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 150

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

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ALPHEUS B. WISE, V. S. One of the old- est residents and most favorably known profes- sional men of San Bernardino is Dr. A. B. Wise, who is actively engaged in a large and lucrative veterinary practice. He is located on D'street, near the old postoffice building, his office being fitted up with all modern appliances for surgical work, having an automatic operating table and all instruments necessary to his profession. He gives special attention to horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and other domestic animals, and his repu- tation as a practitioner has spread over the en- tire southwestern part of this state and into Arizona. He has served for many years as county veterinarian.

Born in Wetzel county, WV. Va., December 7, 1839. Dr. Wise is the son of Jackson and Nancy (Ingram) Wise, the mother being a native of Pennsylvania and the father born in Virginia, following the occupation of farmer and black- smith throughout his entire life. The son re- ceived only a limited education in the common schools in his early youth, having been obliged to make his own way in the world from the age of fourteen. He was of an ambitious and enter- prising nature, however, and resolved to over- come the lack of early advantages, and while filling a position as clerk in a general store, at the same time attended a private school. In 1859 he joined a party of emigrants on a trip across the plains, engaging to drive one of the ox teams. Starting from St. Joseph, Mo., after a seven months' trip they landed at Placerville, then known as Hangtown, and Dr. Wise engaged in placer mining for two years. He was fairly suc- cessful in the undertaking and later continued mining in Virginia City. In 1863 he located in San Bernardino and with the exception of two years spent in Arizona, this has been his home ever since. When he first settled here he estab- lished himself as a blacksmith and also conduct- ed a repair shop, continuing it successfully for seventeen years. Having taken up the study of veterinary surgery during his spare time, he soon became proficient and entered upon its practice, having in the meantime given up his blacksmith shop.

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In 1865 Dr. Wise was united in marriage with Miss Harriet L. Roberts, who was born in Miss- issippi, and their one daughter is now the wife of Ernest E. Hott, of San Bernardino. Dr. Wise owns much valuable business and residence property here and is considered one of the most firmly established men in the city. In social, business and professional circles he is held in the highest esteem and as a public-spirited cit- izen is a supporter of every enterprise tending to upbuild his section of the state.

JOHN HELANDER. Properly ranked among the self-made men of Los Angeles county is John Helander, who began his career at the foot of the ladder of attainments, with- out other resources than his own indomit- able will and resolute spirit. From the humble position of his youthful days he has risen to that of one of the representative men of a thriving and prosperous community, at the present time being prominently associated with the mercan- tile interests of San Pedro as a successful gro- cer. For a number of years he was engaged in seafaring pursuits, as a sailor visiting many of the important seaports of the world, and hav- ing many thrilling experiences and escapes from danger and deathı. In October, 1882, while on board the barque James B. Bell, from San Fran- cisco, he was wrecked during a hurricane in the harbor of Acapulco, Mexico, but all of the crew, with the exception of the second mate, was saved. Eight days afterwards, when about one hundred miles from the Mexican shore, the barque Antioch, on which he was a seaman, sprung aleak, having been damaged by the hur- ricane just mentioned, but fortunately was taken into a small harbor and all on board were res- cued from their perilous position. Five months later, in the early part of 1883, the schooner on which he was employed was wrecked between the Mild Rocks, in the Golden Gate harbor, but the vessel, and all of the crew excepting three men, were sayed. With this record of dangers braved, it is needless to speak of Mr. Helander's courage and fearlessness, to which are also added industry, honesty and integrity.

A native of Finland, Mr. Helander was born October 12, 1856, in the city of Abo, which was also the birthplace of his father, Henry He- lander. When a boy he began working in a printing office in Abo, and was afterwards for three years employed in a match factory. At the age of sixteen years he began his seafaring life, going first as cook on a vessel engaged in foreign trade. Subsequently, on the Elliott, an English vessel, he went before the mast to Cal- cutta, India, going and returning by way of the Cape of Good Hope, after which he sailed

