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 127

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

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Although a younger institution the San Ber- nardino County Savings Bank is on an equal footing with the San Bernardino National Bank in the matter of reliability, for the officers of the latter are also in charge of the newer organi- zation. It was opened for business July 6, 1903, with officers as follows: E. D. Roberts, presi- dent; Seth Marshall, first vice-president; A. C. Denman, Jr., second vice-president ; A. G. Ken- dall, cashier, and directors, E. D. Roberts, Seth Marshall, A. C. Denman, Jr., W. S. Hooper, G. W. Parsons, H. E. Harris, A. M. Ham, T. A. Blakely, J. B. Gill, H. B. Smith and W. J. Cur- tis. The capital stock of this institution is $55 .- 000; surplus, $15,000, while the deposits have exceeded the half million mark. A fact worthy of note in connection with this bank is that from the start it has paid dividends to the stockhold- ers, the first year six per cent, and ever since then eight per cent To the depositor it pays

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four per cent on term deposits, while on ordinary deposits three per cent is paid.

The foregoing facts in regard to two of San Bernardino county's monetary institutions have been read with interest and profit, and the read- er may peruse the life history of their president, Edward David Roberts, to even greater advan- tage. He was born in Cambria, Columbia coun- ty, Wis., July 18, 1864, a son of J. W. and Eliza ( Williams ) Roberts, both natives of North Wales. L'p to the age of fifteen years he was reared and educated in Cambria, and in 1879 went to Pittsburg, Pa., to further pursue his studies in the preparatory department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, an institu- tion which was founded in that city in 1819, but which in 1888 was removed to Allegheny City. He concluded his sophomore year in the latter institution, and in the meantime had also com- pleted a course in Duff's Commercial College in Pittsburg. It was with this preparation for busi- ness life that he went to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1882 and accepted a position in the claim depart- ment of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad under J. P. Elliott. The following year found him in Bridgewater, McCook county, S. Dak., drawn thither, no doubt, from the fact that his brother-in-law, J. W. Davis, was inter- ested in business there. Besides interesting him- self in the stock and land business there, Mr. Roberts bought an interest in the McCook Coun- ty Bank, in which his brother-in-law was also interested. The removal of Mr. Davis to Cali- fornia in 1884 made a change in the personnel of the bank, and at this time Mr. Roberts was made cashier. Mr. Davis' object in removing to California was to establish the First National Bank of Colton, which he did in conjunction with his father, J. W. Davis, Sr., and in 1885 Mr. Roberts closed up his affairs in South Da- kota and also removed to Colton, to accept the position of assistant cashier in the bank just mentioned. Subsequently he was made cashier, and while a resident of that town also served on the board of town trustees.

It was in 1892 that Mr. Roberts and his fath- er, J. W. Roberts, became interested in the San Bernardino National Bank, the former rising gradually from the position of bookkeeper, until in January, 1903, upon the death of his father, he was made president of the institution. Since then, July 6, 1903, he organized the San Ber- nardino Savings Bank, of which he is president, and he also holds the same position in the First National Bank of Colton. Notwithstanding the demands upon his time and thought which these positions involve, he is nevertheless active in business along other lines, and with Seth Mar- shall assisted in the organization of the Arrow- head Hot Springs Company, in which he is a

director. The company is incorporated for $1,- 000,000 and is building up one of the most sub- stantial institutions of its kinds in the state. Mr. Roberts is also a director in the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company, director of the Colton Fruit Exchange, president of the San Bernar- dino Hotel Building Association (the latter be- ing owners of the Stewart Hotel block), besides which he acts as manager of his father's large estate and assists in the management of the J. W. Davis estate.

