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 34

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

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Born January 6, 1862, Mr. Beasley was a lad of ten years when, in 1872, he became associated with affairs in Ventura county. An inborn love for things of a mechanical nature became appar- ent at an early age, and the first opportunity which he found for giving vent to his ambition in this direction was running the engine of a threshing machine. He later had charge of an engine in a starch factory, also ran engines which propelled machinery used for boring wells, and altogether his experience as a traction engineer covered over seventeen years. About 1895 his interest turned toward agriculture, and an ex- perience in the employ of others for twelve years gave him the knowledge and assurance necessary for managing an undertaking on his own account, which was followed by his assuming control of his present property.

In 1892 H. C. Beasley was united in marriage with Tennie Glenn, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Growns) Glenn, and who was born in Kern county in 1864. Like his father Mr. Beas- ley takes considerable interest in fraternal mat- ters, belonging to Oxnard Lodge No. 361, F. & A. M., and to Lodge No. 11000, M. W. A. at Somis. Politically he is interested in what- ever affects the Republican party, and his vote may always be depended upon to support its candidates. Personally he is a broad-minded, progressive citizen, thoroughly believing that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well, a belief which has had practical demonstration in whatever he has attempted.

E. SMITH. Standing prominent among the active, intelligent and progressive agriculturists of San Diego county is E. Smith, a successful rancher and fruit-grower of Lakeside. His small but valuable ranch is pleasantly. located, and is well improved, everything about the prem- ises indicating the thrift, industry and keen judg- ment of its owner. A son of M. Smith, he was born, March 30, 1870, in Mexico, where he re- ceived an excellent education.

A Mexican born and reared, M. Smith was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Mexico dur- ing the earlier years of his life, and was quite successful. Coming with his family to Califor- nia in 1888, he lived for a year in San Diego, and then settled on the famous Canado De Los Cochis ranch, one of the noted Spanish ranchos, which he managed for five years. Settling then in this valley, he purchased his present ranch of ten acres, and has since been extensively en- gaged in the growing of raisins, in addition rais- ing some grain. He has met with good re-

sults in his undertakings, becoming one of the leading agriculturists and vineyardists of this locality, and one of the most respected citizens, being known far and wide for his generosity and benevolence. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were married, in Mexico, and are the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter.

Coming with the family to Southern California in 1888, E. Smith assisted his father in his agri- cultural labors, while thus employed on the Canado De Los Cochis ranch obtaining a thorough knowledge of the leading branches of agriculture and horticulture. In 1892 he bought his present ranch of five acres, situated in Lake- side, and in its improvement has taken much pride and pleasure, by his industry and ju- dicious labor bringing it to a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Smith's first wife, to whom he was mar- ried in 1892, died leaving five children, Marcel, Lomez, Pas, Aurora and Edward. In 1905 he married for his second wife Candelaria Martinez, who was born and educated in California. Polit- ically Mr. Smith is an Independent voter, and religiously he is a member of the Catholic Church.

ROBERT HOLMES MACLAY. Occupying an assured position among the thriving agri- culturists and highly esteemed citizens of Fernando is Robert Holmes Maclay, who is held in high estimation throughout the community as a man of undoubted integrity and sterling worth. A native of California, he was born October 27, 1857, in Santa Clara county, a son of the late Senator Charles Maclay, of whom a brief sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume.

Completing his early education in the public schools of his native county, Robert H. Maclay remained at home until 1874, when he came with his parents to Fernando. At once embarking in agricultural pursuits, he settled not far from the village, where he now owns a well cultivated ranch of fifty-seven acres, from which he derives a good yearly income. He has likewise valuable property in the village, his residence being one of the most attractive on Hagar street. Enter- prising and active, he has met with financial suc- cess in his various business transactions, and is in all respects one of the solid men of his com- munity.

In Fernando, Mr. Maclay married Jennie Beale, a native of Oregon, and they have one child, a daughter named Mary. Politically Mr. Maclay is an earnest Republican, and religiously both he and his wife attend the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and are liberal contributors to- wards its support.

Hiram Keyes.