from France for New York and Baltimore. Subsequently, as one of the crew of the Amer- ican ship Oriental, he sailed from Baltimore, Md., around the Horn to Callao, Peru, and re- turn. and later, on the same vessel, came around the Horn with a cargo of coal, one-half of which he delivered in Mexico, bringing the remainder to San Francisco, arriving in port in 1879. Lo- cating in that city, he continued as a sailor for a few years, becoming first mate. He visited va- rious ports, including those of Mexico and the Sandwich Islands, and, as above mentioned, met with numerous disasters. As early as 1887 he landed in San Pedro, at that time experiencing two or three earthquake shocks. From 1883 until 1885 he lived in Portland, Ore., where he settled after his marriage, being there employed in fishing. Locating in San Pedro in January, 1887, he built a residence on Second street, and for three years was in the employ of Banning & Co., the ensuing two years being engaged in the lumber business, during which time, in 1892, he began the erection of his present store build- ing, on Fourth street, near Beacon street. Since its completion, in July, 1893, he has been suc- cessfully engaged in mercantile business, having a large and well stocked grocery, which is well patronized.

In 1883, in San Francisco, Mr. Helander mar- ried Mary Fahler, a. native of Finland, and their only child, Victor Helander, a graduate of Woodbury's Business College, is a plumber in San Pedro. Politically Mr. Helander is a Re- publican, and fraternally he is a member of the Foresters of America.

GUY MONROE FLORY. One of the most popular and successful contractors and builders in San Bernardino is Guy Monroe Flory, who has lived the greater part of his life since four years of age in this community. His parents, M. M. and Mary (Armstrong) Flory, were both members of old Virginia families, and became early settlers in Independence, Mo., where the son, Guy Monroe, was born May 12, 1872. The father served in the Federal army during the Civil war and made a fine military record. A sketch of his life appears in another part of this volume.

It was in 1876 that Guy Monroe Flory was brought by his parents to San Bernardino. The public schools of this city he attended until four- teen years of age, from which time until eight- een he was employed in various capacities. He then apprenticed himself to a blacksmith and worked at that trade for three years there and in Stockton, and after attaining his majority commenced to work at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned from his father when a

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

young boy. The years of his young manhood were restless ones, however, and a short time later he went to the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, and was superintendent of the Santa Margareta mines there for two years. Returning to San Bernardino he continued to work at the carpen- ter's trade until 1903, when he began business as a contractor and builder and has since that time been erecting residences in this city. His own home, at No. 152 Seventh street, is an example of his work.

The marriage of Mr. Flory in San Bernardino in 1894 united him with Miss Ellen Warden, who was born in Phoenix, Ariz., a daughter of Thomas C. Warden, who was an early settler in that territory and was sheriff of Maricopa county at one time. He came to San Bernardino at the time of the Indian troubles and served as deputy sheriff and police officer, and was killed in an accident while serving as a special officer on the Santa Fé Railroad at Seligman, Ariz., in March, 1906. He discovered and named the Calico mine. and also found the King mine, in which he sold his interest. Mr. and Mrs. Flory are the parents of three children, Alberta, Gladys and Frank. Fraternally Mr. Flory is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at San Bernardino and the Woodmen of the World. He has been a member of the San Bernardino fire department at different times during the greater part of the, past fifteen years, has served as treasurer of the company and was also at one time the foreman. Politically he is an active Republican and is a leading influence in the councils of his party in that section of the state.

CHARLES HUDSON TYLER. During the half century and more that Mr. Tyler has been a resident of California he has been an inter- ested witness to the marvelous changes that have transformed a country in its infancy from every standpoint, through the adolescent to the mature age, until to-day it stands full-fledged and upon equal footing with the older common- wealths of the Union. Far from being an idle witness, he has done his share in bringing about present conditions, and as a reward for industry and frugality in years gone by he is now enabled to live practically retired, making his home on a small ranch near San Bernardino.

