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 98

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

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In Gospel Swamp, Orange county, Cal., Mr. Sharps was united in marriage, July 4, 1876, with Miss May J. Salter, a native of Minnesota, and born of this union are two children : Frank C., en- gineer for the Newport Beach Water Company, and Ethel E., a merchant in Newport Beach. Fraternally Mr. Sharps is identified with the Odd Fellows of Santa Ana. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a stanch adherent of the prin- ciples advocated in the platform of the Republi- can party and is deeply interested in the temper- ance cause.

LORING BOYD HASKELL. The earliest ancestor of the Haskell family of whom we have authentic knowledge is William Haskell, who was born in England in 1617. With his two older brothers, Roger and Mark, he crossed the ocean to America in 1632, settling in Beverly, Mass., but later, in 1643, removed to Gloucester, that state, where his death occurred in August, 1693. In direct line the ancestry is traced from William Haskell through William, Jacob, Zebulon, Zebulon and Benjamin, the latter the father of Loring Boyd Haskell. The English coat-of- arms bore the motto, Veritas vincit, Truth con- quers, a saying which was not only handed down from one generation to another, but bore fruit in noble living and large accomplishments. Ben- jamin Haskell was born in the New England town which had been the home of his forefathers for so many generations, Gloucester, Mass., where he engaged first as a blacksmith, and later as a merchant. To himself and wife, formerly. Mary Noble, a descendant of an old Virginia family, thirteen children were born, but of this large family only four are living. Three of the sons fought with valor in the Civil war and thus added lustre to the name. Otis L. served as an ensign in the United States navy from his native state, Massachusetts, and is now a resident of Denver, Colo; William B., who enlisted in the

Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment, was wounded in the battle of Antietam, July 17, 1862, but recovered sufficiently to again take his place in the ranks and was one of the brave defenders of the union at the battle of Gettysburg; his life was sacrificed in his country's cause, for he did not long survive the wounds and exposure of warfare, his death occurring in Washington, D. C. in 1864. Howard Haskell volunteered his service in the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment and is now a resident of Gloucester, Mass.

Gloucester, Mass., March 25, 1850. Before he had reached his twentieth year he had completed his school training, having attended the public and high schools of his native town, and had entered the business world. Under the name of B. Haskell & Sons he was interested with his three brothers in the merchandise business which his father had established many years before. In connection with the business they had la large shipping trade, and ran a fleet of fishing schooners from Gloucester by way of Florida to Greenland.

After an association of about thirty-five years in business life in the east Mr. Haskell came to. California in October of 1904, and was so well pleased with the outlook in Long Beach that he determined to remain and identify himself with the business life of the town. Associated with others he established in 1905 the Boston Realty Company, with offices at No. 243 Pine avenue, where a large business in the buying and selling of real estate has since been transacted.

In Gloucester, Mass., Mr. Haskell was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie M. Center, who like himself. was a native of that state. The Center family was established in New England early in the seventeenth century, the first re- presentative in this country leaving England and settling in Vermont. Mrs. Haskell's father, Capt. Addison Center, received his title in the Civil war as a member of the Eighth Massachu- setts Regiment, Company G, and of Company E of the Twenty-third Regiment. His entire life was spent in Massachusetts, where he be- came known as a portrait artist of considerable note. His wife, formerly Mary Phelps, was also a native of Massachusetts, born in Salem, and a granddaughter of Judge Phelps. Six chil- dren blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Has- kell, the eldest of whom, Otis L., died when four years old; the others are, Mary C., Hannah Dorothea, Grace Otis, and Esther and Elizabeth, the two last named twins. In their religious leanings the family are Universalists. Frater- nally Mr. Haskell belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, while in his political belief

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he is Independent, voting for the best man in question regardless of party name. While a resi- dent of the east he was an influential member of the Board of Trade, president of an electric light company and a director of banks, and though a comparatively new comer to Long Beach has identified himself with the Chamber of Commerce and is one of its most interested members.

