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 50

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

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Adolph D. Diaz was born in Lower California, on the Santa Thomas ranch, December 19, 1856, and being brought to California in his child- bood received his educational training in San Bernardino county, where he was reared, and at the state normal school of Los Angeles, then under the direction of Prof. I. M. Sylva. Re- turning to San Bernardino he engaged as a clerk in that place and later was so occupied in Los Angeles. He was next employed as a manager of a mercantile enterprise in Julian, and later superintended a branch store at Banner, San Diego county. In 1878 in San Bernardino he was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Le Barr, a native of northern California, and a daughter of John Le Barr, a pioneer miner of the state, of French origin; he was murdered in Phoenix by a man by the name of McCloskey, who was lynched the following morning.

After his marriage Mr. Diaz removed to Phoenix, Ariz., and there engaged in business until the excitement in Tombstone attracted him thither, after which he soon engaged in mining

Obilo Kramfors

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in Santa Rita, where he also opened a general merchandise establishment. The Skaget river gold excitement in British Columbia attracted him north, and after mining in that location for a time he returned to Arizona and in Tucson engaged as a clerk until he raised a stake, when he returned to San Bernardino, there following a different line in the management of the Santa Fe stables and the Opera House Parlor for the period of seven or eight years. Finally dis- posing of these interests, he returned to the ranch, until the Alaska excitement induced him once more to try his fortunes in a mining camp, and accordingly in 1900 he took passage on the South Portland, a steamer bound for the frozen north. After spending one year in Council City, he, in a partnership with a Mr. Hansen, started out to buy the Big Hurrah mine; during their trip to see it they got lost and wandered for four days with nothing but salmon berries to eat, and with never a moment for rest. They finally found their way out and also discovered the mine to be absolutely valueless. Returning to Solo- mon by way of the Solomon river, thence to Nome, they took passage on the Oregon, bound for Seattle, their journey occupying thirty-seven days, during which they were shipwrecked and so nearly ran out of provisions that for a time but one scant meal a day was allowed, until they crossed the track of the Empress of Japan, from whom necessary provisions were obtained. ..

Upon his return in 1901 Mr. Diaz went to Sonora, Mexico, and there obtained a concession from the Mexican government which will per- mit the development of two mines which he has in his control. Upon the death of his mother he became administrator of the estate, and has im- self purchased the home farm, which is devoted to alfalfa, grain and fruits. In 1906 he obtained a postoffice for this section, built upon his prop- erty, known as Diaz, where he is now serving as postmaster. He is a stanch Republican polit- ically and seeks to advance the principles he en- dorses.

CHRIS KREMPEL. The opportunities for acquiring financial independence which have brought large numbers of Germans to America were the principal inducements lead- ing to the emigration of Mr. Krempel from his native land. The family to which he he- longs is among the oldest in the Rhenish provinces, the father, John P., having been born in Rhenish Prussia, while the mother, Susanna Stocker, was born in Worms, in the province of Rhein-Hessen. As a brick manu- facturer and contractor the father attained considerable prominence in his native land, and died there in 1887, his wife following him

in 1902. Of the nine children born to them .all are living with one exception, four sons and four daughters, and of the number only two are in America, Chris and John P., the latter an architect in Los Angeles.

The eldest child in the parental family, Chris Krempel was born in Kreuznach, a town and watering place in Rhenish Prussia, eight miles from Bingen, the date of his birth being Oc- tober 8, 1857. His childhood and youth were spent in Kreuznach, where he attended the primary schools and later was a pupil in the gymnasium. Following the custom which prevails in Germany he was obliged to learn a trade, but instead of taking up his father's trade, as is very often the case, he appren- ticed himself to a banker, and for three years was associated with the firm of Beckhardt & Sons. His apprenticeship over, he became a member of Company 3, Eightieth Regular Army, and served for three years, thus ful- filling another obligation which the strict laws of his native country lays upon her citi- zens. When he was once more free to en- gage in commercial life, for which he had pe- culiar adaptation, he entered the employ of a fruit and grain firm, and from 1880 to 1883 gave praiseworthy and conscientious service to his employers. To a young man of Mr. Krempel's ambitious temperament the in- ducements offered in America far outstripped those which his own country had to offer, and he determined to take advantage of them. Suiting the action to the word he debarked from Hamburg, Germany, in 1883, and in due time cast anchor in the port of New York. Coming at once to Los Angeles, he soon found a position as bookkeeper, and served in this capacity with various firms, in the mean time learning the language of his adopted country and familiarizing himself with both her busi- ness and social customs.

