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 106

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

USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, also containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present, Volume II > Part 106

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

May 14, 1861, in Los Angeles, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Genevieve Bardico; she was born in Santa Barbara, Cal., a daughter of Francisco Bardico, a native of Spain who came to the city of Mexico and thence to Santa Barabara, Cal., where he en- gaged as a merchant ; he married Raphalita Gar- cia, a native of San Gabriel, whose grandfather, Ayalla, was sent by the government of Spain to take charge of the mission stock of San Gabriel, whence Don Garcia was sent by Don Ayalla to San Bernardino county to take charge of the cattle ranch in this large valley, his residence being on the hill which is the present site of the Barton ranch residence. The name of Bardico is a prominent one in the city of Mexico, where members of the family remained and became prominent in public affairs, one serving for years as city treasurer. Mrs. Thomas was reared in Santa Barbara and there educated, is a cultured and well informed woman, endowed by nature with gifts of more than ordinary value, among them a voice of wonderful range and thrilling power, sweet and true to the highest idealization of music. She is the mother of the following children : Adeliza, wife of H. Tiffany of Bak- ersfield: Fannie, the wife of George Johnson. of San Bernardino: Joseph, now a resident of the City of Mexico and formerly interpreter for the United States army at Manila, where he interviewed Aguinaldo: Charles, a mining expert in Guadalajara : Victoria, wife of Frank Brooks, of Hemet; Lulu, wife of Harry Mc- Condless, of Arizona; James, a stockman in Corona ; George, a buyer of the Cudahy Pack- ing Company of Los Angeles; Emma, grad-

1843

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

uate of St. Catherine's Academy at San Ber- nardino and now a student of music ; and Mary, wife of Henry Pram, of Prescott, Ariz. The daughter Fannie had a remarkable and bril- liant career in foreign lands across the At- lantic, as a scholar and a business woman, be- fore settling down in her native state. She was one of the first students at Santa Cath- erine Academy and after her graduation went abroad and continued her study of languages in Santa Maria College in Antwerp, when later she accepted a position as representative for Docet of Paris, France, traveling through France, England, Germany, Italy and Spain, introducing the latest patterns and fashions for twelve years, having in all spent seventeen years in Paris. In 1900 she resigned her po- sition and returned to California, where May 3, 1904, she hecame the wife of George Liv- ingston Johnson, a native of Oxford, Ohio, who came to San Bernardino in 1885, where he is successfully engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business. They are the pro- prietors of the Oxford hotel.

In Janmarv, 1906, Mr. Thomas sold his ranch in Hemet valley and located in Red- lands, where he purchased a livery located at the corner of Central avenue and Fourth street, and he has here continued in business and met with success. He retained his thoroughbred herd of cattle and horses, in which he takes the greatest pride. He has taken a keen in- terest in affairs of the city and community, pro- viding the site for the Hemet Land & Water Company and in many other ways assisting in the development of the community. Up to 1896 he had been Democratic in his tendencies but the silver issue of that year turned his in- terest toward the Republican party, and he has since voted that ticket. As early as 1866 he was elected supervisor of San Diego county and held the office for two terms. He was school trustee from the organization of the dis- trict near his home, he himself laying out the first school district in San Diego county. Ev- ery achievement of his adopted state has been a matter of pride with Mr. Thomas-the first telegraph, the first telephone, and other mod- ern methods and equipment being welcomed into the country with eager assistance by him ; . at the feast of the newsboys of Los Angeles he was foremost in his donation of a magni- ficent Durham cow, movements of this kind being ever helpcd by his counsel, time and means. He recalls the early days of the state, his early adventures, and especially a trip tak- en in 1861, through Strawberry valley, piloted by an Indian chief, this being probably the first white man who ever penetrated its then remote lands. The dominant characteristics

of an American gentleman, enterprise, prog- ress and public spirit, are the salient qualities in the makeup of Mr. Thomas, lending their aid to make of him a citizen among citizens, a man among men, a friend among friends, revered, honored and esteemed by all who have known him since his boyhood days, which were spent as a miner in the state of California.

