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 107

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

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Educated in the public schools of St. Peter, Frank L. Moore subsequently worked in his father's printing office for awhile, after which he attended Milton College, at Milton, Wis., for two years. On attaining his majority he em- barked in farming pursuits, for a number of years renting land in Wisconsin. Going then to Sonth Dakota, he took up a homestead claim and a tree claim, and there pursued his independent calling for awhile. Selling out, he returned to Wiscon- sin, and after farming for a few seasons went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was employed for a year in a printing establishment. Coming to California in 1890, he located near San Diego, where for three years he had charge of a ranch belonging to his father. Going then to Redlands, he carried on farming on rented land for two years, when he returned to Los Angeles county, the following year having charge of a ranch near San Gabriel. Since that time he has man- aged his father's ranch of sixty acres at Palms, and in his operations has met with marked suc- cess. November 15, 1905, he assumed control of the hotel property, which he managed for a short time, and then embarked in the bakery and confectionery business.

Mr. Moore married first, in 1881, Annie Mc- Nitt, who was born in Wisconsin, and died in that state at the age of twenty-six years. Of the three children born of this union, two died in childhood, and one is living, Frank F., a ranch- man of Palms. In San Diego, Cal., Mr. Moore married Mrs. Emma (Swords) Bales, a native of Illinois, and they have one child, Edith F. Moore. Politically Mr. Moore is a Republican, and fraternallv he belongs to Palms Camp No. 567, W. O. W.

H. C. KELSEA. Prominent among the lead- ing citizens of Compton is H. C. Kelsea, who lo- cated here when the town was comparatively new, and in its upbuilding and growth has been an important force. Enterprising and energetic, he has generously aided and encouraged the es- tablishment of all beneficial projects, in the ma- terial and business advancement of town and county taking an active part. Brave and public- spirited, he served as a member of the vigilance committee in the early days, being captain of the local company. Of thrifty New England stock, he was born, September II, 1845, in New Hampshire, which was likewise the birthplace and life-long residence of his parents, Benja- min Franklin and Martha ( Merrill) Kelsea. His father, a farmer in his earlier days, subsequent- lv sold his land and settled as a merchant at Center Harbor, N. H. He was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when he became one of its stanchest adherents, and was

1848

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

active in local affairs, serving as postmaster un- der both Lincoln and Johnson. He was a man of high moral principles, and his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

After leaving the district school, which he at- tended six months of the year, H. C. Kelsea worked for awhile in his father's store, at Cen- ter Harbor, N. H., and then learned the trade of machinist. Enlisting, in August, 1861, in Company I, Fifth New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, he served until July 5, 1865, during which time he participated in thirty-two engage- ments, including the battles of Gettysburg, Seven Pines and the Wilderness. Being wounded in the right lung during the latter engagement, he was confined in the hospital for two months, and on being released was sent home on a fur- lough. He afterwards reported for duty, and remained with his regiment until the close of the war. Locating then in Salem, Mass., he learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, at which he worked as a journeyman for five years, and as a contractor for himself for two years. Then, the wounds that he received in the war beginning to trouble him seriously, he came by way of the Isthmus to California in 1874, hoping in this land of sunshine to receive permanent benefit. After spending a brief time in San Francisco, he came on a coast steamer south to Santa Barbara, from there going up into the mountains. He subsequently worked at his trade in Los Angeles for a year, from there coming to Compton. Deciding to locate here permanently he bought a ranch of twenty-eight acres and began life as a farmer. He afterwards purchased another ranch, one containing forty acres, and in the management of his two farms has been very successful. He carries on general farming, making a specialty of raising two of the staple products of this section of the county, al- falfa and beets. In addition to ranching he has carried on an extensive business as a contractor and builder, having erected many of the larger public buildings and private residences of Comp- ton and vicinity, being popular as a carpenter and a most pleasant and agreeable man to deal with, as he is upright and honest in all of his trans- actions.

