank, in which he took a leading part, he purchased stock in the new institution, and since then has officiated as a member of the board of directors. Another important local enterprise which num- bers him among its stockholders and enthusias- tic supporters is the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company. Besides his interests pre- viously mentioned he owns valuable real estate in San Bernardino and is interested in various enterprises with capitalists in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Possessing practical ideas and a fine mind, his presence in financial undertak- ings is deemed of great value to the profitable development of the work under consideration and by his co-operation beneficial measures have been profitably promoted. While he has had little leisure for participation in social affairs or fraternal movements, he has been actively asso- ciated with the Knights of Pvthias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks in his home city.

JEROME W. LOVE. Distinguished as a California pioneer, and as one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of San Diego county, J. W. Love has contributed his share towards advancing the industrial prosperity of his adopted state, in every respect being recog- nized as a true and loyal citizen. During his long and useful life he has pursued the even tenor of his way as an honest man, promoting the interests of the community as opportunity has offered, and now in his declining years is reaping the reward of his many years of per- sistent toil, living retired in Ramona, and here enjoying the respect and esteem of his neigh- bors and friends. A son of Robert Love, he was horn, December 12, 1827, in Monroe county, N. Y.

Born and reared in Oneida county, N. Y., Robert Love learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, and also became familiar with

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the methods of farming then in vogue. Settling in Monroe county, N. Y., he carried on general farming for several years, and then, about 1836, moved with his family to Wisconsin, settling on the present site of the city of Milwaukee, where one of his daughters was born, she being the second white female child born in that locality. He followed his trade for a number of years, and was also engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of seventy-eight years. Hc married Martha Barnett, who was born in Oneida county, N. Y., and died at the age of seventy-two years, in Wisconsin. They were honest, God-fearing people, and valued members of the Congregational Church. Of the nine chil- dren born of their union, five are living, three of the sons being engaged in the commission business in Chicago, Ill.

Removing with his parents to Wisconsin in 1836, J. W. Love obtained the rudiments of his education in the Milwaukee schools, after which he attended Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio, for two years. The following three years he was employed in a wholesale and retail book store in Milwaukee, also being agent for the Wells- Fargo Express Company. In 1849, influenced by the enthusiastic reports concerning the dis- covery of gold in California, he determined to investigate the truth of the stories for himself, and with that object in view followed the trail of the emigrants across the continent. For four years thereafter he was engaged in mining, con- fining his operations to the Sacramento and Feather River valleys, and meeting with more than average success in finding the desired metal. Embarking then in the lumber business, he fol- lowed it for five years, being especially inter- ested in the manufacture of shingles, having a mill in Santa Cruz. In 1861, going to Sacra- mento, he enlisted in Company K, Fifth Cali- fornia Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years, the following two years being in a regiment of cavalry. With his comrades he was sent at the time of the Indian disturbances to Arizona, and from there to Texas, being under the command of General Carlton. While going down the Rio Grande river about one hundred miles below El Paso with his comrades he first heard of the death of Lincoln. Returning to San Francisco at the expiration of his term of enlistment, he was mustered out of service in that citv, after which he rode horseback to his home in Santa Cruz.

In December, 1879, Mr. Love located in San Diego, and the following year took up one hun- dred and sixty acres of government land in the Ramona district and began the improvement of a farm. He met with good success from the start, clearing a part of the land from its orig- inal wildness and placing it under a good state of

cultivation. For a number of years he carried on general ranching, raising wheat and barley, and in addition worked for his cousin in his apiary. On retiring from active pursuits Mr. Love rented his ranch and for several years lived with William Warnock. About 1900 he returned to Ramona, and has lived here since, esteemed and respected throughout the community. Dur- ing the Civil war he suffered the privations of army and camp life, and for his services at that time now receives a government monthly pen- sion. Politically Mr. Love is a straightforward Republican.