JUDGE JULIUS ADELBERT HOAG. Al- though he has been connected with different legal cases in Riverside county during his residence at Elsinore Judge Julius Hoag is practically retired from the practice of law, in which profession he had been very prominent and successful in the east. Judge Hoag is a member of an old New York family, his grandfather, Daniel, having been born in that state, of English descent, and be- came a pioneer Quaker west of the Hudson river. The father of Judge Hoag, Philo Hoag, was born near Saratoga Springs, and after he grew to manhood, engaged in agricultural pursuits at Norwich, where his death occurred in his fifty- sixth year. His wife was Celia, a daughter of Philip Phetteplace, a native of Rhode Island, who settled in Norwich, N. Y., and on his farm there the daughter was born and in that location she remained until the time of her death. Her family was of old Congregational stock.

There were nine children in the family of which Judge Hoag was a member, and three of his hrothers are still living. He was the young- est, his birth occurring May 15, 1840, at Nor- wich, Chenango county, N. Y. His early boy- hood days were spent on the farm, but after the completion of his studies in the common schools he was sent to Oxford Academy, and, upon his graduation, matriculated in Yale College, enter- ing in 1861, and graduating four years later with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Following this he began the study of law under Judge Elisha Prindle, of Norwich, and, in 1867, he was ad- mitted to practice before the supreme court at Binghamton, N. Y. Believing that opportunities for the young attorney were greater in the west than in the east, he sought a location in the great plains country, and settled at Paola, Kans., the old stamping ground of John Brown, where, for twenty-four years he identified himself with the history of that state in legal circles, hecoming one of the most prominent attorneys and the recipient of numerous official honors. He was prosecuting attorney at the time that the state prohibition law was enacted and St. John was governor of Kan- sas, and took active steps in the enforcement of the law. He was open and fearless in his de- nunciation of illegal and unjust combinations of capital and in many cases was successful in de- fending men against corporations, thereby gain-

1844

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing the ill-will of the latter and making it neces- sary for him to keep constantly on his guard against them. He was city attorney at Paola for a long period and for many years held the posi- tion of United States commissioner, having been appointed by Judge John F. Dillon. He was ad- mitted to practice in the United States district and circuit courts while a resident of Kansas.

In 1890 Judge Hoag made his first trip to El- sinore, Cal., on account of his sister's health, and, being favorably impressed with conditions, as well as being in need of rest himself, he located here permanently in 1891. He engaged in horti- culture for a time, set out an orchard on a ten- acre ranch which he purchased, and now has a fine lot of prune, apricot and olive trees in bear- ing. He makes his home in Elsinore, where he is a highly respected citizen, and is now filling for a second term a place on the Elsinore board of trustees. He was at one time a member of the lodges of the Woodmen of the World and of the Knights of Honor. While not affiliated with any church denomination Judge Hoag is a gen- tleman of Christian character and exerts an ele- vating influence on the community in which he resides. A man of his education, culture and large experience could not fail to be a leader wherever he might live and the people of Elsi- nore are glad to accord to him the high position in their midst to which his talents entitle him.

CORNELIUS STOUT. In the truest sense in which that much-used term could be applied, Cornelius Stout is a self-made man, having made his own way in the world from early boy- hood. With a thorough understanding of the carpenter's trade and with the previous experi- ence of about eleven years as a contractor and builder in other parts of the state he came to Pomona with his tool chest in June of 1887, and in little less than twenty years has built up the large business which he commands today .. The mill covers a floor space of 65x120 feet, while the lumber yard is of the same dimensions, all in all it is one of the largest manufacturing plants of the kind in this part of the county.

The Stout family has been represented in this country for at least four generations, for it is known beyond a doubt that the great-grand- father, Richard Stout, fought as a soldier in the Revolutionary war among the patriots from New Jersey. Among his twenty-three children, seventeen of whom were sons, was one John, who was born in New Jersey and in that state be- came well known as a farmer and an expert judge of horse flesh. His son, Michael F., was also born in New Jersey, but while he was still a young man he came to what was then con- sidered the frontier, as early as 1836. settling in

Fairview, Fulton county, 111. As a means of livelihood he continued farming with work at the carpenter's trade, both of which he followed in Fairview and in DeKalb county, that state, whither he later removed, and where also his death occurred. During his young manhood he had formed domestic ties by his marriage with Ann Maria Suydam, who like himself was a native of New Jersey. She was a daughter of Simon Byce Suydam, also a native of New Jersey, but who later settled in Ohio and Illinois respectively, passing away in DeKalb county, as did also his daughter, Mrs. Stout. Three children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stout, as follows : John, who died in Hum- boldt county, Cal .; Cornelius; and Mary Eliza- beth, now Mrs. M. E. Arnold, a resident of Iowa.

