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 124

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 124

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Representatives. While in Venezuela the Gen- eral inaugurated and successfully completed the building of the La Guaira & Caracas Rail- road. This road, running through the Andes, is one of the wonders of railroad construction. For twenty-one miles it has an average grade of 147 feet to the mile. In 1884 General Pile re- turned to the United States and entered into manufacturing enterprises in New York; but his long years of active life and arduous labors had wrought their effect upon his naturally vig- orous constitution, and he was compelled to re- tire from active business pursuits and seek a genial climate. In 1886 he came to California and established his residence at Monrovia. He purchased a ten-acre tract on the southwest corner of Mayflower and Banana avenues, upon which he erected one of the most beautiful resi- dences in Monrovia. It was impossible for a inan of the General's energetic and active dis- position to remain idle. He therefore devoted himself to horticultural pursuits. His land was rapidly improved and planted with a choice va- riety of citrus and decianous fruits, and his grounds beantified by ornamental trees, rich floral productions, etc. He also had a fifty-acre tract, two miles south of Monrovia, which he devoted to wine grapes of the Bleanelbe variety. And he also had property interests in the busi- ness portion of the city. He was a director of the Granite Bank of Monrovia. At the time of his death he was at the head of the city govern- ment, being president of the board of city trustees. He was a supporter of schools and churches, and was a trustee of the Methodist Church of Monrovia. The General always took a deep interest in the growth and prosperity of his chosen city and was a strong supporter of any enterprise that tended to advance its inter- ests. In political matters he was a stanch Re- publican, and took a prominent part in the councils of the party. He was an able orator and a statesman, and could not always decline to use his influence as a speaker during the po- litical campaigns, and upon the few occasions on which he appeared as a political speaker in

Southern California he gained high encominms from his adherents and the respect of his politi- cal opponents. General Pile was married in 1850 to Miss Hannah Cain, a native of Ohio. There are three children living from this mar- riage: Lulu, now (1889) Mrs. E. W. Little, of Monrovia; Alice E., now Mrs. Henry Ludlam, of Los Angeles; and William E., also a resident of Los Angeles. General Pile was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and also of the Grand Army of the Republic. His death occurred at Monrovia, July 7, 1889, after a brief illness. As a soldier, orator, statesman and citizen he had an enviable reputation. IIe was well known in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California as well. His sterling qualities and consistent course of life gained him a large circle of friends, by whom his death was sincerely mourned.

A. PREUSS, Postmaster of Los Angeles, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1850, and was but a child when his par- ents removed with him to Louisville, Kentucky, where he grew up to the years of manhood. In 1861 he was apprenticed to learn the drng trade, which he thoroughly learned and followed until about four years ago. In 1868 he came to Cal- ifornia, arriving first at San Francisco. Shortly afterward he came to Los Angeles, where he en- tered into business for himself and with others. In 1875 he formed a partnership with John Schu- macher, and afterward with C. B. Prioni, under the firm name of Preuss & Prioni. He sold out his interest in the drug trade in September, 1885. In June, 1887, he was appointed postmaster, and took charge of the office August 1, following. The postoffice was then on North Main street, nearly opposite the Baker Block, in a room which is now occupied by F. W. Braun & Co. as a drug store. The postoffice was moved to its present place on Fort street, near Sixth, October 1, 1888. Mr. Preuss is a Democrat in his political views; is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of

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several other societies. Was one of the charter members of the Turn Verein, which was or- ganized in 1870; is also one of the charter members of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and was president of that institution for about six years. In 1877 Mr. Preuss married a daughter of John Schumacher, his former partner in busi- ness, and now has one son, eleven years of age.

