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 184

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

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When the discovery of gold attracted thou- sands to the gold fields of the far west, Omer Oaks was among the number who left the com- forts of the east for the vicissitudes of life on the Pacific coast. By birth a New Yorker, he de- scended from an old eastern family and received his education in eastern schools. The journey was made via the isthmus and during 1850 he landed in San Francisco, from which point he proceeded to the mines. As early as 1855 he be- came a pioneer of the Santa Clara valley and there undertook the task of transforming a raw tract into a fertile farm. Meanwhile he had mar- ried Mary Threadgold, a native of England, and a lady of estimable character, whose death in 1888 was a bereavement to family and friends. On account of ill health in 1868 he came to San Diego county, where he purchased and settled upon the ranch now occupied by his son. A man of great energy and progressive spirit, he made many improvements in the ranch and converted it into a valuable property. Of recent years he has resided in the Santa Clara valley, where he is widely known and universally honored.

During the residence of the family in the Santa Clara valley Oliver Oaks was born December 26, 1880, and from that valley he accompanied his parents to San Diego county, where he received a high-school education in Escondido. Later he returned to the Santa Clara valley and attended a business college in San Jose. On starting out to make his own way in the world he took up ranch- ing pursuits and settled on the farm owned by his father in San Bernardo valley, where he has since engaged in raising farm products. As yet he has not made a specialty of the stock business, but keeps only a limited number of head. Scarce- ly yet in the prime of life, he already has a fair start in the agricultural world and ranks among the prosperous men of the valley. While he has not identified himself actively with local politics, he is known as a stanch Republican and a firm supporter of party measures. The neat and com- fortable house on the ranch is presided over by the lady whom he married August 10, 1905, and who was Miss Alice E. Doty, a native of Penn- sylvania, but from early life a resident of Escon- dido. Among the people of the valley the young couple number many warm friends and hold a position of assured social standing by reason of their genial manner, tact, courtesy to all, and the energy with which they are devoting themselves to their chosen work.

A. E. ROBINSON. When the Scotch family of Robinsons became transplanted from their na- tive land to America during the colonial period they settled in Virginia and afterward gave of their offspring to defend their adopted country in its struggle for independence. An honored representative of the race was Rev. James W. Robinson, a native of Virginia, and a man of broad education and sincere character. The opening up of the regions further west took him away from his native commonwealth to aid in the religious upbuilding of newer sections and he acquired prominence in ministerial circles of Michigan. While the family were residents of Grand Rapids, that state, A. E., son of the min- ister, was born and in the city of his birth he re- ceived his primary education, later graduating from the high school of Niles, Mich., with the class of 1877, and afterward taking a course of study in Albion College.

It happened that his father had become inter- ested in a printing plant and newspaper at Niles and Mr. Robinson in that way became interested in learning the printer's trade, which he acquired in its smallest details.

Entering the employ of the Widdicomb Furni- ture Company of Lansing, Mich., Mr. Robinson acted as salesman and buyer and finally pur- chased stock in the company, of which he served

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as assistant secretary and auditor. After a con- nection of nineteen years with the company he disposed of his stock and removed to California. The year 1900 found him a resident of Ocean Park and two years later he formed a partnership with another prominent citizen in the real-estate business, which he now conducts. During the period of his residence here he has seen property on Pier avenue increase in value from $60 to $400 per front foot. Upon the incorporation of the place he was chosen one of the first members of the board of trustees and still fills that office, besides being associated with other organizations for the city's benefit. One of the well-known lo- cal improvements, the Ocean- Park Bathhouse, numbers him among its board of directors. In social circles he is known and honored and has membership with the Country Club, besides other organizations somewhat similar in nature. While still living in Michigan he married Miss Pauline Werner, a native of Grand Rapids, and a lady of excellent education and culture. During the period of his residence in Michigan he was very active in Masonry, affiliating with the blue lodge, chapter, Knights Templar and Mystic Shrine, besides holding membership with other fraternal organizations.