It was a fortunate step in the life of Mr. Krempel when he accepted the position of- fered him with the Maier & Zobelein Brewing Company, and during the twelve years which he represented them as salesman and collector he not only rendered valuable services to his employer, but acquired a business training which was of inestimable value to him in later years. Filled with the conviction that he was capable of managing a business of his own. in 1902 he bought out the business and good-will of the San Pedro Wholesale Com- pany. an enterprise founded by M. W. Til- ton. from whom he purchased the stock. With himself as president and Richard Mahar as secretary and treasurer business has since been carried on under the old name. Besides dealing in wholesale wines, liquors and cigars,

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the company manufacture sodas, seltzer, syrups and cordials, and are sole agents for the Union Ice Company, Maier & Zobelein, and John Wieland, and handle all kinds of eastern beer.

In Los Angeles, October 16, 1886, Mr. Krempel was united in marriage with Miss Anna Bauermann, who like himself was a na- tive of Kreuznach, Rhenish Prussia, Ger- many. Since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Krempel has studied the political platforms of the two great parties and now gives his allegiance to the Democracy. While in Los Angeles he was made a Mason in Los Angeles Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the Red Men and the Sons of Herman of that city, and the Eagles of San Pedro. Socially he is an active member of the Turner Society, and he is also identified with the Chamber of Commerce in San Pedro. When it is considered that he came to Ameri- ca less than a quarter of a century ago with- out friends or capital the success with which he has since been blessed bespeaks an intel- ligent mind, a determined will and a persever- ing disposition, and it is largely to these at- tributes that his present standing is due.

EDWARD W. DURANT. One of the old- est settlers in Riverside county is Edward W. Durant, who is located on a twenty-acre ranch, seven acres of which is devoted to a peach or- chard, four acres to alfalfa, and the remainder being planted to potatoes and garden vegetables. He was born May 19, 1857, in Darke county, Ohio, the son of E. W. and Susanna (Cook) Durant, the father being a native of Mississippi and the mother of West Virginia. In early life the parents removed to Ohio, and later, in 1884, came to California, buying a ranch near Los An- geles, on which they lived for two years. In 1886 Mr. Durant sold the place and removed to the San Jacinto valley and the raw land which he bought and cleared was the first piece improved on the Mesa. In 1887 he was hooked by a cow and from the injuries received died October II following, at the age of fifty-seven years.

The education of Edward W. Durant was re- ceived in Ohio, and he came with his parents to California and lived with them until the death of the father, when he took charge of the home place. He had two brothers, Blakely, a resident of Riverside county, and Sumner, who died in Ohio, in 1888, at the age of twenty-six years. Mr. Durant was married in Attgust, 1893, to Angie Swope, who was born in Indiana, and they have one child, Mary Fred, aged twelve years. Mrs. Durant is a member of the Baptist Church. Po- litically Mr. Durant is a strong believer in the

principles embraced in the platform of the Re- publican party, and he is now serving the public as fruit inspector of the third supervisoral dis- trict in which he lives. He is a man of good business ability and progressive public spirit and is interested in all matters tending toward the upbuilding of the community in which he re- sides, and where he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

THOMAS A. FREEMAN. Though a re- cent acquisition to the list of land-owners in the northern part of San Diego county, Mr. Freeman is by no means a newcomer in this part of the state; on the other hand, almost the entire period of his active life has been passed within the limits of the county where he now resides, and he has a large circle of acquaintances among its miners, ranchers and business men. It was during the year 1904 that he bought the ranch of eighty acres near Bonsall and established his home on the prop- erty, which has since been increased to one hundred and sixty acres. The improvement of the ranch is now engaging his attention. It is his ambition to bring the tract into a condi- tion where it will compare favorably with the best ranches of this locality, and he is spar- ing no pains in an effort to attain that result.

