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 155

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

USA > California > A history of California and an extended history of its southern coast counties, also containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present, Volume II > Part 155

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In Beloit, Wis., Mr. Clark was married to Miss Alice P. Wells, a native of that state, and three children have been born to them: Arthur, in San Francisco; Frank, in Uplands ; and Ralph, a resi- dent of Pomona. The family are communicants of the Episcopal Church and politically Mr. Clark is a Republican. As one of the substantial busi- ness men of his home city he is a member of the Board of Trade of Pomona, in which body his opinion is highly regarded and carries consider- able weight. His fraternal affiliations are num- erous and include membership in the Fraternal Aid, Independent Order of Foresters, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Masons. He joined the latter order in Pomona, becoming a

member of Pomona Lodge No. 246, F. & A. M .; is also a member of Pomona Chapter, R. A. M .; Southern California Commandery, K. T .; and to Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Los Angeles.

LOUIS NAPOLEON DUNLAP. Inherit- ing the characteristics which have made of Louis N. Dunlap an upbuilder among the primi- tive conditions of Southern California in the early days of the state, this gentleman is now occupy- ing an honorable place among the pioneers of Redlands, where he has been located since 1901. He is a native Californian, his birth having oc- curred in Visalia, March 4, 1858. His father, John Dunlap, was born in Illinois; he located in Missouri in young manhood and shortly after- ward became a resident of Texas, where he was one of the famous rangers for the independence of that state, then a part of Mexican territory. He came to California by means of ox-teams in 1854, was one of the first settlers of El Monte, from which point he went on to Visalia, where for many years he engaged as a stockman. Lo- cating in San Bernardino county in 1869 he purchased the Yucaipe ranch with William Standeford as partner, and this large ranch of thirty-eight hundred and forty acres they cul- tivated for several years. He engaged in the cattle business to a large extent, buying and sell- ing horses, cattle and sheep. He was accidental- ly killed at the San Bernardino race track. Fra- ternally he was a prominent Mason and politically voted the Democrat ticket. His wife survived him, dying in Los Angeles in 1900. They were the parents of the following children: Calvin. of Bakersfield, Cal .; A. H., a walnut grower of Whittier, Cal .; F. P., a merchant of Rialto : Louis Napoleon, of this review ; A. J., a farmer of Warm Creek; Mrs. Jennie Bowler, of Los Angeles ; Mrs. Eagan, of Pasadena ; Ida, of Los Angeles; and Mrs. Ella Collins, who died in Los Angeles.

Louis N. Dunlap was reared in Visalia to the age of fifteen years, when he was taken by his parents to San Bernardino county, his education being received in the district schools of the two localities, and an academy at Downey. From boyhood he was trained in the stock business and on the paternal ranch he engaged in that busi- ness for some years, renting the land in con- junction with his brothers, E. P. and A. J. After the death of their mother they incorporated the Yucaipe Land & Water Company, embracing the entire property, their sister Mrs. Eagan acting as president ; Mrs. Bowler as vice-president ; A. H., as secretary and general manager, the rais- ing of stock and the conduct of a dairy occupy- ing their attention. Alfalfa is also an extensive

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product. They are developing many large wells on the place, having it brought in pipes to the Chicago colony, Crafton and Redlands, for both domestic and irrigation purposes.

In 1901 Mr. Dunlap located in Redlands, his work on the ranch being the buying of the stock. Many years ago he became connected with the business interests of this city by the purchase of a livery business which he conducted until 1903 in addition to his other interests, disposing of the business in that year and leasing the stables. He has built business and residence property in this city and takes a keen interest in its development. Mr. Dunlap is a member of Redlands Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West; politically he is a stanch adherent of the principles embraced in the platform of the Democratic party.

