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 111

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

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he was for awhile located in Iowa, first in Daven- port, where he received fifty cents a day on a farm, and afterwards in Muscatine. Subse- quently going to St. Louis, Mo., he was em- ployed as a boatman on the Mississippi river for a short time, and afterwards became watch- man on a boat at the dock, remaining thus occu- pied for about five weeks. Still hoping to find something better to employ his time, he then went to Leavenworth, Kans., where, as an em- ploye of Burrows & Trowbridge, he engaged in hauling government freight across the plains. Having delivered his first cargo at Fort Lara- mie, he drove to Council Grove, Kans., where he reloaded, and subsequently started for Fort Union, N. Mex. On the way, while crossing the creek, he and his companions were snowed in and had to remain from December 4th until the ensuing May, during which time he lost most of his stock. He then continued the journey to Fort Union, from there returning to Fort Leav- enworth, traveling on an average thirty miles a day.

Mr. Quill next went to St. Louis, thence going up the Ohio river to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to Covington, Ky., but not finding any- thing desirable to do in either city, returned again to St. Louis. From there he went to Omaha, Neb., thence by steamer to Fort Benton, and after remaining there a short time engaged in lumbering in the Nebraska timber-lands. January 2, 1868, he arrived in Chicago, Ill., be- ing then on his way east. Going to New York City and Boston, he visited his old home and former friends in Newburyport, Mass., after which he sailed from New York for California, arriving in San Francisco in February, 1868. Going on to San Jose, he was for a time employ- ed in prospecting along the Kern river, after which he came by stage to Los Angeles, where he worked two months. Returning then to San Francisco, he proceeded to Emigrant Gap, where during the summer he drove a logging team to Putnam's mill. Going to White Pine, Nev., in the fall, he located several claims, remaining in that vicinity until August, 1869. Coming to Southern California that fall, he located in the Los Nietos valley in October, 1869, and having rented eighty acres of land embarked in agri- cultural pursuits.

Meeting with undisputed success as a farmer, Mr. Quill purchased his first land in 1879, buy- ing twenty acres now included in his home ranch. He afterwards bought a tract contain- ing seventeen acres, and subsequently purchased forty acres, and again bought twenty acres of land adjoining his forty acres of grapes and wal- nuts. Very successful as a general rancher and fruit grower, he continued investing in real estate, and more recently bought five acres of rich

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land lying just across from his home estate. He also owns valuable land adjoining the city of Downey, and has title to considerable city prop- erty, being owner in all of one hundred and seven acres of as fine land as can be found in this locality. This land he has improved him- self, each year adding to its richness and value. Before becoming a landholder Mr. Quill loaned money, and in connection with farming carried on a substantial business in buying and selling grain, his foresight, practical judgment and sound sense winning him success in his extensive operations in that line.

February 2, 1882, Mr. Quill married Rosina Allen, daughter of Judge O. H. Allen and grand-daughter of Col. James and Mary (Reed) Allen. A native of Kentucky, Judge O. H. Allen studied law when young under Benjamin Harding, and was admitted to the bar in Washı- ington, D. C. He immediately located in Mis- sissippi, going from there to Texas in 1832. En- gaging in journalistic work, he established the first newspaper in the state, and in it, as an ad- vocate of the people's rights, he published the celebrated letter which led to the appointment, by the Mexican government, of Stephen F. Aus- tin as grantee of the lands in that vicinity. In 1849 Judge Allen came across the plains to California, and here spent the remainder of his life, dying, March 13, 1889, in Los Angeles county. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Quill: Oliver James, Charles A., and Joseph A. Mr. and Mrs. Quill are highly esteemed throughout the community, and their pleasant home is a center of gracious hos- pitality. They have a very conveniently ar- ranged house, with sanitary plumbing, furnished with water power and a gas plant. Politically Mr. Quill is a stanch Republican, and takes great interest in local matters, although he is no aspirant for official honors.