DWARD T. PIERCE, of Pasadena, was born at Meredith Square, March 19, 1851. He was the eldest of eleven children, ten boys and one girl. When he was eight years old his father, J. W. Pierce, purchased in Ham- den, the same county, a farin, most of which was primeval forest. The summers were spent clear- ing land and farming, and the winters in attend- ing the district school until he was seventeen years old. Among his companions he was noted for his studions habits, and Elder Post, a Baptist clergyman of the place, who gave him access to his library, said, "That boy just devoured my books!" After one terin at an academy, 1868, he commenced teaching; and for two years worked on the farm summers, teaching winters. This thirst for more knowledge caused him to save the pennies until he could enter the Albany State Normal School, where he graduated with honor in 1872. Immediately after graduating he was appointed principal of the school in Orangeville, New York, which position he held for nearly two years, resigning to take a more important one at Linden, New Jersey. He re- mained for two years and a half at Linden, and then took a special course in the Albany Law School, receiving, in 1877, the degree of LL. B. The same year he was married to Isabelle Woodin, of Dutchess County, New York, also a grad- nate of the Albany Normal School. Teaching was the profession of both members of the new firm, and Prof. Pierce became principal of the graded school at Belleville, New Jersey, where he was ably assisted by his wife. The aid in the school and wise counsels of this true woman

have done much to help Prof. Pierce to his present prominent position as an educator. For four years these co-laborers were ranked first among the educators of Essex County, New Jer- sey; but the cold winters of the Atlantic Coast were trying, and in 1881 they came to California, Prof. Pierce purchasing a ranch at Sierra Madre, California. But the spirit of teaching could not be suppressed, and in 1883 Mr. Pierce accepted the position of principal of the Wilson School, then the only school of Pasadena. The next year new schools were established and the office of superintendent was added to that of principal. In this rapidly increasing population of cultivated people from all parts of the world, Prof. Pierce in six years succeeded in building up the finest school system in Southern California. He was several years a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Education and for his energy and devotion to his profession is considered one of the best educators south of San Francisco. March, 1889, he was unanimously elected by the board of trustees as principal of the new State Normal School at Chico, Butte County, California. By virtue of this office he is one of the five mem- bers forming the State Board of Education, and has a voice in all the great educational problems of the State.

R. PHELPS, contractor, 418 South Main Street, Los Angeles, was born in @ the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 17, 1859. His parents, George D. and Jennie (Holling) Phelps, were natives of New York State, and are both living in Chicago. They re- moved there froin Milwaukee in 1863, and the subject of this sketch learned his trale there; was engaged in building for several years. He came to Southern California in 1882. Locating in Los Angeles, he engaged in building, and since then has carried on the business here. Among the edifices he has erected here are the Ellis College, Miller's Block, Jones's Block, Ein - body Warehouse and many others. During the

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

boom in real estate, he was fortunate in securing some good property and realized a good advance. Mr. Phelps married Miss Lanra Graeter. Her parents, Europe and Elizabeth (Asbell) Graeter, were among the earliest settlers in Oregon. Her father served in the Mexican war, holding a Cap- tain's commission. He died in 1872. Her mother is living in Santa Rosa. She has five danghters and one son living. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have one daughter, Grace Lillian.

N. PEGG, proprietor of the Evergreen Nursery, Boyle Heights, was born in Columbus, Ohio, March 28, 1840. He received a good common-school education, and after the breaking out of the Rebellion he en- listed in the Fifty eighth Regiment Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Returning to Ohio, he remained there until 1875, then spent three years in Colorado, and in 1878 eame to California and spent two years in San Francisco and one year in Arizona, and finally eame to Los Angeles, where he has been connected with the nursery business. He was manager of the Boyle Heights Nursery from 1884 until 1888, then started the Evergreen Nursery, giving special attention to the growth of Monterey eypress, hedge plants, Grevilla plants, enealyptus, palms and other ornamental varieties of shade trees, and propagating them from the seed. His sneeess in eultivating them is owing to his practical methods. The demand for his stock is greater than he ean supply. Be- sides his nursery lands, he owns other property. Mr. Pegg belongs to the Grand Army, Frank Bartlett Post.