While his parents were living in Illinois Cor- nelius Stout was born in Fairview, Fulton coun- ty, September 23, 1849, being next to the old- est in the family. He interspersed work on the home farm with his school studies, and when he was still a mere boy had decided to learn the carpenter's trade. As his father was an ex- perienced workman along that line he was taught the business thoroughly and was soon able to contract for work on his own account. Leav- ing the middle west in 1875 he came west to Portland, Ore., and subsequently went to Al- bany, that state, carrying on work at his trade in both places. The following year he located in Susanville, Cal., and from working at the carpenter's trade he finally branched out into contracting and building, a venture which proved remunerative and which he continued un- til June, 1887, when, as has been stated, he identified himself with the growing town of Pomona. He entered upon his career here as a carpenter and builder and later added car- riage and wagon manufacturing. After eight years he gave up the latter and started the plan- ing mill of which he is now the proprietor. Gen- eral mill work of all kinds is here manufactured, and the plant is one of the live industries which liave added to the commercial activity of the town. Mr. Stout is also an inventor of some ability, and among other of his patents is a turner's gauge and a sugar paddle, both of which have merits at once recognized by those in need of those articles.

In Susanville, Cal., Mr. Stout was married to Jessie E. Soulé, who was born in Iowa, and one child, Frances Estella, has blessed their mar- riage. Mrs. Stout is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Stout is a believer in Republican principles. His experi- ence as a business man of many years standing makes his membership in the Board of Trade a decided acquisition. While in Susanville, Cal.,

1845

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he joined the Odd Fellows, and is now affiliated with Pomona Lodge No. 246, of which he is past noble grand, and is past chief patriarch of San Antonio Encampment. With his wife he is a member of the Rebekahs, of which she is past noble grand. The Woodmen of the World also claim the membership of Mr. Stout, and in that as in other organizations with which he is as- sociated he is a valued and esteemed member.

CADET YRIBARNE. For nearly twenty years Mr. Yribarne has been a resident of Cal- ifornia, and during that time he has been con- nected with a number of undertakings directly or indirectly connected with agricultural life. In none of them, however, has he been more successful than in the growing of grapes and their later manufacture into wine, his distillery and vineyard, known as the Tisnerat vineyard, being located in Long Beach on Anaheim road and Alamitos avenue.

Mr. Yribarne is a native of France, and was born in Basses-Pyrenees January 1, 1865, the eldest of three children born to his parents, Jean and Madeline Yribarne. As the father died when Cadet was only seven years old, leaving his mother with two children younger than himself, it was not surprising that his school days were limited. However, he ap- plied himself diligently and gained a fair general knowledge in the common schools near his home. Subsequently he took charge of the home farm, which he managed for his mother until he was eighteen years old, when in 1884, he went to Montevidio, South Amer- ica, working as a farm hand there for two years. The next year he returned to his home in France, but he was not satisfied to remain there after getting a glimpse of the new world, and the following year, 1887, he was among the passengers who embarked from France bound for California by way of Panama. A strong factor in directing his steps towards California was the fact that an uncle, John Ballan, lived in San Pedro, and it was at that seaport that his ship cast anchor. For two years he was in his uncle's employ as assistant to him in the management of his stock busi- ness, but later he purchased a drove of sheep and started in business for himself. In 189f he came to this part of Los Angeles county and rented four thousand acres of the Ala- mitos Land Company lying east of Long Beach, which he ran as a stock ranch until 1897. Selling out his stock he at once pur- chased four acres on the corner of Second and Ansel streets, where he made his home and continued ranching for about three years, and

then, in 1900, bought two and a half acres at the corner of Seventh and Temple streets. He still owns a portion of this latter tract, al- though since 1902 his interests have been cen- tered in the Tisnerat vineyard, which he pur- chased that year, and which consists of six and seventy one-hundredths acres. On this property he is conducting a very profitable business in the raising of grapes, his brand of wine and brandy having a wide sale on its su- perior quality, and a reputation that is more than local.