HARRY JOHNSTONE WOODS, of El Monte, has met with success in the conduct of his bakery and restaurant in this place, and is counted among the substantial business men of the section. He came to California in 1897, bring- ing with him the sturdy traits of character which were his by inheritance from New England an- cestors descended from Scotch forefathers. His birth occurred in West Burke, Caledonia county. \'t., March 28, 1872, being next to the oldest in a family of eight children, five of whom are liv- ing. His father, John M. Woods, was born in Hamilton, N. Y., while his grandfather, Harry Johnstone Woods, was born in Scotland, be- came an immigrant to America, and served his adopted country in the war of 1812. John M. Woods was a civil engineer during the con- struction of the Hoosac tunnel. His wife was in maidenhood Margaret McLeod, born in Scotland and reared in the Presbyterian faith.

In childhood Harry Johnstone Woods was taken by his parents to Manchester, N. H., where he received his education in the public and high schools, also attending Dartmouth College for six months. In St. Johnsbury, Vt., he was ap- prenticed to learn the baker's trade and after its completion worked in various places, among them Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. He finally went into business in Manchester and suc- cessfully conducted a bakery for seven years. In 1897 he disposed of his interests in that city and came to California and on Buena Vista street, Los Angeles, established a bakery, which he con- ducted for a 'time, later carrying on a similar business on Seventh street and Broadway. He met with success and built up a large trade, which he sold out in 1903 to come to El Monte, first acting as manager for the El Monte bakery and the following year he purchased property and engaged in business for himself. In 1906 he enlarged his business by restaurant equipment, and the combined enterprise has resulted in ma- terial gain. His business methods are such as to win for him friends among his patrons and thus constantly increase an already wide custom.

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In Los Angeles Mr. Woods was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie M. Willis, born in Shrewsbury, Ky., and a daughter of Professor Willis, president of the Shrewsbury Academy. They have one daughter, Maggie. In his frater- nal relations Mr. Woods is associated with the Masons, having been made a member of the or- ganization in Lexington Lodge No. 104, March, 1905, and is now acting as senior warden ; Wood- men of the World of El Monte ; Hillsboro Lodge I. O. O. F. of Manchester, N. H., and Agwam Tribe No. 208, I. O. R. M., also of Manchester ; and has been identified with the Knights of Py- thias. His wife is a member of the Order of Eastern Star. In his political affiliations Mr. Woods is a stanch Republican.

JAMES Y. JOHNSON. One of the suc- cessful men of Los Angeles county is James Y. Johnson, who was born in Sweden, May 18, 1847, and spent the first eight years of his life in his native land. In 1855 his parents emi- grated to America, looking to betterment of their financial condition in the western world where opportunities abounded for the prog- ressive and enterprising spirit. Inheriting the sturdy traits which distinguish the natives of Sweden, success accompanied their efforts and they acquired a competence and at the same time became worthy citizens of the country they had adopted for their home. James Y. Johnson remained with his parents until at- taining maturity, making his home in differ- ent sections of the country. Previous to his location in California fourteen years ago, he engaged in the raising of sheep, cattle and horses in southern Utah and met with suc- cess sufficient to give him considerable finan- cial returns. Upon his settlement in Los An- geles county in 1893 he decided to engage in the poultry business, and until 1900 continued so occupied. at first buying and selling poul- try and later raising for the market. He gave to his work a sagacious interest and judg- ment which enabled him to perfect his efforts and brought him a noteworthy success. In the meantime, however, he became interested in the raising of pigeons, beginning this enter- prise with a stock of one hundred and continu- ing to increase his operations until at the pres- ent writing he owns a flock of about one hun- dred thousand flying birds. This is the most extensive enterprise of its kind in the world and represents a big outlay of both capital and energy. Besides Mr. Johnson, four men are required for the care of this immense flock, and the utmost pains are taken in their man- agement, every modern device being used on the ranch; the ranch consists of eight and a

half acres located in East Los Angeles, with easy access by means of the Garvanza car line. All kinds of fancy birds are included in the flock, but are kept both for breeding and show purposes, admission being gained through the entrance on West Dayton, near the I.os Angeles river. His product is shipped to all portions of the west and is in demand wherever known. The success achieved by Mr. Johnson in this line of work is only equaled by the spirit of enterprise which in- duced him to establish it. He conceived the plan and put it in operation about twelve years ago, and against more or less obstacles and discouragements has carried it to success and firmly established a branch which was en- tirely original. He has displayed business ability and judgment, as well as an energy and perseverance unusual in character and quality, and the combined attributes of inher- itance and training have brought about sat- isfactory results.

