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 114

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 114

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

turn to Europe and resume her studies under the guidance of her old master, Signor Sangiovani, but has been deterred from doing so thus far, partly by ill health and partly by the disinclina- tion of her family to have her go abroad, to be absent for a series of years. She is held in the highest esteem for her kind heart and many noble womanly qualities by the people of her native city, who are also proud of her success in her art. In social life she is ever the cultured, gracious lady, whose charms of person and man ner make her society sought by all who come within the circle of her influence. To her friends, high or low, rich or poor, she is ever trne, like the true woman she is. Mrs. Davis is an honorary member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is, with possibly a single ex- ception, the only lady Major, regularly elected to that office in that body, in the United States. Mrs. Major Mamie Perry Davis is justifiably proud of the distinction thus spontaneously be- stowed upon her, as is the G. A. R. Post of which she is a member proud to have her name inscribed upon its roster of officers. A portrait of Mrs. Davis appears in this work.

HARLES W. DAVIS, architect, Downey Block, North Main street, Los Angeles, is a native of Massachusetts, born in New- buryport, March 24, 1826. His parents and grandparents were natives of the same State. During his boyhood the subject of this sketch attended school in his native town and served an apprenticeship of five years in learning the trade of carpenter and joiner. Ile next entered the office of a leading architect in Boston where he remained two years. In 1849, during the gold excitement in California, he determined to come to the Pacific Coast, and sailed on the ship Euphrasia, Captain Charles Buntin, and was six months and fourteen days on the way. When he landed in San Francisco all he had was a $2.50 gold-piece, and board at that time was $7 per day. His ability as an architect was fully

appreciated at that time and his services were in active demand. He immediately engaged in business and was the contractor and builder of the Jewish Synagogue Immanuel on Sntter street, Rev. Thomas Starr King's Church, the Silby Shot Tower, the Robert Watt Block on Kearny street, the Tucker jewelry store on Montgomery street, and inany other prominent buildings; thenceforward he devoted his time exclusively to his profession. After a residence of twenty years in San Francisco he resided in Santa Cruz four years, and then, in 1874, he came to Los Angeles, where he has since been actively identified with the progress of this city. With one exception he is the oldest in his profession in this place. He has operated in real estate, laid ont the Davis subdivisions on Washington street, and has been very successful in his invest- ments generally. He owns the Golden Eagle Ranch on the National boulevard, where he has registered Jerseys for sale at all times, some of the choicest stock in Southern California. He has done much to improve this part of the city. His success in life is owing to his own unaided efforts, and he is naturally liberal and generous. For his first wife Mr. Davis married Caroline Collins, of Amesbury, Massachusetts; she died, leaving three children, two of whom are yet living. For his present wife he married Miss Frances Parks Tuttle, of Los Angeles, March 8, 1879. They have two sons: Edward W. and Calvin W .; and two daughters, Frances Pearl and Anna Diamond.

JOHN I. DAVISSON, a grain and fruit raiser residing two miles west of Compton, is a pioneer of 1850. He was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, in 1832, and is a son of Elias and Sarah (Post) Davisson, na- tives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, and of English origin. They were early settlers of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and subsequently removed to Holt County, Missouri, where the residne of their lives was spent. The foriner

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died in 1849 and the latter in 1850. They reared a family of eight children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest of the three boys. Leaving his home in Holt County, Mis- souri, in April, 1850, he set ont for the Pacific Coast, coming overland, and arriving in Mil- waukee, Oregon, October 18, of the same year. After camping there for three months he, in company with eighteen men, went to Yerka, Siskiyou County, where he engaged in mining for one year. After leaving the mines Mr. Davis- son was variously employed; he purchased mules and followed "packing" for abont four years, then moved to Saline County, next to the Brit- ish Possessions, and still later to Ventura County, where he farmed till 1869. In that year he was married to Louisa Haver, of the State of Arkansas, and a daughter of Wilson Haver, a Methodist minister who came to California in 1862 and died in Eastern Oregon in 1888. Mr. Davisson purchased forty acres of land when he first came to Los Angeles County and has to-day a well-improved, productive farm. Mr. and Mrs. Davisson, with their two oldest children, Cora N. and Della M., are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their other children are: Abbie, Nettie, and Ray.

