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 63

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 63

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where he purchased a ten-acre traet and engaged in horticultural pursuits and also in improving land at San Jacinto. In 1886 he took up his residence at Duarte and devoted himself to cultivating a twenty-acre tract of land nntil August, 1887. He then took up his residence in Glendora, and was one of the enterprising and progressive men who contributed so largely toward building up that beautiful town. IIe established his livery stable in that year, on the corner of Whitcomb and Michigan avenues, and built his handsome residence on Vista Bonita avenue; also erected two cottage resi- dences and engaged in other projected improve- ments. Mr. Bradley is a man of progressive views and is publie-spirited and enterprising. He is a strong supporter of schools and churches and is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Glendora. Ilis kind and genial temperament, obliging disposi- tion and straightforward dealing have gained him a large cirele of friends. In politics he is a Republican, and is a strong Prohibitionist in principle. Mr. Bradley has had seven children in his family, three by his first wife, viz .: Ln- zetta, now Mrs. D. C. Neal, of Los Angeles; McKendree, who died in 1878, at the age of seventeen years; and Isabelle, who died in 1875, at the age of fifteen years. By his present wife he has had four children, namely: Ada, wife of Carroll S. Whitcomb, of Glendora; May and Earnest. The third child, Ollie, died in 1875, at the age of three years. Of Mrs. Bradley's children by her first marriage, there is one child living, Susan Scanland, now the wife of George W. Campbell, of Glendora.

ICHIAEL BALDRIDGE .- The subject of this sketch is one of the most suc- cessful horticulturists of Los Angeles County, and is conceded to be one of the best authorities on citrus-fruit cultivation in Sontli- ern California. Ile is a man of sound practical knowledge and trained business habits. These

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characteristics, coupled with his years of study, research and thorough-going practical experi- ence in citrus-fruit cultivation, have secured wonderful results in his operations. In 1882 Mr. Baldridge, broken in health, the result of long years of active business pursuits in San Francisco, songht the genial climate of Southi- ern California, as a palliative, if not a cure, for his suffering body. In his search for health Mr. Baldridge visited his brother who lived at the Aznsa in the East San Gabriel Valley. Much benefited by the mild climate in that locality, he decided upon a lengthened stay, and as his health and strengthi returned, his naturally active and energetic temperament demanded some occupation. IIe purchased land and com- menced his horticultural pursuit in planting orange seeds, more as a recreation than anything else, or, as he states it, "to see if I could make an orange tree grow from the secd." The rich and productive soil of that locality produced a rapid and healthy growth, and Mr. Baldridge soon found that he could make trees grow, and he became enthusiastic in his new calling. Determined upon securing the best results, he entered upon a careful and intelligent cultiva- tion, and a thorough study of climate, soil, etc. His trained intellect quickly comprehended the results of his many experiments, and he soon had a nursery containing thousands of trees of hardy seedling stock, upon which he placed his buds. These he budded with the most approved varie- ties, Washington Navels, Mediterranean Sweets, etc. His eighty acres of land had by this time been cleared and partially planted with vines. The latter he rooted out and commenced the planting of his orange trees. At this writing (1889) Mr. Baldridge has about seventy acres of his land devoted to citrus fruits. His 6,000 trees are elassed as follows: 150 Paper-rind St. Michaels, 300 Malta Bloods, 300 Mediter- ranean Sweets, and the rest in Washington Navels. It is worthy of note that after plant- ing his trees the rest of his nursery stock yielded him over $25,000. His magnificent orange grove is located just north of Covina, in the 26

Covina School District, Azusa Township, three miles south of Glendora. The climate, soil, etc., of that locality seems especially adapted for citrus-fruit cultivation. This, supplemented to a most thorough cultivation an'l intelligent care and attention upon the part of the owner, has given Mr. Baldridge one of the finest orange groves in Los Angeles County, and placed him in the foremost ranks of the successful horti- culturists of the State. Mr. Bildridge was born in Seneca County, New York, in 1826. His father, John Baldridge, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. His mother, Agnes Barr, was born in New York. Mr. Baldridge was reared upon his father's farın some ten miles from Geneva, receiving his edn- cation in the common schools. When abont twenty years of age he went to New York and entered upon a course of study in one of the commercial colleges in that city. After gradu- ating he sought employment in mercantile pur- suits; but, not suited with the results of his applications, he accepted the position of secretary to the Parker II. . French Expedition, which proposed an overland journey through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, to California. This expedition started in 1850, but was destined to disaster, and, after dragging along until reach- ing Paso Del Norte, Texas, was finally broken up and disbanded. There Mr. Baldridge was left almost devoid of means with which to return to New York or proceed to California. Nothing dannted, he determined to make his way through Mexico to the Pacific Coast, and thence to the Golden State. This he finally accomplished, arriving at Mazatlan, destitute, foot-sore and weary from a journey of eight months of 1,000 miles on foot. He secured a chance to work his passage to San Francisco, at which place he arrived January 2, 1851. Soon after his arrival in California, he found his way to the mines, and was for more than a year working in the placer mines at Sonora in Tuo- Inmne County. In the spring of 1851, while working for the owners of the "Ned Wheaton" claim, Mr. Baldridge took out a nugget weigh-

