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 93

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

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Deciding to try his fortune on the west coast,

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. McPherson went to Oregon for a short while, then visited Seattle, Wash., and British Columbia. Prior to coming west he took out naturalization papers, thus becoming a true citi- zen of the United States, with all the privi- leges and opportunities which are enjoyed by citizens of our country. After returning from British Columbia to Seattle he determined to come to Southern California and accordingly, in 1900, he located in Los Angeles, following his trade here very successfully until 1901, in June of which year he opened up the first bakery in Ocean Park, and from being the pioneer baker of this town, he has become one of its most hon- ored and progressive citizens. Close attention to business and honest dealing have won for him the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, as well as given him a competence of the world's goods.

In 1898, at Colorado Springs, Colo., Mr. Mc- Pherson was united in marriage' with Bessie Flause, and of their three children, John and James survive, the daughter, Mary, having died when about one year old. In religious connec- tions Mr. McPherson holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Ocean Park, and also aids in the philanthropic work of the Fraternal Aid Society, of which he is a mem- ber. In his political views Mr. McPherson is a Prohibitionist, having adopted the principles of that party in 1904, since which time he has used his influence towards furthering the best inter- ests of mankind on the liquor question.

ENOCH GRIFFIN. From the earliest period within his recollection Enoch Griffin has lived in California and memories of childhood bring to him thoughts of a settlement remote from the then centers of civilization, a region where the Indian and the Mexican were more numer- ous than the white man, and where the search for gold was the most absorbing occupation of the pioneers. The family history shows that his father, Enoch Griffin, Sr., was born and reared on a Missouri farm and was of southern lineage. From boyhood he aided in the clearing of a raw tract of farm land, hence enjoyed few oppor- tunities for gaining an education. After having re- mained a bachelor until middle life he then mar- ried Mrs. Ellenda (Holman) Rose, who was born in Kentucky and removed to Missouri in girlhood. At an early age she became the wife of John Rose, whose death some years later left her with several small children. After some years of widowhood she was married to Enoch Griffin, and in the course of time they disposed of their Missouri interests for the purpose of removing to the Pacific coast. Before they had left Missouri and while they were traveling

through Macon county a son was born to them, May 16, 1852, and to him the father's name was given. For some weeks they continued on their journey without trouble, but ere the summer had waned the father fell a victim to the cholera and was buried on the plains. At the expiration of six months spent in the "prairie schooner," drawn by oxen, the mother reached Eldorado county, accompanied by her infant son, and by the sons of her first marriage, who were then stal- wart lads.

In the vicinity of Woodland, this state, and at San Gabriel Mission, Enoch Griffin, Jr., re- mained until seven years of age, when he ac- companied his mother to the ranch, a part of which he now owns. All of this country was new, in respect to American settlement, though it long had been occupied by the Mexicans, In- dians and some Castilians of aristocratic pedi- gree. Fences had not been built to separate ranches. Grain-raising had not yet been taken up, but stock roamed over the country at will. The lad, finding few American boys with whom to play, found playmates among the Mexicans, and thus acquired a command of the Spanish language which has constantly proved helpful to him. Before coming to this county his mother had married William Young, who died about 1870. On coming here Mr. Young purchased for $1.25 an acre, land that now sells for $500 to $1,000 an acre, and he acquired large tracts, but much of the land was sold at a low figure compared with its present valuation. On the homestead which she retained for her own use she died in 1900 at eighty-three years of age. A part of the homestead was inherited by her son, Enoch, and he also bought land, so that he now owns thirty-four acres of valuable land. For about seven years he engaged in the livery business in Los Angeles, but during 1896 he returned to the ranch near Palms and has since engaged in farming and buying and selling horses. An expert judge of horse-flesh, he is admirably qualified for the business to which he gives his attention and his opinion is always con- sidered of great value by those making impor- tant purchases in the line of his specialty. In politics he shows great interest and fraternally holds membership with the Woodmen of the World. October 9, 1877, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Belle Suits, a native of Calaveras county, Cal., and they are the parents of two sons, namely: Arthur E., residing in Seattle, Wash .; and Walter S., who is a traveling sales- man for a wholesale business house of Los An- geles.

