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 167

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 167

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Jacob Frank Lobingier was born in West- moreland county, Pa., July 13, 1859, and reared in the town of his birthplace, Laurelville, and educated in its schools. He assisted his fa- ther when old enough in the tannery and mill, learning the trade of the former. After the death of his father he was appointed admin- istrator and after settling up the estate he sold out and with his mother and sister and two brothers came to California. They located in Pomona, where Mr. Lobingier engaged in hor- ticulture, locating on a twenty-acre ranch near Claremont, which he improved and cultivated to oranges and lemons. He continued in that location for sixteen years. In 1903 he disposed of these interests and is now engaged in the canning business at Ontario with the Golden State Fruit Company of which he is president. The cannery at Ontario has been gradually enlarged and increased in capacity. In 1906 they put up nearly two million cans, consum- ing four hundred tons of peaches. One hun- dred and ten cars of the season's output were shipped east. The favorite brands are the Regal, Euclid, Ruby Fiesta, Ontario and Riverside.

Mr. Lobingier is one of the prominent cit- izens of Pomona, taking an active and help- ful interest in all public affairs. He is a di-

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rector of the American National Bank, a mem- ber of the board of Library Trustees, a di- rector in the Board of Trade and director in the Pomona Valley Hospital Association. He is a Republican in his political convictions and is a member of the Christian Church, in which he officiates as deacon. From 1904 to 1906 he served as a city trustee. He is a pro- gressive and fair-minded citizen, and no man is more counted upon to uphold public enter- prises.

NILS MALMBERG. Although apprenticed in youth to the machinist's trade, a preference for the occupation of painter led Mr. Malmberg to transfer his energies to the work more con- genial to his tastes, and he has since proved to be an efficient and successful workman in the line of his chosen pursuit. While he devotes him- self assiduously to the filling of contracts for painting, yet he finds leisure for other lines of activity. In his home are to be seen tables, clock, stands, etc., which are his handiwork and prove him to be a natural mechanic.

In the southern part of Sweden, across the sound from Denmark, lies the city of Helsing- borg, one of the oldest in Sweden, where Nils Malmberg was born August 14, 1868. His father, Johnnes, a native of the same locality, is a machinist by trade, and still carries on a shop in that city. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Maria Pearson and who was born at Helsingborg, is now deceased. The family are of the Lutheran faith, as were their ancestors almost back to the time of the Reformation. Four daughters and one son comprised the original family, and all are now living except one daugh- ter, but Nils, next to the oldest of the number, is the only one in America. Such advantages as common schools afforded were given him, but he has acquired his education by self-culture rather than by school training.

When sixteen years of age Mr. Malmberg began to learn the trade of machinist, but after a vear he took up painting as an apprentice and thoroughly learned the trade in all of its branches. Coming to the United States in 1889, he made a sojourn of several months at Marcus, Cherokee county, Iowa, and in December of the same year arrived at San Diego, where without delay he was successful in securing employment as a painter. In 1894 he began to take contracts for painting and has continued in the same line to the present time, meanwhile having charge of such work as the Sefton block, Isis theatre, Fut- ton and Humphrey block, the Marston, and Dr. Burnham's, Major Moylan's, Sehon's and Mrs. Garrettson's residences, and since 1900 has had under his supervision all of the painting for the

Theosophists at Point Loma Homestead. Dur- ing the busy season he furnishes employment to from eight to twelve men, with whose aid he promptly and efficiently fills all of the contracts undertaken by him.

The Malmberg residence at No. 3435 C street, San Diego, is presided over by Mrs. Malmberg, formerly Miss Edith Holmquist, who was born in Salina, Kans., came to San Diego, in girlhood, was here married, and now has one son, John Waldo. Ever since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Malmberg has voted the Re- publican ticket, but at no time has he sought official honors or public emoluments, preferring to devote himself to his business affairs. Identi- fied with the Master Painters' Association and the San Diego Builders' Exchange, he holds a position as trustee in the former. In fraternal re- lations he is a Mason (as was his father before him), an Odd Fellow and a member of the Rebekahs, belonging to Silver Gate Lodge No. 296, F. & A. M., in which he was made a Mason, and also holding membership with San Diego Lodge No. 153, I. O. O. F., in the work of which he has been an interested participant.

