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 75

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

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miliar with all branches of the work from the growing of the fruit to its marketing he first secured employment on a ranch in San Ber- nardino county and when he accepted a position with the company with which he is now connected he started at the bottom and worked up to the managership and has during the busy season as high as forty-two women and fifteen men working un- der him, the fruit being sorted and graded as standard, choice and fancy quality. In his ten years of service for the Colton Fruit Ex- change he has proven his worth to the firm and they regard him as one of their most valuable men.

In 1899 occurred the marriage of Mr. Sharp and Miss Minnie O. Robinson, who was born in Texas. Her father died there several years ago and her mother is at present. living in Los Angeles. Three children have blessed this union, Charles, Winifred and Herbert. The parents belong to the Christian Advent Church, liberally supporting its various char- .itable and benevolent enterprises, and Mr. Sharp is an adherent of Republican principles. He is a member of the California Fruit Grow- ers' Exchange, and is also secretary of the Colton Automatic Rotary Engine Company. He has always devoted a large share of his time to matters of public import and is re- garded as one of the most progressive citizens of his community.

B. F. HUBBERT. Among the enterprising and progressive men who have assisted in de- veloping the agricultural resources of San Diego county B. F. Hubbert holds a noteworthy po- sition. Owning and occupying one of the larg- est and best ranches in the vicinity of Ocean- side, he is carrying on general farming and stock-raising with satisfactory results, giving excellent care and attention to his extensive in- terests. A man of sterling integrity and up- right principles, he has won the confidence of the community in which he resides, his word .being universally recognized as good as his bond, and is well worthy of the esteem and re- spect so heartily accorded him. A native of Texas, he was born, June 16, 1860, in San Saba county, where he spent his childhood days. A brief sketch of his parents may be found on an- other page of this work, in connection with that of his brother, Presley T. Hubbert.

At the age of thirteen years, B. F. Hubbert came with his parents to California, locating in San Diego county, where he completed his ear- lv education, attending the district schools. He subsequently assisted his father to some extent

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in his mining operations at the Banner gold mines, and was likewise interested in agricult- ural pursuits. Deciding to confine his attention entirely to the tilling of the soil, he located near Oceanside, buying land that was in its virginal condition. By dint of judicious labor and good management he has since converted this tract into a well-cultivated and highly productive farm. and is now proprietor of a valuable ranch of six hundred and four acres, which in its ap- pointments and improvements compares fav- orably with any in the neighborhood. Public- spirited and energetic, he takes great interest in the welfare of his adopted county, assisting the many enterprises tending towards the advance- ment of its interests, and for the past sixteen years has held an official position in the com- munity, serving as constable of Oceanside.

May 6, 1886, Mr. Hubbert married Mary Hicks, who was born in California, a daughter of H. B. and M. J. Hicks, early pioneers of this state. Her parents were both born and reared in Texas, living there until after their marriage. Starting subsequently for the Pacific coast, they had a hard trip across the plains, and after tak- ing up their residence in California had a full share of troubles and hardships to endure. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbert two chil- dren have been born, namely : Murray, now eight- een years of age, and Ethel, attending school Politically Mr. Hubbert is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and religiously Mrs. Hubbert is a member of the Baptist Church.

GEORGE F. ALLEN. Whatever of success has come into the life of George F. Allen, a citizen of Somis, Ventura county, has been the result entirely of his own efforts, as he was early thrown upon his own resources with noth- ing but courage and industry to presage the worth of his future. Born in Madison county, Ill., January 4, 1872, he was a son of George W. and Jane (Renfrow) Allen, the latter of whom died when her son was an infant. The father was a farmer by occupation. following agricultural pursuits in Missouri until his enlist- ment for service in the Civil war, participating in the engagements of three years. His death occurred at Mt. Moriah. Mo., April 1, 1898.

George F. Allen received his education in the public schools of Missouri. in which state his boyhood and young manhood were passed, at the age of nineteen years becoming dependent upon his own resources. The opportunities of the west attracted him to the Pacific coast and in the vicinity of Portland, Ore .. he found employment on a ranch for a time. Following this, he was located in the Willamette valley, after which he

came to California and in Hueneme worked for Senator Bard for the period of seven years. He then engaged independently in ranching, at the present writing renting one hundred acres and cultivating thirty acres to beans, twenty acres to apricots, the remainder of the land being in gen- eral farm products. He has been successful in his work and has accumulated some property, owning a residence in Hueneme, while his yearly crops bring him substantial financial returns. In Hueneme, January 25, 1898, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Susanna Dewar, a native of Canada, and born of this union was one child, now deceased. Mr. Allen is a member of the Baptist Church and a man of sound prin- ciples, as a public spirited citizen seeking to ad- vance the best interests of the community.