A. PEROZZI is a representative and highly respected dairyman of the Lompoc valley who originally emigrated to this country from Switz- erland where his father, Peter A. Perozzi, and his mother, Mary Genarni before her marriage, were born and lived during their entire lifetime. They became the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter, the former both now living in California, and the latter never having left the land of her birth. A. Perozzi was born in Switzerland, November 7, 1862, and was educated in that country through the medium of the com- mon schools before coming to America, where he arrived when seventeen years of age. He made California his first objective point in this country, going directly to Marine, where he engaged him- self to a dairyman for two years. From there he went to assume a similar position at San Luis Obispo for a year, before finally settling at Lom- poc in November, 1883. The first few years of his residence in that valley were spent in work- ing for other men and in 1887 he had by industry and frugality succeeded in saving enough to set up in business for himself near Sutton station. The ranch which he now owns comprises three hundred and thirty-three acres, which he devotes entirely to the raising of feed for his herd of forty milch cows, the cream which they produce for market furnishing their owner a handsome income.

In 1892 Mr. Perozzi was united in marriage to

Miss Caroline Morisoli, a native of Switzerland, and to these parents have been born six children : Amelia, Brono, Adeline, Lily, George and Peter. Mr. Perozzi holds membership in two of the large fraternal organizations, the Foresters of America and the Woodmen of the World. He is a Republican in politics, believing heartily in the principles which that party advocates, and re- ligiously belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, which he supports liberally.

LEONARD B. SLOSSON. A man of fine mental attainments and wide information, Leon- ard B. Slosson is well versed in legal lore, and al- though a comparatively newcomer in Los An- geles county has already acquired a noteworthy reputation as an able and skillful lawyer. A son of Willis M. Slosson, he was born, in April, 1875, in Sabetha, Nemaha county, Kans., a descendant of one of the early families of Connecticut, and comes of distinguished stock, members of the fam- ily from which he is sprung having fought in the Revolutionary war. His paternal grandfather, Ozias Slosson, was a life-long farmer in New York state.

A native of New York state, Willis M. Slosson there followed the trade of a miller when young. Subsequently removing to Nemaha county, Kans., he was successfully employed in mercantile pursuits at Sabetha for a few years, and while there was very influential in political circles. Having possession of considerable land in Os- ceola county, Mich., he subsequently moved there with his family, and for twenty years was em- ployed in looking after his landed interests in that vicinity. In 1899 he came to California, lo- cating in Ventura county, where he is well known as a forester, having won distinction in connec- tion with the forest fires of Montecito. He is now living in Santa Barbara, having been made supervisor of the Santa Barbara Forest Reserves, a position of importance which he is ably and sat- isfactorily filling.

But four years of age when his parents re- moved to Michigan, Leonard B. Slosson received his elementary education in the public schools of Osceola county, and was subsequently graduated from the Michigan Military Academy. He was afterwards employed at the State Capital, in Lan- sing, for a time, and then served as librarian for the Library of the Supreme Court of Michigan for three years. Having in the meantime studied law, Mr. Slosson was admitted to the Michigan har in 1899, and the following July came to Cali- fornia to reside. Being admitted to the bar of this state. he practiced law for a while in Ventura county, being in partnership with Senator Ores- tes Orr. He served as deputy county clerk of Ventura county until March, 1904, when he lo-

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cated in Los Angeles. In December, 1904, Mr. Slosson formed a copartnership with Benjamin S. Hunter, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, having offices in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Po- litically Mr. Slosson is a stanch Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Woodmen of America.

