An illustrated history of Los Angeles County, California. Containing a history of Los Angeles County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day, Part 110

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > California > Los Angeles County > An illustrated history of Los Angeles County, California. Containing a history of Los Angeles County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 110

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

704

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

deputized county superintendent of Los Angeles County by Superintendent W. W. Seaman in April, 1888, and is now filling that position. Mr. Brierly says he is a "confirmed bachelor and a crank on public schools." He is an exempt fireman, having been a member of the Los An- geles fire department for ten years, and eight years during that time was president of Confi- dence Engine Company, No. 2. On the 22d of February, 1884, he was presented with a beau- tiful gold badge by the members of his company, which he wears continually, and on which is inscribed, " Our Dad, from his boys." He is a charter member of Los Angeles Lodge, No. 55, A. O. U. W., and also of San Pedro Lodge, No. 3,342, K. of P., of which order he is the Past Chancellor and District Grand Chancellor.

OHN G. BLUMER was born in Harwich, Essex, England, in 1845. His parents, George and Clementina (South) Blumer, were representatives of old English families. George Blumer was an active, energetic busi- ness man, who for many years was engaged in ship-building at Hartlepool, England. He was able to give his son superior educational ad- vantages, who, after graduating at Edinburgh, served an apprenticeship in his father's employ, and later, under the firm name of George Blumer & Son, became his partner. Not long after- ward his father's failing health placed him in charge of the business. The death of the former in 1867 eaused him to sell out and change his occupation. At Darlington he became general agent of extensive coal mines in the county of Durham, which position of trust Mr. Binmer held until he left England and came to Califor- nia. While in Darlington he was engaged in mereantile business, and also acted as agent for the Diamond Rock Boring Company during 1871, 1872 and 1873, and was agent for Ferens & Love, eval owners, from 1868 until he left England. During his residence in Darlington, notwithstanding his very active business life,

he filled many positions of great responsibility and honor. He was a director of the Darling- tou Steel Company, president of the Tees Bottle Company, a director of the Wingate Limestone Company, and associated with many of the edu- eational institutions, a member of the Darling- ton school board, governor of the Darlington Grammar School, honorable secretary of the Darlington High School for girls, and also hon- orable secretary of the Cambridge and Durham University Extension scheme. In 1871 Mr. Blumer wedded Miss Julia Edith Walford, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Porter) Walford. Mrs. Blumer was born in London. The names of their six children are: George, Elisie, Hilda, Edith, Philip Walford and Fred- eric Brakspeare. Mrs. Blumer is an anthoress. Among the best known productions from her pen are " Little Content" and the translation of the "Chevalier Bayard" from the French. She has also compiled "The Words of Wellington " and the "Table Talk of Napoleon." In 1886 Mr. Blumer, on account of failing health, de- eided to leave the land of his birth, and seek restoration in this sunny land of flowers. He uever has regretted having chosen the beautiful Sierra Madre distriet, with its equable tempera- ture, pure air and water and delightful scenery, as his future home. His home is on the north side of Grand View avenue. There he bought eleven and a half acres, which proving more than he needed for home comforts, he sold seven acres. His residence is commodious and fitted with all the conveniences of a modern home. Correspondingly good out-buildings are noted, as well as an orchard planted with nearly every variety of citrus and decidnons fruit trees. Mr. Blumer also owns property at Long Beach. In his new home he shows much of the same pub- lie spirit which so prominently marked his life in the old. He is a stockholder and late direc- tor of the Sierra Madre Water Company, and president of the board of trustees of the Sierra Madre Library. Mr. Blumer has recently com- inenced the manufacture of fruit extracts. Over twenty years he has been affiliated with

705

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

the ancient and honorable order of Freemasons. He is also identified with other fraternal and beneficent societies. Few inen have been as fortunate in gaining the esteem and confidence of his neighbors in so short a time as Mr. Blumer. In conclusion we will add the hope that long may he and his estimable wife enjoy life under their own vine and fig tree in this glorions land of onrs.