TILGHMAN DAVIS ANDREW. An ear- ly settler of Southern California, Mr. Andrew has witnessed the development of this section of the state and has given his best efforts to- ward its material upbuilding. He is the west- ern representative of a proud old Maryland family, father, grandfather and great-grand- father as well as himself, all natives of Caro- line county and each one occupying a place of prominence in the affairs of his day. Revolu- tionary stock bred patriotism and Melvin An- drew served in the war of 1812; his son Rich- ard became a farmer in Maryland, where he spent his entire life. The latter married Re- becca Kamper, born in Dorchester, Md., a daughter of Samuel Kamper, a native of the same locality, a farmer in manhood, and a loy- al soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Andrew survives and still makes her home in Maryland at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. She had nine children, of whom eight still survive; inheriting the stanch patriotism of a loyal an- cestry two served in the Civil war, Isaac in the First Regiment Maryland Infantry, being wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and James, a lieutenant in the First Delaware Cav- alry, also being wounded at the famous battle mentioned above.

Tilghman Davis Andrew was born in Caro- line county, Md., May 11, 1846, and was reared on the paternal farm until the year 1867. On the 25th of May of that year he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-second Regiment, United States Infantry, which was immediately sent via Panama to San Pedro, Cal., whence they marched one thousand miles to Tucson, Ariz., to engage in the Apache war, their combined force being four regiments, two of infantry and two of cavalry. They remained in that loca- tion for three years. Mr. Andrew being pro- moted to sergeant. When the government re- duced the army in 1869 he was supernumerary and was transferred to Company H, Twenty- first Regiment, U. S. A., and in the same year was honorably discharged, after a service of two years and four months. Returning to Cal- ifornia Mr. Andrew located in San Bernardino and entered the employ of John M. James, en- gaged in the sawmilling business. In that sec- tion he was married April 30, 1872, to Miss

Sarah James, of Sunny Slope, Los Angeles county. Her father, John M. James, was born in Tennessee, married in Arkansas and came across the plains with ox-teams in 1852 and lo- cated in the vicinity of San Gabriel. He was a millwright and carpenter by trade, both of which he followed with considerable profit throughout Southern California. He engaged in whipsawing lumber in Saw Pit canon, which he sold for $100 per thousand. Going to San Bernardino he rented a saw mill from John Rowland and later purchased it outright and continued to conduct these interests in the mountains north of the city for many years. His death occurred in 1903, when nearly eighty-eight years of age. He was a man prominent in the early history of the state, having served efficiently as a member of the legislature for one term. He married Margaret Johnson, a native of Missouri, and daughter of Alfred Johnson, who also crossed the plains in 1852 and eventually died in El Monte. Mrs. Tames died in 1883 in San Bernardino. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are now living, Mrs. Andrew, who was reared in San Bernardino, being the fifth in order of birth. She passed away February 22, 1907.

After a time Mr. Andrew left his work in the sawmill to engage in stock-raising on the Mojave desert, and after three years returned to San Bernardino to engage in farming pur- suits .. In 1882 he came to El Monte and fol- lowed farming on three hundred acres of the Baldwin ranch, remaining so employed until 1890, when he came to his present property, purchasing the same, which consists of ten acres set out in walnuts located on Mountain View and Andrew avenue, while at the same time he carries en general farming and grain- raising on other lands. He is a charter mem- ber of the Mountain View Walnut Growers' Association and active in the development of this section.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew became the parents of the following children : Lillie, wife of David Wright, of Fullerton ; Charles, a farmer of El Monte; Lawrence, Clarence and Stanley. Mr. Andrew supports the Christian Church, of which his wife was a devoted member, and po- litically he is a stanch adherent of the princi- ples embraced in the platform of the Repub- lican party.

ROY C. SILVERNALE. Among the rising young business men of Santa Monica Roy C. Silvernale has attained a noteworthy position, and, as proprietor of one of the best and most mod- ernly-equipped drug stores of the place, is carry- ing on a most successful trade, his patronage be-

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing extensive and lucrative. A son of Daniel and Catherine (Niver) Silvernale, he was born July 19, 1880, in Waukesha, Wis., where his parents were early settlers. His grandfather, Henry Sil- vernale, was a pioneer settler of New York state, and one of the most successful farmers of his neighborhood.