ALLAN L. HART. In the business circles of Santa Monica, no member holds a more assured position than Allan L. Hart, who is actively identified with the mercantile inter- ests of the community as a large and active dealer in staple and fancy groceries. Begin- ning life with no other assets than a willing, courageous heart and strong hands, he labored industriously, meeting with success in his va- rious undertakings, and is justly entitled to an honored position among the self-made men of the county. A native of New York, he was born, September 11, 1869, in Chautauqua coun- ty. His father, Lester Hart, was of New Eng- land stock, and his mother, whose maiden name was Anna Williamson, was of thrifty

Scotch descent. She died in 1901, aged fifty- nine years.

The oldest child and only son in a family of four children, Allan L. Hart was reared and educated in the Empire state. Thrown upon his resources when young, he worked at any honorable employment for many years, and by perseverance, thrift and wise management acquired some money. In August, 1903, he came with his family to Los Angeles county in search of a favorable opening for business, and October 10 opened his present grocery, in the Columbian block. Starting in on a broad scale, he carries a complete line of fine groceries, tea and coffee, his stock compar- ing favorably in regard to quantity and qual- ity with any in the vicinity, while his store is a model of cleanliness and thrift.

While living in New York, Mr. Hart mar- ried Cora D. Skinner, the descendant of an old New York family. Politically he is a loyal supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a man of upright character, well worthy of the success he has attained in so- cial and financial success, and is held in high regard by his associates and friends.

CHAUNCEY B. PETTIS. A man of un- questioned business tact and judgment, possess- ing strong and intelligent convictions, Chauncey B. Pettis is identified with the mercantile pros- perity of Ocean Park as junior member of the firm of Devore & Pettis, carrying on an extensive hardware business. Beginning on a small scale, these enterprising men have established a fine trade, which has kept pace with the rapid growth of the town, and have thoroughly identified them- selves with the leading interests of this section of the county, becoming prominent in financial, social and fraternal circles. A son of Willard H. Pettis, Chauncey B. Pettis was born in Canas- tota, Madison county, N. Y., of English ances- try, among his early progenitors being one of the heirs of the famous Richards estate in England. The founder of the Pettis family in this country came to the United States in early colonial days, and the brother of Mr. Pettis's grandfather served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

A life-long resident of New York state, Wil- lard H. Pettis was born in Oswego, where he learned the trade of carpenter and builder. He subsequently lived in different parts of the state, including Canastota and Newark, and died at the age of seventy-eight years, beloved and re- spected by all. He married Jeanette Scott, who was born and reared in Glasgow, Scotland, and of the children born of their union Chauncey B. was the third in order of birth.

Educated in the public schools of New York,

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Chauncey B. Pettis was graduated from the high school at Newark, after which he studied draw- ing, draughting and architecture. Thus equipped, he worked with his father for awhile at the carpenter's trade, and then started in business for himself as a builder and contractor, remain- ing in the east a number of years. In 1886 he came to California, arriving in Los Angeles in December. For fourteen years he resided there, and during the time was actively identified with the upbuilding of the city, working sometimes with a partner, and sometimes alone. Locating at Ocean Park in December, 1900, he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Devore, with whom he has since built up one of the largest and most profitable hardware trades in Southern California. As their patronage has increased, this enterpris- ing firm has enlarged its operations, from time to time adding to its stock, which is now valued at $50,000. Their fine double store, on Pier avenue, is one of the largest of the kind in the county, exceeding in size that of any on the beaches outside of Los Angeles. Aside from their varied stock of hardware they carry a good line of paints, oils and glass, and in every depart- ment have a most satisfactory trade.

In Los Angeles, Cal., Mr. Pettis married Mrs. Sarah Haulenbeck, a daughter of James H. Young, of Massachusetts. Politically Mr. Pet- tis is an independent Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Ocean Park Lodge, F. & A. M .; of the Woodmen of the World; and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pettis are held in high esteem, and are members of the Christian Science Church.