TANLEY T. BATES is one of the ener- getic and progressive horticulturists of the San José Valley. His model place of twenty-two and a half acres in extent is located about one-half mile west of Spadra, where he has resided since 1882. He has seventeen acres in vineyard devoted to choice varicties of wine grapes, such as the Mission, Malvoisie, Victora, Muscats, etc. No irrigation is done upon his lauds, but the thorough cultivation and care which he exercises give good results. The yield from his vines in 1888 was an average of about eight tons per acre. His family orchard of two and a half acres contains a large variety of citrus and deciduous fruits. A neat cottage residence and commodious barn are among the improve- inents upon his place. In addition to the care and cultivation of his home place, Mr. Bates is also engaged in general farming upon rented land, cultivating about 125 acres each year. He is also devoting considerable attention to bee culture, having 200 stands of bees in his apiary, which is located in the foot-hills north of his home. He is interested in other sections of the county, being an owner of property in the cities of Los Angeles and Pomona. Mr. Bates is a native of Vermont, boru in Chittenden County, in that State, in 1856. His parents, George N. and Marion (Wright) Bates, were both natives of that State. He was reared as a farmer, re- ceiving at the same time a good education in the public schools. In 1876 he determined to seek his fortune in California, and he came to Los Angeles County and located at Spadra, where he 45

engaged in farm labor for his uncle until 1892, when he purchased his present home and com- menced its improvement. Mr. Bates is a prac- tical farmer, possessed of those energetic and industrious characteristics so necessary to a successful prosecution of his business. He is a desirable acquisition to any community and is respected and esteemed by his neighbors. In political matters he is a stanch Republican. Is unmarried, and his father and mother are living with him; also his brothers, Harry and George, have their home with him, and assist him in his farming operations.

AFAEL BASYE, deceased, one of the well- known early residents of the San Gabriel Valley, was born in New Mexico, May 1, 1832; but while a youth his parents located in Missouri, where Mr. Basye was reared as a farmer and stock-grower. In 1856 he crossed the plains to California, and located in Los Angeles County, where, in connection with his uncle, John Sanches, he was engaged in sheep-raising and wool-growing, in the San Gabriel Valley. February 15, 1869, Mr. Basye was united in marriage with Miss Marintoni Albitre, the daughter of Anastasio and Luteria (Verdugo) Albitre. Mrs. Basye is a native of Los Angeles County, and her parents were also natives of California, and descendants of old Spanish fami- lies of Mexico. After his marriage Mr. Basye took up his residence at the old mission of El Monte, where he engaged in general merchan- dise pursuits and other enterprises until his death, which occurred February 27, 1887. He is a pioneer of Los Angeles County, and well known throughout the San Gabriel Valley, where he had spent over thirty years of his life as a respected and esteemed citizen of the land of his adoption. The following are the names and dates of birth of his children: James C., March 28, 1870; Rafaella, July 25, 1873; Thomas H., August 7, 1875; Miguel, September 7, 1878; Edward, April 8, 1883, and Isabelle, June 12,

706

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

1885. Since his death his widow and family have resided at the old mission and conducted a grocery store, which is under the immediate charge of James C. Basye. They are also en- gaged in cultivating a forty-acre tract of land owned by Mrs. Basye, and located about one mile northeast of El Monte, upon which there are seventeen acres of vineyard devoted to wine grapes, family orchard, etc.

W ILLIAM R. BARBOUR .- Among the well-known residents of the Azusa dis- triet is the above-named gentleman, who is engaged in the nursery business and agricult- ural pursuits at Covina. Mr. Barbour is oc- enpying ten acres of the well- known Phillips tract, which he is devoting to nursery stock of various kinds of citrus and deciduous fruit trees. IIe has selected soil which seems well adapted to the production of thrifty and hardy stock. This enterprise was not commenced by him un- til 1888, but he now has 30,000 budded orange and lemon trees, 25,000 deciduous fruit trees, mostly French prunes and apricots, and over 50,000 Mission olive plants, which will be bndded with the most approved variety of olives. Mr. Barbour is making a decided success in his horticultural pnisuits, which is the result of his study and intelligent experiments. He has also fifty acres of fine land south of Covina, which is now in grain, but will at an early date be set with citrus fruits; and a 100-acre traet in the San Joaquin Valley, which is being rapidly im- proved by planting with citrus and deciduous fruit trees. The subject of this sketch is a na- tive of Kentucky, born in Washington County in 1848. Ilis father, Richard Barbonr, was a native of Kentucky, and a descendant of an old Virginia family of Colonial times. He was a farmer by occupation, and Mr. Barbour was reared to the same calling, and was given the best of advantages in securing an education. He graduated at the University of Virginia, and in 1873 was sent to the German universities, where