In Colton, Cal., in 1891, Edward D. Roberts was married to Miss Maud Adams, who was born in Bloomington, Ill., the daughter of Dr. Henry F. Adams, the latter a practicing physi- cian of Colton at the time of his death. Mrs. Roberts received the latter part of her education in Willamette University, at Salem, Ore. Two children, Louise Eliza and Maud Marie, have added brightness and cheer to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. In Colton Mr. Roberts was made a Mason in Ashlar Lodge No. 306, but he is now a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 178, Keystone Chapter No. 56, and St. Bernard Com- mandery No. 23, all of San Bernardino, and he also belongs to Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Los Angeles, and to the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks of San Bernardino. The Republican party finds in Mr. Roberts a most dependable and loyal supporter, and twice he has served as chairman of the county central committee. In 1904 he was a delegate to the Republican national convention that met in Chi- cago for the purpose of nominating our pres- ent chief executive, Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Roberts is also a member of the Board of Trade. is a valued member of the State Bankers' As- sociation, as he is also of the University Club of Redlands. Man's best friend, the horse, has indeed a true friend in Mr. Roberts, and in his stalls may be seen some of the finest breeds of trotting and standard-bred horses to be found in the country. His residence in San Bernar- dino is without exception one of the most pala- tial in the city, and the grounds are an added feature of beauty, the whole combining to form one of the most beautiful and restful spots in the county. Mrs. Roberts shares in the esteem in which her husband is held, and is an active member of the Episcopal Church, to which both contribute with a generous hand. She is also a prominent member of the Woman's Club, and was chairman of the building committee which had in charge the building of the new home for the latter club.

Though comparatively young in years, Mr. Roberts' strong personal attributes have long since been generally recognized, and these char- acteristics, taken in conjunction with his mani- fest public spirit, his breadth of mind in viewing

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all public affairs, and his generosity of heart, have given him a place in the esteem of thought- ful and discriminating men which few men at- tain at his time of life. The work which he is accomplishing in the various avenues of finance and commerce in which he is engaged is mak- ing a marked impress upon the trend of events in California, and the record of his life is en- titled to a place of distinction in the annals of the state.

THEODORE E. HASS. The first location of Mr. Hass on coming to California in 1886 was in Pasadena, which at that time did not boast its present population, but the incoming of settlers gave an impetus to the building trade, and, as a carpenter, Mr. Hass found employment readily. He later went to Downey, and having in the meantime become interested in agricul- tural affairs, he there sought to find a ranch which would suit his needs and requirements. This he found a few miles from the above-men- tioned village, and so satisfactory were his ef- forts that he remained there for sixteen years, or until coming to Palms in 1904. At that time he purchased thirty-three acres and at once be- gan its improvement and cultivation. His am- bition soon outgrew his possessions, however, and he was obliged to secure adjoining land in order to carry out his plans. He now has three hun- dred and thirty-three acres under his control, all of which is in oats and lima beans.

Mr. Hass was born in Vinton county, Ohio, November 2, 1855, the only child of his father's first marriage. Samuel' Hass was also a native of Ohio, born February 16, 1834, and was reared and educated in the latter state. He was obliged early in his career to hoe his own row, making his start in life on a farm of forty acres in his native state. Going to Kansas in 1871, he purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, on which he resided the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1902. His first wife, and the mother of our subject, was in maiden- hood Elizabeth Millirons, a native of Ohio. She died soon after the birth of her son. In 1860 Mr. Hass married Miss Martha Spelman, and all of the eight children born of this marriage are living.

Theodore Hass attended the common schools of Ohio and Kansas in the neighborhood of the parental homestead in those states, and when he was twenty years old began to make his own way in the world. The initial step in this direc- tion was homesteading a quarter section of land in Kansas, to which he later added eighty acres of land by purchase. Favorable reports of un- limited opportunities in the west resulted in the sale of his Kansas property and his removal to

California. His location on his present ranch was not by chance, but followed a long and care- ful observation as to the merits of various lo- calities. His selection was a wise and satisfac- tory one and his ranch is one of the most im- posing in this part of the county.

A marriage ceremony celebrated in Concor- dia, Kans., in 1880, united the destinies of Theodore E. Hass and Maryetta E. Wright. Four of the five children born to them are living and are named in order of birth, as follows: Ralph, (who married Mabel Barnett) ; Everest S., (who married Girlie Jenison), Arthur C. and Gertrude. All of the family are active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are members, and politically Mr. Hass is a Republican.