OHN R. PROSISE, residing on farm lot 104 of the American Colony tract of the Cerritus Raneh, has been connected with the affairs of this eonnty sinee the year 1882. He is a native of the Prairie State, born in 1836,

and is the son of William and Vienna (Camron) Prosise, natives respectively of Kentucky and Illinois. They bad a family of five children, two of whom are living. The father died in 1844, and the widow married Henry Lyster, a native of Shelby County, Kentucky. From this union two children were born. Mr. Lyster had been twice married before this, having five chil- dren by the first and two by the second wife. Mr. Prosise eame to California in 1852, and for several years was engaged in ranching in Solano County. In 1872 he went into the bntehering business and continued at it for three years. He subsequently purchased and improved the farm on which he lives. On the 24th day of November, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coolidge, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. This lady is the daughter of Dr. F. W. Coolidge and Jane (Lillibridge) Coolidge. The father of Mrs. Coolidge, Thomas Lillibridge, was at one time the owner of the land where now stands the reat eity of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Prosiseg have been blessed with three children, viz .: Vi- enna, Etta and Grace. Politieally Mr. Prosise is a Republican. He is a progressive man, one who stands high in the community in which he resides, and is respected and esteemed by all who know him.

ILLIAM H. PENDLETON was born in King William County, Virginia, Oc- tober 15, 1819, and is the second of ten children of George M. and Catharine (Lipscom) Pendleton, natives of Virginia. His maternal grandfather, Major Yancey Lipseom, was of English origin, and a Captain in the Revolu- tionary war. George M. Pendleton was born in 1792, was a carrier, and carried dispatches from Williamsburg to Tappahannoek. He be- lieved in educating his children, and he and his brother, Philip B. Pendleton, hired a teacher from Boston for their children. The subject of this sketch, however, received his education at Rumford Academy, a kind of military school,

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and after finishing his course of study there he engaged in teaching for a short time. In 1840 he was married to Henrietta Rainey, of Clinton, Greene County, Alabama, and soon after his marriage lie leased land and engaged in farm- ing. Two years later he removed to Union County, Arkansas, bought land and farmed from 1845 to 1870. Here all their children were born. Their names are as follows: Mary C., who died at the age of sixteen; Cora A., now the wife of H. A. Sledge, of San Diego County ; William H., who married Cornelia Reynolds; Ella, wife of William Anderson; Ada, who mar- ried Dr. Cochran (deceased), and now the wife of Carroll Smith; A. T., who married Miss Sadie McFader; George W., who married Elma Dawson; Engene, who died at the age of eight years; Edwin, who married Emma Bell; Jessie, wife of Milton Sherley; Robinett, and Matthew R., a teacher in the public schools of Los An- geles County. Mr. Pendleton was a soldier in the Confederate army, and was a general agent at Shreveport, Louisiana, in the ordnance de- partment. For a time he was stationed at Mar- shall, Texas. Politically he was a Whig, and voted for William H. Harrison as President. He now affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. Pendleton came to California in 1870, and has since been engaged in general farming on the sixty acres which he purchased near Downey.

UDGE SHERMAN PAGE .- Among the citizens who have recently identified them- selves with Los Angeles County is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this brief biographical sketch. He is a native of Vermont, and was educated for the law at Union College, Schenectady, New York, where he graduated in 1859. He practiced first in Iowa, but when the war came on lic entered the army, and served his country for three years, in Company D, Sixth Iowa Cavalry. At the close of the war he went to Austin, Minnesota, where his legal life proper began. While here he was

elected to the State Senate and served as a mem- ber of that body in 1871-'72. He was after- ward elected Judge of the Tenth District and served in that capacity for a term of seven years. In 1872, being somewhat broken in health, the Judge came to California, and after testing sev- eral localities in and around Los Angeles, he chose the site where he now lives, for its beauty and for the healthfulness of its location. Here he has erected a handsome residence on the cor- ner of Patrick and Hansen streets, East Los Angeles, and his home is supplied with all the modern comforts and conveniences. Since identifying himself with this county and city, the Judge has been very successful as a business man. He purchased the Tuhunga Ranch of 7,000 acres, and supplied it with a complete system of water-works, and on it laid out the town of Monte Vista. He also owns a valuable ranch of 400 acres near Fulton Wells, where he is raising some valuable stock. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and thoughi a Republican, he has taken no part in politics since coming to this city. Judge Page is a man of strong ability, and there is probably not a man in the city to whose judgment more deference would be given than to that of Judge Sherman Page.