The father of Mrs. Griffin was Stephen Suits. a native of Rochester, N. Y., who rounded the Horn and came to California in the exciting period of 1849. For a time he tried his luck in

8 & Oconnell

Nan O'connell,

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the mines of Calaveras county. Later he freighted from Stockton to the mining camps, after which he engaged in raising cattle and followed the butcher's trade. After seven years on a farm in the San Joaquin valley he removed to Santa Monica, of which he was among the first set- tlers. In addition to carrying on a meat business he teamed between the town and Los Angeles. At an advanced age he died in Santa Monica. After coming to California he met and married Mar- garet Marshall, who was born in Scotland and at the age of seventeen years came to the United States, proceeding direct via Panama to Cali- fornia, and landing in this state about 1850. Since the death of her husband she has continued to reside in Santa Monica and, despite her sev- enty years, retains possession of mental and physi- cal faculties to an unusual degree.

WILLIAM O'CONNELL. Remembered among the pioneers of Los Angeles county is William O'Connell, whose death occurred No- vember 23, 1891. He was born in Knox- ville, Tenn., April 25, 1832, and was ed- ucated in his native state. Completing the course in the high school of his native town, he learned the trade of carpenter and engaged in this work for a short time prior to 1852, in which year he came to California, following the westward trend of civilization. He worked in the mines of northern California for some years and finally came south, where in San Bernardino, December 25, 1865, he allied him- self by marriage with one of the early pioneer families of the state. His wife was formerly Elizabeth E. See, a native of Monroe county, 111., where she was born in 1843; her parents, William and Leah (O'Neil) See, were both natives of Kentucky. They located in Illi- nois, where the father engaged in farming, but he afterward settled in Missouri, in which state his death occurred in 1853. In 1857 the mother brought her family of six children across the plains to California and in this state this honored mother died, at Whittier, having attained the age of eighty years, one month and ten days. One of her sons, Jolin C., is deceased. Besides Mrs. O'Connell the other living children are M. C., Mary Ann, Mrs. Nicholson, Joseph C., Sarah, Mrs. McDonald.

Elizabeth E. Sec was educated in San Ber- nardino county and there in young woman- hood she married Mr. O'Connell who had be- come the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in that section. In 1874 he sold out his interests in San Bernardino county and com- ing to Los Angeles county purchascd. a forty- acre tract and later twenty acres additonal, and at the time of his death was improving

and cultivating this property. After the death of her husband Mrs. O'Connell continued to manage the home ranch, raising alfalfa and having about sixteen acres devoted to wal- nuts, while she also leases one hundred and forty acres and raises grain. She manages a well equipped dairy, having about forty cows, and also raises horses for the market. She has proven herself a woman of rare business ability and thoroughly capable of managing the business interests left her by her husband. . She became the mother of the following children: William, who married Ruby Dur- and and has one child; Ada Belle, who mar- ried V. V. Jerome, of Downey, and has six children; Valentine, who married Obe Den- denger, has two children, and is located on the old homestead; Wesley died at the age of three years; John: Dora, wife of Henry Jos- lin, of Long Beach, and has two children ; El- mer, at home : and Gruver, who married Mabel Hill. The first four children were born in San Bernardino county and the others in Los Angeles county. Mr. O'Connell was a mem- ber of the Seventh Day Adventist Church while his wife belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Fraternally he was connected with the Odd Fellows of San Bernardino, one of his sons also being connected with that or- ganization as well as the Masons, while an- other son is identified with the Woodmen of the World.

CHARLES FREDERICK IRONMONGER. It takes the real artistic temperament and talent to become a successful photographer. No matter how good the subject may be, whether it be a person or landscape, if the artist's eye is not there to choose the exact range from which to secure all of the advantages of the composition possible to the situation the picture will not be the suc- cess it should be. Charles Frederick Ironmonger, whose views of Santa Catalina Island and Avalon have become famous, is an artist, as is well proven by the photographs which he makes. He has hundreds of views of this beautiful island and has made a specialty of carbons on cellu- loid, which sell at from $1 up to $30 for a pic- ture 10x30. He has also a fine collection of fislı pictures, Catalina being noted for the size and numbers of species found in the waters sur- rounding it. In addition to his own photographic work Mr. Ironmonger also does an extensive business in finishing and developing views for amateurs, and is the originator of all the fine portraits of Catalina.