THOMAS WILLIAM COATES. Prominent among the representative business men of San Diego is Thomas William Coates, who has, may- hap, had charge of the erection of more of the notable business blocks and private residences of this city than any other one contractor. During his twenty years' residence in this place he has been actively identified with its best interests, and in the development and advancement of its growth and prosperity has been an important factor. A son of John Coates, he was born No- vember 28, 1859, in Chicago, Ill., coming from English ancestry.

Born, reared and educated in England, John Coates made wise use of his talents, studying architecture, and having also learned the carpen- ter's trade, came to America. Settling in Chi- cago, Ill., he was there profitably employed as an architect and supervising builder for a num- ber of years. He became quite noted in his pro- fession, being frequently called to other places, among others going to Ottawa, Canada, to su- perintend the erection of the parliament building in that city. On its completion he returned to Chicago, where he continued as a contractor and builder until 1886. Locating in San Diego in that year, he resided here until his death, in 1892, at the age of sixty-two years. He married Annie Marsh, who was born in Worcester, Eng- land, a daughter of Thomas Marsh, England's pioneer railway builder. She died in Oakland, Cal., leaving three sons and one daughter, all of whom are living.

The second child of the household, Thomas William .Coates was educated in the Chicago public schools, after which he began working with his father at the carpenter's trade. Be- coming familiar with the details of the trade he started in business on his own account in 1877, and during the next ten years built many residences and business houses in Chicago. Com-

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ing to California in 1887 he established himself as a contractor and builder in San Diego, and in this line of industry has since been busily and profitably employed. Many of the prominent buildings and residences of the city bear evi- dence of his skill and ability, not only as a me- chanic, but as an artist, he having originated and drawn many of the plans used in their construc- tion.

In Rockford, Ill., Mr. Coates married Amelia Coates, and they have two children, Silver Cloud and Senora Frances A. Mr. Coates belongs to two of the leading business organizations of San Diego, the Chamber of Commerce and the Mas- ter Builders' Association, in the latter being a director. Politically he is active in the Demo- cratic party, being an ex-member of the Central Committee, and fraternally he belongs to the Foresters of America.

RAYMOND LUDDEN, D. O. Osteopathy is that science or system of healing which emphasizes, (a) the diagnosis of diseases by physical methods with a view to discovering, not the symptoms but the causes of disease, in connection with misplacements of tissue, obstruction of the fluids and interference with the forces of the organism; (b) the treatment of diseases by scientific manipulations in con- nection with which the operating physician mechanically uses and applies the inherent re- sources of the organism to overcome disease and establish health, either by removing or correcting mechanical disorders and thus per- mitting nature to recuperate the diseased part, or by producing and establishing anti-toxic and anti-septic conditions to counteract toxic and septic conditions of the organism or its parts; (c) the application of mechanical and operative surgery in setting fractured or dis- located bones, repairing lacerations and re- moving abnormal tissue growths or tissue ele- ments when these become dangerous to the organic life.

Dr. Raymond Ludden, of Colton, has been practicing osteopathy for a number of years in different parts of the country, and his flat- tering success wherever he has been located is conclusive proof of the value of extensive preparatory work in a profession. He was born December 9, 1878, in Kirksville, Mo., a son of David H. and Sarah (Litchfield) Lud- den, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter born in Indiana. Prior to the Civil war the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He served three years in the Sixty- fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, which was the regiment known as Yates' Sharp- shooters, and after his return to civil life in

Illinois he established himself as a nurseryman, continuing in that occupation up to the pres- ent time, having in the meantime, however, removed to Kirksville, Mo., where he and his wife are both still living. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and in poli- tics holds stanchly to Republican principles.

There were five daughters and six sons in the family of which Dr. Ludden was a mem- ber and he is the only one residing in Cali- fornia. His early education was received in the Kirksville public and high schools, and after completing his studies there he attended the state normal located in the same city. Later he fitted himself for professional work in a line of studies at the Columbian Osteop- athy College, after which he engaged in practice for two years at Newton, Kans. Fol- lowing this he attended the St. Louis Univer- sity of Medicine for the same length of time, specializing on the subjects of anatomy, phys- iology and chemistry, at the same time he was pursuing his studies, also holding the position of assistant demonstrator of anatomy in the college. In 1904 he came to California and located in Redlands, but one year later removed to Colton, where he is now in com- mand of an extensive practice.