NDREW ROSE, proprietor of the Rose Dairy, located four miles east of Santa Monica, owns there a ranch of 1,200 acres of as fine land as there is to be found in Los Angeles County. His first purchase here was 400 acres in 1869. To this he has added 800 acres, and near Compton owns a ranch of eighty acres. In the city of Los Angeles he owns three houses and lots on York street, and also the " New Natick," on Los Angeles street. On his ranch may be seen some of the finest Nor- man horses and colts, also some thoroughbred cattle. Mr. Rose has devoted more or less attention to cattle-raising for a number of years. His dairy business is second to none in the county. Mr. Rose is a native of Macon County,

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Missouri. He came to California in 1852 and engaged in mining for five years. In 1870 he married Miss E. L. Shirley, a native of Missis- sippi, and daughter of B. T. Shirley. Mr. Rose has been eminently successful since coming to California, and is to-day the leading farmer in his part of the county. Like most Missourians, he is true to the Democratic party; and as a neighbor and citizen his word is as good as his bond.

ALFRED RAYNAL, carriage and wagon- maker, Aliso street, Los Angeles, was born in France, in 1846; was reared and learned his trade there. After reaching man- hood he emigrated to America, and in 1872 came to Los Angeles and established his present business on Alameda street, where he continued thirteen years and then removed to his present location, having bought the premises he now occupies. His shop is 40x 60 feet in dimen- sions, and he employs from five to ten men. He manufactures all kinds of wagon work and has a good local trade in the city and throughout the county. He is the oldest wagon-maker in Los Angeles.

M. RAWSON, proprietor of the Cable Grocery, commenced business in Los An- geles in July, 1885, by purchasing the small stock of groceries in the building on the northeast corner of Spring and Second streets, from B. E. De Hart. The location was at that time quite out of the business portion of the city, and the Second street cable line being then in process of construction, Mr. Rawson named his modest store the Cable Grocery, a title which it still retains, and by which it is one of the best known houses in the city. Mr. Rawson invested $2,800 in the business, including team, deliv- ery wagon, etc., only $1,650 of it being in goods, and he has never put a dollar of outside

capital into it since. Under his experienced and efficient management the business prospered and grew rapidly from the start. In September, 1888, he moved into his present larger and more commodious store at No. 42 South Spring street, which is crowded to its utmost capacity with everything in the way of staple and fancy gro- ceries, comprising the comforts and luxuries of the table. He carries a stock averaging over $20,000 in value, from which a thousand fami- lies in Los Angeles-regular customers-are supplied, besides a large number of the leading hotels and restaurants. Mr. Rawson makes a specialty of the best grades of goods, which he buys almost exclusively for cash, thus enabling him to sell at the lowest prices. From eleven to thirteen men are employed to transact the business of the establishment. Mr. Rawson's business career in Los Angeles has been one of phenomenal success. Starting out with an investment of a few hundred dollars he has made the business defray all the expenses of condneting it together with those of his family living, and now has $30,000 invested in it, all made from the profits of less than four years. Mr. Rawson's experience in the grocery trade extends through more than twenty-two years, eighteen of which were with the largest whole- sale grocery firms in the city of Chicago. With such a thorough practical business training it is not surprising that he is a master in his calling. He was born in New York State, and was forty- seven years old his last birthday. He came to California and to Los Angeles County seven years ago, and first engaged in ranching for several years, but did not succeed to his satisfac- tion. Mr. Rawson married Miss Lucy Rosier, in Chicago. She is a native of Michigan. Their family consists of four children.

RS. R. E. ROSS, nee Elizabeth Banon, is one of the most enterprising and pub- lic-spirited residents of Sierra Madre. She is the owner of a fine tract of land of some

