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 97

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

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study may now be acquired by others, who in their turn may enter upon careers as active and helpful as his own has been to the world.

ARTHUR L. PARMLEY. Among the younger generation of business men in Long Beach is Arthur L. Parmley, who as a member of the Young-Parmley Investment Company has been engaged in the real-estate business here since October of 1905. Many of the large tracts in and around Long Beach have been bought and subdivided by this company, and if their accomplishments in the past can be taken as a criterion of what lies before them their success is assured, for both members of the firm possess those qualities which make for success in any calling, push and determination.

Mr. Parmley is a native of Wisconsin, born in Janesville, Rock county, May 28, 1874, the son of R. G. and Fannie A. (Dann) Parmley, born in Ohio and Wisconsin respectively, and the latter of English descent on both sides of the family. Though born and reared in Ohio, R. G. Parmley became one of the early settlers in the commonwealth of Wisconsin, and for many years was a merchant in Janesville. From there he re- moved to Sioux Falls, S. Dak., and there as in Wisconsin followed merchandising for many years. In 1904, however, he disposed of his inter- ests there and has since lived retired in Long Beach, with his wife enjoying the rest and quiet which their means will permit, to which is added the still greater comfort which invariably comes to those who have lived worthily.

Arthur L. Parmley was quite a young child at the time of the family removal to Sioux Falls, so that he has little or no knowledge of his birth- place from personal recollection. He passed a creditable school life in the institutions of learn- ing in Sioux Falls, after which he took a course in the State University at Vermilion. It was with this training as his stock in trade that he entered the business world in 1890, becoming a messenger in the Union National Bank of Sioux Falls. From this humble position he rose steadily until he was numbered among the stockholders of the institution and was made assistant cashier. In 1894 he became interested in the life insurance business, in May of that year accepting the posi- tion of superintendent with the Northwestern of Milwaukee, having entire charge of the agencies in North and South Dakota for four years. In the mean time he had become interested in min- ing in the west, locating in Shasta county, Cal., in 1902, in that year opening what was known as the Mountain Lion Mine, located not far from old Shasta. There he established a five-stamp mill which is still in operation under Mr. Parm- ley's ownership, although he does not now give

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it his personal supervision, having removed to Long Beach in October of 1905 to engage in the real-estate business with Mr. Young. One year later, in October, 1906, the company was incorporated as the Young-Parmley Investment Company.

While in Sioux Falls Mr. Parmley was made a Mason and it was there also that he joined the Knights of Pythias. Since locating in Long Beach he has become identified with the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of the Cosmopolitan Club, a social organization. Politically he is a believer in Republican prin- ciples, and in his religious belief he is a Congre- gationalist.

CHARLES A. WEIDENFELLER. Per- suaded to come to California through the vivid descriptions given of its mild, health-invigorat- ing climate, its rarely beautiful scenery, and its many special attractions as a place of residence, Charles A. Weidenfeller located in Los Angeles county in 1904, and is now living in his pleasant home, Oakhurst, in Glendale. His enthusiasm in regard to the merits of Southern California as an abiding place has been in no wise dimmed, its peculiar charms being enhanced upon a more in- timate acquaintance with its natural resources, while the improvements that are constantly being carried on render it an ideal garden spot, a verit- able haven of rest, comfort and happiness.

Although born on the high seas, while his par- ents were en route to America, Mr. Weidenfeller is a native of America, his father, John Weiden- feller, of Newark, N. J., being an American citi- zen. Brought up in Newark, N. J., he completed the course of study in the public schools of that city, and afterwards 'there served an apprentice- ship at the jeweler's trade. Turning then his at- tention to mechanical pursuits, he entered one of the largest sash and blind factories of Newark as a workman, and during the twelve years that he was employed he became an expert and skilled mechanic. Giving up his position in the factory he was two years associated with the Provident Savings Life Assurance Company of New York City. After retiring from this company he became similarly connected with the John Hancock Life Insurance Company of Boston, remaining there for two years. Being then offered a position with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York City, he accepted it, and for twenty years was its general agent, with headquarters in either New York or Chicago, being first located in the former city, then from 1883, until 1893, in Chi- cago, and from 1893 until 1897 in New York. In the latter year, having, by superior business tact

and ability and wise financial management, ac- quired a competency, he sold out his renewals to the company and retired from active business.