The birth of Mr. Ironmonger occurred in 1868. in Greenwich, Ohio, his father. John, having be- come an early settler in that state from Eng-

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land. He was a machinist by trade and also engaged at one time in the lumber business. His death occurred in Ohio in 1870. His wife, who was Eliza Ellis before her marriage, was born in New York, a member of an old family there, and the daughter of Elias Ellis, who became a pioneer in Ohio. The mother is still living in the old home in Ohio. The parental family com- prised seven children, five of whom are now liv- ing, Charles Frederick being the youngest. He received a high-school education and in 1892 came to California and began the photographic business in Los Angeles in Waite's studio. In 1895 he came to Avalon and built the first studio and since 1896 has been alone in the conduct of the business. His present studio on the beach was built in 1904.

In Santa Barbara, August 1, 1906, Mr. Iron- monger was united in marriage with Viola Packard, who was born in China. Fraternally he is a member of the Order of Eagles and of the Royal Arcanum. Politically he believes in the principles embraced in the platform of the the Republican party. As a man who has been successful in business, as a public-spirited citi- zen, and the possessor of many pleasing person- al qualities he is held in the highest esteem by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

RUSSELL KINGCADE. While the com- monwealth of Illinois was still an undeveloped region there came from the north of Ireland to the new world a young man of excellent education and fine medical training, by name Henry Kingcade. It was he who established the family in the United States, and he re- mained a professional practitioner in Illinois until he passed from earth. Among his chil- dren was a son, Archibald, who was born in Illinois, learned the blacksmith's trade and followed the same in conjunction with agri- cultural pursuits, remaining in Illinois until his death about 1855. His wife, Elizabeth, like himself, was a native of Illinois and died there while still in middle age. She was a daughter of William Johnson, a man of pioneer instincts, fond of hunting and trapping, and possessed of the tastes of a frontiersman. To stich a man the discovery of gold in California was a call to the far west. With members of his family he started for the gold mines in the spring of 1850, but cholera broke out among the travelers and he and two of his sons fell victims to that dread disease; their bodies were buried near the Platte river, and thus ended the expedition from which they had hoped so much. The widowed grandmother, Mrs. Johnson, remained in Illinois, and took under her care her grandson, Russell King-

cade, who was born in Pike county, Ill., May 23, 1850, and who was the elder of two chil- dren, the younger being a sister. When he was five years of age he lost his father and, as previously stated, found a home afterward with his grandmother, on whose farm he re- mained until he was old enough to earn a livelihood by working out for farmers.

On his arrival in California during 1871 Mr. Kingcade settled near Modesto and bought thirteen hundred acres, on which he raised grain. After some time he disposed of the ranch and in 1882 removed to the vicinity of Long Beach, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres lying three and one-half miles northwest of town. This he farmed for some time and still owns, but in 1902 moved from the farin into Long Beach, where in 1887 he had purchased a lot at No. 720 American avenne. Immediately after coming to town he erected the residence which he now occupies. The pleasant home is presided over by Mrs. Kingcade, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ellen Tharush and is a native of Missouri, butt at the time of their marriage was a resident of Pike county, Ill. Of their union five daugh- ters and three sons were born, namely : Nora. who married Walter Martin and resides in Long Beach : Ollie, Mrs. Robert Martin, also of Long Beach ; George, now employed in Los Angeles : Lulu, wife of Charles Kelly, of Santa Ana : Walter, living in Los Angeles; Ida and Lettie, who are with their parents ; and Leland, deceased.

While fraternal movements have never especially interested Mr. Kingcade, he is an ardent supporter of Masonic principles and holds membership with the blue lodge at Long Beach. Early in life he began to take an active part in local politics as a member of the Re- publican party and this interest he has main- tained to the present. At no time has he been a candidate for office, his tastes inclining toward other work than office holding. How- ever. he supports with enthusiasm the candi- dacy of friends and is willing to aid with time and influence. With George Bixby he was the first delegate from Long Beach township to the county convention and ever since then has been active in county convention work of the party. In 1902 and 1906 he was a delegate to the state convention.