A son of John S. and Eliza (Hudson) Tyler, Charles H. Tyler was born on Long Island, N. Y., October 21, 1831, and was educated both in the schools of his native town and in the more advanced schools of New York City. After his graduation, when he was about seventeen years of age, he went to sea, being under the imme- diate instruction and guidance of his father, who was a sea captain and the master of the ship on

which he sailed. Three years on the water, however, satisfied him that seafaring was not the life for which he was adapted, and at the age of twenty he struck out in the world for himself, going direct to New York City, where for a number of years he clerked in a store. Although the records do not so state, it is safe to presume that his removal to California came about as a result of the wonderful stories of the finding of gold in the state, stories which reached the most remote corners of our own and other countries. This prediction is strengthened by the fact that after landing at San Francisco from the old ship Golden Gate he made his way im- mediately to Georgetown, where he tried his luck at placer mining. Fortune smiled rather than frowned upon his efforts, for he continued mining for fifteen years, from 1854 until 1869. It was in the latter year that he came to San Bernardino and purchased a ranch, intending to follow an agricultural life, but his knowledge along that line was so meagre that he decided to give it up. Selling his property he bought an interest in a lumber mill in Little Grass Valley, and subsequently with his brother, under the name of Tyler Brothers, bought out the entire interest in the mill. Under this name business was conducted until 1891, when the plant was sold to the Arrowhead Company.

It was in the year just mentioned, 1891, that Mr. Tyler purchased the four-acre plot of Mr. Stoddard upon which he now makes his home. There had been very little expenditure made for improvements when the property fell into Mr. Tyler's hands, so that in reality he has made it what it is, erecting his house and barn and plant- ing all of the trees upon the place. He also owns property in the vicinity of Highland, which he purchased of Mr. Seely, the original pur- chase comprising four hundred acres, although he now owns only twenty acres, having disposed of portions of it from time to time. Much of this land he had purchased as low as $4 per acre. The orange trees on the Highland ranch he planted in 1892 and he now has one of the finest orchards in the county, both in point of product- iveness and quality of fruit. For almost fifteen years he has devoted his attention exclusively to the cultivation of oranges on the Highland ranch, although his home has always been in San Bernardino, where he is now living retired from the active duties connected with the man- agement of his ranch. At the time of the Civil war he offered his services, but was never called into action.

In San Bernardino, July 4, 1880, Mr. Tyler was united in marriage with Jerusha Hancock, the daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Guernsey) Hancock, and two children have been born to them, Mary Hudson, at home with her parents,

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and Don Charles, a student in the high school at San Bernardino. Fraternally Mr. Tyler was at one time a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his religious views he is a Chris- tian Scientist.

WILLIAM CHARLES GREELY. Among the well known men of San Pedro is William Charles Greely, formerly president of the Lum- ber Surveyors' Association of Southern Cal- ifornia, and an important factor in the develop- ment of the industrial prosperity of this sec- tion of the state. Distinguished as a native son of California, he was born, April 23, 1859, on Rattlesnake bar, north fork of the American river, in Placer county, a son of William Greely. His Grandfather Greely was born in Ireland, but when a young man immigrated to the United States, locating in Boston, Mass.

William Greely was born in Boston, Mass., and there followed mechanical pursuits for many years. In 1851, lured to the Pacific coast by the wonderful stories told concerning the discovery of gold, he came by way of the Isth- mus of Panama to this state, and for about nine years was engaged in mining. Settling permanently in Placer county in 1860, he bought a ranch about four miles from Auburn and engaged in horticultural pursuits, becom- ing one of the earliest fruit growers of that re- gion. In this occupation he met with some suc- cess, continuing it until his death, at the age of sixty-six years. He married Mary Haley, who was born in Boston, and died in California. Of the four children born of their union, three are living, William Charles, the special subject of this sketch, being the third child in order of birth.

Completing his studies in the district schools, William Charles Greely remained on the home farm for some years, being principally em- ployed in buying and shipping fruits. He was subsequently engaged as a wholesale dealer in fruits in Montana for a time, but in June, 1885. changed his residence and occupation, going to The Dalles, Ore., where he was for three months employed in a sawmill, after- wards working for two months with the Ore- gon Railroad and Navigation Company. On December 24. 1885, with but $5 to his name, he came to Los Angeles, Cal., expecting to take a position as clerk in a railway office. He was disappointed, however, in getting the position, and so took the next best thing off- ered, for five months driving a team for Charles Ellan. Securing a situation then with the Kirchkoff Lumber Company, he began at the foot of the ladder, and gradually worked his

way upward, remaining with that firm two years. Going then to San Francisco, he was as- sociated with the California Bridge Company for a short time, after which he entered the employ of the Pacific Pine Company, for which he was lumber inspector nine years, from 1888 until 1897.