Since retiring Mr. Weidenfeller has devoted much of his time to looking after his Chicago in- terests, and for a few years superintended the management of his country seat in Allegan county, Mich., where he had one hundred and sixty acres of land. He kept fine trotting horses, and, as a fad, became interested in raising Here- ford cattle. This beautiful farm he disposed of, and it was subsequently, while spending the summer at Macatawa Park, Mich., that he met two gen- tlemen from California who praised the state, its beauties and advantages to such purpose that Mr. Weidenfeller was filled with a desire to come here, and having taken up his residence here he never regretted it. The first few months of his life in this county he spent traveling about, mak- ing his headquarters in Ocean Park. In passing through Glendale he saw the estate on which he now lives, and, being conquered by its charms, bought it, added many improvements, and gave to it the unique name of Oakhurst.

Mr. Weidenfeller married, in Chicago, Il1., Celia M. Hammon, who was reared and educated in Michigan, where her father, James D. Ham- mon, still resides.

N. C. NIELSEN. As proprietor of the men's furnishings business at No. 208 Pine street, Long Beach, N. C. Nielsen is known as one of the most prosperous and successful merchants in this thriving city, which is noted for the energy and enterprise of its business men. Mr. Nielsen is a native of Wensyssel, Denmark, born July 18, 1851, the son of a Danish farmer. After acquiring a good common-school education, at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to a merchant tailor for three years, and immediately upon the ex-' piration of his term of service started in busi- ness for himself, carrying it on until 1883, when he came to America. The first year in this country he spent in Mt. Morris, Ill., and in 1884 he located in Abilene, Kans., where for three vears he was occupied at his trade, then con- tinued the same occupation for a number of years in Herington, that state. His residence in Long Beach dates from 1904, when he estab- lished the business which he now conducts.

May 8, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. Nielsen to Miss Kirsten Kathrine Hansen, and of this union three children were born : Niels H., who is a partner in his father's business : Hannah, a talented music teacher, and an infant who died aged six days. Mr. Nielson has always taken an especially active interest in church work and is one of the most earnest and enthusiastic leaders

Sylvain Berges

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the Progressive Brethern Church (Dunkard), being at the present time chairman of the board of trustees of the Los Angeles Church of that denomination at No. 412 East Miles street, the building of which was largely due to his self- sacrificing zeal; he is a member and treasurer of the state mission board, and a member and representative of the California district of the national mission board of his church. He is also superintendent of the Sunday-school and is a valued contributor to the denominational papers, discussing especially the tithe question, and through this was organized the Tenth Legion of the church, of which he is secretary. As a man ' of unimpeachable character in private or public, social, business or civic life, he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

SYLVAIN BERGES was born in Basses- Pyrenees, France, March 1, 1855, and is the son of Jean and Mariana (Bambalero) Berges, both of whom died in France. The father, who was a builder by trade, was the only son and his sister, Mrs. Bambalero, died in Los Angeles.

Mr. Berges was educated in the common schools and in 1874, at the age of nineteen years, he came to the United States. Until 1879 he was employed in the dairy business, and then, having come to California, he engaged in the same line of work in San Francisco. In 1881 he came to Los Angeles and was in the employ of John Lankershim on his canyon ranch in San Diego county for two years, and later on his Palton ranch in San Fernando valley. He then rented for six years an eighty-acre ranch on Jefferson street, where he engaged in farming. In 1889 he married Anna Riviere, who was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of Bertrand and Sacra- mento Ruiz, pioneers of Los Angeles. She died in 1895,, leaving five children: Marie Louise. who died in 1895; Clara, Mrs. Eselon; Pierre, Ellen and Cecelia, all at home.

All these years Mr. Berges has engaged in farming and gardening and owns thirty acres of land on west Jefferson and Arlington which has now become very valuable. His political prin- ciples coincide with those of the Republican party. He is a man of worth and integrity and is much esteemed by all for his many noble and liberal acts.