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ing twenty-eight pounds and four onnces. In 1852 his failing health compelled his abandon- ing work in the mines, and he went to San José and there engaged in farm labor, etc., until the next spring, when he again started for the mines, but the floods then prevailing compelled his abandoning the project. He then returned East, via the steamer route, and from 1855 to 1857 was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Waterloo, New York. While in Waterloo, in 1854, he married Miss Elizabeth Garrison. She died in 1857. The financial crisis of 1857 compelled Mr. Baldridge to suspend his mer- cantile pursuits, and after closing up his affairs he found himself with little or no means. He then came the second time to California, and, after engaging in mining in Trinity County for about a year, entered the employ of Pierce, Church & Co., as salesman. He continued in their employ until 1862, when he located at San José, where for about a year he was em- ployed in the mercantile establishment of Michael Hlayes. In 1864 he took up his residence in San Francisco, and for the next eight years was a salesman in the well-known clothing house of William Sherman, on the corner of Clay and Montgomery streets. In 1872 Mr. Baldridge visited the East, and while there married Mrs. Elizabeth (Graham) Lec, of Warsaw, Indiana. Returning to San Francisco in the fall of that ycar, he established himself as a stock broker. Mr. Baldridge became prominent in that busi- ness, and was one of the charter members of the Pacific Stock Exchange. Ile was successful in his business, but his failing health, in 1882, demanded his retirement from active business pursuits, and he took up his present residence. Mr. Baldridge is an enterprising and public- spirited citizen, a firm believer in the future prosperity und wealth of his section. IIe was one of the original incorporators of the Azusa Water Development and Irrigation Company, and has been the president of that company since its organization, in 1883. In political matters he is a consistent Republican. No children have been born from the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.

Baldridge; but Mrs. Baldridge has one child from her former marriage- Mary S. Lee, now (1889) the wife of Major D. W. Hamlin, au- ditor of Los Angeles County.

YRUS BURDICK .- Among the well- known pioneers of San José Valley and of Los Angeles County is the subject of this sketch. He dates his birth in Lake County, Ohio, October 22, 1834. He is the son of Thomas and Anna (Higley) Burdick. His father was a native of New York, and his inother was born in Vermont. Mr. Burdick, senior, was an educated gentleman and engaged in teaching school in Lake County. In 1846 he moved his family to Iowa, in which State he resided until 1853. He was a prominent and well-known citizen at Council Bluffs; was elected county elerk, and was the first county judge under the law creating that office in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and was also the postmaster at Kanesville, Pottawattamie County. In May, 1853, the family, comprising the subject of this sketch, his father, mother, two brothers and a sister, started across the plains for California, intend- ing to locate in Sacramento Valley; but the sick- ness of Mr. Burdick, senior, necessitated a delay at Salt Lake until his recovery. It was then so late in the season that they decided to enter California by the southern route, and it was not until December that their long journey was ended by their arrival in Los Angeles County. The family located at San Gabriel, and the next spring the subject of this sketch visited Oregon, seeking a more desirable place upon which to commence their life upon the Pacific Coast. Not being suited with such localities as he visited, he returned to San Gabriel and engaged in farming. In 1855 he was elected constable, an office that in those early days required an active and determined man to keep the lawless element in subjection. Ile served with credit in that capacity until 1856, and then entered into mercantile pursuits, establishing a store at