JESUS LORETO CRUZ. Yet another of the old-time residents of the Golden State who have been spared to share in its latter-day prosperity is Jesus Loreto Cruz, who at the age of seventy- six years resides on his ranch at the head of Weid cañon, nestled at the foot of Cruz mountain, and not far from the beautiful city of Hollywood. He was born in Mexico September 8, 1830, a son of Santiago and Juana (Galindo) Cruz, both parents living to attain remarkable ages, the father dying in his ninety-seventh year, and the mother passing away in 1905 when one hundred and seven years old. They removed to the United States during the boyhood of their son, so that to all intents and purposes he is an Amer- ican, and more particularly a Californian, for since settling here in 1849 he has known no other home. It was during this year that the father came to Los Angeles county to take charge of the Chino rancho as overseer, a position to which his son succeeded in later years. He held this position for eighteen months and then relinquish- ed it, having in the meantime purchased a lot in Los Angeles. Still later he bought one hundred and sixty acres which is now the site of the de- pot in Los Angeles, the proceeds of the sale of this property being invested in eighteen acres be- tween Grand and Figueroa street and between Pico and Twelfth streets, which he sold before it was subdivided. Mr. Cruz became deputy su- perintendent of city water works in Los Angeles under Mr. Morsilber for two years and then be- came superintendent and held it from 1865 until 1870, when he resigned of his own accord, having served with credit to himself and his employers.

In 1893 Mr. Cruz bought one hundred and sixty acres of land near Hollywood, half of which he gave to his sister, Mrs. C. Coronel. At her death this was divided between him and two nieces, and he now owns about one hundred and seven acres in all, about fifteen acres in vineyard

and carrying most valuable water rights. All of the improvements on the property are the work of his hands, for he has planted all of the fruit trees which adorn the place and the residence and other buildings have been erected since the prop- erty came into his possession. During his early years he was married to Belle E. Warner, but their married life was destined to be brief, for she died when only twenty-eight years of age, leaving her husband and one daughter to mourn her loss. The daughter, Jennie Artemiso, grew to beautiful womanhood, but she too was taken from him by death in 1898, at the age of twenty- two years. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Cruz brought with her from her old home a servant who had been in the family for many years. Born in San Diego, she was of Indian birth, and when a very small child was given to Mr. Warner and was known as Fannie Warner. After the death of Mrs. Cruz she continued to fill the position of caretaker in the family and still has charge of the household affairs. With the exception of the two nieces previously men- tioned Mr. Cruz has no living relatives, but both of these live within a short distance of his ranch. Alesa has three children and is the wife of Robert Woodward and they make their home in Los Angeles. The other niece, Mary, was first mar- ried to Julian Martinez, by whom she had two children ; after his death she became the wife of George Hinsdell, and they reside at Redondo. Mr. Cruz is one of the oldest residents of the state, and as such is honored and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, the as- sociates of many years under conditions which were often trying in the extreme.

RENE BLONDEAU. For many years iden- tified with the growth and upbuilding of Holly- wood, Rene Blondeau was a man of much worth and integrity, who was much appreciated and be- loved by his many friends for his many good qualities. He was born in Normandy, May 3, 1838, and was the son of Rene Blondeau, who, being an ardent Republican, was obliged to retire from Paris to Normandy when Napoleon III is- sued his decree in opposition to the party and there remained until his death.

Mr. Blondeau's great-grandmother was a daughter of the Marquis de Favrol, who with his family was assassinated during the Reign of Terror at the time of Louis XVI. The sixteen- year-old daughter was the only one who escaped and she was saved by their gardener, M. Mouton, who dressed her in one of his suits of clothes. She afterward married her rescuer and lived in Nor- mandy. Mr. Blondeau being a grand-nephew of the Rev. Evremont de Favrol, was educated un- der his care at the Jesuit College. After com-

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pleting his education he learned the perfumer and hairdresser trade in Paris. He traveled through Europe, Asia and North America. Returning to Paris, he engaged in business there until he came to New Orleans, La., in 1868, and established himself in business in that city, remaining there six years and becoming an American citizen. In 1874 he came to San Francisco, remaining two years in that city, when he went to South Amer- ica, where he engaged in business and traveled through all Central and South America. Mr. and Mrs. Blondeau were very successful and in 1889 returned to California whereto they had always looked with fond eyes as a place where they could enjoy the fruits of their labors. They purchased seven acres in Hollywood on what is now Gower avenue and Sunset Boulevard, engaging in horti- culture and farming. They also built the Ca- huenga House, which was well patronized until they retired. Mr. Blondeau died at his home January 20, 1903. He had the confidence of the people in his vicinity and often his friends came to him to take care of their money, to which he always made an accurate accounting and never proved false to his trust. Mr. Blondeau was mar- ried in New Orleans May 1, 1870, to Mdll. Marie Lousteau, who came to New Orleans, La., from France in 1870. Since her husband died she con- tinues to reside in Hollywood, looking after her interests, she still retaining her home here with its beautiful floral and vegetable gardens. Her only daughter, Louise E., was a graduate of the Holly- wood high school, and is now attending Occi- dental College. Mrs. Blondeau is a member of the Ladies' French Charitable Association of Los Angeles and takes a great interest helping those who have been less fortunate than herself, and many are the little kindnesses that she is always rendering to others who little dream of the source of the charity. She is a woman of much business ability and has shown much sagacity in her busi- ness ventures.

