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 46

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 46

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

has composed many pieces of excellence. Is a member of the musical faculty of the Los An- geles College, teaching the guitar in that popu- lar school for young ladies.

Prof. De Lano was married February 1, 1887, to Miss Myrtie Coburn, of Oconto, Wisconsin.

PROF. G. W. HERSEE, Professor of Music, Los Angeles, was born in the State of Maine, May 2, 1842, and is a son of Samuel S. and Relief (Dyer) Hersee. After attending the common schools during boyhood, he pursued his preparatory studies and entered Amherst College, where he completed his education. He studied medicine at Bowdoin College, and after practicing his profession a short time gave his. attention to the study of music. His mother was a great lover of music, and had a very un- usual voice; and he developed a taste for music at an early age. He pursued his musical studies in Boston, at the New England Conservatory of Music, and was afterward engaged in teaching, and for many years conducted musical conven . tions in cities and towns throughout the Eastern States, and also in Illinois, Wisconsin and Min- nesota and other Western States. He came to California in 1887, and since then has been identified with the musical interests of Los Angeles and Southern California.

He has also a decided talent for literature and has written many stories for Eastern liter- ary syndicates. " Hello, Central!" was pro- nounced by the McClure syndicate to be one of the best stories of its class ever written. He has also nearly completed a book of 250 manu- script pages entitled, " The Strange Story of the Last Man on Earth."

In 1877 Prof. Hersee was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Geran, a native of New York City. They have one daugliter, Grace.

M. S. AREVALO, Professor of Music and one of the leading guitarists on this coast, now of Los Angeles, was born in Gnadalaxara, Mexico, July 5, 1843, attended school during his boyhood, and at the age of fifteen years be- gan the study of music. In 1870 he came to California and taught music in San Francisco

two years. In 1872 he came to Los Angeles to give concerts; and on the solicitation of friends he located here and has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his favorite profes- sion; he has been prominently identified with the musical interests of the city generally. For a long time he was a singer for various churches here. He was an efficient worker in the establishment of the Spanish newspaper, La Chronic, and was connected with it for several years.

SIGNOR CARLO MODINI, music teacher, Los Angeles, is a native of Illinois. He inherited his taste for music from his father, who was a singer but made no pretentions to musical cult- ure. From early childhood Sig. Modini ex- hibited great fondness for music, and all the friends and acquaintances of the family advised his parents to give him a musical education. Accordingly, while very young he commenced the study of music in New York; but in order to complete his course he went to Italy and pursued his studies under Lamperti, the most noted vocal teacher of the nineteenth century. He afterward sang at various points in Italy, France, the islands of Java and Ceylon, Egypt, India and Australia, making a tour of the world. Returning to America, he stopped in New York City; but the severity of the climate so affected his voice that he came and settled in Los An- geles, where he is a leading singer and teacher of music.

HENRY LUDLAM, Professor of Elocution, Los Angeles, is a native of New Jersey. He was born July 25, 1857, and during his early boy- hood his parents removed with him to Philadel- phia, where he received his early education. Afterward he attended the Hackettstown, New Jersey, Institute, and then the National School of Oratory at Philadelphia, in which he gradu- ated. After teaching elocution in several schools and colleges, he was elected to the Chair of Voice Culture and Expressive Reading in the National School just mentioned, which position he sustained until January, 1887, when, on account of his wife's ill health, he emigrated to

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

this State. In September, 1888, lie was called to the Chair of Elocution in the University of Southern California. He took charge of Ellis College for a time, and since then has devoted his entire attention to the organization of a school of oratory and arts.

MISS KITTIE RICHARDS, Teacher of Elocntion, Los Angeles, is a native of Illinois. Her par- ents, William H. and Mary L. Richards, were for many years residents of Palatine, one of the snburbs of Chicago, and in 1879 removed in the city to enable Miss Richards to pursue her elocutionary studies. She entered the Chicago School of Oratory, and graduated in March, 1888, after which she came to Los Angeles and engaged in teaching. She has a large class and is very thorough in her work, and a brilliant future awaits her.