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San Gabriel, which he conducted for the next eight - years. He was also engaged in other enterprises during that period, among which was bce-farming. In 1860 he purchased thrce swarms of the first bees ever brought into Los Angeles County, the product of his hives selling readily at that time for $1 per pound. In 1864 the depression resulting from the war in the East and the suspension of immigration into the State by the southern route, occasioned Mr. Burdick to suspend his mercantile operations. He then devoted his attention to mining enter- prises, and for the next two years was engaged in Arizona, and in the tin mines at Temescal in San Bernardino County. In 1866 he moved to the Chino Ranch and engaged in the dairy busi- ness and stock-raising. After a two-years' stay there he returned with his herds to Los Angeles County and located at San Dimas. In 1870 he drove his stock to the Alamitos Ranch, on the coast, about twelve miles southwest of Anaheim. There he met with a series of misfortunes; his cattle were swept away by disease, and he aban- doned his stock-raising and located in San José Valley, taking up his residence upon a forty- acre tract of land about one mile north of what is now the city of Pomona. This tract, upon which Mr. Burdick commenced fruit cul- tivation, has since been subdivided and sold for orchard purposes. He has been largely engaged in real-estate operations in the valley. In 1875 Mr. Burdick, in connection with P. C. Tonner .and Francisco Palomares, purchased 200 acres of land just north of the Central Pacific Rail- road, and laid out the town of Palomares. This tract, which now comprises a part of Pomona, was sold by them to the Los Angeles Immi- gration and Land Co-operative Association, after which, in partnership with Mr. Palomares, he bought eighty-six acres north of Pomona. This land was subdivided into five-acre tracts and sold. In 1887 Mr. Burdick erected a sub stantial two-story residence upon the corner of Holt and Geary avennes, where he has since re- sided. Mr. Burdick's long residence, and the part he has taken in various business and agri-

cultural interests, has made him well known throughout a large portion of the county, and gained him a large circle of friends. In politi- cal matters he is a consistent Republican, taking great interest in the success of his party. In 1887 he was the deputy assessor for the San José, Palomares and San Dimas districts. He is a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F. January 18, 1859, Mr. Burdick mar- ried Miss Amanda Chapman, daughter of Charles Chapman, one of the pioneers of Los Angeles County. They have four children living, viz .: Cyrus G., Lanra, Anna and Lucretia. Cyrus G. married Miss Mary Keller, and they have three children; Laura is now Mrs. C. A. Bates, hav- ing two children; and Anna is Mrs. J. N. Tegue, having two children. All of Mr. Burdick's children are residents of Pomona.

WIGHT N. BURRITT has for more than fourteen years been actively identified with the growth and prosperity of Pomona and the San Jose Valley. He was born in Auburn, New York, April 10, 1848. His father, Charles Burritt, was a native of Stonington, Connecti- ent, who in his early life located in New York, and there married Miss Laura Remington, a descendant from an old New York family. In 1855 his parents moved to Illinois, and settled near Rockford, where the subject of this sketch was reared as a farmer until he reached his majority. He then rented land and engaged in farming upon his own account. At the age of twenty three years, being desirons of other oc- cupation than that of farming, he entered as a student at the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1873 he graduated there and re- turned to Illinois, and was engaged in teaching school in Lake County until 1875. In that year he came to Los Angeles County, and in September located in Pomona and was engaged in teaching school in the Pomona school district. The next year he returned to his old home on a visit, and while there (December 19, 1876,)

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married Miss Clara A. Reeves, a native of Rock- ford, Illinois. Mrs. Burritt is the daughter of George and Mary A. (Reeves) Reeves, natives of England, but now residents of Pomona. Returning the same year with his bride, Mr. Burritt resumed his teaching and purchased six acres of land upon what is now the corner of Ilolt avenue and Gibbs street, upon which he took up his residence. Mr. Burritt was en- gaged as teacher in the public schools until 1882, but during this time he entered into fruit culture upon his place, which in 1878 he in- creased to twelve acres by the purchase of the six acres adjoining him on the west. With the exception of engaging in real-estate business in 1887-'88, Mr. Burritt has since 1882 devoted himself principally to horticulture, and besides his home place has a one-third interest in six- tecn acres of deciduous fruits, also a half in- terest in 320 acres of land in San Diego County, upon which he is engaged in olive culture, having fifty acres devoted to that purpose. His brother is associated with him in this enterprise. Ile is a strong believer in the future prosperity of the San Jose Valley and the city of Pomona, and a supporter of such enterprises as in his opinion will develop the resources of his section. Ile is an carnest supporter of schools and churches, and is a prominent member of the Methodist Church, and was one of its trustees from its organization in Pomona in 1877 to 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Burritt have six children living, viz .: Dwight N., Frank C., Charles C., Otto J. II., Clara Una and Leon L.

