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 60

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 60

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).

HARLES M. BELL was born in El Monte, Los Angeles County, California, February 22, 1862. His parents were William C. and Rebecca A. (Fears) Bell (whose history will be found in this volume). Mr. Bell's life thus far has been spent in his native place, and his education was obtained in the public schools. Early in life he entered the general merchandise store of L. Melzer at El Monte, as elerk. He was with him for about four years and then entered the employ of Thomas McLain, in the same capacity, and was with him for five years. During these years young Bell worked hard, attending school as opportunity afforded, and became a thorough master of his business as a general merchandise dealer. In 1882 he formed a partnership with John T. Haddox, under the firm name of Bell & Hladdox, and established a store in El Monte. This enterprise was successfully conducted until

1885, when Mr. Haddox sold his interest in the business to Mr. Langstadter. Since that date the business has been conducted under the firm name of Bell & Langstadter. They have one of the best appointed stores to be found in their section, carrying a stock that their long experi- ence has taught will best meet the demands of their patrons. They are also dealing in real estate and have the agencies for some of the well-known and most reliable insurance compa- nies doing business in the county. Mr. Bell has been successful in his enterprises and this result has been scenred by a thorough knowl- edge of his business, combined with a straight- forward dealing that has gained the respect of the community in which he has spent his life. He is a progressive citizen, taking an interest in the development of his seetion, and is a strong believer in the future prosperity of the San Ga- briel Valley. In political matters he is a Demo- crat, and a worker in the ranks of his party. He has served several times as a delegate in the county conventions, and is now a member of the Los Angeles County Democratie Committee. He is a member and Master of Lexington Lodge, No. 104, F. & A. M., of El Monte. In 1885 Mr. Bell married Miss Sallie R. Kimbell, a native of California. Mrs. Bell's parents were Albert G. and Sarah C. (Gleaves) Kimbell, natives of Tennessee, who came to California in 1851. They are now residing in Los Angeles County. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have one child, Mary G.

ILLIAM C. BADEAU .- Among the men who have been identified with the building up of Monrovia is the subject of this sketch. He came to California in April, 1882, and located in Los Angeles, where he re- mained until the next year. He then moved to Duarte and purchased twenty acres of wild and uncultivated land, about one mile west of the postoffice, and engaged in horticultural pursuits, planting citrus and deciduous fruits and build-

382

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

ing up one of the representative places of that section. In April, 1887, Mr. Badean sold that place and took up his residence in Monrovia. There he purchased five acres of land on the north side of Banana avenue, and also several business and residence lots in the city. The well-known Badeau Block, on the corner of Myrtle and Orange avenues, was erected by him in that year, and was among the first busi- ness blocks built in the city. He was also in- terested in the street railroads, and one of the original stockholders of the Rapid Transit Rail- road, and the two city horse railroads. The subject of this sketch was born in Troy, New York, in 1827, and is a descendant of an old French family. His great-grandfather was a Huguenot emigrant from France in the Colo- nial days. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and his father, Daniel Badeau, a native of Troy, was a veteran of the war of 1812. His mother, Gloranah H. Young, was also a native of New York and from one of the old families of that State. Mr. Badeau was reared and educated in his native city until about fifteen years old. He then en- tered life as a clerk, and at the age of nineteen years established a drug store in Troy. He was engaged in the drug business in that city for many years, ranking high in business circles, and also taking a somewhat active part in the city government, holding the office of alder- man for several years. In 1863, desirous of enlarging his business, he located at Chicago, Illinois, where he conducted a wholesale drug store until 1882. In that year he came to Cali- fornia. Since locating at Monrovia, Mr. Badean has taken a prominent part in advancing the de- velopment and interests of that place. IIe is a Republican in politics, but a supporter of the principles of the Prohibition party. He is in- terested in churches and educational matters; is a trustee of the Monrovia School District, and a deacon in the Baptist Church. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of King Solomon's Primative Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Troy, New York, and also a member of Monrovia

Lodge, No. 330, I. O. O. F. In 1853 Mr. Ba- deau married Miss Catherine M. Goodman. She died at Los Angeles, September 23, 1882, leaving one child, Stella S. In 1887 he mar- ried Miss Rachael O. Matthewson.