After locating in Long Beach Mr. Yribarne formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Mary Cilbete, a native of Spain, but her death in April, 1904, left him alone with two children, John and Marguerite. Mr. Yribarne has shown himself a true American citizen by making a study of the platforms of the two great political bodies, and after weighing the principles of each has decided that the Repub- lican party stands for that which, in his mind, will bring the most good to the greatest num- ber. The only fraternal organization of which he is a member is the Eagles.

MILLARD FILLMORE NEFF. Among the intelligent, wide-awake agriculturists and the en- ergetic and progressive business men of San Diego county, Millard Fillmore Neff, of Fall- brook, occupies an assured position. He is a fine representative of the native-born sons of this state, his birth having occurred January 24, 1860, in Yolo county, where his father, Benjamin W. Neff, was a pioneer settler.

Leaving Maryland, his native state, when a young man, Benjamin W. Neff started westward, and, with a band of emigrants, crossed the plains with ox-teams in 1849. From San Francisco he went directly to Virginia City, Nev., where he worked at his trade of blacksmith at the mines, and was afterward similarly employed in both Yolo and Placer counties. Coming to San Diego county in 1874, he located near the present home of his son, Millard F. Neff, taking up a tract of government land, on which he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of sixty-four years, in 1882. He married Matilda Copeland, who was born in Ohio, and is now a resident of Florida.

Having received a practical common-school education in Placer county Millard Fillmore Neff came with his parents to Fallbrook township when a boy of fourteen, and assisted in the pio- neer labor of improving a ranch from the wild land which his father purchased. After the death of his father he had the management of the home estate until it was sold in 1888. Moving then into the village of Fallbrook he purchased a

1846

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

one-half interest in the general merchandise busi- ness of J. E. Tracy & Son, and for two years the business was conducted under the firm name of Tracy & Neff. At the end of that time Mr. Neff sold out to J. WV. Cheatem. Removing then to his present ranch: he has since been prosperously employed in general farming, having now a finely cultivated ranch of one hundred and sixty acres. He is especially interested in raising bees, being very successful, at the present time having two apiaries, each containing one hundred and ten colonies of these busy little honey-makers. Mr. Neff is a man of eminent business qualifica- tions, and is one of the stockholders in the Fall- brook Mercantile Company store, in which he was for two years the bookkeeper. He takes an intelligent interest in local matters, is a firm sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party, and for a number of years has served as school trustee.

March 18, 1885, in Fallbrook, Mr. Neff mar- ried Sarah E. Locke, a native of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of three children, namely : Clarence, at home; Edith, a pupil in the Fallbrook high school, and Benjamin Gerry. Fraternally Mr. Neff is a member of Fallbrook Lodge No. 339, I. O. O. F., and of Fallbrook Lodge No. 317, F. & A. M. Mrs. Neff is a woman of culture and refinement and a member of the Baptist Church.

PIERCE BROTHERS. Among the repre- sentatives of old New England families who have transferred their substantial traits of character to the far west, and have given their moral and business support to the upbuilding of San Pedro, mention is due the firm of Pierce Brothers, who as dealers in staple and fancy groceries are carrying on a profitable business. Charles E., Frank A. and Dennis G. Pierce are sons of Milo and Miranda (Galusha) Pierce, New Englanders by birth, and both of whom are now deceased.

The eldest of the three sons is Charles E. Pierce, who was born January 13, 1852, in South Shaftsbury, Bennington county, Vt., and was ed- ucated at the Burr and Burton Seminary at Manchester, that state. His first experience in the business world dates back to the time when he entered the employ of his father, who con- ducted a general store in South Shaftsbury. The work was congenial and his services were like- wise satisfactory to his father, but owing to failing health he was compelled to seek a change of climate and consequently went to St. Paul, Minn. He remained in that city for seven years as bookkeeper for a building and loan association and real-estate firm, of which he finally became a director, and in the meantime also organized and hecame president of another building and

loan society. During his residence in that city he became one of its employes, and as bookkeeper for one year in the city treasurer's office and assistant in the comptroller's office for eight years he not only won the commendation of his supe- riors, but gained what was of far more value in the business training which his various duties placed in his way.

Leaving the middle west in 1903 Mr. Pierce came to California, and after spending about two months in Long Beach, with his brother Frank A. came to San Pedro and established themselves in the grocery business at the corner of Palos Verdes and Eleventh streets. So rapidly did their business increase that in a short time they realized that more help was a necessity, and forth- with asked their younger brother, Dennis G., and his wife to come west and join them in their growing enterprise. While their stock includes everything that the demands of the household could suggest, such as staple and fancy groceries, fruits and notions, they also carry a complete line of shelf and heavy hardware, besides deal- ing in hay and grain.