In 1902 occurred the marriage of Dr. Lud- den and Miss Gertrude, the only daughter of Judge Adrian L. and Anna (Baker) Greene, both natives of Missouri, the former being supreme judge of the state of Kansas. Mrs. Greene died when her daughter was but twelve years of age. Mrs. Ludden was born in Newton, Kans., and is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. While Dr. Ludden's time and attention are largely given to his profession, he is yet interested in the progress. of his city and lends his influence to the for- warding of all matters tending toward its up- building. He is an advocate of Republican principles and is highly esteemed both as a citizen and a professional man.

HARRY J. OHLSEN. A seafaring man during his entire active career, there is probably no person in Southern California more familiar with the coasting trade of this section than Har- ry J. Ohlsen, of San Pedro, who is secretary of the San Pedro branch of the Sailors' Union of the Pacific. Wide-awake, active and enterpris- ing, taking a genuine interest in everything per- taining to nautical matters, he is ever ready to assist any movement tending to promote the wel- fare of the sailors, and in his present position is performing his duties in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. A native of Germany, he was born, December 24, 1863, in Cuxhaven, the de-

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scendant of an old and well known family. His father, Master John Ohlsen, was the owner of two coasting vessels that sailed from Cuxhaven, where he spent his entire life. His paternal grandfather, a native of Helgoland, Germany, settled at Cuxhaven when a young man, and . during his active life was employed in piloting vessels from that port to Hamburg.

The second child in a family consisting of sev- en sons and one daughter, Harry J. Ohlsen was educated in the public schools of Cuxhaven, and like every one of his six brothers chose the life of a sailor as the one most desirable, from earli- est boyhood going out in fishing boats, or on liis father's coasting vessels. At the age of fif- teen years he made his first long sea voyage, go- ing by way of the Cape of Good Hope to the South Sea Islands. Fascinated with the sea, he subsequently twice crossed the Atlantic to New York, after which, on the stanch vessel Clara, he sailed around Good Hope to China and Japan. Returning from Japan to Hong Kong he there left the Clara, embarking on an American vessel, which brought him to Cali- fornia. Arriving in San Francisco in 1883, he was there paid off, and has ever since been a resident of the Pacific coast, since 1886 having made his home in San Pedro, his residence be- ing now at the corner of Third and Center . streets. For a number of years he was agent of the San Diego branch of the Sailors' Union of the Pacific, but since that was given up, in 1898, he has been secretary and agent of the San Pedro branch, the only branch of the union in Southern California, being re-elected to the position at the expiration of every term. As secretary, he attends to all the correspondence of the society, and as agent is shipping master, boarding every vessel that comes into the har- bor.

In Los Angeles, Cal .. Mr. Ohlsen married Edith Allison, who was born in England, of Scotch ancestors, and they have two children, Alma E. and Harry J., Jr. Fraternally Mr. Ohlsen is a member and past lecturer of the Foresters of America, a trustee of the Evrie of Eagles, and the treasurer of the Fraternal Broth- erhood. Religiously, true to the faith in which he was reared, he is a Lutheran.

WILLIAM S. ELLIS. Among the influen- tial and prominent citizens of San Diego county who are indebted for their present prosperous condition to their own industry and energy, is William S. Ellis, a leading farmer of Fallbrook. and one of its foremost business men. He has seen life in all its phases, has lived in various parts of the Union, and wherever he has resided has proven himself a useful member of the com-

munity. He is now extensively engaged in gen- eral ranching and fruit raising, and as president of the Fallbrook Hardware Company is identified with its mercantile interests. He was born March 6, 1852, in Warren, Mo., the son of Jo- seph and Nancy ( Netherton) Ellis, who were born, reared and married in Kentucky. About 1830 they emigrated to the western frontier, set- tling in Missouri, where they cleared and im- proved a homestead, on which both spent their remaining years, the mother dying at the age of fifty-four years, in 1865. and the father in 1891, at the venerable age of eighty-three years.