ILBUR F. BOARDMAN, the subject of this sketch, is the enterprising pro- prietor and manager of the Sierra Vista Hotel at Sierra Madre. Mr. Boardman took charge of this hotel and opened it to the public in August, 1888, and by conducting it in a thoroughly first-class manner has gained for his hotel a reputation excelled by none in the San Gabriel Valley. This house is located on Mark- ham avenne, north of Central avenue, upon high lands at the base of the foot-hills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, affording a magnificent view of the San Gabriel Valley, and to the sea. The appointments and furnishing of the Sierra Vista Hotel are unexcelled for comfort and even lux- ury. It has accommodations for thirty-five guests, and the popularity of the hotel and its genial host is attested by the fact that even in the dullest of seasons its rooms are filled. Mr. Boardman also furnishes his guests with hack and livery accommodations. Mr. Boardman is a native of Ontario County, New York, born in 1858. His father, Henry N. Boardman, is a native of New York and a prominent man of that county, and one of the leading and best known agriculturists of Western New York. His mother, nee Christina H. Raplee, is also a native of New York. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm, attending the public schools until eighteen years of age, when he entered upon a course of study at the Syra- euse University. After graduating at that in- stitution he entered into mercantile pursuits and took the agency for some of the large manufact- urers in Western New York. In following this business lie came to California in 1886 and lo- cated in San Francisco, where he remained for about fourteen months. He then came to Los

383

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

Angeles County and was employed by E. J. Baldwin upon the Santa Anita Ranch, as mana- ger of his. store. He remained in that employ until he entered upon his present occupation. He is a man of trained business habits, which he has successfully applied to the management of his hotel. Being of an active and energetic disposition, he exercises a personal supervision over all the details of the establishment, so that it is bound to secure him the saine success that he has gained in other enterprises. Mr. Boardman takes an interest in the politics of his county, and in 1888 was a delegate to the Democratic County Convention. In 1888 Mr. Boardman was united in marriage, at San Francisco, with Miss Lillie F. Townsend, the daughter of Mr. George Townsend, a well-known resident of Greenwood, El Dorado County.

HARLES W. BROWN, M. D .- Among the representative professional nien of the prosperous and progressive city of Pomona stands the subject of this sketch; a brief review of his earlier life and advent into Los Angeles County is of interest in this history. Dr. Brown is a native of New England, who dates his birth in Franklin County, Maine, in 1849. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of the Pine Tree State. His parents were Elias H. and Hannah D. (Barnard) Brown. His father was a farmer, and to this calling the subject of this sketch was reared. At the same time he was given the advantages of a good schooling in the public schools, and later taking a course of studies in the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, Read- field, and the Maine Normal School at Farining- ton, where he prepared himself for the profession of teaching. At this time he also commenced the study of medicine and attended a course of lectures in the medical department of the Bow- doin College at Brunswick, Maine. When about twenty-three years of age, in 1872, Dr. Brown left his native State and came to California. He first located in San Bernardino County, where he

was engaged as a teacher in the public schools at Riverside, San Bernardino and San Jacinto until 1874. In that year he came to Los Angeles County, and for the next two years was employed as a teacher in Santa Ana. Desirous of com- pleting his medical studies and entering upon a profession suited to his tastes, he returned East in 1876, and entered upon a thorough course of medical study at the Bowdoin College. After graduating at that institution he went to New York, and entered the University of the City of New York, one of the leading medical colleges in the United States. He graduated and re ceived his diploma from that institution in 1878. Returning to his native State the Doctor com- menced the practice of his profession in Dexter. Having formed a strong attachment for Califor- nia, the Doctor, in 1880, came the second time to that State. After spending a few months at San Bernardino he determined to make the then small but promising town of Pomona the field of his future labors. Accordingly, in January, 1881, he took up his residence there, and com- menced the practice of his profession, a practice, which steadily growing with the rapid increase of population in the city and country, has become extensive and lucrative. In 1884 he associated with himself in his rapidly increasing practice Dr. Thomas Crates, and still later, in 1888, his brother-in-law, Dr. F. Garcelon. These gentlemen are located on the corner of Maine and Second streets, at which point they have one of the best appointed offices in the city. Dr. Brown is a strong supporter of any enterprise that tends to advance the interests and wel- fare of the city of his choice. An earnest supporter of schools and churches, he is a inember and trustee of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pomona. On political matters he does not feel bound to either of the old parties, but is a strong supporter of the Prohibition movement. He has for many years been a member of the Masonic frater- nity, being affiliated with the Ruel Wash- burne Lodge, of Livermore Falls, Maine. He is a charter member and the medical examiner