FREDERICK W. OTTE. Not far from the village of Oxnard, Ventura county, is lo- cated the ranch of F. W. Otte, a steady, en- terprising farmer, and one who in many ways has added to the agricultural prestige of the community. He is a native of Germany, born June 17, 1869, the son of a farmer, the father following an agricultural life in the Father- land until transferring his residence to the Unit- ed States in 1886. Father and son were very closely associated in their interests, for as soon as the latter had completed his common school studies he entered vigorously into the duties connected with the management of the homestead, an interest which has never less- ened in connection with the homestead es- tablished in the New World. For nine years they were associated in maintaining the ranch which the father purchased in Ventura county, but in 1895 the son began farming independ- ently, in 1905 purchasing a tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres six miles from Oxnard, upon which he has since resided. At the time he purchased it there were few of the im- provements seen on the place today. Beets and barley are made a specialty, although he also carries on general farming to some ex- tent. Since leaving home he rented land for ten years in the county until he bought his present ranch.

While still working on the home farm with his father Mr. Otte formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Gusta Volkert, the cer-

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emony being performed in 1892, and for three years the young people made their home near the father's ranch. Mrs. Otte was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Charles and Louisa Volkert. One son, Henry, has been born in- to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otte.

In his native land Mr. Otte was trained in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and he still adheres to its teachings, as does also his wife, and they hold membership in the church of that denomination at Oxnard. Mr. Otte has not allied himself with either of the great pol- itical parties, but this does not indicate that he is not interested in the welfare of his adopt- ed country ; on the other hand he is keenly alive to its best interests, and after careful investigation as to the candidate's qualifica- tions votes for the man best fitted for the po- sition in question. He belongs to but one fraternal order, holding membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

JOHN HANSEN. The Skyland summer resort is located high up in the San Bernar- dino range, on the Arrowhead road, where a delightful view is afforded the guest at all times, which in itself is refreshing were no other advantages to be gained from the high altitude and unpolluted air. Besides the hotel, there are ten cottages scattered about the grounds for the accommodation of guests who prefer to take their outing in this way, and for those who wish the less conventional camp life, tents and all the accompanying necessi- ties can readily be supplied. The Skyland re- sort is under the capable management of Mr. Hansen, who is proving himself to be the right man in the right place.

A son of Johannas Christian and Hannah Magdalena (Skroder) Hansen, John Hansen was born in Hadersleben, a seaport town of Prussia, September 11, 1863. In the public and high schools of his native town he received a good education, graduating in 1879. Follow- ing the German custom of learning a trade, he was apprenticed to a machinist for four years, at the end of the appointed time coming forth a full-fledged machinist. During his school years he had exhibited a fondness for mechan- ics and had given the subject considerable thought and study, so that the years of his ap- prenticeship were spent in an agreeable pur- snit. After following his trade for about a year failing eyesight made a change in his plans and finally resulted in his immigration to America. Landing in New York City Sep- tember 7, 1880, he went to Phoenixville, Ches- ter county, Pa., where for about nine months he was employed at his trade. Going to Cleve-

land, Ohio, at the end of this time he worked as a machinist there for about fifteen months, when he went still further west and in Cedar Falls, Iowa, became interested in farming. Be- sides carrying on agricultural pursuits there for four years he also did teaming. Leaving the middle west in the latter part of 1887, he arrived in San Bernardino December 17, and for one year was employed in the material yards of the Santa Fe Railroad. From there he went north to Sauvie Island, Multnomah county, Ore., where for eleven months he was employed in lumbering. Returning to San Bernardino at the end of this time he again entered the employ of the Santa Fe, acting as foreman of the yard until September 27, 1901, when he severed his connection with the com- pany and accepted the position of gate keeper and road superintendent of a power company. Four years later, in May, 1905, he accepted a position with the county as road superintend- ent, giving this up. however, five months lat- er to take charge of the Skyland resort, having been in charge here since October 15, 1905.

The marriage of John Hansen occurred Oc- tober 30, 1890, and united him with Charlotte Christine Rasmussen, the daughter of Nels Severin and Charlotte C. (Vanding) Rasmus- sen. Mrs. Hansen was born in Kolding, Den- mark, October 26, 1863, and in 1890 came to the United States, locating in San Bernardino, Cal., where her marriage occurred soon aft- erward. Three children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hansen, the eldest of whom, Johannas Christian, died at the age of three years and ten months ; Eda Frederica was born February 15. 1892; and the youngest child, Olga Helen, was born May 29, 1900. Political- ly Mr. Hansen is a believer in Democratic principles, although he is not what is termed a politician, and has never aspired to public office holding. Fraternally he belongs to Ar- rowhead Tent No. 12, K. O. T. M., in which he has held a number of offices.