ADOLPH LEUZINGER. Since establish- ing his home in Southern California Mr. Leu- zinger has operated large tracts of rented land and since 1891 he has also been a land-owner, his first purchase consisting of eighty acres sitt- ated four and one-half miles southwest of Ingle- wood near the postoffice of Wiseburn. To his

original purchase he has added from time to time until now his landed possessions aggregate three hundred and sixty acres, valued at $200 per acre, and in addition to operating this large tract he continues to cultivate rented lands. Where Inglewood now stands there was once a field of grain and he plowed the ground there and placed it under cultivation, little dreaming that soon a beautiful village would spring up on that site.

The Leuzinger family is of Swiss origin, and Adolph was born in that republic April 13, 1859, being a son of John J. and Verena (Durst) Leuzinger, natives of the same country. His father, who was the owner of a small farm in his native land, sold out in 1866 and crossed the ocean to the United States. While Kansas was still sparsely settled and only partly improved he established his home in Dickinson county, where he took up a homestead claim. Settlers were few and buffaloes still abounded on the plains, as well as other animals now seldom seen. When the railroad was built through his county he lost his land and was obliged to buy it a second time from the railway company. a mis- fortune which took from him the earnings of vears. Until the fall of 1883 he remained in Kansas, but at that time he brought his wife to California and settled at Hyde Park. The ranch which he purchased from General Rosecrans consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which remains intact with the exception of five acres, forming a valuable property. Mr. Leu- zinger died January 14. 1906, having attained a good old age. Of the eight children born to himself and wife all but two are living: two daughters, Elizabeth and Fannie, are in Los An- seles ; Andrew resides at Hyde Park; Mary in Port Costa : and Jolin A. in Pennsylvania.

When the family came to the United States Adolph Leuzinger was a child of seven years, hence he retains only disconnected recollections of the land of his birth. As a boy he attended the country schools in Kansas and assisted in placing his father's farm under cultivation. In the spring of 1882 he came to California on a tour of inspection with a view to purchasing land for his father, and the result of his investi- gations was the purchase of the ranch still owned by the family. Shortly after his arrival he rent- ed land owned hv Daniel Freeman and after- ward increased his rentings until he operated

one thousand acres of grain and hav land. For four years he rented from Mr. Freeman and later rented from the gentleman who bought the property from the first owner, at this writing renting an entire section in one body. In 1893 he married Emma I. Bollinger, who was born and reared in Wisconsin. and by whom he has three children, John A., Louis Edward and Ar-

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thur Theodore. In political belief Mr. Leu- zinger stanchly upholds the principles of the Democratic party, but he takes no part in local affairs aside from voting the regular ticket and giving his influence toward such of his friends as may be candidates for office. Political offices he has always declined, his only position having been in the interests of education, when he served as school trustec for a number of years. Fraternally he holds membership with Redondo Lodge No. 328, F. & A. M., at Redondo, also the Royal Arcamim, in both of which, as also in general social circles, he has a large number of friends drawn to him by his integrity, energy and high principles of character.

WILLIAM M. SNUFFIN. The middle era of the nineteenth century that brought thousands of gold seekers across the plains in search of fortunes in the mines of the west and that for the first time awakened within the spirit of the east a desire to colonize the regions along the coast, was the period that saw the Snuffin family established in California. During 1852 Lyne Starling Snuffin, a native of Iowa, crossed the plains with a throng of emigrants in "prairie schooners" drawn by oxen, and immediately after his arrival he engaged in mining, however, with- out any special success. Soon he turned his at- tention to raising stock and grain, and for years he cultivated a farm in Mendocino county, but in 1876 he removed to Santa Paula, Ventura county, where he engaged in the hotel business at first, and then resumed agricultural pursuits. With his wife, who was Emily Dukes, a native of Illinois, he still makes his home in Santa Paula. His father, Martin Snuffin, who was a native of Philadelphia and a pioneer farmer of Iowa, came to California in the latter 'zos, and remained in Los Angeles county until his death.