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twenty-eight acres in extent, located on the south of Central avenue and west of Markham avenue. It is under a fine state of cultivation, and con- tains 1,200 apricot, 150 peach, 100 orange and about 100 other trees, such as prunes, apples, figs, pears, lemons, limes, etc. Among her improvements is a neat and substantial cottage residence, suitable and well ordered ont-build- ings, etc. Mrs. Ross established her residence in Sierra Madre in 1884, and has since that time been an earnest supporter of every enterprise that would advance the interests of the commu- nity. One of the most notable instances of her liberality was the building of the Ross Memo- rial, or the Sierra Madre Library. This building is located on Central avenue, and is one of the largest, handsomest and best equipped public library buildings in the county, outside of the city of Los Angeles. Mrs. Ross donated three- fourths of an acre of land upon which the build- ing stands, and also contributed nearly $2,500 toward the building fund. The building was erected in the winter of 1885-'86, and ever since that date she has been a liberal contributor and supporter of the institution. Mrs. Ross is a native of Nova Scotia, but in early life her parents moved to the United States and located in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was reared and edu- cated. In 1862 she was united in marriage with Mr. Robert E. Ross, who was a native of Clarke County, Ohio, born August 15, 1830. Ile came to California in 1850, located in Ne- vada County, and was largely engaged in mining enterprises until 1858. He then returned East, and the next spring came the second time to California, crossing the plains with large droves of cattle and horses. He then located in Long Valley, Lassen County, and for many years was one of the most prominent men and leading agriculturists of that county. He was a pioneer in the strictest sense, and an intelligent and energetic man. His strict integrity gained him hosts of warm friends. He died in Lassen County, March 31, 1884. His widow brought his remains South and had them interred in Evergreen Cemetery, at Los Angeles; and as a

further tribute to his memory, erected the Ross Memorial Library. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were never blessed with children. Their adopted daughter, Margaret, is now the wife of Eugene Steinburger, of Sierra Madre.

ALMER T. REED .- Among the beautiful residences and valuable properties of the San Gabriel Valley is the Altamont Farm, the home of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Reed is one of the first settlers in his section of the valley. In 1882 he purchased 200 acres of land lying north and west of Sierra Madre, upon one of the highest mesas, and extending to the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In the same year he built his beautiful and commo- dious residence, the view from which cannot be surpassed for beauty and grandeur by any in the county, embracing, as it does, miles of the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena, San Pedro Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Reed, with his characteristic energy, immediately commenced the clearing and cultivation of his lands, plant- ing vineyards and orchards, and surrounding his home with ornamental trees and floral pro- ductions. He has also devoted considerable attention to developing water, and ran a tunnel for 300 feet into the base of the mountains north of his house, from which he obtains an abundant supply of water, which for purity is unexcelled by any in his section. Ilis lands are abundantly supplied with water, as he is the owner of the supply from Reed's Canon, which yields about six inches during the dryest season. In the winter of 1885-'86 Mr. Reed opened the Altamont House, for the reception of visitors and tourists, and has since that date had one of the most pleasant resorts in the valley. He also established a burro train for the conveyance of his guests to the summit of Wilson's Peak. Mr. Reed is a genial host, and is a man of trained business habits and energetic disposition. He is a strong believer in the future prosperity of the San Gabriel Valley, and is ready at all times

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to aid in any enterprise that will develop its resources and induce its settlement. Mr. Reed is a native of New York City, born in 1850 .. His parents, Lewis D. and Louise (Townsend) Reed, are both natives of New York. He was reared and schooled in the city of his birth, finishing his education in the Brooklyn Collegi- ate Polytechnic School. Upon the completion of his studies he entered into mercantile life, and was employed by New York firms as a book-keeper, cashier, etc.,holding many positions of responsibility and trust. After a few years of this life he became so broken down in health that he was compelled to cease work in the counting-house, and he souglit relief by travel in Europe. He spent two or three years in travel, then returned home and shortly afterward, in 1878, came to California. Upon his arrival in the State he located for some months in the Sierra Madre Villa, and then went to Riverside, where he purchased a forty-acre tract of land and entered into horticultural pursuits. Unable to pursue that occupation, he returned to the Villa and occupied the position of cashier and foreman of the ranch. He held those positions until 1882, when he established his present residence. He was one of the original trustees of the Sierra Madre Public Library, and has always taken a deep interest in its growth and prosperity. In political matters he is a Republican, and a worker in the ranks of his party, serving as inspector of elections, etc. In 1882 Mr. Reed returned to his old home and while there was nnited in marriage with Miss Mary A. Ham- mett, a native of Brooklyn. The two children from this marriage are, Lewis F. and Ernest H.

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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