In 1870, in Danvers, Mass., Mr. Kelsea mar- ried Mary E., daughter of Frederick A. Wil- kins, of Massachusetts, and into their home five children have been born: Frederick, born Oc- tober 6, 1873. married Sarah Lothrop, and re- sides in Long Beach: Frank, living in Los An- geles, was born July 21, 1875; Chester, also of Los Angeles, was born August 24, 1879; Har- old, born October 21, 1883. resides in Los An- geles ; and Gertrude, born August 24, 1887, is at- tending the University of California at Berkeley. In national politics Mr. Kelsea supports the can-

didate of the Republican party, but in local af- fairs he invariably casts his ballot for the men best fitted in his judgment for the offices, regard- less of party prejudices. He takes great inter- est in town and city matters, and has served as school trustee. Socially he is a member and the commander of Shiloh Post No. 60, G. A. R., of Compton.

ROBERT KIRKWOOD. Familiar with va- rious portions of California through travel and brief sojourns in a number of cities, Mr. Kirk- wood on coming to Long Beach was especially attracted by the possibilities of this city and so disposed of his holdings in five different counties of the state, in order that his investments might be centered in Long Beach. Here he now lives, retired from business activities, in the comfort- able residence which he erected on the corner of Magnolia avenue and West Seventh street. Of Scotch birth. and ancestry, he was born in the city of Glasgow, December 29, 1827, being a son of Robert and Jane (Gilbur) Kirkwood. natives of Scotland. His father, who was a steam engineer by occupation, came to the United States in 1848 and settled near St. Louis, where a suburb was given the family name. There both he and his wife remained until death.

In a family of three sons and three daughters Robert Kirkwood was next to the youngest. Ed- ucated in the schools of his native city and reared to habits of industry, he was well quali- fied to make his own way in the world when, in 1848, he accompanied his parents to the United States. The trade of machinist, which he had learned in Glasgow, he followed in St. Louis until 1856, when he came to the Pacific coast by way of Panama. For a time he worked in San Francisco as an employe of the Union foun- dry (now the Union Iron Works), but in 1857 he went to Angel's Camp to take up the work of a mining engineer. After working for two companies he formed the firm of Kirkwood & Co., but in 1860 discontinued activities there and removed to Sonora, where he was employed in a foundry for eight years. The year 1869 found him in Soulsbyville, where he put in mining ma- chinery and then acted as foreman of the me- chanical department in the mines. Next he ex- perimented in a new field of labor, that of grape culture, purchasing in 1875 a vineyard near Fresno; however, not finding the occupation profitable at that time and place, he sold the vineyard. Later he made his home in Pasadena and engaged in engineering work elsewhere until 1901, when he came to Long Beach and bought his present property.

The marriage of Mr. Kirkwood was solemnized

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1849

in St. Louis, Mo., and united him with Eliza- beth Harris, who was born at Worcester, Eng- land, and died at Long Beach, Cal., in June of 1903. Of their union six children were born and four are now living, namely: Alfred Rob- ert, who remains with his father; Mrs. Jeannie Davies, of Long Beach ; Charles, who is engaged in mining in Alaska; and Annie, who has charge of the family home since the death of her mother. The only fraternity with which Mr. Kirkwood has been identified is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; nor has he been active in politics, taking no part in the same aside from voting the Republican ticket at elections. Through his active years the duties of his occupation were such as to preclude activity in fraternal or political organizations, and now, when retired from busi- ness, he finds his greatest enjoyment in the quiet of his home and the companionship of children and friends.

WILLIAM EDWARD PHELPS. No citizen takes a keener interest in the history of California than does Dr. Phelps, of Red- lands, and no citizen is more ready and able to lend an impetus to the upbuilding, of the section than he. Inheriting from an old New York family those qualities of character domi- nant in the life of the early settler, he was born in Phelps Street, Fulton county, N. Y., November 12, 1860; his grandfather, Chester, was born in that place, as was his father, George R., a farmer, who died in Gloversville in May, 1903. His mother was a member of the Whitney family, her birth occurring in Saratoga county, N. Y., near Glens Falls; she still survives and makes her home in Glovers- ville. She has two sons and three daughters living, one daughter being deceased; one son, W. W., is now a glove manufacturer in Glov- ersville.