The Freeman family is of southern extrac- tion, and Mr. Freeman is a Texan by nativity, born in Collin county July 20, 1865, his par- ents being Alfred and Amelia (Freeman) Freeman, both natives of Missouri. His fa- ther was a blacksmith by trade and during the entire period of the Civil war was engaged in shoeing horses for the cavalry regiments. Af- terward he returned to the same occupation under the more favorable environment of peace, and for ten years he remained in the south laboring with diligence and skill in his little shop. Removing to California in 1875 he settled at San Luis Rey, San Diego county, and opened a shop, which he conducted as long as his health and strength permitted manttal toil. Since his death, which occurred in 1901, his widow was made her home near Vista, San Diego county.

When the family came to California Thom- as A. Freeman was a boy of ten years, active, robust, energetic and capable, a willing help- er in the shop and the home. Though he did not receive superior educational advantages, yet he was sent to the San Luis Rey schools and gained a thorough knowledge of the com- mon branches. At the age of seventeen years he began to earn his livelihood as a farm hand and for a long period he worked by the month on ranches. With the money earned by his

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industry and saved by his economy he in- vested in the property which he now owns. For some time he has been interested in min- ing, and in 1904 located the Mountain Belle mine, a very profitable proposition, in which he owns one-half interest, and Godfrey G. Thatcher owns the remaining one-half. In addition he owns interests in about eight other claims, almost all of which give promise of large returns upon their development.

The marriage of Mr. Freeman took place at San Luis Rey in 1881 and united him with Miss Nola Gooden, a native of Texas. Seven children bless their union, namely: Clarence, Edward, Asa, Rupert, Verna, Evelina and Pearl. The family are identified with the Christian Church and Mr. Freeman is a regu- lar contributor to its current expense fund and to its missionary interests and charities. Though he has never connected himself with any party and votes independently, this is not the result of indifference to the problems faced by our government nor does it indicate ne- glect of duty as a citizen ; with him indepen- dent thought is the result of his mental at- tributes and where parties show weaknesses and a desire to divide the spoils his lack of sympathy with their failings throws him into the camp of the independents. With the over- sight of his mining claims and the improve- ment of his land he finds little leisure for par- ticipation in public affairs, nor do his tastes incline in that direction. Of a domestic na- ture, he enjoys the society of wife and chil- dren, and is happiest when occupied with pro- moting their welfare. Since he came to his present farm near Bonsall he has made need- ed improvements, has secured an equipment of stock and machinery, has established a colony of bees of seventeen stands, and has shown an interest in every department of ag- riculture.

JACOB WATSON. The earliest recollec- tions of this native son of California are asso- ciated with the stirring scenes of pioneer days. His father, Henry, a Virginian by birth and in early life a teamster engaged in the Santa Fe trade, came to California in 1849 as cap- tain of a train of three hundred wagons drawn by oxen and occupied by hundreds of emi- grants seeking the El Dorado of their dreams. After the arduous journey had reached a peaceful termination he engaged in teaming to the mines, and while he and his wife, Ma- thilda (Cox) Watson, a native of Missouri, were making their home at the mines on the Feather river their son, Jacob, was born De- cember 19, 1850. After a time the family

settled on a tract of raw land on the San Joa- quin river and for some years Watson's terry was the popular mode of crossing that river by emigrants and farmers.

In addition to general farming and the rais- ing of sheep, Henry Watson also at one time was interested in the milling business. Dur- ing the year 1869 he removed to Olive, now in Orange county, and there he bought a large tract of land and bought, bred and sold sheep. With the incoming ot settlers the sheep busi- ness ceased to be as profitable as when the ranges were unlimited in extent, and he then concentrated his attention upon general farm- ing. Surviving to the age of eighty-six years, he peacefully passed away after a strenuous life, and his wife, who lived to be fifty, also died at their Olive homestead. Both were faithful members of the Christian Church. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six still survive, Jacob being next to the youngest and the only one to settle in San Diego county. Reared on the San Joaquin river near the present site of Fresno, he at- tended the common schools of Fresno and Monterey counties, and also for a short time after coming to southern California he stud- ied in the schools of what was then Los An- geles county.