he perfected himself in chemistry. Upon his return to the United States, he engaged in the occupation of a teacher. In 1875 he came to California and was first located in El Dorado County, and afterward went to Alameda County, where he was engaged as an instructor in the well-known MeClure Military Academy and the Golden Gate Academy, and later as the Profes- sor of Chemistry at the State University of Cali- fornia at Berkley. In 1878 Mr. Barbour came to Los Angeles County and located at Orange and was for several years connected with the educational interests of that section. He was for two years the school examiner of Orange district, and for a year or more was the editor of the Santa Ana News. In addition to his teaching and other ocenpations, he also en- gaged in horticultural pursuits, until he came to Azusa in 1883. He is a man of progressive views, and is interested in any enterprise that tends to build up his section. He is a director in the Azusa Water Development and Irrigation Company, and may always be found identified with the best interests of the community in which he resides.

EONIDAS BARNES is the pioneer and one of the most prominent merchants of Monrovia. The first mercantile enterprise established in Monrovia was in June, 1886, when Mr. Barnes opened his store on the corner of Lemon and Myrtle avennes. IIe is the owner of the two-story building occupied in his busi- ness, which was erected in 1886. This build- ing has a large and commodions hall in the second story, and two stores on the first floor, both of which are occupied by Mr. Barnes. Ilis establishment is one of the best equipped general merchandise stores in the town. Mr. Barnes is a public-spirited and progressive citi- zen, and is one of the men that have, by their energetic business tact and support of public enterprises, rapidly built up the city. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Cooper County,

I Bernard

707

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

Missouri, in 1839. Ilis parents were Hawkins and Patsey (Calvert) Barnes. They were both natives of Kentucky, and both went to Missonri in their childhood, as early as 1810, their par- ents being among the earliest pioneers of the State. In 1848 Mr. Barnes's father moved to Pettis County, and was there engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising. The subject of this sketch was reared and schooled in that county, and when nineteen years of age entered into mercantile life as a clerk. At the breaking ont of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Barnes decided to enter the Confederate States' service, and in June, 1861, enlisted in the Windsor Guards, a cavalry company that formed a part of the body guard of General Price. Mr. Barnes served with distinction and gallantry in the Confeder- ate cavalry throughont the war. His services soon gained him recognition, and during the last three years of the war he served as a com- missioned officer. He participated in most of the principal battles of the Sonthwest. At the close of the struggle he returned to Arkansas, and in 1867 to his old home in Pettis County, Missouri, and engaged in farming until about 1870. He then established a meat market at Windsor and Appleton City, and conducted the business until 1873. In that year he came to California and located at Downey, Los Angeles County, and for the next year was engaged in farming. In 1874 he moved to Dnarte and established his residence upon a ten-acre tract which he improved and planted in oranges, etc. Mr. Barnes continued his horticultural pursuits nntil 1885. He then purchased the mercantile establishment of Frank Daniels at Duarte, and conducted that enterprise until he established his present business. His long residence in the county has made him well known and gained him many friends. In political affairs he is a stanch Democrat and a worker in the ranks of his party. He has served many times as a dele- gate in its county conventions, and as a member of the County Central Committee. He is a member of the Baptist church of Monrovia, and a liberal supporter of the same. He is a mem-

ber of Windsor Lodge, No. 29, F. & A. M., of Windsor, Missouri, and also of Monrovia Lodge, No. 330, I. O. O. F. In 1865 Mr. Barnes was united in marriage with Miss Nancy C. Mc- Donald, a native of Arkansas, and daughter of Morris and Susan (Logan) McDonald. IFer father was a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have three children: Lida E., Sammel W. and Julia Lathrop.