The second child in the family of his par- ents, William Edward Phelps was reared in the paternal home until he was twenty years old, receiving a preliminary education in the public schools of the state. In Gloversville he engaged in the manufacture of gloves and at the same time studied and began the prac- tice of veterinary surgeon. Severing his busi- ness relations in that place in June, 1890, he came to California and located in Redlands, then but a small place, and here engaged in the practice of his profession, which he has since continued, now being the oldest veteri- nary surgeon in San Bernardino county. He has been successful in his work and has ac- quired a competence, and at the same time by reason of his interest in public affairs has as- sumed a place of prominence in the citizen-

ship of the place. He has contributed no lit- tle toward the upbuilding of Redlands, has purchased and improved property, and now owns a comfortable residence on Walnut street, where he makes his home.

In Fulton county, N. Y., Dr. Phelps was united in marriage with Miss Emily Banks, a native of Phelps Street, N. Y., where her death occurred. She had two children, Jessie May and Harold Chester, who died at the age of three months. The second marriage of Dr. Phelps took place in Redlands and united him with Miss Hester J. Mums, a native of Illinois, and born of this union is one son, Raymond Chester. Dr. Phelps gives his sup- port to the Baptist Church, of which his wife is a member. The doctor served as county veterinarian, having been appointed by the board of supervisors in June, 1905. Frater- nally he is prominent, being past grand of the Odd Fellows, and belonging also to the en- campment of that organization; the Redmen ; Ancient Order of United Workmen; Fraternal Brotherhood; Knights of the Maccabees; and the Royal Court, of which lie is serving as trustee. He belongs to the State Veterinary Medical Association and is prominent in the Southern California Auxiliary. Politically he is a stanch advocate of the principles advo- cated in the platform of the Republican party, and is serving as a member of the Republican County Central Committee. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and in all things gives his stanch support to the advancement and upbuilding of the city. He is justly esteemed among the representative citizens of Redlands, and appreciated for the high qualities of char- acter displayed during his residence here.

IRWIN FELLOWS. Indiana has contrib- uted her quota of dependable citizens toward making California the greatest commonwealth in the west. and among those of her number men- tion is due Irwin Fellows, who has been a resi- dent of the state since. 1887. Born in Putnam county, Ind., May 28, 1858, he is a son of War- ner and Charlotte (Howe) Fellows, the latter both natives of the Empire state. In Onondaga county, where he was born in 1812, Warner Fellows was reared to young manhood, and there also he settled down to follow an agricultural life. For a number of years after this venture he was well content with his lot, but a desire to settle in a newer country led to the sale of his eighty- acre farm and the year 1842 found him among the pioneer settlers in Indiana. Selecting a lo- cation in Putnam county, he purchased a farm of seventy-two acres, upon which he made his home for nearly thirty years, his death occur-

1850

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ring there in 1870. Politically he favored Re- publican principles, and fraternally he was iden- tified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Although he was not allied with any re- ligious organization he assisted in the mainte- nance of the Baptist Church, of which denomina- tion his wife was a member.

The parental family comprised twelve chil- dren, of whom Irwin was the youngest. His early boyhood years were not unlike those of the average boy in a new country, and when not at- tending the subscription school he was perform- ing his share of the chores on the farm. This desultory training was found to be a valuable asset when, at the age of sixteen years, he was given charge of the home farm, running it for four years. About this time, 1879, he was mar- ried and with his bride removed to Missouri, re- moving back to Indiana two years later, how- ever. After spending a like period in the Hoos- ier state he went to Kansas, there learning the mason's trade. Thus doubly equipped for mak- ing a livelihood he came to California in 1887, locating at once in Los Angeles county, and up- on the property which he then purchased, near Palms, he has since been a resident. His ranch comprises eight acres, and in addition to its care and management he also works at his trade, the combined income enabling him to enjoy the comforts of life and to bestow upon his children advantages of which he himself was deprived. To himself and wife, formerly Martha A. Whit- taker, two children have been born, Luther J., born in 1879, and Warner E., in 1882. All of the family attend the Baptist Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Fellows are members, and polit- ically Mr. Fellows is a Republican. The only fraternal order of which he is a member is the Woodmen of the World.