GEORGE J. WEIGLE. One of the popu- lar and successful German-American merchants of Pomona is George J. Weigle, who was born in Wurtemberg, near Stuttgart, February 6, 1865, and is a son of Michael and Christina (Myers) Weigle, also natives of Wurtemberg. In 1872 the family immigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Lenawee county, Mich., six miles from Adrian, which was the family home for many years, or until the father dis- posed of the property and removed to Pomona, Cal., where he and his wife are still living.

Among the eight children born to his parents seven are living and George J. Weigle is the oldest of the number. As he was only about seven years of age when he left his native land the greater part of his education was received in the school of Palmyra, Mich. When his school life was over he took up farming in the vicinity of his home, and in fact remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, when, in 1887, he came to California. As yet he had no experience outside of agriculture and on coming to the west he very naturally sought employment along that line. During the same year, 1887, he secured employment on the Chino ranch in San Bernardino county, working as a butcher on this large stock ranch for three years. Upon giving up this position in 1891 he came to Pomona and bought out the stock and good will of the proprietor of the West Second street market. Under his management the business grew to such proportions that larger quarters were necessary and in 1894 he came to his pres- ent location, No. 240 South Main street, pur- chasing the property and opening his new busi- ness under the name of the Central market. However, he still owns and manages the orig- inal market on Second street. In connection with his markets Mr. Weigle has erected a large cold storage plant and refrigerator, in which

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his meats are carefully preserved until required to supply either his wholesale or retail trade. His markets are supplied from stock which he buys and feeds on his twenty-acre ranch two miles south of Pomona. Here also he is erect- ing a modern cold-storage plant to further facil- itate his business. This will have a capacity of about a carload of dressed beef, also pork and mutton in proportion.

The home of Mr. Weigle at the corner of Seventh and Main streets was erected accord- ing to his own plans, and is considered one of the most home-like residences in the city. His wife was before her marriage Emma Hensler, who was born in Niles, Mich., but was married in Pomona. Three children have brightened their home life, Hazel, Leola and Anita. Fra- ternally he holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, Foresters, the Fraternal Aid and the Eks.

ROBERT LEE BRAND. The owner and proprietor of the Seaside market, R. L. Brand is one of the ablest men in his line not only in San Pedro, but in this part of the county, having ac- quired a success since his connection with this business in 1895 which has placed him among the prominent business men of this section. A na- tive of West Virginia, he was born August 2, 1863, and is a son of Joseph L. and Delia (Furby) Brand, the former being a physician by profession. Giving up a lucrative practice in West Virginia in 1869 he located the same year in Balltown, Vernon county, Mo., and from that time until a few years ago followed his profes- sion in that town and vicinity. Upon relinquish- ing his practice he removed to the adjoining county on the north, Bates county, where he owned a farm, and there followed an agricult- ural life until called to his reward, August 14, 1905, at which time he was in his eighty-sixth year. For twenty-five years he was deprived of the love and companionship of his wife, her death having occurred in 1880.

Up to the time he was six years old Robert L. Brand made his home in the locality of his birthplace, and vividly recalls the scenes and in- cidents connected with the removal of the family from West Virginia to Balltown, Mo., in 1869. His youth and early manhood were spent in the latter state, first attending the common schools in Balltown and later becoming interested in ag- ricultural pursuits in that vicinity. Farming. however, was not the occupation which destiny had planned for his life work, for upon his re- moval to Visalia, Tulare county, Cal., in 1886. he turned his attention to learning the butcher's trade, a business which he has followed for near- ly twenty years. During this time, however, he

spent two years in Montana, where he was en- gaged in the lumber business, but upon giving this up he returned to Visalia and resumed work at his trade. Another interruption occurred in 1894, at which time he returned to the old fam- ily home in Bates county, Mo., and after manag- ing its affairs for one year again came to the Golden state, locating this time in San Pedro. Once more resuming work at the butcher's trade he clerked in the shop of George Hinds for a short time and subsequently worked in the same capacity for J. L. Griffin for one year, at the end of which time he bought out his employer, thus establishing himself in the business life of San Pedro. Under his ownership and super- vision the sales of the Seaside market have in- creased to such an extent that three clerks and a cashier are in constant service. Although Mr. Brand commands a large local trade, he makes a specialty of furnishing supplies in his line for out-going ships, his location being especially convenient to the docks.