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HIRAM KEYES. Numbered among the veteran agriculturists of San Diego county who have achieved success in their independent occu- pation is Hiram Keyes of Ramona, who has made farming his life work, and having acquired a competency is now living free from business ac- tivity and care. Intelligent and well-informed, the possessor of excellent judgment and sound sense, he is ably performing his duty as a faithful cit- izen, and is everywhere respected. A native of Ohio, he was born December 5, 1832, in Morgan county, of good old New England stock. His father, Phineas C. Keyes, a native of Maine, learned the tanner's trade when young, and for many years carried on a successful business in Morgan county, Ohio. He was a man of strong individuality, a noted abolitionist, and a valued member of the Presbyterian Church. He married Mary Gould, who was born in Massachusetts, and they became the parents of eight children, six of whom have passed to the life beyond, one daughter, Mary G. Benedict, a resident of Kan- sas, and Hiram, the subject of this sketch, being the only survivors.

Brought up in Ohio, Hiram Keyes attended the common schools of Morgan county, after which he attended a high school in Washington county, his early education being completed by an at- tendance of one' term at Oberlin College. Re- turning home from the latter institution, he taught school a few years, in the mean time assisting his father in the tan yard whenever he was at leisure. In 1855, while Kansas was yet a territory, he there took up a pre-emption claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land and en- gaged in farming. In 1856 he took part in the Border Ruffian war, serving under "Jim" Lane. In 1861, when the Civil war broke out, he en- listed in Company K, Eleventh Kansas Volun- teer Infantry, and served under command of General Blount for three years, when he re- ceived his honorable discharge from the army. Returning then to his Kansas home, he resumed his labors as a tiller of the soil, remaining there twenty or more years. Coming to California in 1886 he located first in San Diego, and was after- wards engaged in ranching near Julian, after which he lived at Banner one year. He subse- quently located a homestead claim to one hun- dred and sixty acres of land at Eagles Nest re- sort, near Warner Hot Springs, where he resided a number of years. About 1900 he purchased a ten-acre ranch in Ramona, and having improved it. is now living here retired, enjoying a well- earned leisure.

In 1858 Mr. Keyes married Lucinda C. Hovey, who was born in Washington county, Ohio, July 23, 1838, a daughter of Harvey Clark Hovey, the latter a son of William Hovey, an officer in the Revolutionary army. Eleven child-

ren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keyes, namely : Charles, who died in infancy; George C., of Pasadena ; Harvey Stanley and Phineas Stanton, twins, who died in infancy; Clara, a teacher in Manila, Philippine Islands; Mattie, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Mrs. Charlotte Janeway of Ramona: Edwin E., a lawyer in Berkeley ; Lucile, wife of Henry A. Hanigan, first lieutenant in a United States regiment in the Philippine Islands ; Hiram, who died in childhood and Minnie, who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Keyes is a straightforward Republican, and religiously he is a member of the Congregational Church. He served as justice of the peace while living near Warner, and while in San Diego was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic For his services during the Civil war he receives a pension.

EDWARD C. COOMER. In her young men is a country's hope, and when by honesty and in- dustrious personal effort a man of but twenty- six years becomes as prosperous and successful as is E. C. Coomer, they are also her pride. Mr. Coomer is of southern parentage, his father, Thomas Coomer, having been born in Kentucky and his mother belonging to a Virginia family. Thomas Coomer served four years in the Union army during the Civil war, having enlisted in Company I, of the Twenty-seventh Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, and had the honor of serving on General Sheridan's staff. His was not idle camp service, but the forward firing line was his favor- ite post and he carries the scars of four wounds received in battle. He is now an honored mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic in the Carpinteria Post, for both he and his wife are now living in the Carpinteria valley, they having moved here with their son in 1901. Fraternally he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge.

Edward C. Coomer was born in Edgar county, Ill., February 15, 1880. His parents moved to Canada when he was quite small, then went back to Michigan when he was five years old. After remaining there for five years they next made their home in Tennessee, where Mr. Coomer re- ceived a common-school education. This he sup- plemented with a commercial course, specializing on shorthand, and for two years after his gradua- tion he did stenographic reporting. Later he ac- cepted a position near Covington, Ky., where he had charge of coke ovens and also acted as in- spector. This work did not agree with him, how- ever, and his health requiring a change of climate he came with his parents to California. After lo- cating in the state he purchased eighteen acres of land in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo county, but has since disposed of it and now has a fine

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ranch of twenty acres near Carpinteria which he has improved, thirteen acres being planted to wal- nut trees.