OBERT J. BAYLY .- The subject of this sketch was born in the township of King, Canada West, in 1837. Ilis father, John Bayly, was a native of Ireland, who, when a lad, came to Canada, where he learned the ship-car- penter's trade. Ilis mother he never knew, she having died at his birth. She was from a Scotch family named Wallace. In 1849 his father moved to the United States and located

at Buffalo, and during that year and the one following was engaged in the construction of the old suspension bridge at Niagara Falls. In the latter year his father moved the family to Janesville, Wisconsin. In 1852 Mr. Bayly, ac- companied by his father, came across the plains to California and located in Sierra County, where his father followed the occupation of mining while he engaged in work in a hotel in Downieville. The next year the subject of this sketch entered into mining occupations, which he followed for many years in Placer and other counties. In 1856 his father went East, and, while returning to California in 1858, engaged with a Government surveying party in the Rocky Mountains, was killed by Indians. In 1860, during the mining excitement over the Nevada mines, Mr. Bayly established a stage line between Placerville and Carson City. He was also engaged in trading in mining supplies. In 1864 he located at Alameda and engaged in farming for about a year and then moved to Ilalf Moon Bay, San Mateo County, where he continned his farming operations until 1868. In that year he came to Los Angeles County and located near Sierra Madre, where he took up 250 acres of land and engaged in general farming, stock-growing and the bee business. IIe also devoted considerable attention to fruit culture. Mr. Bayly sold out his ranch in 1881 and purchased the San Gabriel IIotel property, at the mission of San Gabriel. He enlarged the hotel buildings, fitting up a billiard room, bar, etc., with a commodious hall on the second floor, and opened the same to the public. IIe is a genial host and his house is well patronized by the public. In connection with his hotel he keeps a livery stable. Ile has also landed in- terests in other sections of the county, owning town lots and acreage property at Santa Monica, Alosta, Monrovia and other places. Mr. Bayly is a self-educated, intelligent man, his consistent course of life and straightforward dealings hav- ing gained him a large circle of friends. In politics he is a Republican, and a worker in the ranks of his party. Ile has served as a delegate

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in many of its county conventions. His wid- owed sister, Mrs. Kate C. McCormick, is living

with him. Equally interested in his ventures and successes with her, and as members of the honsehold, are her three children, in whom Mr. Bayly takes a father's care and interest. Their names are: Cyrene Joseph, William Thomas and Edgar Bayly McCormick.

owner of twenty acres of rich and productive known residents of the Aznsa, and is the AMES B. BEARDSLEE is one of the well-

land, located a mile and a half southeast of the city of Azusa, which he has under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Beardslee took up his resi- dence upon that place in 1876, and since that time has devoted himself to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. His land was then in its wild and uncultivated state, but with his characteristic energy he cleared it off and was one of the pioneers in planting citrus fruits and vines in that section. In 1877 he set ont five acres in seedling oranges, which, at a later date, in 1882, he budded with Washington Navels and other varieties, and has succeeded in pro- ducing some of the finest fruit grown in that section. He also, for many years previous to 1888, cultivated twelve acres of wine grapes. This land he is now preparing for citrus fruit trees, a fine stock of which he has in his nursery. He has also on his place a fine family orchard of deciduous fruits, comprising a large variety of the most approved fruits grown in the Azusa. Ile is also the owner of a ten-acre tract, situated just southwest of his home farm, which is devoted to hay and grain. Such stock as Mr. Beardslee keeps is of the best. His cattle are of the Jersey and Durham breed, and his horses of Norman stock. Mr. Beardslee was born in Bates County, Missouri, in 1843. His parents were Dr. Nehemiah Beardslee and nee Elvira Anderson. Dr. Beardslee was a pioneer of Missouri. In 1845 he moved his family to Texas, and in 1848 located in Bell