After coming to San Pedro, in May, 1900, Mr. Brand was united in marriage with Clara L. Hansen, and one child, Clarence L., has blessed their union. While Mr. Brand is deeply interested in the prosecution of his private affairs he is not so absorbed as to neglect his duties as a citizen, but on the other hand is alive to the well-being of his adopted home town and casts his ballot for Democratic candidates. His fra- ternal connections include membership in the Masonic order, Eagles, Modern Woodmen of America and Eastern Star, all of San Pedro, and in all of which organizations he is known as a helpful, agreeable member. Personally Mr. Brand is a man of excellent character and genial manners and one of the most prominent and suc- cessful merchants of San Pedro.

CHARLES H. RUTLEDGE. The scenic wonders, the luscious fruits and brilliant flowers, and the genial climate of Southern California have made this section of the state the mecca for thousands of tourists and health-seekers every year, the number of visitors increasing each season. The lodging and entertaining of these strangers has become an art and a science in which many men of enterprise and progression have become proficient, prominent among the number being Charles H. Rutledge, widely and favorably known as proprietor of the Casa Del- Mar, at Ocean Park, Los Angeles county. A son of Lewis Rutledge, he was born at Kenton. Hardin county, Ohio, where his ancestors on both sides of the house settled in pioneer days.

Born and reared to agricultural pursuits, Lewis Rutledge continued as a tiller of the soil during his entire life of fifty-six years, dying

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in Hardin county, Ohio. He married Jane Tidd, who had the distinction of being the first white child born in Hardin county, where she was a life-long resident, her death occurring when she was about fifty-six years of age. Her brother Charles, after whom the subject of this sketch was named, still resides in that county, a ven- erable and respected man of ninety-three years, and during the sixty-one years that he and his wife have lived together they have occupied the same house.

Having completed his studies in the normal school at Ada, Ohio, Charles H. Rutledge se- cured a position and for seven years served as deputy county auditor. Subsequently, his wife's health demanding a change of climate, he came to California, settling first in Los Angeles, where, as a member of the De Van & Rutledge Com- pany, he carried on a very successful brokerage business for a few years. Removing then to Riverside county, he embarked in the hotel busi- ness, being first manager for two years of a hotel in Idyllwild, and afterwards occupying a similar position at Hemet for two years. Re- turning then to Los Angeles, he owned and man- aged the Beacon hotel for about two years. Since that time he has devoted his time and energies to the management of his present hotel, the Casa Del-Mar, and has met with excellent success, his patronage being large and lucrative. Genial, courteous and accommodating, he makes his house attractive to all, and is popular with his guests.

In Ohio, Mr. Rutledge married Laura Hub- ble, a daughter of R. G. Hubble, and into their home two children have been born, namely: Jessie, wife of L. L. Warner, manager of the Smith Realty Company; and Harold Kenton. Politically Mr. Rutledge is a stanch supporter of the principles promulgated by the Republican party, and fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.

HANNA SCOTT TURNER, M. D. A half a century in the world's progress has witnessed vast changes in customs, and whereas at one time the association of women with any of the professions would have been looked upon as an intrusion, and, in many cases, perhaps, as un- feminine, so general has her appearance hecome in the professional and business life of the world that she is now esteemed an essential element in public life. The medical profession claims a goodly share of the gentler persuasion and among the number mention belongs to Dr. Tur- ner, who since November of 1895 has been en- gaged in the practice of her profession in Pomona, with office in the Hansler-Rutan build-

ing, at the corner of Garey and Second streets. In addition to caring for her large private prac- tice, in which she makes a specialty of obstetrics, she is also on the staff of Dr. Welbourn's hos- pital in Los Angeles.