In 1903 Mr. Coomer was united in marriage with Miss May B. Fowler, a native daughter of California. Politically he is a stanch Republican and is prominent in all matters of interest in the upbuilding of the community in which he resides. He enjoys the good will and esteem of a host of friends and acquaintances, who value him as one of their leading citizens.

CHARLES WALTER SAVIERS. Among the industrious, far-sighted and prosperous farm- ers of Oxnard, C. W. Saviers is worthy of spe- cial mention. Starting in life with no other endowments than strong hands, a willing heart, and the elements of character essential to noble manhood, a brief review of his life affords a good illustration of the exercise of perseverance and resolution under the pressure of financial disaster as well as amid the sunshine of pros- perity. He has labored with untiring energy and zeal to establish a home for himself and family, and is now the owner of a ranch which, with its appurtenances, is one of the best and most attractive in his neighborhood, bearing visi- ble evidence of the intelligence and ability of the owner. A son of the late J. Y. Saviers, he was born, November II, 1866, in Yuba City, Sutter county, Cal., but has spent the larger part of his life in Ventura county.

A native of Ohio, J. Y. Saviers was a tiller of the soil from early life until his death. In 1850 he came to California, following the trail of the gold seekers, but was not fortunate enough as a miner to accumulate any amount of the glittering mineral. Returning therefore, by way of the Isthmus, to Ohio, he remained there for a number of years, working as a farmer. In 1860, however, he concluded to again try his luck in the extreme west, and as captain of a train came with ox-teams across the plains. He had no special trouble on the trip, but after his arrival in California was wounded in a scrimmage with the Indians. Locating in Ven- tura county, he resumed his agricultural labors, continuing as a rancher until his death, which occurred in Oxnard, in February, 1904, at the advanced age of eighty-one vears. He married Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Ohio, and died, in 1867, in California, leaving four chil- dren, three sons, all of whom reside in this state, and a daughter, who is now living in Bell coun- ty. Tex.

Left motherless in infancy, Charles W. Saviers was brought to Ventura county when but eigh- teen months old, and was here brought up and educated. As early as practicable, he was

initiated by his father into the mysteries of farm- ing, and proved a most faithful worker, remain- ing on the home farm until twenty-one years of age. Starting then for himself, he worked for wages for awhile in Ventura county, after which he spent four years in Taylor county, Tex., where he had a brief and rather disastrous ca- reer as a general farmer. Returning to this county, he was again a wage earner for three years. Accumulating some capital, he again be- gan life for himself on rented land, and in its management was quite successful. In 1902 he purchased his present ranch of one hundred and sixty acres, and has since carried on an exten- sive and lucrative business as a grower of beets and beans, two of the staple crops of this sec- tion of the state. In addition to this he leases seven hundred and fifty acres of land, which he devotes almost entirely to the raising of barley, harvesting on an average from fifteen to twenty sacks, of eighty-two and one-half pounds each, to the acre. As a general farmer, he has been fortunate, and as a stock raiser, on a moderate scale, is meeting with success.

Mr. Saviers' marriage united him with Lot- tie M. Eggleston, who was born in Iowa, of New England stock, her Grandfather Eggleston hav- ing been a native of Massachusetts. Her par- ents were married in San Francisco, but after- wards removed to Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Saviers are the parents of three children, Walter J., Roy A. and Annie. Mr. Saviers is a stanch Repub- lican in politics, and is now serving as school trustee.

ELI MILTON HADDOX. Liberal and en- terprising, throughout his residence in the vicin- ity of El Monte Mr. Haddox has won a place among the representative citizens who may al- ways be counted upon to uphold public interest and public honor. He is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and was born in the vicinity of Findlay, February 14, 1853. His grandfather William Haddox, was a pioneer of Ohio, having immigrated from Virginia with his family at an early date in the history of the middle west. His father, Eli Haddox was born in Virginia and reared in Ohio, where the family located in 1802. By trade he was a wagon maker, but in man- hood he followed farming, remaining a resident of Ohio until his death. He married Elizabeth Oliver, a native of Virginia, who settled in Ohio with her parents. They had ten children. four of whom are living, the youngest being Eli Mil- ton Haddox.

