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 112

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 112

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).

Geo, A, Bouebrake

717

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

war with a proud military record, having given over three years to the defense of the grand old flag, Major Bonebrake returned home and en- tered into the law partnership with General Brown, as before mentioned. His marriage with Miss Emma Locke, a former schoolmate, occurred upon his arrival home. Thus he cast aside the panoply of war to enshrine himself in the habiliments of that sweet peace born of the domestic loves. Twelve years of unruffled mari- tal felicity followed this event, during which two children-Blanch, now seventeen, and Per- sey, eleven years of age-were born to Major and Mrs. Bonebrake, who still live to brighten the afternoon of their affectionate father's life. In 1869 the cashiership of the Citizen's Bank in Noblesville, Indiana, was tendered to and accepted by Major Bonebrake, in which capac- ity his remarkable financiering ability was demonstrated to the great satisfaction of the bank and the general public for nine years. In the summer of 1878 that insidious disease, pul- monary consumption, had made such encroach- ments upon Mrs. Bonebrake's health as to render it necessary for the Major to sever his connection with the bank and accompany her to the Pacific Coast, with the hope that the sani- tary virtues of the climate of Southern Califor- nia would stay the ravages of the dread malady. Eighteen months were passed by them in the most healthful retreats in this part of the State, and everything that affectionate solicitude and medical skill could suggest was done to restore the patient sufferer to health. But all proved unavailing, and on March 2, 1880, Mrs. Emma Locke Bonebrake, one of the most amiable of women, passed from earth. This ruthless in- vasion of his happy home by the grim reaper was a terrible blow to Major Bonebrake, but in the majesty of his strong manhood he arose from the tomb of his buried love with a calm resignation to the inevitable, and resumed the stern responsibilities of life. His investments were extensive and numerous, including city and suburban property, improved and unim- proved, besides many enterprises of a public

character. To Major Bonebrake and men of his class are the people of Los Angeles indebted for the substantial business buildings which line their teeming thoroughfares; the palatial homes environed by beautifully ornamented grounds, and the cable and horse-car lines that con- vey the pleasure-seekers to charming suburban scenes. The attention of every stranger in Los Angeles is attracted to the stately and elegant block on the corner of Spring and Second streets, covering an area of 103 x 120 feet, which bears upon its chiseled front the names of Bryson-Bonebrake. On the first floor of the magnificent structure, erected at a cost of $220,- 000, have been fitted expressly for the State Loan and Trust Company the most splendid suite of banking rooms on the Pacific Coast. They are supplied with every convenience and ornate with every embellishment that art can suggest or wealth supply. The mammoth vault is a marvel of modern invention, a model of strength and beauty, and is by far the finest in the State. A hundred tons of steel were used in its construction, requiring five freight cars for its transportation from Cincinnati, Ohio. It is as a financier and business man that the eminent ability of Major Bonebrake's mental powers have made him famous on this coast. Among the numerous institutions with which he is associated in this capacity as counselor and directing head are the following: He is a director of the California Central Railroad Com- pany, the First National Bank of Pasadena, the First National Bank of Pomona, the Savings Bank of Southern California, the First National Bank of Santa Ana; and is president of the Los Angeles National Bank, the State Loan and Trust Company, the First National Bank of Santa Monica, and the Bank of Santa Paula. These facts speak volumes as to the respect and confidence reposed in the bearer of these great responsibilities by his fellow-men. In nearly every instance Major Bonebrake was one of the prime movers in organizing these banks, each one of which owns the building in which it is located, and the buildings are among the best in

718

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

the respective cities. He was the first to estab- lish a carriage depository in Los Angeles, open- ing at the same time branch offices in Stuekton, San José, Oakland, and Portland, Oregon, a transaction which contributed greatly to tlie public convenience. He was the most influen- tial in bringing the lines of the Atchison, To- peka & Santa Fé Railroad into Los Angeles, and aided materially in securing and constrneting the picturesque surf line to San Diego. He is an active member and was the second president of the Los Angeles Board of Trade. He has never sought nor desired political distinetion, but rather shunned the precarious honors too often obtained through unscrupulous means. Unlike many successful finaneiers who are the architects of their own fortunes, Major Bone- brake is habitually approachable and courteous. To the sun-browned toiler, the sorrow-burdened child of poverty, the capitalist, count and eon- gressman, he extends the same deferential, dig- nified, decisive attention. He possesses a large, well-poised brain, a vigorous mind, a strong sense of justice, and a kind, charitable heart. And in the high noontide of his day it may be written with truth, "His life is gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, he is a man."