GEORGE M. SPICER. Since May, 1904, George M. Spicer has been a resident of Long Beach, Los Angeles county, where he has already succeeded in building up for himself a lucrative clientele. A native of Utah, Mr. Spicer was born in Manti, September 16, 1879, and was still young when his parents located in Salt Lake City. There he attended the public schools and later became a student in the University of Utah, from which institution he was graduated in 1899. Fol- lowing his graduation he took up the study of law in the office of Joseph L. Rawlins, with whom he remained until the following year, when he was admitted to the practice of his pro- fession. He established a practice in Salt Lake and in Manti, where he remained until 1904, in which year he came to California and on account of the multifold business opportunities held out by growing Long Beach he located in this city. He opened an office, although he is independent in his operations, having built up a constantly in- creasing general practice. He has also invested his means in property in this city and Wilming- ton, believing firmly in the future prosperity and growth of this section. Mr. Spicer is identified fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge in Manti, Utah, and the Eagles, of Long Beach. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and although never desir- ous of personal recognition along these lines has been active in his efforts to advance the prin- ciples he endorses.

JOHN F. PETIT. Among the industrious and thriving young farmers of the Santa Clara valley, the name of John F. Petit is pre-eminent. Though a native of Pennsylvania, he has spent the greater portion of his life in California, having come to this state with his parents in 1884, and since that time lias resided continuously near Ox- ford, Ventura county. Born in Custer, Pa., Sep- tember 8, 1873. Mr. Petit is the son of Frank and Caroline (Dougherty) Petit, whose biographical sketch will be found elsewhere in this work. Re- ceiving his education in the common schools of his native state and of the Santa Clara valley, Cal., he divided his time during his boyhood days between his school work and the duties which fall

to the average farmer's boy until reaching man- hood's estate. In 1898 he left the paternal roof and engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself on land near Oxnard, which he still owns. Suc- cess following his persevering efforts in that line, he has brought his farm of one hundred and six- ty acres up to a high state of cultivation, his principal crops being sugar beets and barley hay, the ranch giving ample evidence of the thrift and good management of its proprietor.

November 4,' 1896, Mr. Petit formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Mary Adela Coultas, who is a native of Illinois. Having lost her father by death, she came with her mother to Southern California and her mother now resides 11 Los Angeles. Two children, Nellie and Vida, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Petit. The fam- ilv attend the Methodist Episcopal Church of Oxnard, of which they are consistent members. Mr. Petit is independent in his political beliefs, voting for the candidate whom he considers the best man for the office. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of Colonia Lodge No. 89, I. O. O. F., of Ox- nard. He is popular among his acquaintances and stands high in the community as a man of true worth and integrity.

AUGUST SAULQUE. Through the long period of his residence in Southern California Mr. Saulque has seen the gradual growth of this section of country from a bare, unimproved stretch of land to a region of rare scenic beauty, with fine homes, valuable farms and profitable fruit orchards. The climate he has found some- what similar to that of his own sunny France, but the opportunities he believes to be greater here than there, while a greater variety of prod- ttcts may be raised under the fine system of irri- gation now prevailing on the Pacific coast. Born October 1, 1852, he passed the years of youth upon a farm in France, where little occurred to break the monotony of daily toil. As he grew to- ward manhood he heard much concerning the · new world and his aspirations turned to its pos- sibilities.

Mr. Saulque landed at San Pedro, Los Angeles county, two weeks after he had arrived in San Francisco from his native land. The date of his arrival, February 27, 1871, is associated in his mind with the beginning of his success, yet at first he held but a humble position as a sheep- herder. Meanwhile he studied the sheep indus- try and at the expiration of three years he re- signed his position in order to embark in business for himself. With his brother Jules as a partner he bought about one thousand head of sheep at Bakersfield and for eleven years engaged in the breeding, buying and selling of sleep. At one time his flock aggregated eight thousand head,

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and he sold seven thousand in one bunch for $25,000. On disposing of his sheep in 1885 he came to Los Angeles, but three years later he again became interested in the raising of sheep and had charge of a band of sheep in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties for six years, contin- uing, however, to make Los Angeles' his home and headquarters. During 1884 he purchased twenty-five acres at Hyde Park and this he rent- ed until 1903, when he established his headquar- ters on the ranch. For some years after coming to Califorina he remained without domestic ties, but in 1886 he established a home of his own, marrying a native of Los Angeles and a lifelong resident of this city. The three children of their union are Leo P., Anna and Harriet. Since be- coming a citizen of the United States Mr. Saul- que has voted the Republican ticket and has given his support at all times to the principles for which that party stands.