Mr. Johnson ewns a handsome residence on Downey avenue, in the city of Los Angeles. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, while politically he ad- heres to the principles advocated in the plat- form of the Democratic party. He is a man of ability and energy and during his long resi- dence in this section has won the confidence and esteem of all who have come to know him.

CLINTON BLYTHE. A prominent citi- zen of Long Beach, Los Angeles county, is Clinton Blythe, who is now living retired in his home at No. 344 Fast Sixth street. He is a native of Graves county, Ky., born July 7, 1859, a son of J. T. Blythe. The latter was born in Virginia, the descendant of an old southern family. and when still a young man immigrated to Kentucky. He located in Graves county and engaged as a farmer for some years and in 1875 moved to Texas. In the town of Meridian he lived retired until 1887, when he came to Downey, Cal., and spent the remain- der of his life in retirement, dying at the age of seventy-four years. During his residence in that place he was active in the organization the Los Nietos Valley Bank, of which he served as president. His wife, formerly Sarah Adair, a native of Kentucky, also died in Downey, at the age of sixty-four years. Born of this union were thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters : of the five sons and three daughters who attained maturity, two sons have since died.

The sixth in order of birth, Clinton Blythe received his education in a log schoolhouse

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in his native state, where he spent the first six- teen years of his life. He engaged in farming with his father in Kentucky and later con- ducted a general farming and stock-raising business for himself in Texas. He remained in that state until 1888, when he followed his parents to California, locating one mile east of Downey, where he purchased a small ranch, raising alfalfa and conducting a dairy. Dis- posing of this interest he purchased fifty-three acres three miles southeast of Downey, which property he still owns, although he has never made his home upon it. In 1900 he came to Long Beach and first located at No. 233 Ameri- can avenue, later removing to his present resi- dence, No. 344 east Sixth street. He still acts as a director and president of the Los Nietos Valley Bank of Downey, with which institu- tion his family has been identified ever since its organization, his father serving as president until his death, when his brother, S. W. Blythe, entered upon the duties of this position, con- tinuing there until he died. Mr. Blythe is a man of ability and energy and as such holds a position of esteem among his fellow citizens.

In Meridian, Tex., Mr. Blythe was united in marriage with Mary Parks, a native of that place, and they are the parents of the following children : James, on a ranch in this vicinity ; Pearl, wife of R. Smith, located in the vicinity of Los Angeles: Lee, wife of E. R. Creeth ; Nora: Sue; Paul; and Mary, all at home. Politically Mr. Blythe is a stanch adherent of the principles advocated in the platform of the Democratic party, which he supports with voice and vote.

THOMAS W. WILLIAMS. The family name of this enterprising business man of Long Beach indicates his Welsh descent. The genealogical records show that the founder of the family in America was his paternal grandfather, a native of Wales and for many years a resident of Staten Island in New York. John A., son of this immi- grant, was born on Staten Island and about 1859 settled in Coles county, Ill., from which point, at the age of nineteen years, he enlisted in the United States army and served for three years and eight months. The drum sticks which he used in the capacity of drummer are now in the possession of his son, Thomas W. At the close of the war he entered the St. Louis Medical Col- lege and took a course in therapeutics. During the remainder of his life he was actively engaged in professional work and practiced successively at Rocheport, Boone county; Higbee, Randolph county ; Deepwater, Henry county ; and Carthage, Jasper county, all in Missouri. At the latter city he died in September, 1902, at sixty-one years of

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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 II, Part 100

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company Number of Pages: 1234

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1234