Becoming an expert in his line of industry, Mr. Greely went to Mendocino county, where he first had charge of the shipping department of the Kasper Lumber Company, and later of that of the Empire Redwood Lumber Com- pany, at Bowens Landing. November 13, 1902, Mr. Greely came to San Pedro on the ship Samoa, and has since been busily and prof- itably engaged as tallyman and inspector of lumber. He subsequently became identified with the Lumber Surveyors' Association of Southern California, which is composed of twenty-three members, and on the resignation of its president, Mr. Coleman, in July, 1904, Mr. Greely was appointed his successor, and to this position he was elected in January, 1905.

Politically Mr. Greely is a stanch Republican. Fraternally he is a member of Alder Glenn Par- lor, No. 200, N. S. G. W. of Fort Bragg; a member and past chancellor of Newcastle Lodge, K. P. a member and past sachem of Newcastle Tribe, I. O. R. M., and is also iden- tified with San Pedro Lodge No. 332 F. & A. M.

ROYAL MILTON ARMSTRONG. One of the most popular men in San Bernardino county is Royal M. Armstrong, deputy county clerk, who has been filling that position since 1902. He was born December 7, 1877, at Topeka, Kans., the son of James and Mary Frances (Ragland) Armstrong. His father was a native of Napier- ville, Canada, and when a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed after his removal from his native country to Topeka, where his death occurred. His wife survives him and now lives at Ocean Park, Cal. Until he had attained the age of fifteen years Mr. Armstrong attended the public schools of To- peka, and as it then became necessary for him to assume the responsibility of his own support, he secured a position with the Santa Fe Railroad Company, working in different positions and at various points in the state for several years.

In 1899 he was transferred by the company to San Bernardino, Cal., where he filled a position in the mechanical and transportation department until December, 1902, when lie severed his con- nection with the Santa Fe to accept the appoint- ment of deputy county clerk at the hands of Lonis A. Pfeiffer, the county clerk. He is an earnest advocate of the principles embraced in

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the platform of the Republican party, takes a prominent part in all matters of a political na- ture and is active in the Republican councils of the county and state.

Mr. Armstrong's marriage to Miss Nellie V. Shipp, a daughter of Joseph Shipp, of Ottawa, Kans., took place in December, 1898, and they with their two sons, Harry Maxwell and Jack Milton, reside in their beautiful residence at No. 698 Sixth street, San Bernardino. Fraternally, Mr. Armstrong affiliates with a number of or- ders, holding membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America ; San Bernardino Lodge No. 348, F. and A. M., and is very prominent in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, serving at the present time as secretary of that organization. He is a man of genial disposition and liberal views and has a host of friends who hold him in the highest esteem.

JOHN ALLISON PRIVETT. An industri- ous, energetic young man, possessing excellent ability and good judgment, John Allison Privett is identified with the leading interests of San Pedro as agent for the Lumber Surveyors' As- sociation. Being an earnest worker, upright and of good principies, he is almost sure to make for himself an enviable reputation before many more years have passed over his head, both in the business and social affairs of his adopted city. A native of Arkansas, he was born April 4, 1880, in Fayetteville, the city in which his father, the late James H. Privett, first saw the light of this world. His grandfather, Willis Privett, was born in Nashville, Tenn., but when a young man settled as a farmer in Arkansas.

Born and reared in Arkansas, James H. Pri- vett followed the independent occupation to which he was reared, becoming a prosperous farmer. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and during the Civil war fought under the stars and stripes, serving in the Union army. He mar- ried Sarah A. Peerson, who was born in Ar- kansas, the daughter of Jones Peerson, a farmer, and she is still living. Of their union thirteen children were born, eleven of whom survive, John Allison, the subject of this sketch, being the ninth child in order of birth.