WILLIAM LAMONT OLMSTEAD. Iden- tified with the manufacturing interests of Red- lands, William Lamont Olmstead is now act- ing as secretary and manager for the San Ber- nardino Lumber & Box Company, with his business office located in San Bernardino and his home in this city, at the corner of Clark and Alvarado streets. Mr. Olmstead came to California in 1889. He is a native of Penn- sylvania, where his birth occurred in Wyom- ing county, near Tunkhannock, November 10, 1858. His father, Edward, was a teacher in the public schools and later in life a manu- facturer, his death being caused from in-

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juries received while in this work. His moth- er was Martha Lockwood, in maidenhood, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Will- iam Lockwood, the latter a farmer in what is now Scranton, Pa. Mrs. Olmstead was also a teacher in her young womanhood; she be- came the mother of two children and died when this son was but five years old. He was brought up on a farm in Wyoming county and attended the district schools in pursuit of an education, which course was supplemented by a few months spent at the Keystone Academy. At the age of cighteen years he began teach- ing in his native county, and in that location remained so occupied for abont thirteen years. During this time he studied pharmacy. In 1889 he came to the Pacific coast and located in Uniontown, Eastern Washington, and en- gaged in the drug business in that town for about three years, when he sold out and pur- chasing a drug establishment in Farmington, same state, he conducted the same for the pe- riod of six months. He then moved his inter- ests to Northport, Wash., and after one year moved it again to Ritzville, same state, and shortly afterward became interested in the banking business there, disposing of his drug store to assume the position of discount clerk in the First National Bank of Ritzville, in which he was a director. He held this posi- tion two years, when in 1902 he resigned, and having previously, in 1901, made a trip to California and purchased an orange grove at Redlands, he came south and became per- manently located here. He now owns seven- teen acres on Redlands street and Fifth av- enue, all devoted to navel oranges. In the meantime he has become variously interested in commercial affairs in this section, at pres- ent serving as president of the Security In- vestment Company, of Redlands, which owns the Commercial Company; is a member of East Redlands Water Company, and is a di- rector and the vice-president of same; was one of the organizers of the Redlands Golden Orange Association and a director from its inception ; and in the reorganization of the San Bernardino Lumber & Box Company he was a potent factor. This latter business now occupies a large part of his time and atten- tion. This enterprise is located in San Ber- nardino, where they have a planing, mill and box factory, with a capacity of fifty thou- sand feet per day. They have mills in the mountains near Skyland, where they manu- facture Inmber for their own use. Since Jan- uary 1, 1907, Mr. Olmstead has assumed active management in this work, and is now serv- ing as its manager and secretary, and is destined to bring the enterprise to rank with

the foremost of its character in Southern Cal- ifornia.

In Wyoming county, Pa., Mr. Olmstead was united in marriage with Miss Alice M. Hodg- son, a native of Daleville, Pa., and a graduate of the Indiana State Normal at Valparaiso. They have four children, namely: Edward L., engaged in the real estate business in Ana- heim; Nellie I .. Edith M. and Paul H., at home. Fraternally Mr. Olmstead was made a Mason in Ritzville Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M., and an Odd Fellow in Pennsylvania, joining the lodge of the latter organization in Ritz- ville, of which he is past grand, and now be- longs to Redlands Lodge No. 341, I. O. O. F. He is a member of the First Congregational Church, of Redlands, and politically is a Re- publican.

FRANK WALTER JOHNSON. There is no enterprise of its kind better known through- out the Pomona valley than the Pomona Val- ley Ice Company, of which Mr. Johnson is the able manager. His identification with the ice business dates from the year 1902, when he became an employc of the Pasadena Ice Com- pany and as their representative established a branch office in Pomona. The following year he was transferred to Los Angeles and placed in charge as manager of that branch, a posi- tion which he filled with credit to himself and with the greatest satisfaction to his superiors until February, 1906. It was on the latter date that his identification with the Pomona Valley Ice Company began, he being a stock- holder in the concern. In the fall of 1905 the company erected its present modern ice plant at the corner of East Second and Reservoir streets, which has a capacity for turning out thirty-five tons of ice per day. In close prox- imity to the manufacturing building proper is a large brick storage warehouse, 60x120x30 feet high, with a capacity for storing three thousand tons of ice. To such an extent has the business increased in scope that more storage space has become a necessity, and it is the intention of the stockholders to erect a suitable building for this purpose in the spring of 1907.