H. N. STONE. Occupying a position of note among the rising young business men of San Pedro is H. N. Stone, who, as a druggist, is actively identified with the development and pro- motion of the industrial and mercantile interests of this part of the state. Capable, talented and

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far-seeing, he has built up a fine trade in his special line, by his courtesy, care-taking and promptness having won an extensive and lucra- tive patronage. Coming on both sides of the house from Kentucky families of prominence and worth, he was born, April 4, 1871, in Green- castle, Ind. His father, James Stone, a native of Kentucky, removed with his family to Indi- ana, settling, after his marriage with Sarah A. Williams, in Greencastle. He was a man of influence in his adopted home, and for a num- ber of years served as sheriff of his county. He died in California, while on a visit to friends, and his widow now resides at the old home in Greencastle, Ind.

The fourth child in order of birth in a family of five children, H. N. Stone received excellent educational advantages in his native city, be- ing graduated from the common and high schools. At the age of seventeen, in Greencastle, he be- gan learning the drug business, staying there three years. Going then to Kansas, he was located in Topeka for some time, being after- wards in Catskill, N. Mex., one year. In 1894 he came to Los Angeles, Cal., and there con- tinued his employment as a druggist, being first with Thomas & Ellington, pharmacists, and sub- sequently with other druggists in different parts of the county. Locating in San Pedro in 1897, he started a new drug store in this city, and has now the distinction of being the longest- established druggist in this part of the county, his store being on Front street, near Sixth street, where he is carrying on an extensive general drug business. He is a man of great enter- prise and energy, and in addition to his regular trade has other interests of a financial nature, in his store being located the ticket offices of the Independent Steamship line, and the Salt Lake Railway Company, and the pay station of the Sunset Telephone Company, for all of which he is the agent.

In Topeka, Kans .. Mr. Stone married Edna Pearl Yohey, who was born and reared in that city, and they have two children, Helen Marie and Harry Earl. Politically Mr. Stone is a straightforward Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Eagles, of the Independent Order of Foresters, and a member and past treasurer of the Foresters of America.

STEPHEN GANO LONG. Genealogical records of the Long family show that they be- came established upon Kentucky soil during the carliest period of the settlement of that common- wealth, and several successive generations con- tributed to the upbuilding of Russellville and Logan county. There Nimrod Long was born and there he died after a busy but uneventful

career as banker and planter. In the same town Spencer C., a son of Nimrod, was born and reared, and there he became connected with bank- ing and mercantile interests. Early in his busi- ness life he removed to Louisville and engaged in the tobacco business upon a large scale, but eventually returned to Russellville to resume his banking interests in the town. During his youth- ful years he had attended Georgetown College and there met Miss Cornelia Gano, a native of Kentucky. They were married while still quite young, and in their advanced years they returned to Georgetown, where Spencer C. Long died in March, 1899, at sixty-four years of age. In politics he was a stanch adherent of Democratic principles. Educational interests received his earnest support, as did also the work of the Baptist Church, in which he was a lifelong and faithful member.

The Gano family came to America during the colonial era, and during the war of the Revolt- tion Rev. John Gano, a prominent Baptist min- ister living in New York City, served in the United States army under General Washington as a chaplain. A grandson of this Revolutionary chaplain was Stephen F. Gano, a prominent physician and influential Whig residing at Georgetown, Ky. In the family of Spencer C. and Cornelia (Gano) Long, there were four sons and three daughters, all of whom are still liv- ing except two sons. Of those now living Stephen Gano Long was third in order of birth, and was born in Louisville, Ky., October 1, 1864. Common-school studies were followed by the studies of Bethel College, from which he was graduated in 1883 with the degree of A. B., and later received the degree of A. M. Subse- quent to his college course he studied in the University of Virginia, from which he received the degree of LL. B., in 1886, and at the same time was admitted to practice at the bar.