Brought up on a farm, and educated in the public schools, John Allison Privett remained at home until nearly seventeen years old. Be- ginning the struggle of life then for himself, in March, 1897, he went to Cripple Creek, Colo., where he remained several months. Not satis- fied with the outlook in that region, he came to California, arriving in Los Angeles on Novem- ber 7, 1897. The following January he came to

San Pedro, and for two years and a half was in the employ of the San Pedro Lumber Com- pany. Later becoming associated with the E. K. Wood Lumber Company, he worked for them for seven months, and then for about nine months had charge of the company's yards at Los Angeles. Returning then to San Pedro, he was tallyman for the same firm until Decem- ber 10, 1903, when he resigned the position. Entering then the employ of the Lumber Sur- veyors' Association, he has since been the busi- ness agent of this organization, and has served with great credit to himself and to the accepta- tion of all concerned.

January 25, 1905. in Montecito, Santa Bar- bara county, Cal., Mr. Privett married Ellis Shook, who was born in Springfield, Mo., a daughter of Rev. Philip T. Shook, a well-known Methodist minister, and a granddaughter of Rev. Rufus Shook, who went to Missouri as a pioneer minister of the Methodist denomination, and there spent the remainder of his life en- gaged in ministerial labors. Rev. Philip T. Shook married Lizzie Baker, who was born in Missouri, where her father, Rev. R. M. Baker, located as a pioneer minister of the Methodist Church. She survived her husband, and now resides in Houston, Tex. Mrs. Privett is the youngest of a family of five children, four of whom are living, and she has one daughter, Kathryn Lenora. Fraternally Mr. Privett be- longs to the Order of Eagles.

WILLIAM J. ULRICK. A well known, enterprising agriculturist of San Diego county, William J. Ulrick is successfully engaged as a general farmer on a part of the old El Cajon ranch, which originally consisted of forty-three thousand acres of land situated in the El Cajon valley. On Mr. Ulrick's estate, which is known as Canado de Loscochis, stands the original dwelling house, which was built more than a hundred years ago, and is now one of the an- cient landmarks of this vicinity. It is built of adobe, contains five rooms, and in the time of its Spanish occupants was the scene of many revels and festivities. This house Mr. Ulrick will rebuild, and preserve as far as possible the style in which it was first built. A son of John Ulrick, he was born in Clark county, Ohio, where he spent his earlier life.

A native of Pennsylvania, John Ulrick set- tled in Ohio when young, and having learned the trade of a machinist followed it during his active years, being also engaged in improving and managing a farm. He lived to a good old age, passing away in his Ohio home, in 1899. His wife, Catherine Ulrick, survived him, dy-

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ing in 1903, at the age of eighty-five years, being then one year older than her husband was when he died. One of their sons, John Ulrick, Jr., enlisted in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war, and gave to his country valiant service, taking part in many of the noted en- gagements of that conflict.

Educated in the public schools of Ohio, William J. Ulrick began life for himself as a farmer, and for many years carried on a good business as a stock buyer and dealer, ship- ping cattle to various markets. Coming to San Diego county in 1890, he lived for four years in San Diego, and then located near Lakeside, purchasing that part of the El Cajon rancho on which he now resides. On his ninety acres of land he raises grain and alfalfa, besides which he has considerable fruit growing on his ranch, his orchard being quite large and valuable. Mr. Ulrick has made many excellent improve- ments since taking possession of his property. his fine residence, with its environments, being very attractive, while the buildings are sub- stantial. His land is rich and fertile, and is well supplied with running water, so that he has no need of artificial irrigation.

JEREMIAH LEWIS HATTERY. The Hat- tery family dates its ancestral history in this country from the early colonial settlement of Virginia, and is of English extraction. Ephraim Hattery, the grandfather of Jeremiah Lewis, was born in Virginia, and it was his father who was the early colonist. On September 11, 1845, OC- curred the birth of Jeremiah Lewis Hattery, he being a native of the section near Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, where his parents, John and Mary ( Baumgarden) Hatterv, were then resid- ing. The father, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, was a carpenter, builder and mill- wright, and after his removal to Stark county he made a specialty of contracting, erecting many residences, stores and public buildings. The large flour mills in Orrville, Wayne county, Ohio, stand as an excellent example of his ability as a millwright.

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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 150

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