WILLIAM JORRES. Through the long period of his identification with the development of California, extending back to the memorable days of the gold excitement and coming down to the era of twentieth century progress, Mr. Jorres has been an upbuilder and an honored citizen. Although now practically retired from business cares, he has not lost his interest in measures pertaining to the commercial development of the state, but keeps in touch with progressive move- ments and gives his support to worthy enter- prises. Especially to those of the present genera- tion, who are strangers to the early history of the state, it is interesting to hear him narrate stories connected with his early residence in San Francisco, which had attracted to it a turbulent

and lawless population from all sections of the world, as well as thousands of honorable and law-abiding men solicitous to give to the new town a standing equal to the old-established towns of the east.

Of German birth and parentage, Mr. Jorres was born in Hanover, August 12, 1824, and at the age of seventeen years was apprenticed in Hamburg to the carpenter's trade, of which he acquired a thorough knowledge under a skilled master. In 1846 he went to South America and for six months followed his trade at Monte- video, Uruguay. While there the port was blockaded for several months by the combined French and English fleets. Leaving that city he went to Buenos Ayres, Argentine, and fol- lowed his trade until the fall of 1849, when he took passage on a ship bound via the Horn for San Francisco. The ship cast anchor May 4, 1850, and immediately he hastened to the Span- ish Dry Diggings on the Middle Fork of the American river, from there going to Bear creek on a prospecting tour. After the second fire of 1851 he returned to San Francisco and readily secured employment as a carpenter at high wages. From taking jobs by the day he drifted into the taking of contracts, which work he con- tinued with success until 1868. Meanwhile he superintended the erection of many large build- ings. In 1852-53 he erected four brick houses on Washington street near Montgomery. In 1855 he put up a brick building on the southwest corner of California and Front streets, and among other buildings which he erected in an early day is the orthodox Jewish Synagogue on Mason street, between Post and Geary.

On coming to San Diego in 1868 Mr. Jorres bought property and the following year built a residence and established his family in this city. Immediately after locating here he formed a partnership with S. S. Culverwell and built a wharf at the foot of F street, which was the first wharf started in the town. However, it was not completed as soon as the Horton wharf, being twenty feet wider and therefore requiring more time to build. It was made wide enough for car- riages to be driven out to meet passengers from the steamers who were landed at the wharf. The cost of the wharf was $28,700, and for the first year the owners operated it personally, but after- ward leased it, and then Mr. Jorres turned his attention to contracting. In 1872 he bought his partner's interest in the wharf and engaged in ballasting vessels and in similar work. In 1890 he rebuilt the wharf, which is now one of the largest in this harbor. In 1873 he had the con- tract for the erection of the courthouse on . D street, later erected the Commercial National Bank building on Fifth and G streets, also contracted for the Central market on Fifth

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

between F and G streets, a structure 200x60 feet fitted up with stalls for a market. During 1877 he had the contract for building the First National Bank on Main street, Los Angeles, a task of great responsibility, as indeed were all of the contracts which he assumed.

From his new home in San Francisco in 1854 Mr. Jorres returned to Hanover to visit old friends, and there he married Miss Sophie Klien- gibel. The wedding trip was a voyage across the Atlantic to Panama and up the Pacific to San Francisco, where they remained until 1869. At this writing they have their home on the corner of Union and B streets, San Diego, where in August, 1904, the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage was celebrated with the hearty con- gratulations of their large circle of friends, not only among the members of the Lutheran Church (to which they belong), but among peo- ple of all denominations and nationalities. Ever since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Jorres has voted the Democratic ticket, and his only son, Gustav W., is also a stanch be- liever in the principles of that party, his faithful services in its behalf winning for him the ap- pointment as postmaster of San Diego for one term, and later he has filled the office of county assessor with credit to himself.