The Johnson family was one of the oldest in Virginia, and during the Revolutionary war some of its members were represented among the defenders of the colonists' cause. From such information as can be gathered from the records of the grandfather, Martin Johnson, was the first to remove from the Old Domin- ion and establish the family in Indiana, where he taught school. The next in line of descent was W. A., who was born in Madison coun-

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ty, Ind., and during his earlier years he fol- lowed farming in that county. The call to arms in 1861 found him among the number who laid aside their farm implements to shoul- der the musket in defense of their country's honor, and after his term of service had ex- pired he once more took up his farming du- ties in Indiana. About 1880 he removed to Kansas City, Mo., and engaged in the real- estate business, following this for about four vears, when, in 1884, he came to California, and since that time has followed the same bus- iness in Los Angeles, his office being at No. 109 South Broadway. His service in the Un- ion army entitles him to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife, for- merly Sarah Cook, was also born in Indiana, and is now living in Los Angeles. All of the six children born to these worthy parents are still living, and of the number Frank W. is next to the oldest.

At Huntsville, Madison county, Ind., not far from Anderson, Frank W. Johnson was born March 12, 1870, and the first ten years of his life were associated with that locality. The removal of the family at that time to Kansas City brought a complete change into his life, for though he was little more than a child in years he began to prepare himself for future business, and from then until fourteen years of age was an apprentice to the uphol- sterer's trade with the Abernethy Furniture Company. Coming to California in 1884, he worked as upholsterer in the employ of John Bloser of Los Angeles for two years, and for the same length of time worked in the same capacity for the Los Angeles Furniture Com- pany. With an ambition which has ever been one of his marked characteristics he set about to improve his neglected education (his only training of this character being received pri- or to his tenth year) and during the four years of his residence in Los Angeles he attended night school and commercial college. Going to Bonner Springs, Kans., in 1888, he was as- sociated with his father in the butcher bus- iness for two years, and thereafter returned to Los Angeles, where for several years he worked as a butcher in the employ of Charles Kesner. From Los Angeles he went to San Bernardino county, where for a time he was in the employ of the Bear Valley Irrigation Company, still later going to Chino and en- gaging in beet-raising. From Chino he came to Pomona in 1894, becoming interested in the butcher business once more as an employe in the market of Richard Gird. Some years later he became proprietor of an establishment of his own, purchasing the trade of C. W. Fos- dick, and continuing the business at the cor-

ner of Second and Main streets for four years. Prior to this, however, he had worked at the upholsterer's trade for three years with Wright Brothers and Rice. Upon disposing of his meat market in 1902 he entered the employ of the Pasadena Ice Company in May of that year, and his rise from that position to the present managership of the Pomona Valley Ice Company has already been enlarged upon. Besides being a stockholder in the latter com- pany he also holds stock in the Pasadena Ice Company.

In Pomona Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage with Miss Emma Nora Mosher, who was born in Hartford, Kans., and two children have been born to them, Frank Kenneth and Lois Merle. The family have a pleasant home in Pomona, besides which Mr. Johnson owns a residence in I.os Angeles. Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the Christian Church and are in deep sympathy with the Prohibi- tion movement, Mr. Johnson voting for the candidates of that party whenever the oppor- tunity is offered. His membership in the Board of Trade is indicative of his interest in the welfare of his home city, where he is known as an enterprising and capable business man. Fraternally he belongs to several organiza- tions, having been made a Mason in Pomona Lodge No. 246, and his name is also on the membership roll of the Fraternal Aid, Frat- ernal Brotherhood and the Knights of the Maccabees.