MISS L. E. GARDEN, Principal of the School of Art and Design, Ramona, corner of Spring and Third streets, Los Angeles, is a native of London, England, and a daughter of English parents, Robert Spring and Louisa Garden. She began the study of art at seven years of age. Having obtained the highest diploma and prizes awarded by the South Kensington School of Art, she exhibited a picture at the Royal Academy, London, at the age of sixteen; it attracted much attention, and sold at a high price. Encouraged by this marked success, she went to Germany, where she studied several years under the best masters. After the com- pletion of her studies, she taught nine years in the celebrated London Art School. Her quiet and unassuming manner covers a deep enthusi- asm for her art. Her methods of teaching have that old-world thoroughness and patience which are the only solid foundation of success. Miss Garden's school in Los Angeles was established in May, 1887, and is becoming widely and most favorably known. Doubtless it will event- ually be one of the leading institutions of Cali- fornia.

PROFESSORS N. W. MURCH and H. L. LUNT established the Ilarvard Military Academy at Los Angeles, March 19, 1888, and are fully

equipped to give a regular scientific and classi- cal conrse, including all the English branches. Pupils are fully prepared here for the higher institutions of learning. The building is on the same ground formerly occupied by St. Vin- cent College, one of the most prominent loca- tions in the city.

Professor Murch was born in Ellsworth, Maine, April 10, 1864, received his preparatory education through his own exertions, and en- tered Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachu- setts, taking a full course and graduating in 1884. Going then to Rochester, Minnesota, he entered the law office of Kellogg & Eaton, and pursued law studies for two years, and also engaged in teaching. On account of ill-health he came to California, in January, 1887.

Professor Lunt was born in Durham, Maine, February 22, 1862, a son of Alfred and Ellura Lunt, natives also of that State. He was grad- nated at Bowdoin College in the class of 1885, and in 1887 came to California and assumed his duties in his present relation.

L. D. SMITH, deceased, was born January 19, 1847, in Ohio, gradnated at the Wesleyan Uni- versity at Delaware, that State, in 1870, and then engaged in teaching. In 1874 he married Miss Annie Casad, who died in 1880, leaving one son: Hermon. During 1875-'76 he was connected with the High School in Springfield, Ohio; then he came to Los Angeles and con- tinned in his chosen profession until 1881, when he was appointed Collector of Customs at Yuma. After holding that position one year he returned to Los Angeles and resumed his profession. He served as principal of the High School for a time, and then was elected city superintendent of schools, which office he held until his death, September 1, 1885, from illness caused by overwork. He was both zealous and efficient in his efforts to raise the standard of education, and his influence was felt at many points throughout the State. In 1883 he mar- ried Miss M. A. Prescott, a native of Massa- chusetts, who received her education in New England and became a teacher.

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

THE LOS ANGELES FURNITURE COMPANY

is the outgrowth of a business organized by Dalter & Rinaldi in Los Angeles, in the year 1868, at No. 13 Commercial street. In 1872 Mr. C. R. Rinaldi disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. I. W. Lord. In 1876 Mr. Lord was succeeded by C. H. Bradley, and the busi ness was conducted by Dalter & Bradley until Angust 1, 1884, when the present company was incorporated, absorbing the stock in trade and the good-will of the concern, and in which both Messrs. Dalter and Bradley took shares of stock. The Los Angeles Furniture Company was incorporated with a cash capital of $100,000, which has since been increased to $150,000. Its present officers are: Colonel HI. II. Marka- ham, of Passadena, President; C. H. Bradley, of Los Angeles, Vice-President; General E. P. Johnson, of Los Angeles, Secretary, Treasurer and Business Manager. The mammoth sales- rooms of this company at Nos. 259 and 261 North Main street are models of their kind, being roomy, light and airy, conveniently ar- ranged, fitted up with all the modern appliances for the rapid transaction of business, including passenger and freight elevators connecting with the three floors, which are 50 x 170 feet in area, with fronts on both North Main and New High streets. Their stock includes everything in the line of house-furnishings and office furniture, in styles, variety and prices to suit people of wealth and most fastidious taste or those of moderate means. To illustrate: Parlor-sets are sold from their stock at $1,500, chamber-sets of their own designs and finish for $600, while well-made chamber sets ranging in price as low as $25, and in a variety of popular styles, are kept on sale.