L. DAVISON, a farmer residing near Compton, was born in Connecticut in 1821, and is a son of J. L. Davison, Sr., who was also a farmer and who spent the most of his life in the State of New York. Mr. Davison left his home in the East in 1847, and went to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he farmned for several years, after which, in 1856, he moved to Seward County, Nebraska, and there engaged in the milling business for some time. In 1884 he moved to New Mexico, and in 1887 came to Los Angeles County, where . he purchased the farm on which he now lives. This farm is well stocked with a good grade of horses and cattle, and the broad fields of alfalfa and his orchards of fruit speak of his energy

and perseverance as a farmer. Mr. Davison was married in 1842, the partner of his choice being Jerusha Weeks, a native of the Empire State. Together they have traveled the patlıway of life, and together have worked and enjoyed its bless- ings. They have reared a family of seven chil- dren, all of whom are married. They are: Joseph H., who married Mary Mitchell; Alice, wife of G. W. Lazenby; M. M., who married Nanna Bartlett; Ada, wife of J. H. Calver; Clara, wife of J. A. May; A. L., who married Nora Bellwood; and Lulu, wife of T. F. Shields. Both Mr. Davison and his wife are active and consistent members of the Methodist Church, and are worthy and honored people, respected and esteemed by all who know theni.

W. DYE .- Prominent among the early pioneers of Los Angeles County was the subject of this sketch. He was born in Mason County, Kentucky, December 6, 1810, and is the son of Robert and Sarah (Wells) Dye. Both his grandfathers, Granville H. Dye and . Thomas Wells, were pioneers with Daniel Boone in Kentucky. They were originally from New Jersey, and were of German extraction. Thomas Wells was a Captain in the Revolutionary war. The subject of this sketch is the third of five sons. He left home after he had obtained his majority and went to Missouri, locating at Wes- ton, Platt County, where he was engaged for several years in the hotel and livery business. In 1844 he was married to Miss Hellen Winter, who was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of John and Harriet (Hall) Win- ter, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Winter reared a large family, nine children in all; he died in Missouri at the advanced age of ninety years. In 1863 Mr. Dye sold out his interests in Weston, Missouri, and moved to Virginia City, Montana, where, for some time he was in the saw-mill business, and later re- moved to Bannock City. On the 26th of De- cember, 1866, he arrived in Los Angeles, and

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

lived in the city for three years. In 1869 he purchased eighty acres of land which he im- proved, and where he has since lived. He has been very successful in his business career. The following are the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Dye: Emma, the oldest, is wife of J. R. Leoherman, who was mayor of Los Angeles for three terms; Hattie, wife of E. H. Dalton, who is overseer of the Water Company of Los Angeles; Fannie, wife of Louis Barthel, died five years ago; Mollie is the wife of A. M. Green, who has been with Jacoby Brothers in the dry-goods business for several years; and Bradley, who died at the age of nineteen years.

COLONEL T. S. DUNN, of Santa Monica, is a retired officer of the regular army. He is a native of Indiana, and is the youngest son of Judge Williamson Dnnn, who was a well-known and prominent man in Jefferson County, Indiana. Hle represented the people of that county in the State Legislature for several terms, and was judge of the circuit court of Jefferson County. Ile was born in what is now the State of Ken- tucky, but then a part of Virginia, December 25, 1781. He was the first white child born in that region. He married Miss Miriam Wilson, also a native of Kentucky, and of Scotch-Irish descent. By her he had eleven children. The subject of this sketch was educated at the com- mon schools and also attended college. In 1850 he married Miss Harriet Tipton, of Logansport, Indiana. She is the daughter of General John Tipton, who was at the battle of Tippecanoe, in the war of 1812. He was born in Sevier County, Tennessee, August 14, 1786, and was a great man in council and field during the early history of the State of Indiana. In 1846 the subject of this sketch entered the army against Mexico, in the First Indiana Volunteers, and served abont one year. He then engaged in farming until the breaking out of the civil war, when, May 9, 1861, he entered the service with the Ninth Indiana Regiment. July 4, 1861, he