Among the five children of L. S. Snuffin the gentleman whose name introduces this article was third in order of birth, and he was born near Hopland, Mendocino county, this state, Febru- ary 19, 1863. When the family removed to Santa Paula he was a lad of twelve years and after- ward he attended the schools of that town for a few years. His time was given to his father until he became of age, after which he started out to earn his own livelihood, his first work being that of teaming from Santa Paula to neighboring points. Later he engaged in farm- ing near Somis, where he leased about two hun- dred and twenty-five acres under cultivation to beans and beets. In Angust of 1904 he started a feed and wood vard on the Savier road, and in August of the following year he erected on the same road a building 44x100 feet in dimensions, where he now conducts a livery, feed and sales

business, the same being known as the Valley Stable. The barn is equipped with first-class vehicles and the necessary horses, and has proved an important addition to the business enterprises of the locality.

An attractive residence in Oxnard, on the cor- ner of E and Second streets, was erected by Mr. Snuffin a few years ago, and forms a pleasant home for his wife and three children, Edwin, Amelia and Merle. Mrs. Snuffin formerly was Miss Benetta Halbert, and was born in Alabama, but came to California in girlhood and at the time of her marriage was residing in Santa Paula. She is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and has contributed generous- ly of time and means to the forwarding of its work. While living in Santa Paula Mr. Snuffin was an active member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and at this writing he affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Fra- ternal Brotherhood. In national politics he votes with the Democratic party, but in local affairs he gives his support to the men whom he considers best qualified to represent the people, irrespective of their party allegiance. While as a rule declin- ing official candidacies, his interest in educational matters led him to accept the position of school trustee and he served in that capacity in the Cen- tral school district.

WILLIAM CHARLES SPROUL was born in the town of China, Kennebec county, Me., April 20, 1858, being the third oldest of a family of eight children born to William H. and Marshie Marcella (Putnam) Sproul. The father was a native of China, Me., and was engaged in farming there until 1876, when he brought his family to California and now resides on his farm at Harper Station, Orange county. The mother was born in Cavendish, Vt., and is a great-grand- daughter of General Israel Putnam of Revolu- tionary fame, whose courage and bravery is known to every school child- in America, hav- ing read the story of his escapade with the wolf.

William Charles Sproul was reared on the New England farm and attended the public schools. In 1876 he came to Norwalk and for a few years assisted his father in clearing a farm in the days when the country that is now so wealthy and prosperous was one of ups-and- downs and might well be termed hard-scrabble. When he reached his majority he followed min- ing in Arizona and Oregon and in the latter state was married to Miss Louisa Frey. a native of Minnesota, and a daughter of Charles and Fred- ricka Frey. After spending six years in Grant county, Oregon, he returned to Southern Cali- fornia in 1886 and the next year he purchased his present place of twenty acres, then wild and

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

unimproved. He went to work with an energy and will to make a success and now has a vine- yard of ten acres and three acres of alfalfa and the balance devoted to deciduous and citrus trees, The place is located two miles southwest of Norwalk and is well improved with commodious and comfortable buildings and a flowing artesian well. They are the parents of seven children, namely : Charles, Edward, Herman, Eugene, Laura, Evelyn and Ada. Mr. Sproul was made a Mason in Cañon City Lodge No. 22, Oregon, and is now a member of Norwalk Lodge No. 315, F. & A. M., was a charter member of the Fra- ternal Brotherhood, Norwalk, and served as its first president and himself and his wife are mem- bers of the order of Eastern Star. Mr. Sproul has taken an active part in educational matters and the upbuilding of the schools to a high standard, hence it is little wonder that the citi- zens of Norwalk district have elected him as school trustee and he faithfully discharges his duties. Mr. Sproul is liberal and public-spirited and there is not an enterprise tending to promote the importance of his neighborhood that does not receive his hearty support.