UAN BERNARD was a native of Switzer- land, being born at St. Marie, in the Canton of St. Tessin, August 20, 1824. When a young man he went to Algiers, Africa, in the campaign against Abd el-Kader, where, for sev- eral years, he was a contractor under the French Government for the construction of roads, the furnishing of bricks, etc. Afterward he deter- mined to come to California, being attracted hither by the gold discoveries. He came via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco in 1850. From there he went to the mines; and then, with a French colony, to Sonora, Mexico. Re- turning to California in 1852, he arrived in Los Angeles with Edward Nand Guiol and other Frenchinen, where he remained the rest of his life. He engaged for many years in brick- ınak- ing, his extensive yards and home being on Buena Vista street, near the Roman Catholic cemetery. About twenty years ago he bought the Los An- geles Wine Growers' property on Alameda street, where he engaged extensively in the wine busi- ness. In 1866 he married Doña Susana , Ma- chado, daughter of Don Agustin and Doña Ramona (Sepúlveda) Machado. Señor Machado, who died some years ago, was one of the promi- nent citizens of Los Angeles in the olden times. His residence was on the site of the lot on the east side of Main street, lately purchased by the United States Government for a postoffice and United States Court building. Doña Ramona, universally known and respected by all the old residents, still lives at an advanced age with her sons and daughters at La Ballona. Mr. Bernard

708

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

was one of the founders of the French Benevo- lent Society, and was at various times its treas- urer. He was the owner of the Bernard Block, southwest corner of Main and First streets, which also includes the Natic Hotel. Latterly he had retired from active business, having leased his extensive warehouse, partly as a Gov- ernment bonded warehouse, and also to private parties for the wine business, etc. Mr. Bernard spoke the French, English, Spanish, Italian and Turkish languages. He died of heart disease, January 27, 1889, aged sixty-four years, leaving a widow and nine children. He appointed Mrs. Bernard as executrix of his will and manager of his large estate.

LLEN W. BURKE .- Among the earlier residents of the San José Valley is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Bnrke is a native of Jackson County, Illinois, dating his birth in 1855. His father, James L. Bnrke, was born in North Carolina; his mother, Mar- gery Duff, was a native of Tennessee. Mr. Burke was reared upon his father's farm until twenty years old, receiving a common-school education and securing that practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits which has led to his success in later years. In 1873 the death of his father occurred, and two years later Mr. Burke left his old home and came to California. Upon his arrival here he located in the San José Valley, which was then comparatively unsettled. He engaged in farın labor for Cap- tain Hutchinson, which he continued until 1878, when he returned East. While there he married Miss Mary A. Short, a native of Ran- dolph County, Illinois, and the daughter of John and Elizabeth (IIardy) Short. Soon after his marriage he returned with his bride to his former home in the San José Valley, and in 1879 purchased from Richard Dowerman ten acres of land on the corner of San Antonio and Cncamungo avennes. This land, formerly a part of the Loop and Meserve tract, was par-

tially improved, having a few citrus fruit trees. Mr. Burke took up his residence there and com- menced its cultivation, first putting in wine grapes. Not satisfied with the results obtained, he began setting ont citrus and deciduous fruits, and at present has eight acres iu oranges, mostly of the Washington Navel variety. The rest of his land is devoted to peaches, pears, apricots, prunes and nursery stock. To the latter he is devoting considerable attention and is producing citrus and deciduous trees of the most favorite varieties. Among his improvements are a neat cottage residence, substantial barn, etc. His place is well watered from the San Antonio Cañon. Mr. Burke is an industrions and ener- getic man. These characteristics, combined with his practical knowledge of horticulture, are securing him the success he so well deserves. He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F. Politically he is Democratic, but is liberal in his views and conservative in action. He has three children -- Nellie E., Percy S. and Mary M. His mother is a resident of Pomona, where he has also three brothers and a sister.

ILLIAM P. BARNES is the son of Larkin Barnes, one of the early settlers of Los Angeles County. His father was a native of Boone County, Kentucky, and was born in 1803. He was closely related to the histor- ical Daniel Boone. In his young manhood he lo- cated in Missouri and engaged in farming in Carroll and Warren counties. While there he was married, and after the death of that wife he took for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, nee Bohannan, the widow of David Jones. In 1847 he located in Tarrant County, Texas, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1857. In 1859 Mr. Barnes' father came with the family to Los Angeles County and located at El Monte, and engaged in farming operations until 1870. And in that year he located at the Aznsa, abont a mile and a half southeast of the present city of Aznsa, and engaged in agricult-