AUGUST CARL HEISTERMANN. Some men's lives are passed quietly in the enjoyment of their homes, while others are so rudely buf- feted in the voyage through life, and they meet with so many strange adventures, that the his- tory of their wanderings is more like a tale of fiction than that of sober biography. Among those whose life work has been of this character, and whose wanderings have been far and wide, is August Carl Heistermann, of San Pedro. Resolute, self-reliant, energetic and enterprising, he has kept busily employed since a boy of ten years, having been associated with various oc- cupations, and is now carrying on a substantial business as proprietor of the Home dairy, the largest institution of the kind in this part of Los Angeles county. A native of Germany, he was born, December 23, 1861, in Kiel, duchy of Hol- stein. His father, the late Carl Heistermann, was born at Lippe-Detmold, Germany, where he learned the trade of brick maker, which he sub- sequently followed at Kiel until his death, about 1872. His wife, whose maiden name was Char-

lotte Groath, was born in Gikon, Holstein, and died, August 16, 1904, in San Pedro, Cal.

The oldest of a family of four children, Au- gust Carl Heistermann was brought up on a farm near Kiel. When he was but ten years of age he was left fatherless, and from that time be- came self supporting. From then until sixteen years old he worked on a dairy farm, receiv- ing his board and clothes for his labor, and hav- ing two half school days each week. The follow- ing two years he was employed in the Kiel navy yard, after which he followed the sea for a long time, being engaged principally in the coasting trade. Subsequently he made three trips around Cape Horn, going first to Iquique, Chile, and re- turning. On his second voyage he visited Val- paraiso, Chile, and then, after making a trip to Hamburg, a home port, he came to California by way of the Horn, being one hundred and sixty- five days on the way, and arriving in San Fran- cisco in October, 1880. While following the sea, he had many perilous adventures. While sail- ing on the Magdalena, a two-master, the ves- sel was ship-wrecked off the coast of Mecklen- burg, but no lives were lost, the entire crew be- ing saved. During his last voyage around the Horn his vessel lost nearly every sail while rounding the Cape, and for seven weeks laid off the coast, being on the beam end for three days, during which time the men on board came very near being frozen to death.

Locating in San Francisco soon after the ves- sel landed, Mr. Heistermann worked for four months at the confectioner's trade, receiving $4 a week wages. The ensuing five years he was in the employ of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, and during the time made two voy- ages to Honolulu on sailing vessels, and two to Australia on the steamship Australia, land- ing at Sydney, on one of the latter trips going as quartermaster. Again giving up his seafaring pursuits, he was for a num- ber of years employed in dredging in dif- ferent localities, first as leverman for the Smith Company assisting in dredging the Oakland basin, and afterwards the San Pedro bay. Then, as captain of the men employed, he dredged the San Diego bay, and afterwards the Oakland channel. Giving up his position with the Smith Dredging Company, he was subsequently asso- ciated with the San Francisco Bridge Company for fourteen months, being captain of the dredg- ing company that dug the tidal canal. Coming again to San Pedro in 1890 he served as captain of the dredging company that made the channel in the harbor, and filled in Bosco Island, work- ing for Captain Polhamus. Giving up his position in 1893, he opened a feed and gro- cery store at the corner of Fourth and Mesa streets, in San Pedro, and continued there until

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1895, when he moved into a store which he had built, and there remained two years, meeting with excellent success. His health failing, he then gave up all business for four years. Then, ac- cepting the position of foreman of the Coast Con- tracting Company, in San Francisco, he had charge of the blowing up of Shark Rock and Arch Rock, at the first charge of Shark Rock using ten tons of gelatine. Returning to San Pedro in the spring of 1902, Mr. Heistermann started in his present business, locating at the corner of Fourth and Mesa streets. He sub- sequently enlarged his operations, buying another firm's stock, and in November, 1902, locating at his present place, one mile from the city, where he is carrying on a large and remun- erative business under the name of the Home dairy. He keeps about seventy-five cows, Jerseys and Durhams, and in supplying the demands of his numerous customers runs three wagons.

In Alameda, Cal., in 1885, Mr. Heistermann married Annie Nicolai, who was born in New York, but when two years old was taken to Germany, remaining there until sixteen years of age. She then returned to the United States, locating in San Francisco, and subsequently, in Alameda, was married to Mr. Heistermann. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of eight children, namely : Gustav, Bertha, Mag- gie, Tina. Carl, Cora, George and Henry. Polit- ically Mr. Heistermann is identified with the Republican party in national affairs : fraternally he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men ; and religiously he is a Lutheran.