was made Captain in the regular army, and served through the war in the Army of the Potomac. His first engagement was at the second battle of Bull Run. He also fonght at Antietam, Fredericksburg, South Mountain, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. At the last-named place he was wounded in the left arm. He was sub- sequently sent to Indianapolis as mustering and disbursing officer, until the close of the war. He was then ordered to Virginia, and remained till 1869, when he was ordered to Arizona as Cap- tain of a company to protect the frontier against the Indians. After three years he was sent to Oregon, and was there two years, within which time he was brevetted for his conduct in the field and made Major of the Eighth Infantry in the regular army. From there he was ordered to Montana, and from there to Ft. Yuma, Califor- nia. In 1878 he was retired, since which time he has resided in the beautiful Santa Monica. The Colonel is now in his sixty-eighth year, well preserved. Nature has been very kind to him in giving him a cheerful disposition and a con- tented mind." He has served his country well, has been a brave and valiant soldier, and is in every way worthy the honors conferred on him by the Government.

D. DE GEAR, dealer in tin and corrugated iron roofing, ventilators and chimney tops, 159 Aliso street, Los Angeles, was born in San Francisco, California, June 30, 1861. His parents, G. W. and Mary (Kreger) De Gear, were pioneers, coming to California in 1850. They have fifteen children, and all except one born in San Francisco, and the parents still reside in that city. The subject of this sketch attended school in his native city and learned his trade of Collins & Roberts, one of the leading firms in the city, remaining with this firm fourteen years. He came to Los An- geles in 1887 and established his present bnsi- ness. Ilc had only $90 in money, but he had good credit and could get all the stock he wanted.

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He has had a large practical experience, and by close attention to his business · has built up a good trade, having all the work he can attend to- In November, 1885, Mr. De Gear married Miss Lizzie Laum, of California. They have two sons: Philip J. and Armand.

ILLIAM FORBES .- Among the well- known citizens and representative farmı- sketch.

ers of the Azusa is the subject of this Mr. Forbes came to this place in 1875 and purchased a claim of eighty acres of land of Jolin Shelton. This land is located about two miles south of the present site of Azusa City. At the time of his purchase it was nearly all in a wild and uncultivated state. IIis years of labor have produced good results, and among his improvements may be noted a fine orchard of French prunes of six acres in extent, four acres of apricots, two acres of oranges, two acres of peaches, apples and pears and other decidu- ous fruits; also six acres in alfalfa, which by his system of irrigation is made to produce a yearly yield of ten tons per acre. The rest of his land is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. Among his stock are some fine specimens of draft horses of Norman breed, and roadsters of " Billy Lee" stock; also Jersey cattle. Mr. Forbes is a native of Prince Edward's Island, and dates his birth in 1843. He is the son of Peter and Margaret (Robinson) Forbes. His father was a native of Prince Edward's Island, and his mother was born in Scotland. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared as a farmer, in which calling his father was engaged. At the age of nineteen years he started in life for him- self and emigrated to the United States. Soon after his arrival in New York he came via steamer route to California. After a short stay in San Francisco he went to Nevada and located at Steamboat Springs, where he engaged in con- tracting and furnishing wood for the mills at that point. He was successful in his business, and continued his operations until forced to

abandon them on account of the timber claims of the United States controlling the wood lands of that section. In 1868 he located in Inyo County, California, and there engaged in farm- ing until 1872. In that year he returned to Nevada and engaged in stock business in Death's Valley. That not proving a success, in the fall of that year he located in San Bernardino County, California, and commenced farming operations upon rented lands. He conducted his operations in that county until 1875, when he took up his present residence. Mr. Forbes is a practical farmer, devoting his lands to diversified products, and has been successful in his enterprise. He is a strong believer in the wealth and future prosperity that await his sec- tion of the San Gabriel Valley, and is a sup- porter of such enterprises as tend to develop its resources. He is a stockholder, director and treasurer of the Azusa Irrigating Company. In politics he is a straightforward Republican. In May, 1888, Mr. Forbes was united in marriage with Miss Susannah C. McCullum, a native of Prince Edward's Island, and the daughter of Stephen McCullum. Mr. Forbes's father died in 1876. His mother died at his home in 1879.