JONATHAN H. SHARPS. An enterpris- ing citizen of Newport Beach is named in the person of Jonathan H. Sharps, whose liberality and progressive spirit have resulted in material development for the place. He was born in Iowa, near Ottumwa, January 8, 1843. The family, originally known as Sharpe, came from Eng- land and settled in Parkersburg, W. Va., where members served in the Revolutionary war and again in the war of 1812. His father, Jackson J. Sharps, was born in Virginia February 15, 1816, and became a settler of Iowa in 1838. He was a blacksmith by trade, and he followed this in conjuction with farming for some time, finally establishing a blacksmith shop in Ottumwa, and later removing to Worth county, Mo., where he engaged at the prosecution of his trade for the period of twenty-two years. His last years were spent with his son in California, his death oc- curring in Newport Beach December 25, 1904. He was a Mason fraternally and in religion be- longed to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. His wife was formerly Catherine Parsons, a native of Virginia and the descendant of English ancestry. She died in Jefferson county, Iowa, December 23, 1859. They were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are now living: Celia Ann, wife of J. J. Green, of Newport Beach ; Jonathan H., of this review; C. D., located in Eldon, Iowa; Nellie Miller, who died in Mis- souri ; Virginia, Mrs. Folan, of Worth county,

Mo .; and John Emory, who died in Newport Beach in 1898.

Jonathan H. Sharps was reared in Iowa and educated in the public school in the vicinity of his home. Upon attaining his majority he se- cured employment to drive a team across the plains to Montana, for Teddy Wood and Temple- ton of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the time consumed in this journey being from May 14 to July 14; there were but nine wagons and fourteen people in the train, but they succeeded in making their way to their destination without serious trouble. He returned to his home by boat on the Mis- souri river. In January of the following year ( 1865) he outfitted in Omaha and May 17 again set out across the plains, this time driving a freight team for the Crayton Brothers, bound for Montana. There were thirty teams and seven voke of oxen to each train and a large number of people in the train, notwithstanding which they had considerable trouble with the Indians, losing one man while outside of camp. They ar- rived in Salt Lake City, October 9, and from that point journeyed on to Virginia City, Mont., reach- ing there December 12, and there spending the winter. In February they continued their trip to Helena and from that point Mr. Sharps went to Confederate Gulch and engaged in mining. He followed a similar occupation on Engine Creek and then went to Gallatin valley, near Bozeman and engaged in farming and dairying for the period of four years. In 1869 he disposed of this interest and came to California by horse-teams, spending three months in Sacramento and thence coming on to Southern California, where he located at San Juan Capistrano, Orange county, purchasing ten acres and there acting as super- intendent for the stage stock for Seeley & Wright. In 1872 he located at Santa Ana, Orange coun- ty, and the ensuing year was spent in the em- ploy of the Southern Pacific Railroad in form- ing the grade between Florence and Downey in Los Angeles county. In January, 1874, he re- moved to San Bernardino county and engaged in the dairy business for the period of four years, when he returned to Santa Ana and followed general farming occupations. Later he was again employed by the Southern Pacific to grade be- tween Santa Ana and Oceanside, and was active in grading for the town site of San Juan by the Sea, building the Pioneer Hotel, which he conducted successfully until 1890. In the last named year he located in Newport Beach in the employ of McFadden & Co., until they sold out, when he moved his hotel from San Juan by the Sea to this place, and here he conducted this enterprise until recently. He is the prime mover and he and his wife the sole owners of the New- port Beach Water Company, which was estab- lished and incorporated July 14, 1905, Robert

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

McFadden being president of the concern, Mr. Sharps vice-president and M. J. Sharps secretary. The water was developed by wells in Santa Ana valley four miles northwest of Newport Beach, the pumping plant being equipped with a thirty- five horse power engine with a Byron Jackson Centrifugal pump, with a capacity of seventy- five inches. There is now an ample supply of water furnished to East Newport, Balboa and Bav Island Club, both for domestic purposes as well as irrigation. Mr. Sharps' son, Frank C., is the engineer in charge of this plant. Mr. still a stockholder in the State Bank of Newport, as well as being interested with other upbuild- ing movements of the place.

The youngest of the parental family now liv- Sharps was also one of the organizers and is . ing is Loring Boyd Haskell, who was born in

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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 97

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