Hanna Scott was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the daughter of Alexander Scott, a graduate of Dublin College. Immigrating to the new world with his family in 1853, he established his home in New Philadelphia, Ohio, but did not long survive to enjoy the benefits which awaited him, for his death occurred three years later. His wife, formerly Cecelia Sweeney, survived him many years, her death occurring in Bowerston, Ohio, in 1903. She became the mother of four children, only two of whom are now living. Miss Scott was reared principally in Leesville, Carroll county, Ohio, having been brought to the United States when quite a small child. Her common-school training was supplemented by a course in Hagerstown Academy, going from there to the normal at Lebanon. From Lebanon she went to Mattoon, Ill., where she was prin- cipal of schools for three years, leaving this po- sition at the end of that time to become an in- structor in the high school of Des Moines, Iowa. It was during her incumbency of this position, in 1875, that she took up the study of medicine under Dr. Dickinson, of the homeopathic school of medicine. Three years later the failure of her health made further study impossible at that time and in 1878 she came to the west, settling in Salinas, Cal., where for a time she followed teaching. In 1879 she became the wife of George Madison Turner, now a well-known hor- ticulturist of Pomona, Cal. In the meantime, in 1878 and 1879, she had resumed her medical studies, entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Pacific, and in 1885 and 1886 she took an eclectic course in the California Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1887 with the degree of M. D. Immediately after- ward she commenced the practice of her pro- fession in Oakland, and eight years later, in No- vember, 1895, she established her office in Pomona, a change which from a material stand- point to herself has been a wise one, for she has a large, lucrative practice and on the other hand Pomona has gained one more thoroughgoing citizen. Professionally she is identified with the National Eclectic Medical Association, State Eclectic Medical Association (of which she was at one time vice-president), Southern California Eclectic Medical Association (of which she was president in 1904), and the County Eclectic Medical Society. Socially she is a well-known member of the Ebell Club and the Pomona Woman's Club, and is associated with the fol- lowing secret orders: Order of the Eastern Star. Fraternal Aid, Fraternal Brotherhood, Pendo,

MR. AND MRS. E. S. SHORT

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Ladies of the Maccabees and the order of Wash- ington. Her religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church.

George Madison Turner, a native of Greens- burg, Ky., was a young lad when taken to Iowa, and in that state he was reared and educated. On attaining maturity he became identified with commercial affairs, dealing in wholesale produce in Burlington, Iowa. Later years found him interested in mining in Montana, and still later he was interested in the canning business with the J. Lusk Canning Company, at Oakland, and subsequently he was identified with a similar business in Sacramento. In 1890 he located in Chino, San Bernardino county, purchasing a ranch in that county not far from Ontario upon which he is successfully engaged as a horticulturist, al- though he makes his home in Pomona. Polit- ically Mr. Turner is a Democrat, and his fra- ternal associations include membership in Pomona Lodge No. 246, F. & A. M., Pomona Chapter No. 76, R. A. M., Southern California Commandery No. 37, K. T., and the Woodmen of the World.

JAMES SHORT. A native Californian, James Short was born in San Bernardino Jan- uary 7, 1865, a son of Elemelech S. and Sarah Ann (MeGirr) Short. The father was the representative of an old Virginia family, his birth occurring in Howard county, Mo., June 28, 1826; the paternal grandfather, Zachariah Morgan, was born in Kentucky and became an early settler in Missouri, where he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, finally going to Texas at the time of the war for independence and serving under General Fan- ning they were cut off by the Mexicans and eventually all were taken prisoners, but two escaping death, these a Mr. Hudson and Mr. White, returning and relating the story of the massacre. His wife was in maidenhood Mary Swearingen, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Samuel who was born in Holland. a member of the Van Swerin family whose name was later changed to Swearingen. He served in the Revolutionary war and was a factor in the upbuilding of the community in , which he made his home. Mrs. Short died in Missouri, leaving a family of five children, of whom E. S. is the only one living. E. S. Short was reared in Missouri and in 1848 when just past his eighteenth birthday he en- listed for service in the Mexican war. He served in the Howard county volunteers 1111- der General Donothaus, and participated in the battle of Hornada, San Jacinto, Guade- loupe and the City of Mexico. After his hon- orable discharge in Santa Fe in 1848 he re-