After his graduation from the Waukesha high school Roy C. Silvernale began the study of pharmacy, which he completed in Milwaukee, Wis., where he subsequently passed the state ex- amination in a satisfactory manner. Thus equipped for his chosen work he worked awhile for the well-known firm of John A. Dadd & Son, obtain- ing a practical experience in the drug business, and then went to New London, Wis., where he was employed in a drug store for a year. Coming from there to California in search of a favorable opening, le located immediately in Santa Monica, purchasing his present drug store, at the corner of Third street and Utah avenue, where he is rapidly building up a substantial business. A young man of sterling integrity and ability, hon- est and square in all his dealings, he has gained the confidence and good will of the community and is already known as one of the most popular and esteemed residents of the place.

Politically Mr. Silvernale is a stanch Repub- lican, and fraternally he is a member of the In- dependent Order of Foresters and of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks.

GUS P. DREHER. Three generations of the Dreher family have been identified with business affairs in the United States and two generations have been residents of California. It was Carl J. Dreher who founded the family in America, he having crossed the ocean from Germany in 1850 and settled in St. Clair county, Ill., where he built up a large mercantile business in a rural community. Following him came his son. P. J., also a native of Germany and a merchant of St. Clair county, where he carried on a general store at Lenzburg. From the latter town in 1885 he came to California and settled in Pomona, where he bought and sold real estate and im- proved an orange and lemon grove. Still active in business affairs, he acts as secretary and man- ager of the San Antone Fruit Exchange of Pomona and as president of the P. J. Dreher Company, Incorporated, having under his direct supervision sixty acres of orchard. The fact that he had no experience in horticulture prior to coming to California did not work to his detri- ment, for he has proved naturally adapted for such work and has gained a reputation for saga- cious judgment in the growing and selling of fruit.

Of the marriage of P. J. Dreher and Miss

Margaret Greibel, a native of St. Clair county, 111., and now a resident of Pomona, Cal., there were born eight children, all but two of whom are still living. The fourth in order of birth was Gus P., who was born at Lenzburg, St. Clair county, Ill., March 12, 1876, and received his primary education in the Lenzburg schools. Ac- companying the family to California in 1885, he afterward was a student in the grammar and high schools of Pomona, and was graduated from the latter in 1890, at the age of fourteen years. In seeking a means of livelihood he found em- ployment on ranches and the range, but while still a mere youth he embarked in the livery business on Avenue Twenty-two, Los Angeles, where he remained a year, and then spent a sim- ilar period in a livery business at Covina. Dur- ing June of 1904 he came to Oxnard and pur- chased the livery barn of Gordon Brothers, since which time he has conducted a livery, boarding and sales stable on A street near Fifth. Special attention is given to the boarding of horses and to the giving of prompt and efficient service along the lines of the business. In addition to the management of the barn, he is interested in the P. J. Dreher Company at Pomona. Since com- ing to Oxnard he has identified himself with the Citizens Club and has become associated with Masonry in the Oxnard Lodge No. 341, F. & A. M., in which he is an active worker and to whose philanthropic principles he gives stanch . support. As yet he has not been active in party affairs, and the casting of a Republican ballot represents the limit of his participation in politics ; however, he keeps posted concerning problem's of national importance and is intelligently in- terested in measures tending to the permanent prosperity of the city, state and country.

JOHN A. PEARSON. After traveling ex- tensively in the central and western states of the Union, John A. Pearson came to the wise con- clusion that there were few sections of the coun- try more desirable for an abiding place than Southern California, and has, accordingly, taken up his residence in San Pedro. He has been en- gaged in various occupations, and from a finan- cial point of view has attained success, while his sterling integrity and honorable, upright man- hood justly entitle him to the assured position which he holds in the estimation of the people of the community. A native of Sweden, he was born in the city of Lund, in the southern part of the country. His father, a farmer, spent his entire life in his native land, and of his family of four sons and one daughter, John A., the special subject of this sketch, is the only one that has crossed the Atlantic.