Charles E. Pierce was married in St. Paul, Minn., September 25, 1885, to Ellen Bartlett, who like himself was a native of New England, her birth occurring in North Adams, Mass. She (lied in St. Paul, Minn., August 8, 1903. While a resident of St. Paul, Mr. Pierce was initiated into Masonry, becoming a charter member of Shekinah Lodge No. 171, A. F. & A. M., with which he is still affiliated ; is a member of Chap- ter No. 18, R. A. M., of Bennington, Vt .; Capitol City Lodge No. 48, I. O. O. F .; Capitol City Lodge No. 2, K. of P., at St. Paul; North Star Grove Lodge No. 4. A. U. O. D .; Bethesda Lodge No. I of the Rebekahs at St. Paul; and Harbor Chapter No. 174, O. E. S., at San Pedro.

Frank A. Pierce was born in 1856 and reared in South Shaftsbury, Vt., and prior to coming to California in 1903 held a position with the American Steel Wire Company at Allentown, Pa. The youngest brother, Dennis G., was also born in the family home in Vermont, February 2, 1872, and his early training and education were re- ceived in the Green Mountain state. Subse- quently he took a higher course of training in the Fort Edward (N. Y.) Institute. His mar- riage in 1896 in Rochester, Minn., united him with Anna E. Sischo, a native of Wisconsin. On coming to California in 1904 to assist his brothers in the management of the store he gave up his position with the American Steel Wire Company, as his brother F. A. had done the year previously. Fraternally F. A. Pierce is a mem- ber of the Masonic lodge at North Bennington, Vt., the Odd Fellows and Knights of the Golden Eagle lodges in Allentown, Pa., and the Elks lodge in San Pedro, while D. G. Pierce is iden-

1847

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tified with the Odd Fellows and Knights of Malta, both of Allentown, Pa. Although the Pierce brothers are among the more recent settlers in San Pedro they have already become known as men of sterling worth and irreproachable charac- ter. They are members of the San Pedro cham- ber of commerce and stockholders in the Harbor Savings Bank.

FRANK L. MOORE. A farmer of practical experience and skill, Frank L. Moore is actively identified with the promotion of the agricultural prosperity of Los Angeles county, having charge of his father's ranch, at Palms, and also of the hotel belonging to his father, Joseph K. Moore. He comes of good old New England stock, and was born, July 27, 1860, in St. Peter, Minn.

Born in Massachusetts in 1827, Joseph K. Moore was brought up and educated in his native state, and as a young man learned the printer's trade, which he followed for awhile in the east. With the venturous ambition of youth he came overland to California in 1852, making the tedious journey with ox-teams. Locating in San Francisco, he accepted a position as foreman in a printing office, receiving $300 per month wages for the three years in which he was so employed. Going as far east as Minnesota in 1856, he lo- cated at St. Peter, where he started the St. Peter Tribune. He was subsequently burned out, but immediately rebuilt and continued operations, remaining in that city thirty-five years. He be- came very prominent in municipal affairs, serv- ing as postmaster twenty-four years. During his residence there he served in the treasury depart- ment at Washington, D. C., and was also private secretary for Governor McGill, of that state. Disposing of his interests in St. Peter in 1888, he lived in retirement at St. Anthony Park for six years. Coming to Los Angeles, Cal., in 1894, he bought sixty acres of land near Palms, where he improved a ranch now valued at over $500 per acre. He also owned town lots and the hotel at Palms, valuable real estate holdings at Los Angeles and Ocean Park, and was finan- cially interested in silver mines. Fraternally he was a Mason and quite prominent in the order. Although physically feeble, his mind was clear and his mental vigor unimpaired until his death, in February, 1906. His wife, whose maiden name was Clara Hosley, was born in Massachu- setts, and is still living, a bright and active wo- man, and a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. Four children blessed their union, namely: Frank L., the special subject of this sketch ; Frederick S., foreman of a printing office in Downey, Cal .; Florence K., living at home; and Harry E., of Los Angeles, bookkeeper for the Conservative Life Insurance Company.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 106

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