ROBERT E. L. SACKETT. The univer- sal esteem of a community is given to Mr. Sackett for his demonstration of business qual- ities which have placed him in the front rank of ranchers in Los Angeles county, where he was born December 5. 1869, the son of a worthy pioneer. His father, Thompson D. Sackett, was born near Quincy, Ill., in 1827, while his mother, Rebecca M. Evans in maid- enhood, was a native of Alabama. The par- ents were married in Arkansas, and lived in that state until their removal to Texas, whence they came overland to California in 1857. From San Bernardino county they went to Visalia for a few years, then returned to Los Angeles county in 1867. While in the north he had engaged in the cattle business but dur- ing the dry years lost all of his stock, and when he came back to Los Angeles county he had to begin at the foot of the ladder once more. He established his home in this com- munity and spent the remainder of his years on the old homestead, passing away in 1892 at the age of sixty-five years. The mother

died in 1906 at the age of seventy-four years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living. Mr. Sackett was a lifelong Democrat politically, and in religion both himself and wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Nor- walk.

The preliminary education of Robert E. L. Sackett was received in the common schools, after which he took a commercial course in the Woodbury Business College, of Los Ange- les. After the close of his schooldays he re- turned to the home ranch and worked with his father, until the latter's death, when he went to work upon the forty-acre tract which he had inherited. He is progressive and enter- prising and it was not long before he pur- chased thirty-five acres of land adjoining his property, and has since added twenty acres, and a fifteen-acre tract, while he also owns a lot in Long Beach. The home place is in grain and the management of a dairy occupies a large part of his attention, fifty cows sup- plying this department of the work, the milk being sold to the Alpine Farm and Dairy Com- pany, of Los Angeles. A considerable portion of his other property is devoted to the raising of grain, although he intends to set out fifteen acres in gum trees in the fall of 1907. In 1893 Mr. Sackett was united in marriage with Miss Millie Beasley, a native of Oregon, and a daughter of David I. Beasley, who at the time of his death was in the employ of the govern- ment in Arizona. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett are the parents of the following children: Edward B., Irene, Dorothy and Robert G. Mr. Sackett is a member of Camp Io. K. O. T. M., of Ar- tesia, and is also identified with the Indepen- dent Order of Foresters. Politically he is a stanch Democrat. Regarding the upbuilding of this section no citizen has been more promi- nent than Mr. Sackett : he has done much to promote the improvement of the San Gabriel river in this vicinity, serving as secretary and the superintendent of the new San Gabriel cor- poration organized to improve and straighten the river. Mr. Sackett was the right of way man and the successful completion of this un- dertaking was largely due to his efforts and those of a brother.

WALTER J. MAIN. Ever since crossing the ocean from his native land and identifying himself with the citizenship of the United States, Mr. Main has been a resident of Cali- fornia, and of recent years he has made his home and business headquarters in Downey. where he owns and operates a blacksmith's shop. In a shop in Scotland, under the over-

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sight of a skilled blacksmith, he learned the trade while yet a boy and by reason of thor- ough practical training and industrious per- severance there are few now who can surpass him in skilled workmanship along the line of his chosen occupation. Those who have once entrusted him with their work afterward feel every confidence in his skill and painstaking care.

There were ten children, seven boys and three girls, in the family of Alexander and Margaret (Grant) Main, natives of Scotland, and they were reared to habits of industry and honesty characteristic of their race. Some years ago the father passed away, but the mother still survives and remains in her na- tive country, where also the majority of the children reside. One brother who came to California is married and occupies a ranch in the vicinity of Santa Barbara. Walter J., who was next to the youngest of the ten children, was born in Scotland April 27, 1873, and re- ceived a common-school education. Leaving school at the age of thirteen years he became an apprentice to the trade of a blacksmith, at which he served for three and one-half years, and then became a journeyman in the employ of others.