F. DURRELL, capitalist, 110 East Fifth street, Los Angeles, is a native of Som- erset County, Maine, and was born July 1, 1826 He was reared in his native State and lived there until 1852, when he decided to come to the Pacific Coast. He left home Feb- rnary 11, and went to New York, from which port he sailed March 6, on the ship Grecian, Captain Insley, and came around Cape Horn, reaching San Francisco, August 11, 1852. The mines were then the chief attraction for every one, and he accordingly went to Placer County and engaged in mining on the American River; afterward went to Auburn, but again sought the mines, this time at Kentucky Flat, and also on Indian Creek. IIe went to Sierra County; was successfully engaged in mining, and made his

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

home there for fifteen years. He also had a sheep raneli in Yuba County. In 1868, after returning to the Eastern States and making a visit to his old home, he came to Los Angeles County and engaged in farming near the town of Florence, continuing there twenty years until his property grew to be very valuable. He disposed of it during the land excitement, came to the city of Los Angeles and improved his property here. He built the Somerset House on Fitth street. Mr. Durrell is one of the early pioneers of this State and has been successful in accumulating a competency. He was married February 23, 1858, to Miss Philena D. Haythorn, a native of Somerset County, Maine. They have had one son, now deceased.

RED DOHS, capitalist, 442 East First street, is a native of Worins, Germany, born No- vember 18, 1846. His parents emigrated to this country in 1849, during his early child- hood, and lived in New York, where he attended school until twelve years old. His father was a thorough musician, and the subject of this sketch inherited his musical talents, which began to develop when he was quite young. In 1858 his father sailed for California, and after reach- ing San Francisco young Dohs pursued his . musical studies for two or three years, after which he made engagements with theatrical companies and went on concert tours. He came to Los Angeles in 1869, from White Pine, Nevada, making the trip of 700 miles by wagon. He intended to go to San Diego, but being pleased with the City of the Angels, he decided to locate liere. Ile opened a barber shop, and at the same time carried on his musical interests. Ile organized Fred Dohs' Orchestra; was also leader of the city brass band, known as Dolis' Brass and String Band. For the past twenty years he has been prominently identified with the musical interests of this city and of South- ern California as well. Mr. Dohs has been very successful in his investments, and is one of the

large property owners of Los Angeles, and the largest individual owner on First street. He is one-fifth owner of Evergreen Cemetery, and has other valuable real estate. He is actively iden- tified with the progress and development of the eity and county. February 7, 1866, he married Miss Elizabeth Dietrich, a native of Germany. They have had nine children; only four survive: Lonise, Amelia, Charlie and Willie. They all interit their father's musical talent.

ELLSWORTH, dealer in hay, grain, wood and coal, Los Angeles, is a native of New Q York State, and was born in Saint Law- rence County, March 31, 1839. When quite young he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and from there to Michigan and Illinois. Upon reaching early manhood he determined to seek his fort- une on the Pacific Coast, and started westward, leaving the Missouri River at St. Joe, in com- pany with Noah Webster, a young friend of his. They set out with their blankets on their backs and came on foot across the plains, and after enduring great hardships during the long, toilsome journey, and becoming so footsore they could scarcely walk, they reached Mosquito Creek, Butte County, August 17, 1859. Mr. Ellsworth went to the mines, remaining there until 1868. At that time, during the excite- inent at White Pine, he went to Nevada and remained there one year, after which he returned to California, driving his own team across the Sierra Nevada Range; and it was so cold that the wheels of his wagon were a solid mass of ice. A'ter his return he was married at Brownsville, California, May 24, 1870, to Miss Melissa Ann Abbott, of Missouri. They came to Los Angeles in January, 1880. Mr. Ellsworthi en- gaged in farming and stock-raising, being suc- cessful in his enterprises. Two years ago he established his present business, and, being well and favorably known, has built up a large trade. Ifis father, Charles E. Ellsworth, an old and honored resident of New York State, makes his

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

home here with his son. Mr. and Mrs. Ells- worth have six children living: Annie M., Eva Grace, Carrie, Nower, Ada and Augustns. Two are deceased: Lansil and Katie.