In their furniture salesrooms none but sample pieces are exhibited, all orders being filled from their warehouse. The first floor is devoted to the exhibition of their sample stock of office fur- niture, comprising desks, chairs, etc., dining- room furniture; chamber furniture, embracing an elegant line of folding-beds. On the second 19

floor may be found parlor goods, better quality of chamber-sets, hall-racks and chairs, reed and rattan gouds, book-cases, wardrobes, parlor cabi- nets, ladies' secretaries, music-racks, etc. The third floor is devoted to a complete line of carpets, linoleums, rugs, mattings, etc., these goods carried in a large variety of styles, quali- ties and widths. And in the rear of the carpet- room is the carpet-making and fitting roomns, and window-shade making department. The upholstery department of the house is likewise complete in all of its appointments. Its stock is replete with all of the delicate and modern shades of plushes, velours, furniture coverings, fringes of most elegant styles and shades; lace curtains are also in this department, ranging in prices as high as $75 a pair. The most compe- tent artists in their lines of work are employed in this department as designers and upholster- ers. They take measures, design and hang all kinds of draperies.

The manufacturing department is in an ad- joining number connected with the main sales- rooms on the second and third floors, where elaborate and expensive parlor goods and dra- peries are designed and built.

The main warehouse, from which all furniture orders are filled, is located on Keller street, and connected by switch with the Southern Pacific Railway. The stock of the Los Angeles Furni- ture Company invoices about $250,000. They employ a force of from forty to fifty men and clerks as business at various seasons of the year requires. Their spacious and elegant offices are located in the rear of the first floor and are presided over by General Johnson, as- sisted A. H. Voigt. Mr. Dalter, who is the pioneer furniture merchant of Los Angeles, and essentially the founder of this immense business, has entire management of all help in the insti- tution and superintends the manufacturing. It is safe to say that, without a single exception, this is the largest and in all of its departments the most complete furniture house ou the Pa- cific slope, and is an institution of which any American city might feel justly prond.

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

CHURCHES.

Los Angeles contains forty-four church or- ganizations, of twelve different denominations, besides a few representatives of other faiths, as spiritualism, theosophy, Parsaism, Mohammed- anism, Buddhismn, Confucianismn, etc., and an organization auxiliary to the National Secular Union.

CATHOLIC.

The early history of Catholicism in Los An- geles was naturally given in chapters IV., V. and VI. of this volume. The later history is as follows:

When, on account of the discovery of gold, in 1848, the population began to increase rapidly throughout the State, Dr. Alemany was made Archbishop of San Francisco, and he selected Dr. Thaddeus Amat as Bishop of Mon- terey. The latter was born in Barcelona, Spain, December 31, 1810; held various positions in Eastern (Southern) States, was consecrated Bishop in Rome March 12, 1854, and was the first to bear the title of " Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles." After residing in Santa Bárbara for some time, he had the see trans- ferred to Los Angeles. Perceiving that his health was failing, he asked for a coadjutor, and thie Very Rev. Francis Mora, who had been con- secrated in 1873, was appointed to that position. The many churches, colleges and orphanages erected during his time demonstrate Dr. Amat's energy and zeal. IIe bronght a goodly unmber of clergymen from Europe to provide for the churches of his flock. During his administra- tion the Sisters of Charity were invited to open houses in the diocese; and subsequently he brought from Spain another religious common- ity,-that of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,-who at once opened schools in various parts of the diocese. He found the missions nearly in ruins and church property in the hands of "squatters;" but after many years of patience and litigation, and after spend- ing thousands of dollars, he had the consolation

of seeing every inch of church property re- stored to its proper owner.

From a small chapel in the last years of the last century, the growth of church capacity has been such that Los Angeles can now boast of a Catholic Cathedral, the old Church of our Lady of the Angels, the new Church of St. Vincent, the German Church, and the Church of the Sacred Heart in course of erection in East Los Angeles.

The Church of Our Lady of the Angels, at the Plaza on Main street, was built in 1821-'25, for the special use of the Spanish soldiers, as already intimated. In 1841 the building was greatly improved, and in 1862, under the di- rection of Father Raho, the grounds adjoining the church were tastefully laid out and planted in trees and flowers, and the front of the church was frescoed and ornamented with holy images and inscriptions. The seating capacity is about 600. The parish is presided over by Rev. Peter Verdagner, assisted by Revs. P. Groghan and Joseph Genier. By the year 1870 the membership of this parish had so increased that the Cathedral of St. Vibiana was erected from it.