IRAM CHICK, of Los Angeles, is a native of Ohio, born on a farin in Scioto County, November 29, 1829. IIis father, Charles Chick, was a stone-cutter by trade. Hiram left home in 1854, eame to California and located on a farm near Stockton, in the San Joaquin Val- ley, and engaged in the stock and grain business, in which he was sueeessful, owning at one time a ranch of about 1,600 acres. He left Stockton about 1871 and came with his family to Los Angeles, where he engaged in teaming ou quite an extensive scale, doing at the same time a local hack business. Ile married in 1854, in Scioto County, Ohio, Laura, danghter of Jona- than and Mary (Andrews) Smith. Mrs. Chick

is also a native of Scioto County, born June 7, 1835. She has six children living: William, born November 22, 1856; Martinez, August 22, 1858; Leroy, December 2, 1860; Charles, June 28, 1862; Lillie Bell, July 16, 1864, now Mrs. William Patten, of Los Angeles; and Louis C., October 25, 1869. Three children are deceased : Nenah died at Stockton, Dec. 3,1868,aged thirteen years; Mary died Angnst 6, 1866, an infant; and Hiram Clayton died in Los Angeles, November 25,1888, at the age of twenty-one years. Three of these sons are now engaged in the livery business on Fifth street, Los Angeles, and by five years of diligent attention to the wants of the public in their line, have built up an enviable reputation for reliability, and enjoy a liberal patronage. The firm of Chiek Brothers is composed of William, Leroy and Charles. William married Miss Mary Cakebread, of Martinez, California, May 18, 1888. Leroy married Miss Alice, daughter of Rev. S. Bristol, of Ventura, Feb- ruary 13, 1889.

HARLES W. CLEMENT .- Among the pioneer settlers of Sierra Madre mention must be made of the subject of this sketeh. Mr. Clement is a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, dating his birth in that eity in 1824. His parents were David and Dorcas (Wilson) Clement. His father was a native of Massachusetts and his mother of New Ilamp- shire. When he was about a year old his parents moved to New Hampshire, first locating in Litelifield and later in Hudson. Mr. Clement was reared upon his father's farm until eighteen years of age, and then served an apprenticeship to the trade of blacksmith. Ile later established a shop of his own, which he conducted for some years. In 1853 he entered the employ of the Manchester Print Works at Manchester, New Hampshire, and for the next twenty-eight years was in charge of their blacksmith and repair shop. In 1881 Mr. Clement found it necessary to seek a milder climate. IIe therefore came to

719

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY,

California and located in Los Angeles County, taking up his residence in Sierra Madre. Upon his arrival he purchased forty acres of land from N. C. Carter, located between Central and Live Oak avenues, and at once entered upon horti- cultural pursuits, planting nearly twenty acres of trees and vines and also erecting a cottage residence. This property he sold in 1884 to Prof. John Hart; and, after a visit to his old lome, returned and purchased from Miss Frances H. Hawks two lots on Baldwin avenue, where he has since resided. Upou these lots he is making a model home and has planted a variety of flowers, ornamental trees, and a variety of fruit trees. Among the noticeable features of his place is a eucalyptus grove of several hun- dred trees. Mr. Clement has been one of the progressive and enterprising men that have built up and developed the resources of the beautiful Sierra Madre tract. He was one of the original incorporators of the Sierra Madre Water Company and has for many years been a director in the company. As a straightforward and enterprising citizen he has gained the es- teein of the community. He has always taken a deep interest in the political affairs of the country, and is astanchi Republican. During his residence in Manchester he served as one of the selectmen of the township and also a member of the city council. He is a member of Me- chanics Lodge, No. 13, I. O. O. F., of Manches- ter, New Hampshire. In 1848 Mr. Clement married Miss Julia A. Carter, a native of Massa- chusetts, the daughter of William and Julia (Coburn) Carter, and a sister of N. C. Carter, the founder of Sierra Madre Colony. She died in 1862, leaving two children: Lizzie J., who married Gilman E. Riddle, of Manchester, and William A., who is now a resident of Los Angeles. Mrs. Riddle died in 1884, leaving one child, Josie L. Riddle. In 1863 Mr. Clement married Mrs. Martha W. Warren, nee Butterfield. She died in March, 1881, at Manchester. In con- elusion we state that Mr. Clement was the eldest of a family of ten children. Of his brothers and sisters there are still living: Dor-

cas A., David, Lucy, Daniel W., Lanana A., Lucinda P., Araminta and Rachel P. Martha J., the eighth child, died in 1856. Mr. Clem- ent's mother died in 1863, and his father in 1887, the latter being ninety-one years old at the time of his death.