After having gained a thorough practical knowledge of agriculture through helping his father on the home farm, in 1876 Jacob Wat- son came to the San Luis Rey valley and purchased from O. H. Borden the land which since has been the center of his activities. On the knoll he built a farm house which is the home of his family and which commands an attractive view of the surrounding country. The ranch comprises three hundred and twen- ty acres, all of which may be irrigated as needed. In former years the raising of sheep was the owner's principal occupation, but more recently he has given his attention to stock and has made a specialty of the dairy business. The property lies five and one-half miles from Oceanside on the Southern Cali- fornia Railroad and is adjacent to the village of San Luis Rey, memorable in the early his- tory of the state. Besides his important farm and dairy activities, Mr. Watson is a director and stockholder in the San Luis Creamery Company and has the office of president in the San Luis Rey Irrigating Company, in ad- dition to which he gives his influence and sup- port to other enterprises for the upbuilding of his community. Religious movements have felt the impetus of his encouraging aid, and he has been particularly active in the work of the San Luis Rey Christian Church, in which he is a leading member. Though he

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has never been a leader in politics and has not solicited official honors, he has always been stanch in his support of the Democratic party.

The marriage of Mr. Watson took place at Olive, this state, and united him with Miss Ellen J. Borden, a native of Missouri, and a daughter of O. H. Borden, who was a pio- neer of the San Luis Rey valley, but now re- sides at Lakeside, San Diego county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Watson consists of four children now living, and in addition they lost a daughter, Laura, at the age of four years. The daughters now living are Mrs. Clara L. Woodruff and Flora May, Mrs. Charles Libby, both residing in the San Luis Rey valley. The sons, Roy and Percy, are assisting their father in the management of the home ranch.

CHARLES J. BARNES was born in Smith- field, R. I., the youngest child of James A. and Abby N. (Bishop) Barnes, and was educated in the schools of East Providence, R. I. From his youth he gave much time to the piano and then spent three years abroad studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Leipsic. On his return to the United States he located in Chicago and later attended the Massachuetts In- stitute of Technology, where he made a specialty of the study of chemistry. Desiring to engage in horticulture he came to Redlands in 1897, where he has become much interested in orange culture. He now owns forty acres in Bryn Mawr, of which twenty acres are in oranges. The residence and place are well improved and modern in every way. It is located on a gentle slope with a most magnificent view of the valley and mountains and is sufficiently high to be frost- less, which fact is illustrated by tomato vines growing the year around. Mrs. Barnes was Miss Jean M. Brophy, of Chicago, and they have two children, Florence and Charles J., Jr. Mr. Barnes is an active member of the First Congre- gational Church of Redlands, a member of the Board of Trade, and takes an active part and gives liberally of his means toward enterprises that are launched with a view to promoting the welfar of Redlands and its people.

ANTHONY J. HAPPE. The proprietor of the Pony Stables of Redlands is one of the en- terprising and progressive citizens of the place, and as such he has added no little impetus to the advancement of the general welfare. Mr. Happe is a native of Germany, his birth having oc- curred in Westphalia, September 17, 1876; his father, Anthony Happe, brought the family to America in 1880 and located them at Little

Rock, Ark., where he engaged as a farmer for the period of seven years, at the expiration of that time coming to Southern California and spending the ensuing two years in San Bernar- dino county. In 1890 he went to Perris, River- side county, and there improved a farm, in con- nection with which he followed quartz mining. He is now about sixty-three years of age, re- taining health and mental faculties. While a member of the Fatherland he served in the Fran- co-Prussian war and was severely wounded. He is one of the respected citizens of Riverside county and takes an active interest in the devel- opments of the community, being especially ac- tive along educational lines. His wife, former- ly Annie Hunstich, a native of Germany, is also living. They are the parents of seven chil- dren of whom six are living.

Anthony J. Happe is the third child in the family of his parents, and was but four years old when the journey was made to America, and eleven when he came to California. In this state lie received his education through the medium of the public schools, after which he remained at home and assisted on the paternal farm. In February, 1896, he located permanently in Red- lands where he had spent a portion of every year since 1888, and here engaged as a horticult- urist, each adding to his interests until he wa's cultivating a large acreage. In conjunction with J. H. Garretson he purchased in 1902 the pony stables owned by J. T. Bennett, which was then but a small enterprise. This he continued to enlarge from time to time until in May, 1905, he moved into new and more commodious quar- ters at the corner of East State and Sixth streets, a brick building 80x120 feet in dimensions, where he has a capacity for fifty head of horses. He also carries on a livery, feed and transfer com- pany, the latter meeting all trains, and in all these various lines he has met with deserved suc- cess. In 1906 he became sole owner of the en- terprise, purchasing his partner's interest and has since conducted it independently. His meth- ods of conducting his business have won for him the esteem and respect of all with whom he has had business dealings.