REV. PETER VERDAGUER, Pastor of the Church of Our Lady, Los Angeles, is a native of Spain, and received his elementary and classical tuition in that country. September 27, 1860, he left Barcelona for this land of opportunity and en- terprise, and spent the first two years in theo- logical study at St. Vincent Seminary, Cape Girardean, Missouri. Ile was ordained in San Francisco, December 12, 1862, and was sent as assistant priest to San Luis Obispo, and the following year as parish priest to San Salvador and San Bernardino. He built the first church at the latter place, in 1865-'66. In 1867 he was transferred to the San Gabriel Mission, where he remained four years, having charge of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Pomona and other places. He built the first church in Anaheim in 1869. In 1871 he was sent to San Bernardino, where he remained till May, 1872, when he was trans- ferred to Los Angeles. Ilere he was parish priest of the whole city until December 21,

+ francis hora Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles.

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

1879, when the parish was divided. In 1880 he established the parochial school for boys, and afterward built commodions rooms for the bet- ter accommodation of the pupils. In 1888 he received permission from the Bishop to build a church in East Los Angeles; he bought the lots, built a small room for Sunday-school, and then another priest was appointed to take charge of it. He holds services also at San Fernando, Newhall, Ravenna and Lancaster. He has been in the church here longer than any other clergyman in the city at the present time. In December, 1887, he celebrated his silver jubilee, when $1,510 were presented to him by his many friends in Los Angeles.

The Cathedral of St. Vibiana was built in 1871 -'76. April 9 of the latter year, Palın Sunday, it was opened for public service; but the formal dedication took place on the 30th of that month, conducted by Archbishop Alemany. Size of building, 80 x 160 feet, and the architecture similar to that of the Puerto de San Miguel, in Barcelona, Spain. Seating capacity, about 3,000. The Cathedral is a finely decorated one, and its erection is dne to the energies of Dr. Amat, Bishop Mora and Father Verdaguer. The parish is now a large one, and is presided over by Very Rev. J. Adam, V. G., the rector, assisted by Revs. M. Liebarne, P. Garvin and A. J. Allen. Right-Rev. Francis Mora is the Bishop of the diocese.

RT .- REV. FRANCIS MORA, Bishop of the Dio- cese of Monterey and Los Angeles, was born in the city of Vich, in Catalonia, a province of Spain, November 25, 1827, and was thus by birth a fellow-countryman of many of the most energetic missionaries in California, Texas and Florida. It was therefore natural that a taste for foreign missions should early have been awakened in him. Although at the early age of three years he lost his parents, he was cared for by devoted servants of the church, and in early youth devoted himself to the service of God in the sanctuary and to the studies of Latin, philosophy and theology in the Episcopal Semi- nary of Vich, in Spain.

In 1854 Bishop Amat went to Spain in order to obtain assistants in ministerial work here. In response to his appeal at Vich, young Fran- cis offered his services, and, without waiting to receive priestly orders, accompanied the Bishop across the Atlantic. After remaining in the State of Missouri for a time to familiarize him- self with the English language, he came on to California in 1855, and March 19, 1856, at Santa Bárbara, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Amat and placed in charge of the Mon- terey Parish. Subsequently he was rector of the parislies at San Juan Bautista, Pajaro Vale and San Luis Obispo.

In 1862 the parish of Los Angeles was de- prived of its Vicar-General by the death of Father Blas Raho, and the next year Father Mora was chosen by Bishop Amat to be the rector of the pro-cathedral of Los Angeles, and July 25, 1866, Vicar-General of the diocese. Afterward, when the Bishop required the serv- ices of a coadjutor, he selected Rev. Mora for the see of Mosynopolis, May 20, 1873.

On the 12th of May, 1878, Dr. Amat died, and Bishop Mora at once succeeded him, as he had been appointed coadjutor with the right of snecession. He has followed the steps of his illustrions predecessor, and under his fostering care young Levites have been educated in differ- ent colleges of Europe or in the seminaries of the United States, and brought here to work in Christ's vineyard. At his invitation the Sisters of St. Joseph opened an academy at San Diego, and last year a parochial school in St. Vincent's Parish in this city. He invited also last year the Dominican Sisters, who opened a convent at Anaheim. Under his energetic zeal new Parishes have been formed here in Los Angeles and throughout the whole diocese. He is a man that never spares himself, but he is at the service of those who call upon him from morn- ing till night.