The second child of the parental household,

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John A. Pearson was born December 14, 1858, and was brought up on the home farm. At the age of fifteen years he began working in a minor capacity in hotels, and two years later went to Copenhagen, where he was employed in a hotel for five years. Immigrating to the United States in 1879, he spent eighteen months in Chicago, Ill., and was afterwards in Eagle Grove, Iowa, for six months. Coming to the Pacific coast in 1881, he resided for two years in San Francisco, and then settled in Yakima county, Wash., where he ran a hotel and was also engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1892. During the ensu- ing four years he was a resident of Walla Walla, Wash., and then, in 1896, went to Butte City, Mont., remaining there until 1901, when he was employed in a hotel in Anaconda, Mont. Com- ing to California in December, 1902, he located first in Los Angeles, from there coming in 1903 to San Pedro, where he has since resided. At the corner of Eighth and Palos Verdes streets he erected the Brunswick, a large three-story apartment house, 45×45 feet, and in its manage- ment has been very successful. He has likewise had other interests, and has carried on contract- ing and building to some extent.

In Chicago, Il1., Mr. Pearson married Ellen P. Pearson, who was born near Helsingborg, Sweden, and into their household the following children have been born: Charles A., a real- estate dealer in San Pedro; Clyde, in Butte City, Mont .; Harry, in the United States navy ; Oscar, with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company ; and Annie and Benjamin, living at home. True to the religious faith in which he was reared, Mr. Pearson is a Lutheran.

FRANK JOHNSON. One of the enterpris- ing and progressive citizens of San Bernardino is Frank Johnson, who came to this state in 1884. He was born November 10, 1863, in Frederick- town, Mo., the son of N. and Martha (Mathews) Johnson, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Mississippi. The father settled in Missouri when a young man and followed the occupation of stone and brick-work contractor for many years. His last days were spent in the home of his son, Frank, at San Bernardino, and the mother is still living here, and is now eighty years old. Of the nine children born to them only three are now living.

The early education of Frank Johnson was re- ceived in the district schools of his native state and after school days were over he tliere learned the brick-mason's trade under the direction of his father. In 1884 he came to California and locat- ed at Colton, following his trade at that point for one year, then removing to San Bernardino, which place has ever since been his home. While

in Colton he assisted in the erection of the Cuma building and other business houses, was at one time employed on the Santa Fe round house and the first shops built here, and in 1889 he began contracting for buildings independently. He has erected a number of the brick buildings in San Bernardino, including the Traction com- pany's buildings, and has satisfactorily filled many contracts for brick and cement work in the city.

Mr. Johnson's marriage to Miss Martha Hicks, a native of Farmington, Mo., occurred in that state, and they are the parents of one child, Marvin. The family residence in an attractive one located at No. 778 Second street. Fraternal- ly Mr. Johnson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past noble grand of his lodge, and politically he is a stanch believer in the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party. He is progressive and up- right, well informed and agreeable, and has many friends in the city which has been his home for so many years.

JOHN MILNER. Prominent among those early settlers to whom the city of Los Angeles is deeply indebted for its wonderful development, rapid progress, and present prosperity, was the late John Milner. During his residence here of a quarter of a century, he was identified with the establishment of various beneficial enter- prises, by his enthusiastic and able support con- tributing toward their success. He was recog- nized as a man of unquestioned integrity, straight- forward and honest in all of his transactions, and as one of the most competent and successful financiers of his time. A native of Germany, he was born, February 5, 1834, in the city of Han- over, where he received a collegiate education.