H. B. AINSWORTH. The present manager of the H. E. Huntington business interests at Redondo, H. B. Ainsworth is one of the best .known and most highly respected citizens of this section of the state. He is the son of Capt. J. C. Ainsworth, whose name has been inseparably connected with the history of the development of the western coast states, arrived in San Fran- cisco in 1850. Captain Ainsworth was born June 6, 1822, in Warren county, Iowa, and took his first lessons in steamboating on the Missis- sippi river, while yet a young man becoming master of a passenger steamer plying between St. Louis and points north of that city. He re- mained in California but a short time, however, and after clerking a few weeks in a store at Sacramento he removed to Oregon City, Ore. At Oregon City he engaged in steamboating and while there built the boat which became the nucleus of the Oregon Steamship & Navigation Company which he later organized, becoming president of the company, which later was merged into the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Com- pany, of which Captain Ainsworth continued to be president until its sale in 1879 to the Villard syndicate for $5,000,000. He built the Missouri Pacific railroad from California to Puget Sound and was also largely interested in the construc- tion of the Northern Pacific railroad between the Columbia river and Puget Sound.

After his retirement from the navigation com- panies he removed to Oakland, Cal., and identi- fied himself with various financial enterprises, among them being the founding of the Central Bank of Oakland, retaining the office of presi- dent of that institution until his death. In Port- land he organized the Ainsworth National Bank which in 1903 was consolidated with the United

States National Bank and subsequently did busi- ness under that name, in 1905 absorbing the Wells Fargo National Bank. The son, J. C., Jr., is now president of that institution which is con- sidered one of the most solid on the Pacific Coast. In 1887 Captain Ainsworth in company with R. R. Thompson began the exploitation of the Redondo beach and spent three million dol- lars in transforming it into one of the finest sea- side resorts on the coast. In 1890 the Redondo Railroad company was organized and eighteen miles of track was laid connecting Redondo with Los Angeles ; this company afterwards became the Los Angeles & Redondo Railway company which now owns the three wharves there. In the same year Mr. Ainsworth organized the Re- dondo Hotel company which built what was then the largest hotel in Southern California and surrounded it with fine and imposing grounds. As the head of the Redondo Improvement com- pany, which was afterwards absorbed by the Redondo Beach company he built the Chautau- qua auditorium which was constructed of con- crete and has a floor space of ten thousand square feet. He was for many years a prominent Mason, having attained the thirty-third degree and was first Grand Master of Oregon. His death in December, 1893, at his home in Oak- land, removed one of the most important char- acters in the development of the whole north- west. His wife who was Fannie Bobbitt, a daughter of Gen. Edwin Burr Bobbitt, a grad- uate of West Point and chief of the Quarter- master Department of the United States Army, became the mother of six children, five of whom are now living. Her death occurred in Port- land, July, 1905.

The third oldest child in the family was H. B. Ainsworth who was born in Portland, May 23, 1871, and received his education in a pri- vate school in Oakland, in 1891 graduating from the University of California with the degree of C. E. He began his business career by enter- ing his father's bank in Oakland and afterward in Portland attended to affairs connected with the estate. In 1895 he came to Redondo as man- ager of the different companies and business en- terprises owned by the estate and has ever since remained in this city. In June, 1905, all of his businesses which his father had founded were dis- posed of to H. E. Huntington, who retains Mr. Ainsworth as manager of the interests which he had been so successfully conducting in years past. His influence in financial circles is a strong one and in every matter of public import he takes a prominent interest. He is a director in the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank of Redondo, and is now serving his second term as a member of the city board of trustees. The Republican party has always received his active support. He was

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married in Los Angeles to Miss Anna Mullins, a native of New York state, and they are the parents of one child, a daughter, Anna.