AL FAULWETTER, capitalist, 309 Macy street, Los Angeles, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 14, 1844. During early boyhood he attended school and served an apprenticeship to the milling business. His father was a miller, and the family for two or three hundred years had followed the milling business. After reaching manhood Mr. Faul- wetter emigrated to America, and landed in New York, January 11, 1867. He remained there a short time and then went to Pennsylva- nia, where he followed his trade, after which he went to Chicago and worked in the mills there and in Milwaukee. In 1869 he came to the Pacific Coast and was in San Francisco four or five years. He then went to Europe, spent a year in travel, subsequently returned to New York, and after being there six months came again to California, settling in Los Angeles. Here he engaged in milling, and after carrying on the business successfully for eleven years, he gave it up on account of his health. Since then lie has not been engaged in active business, but gives his time to his own property interests. Mr. Fanlwetter began life with no capital, and his successful career is due to his industrions habits and good management.

FRANCK, proprietor of Montana Mar- ket, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Baden, Germany, born Jannary 19, 1841. His parents emigrated to America when he was only four years old, located in St. Lonis and lived there until their death. In 1854, at the age of fourteen years, Mr. Franck started across the plains to California, being six months on the way. After reaching the coast .

he engaged in mining in Shasta and Humboldt counties, remaining there until 1860, when he went to Virginia City, then to San Francisco, and later to Idaho. He engaged in mining, and was in Boise City and at the Dalles until 1866. The following year he came to Los An- geles, and opened a butcher shop on North Main street, in a little old adobe building. The water used to rush down Temple street and through his shop, and sometimes the water would be knee deep in the shop. He remained there three years, and then moved to the Plaza, in an old adobe house. After being there a year or two, he went down to Georgetown, at the corner of Sixth and Spring streets, remaining there three years. He then removed to his present location, and since that time has carried on the business here. Mr. Franck is one of the oldest business men in Los Angeles. His generosity is proverbial, and he is ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress. In 1869 he married Miss Mary Wooton, a native of San Francisco. They have eight children, three sons and five daughters. They have two children deceased. Mr. Franck is a prominent member of several societies and orders.

M. ERWIN, one of the leading apiarists near the beautiful town of Newhall, is a native of Portage County, Ohio. He was born in 1835, and is a son of Samuel and Catlı- arine (Vanata) Erwin. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation, first in Iowa and later in Illinois. In the latter State the subject of this sketch first started in business for himself as a farmer. He lived first in Mercer County and then in Christian County. He subsequently moved to St. Louis, where he engaged in the grocery business, and in 1881 came to California. His first work in this State was in Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, where he was in the cannery business. Then he moved to Los Angeles County and entered 160 acres of land in Soledad Township, where he now re-

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

sides, and he also took a tree-claim in the same township. This land he has improved and is now engaged in farming. His principal crops are barley and potatoes. Ile has two large apiaries of several hundred stands. He was mar- ried in the city of St. Louis, to Miss Ella Bar- low, a native of Rock Island, Illinois. They have two sons, William Francis and Dennis Elora. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are both members. of the church, and though far away from God's house and not permitted to meet much with his people, still they maintain the forin of godliness, and their daily walk proves them to be true and faithful to Christ's cause. Mr. Erwin is a Re- publican in politics, and was in the Kansas war. While there he was judge of the election held for the admission of that State. During his res- idence in Illinois he served the people of Keiths- burg as postmaster for a terin of three years. Samnel Erwin is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, with his only surviving daughter, Mrs. Alexander Gettis, of Los Ange- les City. IIis wife departed this life in 1847. They reared a family of six children, only two of whom are living.

AMES B. FREEMAN, manufacturer of mining machines, 604 South Spring street, Los Angeles, is a native of New York City, where he was born January 21, 1849. He at- tended school there, and at the age of seventeen years went to Minnesota and learned the milling business, paying special attention to the process of manufacturing flour by means of the roller system and the middlings purifier. Ile was interested in a good business when the great panic following the failure of Jay Cooke caused him to fail also. Ilaving two uncles in the West engaged in mining he pursued a course in analytical mineralogy, went to the Black Ilills, and engaged in mining there, and after- ward in Colorado and California. Discovering, during this time, the necessity of using the dry process when there was no water, he invented

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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