Some years ago, as he was going to administer confirination to the Indians, he met with a pain- ful accident that put his life in great danger, and he felt the effects of it for two years after-

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ward. His voyage to Europe in 1886 enabled him to recover his forces so that now-a-days he is full of vigor, and, though sixty years old, promises to live long enough to see other dioceses springing out of the ecclesiastical province of San Francisco.

REV. J. ADAM, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Vibiana, V. M., Los Angeles, and Vicar-General, is a native of Barcelona, Spain; was educated at the College of the Propaganda at Rome for the mission of California, and ordained in June, 1862. The following year he came to this dio- cese, and for fourteen years officiated as pastor of the church at Santa Cruz. In 1883, at the request of the Bishop, he came to Los Angeles and assumed his present relation. As rector and vicar, he celebrated his " silver jubilee " in June, 1887. IIe is a thorough scholar, a zeal- ous student, and earnestly devoted to the inter- ests of his church.

Church of St. Vincent a Paul was established in 1887, under the ministrations of Father A. J. Meyer, who is still the rector. The build- ing, 46 x 110 feet, with tower 120 feet high, was erected in 1886-'87, under the supervision of Father Meyer, and is located on the northwest corner of Grand avenue and Washington street. More than a hundred families worship here. An account of the large school adjoining is given elsewhere.

REV. A. J. MEYER, Rector of this church, and President of St. Vincent's College, Los Angeles, is a native of Germany, where be received his early education. Emigrating to America in 1856, he pursued his theological studies in St. Louis, Missouri, and was ordained to the ministry in 1863. Next he held a professorship in a college in Baltimore, Maryland, and then the presidency of St. John's College, Brooklyn. He came to California in 1884, since which time he has been connected with the college of which he is now the president. Under his supervision the interests of the institution are in a prosperous condition.

St. Joseph's Church, German, is located on Santee street, half a square south of Twelfth.

It was erected this year, is 32 x 70 feet in dimen- sions, and is two stories in height, being designed ultimately for a school building, as soon as a brick church near by is erected. The second story is only half floored, wbich portion is used now as a choir and school-room. Religions services were first commenced here last January. About 300 families worship at this place. Rev. Joseph Florian Bartsch is the pastor.

Church of the Sacred Heart, East Los An- geles, corner of South Sichel and Baldwin streets, has yet only the foundation completed, which is roofed and temporarily furnished. It is 56 x 120 feet in dimensions. The parish was organized near the close of Angust, 1888, by Rev. P. Harnett, who came from Carlow, Ire- land, abont seven years ago. He is still in charge of this parish, which now comprises about 180 families.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.

On May 4, 1859, an organization was formed by Rev. William E. Boardman under the title of the " First Protestant Society," with a con- stitution declaring that its members, " unite for purpose of supporting Protestant worship here;" signed by Isaac S. K. Ogier, William McKee, A. J. King, C. Simns, Charles S. Adams, Wmn. S. Morrow, D. McLaren, Thomas Foster, Win. H. Shore, and N. A. Potter. In 1864 they built the church located on the corner of Temple and New High streets. Shortly afterward the society reorganized under the title of the St. Athanasius Episcopal Church, to whom the church edifice was transferred.

In the early part of 1857, there being no Episcopal clergyman in the vicinity of Los An- geles, Dr. Matthew Carter was authorized and licensed by the Right-Rev. W. Ingraham Kip, Bishop of California, to act as " Lay Reader" for the district. The first services were held at the rooms of the Mechanics' Institute, Sunday evening, July 19, 1857, Dr. Carter reading the service and Rev. Dr. Smith (at that time presi- dent of Princeton College, New Jersey) | reach- ing the sermon. The church was organized

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

Angust 23, 1857, under the name of St. Luke's Church, and the following namned gentlemen were elected trustees: Dr. T. J. White, Dr. Matthew Carter and William H. Shore. A building was rented on Main street, where services were held. In May, 1865, the church was reorganized, and the name changed to the St. Athanasius Church. The following named gentlemen were chosen officers: Senior Warden, G. J. Clark; Junior Warden, H. F. Dibblee; Vestrymen, J. M. Griffith, S. E. Briggs, T. Woolweber, J. Henfield, R. T. Hayes and C. R. Conway; Secretary, S. E. Briggs; Treasurer, J. M. Griffith. The edifice which the church now occupies was built in 1864 by the First Protes- tant Society, and afterward transferred to the St. Athanasius Church.

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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