OHN CASEY .- Among the earlier settlers of Los Angeles County is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Casey is a native of Jackson County, Tennessee, dating his birth in 1810. His parents, John and Jennie (Mann) Casey, were natives of North Carolina, who, early in life, settled in the county of Mr. Casey's birth, and in 1812 moved to Arkansas, locating in Pulaski County, about twelve miles from Little Rock. In that county Mr. Casey was reared, receiving a limited education, and being early inured to the labors of pioneer farming. In 1827 he married Miss Sarah Nixon Thornburg, daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Thornburg, natives of Virginia. Mr. Casey engaged in farming in Arkansas until 1844. He then moved to Texas, his parents accompanying him, and located in Dallas County, where he was employed in farming and stock-growing until 1857. In that year he came overland to Cali- fornia and took up his residence at El Monte, Los Angeles County, remaining there until 1862, when he located at the Duarte. He remained at the latter place until 1864, and then moved to the Azusa, where he took up 160 acres of Government land. This land was for years the subject of litigation, being claimed by the Azusa grant holders. Mr. Casey stubbornly contested his rights, making such improvements mean- time as were required in cultivating bis lands, until, finally, in 1882, when the title of his land was clear, he found himself so advanced in years that he was unable to continue in active lite. He therefore sold off and deeded to his son the greater portion of his land, retaining a small homestead upon which he proposes to pass the remainder of his life. He has for more than

720

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

thirty years been a resident of the county, twenty- five of which has been spent in the Aznsa, where he is well and favorably known. In political matters he is a life-long Democrat. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Casey there are three children living, namely: John W., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Sarah E., who married J. W. Taggart, now residing in Del Norte County; and Katherine Frances, wife of W. J. De Shields, a resident and fariner of the Azusa.

OHN W. CASEY .- The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneer farmers and horticulturists of the Azusa. He is the owner of twenty-four acres of land, located on the east side of Citrus avenne, abont one mile east of the city of Azusa. This land is a por- tion of the old homestead of his father, John Casey, and has been under cultivation since 1864. Among the notable features of his place are four and a half acres of walnnt trees. These trees were planted in 1871, and now (1889) present a magnificent appearance, yielding each year an abundant and valuable harvest. He has also a fine family orchard of both citrus and deciduous fruits, and is rapidly increasing his horticultural productions by trec planting. His acres are abundantly supplied with water from the Azusa Water Development and Irrigation Company's system. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, Arkansas, in 1840. Ifis father, John Casey (whose sketch precedes this) moved to Dallas County, Texas, in 1844. In that county Mr. Casey received his early education and was also taught the practical duties of farming and stock-growing. In 1857 he came with his father's family to California and was engaged with his father in farming at El Monte, and in 1864 accompanied him to the Duarte, and in 1864 came to the Azusa, where he was associated with him in all his agricultural pursuits until he took up his present home on a portion of the old homestead.

Mr. Casey has spent his life in agricultural pur- suits. For a quarter of a century he has been identified with the Azusa, and during all the years that his land was in litigation, and it was decidedly uncertain whether a title conld ever be gained from the Government, he never lost his faith in his cause, but made many substan- tial improvements, tree-planting, etc., of which he is now reaping the benefits. He has been largely identified in building up his section. From 1871 to 1878 he was the water commis- sioner of his district. He is a strong supporter of schools and churches, and is a member and trustee of the Methodist Church, South. In political matters he is a Prohibitionist, but for years has been a supporter of the Democratic party. In 1874 Mr. Casey was united in mar- riage with Miss Martha J. Boswell, a native of Texas and the danghter of Ransome P. Boswell, who was a native of Tennessee. In early life he went to Texas and while there served as a soldier in the Mexican war. He came to Los Angeles in 1878, and resided in that city until his death, in 1884. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Casey there are four children: Mary Nixeon, Lorena F., Jolin Ransome and Walter T.