700

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

ural pursnits until his death, which occurred in 1885. He was a man well known throughout the section in which he resided, and by his many good qualities and consistent course of life gained the respect and esteem of the commnu- nity. The subject of this sketch was reared in Los Angeles County, receiving his education in the public schools of El Monte and the Azusa. He remained upon his father's farm until 1881, and then went to Arizona, where he spent about a year in prospecting and mining. Not meeting with the desired success in that occupation he returned to the Azusa and conducted his father's farming operations until 1883. He then estab- lished a livery stable and hotel at the Azusa and managed these enterprises until the death of his father, when he returned again to the old homestead and engaged in farming and settling up of the estate. In 1887 Mr. Barnes sold out his farming lands, a portion of the old home- stead, and established a real-estate agency in Aznsa and at Gladstone, which he has since con- ducted. He has been prominently connected with the building up of both Azusa and Glad- stone, and has taken an active and leading part in such enterprises as would tend to induce the settlement of his section. He is well known throughout the Aznsa. Politically he is a Democrat, but is liberal in his views. In 1880 he was elected constable of the township, and in 1883 elected as the overseer of the water supply of the district, both of which positions he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is an energetic and go- ahead citizen, and besides his interest in Azusa and Gladstone, he is an owner of real estate in Alosta. In 1884 Mr. Barnes married Miss Blanche Hndson, the daughter of Henry and Martha Hudson, residents of Azusa. Mrs. Barnes was born in Texas. From this marriage there are two children: Herbert and Lucile. Mr. Barnes's mother died at the Azusa in 1881. The members of his father's family now residing in California are: James C., who married Miss Mary Neel; and Sarah E., now Mrs. Oliver G. Malone, residents of Lompoc, Santa Bárbara

County; and Cynthia E., now Mrs. M. Wake- field, of Los Angeles County. Of his mother's children from her first marriage there are two, both residents of Los Angeles County: Jonathan C. Jones and Mrs. Mary E. Downs.

JOHN BENNER, dealer in fresh and salted meats, 36 West Second street, Los Angeles, was born in Germany, December 6, 1839, and emigrated to this country in 1855, when only sixteen years of age; went to Baltimore and lived there several years, and then made up his mind to come to the Pacific Coast. After reaching California, he lived in San Francisco a short time, and in 1860 came to Los Angeles, and after working in the market two years he engaged in the butchering business for himself on Main street, in Temple Block, and was there five or six years. Then he removed to Spring street, opposite the old court-house, and re- mained there ten years, and was in business on those two streets twenty-two years, until lie es- tablished himself at his present location. He is the oldest American in the business in Los Angeles, and has an established trade. Being one of the pioneer business men of Los Angeles, he has hosts of friends who bear testimony to his integrity and generosity, in aiding every good work. In 1867 Mr. Benner married Miss Christiana Hepp, a native of the city of Buffalo, New York.

W. BALDWIN, retired, residing at 301 East Fifth street, was born in Templeton, Massachusetts, February 11, 1822. He was reared in New England, and in 1850 came to Chicago, which at that time contained 20,- 000 people. He was steward of the old Matte- son House until 1856, and was persuaded to take the same position in the Young America, which was then the leading hotel. Remaining there several years, he accepted a good offer to

710

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

go to Missouri and locate at Syracuse, the end of the Pacific Railroad, then in process of con- struction. He remained there until the war, when he was driven out, and he went to Jeffer- son City and entered the service. Was with Pope's division at New Madrid, Jefferson City, Shiloh, and Corinth, serving as Forage-master, and afterward was engaged in buying cotton. He returned to Chicago in 1865, and the follow- ing year he became associated with W. F. Tucker in the hotel business,-at the Briggs Ilouse, and the Transit House at the Stockyards, taking the active management. After several years he sold out his interest and took the Metropolitan IIotel. After remodeling and re- furnishing it, he sold it. Later he beame pro- prietor of the noted Chapin & Gore Restaurant, the largest in the city, and for five years suc- cessfully carried on the business. Mr. Baldwin has had a large experience in catering, and is one of the most successful and well-known hotel men in the country. His health being impaired by close attention to business, by the advice of physicians he came to California in 1883, and since then has resided here. His health is much improved, and, being amply provided for, he is spending his days in peace and comfort.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1092