BEARRY ROBERTS. One of the finest ranches in Southern California is owned by Bearry Roberts, who is among the oldest set- tlers in the state, having arrived here in 1852. He was born September 18, 1836, in Conway county, Ark., the son of Jesse and Mary (Ap- plin) Roberts. The father was a farmer in Arkansas and died in that state when Bearry, who was the youngest son, was a mere baby. The mother, who was a native of Tennessee, brought the family to California in 1852, but later returned to Texas, where her death oc- curred. Of the six children in the family Bearry Roberts is the only one now living. He lived on the farm in Arkansas until fifteen years old, when he crossed the plains, driving a team of four yoke oxen, guiding the animals from the back of the wheel ox. The party started April 10 and after a comparatively uneventful trip arrived in Mariposa on the first day of October. Mr. Roberts worked at min- ing for five years, then removed to San Ber- nardino county, and in December, 1857, locat- ed on a ranch and began stock raising. He has been living in his present home for thir-

105

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ty years, the ranch being situated in San Timoteo cañon, Riverside county, and com- prising two hundred acres of highly improved land, the greater part of which is under irri- gation, the water being secured from San Tim- oteo creek. He owns some of the finest cat- tle in the county of the Shorthorn and Durham breeds and has twenty-five dairy cows of high grade. He also possesses some blooded horses, among them being one. Clyde, a large bay Eng- lish shire horse bred from an imported sire, which is acknowledged to be one of the best breeding horses in the valley. The crop to which the largest acreage is devoted is alfal- fa, six cuttings of hay being secured in one year. The ranch is located six miles from Redlands and is one of the most valuable properties in that section.

In Mariposa county Mr. Roberts was mar- ried to Miss Frances Thomas, a native of Mis- souri, her death occurring on the ranch many years ago. They became the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living: William, a ranchman of Mill Creek cañon, San Bernar- (lino county : Ozrow, a farmer of San Timo- teo cañon; Edward, a farmer at Crafton ; Lee, residing in San Bernardino; Early, at home; Archie, of San Bernardino; Emma, the wife of Alfred Beach, living in Mexico; Nettie and Ida, both of whom are married and live in Or- egon. Mr. Robert's second marriage was to Miss Maggie Leonard of North Carolina, and her death took place some years ago. Frater- nally he holds membership in Token Lodge No. 290, I. O. O. F. at San Bernardino, of which he is past noble grand, and also belongs to the Encampment. He is also a member of the San Bernardino Pioneers society. He has always taken an active interest in educational inatters, and was one of the organizers of the El Casco school district and for seven years served as a director.

JAMES B. RAYNER. As an upbuilder of Redlands Mr. Rayner has been an interested witness and participant in the development of its resources and has assisted materially in en- hancing its commercial importance. He came to California in 1886 and a month later locat- ed in Redlands, where he has ever since resid- ed. He was born in Piqua, Ohio, December 5, 1846, a son of William, who was a native of Sheffield, England, a son of John, a builder by occupation, who emigrated to America and set- tled in Piqua, Ohio. William Rayner en- gaged as a carpenter and builder, and also in farming near Piqua, where his death eventual- ly occurred. His wife, formerly Rachel Val- entine, was born in Piqua, a daughter of Will-

iam Valentine, of English descent, her death also occurring in Ohio. Of their two children James B. is the only one living.

Reared in Piqua, James B. Rayner received his education in the public schools, and aft- er graduating from the high school of his na- tive town he went to Lebanon and became a student in the Normal School there. Upon re- turning home he entered a drug store and re- mained so occupied for the period of three years, when he returned to his early training and became a farmer. In October, 1871, he came west and in Colorado Springs followed carpentering and building, removing in 1874 to South Park, on the South Platte river, where he purchased and improved a cattle ranch, his brand being a double circle. He remained in this business for about twelve years. January I, 1886, he came to Southern California, re- mained for about a month in Los Angeles and then came to Redlands, where he purchased a tract of two and a half acres on the corner of Center and Clifton and three and a half acres on the corner of Center and Walnut, set them to oranges and improved with a residence and necessary barns and ontbuildings. In time he sold them both. He was one of the organizers of the Domestic Water Company and served as its secretary for one year during the time the system was constructed. Later he dis- posed of lu's interest in this concern, and gave his attention to other pursuits. He was vari- ously interested in upbuilding enterprises of Redlands. He assisted in organizing the Un- ion Bank of Redlands and acted as director for five years; also was interested in the Wind- sor hotel company. and with others, was instrumental in bringing the Southern Pa- cific Railroad to the town ; in building the first horse-car line here, and in the erection of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also interested in property in Huntington Beach. Because of impaired health he re- tired from active business cares and is now re- siding at No. 152 Fourth street, Redlands.

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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 167

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