TOLBERT B. MOORHEAD, D. D. S. In the valuable improvements and discoveries made during recent years in the scientific world, no profession, perhaps, has reaped more benefit than that of dentistry, which has been elevated to the dignity of a distinct and separate science, the understanding of which requires much study and close application. Prominent among the younger dentists of Los Angeles county who have acquired proficiency in this line of study is Tolbert B. Moorhead, D. D. S., of Whittier, a dentist of acknowledged skill and ability. He is an energetic young man. upright and of good principles, and is fast making for himself an en- viable reputation in professional and social cir- cles. The doctor was born, January 10, 1876, in McDonald, Pa., where his father, the late Will- iam B. Moorhead, spent his entire life. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Johnson, survived her husband, and still lives in Pennsylvania, her native state.

After completing the course of study in the public schools, Tolbert B. Moorhead entered the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and was graduated from the Dental Department in the class of 1898. Opening an office imme- diately in McDonald, Pa., Dr. Moorhead re- mained there two years, being busily employed, his success as a dentist becoming known and acknowledged in the community. Coming to California in 1900, the Doctor located in Whit- tier, where he has built up an extensive and remunerative practice, his skill and wisdom win- ning for him a fine patronage.

In Whittier, Cal., Dr. Moorhead married Pearl Wilson, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of James K. Wilson, now a resident of Whit- tier. Politically the Doctor is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to the lodge and chapter : is a member of the Independent Order of Odd. Fellows; and is a Knight of Pvthias, and past chancellor of the lodge to which he be- longs.

H. A. FRIEDRICKS. The management of the Rosecrans' ranch at Gardena is under the capable supervision of H. A. Friedricks, who since 1901 has occupied the position he still fills with efficiency and energy. For the work he now controls he was admirably qualified through a considerable previous experience on the same ranch; it was about 1893 when he became an employe of the estate and here he has since

continued, his original service as a farm hand having been of a practical nature calculated to adapt him for the more responsible position lie now occupies. The tract comprises about seven hundred acres and is devoted to the raising of grain and pasturage of cattle, also the growing of vegetables for the city markets. A specialty is likewise made of the dairy business, thirty- five cows being milked and the milk sold in the city. One of the manager's favorite theories is concerning the value of cut feed for his stock, this work being done with the aid of a steam plant which also operates the pump and irri- gates the land.

Born in Milwaukee, Wis., April 9, 1878, Mr. Friedricks is of German ancestry, and is a son of H. G. Friedricks, a native of the Fatherland. While he was still quite small he was orphaned by the death of his mother, leaving him the eld- est of the five sons, of whom the others are Arthur, Oscar, Julius and Sigmund. His father is still living and makes his home in Santa Bar- bara, this state. When H. A. was a boy nine years of age he accompanied other members of the family to California and settled in Los An- geles, where he attended the grammar and high schools, and later, while working during the day, attended a business school evenings, thus ac- quiring a fair education. Practically all of his business life has been spent on the Rosecrans' ranch, where he now makes his home, devoting himself with energy and faithfulness to the duties of his position. As yet he has not estab- lished domestic ties, nor has he taken a promi- nent part in local politics, his only connection with the same being in the casting of a straight Republican ticket at all elections. Fraternallv he is associated with the Knights of Pythias and the Fraternal Brotherhood.

H. C. MAYER. Conspicuous among the wide- awake and progressive business men who are so actively promoting the foremost interests of Venice and the surrounding country is H. C. Maver, secretary of the Hardware Association of Southern California. Far-sighted, brainy and quick of perception, he has been exceedingly prosperous in his career, and since coming to Los Angeles county has won a place of influence. establishing himself firmly in the confidence and esteem of the community in which he resides. A son of Jacob F. Maver, he was born in Hender- son. Ky .. of pioneer ancestry. His grandfather, George A. Mayer, settled in Kentucky in 1831. and there followed the trade of a locksmith and gun maker, which he learned from his father, who manufactured guns for use in the Revolu- tionary war.

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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 184

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