Reared in Ohio, Eli M. Haddox received his education in the public schools, remaining at home until twenty years old, when he became depend- ent upon his own resources. He engaged in farm-

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ing for a livelihood, renting land at first and finally purchasing forty acres, upon which he continued his work. In 1882 he removed to Ne- braska and at Fort Kearney bought three hun- dred and twenty acres of railroad land, which he improved and cultivated for four years. Remov- ing to Stirling (now Buffalo county) he home- steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and improved this property also. In 1900 he disposed of these interests and came to California and in El Monte engaged in farming, having in the meantime (1896) purchased forty acres from the Bassett property which was immediately set out in walnuts, a pumping plant installed in 1899 with a ten-horse power engine, with a capacity of one hundred inches, this being the first pump- ing plant on the east side of the San Gabriel river. Twenty acres of his property has since been given over to the raising of apples, while the remainder is in walnuts and alfalfa. He car- ries on general farming on leased land in the neighborhood and is uniformly successful in his enterprises. He has improved his own property by the erection of a residence, barns and out- buildings, good fences, and every convenience that bespeaks the thrifty and successful farmer.

In Putnam county, Ohio, October 3, 1875, Mr. Haddox married Miss Caroline Riter, a native of Findlay, that state, and the daughter of John M. Riter, an old settler of that section of Ohio. They are the parents of the following children : Eliza, Mrs. Gunnels, of Oxnard; Benjamin, in Los Angeles; Jefferson, of Oxnard; James and Milton, of Los Angeles; and the others at home, Peter, Cora, Wallace, Emmet, Goldie and Ar- nold. Mr. Haddox is a Republican on all na- tional issues, although locally he can always be counted upon to support the man best qualified for official duties. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

CHARLES RICHARDSON. A pioneer of California, and the son of a pioneer, Charles Richardson, living near Simi, Ventura county, has had a varied experience in life, meeting with fortunes and with misfortunes, but in the end overcoming all obstacles. When he came to this state the country was largely in its original wild- ness, game being abundant, and the Indians num- erous. There being no railways, transportation was with ox-teams chiefly, and the trading points were few and far between. Possessing a vast fund of historical information in regard to pio- neer days, and being an intelligent and interest- ing talker, with a good memory, Mr. Richard- son is a most entertaining conversationalist, and one whom it is a pleasure to meet. He was born, August 27, 1836, in Warren county, Mo., be-

ing one of the thirteen children of the late John Richardson, all of whom with the exception of two that died in Wisconsin came to California to reside.

A native of New York state, John Richardson migrated to Missouri at an early day, and after spending some years in that state went to Wis- consin. From there he came in 1860 to the Pa- cific coast, crossing the plains with ox-teams, starting from Missouri in a train composed of eighteen families. While on the journey his old- est child suddenly disappeared, and it was three days before he was found, that incident being the only one to seriously mar the pleasure of the trip. He was a man of strong convictions, a Democrat in politics, and an old-school Baptist in religion. In Missouri he married Lucy Wright, who was born in Kentucky, and died at an advanced age in Ventura county, near Ox- nard, while his death occurred in Sutter county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; and during his entire life was a loyal and faithful citizen, and instilled into the minds of his children the spirit of true patriotism.

Accompanying his parents to Wisconsin in April, 1847, Charles Richardson was there edu- cated in the common schools of Grant county. Thirteen years later he came with the family to California, having a four months' trip across the plains in the train commanded by Captain Mc- Farland, and arriving in Shasta county April 9, 1860. He subsequently spent several months in Sacramento, from there going to the San Joa- quin valley, where he bought land and was en- gaged in ranching for two years, being in part- nership with his father and brother. Disposing of his interest in the land he continued his agri- cultural operations alone, being first located in Sacramento, and then in Sutter county, where he resided eleven years. Selling out, he went to Santa Barbara in 1874, and was there for four- teen years, busily employed in tilling the soil. Again disposing of his land he moved to San Diego, bought land, and embarked in general farming, remaining there eleven years, when he had the misfortune to lose title to his ranch. Locating in Ventura county in 1900 he carried on farming on an extensive scale for three years on rented land, in his ventures succeeding well. In 1903 he purchased his present ranch, near Simi, and now has a highly improved farm of forty acres, which he devotes principally to the raising of fruit, having a large orchard of apri- cots and prunes, also making a specialty to some extent of raising chickens.