After having gained an early professional ex- perience in Russellville, Ky., during 1888 Mr. Long came to California and opened an office in Los Angeles, where he still has his main office at Nos. 215-217 Bullard block. Immediate- ly after his arrival he formed a partnership with an attorney who still remains with him, the firm of Long & Baker being probably as old a firm as any in the city. In 1895 Mr. Long established his residence in Long Beach, where he has an office in the Long Beach Bank building, and during 1898-99 officiated as city attorney of Long Beach. Since coming to this city he has aided in the establishment of the Citizens Savings Bank and the State Bank of Long Beach of the latter of which he now acts as attorney. In addition, he is retained as attorney for the Long Beach Water Company, the Pacific Surgical Company of Los Angeles, the Home Telephone

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Company of Long Beach and the Home Land and Water Company. The firm of Long & Baker are city attorneys of Azusa and Glendale.

The marriage of Mr. Long was solemnized in Los Angeles and united him with Miss Mary Obear, a native of St. Louis, Mo. Five sons were born of this union, namely: Spencer C., who died in infancy, Frank O., Stephen G., Jr., Thomas O. and Walter B., who are receiving the best educational advantages their home city affords. The family are identified with the First Baptist Church of Long Beach and contribute generously to its maintenance, as to other move- ments for the general welfare. In fraternal con- nections Mr. Long holds membership with the blue lodge of Masons and the Knights of Pythias at Long Beach, while in politics he is a stanch Democrat, an active worker in the party, and during 1905 was honored with the presidency of the Democratic Club of Long Beach. He has been a delegate to the county conventions of his party and in 1906 was elected a delegate to the state Democratic convention.

WALTER C. EYMANN. Prominent among the highly esteemed and influential citizens of Ocean Park is Walter C. Eymann, a prac- tical business man and a leading real-estate dealer, who has been an important factor in promoting the rapid growth of this beautiful coast city, and a liberal contributor towards the establishment of its varied enterprises. Distinguished not only as a native-born son of California, but for the honored ancestry from which he traces his lineage, he occupies a conspicuous position in the annals of Los Angeles county, and no person is more worthy than he of representation in a work of this kind. A son of Charles F. Eymann, M. D., he was born, November 3. 1867, in Anaheim. Orange county. The Eymann family has long been prominent in Germany, among its members being doctors, lawyers and merchants of distinction, one of its members having served as court physician to the Czar of Russia.

A native of Germany, Charles F. Eymann was born, reared and educated in Oldenburg. the home of many of his ancestors. Immigrat- ing to the United States when a young man. he continued his studies in the medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio. Subsequently going over- land to California, he engaged in mining and prospecting with unusual success, amassing a fortune. As banks were unsafe in those days it was customary to bury money; one day he returned and was bitterly disappointed to find that some one had visited the spot where he had secreted his wealth, and robbed him.

Afterwards settling in San Francisco, he built up a substantial business as a merchant, and became a large property owner. He married Amalia Hammes, whose father, Philip Hammes, immigrated to San Francisco from Germany in 1856, and there followed his trade of watchmaker, clockmaker and jeweler until his removal to Anaheim with the original Ger- man colony.

Leaving school when about sixteen years of age, Walter C. Eymann assumed charge of a vineyard of thirty-three acres, managing it successfully until the destruction of the vines by a disease that killed all of the vineyards of that locality and ruined the wine industry. He subsequently took a course of study at Heald's Business College, after which he was a resident of San Francisco for two and one- half years, being employed as collector, sales- man and bookkeeper, first for Hueter Brothers, and later for the Bass-Hueter Paint Company. Going then to Europe, he visited a favorite aunt at the home of his ancestors, after which he traveled extensively on the continent, visit- ing the principal art galleries, and other places of interest.

On returning to California, Mr. Eymann settled near Anaheim, on land left him by his father, and at once began its improvement, in the course of a few years developing a valuable walnut grove. He built a fine house and sub- stantial farm buildings, making noteworthy improvements. This place he sold in Novem- ber, 1904, realizing a handsome profit from his expenditure of time and money. Coming to Ocean Park, he bought the Summerheim flats, which he has since managed, and continued in the real-estate business, with which he had previously been associated for three years. In the spring of 1905 he opened a real-estate office in the city of Los Angeles, but this he aban- . doned when the beach cities began to show signs of life and activity and has since main- tained an office on occan front. He not only deals in Southern California property, but also handles northern lands, owning property in the San Joaquin valley and Tulare county.

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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 93

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