Obtaining his early education in a private school in Missouri, William S. Ellis remained at home until after attaining his majority. In 1874, resolving to try his fortune in a newer country, he came to California, locating near Visalia, where he remained a year. Not quite satisfied, however, with his prospects. he went back to his old home, and was there employed in tilling the soil for three years. In 1878 he went to Texas, but after a brief stay removed to the Black Hills, where he first followed min- ing and afterwards worked as a wage-earner. Returning to Missouri in 1881, he continued his residence there a year, and in 1882 came again to the Pacific coast. For about three years there- after he resided in the Carpinteria valley, Santa Barbara county. Locating not far from his present home in the fall of 1885. he purchased land that was in its primitive condition, improved it, and lived there until 1893, when he went to Lower California, where he remained two years. Coming back to Fallbrook in 1895. he assumed possession of his present home ranch, and has since been actively engaged in his chosen voca- tion. He has a productive vineyard of five acres and an orchard of the same size. besides which he owns one hundred and sixty acres of farming land, mostly devoted to the raising of grain. In addition to caring for this ranch, Mr. Ellis leases eighteen hundred acres of the Santa Margarita grant, and has this vast tract in grain also. He is a man of excellent business ability, and three years ago took an active part in or- ganizing the Fallbrook Hardware Company, of which he is the president and one of the direc- tors, and is also one of the directorate of the Fallbrook Mercantile Company. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has served on the school board.

Mr. Ellis was first married October 22, 1876, in Warren county, Mo., to Laura Burton, who was born in Wisconsin, and died February 17. 1889, in California. Seven children were born of their union, three of whom are living, name- lv: Burton W., of Fallbrook; Thomas Graves. at home; and Lee C., at home. February 9. 1890, Mr. Ellis married Adelle Burdine, a native

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of Illinois, and they are the parents of five chil- dren, namely: William Henry, who was born December 8, 1890, and who attends the Fall- brook high school; Raymond N., born December 23. 1894: Edna Roberta, born January 3, 1897; Nellie M., born October 10, 1898; and Stephen, born January 6, 1905. Mrs. Ellis is a most esti- mable woman, highly esteemed in social circles, and is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Ellis has recently erected a fine modern resi- dence, in which he and his family enjoy life, and extend a gracious hospitality to their many friends and acquaintances.

THE COLTON DAILY NEWS. The his- tory of the Colton Daily News dates back to the year 1889, when Albert Thompson founded and published the first newspaper issued in Colton, which was called the Colton Weekly News. Six years later he disposed of the plant, J. H. Mar- tin continuing to issue the sheet under the same name for the following eight years. The next change in its management dates from January 1, 1903, when the present owner and publisher, Willard Beebe, assumed control. Under his management the paper still continued as a week- ly until September 1, 1905, from which time it has been issued daily as the Colton Daily News, with a circulation of five hundred copies. It is a clean, straightforward sheet, viewing broadly the world-wide, national and local happenings, and is accepted by all, regardless of political leanings.

DR. J. ALLEN OSMUN. The New Jersey annals of dentistry contain no name more worthy of perpetuation than that of Dr. Osmun, who during a long professional career maintained the confidence of a large clientele and at the same time rose to the highest honors within the gift of the members of the dental fraternity. When, at the close of his successful professional career, he retired from practice and removed to the Pacific coast in order to enjoy the pure and balmy air of the west, he was followed by the admiration and esteem of the many whom he had known in the east and who possessed an appreciative knowledge of his ability and broad information. Although professional labors have been relinquished, he has not retired from life's activities, but finds an abundant sphere for commercial enterprise and profitable investment in Whittier.

The success which has rewarded the efforts of Dr. Osmun proves what it is within the power of young men to accomplish when blessed with health, perseverance and determination of character. A native of Fall River, Mass., he

· was a small child when his parents removed to Illinois and when only twelve years of age he left home, going to New Jersey, where he re- ceived a fair education. When eighteen years of age he came to California the first time and remained a few years at San Francisco, where he began to study dentistry under the preceptor- ship of V. McAllister, D. D. S. It was the opinion of many that he would have better ad- vantages for acquiring a thorough knowledge of the profession if he went back east than if he remained on the Pacific coast. Following this advice he returned to New Jersey and prosecuted his studies with an uncle, Dr. S. R. Osmun, of Morristown, that state.

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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 127

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