turned to Missouri and remained in that state until 1852, when he outfitted with ox-teams and crossed the plains to California, via the Carson route to the mines of the El Dorado state. He followed mining for a time and then farming in Sacramento and San Joaquin counties, after which, in 1857, he made a trip to Tucson, Ariz. There he was placed in charge of the stage station at Butterfield, six- ty miles west of Tucson, and there he remained for the period of two years. He had many exciting adventures, one of which was an at- tempt of the Indians one night to steal his, horses from the corral, and although they were not successful they killed eight of the animals. In 1859 Mr. Short came to San Ber- nardino county and engaged in farming on the Base line, remaining in that location for several years, when he took up a ranch on Yucaipe Bench, where he has since resided engaged in general farming. He was married in San Joaquin county, January 16, 1857, to Miss Sarah Ann McGirr, a native of Rhode Is- land and a daughter of James and Ann (Dough- erty) McGirr, who came from Ireland to Amer- ica, locating first in Rhode Island and later in Clay county, Mo., whence in 1852 they crossed the plains to California by means of ox-teams and located in San Joaquin county. Later they came to San Bernardino county. Mr. and Mrs. Short became the parents of ten children, seven living, namely: John, a con- tractor of Kern county ; James, of this review ; Sylvester, of Yucaipe: Anna, Mrs. Merrilees, of San Bernardino; Rodolphus, of Kern coun- ty ; Susan Belle, wife of Ed Burns, of Yucaipe Bench : and Theodore, in Kern county. Mr. Short is identified with the Odd Fellows fra- ternally, and both himself and wife are mem- bers of the Pioneer Society of San Bernar- dino. He is an entertaining companion, his retentive memory bringing to mind forcibly many interesting events of by-gone years, his recollection remaining vivid of the crowning of Queen Victoria, while he also remembers having personally met General Jackson.

James Short was reared on the home farm and educated in the public schools of San Ber- nardino, and when sixteen years old went out on the desert on a stock ranch, where he re- mained for three years. He then sold out his interests and engaged in teaming, hauling lumber for the San Bernardino mills. In 1886 he started farming on the Yucaipe homestead. now owning one hundred and forty-nine acres here, upon which he has built many improve- ments, and also owns one hundred and sev- enty-two acres, upon which are running springs from which water is piped to his'home- stead. He leases land to enlarge his farming

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operations, and carries on an extensive rais- ing of grain and hay. He was married in San Bernardino county to Miss Susan Warren, a native of that section of Southern California, and born of this union are three children, Ber- tha, Sylvia Valentine and Sarah Eleanor. Fra- ternally Mr. Short is identified with the Red- lands Lodge No. 341, I. O. O. F., and also the Woodmen of the World, of that city. Polit- ically he casts his ballot in the interests of the Democratic party. He purchased a place on Stillman avenue and in 1907 erected a com- fortable residence, where he has located his family in order that his children should have the advantages of a graded school.

WILLIAM SHUGG. As a prominent and successful walnut grower, William Shugg holds rank among the enterprising citizens of the Mountain View district, his finely improved ranch of nineteen acres being located within a mile and a half of El Monte. Mr. Shugg is a native Californian, his birth having occurred in Alhambra November 26, 1863. His father, James Shugg, was born in Kelston, England, and was there reared to young manhood, when he engaged as a miner. He immigrated to America and in Michigan worked in the copper mines in the Lake Superior region, and while thus en- gaged the great gold discovery of California turned his attention toward the Pacific coast. He immediately outfitted and set out across the plains taking the extreme southern route which led him through New Mexico and Sonora, Mexico, whence he made his way to Los Angeles, then only a pueblo. Deciding to remain in this section he secured for his first employment work with Nathan Kelley. Later he became foreman for B. D. Wilson at Alhambra and there helped set out orchards. With the thrift characteristic of his countrymen he saved his earnings and was thus able to finally purchase land, locating in the vicinty of Rivera, where in 1869, he set out the first walnut orchard of the section. From that time until his death, which occurred in 1882, he added to his property both as to acres and im- provements, his sixty-acre ranch taking rank among the finest of this section of Los Angeles county. Up to the time of his death, at the age of sixty-four years, he was hale and hearty, re- taining his interests in all public matters, and vot- ing the Democratic ticket. He was survived by his wife, formerly Esther Graham, who was born in Crawford county, and crossed the plains with her father in 1852. She now resides in Rivera. They were the parents of six children, namely : Alyda, wife of Thomas Gooch, of Rivera : Mary, wife of Joseph Stanley, of Los Angeles ; Joanna, wife of William Story, of Rivera; Thomas, who

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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 75

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