In Redlands Mr. Happe was united in mar- riage with Miss Carrie Gessmann, a native of Iowa, and their home is now located in this city. Mr. Happe is interested in the Redlands Driv- ing Association, which was formed for the pur- pose of caring for the tourist trade which comes to the city annually, providing carriages for their accommodation. In his fraternal relations Mr. Happe is identified with the Odd Fellows here and also the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and active in his efforts to advance the general welfare of the city.

Jack Miller

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JACOB MILLER. After twenty-four years of successful ranch life Mr. Miller has retired from the active duties which once engaged his attention, contentment and the joy of living in this favored country being enhanced by the fact that the wife of his youth is also spared to share the benefits and luxuries which have been made possible as much by her assistance and co-operation as by his exertions. When he came to Los Angeles county in 1869, and purchased the tract of sixty acres to which he brought his family, Indians had but recently left the region. Bare spots in the cacti showed where their tents had been pitched, and their fireplaces and cooking utensils were scattered about the fields. Many curious Indian relics have been unearthed during the many years that Mr. Miller has made his home here, these now being the property of the Chamber of Commerce and on exhibition in their rooms. It was under the foregoing conditions that Mr. Miller settled on his ranch in Miller's cañon, as it was called, and undertook to cultivate what up to this time had been a cactus field. His first improvement was the erection of a small house 18x20 feet. From year to year as his means would permit he made additions to the original structure until he now has a very comfortable and attractive home. The city of Hollywood has practically grown up around him, and as a consequence his property has be- come very valuable. Recently he disposed of twenty-three acres to a realty company, he still owning thirty-seven acres for his own use. This is located on the west side of the cañon, besides which he owns three acres on the east side.

A native of the Fatherland, Jacob Miller was born in one of the Rhine provinces August 5, 1833, and was educated in native schools until he was sixteen years of age. Leaving home and parents at this tender age he set sail for the new world on an old-fashioned sailing vessel which dropped anchor at New Orleans forty-seven days later. From New Orleans he went up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where for about four years he was employed in a marble shop. While in his native coun- try he had devoted two years to learning the marble business, and for two years during the time he was employed in St. Louis he contin- ued his studies along this line, thus complet- ing the course which made him a full-fledged marble-cutter. For one year following this he worked at his trade in Nashville, Tenn. The year 1852 again found him in New Orleans, whither he had gone to set sail for California. The dawning of the New Year, 1853, found him on the Isthmus, and also on the very sum- mit which today is being cut for the canal

which is to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. While there he cut his name and New Year's greetings upon a tree. In com- pany with several others he was rowed up the Chagres river by natives as far as Gorgona, where the crew became intoxicated and were no longer responsible or safe companions. From Gorgona to Panama they made the trip on foot, a very dangerous undertaking for any one, much more so for those with no knowledge of the country whatever. However, they arrived in safety and debarked on a ves- sel bound for San Francisco, arriving in Jan- uary, 1853. From there Mr. Miller went to Mariposa county and took up several mining claims which he worked alone for three years, when, in 1856, with a few companions, he went into the Yosemite valley, they being the first white men to pass over the new trail from Mariposa to that country. His companions became fearful of the dusky neighbors who surrounded them and left for safer quarters. For four days Mr. Miller remained alone with a large tribe of Indians, whose confidence he gained and consequently he was not molested. His mining venture in the valley proved an es- pecially fortunate one, and he remained there until 1869, when he came to Los Angeles and established the pioneer marble works in the city. In the interests of his business he trav- eled over the hills between Los Angeles and San Bernardino and in so doing learned of the rich quarry at Lytle creek. Besides opening a quarry at the latter place he also opened one on the Slova mountains. and some of the mar- ble which he quarried from these places may still be seen in the cemetery at Los Angeles. Subsequently he discontinued working the quarries on account of the heavy expense at- tached to it. After twelve years of successful business life in Los Angeles Mr. Miller sold his business and good will and came to Holly- wood, with which city his name has been iden- tified for the past twenty-four years.

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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 50

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