In Wisconsin, in 1859, Mr. Richardson married Candace Burton, who was born in Warren county, Mo., being one of the ten children of Alsop and Lucy (Graves) Burton. Her father was born in Virginia, and died in Wisconsin, at the age

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of fifty-seven years, and his wife, who was born in Kentucky, died in Missouri, aged sixty-seven years. Thirteen children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson: Lionel W., of Ven- tura county, married Mary Rystrum, by whom he has seven children; Laura died in infancy ; Letitia S., wife of Fay Colby, of Sonoma coun- ty, has five daughters; Sarah M., wife of J. W. Lewis, of Camarillo, has five children; Charles W., of Sawtelle, married Florence Wil- son, and they have four children; Ida C., wife of Lorenzo Jackson, of Sonoma county, has two children; Lucy A. died at the age of nineteen years; Viola D., wife of Harry Wilson, of Saw- telle, has three children; Lizzie, who married John Houston, died at the age of thirty years, leaving three children; Vesta B. is the wife of Robert Beardsley; and Thomas H., Roxie, and Samuel C. are living at home. In his political relations Mr. Richardson is a strong Democrat, and has served many terms as school trustee and as road overseer. Fraternally he is a member of Ventura Lodge No. 120, K. of P.

JOHN R. DOIG, M. D. During his resi- dence in San Diego county, J. R. Doig, M. D., has become known as one of its able and skilful physicians and surgeons, and by his genial man- ners and kindly courtesy endears himself to all classes of people. Cultured and talented, his long-continued studies and his wide experience as a general practitioner have given him a thor- oughi knowledge of the many branches of his profession and gained for him a place of promi- nence in medical circles. While devoted to his life work, the doctor takes great interest in the progressive movements of the day and his sym- pathies are as broad as humanity. The son of Prof. James R. Doig, he was born, March 8,, 1845, in Wayne county, Ohio.

A native of New York state, James R. Doig received excellent educational advantages, in early manhood being graduated from Union Col- lege. Fitted for a professional career, he moved to Ohio after his marriage, and for several years held a chair in Franklin College, at New Athens, Harrison county. Going from there to Wash- ington, Washington county, Iowa. Professor Doig served as president of the college there until its destruction by a tornado in 1864. Removing then to Monmouth, Ill., he was for ten years professor of languages in Monmouth College, resigning the position on account of his advanced age. He subsequently lived retired at Vinton, Iowa, un- til his death, in 1885, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a stanch Republican in politics, at all times being active in advancing the inter- ests of his party, and was a faithful member of the United Presbyterian Church. Professor

Doig was twice married, first to Hannah Rankin, a native of Washington county, Pa. She died at the age of twenty-seven years in 1850, leav- ing four children, one of whom is J. R. Doig, M. D., of this review. He married for his second wife Agnes Rankin, who was born in Pennsyl- vania, and of this union nine children, five sons and four daughters, were born.

Removing with his parents to Iowa when a boy, J. R. Doig attended the college which his father established in Washington, there complet- ing his early education. During the progress of the Civil war, enthused by patriotic ardor, he en- listed in 1862 in the Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, from which he was later transferred to the medical department and in the fall of 1863 he was discharged. Subsequently he re-enlisted in Company L, Second Iowa Cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war, being under General Hearn at first, and later under command of Gen. Edward Hatch. With his comrades he took an active part in many of the noted engage- ments of the period, including among others the battles at Vicksburg, Miss., and at Nashville. Tenn. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army he began the study of medicine, and in 1869 was graduated from the University of Iowa. Beginning the practice of his profes- sion, he met with success from the first. In 1884, desirous of further advancing his professional knowledge, he took a post-graduate course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chi- cago, Ill., while there making a special study of the diseases of women and children under the eminent specialist, Dr. J. Reeves Jackson. Re- turning then to Kansas, his former field of labor, he practiced in that state for two years, acquir- ing a fine reputation for skill and ability. In 1886, on account of ill health, he was forced to seek a milder climate, and therefore came to San Diego, Cal., where he remained for twelve years, building up a large practice in both medicine and surgery. Returning then to Kansas, he was for six years traveling surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, a good position which he had to resign on account of failing health, his old enemy, asthma, again attacking him. Coming to Ramona in 1905, Dr. Doig has here found re- lief from his physical troubles, and is so much improved in health that he has purchased prop- erty and intends to make this his future home. As a physician and surgeon he has built up a large and remunerative practice, and has gained to an eminent degree the confidence and good will of the community, his professional skill and ability being recognized and appreciated.

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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 34

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