JAMES B. PROCTOR. The establishment of the Proctor family in the United States oc- curred under circumstances somewhat peculiar. One of that name was a millwright in a cotton mill in England and, being a man of unusual ability and energy, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. With keen foresight he decided that the United States offered a splendid field for the establishment of a cotton mill, for up to that time none had been started in the new world. However, the English gov- ernment, naturally averse to the building up of cotton factories in our country, refused to give him permission to come to the United States, but allowed him to go as far as Nova Scotia. From there he made three attempts to steal away, but each time was caught by officers until the third time, when he secreted himself on board of a vessel bound for Massachusetts. The

officers of the ship and the crew were ignorant of his presence. Scarcely had the ship set sail when he was missed and a British war vessel was dispatched in pursuit of the craft. Soon overtaken, the officers made a thorough search, but could not find the missing man, so they de- parted, and in this way the fugitive reached Massachusetts in safety. Shortly after his ar- rival he started the first cotton mill in the United States and the remainder of his life was devoted to that occupation.

Among the descendants of this sturdy English pioneer of Massachusetts was a grandson, Al- fred A. Proctor, who was born in New York, and for years lived in Michigan, but about 1872 came to California and started the first black- smith's shop at Compton. A sincere member of the Christian Church, he died in that faith in May of 1904. In early manhood he had married Margaret Chrysler, who was born in Canada, removed in childhood to Vermont, and from there to Michigan, later coming to California, where in 1888 her death occurred. Among her three children there was one daughter, now a resident of Los Angeles. One of the sons is living at Norwalk and the other, J. B., makes his home at Compton. The latter was born at Lowell, Kent county, Mich., on the 4th of July, 1857, and came with his parents to California, arriving November 2, 1872, after which he at- tended school at Compton. At the age of nine- teen years he became interested in boring wells and has since engaged in this business, using two machines in his work. For ten years he made his home in Riverside, but with that ex- ception he has resided at Compton since coming to the coast.

The marriage of Mr. Proctor took place No- vember 2, 1882, and united him with Mary Wil- son, a native of California. Three children were born of their union, namely: Victor E., born August 9, 1883; Leona M., April 26, 1897; and Viola I., August 30, 1899. The father of Mrs. Proctor was William A. Wilson, who was born in Missouri and crossed the plains with his wife in the first train behind the victims of the Moun- tain Meadow massacre, from whom they were distant only forty miles. The savages came upon their own little party and took all of their stock, but allowed the men and women to go 011 through Utah unmolested. When Mr. Wilson arrived in California he had nothing but his yoke of oxen and fifty cents in money. Notwith- standing his condition among strangers, with a family dependent upon him, he was able to sup- ply the needs of wife and children and gradually . gained a position of prosperity. Of his eleven children eight survive, four sons making their home at Long Beach. His death occurred in 1892 and was mourned by the people of Comp-

1851

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ton, where he had been one of the earliest set- tlers. His wife and her mother still survive, and there are altogether five generations of their family living in this vicinity. The Republican party receives the stanch support of Mr. Proctor in national elections, but in local matters he sup- ports the men he considers best qualified to pro- mote the local welfare. In fraternal relations he holds membership with Anchor Lodge, No. 273, F. & A. M., and has officiated as steward of the same.

FRED. A. MCCURDY. Among the enterpris- ing and self-reliant men who are actively as- sociated with the development of the agricult- ural resources of Los Angeles county is F. A. McCurdy, a well-known ranchman of Clearwater township. He pays especial attention to dairy- ing and poultry raising, and in the management of his interests shows marked ability and excel- lent judgment. A son of the late Daniel Mc- Curdy, he was born January 22, 1852, in Waldo county, Mc., coming from honored New Eng- land stock.

A native of Maine, Daniel McCurdy there spent the larger part of his comparatively brief life, being a true and loyal citizen. In 1862 he enlisted in his country's service, becoming a member of the Eighteenth Maine Volunteer In- fantry, and in 1864 met his death on the field of battle, being killed at the siege of Petersburg. He married Hannah Field, who was born in Maine, living there until 1880, when she re- moved to Kansas. From there she subsequent- ly came to California, and died at the home of her son, F. A. McCurdy. She was a member of the Baptist Church, while her husband belonged to the Christian Church. He was a Republican in politics, and a man of sterling character.