ICHAEL CRAIG, granite and stone contractor, Alameda street, Los An- geles, is a native of Ireland and was born May 30, 1838. He came to America dur- ing his early boyhood and grew up and served an apprenticeship to his trade in Lowell, Massa- chusetts. He came to the Pacific Coast in 1862, worked at his trade in Sacramento and San Francisco for many years, came to Los Angeles in 1882 and engaged in his present business, making a specialty of granite. Ile operates his own quarries in San Bernardino County. The stone from his quarries is regarded as of a high standard by architects here. It is dressed here, all except the rongh work, which is done at the quarries, the work requiring, during the busy season, from twenty to twenty-five men. They

721

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

furnish granite and stone for some of the best buildings in the city. Mr. Craig is the oldest in his line in Los Angeles, and has had a large, practical experience. In 1859 he married Miss Fanny Kelly, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. They have five children: John, Edward, Joseph, Mary and Fanny. One daughter, Elizabeth, is deceased.

AVID H. COLLINS was born in Roches- ter, New York, in 1838. His father, La Fayette Collins, was a native of Ver- mont, who early in life located at Rochester, and later entered upon the practice of law. He was a prominent man in his profession, and was for years judge of the district court in that city. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Elizabeth Hoyden, a native of Connecticut. In 1853 his father, accompanied by the family, came to California, and after a year or two spent in San Francisco and Sacramento, he took up his residence in Petaluma, Sonoma County. There he practiced his profession and became prominent in the legal and political circles of that county. He was a strong Republican in politics, and, although being in a Democratic community, he was elected as district attorney of the county. He died in 1867. Previous to the death of his father, Mr. Collins, after completing his education, was engaged with his father and brother in farming and stock-growing in Sonoma County, with the exception of two years which he spent in mining operations in Arizona. In 1867 he came to Southern California and located at San Jacinto, San Diego County, where he engaged in stock-growing until 1874. He then moved to Los Angeles County and took up his residence at Santa Ana, engaging in farming. From 1881 to 1883 he was employed in the dairy business, having a dairy of from 600 to 700 cows on the Chino Ranch in San Bernardino County. In the latter year he returned to Los Angeles County and located at Spadra. There he purchased 196 acres of land in the Jan José 40

school district, about one mile west of Spadra. Upon this he took up his residence and devoted himself to general farming. Mr. Collins's farm comprises both hill and valley land, and it is devoted principaliy to the production of hay and grain and to stock-raising. Mr. Collins takes a justly deserved pride in his stock, having the short-horned Durham cattle, and draft horses of the Norman breed, and Hamiltonian roadsters. In addition to his home farm he also has 400 acres of rented land which he is devoting to the raising of grain, Mr. Collins is a practical and thorough farmer and is a desirable acquisition to the community in which he resides. In poli- tics he is a strong Republican, and takes an in- terest in the political questions of the day. He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F. Mr. Collins has been twice married. His first marriage was with Miss Zille Martin, in 1867, the daughter of Silas M. and Nancy M. (Cameron) Martin, well-known residents of Sonoma County. She died in 1882, leaving five children, viz .: Frederick, Bessie, Gertrude, Grace and John. In 1882 Mr. Collins married Miss Ida Arnold, the daughter of William H. and Adeline (Pridgeon) Arnold. . Her father is a native of Georgia and her mother of the same State. They are now (1889) residents of Spadra. From this union there is one child, La Fayette.

ARD & CLARK, granite and stone con- tractors, East Fifth street, Los Angeles. This prosperous firm came to Los An- geles in 1885 and established their present busi- ness, on a small scale. Soon after they took in other partners who were only connected with the business about one year, when Messrs. Ward and Clark bought their interest, and since then have carried on the business. Their granite and stone quarries are located in San Bernardino County, at Riverside. The stone is of superior quality and is partly dressed there and partly in Los Angeles. Showing how the business has increased, we note that when they began they