334

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

of Pomona Lodge, No. 225, A. O. U. W. In 1879, Dr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Alice Garcelon, a native of St. Albans, Maine, the daughter of Harris and Eliza (Davis) Gareelon. Mrs. Brown is descended from the old families of Maine, her grandfather being one of the pioneers of Lewiston, in that State. From this marriage there are two children: Alice Louise and Florence Gertrude.

ARRY BLACKMAN, F. R. S. and F. R. A., architect, 11 West First street, Los Angeles, was born in Poland during the revolutionary times, educated in a Berlin (Ger- many) High School and articled to an architect for some years; worked at the bench as a carpenter two or three years, according to the prevailing custom on the Continent; then wasa shipearpenter on the sea four years, visiting England, Holland, Russia, East Indias, America and Australia, where he left the ship and followed the feverish, nervous multitude to the gold diggings. There he had the good fortune to save a few thousand dol- lars. Returning to Berlin, he attended the lect- ures of the Royal Architectural Academy for two years,-1864-'66,-obtaining the gold, silver and bronze medals for proficiency. Sailing again for Australia, he worked as a draftsman for several architects, and after some years was engaged by the chief architect for the Colonial Govern- ment of Victoria as District Supervising Archi- tect. While in this department he designed and carried out the plans of scores of public buildings. Seven years afterward he was en- gaged by the New South Wales Government at Sydney to design and superintend the Inter- national Exposition building of 1879, called the "Garden Palace." Then he started in business for himself as an architect and met with pro- nounced success, designing and supervising some of the largest structures in Australia, among which we may mention those of the Mutual Benevolent Society of Australia, 8210,000 and $230,000, at Adelaide and Brisbane; Mutual

Life Association of Australia, $160,000 and 840,000, at Sydney and Brisbane; head office building of the Australian Joint-Stoek Bank, $480,000, and fifteen branch offices for the same in the country, $300,000; store, warehouse, block of buildings and residence of Hon. John Frazer, M. L. C., at Sydney, total $283,000, besides the Exposition Building just mentioned, $1,300,000, and many others, ranging in valne from $18,000 up to the figures above given. In 1886 lie sold his office and business and left for Europe with the intention of retiring, on ac- count of failing health eaused by over-work; but, recovering, he started again for Australia. Stopping, however, here in Los Angeles, and finding this a more equable climate, he decided to make this his permanent home. But before settling here he visited Egypt, France, Poland, Austria, Germany, Holland, Belginm, England, Canada, and all the principal cities of the United States, taking architectural notes and sketches. He is now superintending the erection of a fine block on Main street, from his own designs. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1880, and Fellow of the Royal Academy in 1882.

APTAIN ALEXANDER BELL was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Jan_ mary 9, 1801. In 1823 he went to the city of Mexico, and engaged in trade in differ- ent parts of the Republic, about nineteen years. He came via Guaymas and Mazatlan to San Pedro, California, in 1842. He followed mer- cantile pursuits in Los Angeles from 1842 until 1856. Ile built the extensive block fronting on Los Angeles and Aliso streets, formerly known as " Bell's Row," and for many years lived in the upper story of the same. In 1856 Captain Bell was one of the Republican Presidential electors for California. In 1844 he married Doña Nieves Guirado, who still survives him. They had no children. During the epoch of the change of governments, Bell joined an

385

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

American military company, of which he be- came Captain. He was with Captain Mervine in the engagement with Carrillo and Flores near the Lugo Ranch. He and his company went to San Diego afterward; and a portion of his men re urning with Captain Hensley's force, took part in the affairs of "San Bartolo" and the " Mesa." The members of his company who came up from San Diego, attached to Cap- tain Hensley's command, were, among others: V. Prudhom, H. C. Cardwell, José Mascarel, Jolın Behn, Daniel Sexton and John Reed. Captain Bell died July 24, 1871. In his will he appointed Governor J. G. Downey, S. Lazard and H. D. Barrows administrators of his estate.