County. He was largely engaged in farming and stock- raising in addition to the practice of his profession. In 1852 the Doctor came to California and spent four years in the mining districts. In 1856 he returned to Texas and brought his family to California. Upon his ar- rival in the State he located at El Monte, Los Angeles County, and there engaged in farming until 1860. In that year he bought the well- known Beardslee tract at the Duarte and was there engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits until 1884, when he moved to Los Neitas. His death occurred at that place in January, 1887. The Doctor was widely known, and was one of the prominent and pioneer agri- culturists of the county. He was a man uni- versally respected and esteemed in whatever community he resided. The seven children of the Beardslee family are as follows: David, of Los Angeles; Obed II., of Kern County; Ephraim, of San Bernardino County; William. of San Diego County; James B., the subject of this sketch; California E., the wife of William Chappelow, a sketch of whom appears in this

volume; and Lanra, who married Richard Poor, a resident of the Duarte. James B. Beardslee was reared in his father's family and early in. life was schooled in the practical knowledge of agricultural and horticultural pursuits. His education was obtained in the public schools of Los Angeles County, and later at the Sotoyome Institute at Healdsburg, Sonoma County. He

purchased his present residence. In 1868 Mr. remained with his parents until 1876 when he Beardslee married Miss Isabella Smith, the daughter of Jasper and Tennessee (Burks) Smith, natives of Tennessee. She was born in Los Angeles County. Her father was a well- known resident of Southern California. He died January 25, 1889; her mother is now a

resident of Kern County. Mr. Beardslee has been closely identified with the wonderful growth and development of the section in which he resides, and as a suecessful hortieulturist has shown what intelligent eare and cultivation will produce in his favored location. Ile is an in-

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telligent and thorough farmer, progressive in his views, and ever ready to aid in any enterprise that will add to the resources of his section. In political matters he is Democratie, and a strong supporter of schools and churches. ITis family are members of the Methodist Church, South. Ile is a stockholder in the Covina Water Com- pany. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Beardslee there are the following named ehil- dren: Cora Daisy, Annie Lanra, James Louis, David Arthur, Edna Belle and Alvis Rexford, all members of their parents' househokl.

MIOMAS P. BRUCE .- Among the best appointed and most complete plumbing establishments in the city of Pomona is that owned by the above named gentleman, and located on the corner of Thomas and Third streets. Mr. Bruce has one of the largest estab- lisliments in the county, cast of Los Angeles, and is fitted for the manufacture of artesian-well piping, etc., and also for the manufacture of sewer pipe and other concrete work. He is an enterpris- ing merchant, a thorough mechanic and a master of his calling, and by these qualities has secured a success in his enterprise and gained a large and well-deserved patronage in Pomona and the San · José Valley. Mr. Brnee is a young man of sonnd business principles and progressive views, and is a supporter of such enterprises as in his opinion will develop the resources of liis chiosen section, and advance the welfare of the city in which he resides. In political matters he is a liberal Democrat, and may always be found allied with the best elements of that party.

ILLIAM C. BELL was born in Wash- ington County, Pennsylvania, Septem- ber 17, 1832, his parents being William and Jane (Colwell) Bell, both natives of Penn- sylvania. Ilis father was a millwright and carpenter by trade. When the subject of this

sketch was abont two years old his parents moved to Allegheny County, and in 1847 to Muskingum County. When sixteen years old he was apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked until 1850. He then accompanied his parents to Richland County, Illinois, and there finished his trade. Ile worked as a journeyman at his trade in various places and finally established a boot and shoe store in Clinton, which he conducted until 1857. In the fall of that year he went to Texas and during the following winter remained in Sher- man. In the spring of 1858 he started over- land for California, and upon his arrival in Los Angeles County located at El Monte, where he engaged in teaming. In January, 1859, Mr. Bell was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Ann Fears, the daughter of Edward W. and Mary (Scott) Fears. Her father was a native of Tennessee and her mother of Alabama. Mrs. Bell was born in Illinois. She came to Cali- fornia with her brother, James M. Fears, now (1889) a well-known resident of Pomona. Mr. Bell engaged in teaming, and also, a portion of the time, in the butcher's business, in El Monte, until 1866. He thien was employed in freighting to Owens River, and afterward from California into Arizona. This laborions and often dangerous employment he followed for many years. His family during this time re- sided in El Monte. In 1880 Mr. Bell discon- tinned his teaming, and rented land of E. J. Baldwin, near El Monte, engaging in agricult- ural pursuits, which he has since followed. Ile is the owner of a neat and comfortable cottage residence and two aeres of land in El Monte, where he resides. Mr. Bell is well known in the county, where he has lived for more than thirty years, and particularly so in El Monte, where he has reared his family. He is a man of sound sense and practienl ideas, which is well illustrated by the satisfaction he gives as the efficient roadmaster of the El Monte distriet, in which position he is serving his second term. In political matters he is a Democrat, but is liberal in his views. Ile is a member of El

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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