Leaving the Fatherland at the age of nineteen years, John Milner emigrated to the United States, and for about five years resided in New York City. In 1858 he made his first trip to California, coming by way of the isthmus, and for two years was employed in mining. In 1860 he returned east, and on the breaking out of the Civil war entered the quartermaster's department, in which he served until the close of the conflict. Mr. Milner then came again to Los Angeles county, and, under Captain Swazey, served in the quartermaster's department in Wilmington for a number of years. Resigning. from the army, he entered the employ of Gen- eral Banning, becoming business agent for the Los Angeles and Wilmington Railroad Company, with headquarters in Wilmington. In 1874, giv- . ing up that position, Mr. Milner became as- sociated with the management of the newly or- ganized Farmers and Merchants' Bank, in Los

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Angeles, first as secretary, and then as cashier of the institution. Showing marked financial ability, he retained this responsible position until his sudden death, April 27, 1895. For twenty- one years Mr. Milner was connected officially with the bank, and by liis superior business tact and judgment did much towards placing it among the strong and substantial financial institutions of Southern California. A man of rare ability, quick and accurate in discernment, he was ever equal to all emergencies, and exerted a good influence in business circles. Inherent in him were the qualities of a noble manhood, his un- selfishness, amiability, broad views, and high- minded principles winning him the esteem and love of all with whom he was brought in con- tact. His death was a public loss.

Mr. Milner was a stanch Republican in poli- tics, a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, a devoted Episcopalian, and belonged to the Masonic order. Mr. Milner was happy in his social home life. Mrs. Milner came to California in 1861, and since 1864 has been a resident of Los Angeles.

GILBERT A. BIXLER. As a cement block manufacturer and contractor Gilbert A. Bixler is ranked as one of the most successful young business men of San Bernardino, in which city he has spent the greater part of his life since early childhood. He was born November 13, 1878, in Portland, Mich., the son of Frank and Flora E. (Gilbert) Bixler, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Throughout his lifetime the father followed the builder's trade, first in Portland, Mich., and later in Kendallville, Ind. Mrs. Bixler, who is still living, is the daughter of George W. Gilbert, an inventor and machinist residing at the present time in Kendallville.

In that city Gilbert A. Bixler, the oldest of the three children now living, spent his childhood days until 1886, when he came to San Bernardino and here received his education in the public and high schools. After the completion of his studies he learned the jeweler's trade under George Jordan and subsequently worked a short time in Los Angeles in the employ of H. J. Whit- ley, but found the work too confining and turned his attention to the study of stenography under Harry Luce. Neither of these occupations ap- pealed to his inclinations, however, and as his greatest talents seemed to run along mechanical lines he took up stationary engineering under the tuition of W. S. Fryett. After obtaining his li- cense he was employed as a stationary engineer in Los Angeles for a time, and came to San Bernardino as chief engineer for the San Ber- nardino Lumber & Box Co., retaining this posi- tion for six years. In the meantime his grand-

fatlier Gilbert had succeeded in interesting Mr. Bixler in the cement-block work and in 1904 he resigned his position as engineer to engage in his present business. Mr. Gilbert purchased a model concrete block machine and together with Mr. Bixler set it up and started to manufacture in a small way. When Mr. Gilbert returned to the east Mr. Bixler continued the work alone and soon began to engage in contracting on a large scale. The plant is located on the corner of Sixth and B streets. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and he is an ex- member of the International Association of Sta- tionary Engineers. His marriage in San Ber- nardino united him with Miss Adah Flack, a native of Ohio. They are members of the Bap- tist Church and every uplifting enterprise re- ceives their hearty support.

HENRY F. WEGNORI, the present build- ing inspector of San Bernardino is one of the most enterprising citizens of this city. He has been the incumbent of the office ever since the adoption of the new city charter and at the same time conducts a business as general con- tractor and builder. Mr. Wegnori is of French descent, his grandfather, H. F., having been a native of Lyons, France, from which place he im- migrated to New Orleans, La., when a young man and there became a captain on a steamboat plying on the Mississippi river. The father, John Wegnori, who was born in New Orleans and was also for a time a captain on Mississippi river boats, was later sent by a company of boat builders to Geneva, Switzerland, to build and run a pleasure boat on that famous lake. His wife, who was Annie Walther before her mar- riage, was a native of New Orleans, at which place, also, her death occurred. They were the parents of four children, Henry F. being the youngest of the family, and but three years old when taken by his father to Geneva, his birth having occurred at New Orleans, November I, 1846. His father continued to operate the boat on Lake Geneva until his death, in 1865.

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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 98

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