W. BUCHANAN, contractor and builder, Pasadena, was born in Indiana, Febru- ary 15, 1852. His father, John A. Buchanan, a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Indiana during his boyhood and learned the trade of carpenter, joiner and millwright. He served in the Mexican war. For many years he was a prominent contractor in Indiana. Was president of the Builders Exchange. During the last war he held various Government posi- tions, and is now associated with his son in business. The latter attended school in his native State and learned his trade with his father, and studied architecture, but gave it up on account of his health, and engaged in the mill-supply trade; carried on the business suc- cessfully for six years and had a large trade. On account of ill health he came to California, and in the spring of 1885 located in Pasadena, engaged in contracting and building, and since then has been prominently identified in erecting some of the finest structures in Pasadena, and has an enviable reputation as a contractor. He is the president of the City Railroad Company, a member of the school board, and is a direc- tor and treasurer of the board of water com- missioners of North Pasadena, and is actively identified with all public improvements of the

town. In 1873 Mr. Buchanan married Miss Delphine Robinson, a native of the city of In- dianapolis. They have three children: May, Charles Frederick and Jerome.

OIIN BLOESER, furniture manufacturer and upholsterer, Los Angeles, was born October 20, 1852, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Ile grew up and attended school in his native town, and also learned his trade there. Upon reaching manhood in 1873, he came to Califor- nia, and the following year to Los Angeles. Here he was employed by the Los Angeles Fur- niture Company as foreman of the upholstery department. At the expiration of three years in this position, he was engaged by Robert Sharp in the furniture, upholstery and carpet trade. Five years afterward Mr. Bloeser dis- solved this relation and started the Los Angeles Upholstering and Mattress Factory, in which he has done and is doing a large and profitable business, employing forty hands day and night. He owns the property occupied by his factory, 60 x 330 feet on Pearl street, running through to Flower street, and also other city property. All this accumulation of wealth is the result of his own industry and good management. In 1882 Mr. Bloeser married Miss Dell Condit, of Texas, and they have one son, named John.

ANDOLPH S. BASSETT is one of the most active and energetic business men in the city of Pomona. Ilis music store is on Second street, in the Johnson Block, where he has the largest stock of pianos, organs and other musical instruments to be found in South- ern California outside of the city of Los Ange- les. He is also the agent of the Domestic, White, New Home and Davis sewing machines. Is real-estate agent and dealer, personally devoting his time to this branch of his business. Besides his city trade, he is largely engaged in country

386

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

business, employing a corps of energetic agents and five teams, which are constantly traveling through the county. Mr. Bassett was born in Marshall County, Illinois, in 1856. Ilis father, Jolın P. Bassett, was a native of Kentucky, and a contractor and architeet by profession. Ilis mother, Elizabeth (Reece) Bassett, was born in Ohio. Mr. Bassett, after receiving a good bnsi- ness edneation, commenced his career as a clerk. Being of an ambitious temperament and desir- ons of improving his condition, at the age of eighteen years he came to California and located at Santa Bárbara. Atter elerking in a book and stationery store at that place for some months, he entered into business as a dealer in lime, cement and building material. He conducted that business until 1877, and then located in San Francisco, where he engaged in the furni- ture business, under the firm name of Bassett & MePhail, on Ellis street. In 1879 he sold out, and after some months, during which he was employed in the large furniture establish- ment of J. E. Davis at Sacramento, he took np his residence in Nevada City and there opened a book, stationery and music store under the firm name of Brand & Bassett. This business he condueted with success until failing healtlı in 1882 compelled his seeking a more desirable elimate, and after a trip to the Sandwich Islands he came to Los Angeles County and located at Pomona, where he entered into business, first as a dealer in books and stationery and then in musical instruments, and finally, in 1885, add- ing that of real-estate agent to his other enter- prises. Mr. Bassett is a strong believer in the future of this beautiful valley, and is greatly interested in the development of its wonderful resources. Much credit is due him for the time and means he has devoted in showing to the world the products of this section of Los Angeles County. He accompanied the first displays sent by his county to St. Lonis, Mis- sonri, in September, 1887; Columbus, Ohio, September, 1888, and other points East; and in February, 1888, had charge of Pomona's fine display of citrus and other fruits at Riverside.