EDMUND L. BROWN. A man of strong and intelligent convictions, capable, energetic and progressive, Edmund L. Brown is a typical rep- resentative of the successful business men of San Fernando who, through their own strenuous ef- forts, have gained wealth and distinction. A son of Cyrus and Elizabeth E. (Barnes) Brown, he was born, May 29, 1867, in Whitefield, Marshall county, Ill.

Leaving Illinois, Cyrus Brown came with his family to California, locating at Downey, where he bought a fruit ranch, which he managed suc- cessfully until January, 1905. Disposing then of his estate, he purchased his present place of resi- dence in Hollywood, intending to make it his permanent home. He is a man of great public spirit, and during the Civil war rendered faithful service to his country as a soldier in an Illinois regiment of volunteer infantry. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and an active supporter of its principles.

Coming to Los Angeles in 1886, Edmund L. Brown completed his education at Woodbury's Business College, after which he was bookkeeper for Porter Bros. & Co. for a while; in 1887 he established himself in the mercantile business. He returned to Illinois in September of that year and was married there in October, coming back and locating at Downey on a ranch, but removing to San Fernando in December, 1888. there becoming

junior member of the firm of Smith & Brown in August of 1889. Locating on the east side of the railroad this firm built up a good trade in hardware and groceries, of which they kept a good supply. Selling his interest to his partner in the fall of 1890, Mr. Brown was employed as a clerk in the general store of W. H. Obear until the following April, when for the sum of $3,500 he purchased the entire stock of Mr. Obear, and conducted the business alone for over a year, and later, forming a co-partnership with C. W. Judy in 1902, under the name of E. L. Brown & Co., he enlarged the stock, and for two years carried on a thriving trade. In 1903 Mr. Brown sold his interest in the grocery and hardware departments to his partner and a Mr. Jenifer, and for two years carried on the other departments himself successfully. In January, 1905, he disposed of his entire stock to the firm of Rose & Frankhouse, and started an entirely new line of business in Los Angeles, under the firm name of Fred L. Boneff Co., Inc., real estate and mines, which is proving a profitable venture.

In 1887. Mr. Brown married Jennie Carson, who was born in Illinois, and of their union two children have been born, namely: A child that died in infancy, in 1888; and Julia Grant Brown, September, 1904. While a resident of San Fernando, Mr. Brown was very active and in- fluential in political affairs, and for twelve years served as president of the Republican club. In April, 1897, he was appointed, by President Mc- Kinley, postmaster at San Fernando, was re-ap- pointed in 1901, and again, by President Roose- velt, in 1905, serving in that capacity until his removal to Los Angeles. In November, 1906, he was elected secretary of the Southern California Retail Hardware and Implement Dealers' Asso- ciation. Fraternally Mr. Brown is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was formerly treasurer of his lodge, grand master four terms and delegate to the grand lodge four years. Both he and Mrs. Brown are valued mem- bers of the First Presbyterian Church of San Fernando.

FRANK EMERY KING. The agricultural interests of Los Angeles county are well repre- sented by Frank E. King, one of the successful ranchers in the outskirts of Venice. A young man of considerable public spirit and energy, no movement calculated to advance the welfare of the community in which he lives is allowed to lag for want of support on his part. A native of Iowa, he was born in Clear Lake May 23, 1871, and is a son of A. N. King, whose sketch will be found on another page in this volume.

The common schools in the vicinity of the parental home in Iowa furnished all of the book

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

learning which Mr. King received, and the fact that he is now a well-informed man is due to continued study and careful observation. As a preparation for the life which he is now follow- ing he assisted his father in carrying on the home ranch in Iowa, and after the family settled in California he was well prepared to assume the responsibilities of a ranch of his own. The col- ony with which the family came to California was in charge of the father and Jacob Brown, the newcomers making settlement in Los An- geles county, near the Palms.