Crossing the ocean to New York in 1897 Mr. Main proceeded direct to California and settled at Santa Barbara, where he secured employ- ment at his trade and remained about five years. From there he came to Downey and after nine months in the employ of others he bought his present shop, which he conducts with care and skill. While living in Santa Barbara he was married, in September, 1901, to Mary Ann Downev, a native of Scotland, but a resident of California from early girlhood. One child, Ann, blesses their union. The family are iden- tified with the Presbyterian Church, and fra- ternally Mr. Main holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees and Knights of Pythias. Though deeply interested in all the questions pertaining to the welfare of his adopted coun- try he has never become an adherent of either of the dominant political parties, but maintains independence of opinion and ballot.

CECIL L. GRIFFIN. Descended from Welsh ancestry, the Griffin family has been iden- tified with the development of the United States from an early period and its members have made their homes principally in the north and east. In New York state, near the city of Buffalo, D. C. Griffin was born and reared and there he learned the trade of a carpenter, which for some years lie followed in the vicinity of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Upon removing to Michigan he took up land near Charlotte, in Eaton county, and there not only tilled the soil, but also devoted considerable at- tention to the building business. Emigration was drifting steadily toward the undeveloped west, and he followed the tide of population to Kan- sas, where in 1881 he secured farm land near Wellington, Sumner county. Ten years later he removed to the newly opened territory of Oklahoma and opened a mercantile store at Hen- nessey, continuing the same until his retirement from business cares. That town continues to be the home of himself and wife, the latter of whom was Amanda Potter, a native of the vicinity of Buffalo, N. Y. Of their two sons and two daughters all are living except one daughter, Ida. Cecil L., the youngest, was born near Fort Wayne, Ind., April 29, 1867, and was two and one-half years of age at the time of the re- moval to Michigan. Hence his early recollec- tions are of the farm near Charlotte and the public schools of that neighborhood, where he gained his primary education. After removing in 1881 to Kansas he completed his grammar- school studies.

On crossing the continent to California in 1887 Mr. Griffin became an employe of the Grif- fith Lumber Company of Santa Ana. Under their supervision he learned the industry from the foundation and acquired a trustworthy and important knowledge of the many details con- nected with the work. After he had been with the firm for eighteen months he resigned his po- sition and returned to Kansas, where he spent four years, a part of the time as a farmer and the remainder of the period as a clerk in a store. On his return to the Pacific coast he secured a position with the Newport Lumber Company as a clerk and afterward was promoted to the charge of their shipping department in the whole- sale vards. When the business was sold to the Nofziger Brothers he continued with the new owners, by whom he was entrusted with the management of the Santa Ana yards. In a short time the company sent him to Los An- geles to superintend the building of their whole- sale lumber yard on Palmetto avenue and Sixth street, and he remained in that place until the yard was in running order. In September of 1901 he came to Redondo as tallyman for the company, and here in July of the following year he took an influential part in the organization of the Lumber Surveyors' Association of South- ern California. This enterprise has since num- bered him among its most active members, and at this writing he holds the office of vice-presi- dent and agent for Redondo, his home town.

The marriage of Mr. Griffin took place in Santa Ana and united him with Miss Campbell, who was born in Nova Scotia, but has resided in

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Southern California since girlhood. Five chil- dren comprise their family, Leslie, Percy, Fay, Clifford and Ralph. After coming to his pres- ent location Mr. Griffin was made a Mason in Redondo Lodge No. 328, F. & A. M., in the philanthropies of which he has ever been in- terested. During his residence in Santa Ana he was an active member of the Knights of Pythias and the Tents of the Maccabees in that city. Though he has never been prominent in politics nor sought the emoluments of office, he has firm convictions upon all public questions and gives his support to the Republican party

CHARLES E. FULTON. Among the talented and progressive residents of San Pedro is Charles E. Fulton, a skilful and capable mechanic, who, as a member of the Fulton & Iversen Ship and Boat Building Company, is actively identified with one of the leading in- terests of Los Angeles county. Dependent upon his own resources from boyhood, he has labored with untiring diligence, steadily climbing the ladder of success, and is to-day a fine represen- tative of the self-made men of our country. Of New England ancestry, he was born, February 17, 1871, at Port Ludlow, Jefferson county, Wash., a son of William Fulton, and a lineal descendant of Robert Fulton, the inventor, who, in 1807, built the first steamboat, the Clermont, which was launched on the Hudson river.

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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 111

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