Brought up in his native town, F. A. McCurdy received his early education in the district schools, and as a youth was well trained in the New England habits and virtues. Being left father- less when a boy, he was thrown partly upon his own resources, and began earning his living by working as a farm hand in summer and in the Maine lumber camps winters. Leaving his native state in 1876, he made his way westward to Lawrence. Kans., where he was successfully employed in the agricultural implement business for about ten years. Coming to California in 1886, he was for six years engaged as a wind- mill tank contractor, being located in Alameda county, near Oakland. Settling then in San Luis Obispo county, he embarked in agricultural pursuits, remaining there a number of seasons. Disposing of his property in that locality, he purchased his present ranch of twenty acres near Clearwater, and since devoted himself to the raising of hay, grain and alfalfa for feed, and

to dairying and chicken raising, carrying on a large and lucrative business in this line.

In Kansas, in 1879, Mr. McCurdy married Rachel Walton, who was born in Indiana. Her father, Amos Walton, was born and reared in Ohio, but after. his marriage settled first in Indiana, later moving to Kansas, and is now a resident of Long Beach, Cal. His wife, whose maiden name was Sallie Hiatt, died when the daughter Rachel was a young girl. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy six children have been born, and of them we mention the following: Clemie Raye, who was born in Kan- sas, died at the age of four years; Fred, born in Kansas, lived but two years; Nicholas, also born in Kansas, is following the carpenter's trade in Los Angeles county ; Helen A., born in Alameda county, Cal., is living at home ; Blanche, born in Alameda county, is at the Home for Children, in Eldridge, Sonoma coun- ty ; and Joseph F., is the only one of the children born in Los Angeles county, his birth having occurred on the home ranch. Politically Mr. McCurdy is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Alameda Lodge, K. of P. He is an esteemed and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, toward the support of which he contributes generously.

MERCURIAL LUGO. The ranch of eigh- teen acres now the property of Mr. Lugo was formerly a part of La Ballona rancho, the latter in times past one of the vast properties held by the Spanish. A man of progressive ideas, he looks forward to the betterment of the commun- ity in which he makes his home, in a special as well as an agricultural way, giving the best of his efforts toward this end. A native son of the state, he was born in Los Angeles county in Feb- ruary, 1859. (For an account of the parental history the reader is referred to the sketch of Vicente Lugo, which will be found elsewhere in this volume.)

The first seven years of Mr. Lugo's life were closely associated with his birthplace in Los An- geles county, the family at this period remov- ing to a ranch in San Diego county. Ten or twelve years later Mr. Lugo and his mother re- moved to the ranch in Los Angeles county which the latter owned in the vicinity of Palms, the two making their home together until the son attained his twenty-fifth year. At this period in his career he formed domestic ties of his own and established his home on the ranch of eight- teen acres which he now owns. This was a gift from his mother at the time of his marriage and was a part of the ranch upon which he and his mother had resided for so many years previously.

Seven children were horn of the marriage of

1852

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mercurial Lugo and Reta Rays, the latter also a ·native of Los Angeles county. Named in or- der of birth their children are as follows: An- tonio. Francisco, Jean, George, Becinta, Lovena and Loquano. With the exception of Lovena, who died when seven years of age, all of the children are at home with the parents. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church, and politically Mr. Lugo is a Democrat. The esteem in which Mr. Lugo is held by his fellow citizens is well deserved and reflects further credit on a name already well known in this part of California.

AMOS DAVIS THATCHER. The Thatcher family comes of old Quaker ancestry and became established in the Virginian colony during the early colonization of America. One hundred and fifty-seven years ago Jonathan Thatcher pur- chased from Lord Fairfax a plantation situated near what is now Martinsburg. W. Va., and the house he erected still stands, in a fair state of preservation. The old homestead has been handed down from father to son and now be- longs to Newton J. Thatcher. Perhaps one hun- dred years ago the then owner of the property planted an orchard of apple trees and long after- wards this was still considered one of the finest orchards in the entire state. A single tree one year bore one hundred and forty-five bushels of apples, and some of the trees measured as much as twenty-six inches in diameter.

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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 107

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