Upon coming to the west Frank E. King lived on rented land in Los Angeles county until he had had an opportunity to look about and select a suitable location for a permanent residence. Before long he was enabled to secure his present valuable ranch of ten and one-half acres in close proximity to Venice, a choice of which he has every reason to feel proud, for although the ranch is small as compared with many others, it ranks in point of productiveness with many twice its size.

Mr. King's first marriage occurred in 1891 and united him with Laura Griffin, who was born and reared in California. At her death in 1897 she left four children, as follows: Pearl, Ramona, Leslie and Jack G. Six years later, in 1903, in Sawtelle, Cal., Mr. King was married to Miss Mamie Lundy, who was born in Mis- souri. One child, Harold, has been born of this marriage. In his political affiliations Mr. King is a strong ally of the Republican party.

ALBERT LEE KERNS, a resident farmer located in the vicinity of El Monte, is one of the prominent men of this section, having proven his right to success by his own efforts, which have brought him a competence. He is a native of Paris, Ky., born September 6, 1869; his father, Levi Kerns, was a native of Bourbon county, Ky., while the grandfather, also Levi, was born in Massachusetts, the descendant of an old New England family located in Plymouth by Scotch-Irish forefathers. Levi Kerns, Sr., settled in Kentucky at an early date in its his- tory and there engaged as a farmer among the primitive conditions of the then "dark and bloody ground." Levi, Jr., became a miller in manhood and plied his trade uninterruptedly until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Fourth Regiment Kentucky In- fantry, known as the Orphaned Brigade, and served to the close of the struggle, receiving two wounds, while two of his brothers participating in the warfare were killed. His own death was caused by drowning in March, 1870, while at- tempting to cross a creek in a canoe. His wife was Amanda Wardsworth, who was born in

North Carolina of English ancestry, and also died in Kentucky. They were the parents . of four children, all of whom are now living.

The third child in his father's family and the only one in California, Albert Lee Kerns was reared on the paternal farm and educated in the public schools. He remained at home until he was nineteen years old, when, in 1889, he went to Texas and in Honey Grove followed farming for four years. Attracted to California he lo- cated in Sacramento in 1893 and entered the em- ploy of dredgers working in the Sacramento valley, remaining in this occupation for eighteen months, when, in 1895, he came to Los Angeles county and located in Savannah. He worked on the ranch owned by L. J. Rose for four years, when, in 1899, he entered the employ of the Farmers & Merchants Bank that had taken over the property, and retained his position with them until 1902. In the last-named year, with his accumulated means, he purchased a fourteen- acre tract of land located on Baldwin avenue. This he improved with a residence, barn, etc., and began its cultivation, combining with his farming interests teaming in the hay business, and since that time he has made a success and accumulated considerable means.

In El Monte Mr. Kerns married Miss Clo- tildis Quinn, a native of this place and a daugh- ter of Richard Quinn, a pioneer, and they are the parents of two children, Mildred Lee and Grace Zelma. Mr. Kerns is prominent in edu- cational affairs, serving at the present time as clerk of the board of trustees of the Savannalı school district. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, while politically he is a Democrat on national issues, but locally reserves the right to cast his ballot for the man whom he considers best qualified to discharge official duties.

LINCOLN A. LAUER, D. D. S. Prominent among the leading dentists of Los Angeles county is Lincoln A. Lauer, D. D. S., of Ocean Park, who is rapidly building up a fine practice. In the swift advance of science in this twentieth century no professional calling, mayhap, has made such rapid strides as that of dental surgery. intelligent study, patient investigation and careful experiment having done much towards amelio- rating the inevitable sufferings of childhood. youth and old age, every member of the human family at some time demanding the services of a good dentist. Prominent among those well equipped for his profession is Dr. Lauer, who has had much experience in his work, and has met with excellent success. He was born in Bur- lington, Iowa, a son of Anton Lauer.

A native of Odessa, Russia, Anton Lauer was

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born in that city, in 1811, of German ancestry. Reared and educated in Odessa, he married a fair maiden of that place, and while yet young in years she died, leaving him with four chil- dren. Soon afterward, about 1840, he immi- grated to the United States, locating in Burling- ton, Iowa, as a merchant. A few years later he sold his store and stock and invested his money in a farm, on which he resided until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. In Burlington, Iowa, he married his second wife, who bore him eight children, of whom Lincoln A., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned, was the sixth child.

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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 155

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