722

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

only furnished work for three men and now they employ from twenty-five to forty men. The granite for the new court-house is being for- nished from their quarries. They have the con- tract for furnishing and setting the granite for the new postoffice, and have also furnished the granite for some of the heaviest buildings in the city and county. W. B. Ward, of the firm of Ward & Clark, is a native of the State of Maine, and was born June 19, 1859. He grew up and served an apprenticeship to his trade there, and worked at his calling in different parts of New England until he came to California in 1884. He remained in the northern part of the State one year and then came to Los Angeles. Since that time the firm, of which he is senior member, has been prominently identified with building interests here. Mr. Ward was married September 8, 1881, to Miss Hattie E. Ellis, a native of Maine. They have two children: Alva and Theresa. George W. Clark, of the above-named firm, was born in the State of Maine, September 6, 1860, son of Thomas Clark. He attended school during boyhood and served an apprenticeship to his trade in his native State. * He worked at his trade in New England, Texas and Mexico, and came to the Pacific Coast in the spring of 1883, first going to Washington Territory. In the spring of 1885 he came to Los Angeles and became as- sociated with his present partner, and since then has been successfully engaged in granite and stone business. Mr. Clark was united in mar- riage August 2, 1887, to Miss Nellie C. Ward, a native of the State of Maine and daughter of Ira and Hannah (Goodwin) Ward. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have one danghter, Ethel M.

AMES W. CATE .- Among the representa_ tive fariners of Los Angeles County is the subject of this sketch, a brief résumé of whose life is as follows: Mr. Cate dates his birth in 1828, and is a native of the oldl Granite State. His parents, Walter and Mary P. (Wig-

gins) Cate, were residents of Stafford County, New Hampshire, and were also natives of that State, descendants of old New England families. In 1838 his father moved to Adams County, Illinois, and engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. Mr. Cate was reared to the calling of his father, and remained upon his father's farm un- til twenty-four years of age. He then purchased land and engaged in farming operations upon his own account until 1864. In that year he started overland for California, making the journey by ox teams. Upon his arrival at Salt Lake, he decided to enter California by the Sonthern route, and in the fall of the year located in Los Angeles County. After a short stay at El Monte, Mr. Cate leased land near Downey and engaged in general farming until 1867. He then purchased 155 acres of land in the Ranchito school district, three miles north of Rivera, between the old and new San Gabriel Rivers. Since that time Mr. Cate has devoted himself to agricultural and horticultural pur- suits, and has built up one of the finest and most productive farms in that section. This land when first occupied by him was in its wild and unenltivated state, and years of labor were required in clearing and bringing the naturally rich soil into subjection for yielding its rich harvests. His success is best shown by a brief mention of the present cultivation of this model place. His broad aeres are admirably located for perfect irrigation, and an abundant supply of water from the San Gabriel River is made available for every acre of his land by a perfect system of irrigation ditches. Mr. Cate has con- ducted a system of diversified farming, confining himself to no special production. The climate, soil, etc., is adapted to the snecessful cultivation of both citrus and decidnous fruits, and par- ticularly to walnut-growing. He has a fine walnut grove of thirty acres in extent, that por- tion which is in full bearing giving him a yearly profit of over $200 per acre. Perfect success seems to have been attained in his vine culture. His vineyard comprises eleven acres of Berger, and one acre of Zinfandel wine grapes. In

723

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

1888 these vines were in full bearing; and as showing what climate, soil and an intelligent and practical cultivation will do, we eite the fact that the yield from his vineyard in that year was over seventeen tons per acre. Two and one- half acres are devoted to citrus and deciduons fruits, producing oranges, lemons, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, etc. Alfalfa and corn give large harvests upon his irrigated land. Hay and grain also occupy a considerable extent of his lands. The improvements upon his place are substantial and well ordered. A fine two- story residence of modern architectural design, containing the conveniences and even luxuries of a well-ordered home, has taken the place of his modest cottage of early days. Commodions and well-ordered barns and ont-buildings attest the prosperous results of his labor. Mr. Cate is a strong believer in the future prosperity of Los Angeles County and Southern California, and has landed interests in other sections, among which is 100 acres of grain land six miles west of Los Angeles, twenty acres of improved land at Monrovia, and 1,800 acres in Fresno County, situated about ten miles northeast of the city of Fresno. Mr. Cate, when first locat- ing in Los Angeles County, was poor; his capital was an intelligent, practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits, industrious habits, and an honest and straightforward manner in deal- ing with his fellow-men. These qualities have secured him a reasonable competency, and gained him the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, South, taking a deep interest in both church and schools. He has served for over twenty years as an able school trustee of his district. In political mat- ters he is a Democrat. In 1856 Mr. Cate was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Henderson, a native of Indiana. Her parents were William and Anna (McConnell) Henderson, both natives of Pennsylvania. Three of their five children are now living, viz .: Daniel Webster, who mar- ried Miss Emma Pierce; Dallas Mason and James Wilbur. They are all residing on the

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