He is the owner of several orchards near the eity, which he is devoting to oranges, French prunes, peaches, apricots, apples, etc. In polit- ical action he has long been identified with the Republican party. Locally, he has been elected a member of the city council on the anti-saloon ticket. He is a member of Etna Lodge, No. 107, Knights of Pythias, of Pomona. He is one of the progressive men of his wide-awake eity, and is sure to be found as an active worker in any enterprise that in his opinion will ad- vance the interests of the community in which he resides. In 1884 Mr. Bassett was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Camfield, the daugh- ter of Joshna Camfield, a native of England, but now a resident of Los Angeles. Mrs. Bas- sett was born in Indiana, but eame to California in 1878.

B ARNARD & BENEDICT, Fruit Crystal- lizing Company, Los Angeles. Among the many new industries of Southern Califor- nia is that of the Fruit Crystallizing Company of Los Angeles. This company was organized by Messrs. Barnard & Benedict in 1886, and commeneed business the following year. These gentlemen had been engaged for several years in making seientific experiments as to the best methods of crystallizing fruit, and continned until the formation and organization of the com- pany .. Their process is entirely their own, the result of their efforts after using the varions French methods and receipts in experimenting with them, so as to snecessfully compete with cheap Freneh labor, reducing the amount of labor and using only the ripe fruit; and their efforts in this direction have been attended with signal success. This is best demonstrated by the fact that they have a demand from the East - ern markets-New York and Chieago-for all of the products of their factory, their orders be- ing from the leading confectioners of these cities. Their factory is located on California street, and is 150 x 180 feet in dimensions, and

387

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

during the busy season they employ from fifty to one hundred hands. W. H. Barnard, the senior member of the firm, is a native of New York State, and was born March 15, 1846, a son of George and Laurana (Torrence) Barnard. Ile received his education in his native State, and in 1864 went to Washington, D. C., and entered the bank of Jay Cook & Co., remaining there until their failure. Then he succeeded Edwin L. Stanton, son of the great War Secre- tary, as receiver of the bank in Washington, at the time of his death, and wound up the affairs of the bank. Messrs. Barnard and Maynard or- ganized the Telephone Exchange in Washington, and theirs was the first contract made by the Bell Telephone Company. Mr. Barnard sold out his interest on account of ill health, and came to Southern California in 1882, and the following year brought his family and located in Los Angeles, and became interested in their present business, which promises an abundant success. In 1880 Mr. Barnard was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Parker, a native of the city of Boston, and daughter of the illustri- ous Dr. Parker, of that city.

O. BURR, contractor, corner of St Louis street and Wabash avenue, º Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, is a native of Canada, and was born July 12, 1845. During boyhood he attended school and served an apprenticeship to his trade there. Upon reaching manhood he came to the United States and followed his trade in Illinois, and in Missouri at Independence and Kansas City. In 1866 he went to Oskaloosa, Kansas, where he remained until coming to Los Angeles in May, 1874. He was foreman on the Cathedral when it was being built. He afterward en- gaged in contracting and building. Among the buildings erected by him are the Congrega- tional church, corner of Third and Hill streets; the Baptist church, corner of Sixth and Fort streets; Harper & Reynolds's Block, Captain

Thom's Block, Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, East Los Angeles; Westminister Hotel, Turn-Verein Hall, county jail, and inany others. For the past fifteen years he has been identified with the contracting and building interests of Los Angeles, and is one of the oldest in the business here. Mr. Burr is prominently identi- fied with the Masonic order; is a member of Philadelphia Lodge, Cygnet Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Los Angeles Council, No. 11, and Cœur De Lion Commandery, No. 9; is a promi- nent member of the I. O. O. F., Golden Rule Lodge, No. 160; Orange Grove Encampment, No. 31; Canton Orion, No. 12; Los Angeles Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is also a member of the Contractors and Builders' Association. In 1868 Mr. Burr married Miss P. H. Strickland, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. They have one daughter, Lillie.

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