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 74

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 74

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HARLES HENRY FORBES was born at Mission San José, Alameda County, Cali- fornia, July 4, 1835. His father, James Alexander Forbes, was a native of Scotland and came to America in 1827. At that early day he located at San Diego, and subsequently at Santa Clara, where he engaged in merehandising until early in 1833. He then removed to Mission San José, where, during the same year, he

married a Spanish lady, Miss Anita Galindo, a daughter of John C. Galindo, who in an early day came to Southern California with the Span- ish soldiery, holding a military office under the King of Spain. Her maternal ancestors were the Bernals, another old Spanish family who came to California when first occupied by the Spaniards. Mr. Forbes carried on merchandis- ing and stock-raising at Mission San José and at Milpitas Rancho until about 1843, when he ac- quired a large tract of land from the Mexican Government, now known as the Stockton Ranch, where he engaged extensively in raising cattle and horses, Early in the 40's he was made an agent for the Hudson Bay Fur Company, and acted as such for several years. In 1842 he was appointed Vice-Consul by the English Govern- ment, with headquarters at San Francisco, where he became a permanent resident. In 1846 he became one of the owners of the celebrated New Almaden Quicksilver Mines. In 1870 he removed to Oakland, California, where he died in 1884, at the age of seventy-six years, and where his wife, surviving him only one year, died in 1885, at the age of sixty-nine years. They were both devout Roman Catholics. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of twelve children. He was principally educated by pri- vate tutors at home, finishing his education at the Jesnit College in Santa Clara, California. He came to Los Angeles County in 1857, and was employed as a superintendent by the late Abel Stearns to take charge of his several ranches, and was located at the Rancho Alami- tos. In 1866 he became Mr. Stearns' business manager, having his office at Los Angeles. He was admitted as an attorney at law, al- though he did not practice. After the death of his employer, Mr. Stearns, in 1871, he was re- tained in the same position, and managed the settling up of the large estate; and, after the marriage of Mrs. Stearns to Mr. R. S. Baker, in 1874, he was again retained as such, and so continues to the present time. Mr. Forbes was married in 1864, at Los Angeles, to Miss Luisa Olvera, daughter of Judge Don Augustin and

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

Conception (Arguello) Olvera. Judge Olvera was an attorney at law, and held many of the most important public places during the Mexican Government. Dona Conception Arguello comes from the old Castillian family of the Arguellos; her grandfather was Governor of the State. Mrs. Forbes was born and reared in -Los Angeles, and educated in the Sisters' School there. Their union has been blessed with twelve children: Charles Duncan, Gussie, James Humphry, Annie, Constance, Willie, John, Robert, Louis, Thomas, Louisa and Josephine. Charles, Gussie and Annie are married; the others are at home and being educated by a private teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes are both members of the Roman Catholic Church.

M ARCOS A. FORSTER, eldest son of Jolın Forster, Sr., and Doña Ysadora Pico de Forster, was born in the city of Los Angeles, October 7, 1839. His birthplace was on the site of the old court-house, between Spring and Main streets. He received his edu- cation mostly at a private school in San Juan Capistrano and at the Collegiate Institute, Be- nica. On attaining his majority he engaged in raising stock on Los Flores Rancho, near San Juan Capistrano. He married Doña Guadalupe, daughter of Don Juan Abila, of San Juan. Don Jnan was the grantee of the Niguil Rancho of 22,000 acres. Mr. Forster's present home is at San Juan. Ile has six children, four boys and two girls.

AMES M. FEARS, of Pomona, was born December 18, 1818, near Nashville, Ten- nessee. Ilis father, Edward W. Fears, was a native of that State. Ilis mother, Sarah (Scott) Fears, was born in Alabama. While the subject of this sketch was an infant his parents emigrated to Illinois and settled near what is now the prosperous city of Springfield, the capi-

tal of that State. In 1825 they moved to De Witt County, that State, and there engaged in farming and stock-growing. Mr. Fears was reared upon his father's farm, receiving only a limited education, such as was afforded by the pioneer schools of that period. He also learned the trade of shoemaker. His father was a veteran of the war of 1812, and also of the Black Hawk war. He died in 1852, and in that year Mr. Fears, our subject, left the old home- stead and located at Des Moines, Iowa, where he remained until the spring of 1853. He then emigrated to Texas and located in Grayson County; was a resident of the town of Sherman during his stay in that county, and in addition to his agricultural pursnits was engaged in trading. He also established a shoe shop and meat market while there. In 1858 he came overland to California, and took up his residence at Warner's Ranch, San Diego County, where he kept a hotel and condneted a farm until 1860. In that year he located at Visalia, in Tulare County, and engaged in farming until 1862. He then spent a few months at Los An- geles, and in 1863 moved to Arizona. After spending two years in hotel life in that Terri- tory, he returned to California and located at Tejon Pass, San Bernardino County. There he purchased land and established a hotel, which he successfully conducted until 1874. Renting his hotel, he changed his residence to San Ber- nardino; in 1875 came to Pomona, where he purchased seven town lots on the corner of Garey avenne and Third street, and erected a house. Ile also, at a later date, purchased eighteen acres of land at the foot of Garey avenne. The same year he built a livery stable, the first one opened in town, npon the lot now occupied by the opera honse. Mr. Fears has made Pomona his home since 1874, and is one of its respected and esteemed citizens. He is a consistent member of the Universalist church, and a charter mem- ber of Pomona Lodge, No. 246, I. O.O.F. In politics he is Democratic, but is liberal in his sympathies. In 1838 Mr. Fears married Miss Naomie Harrold, who was born in Grayson

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

Connty, Virginia. Her parents, Jonathan and Rebecca (East) Harrold, were also natives of that State. They have two children living: Sarah J., who married Joseph Clark, now living in New Mexico; and Rebecca Ann, who married Richard Bennett, and after his death married Jeremiah Vincent. They are now living in Tejon Pass, San Bernardino County.

UAN F. FORSTER is the fourth son of John Forster, Sr. He was born at San Luis Rey Mission, San Diego County, in 1845, and is now a resident of Los Angeles. He mar- ried Doña Josefa del Valle, daughter of Don Ygnacio del Valle, deceased, of the " Camulos" Rancho. Mr. Forster built and owns the Fors- ter Block on the east side of Main street.

ILTON H. LA FETRA .- The subject of this sketch is a native of Warren Connty, Ohio, dating his birth in 1846. His father, James H. La Fetra, was a native of New Jersey. He was a prominent merchant in Warren County, Ohio, where he resided until 1875, when he took up his residence in Los An- geles. He died in that city in 1885. Mr. La Fetra's mother was Saralı Hormell, a native of Maryland. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native place, receiving a good education. In 1864 he entered the military service as a sol- dier of the One Hundred and Forty ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was assigned to the department of Washington, and was en- gaged in the battles against Early's Confederate forces in their memorable raid upon Washington. Mr. La Fetra served until the expiration of his term of service in September, 1864, and was then honorably discharged. He then returned to Ohio and completed his education in the Ohio Western University at Delaware. He next en- gaged in mercantile pursuits with his father until 1869. In that year he located in Kansas

and established himself in mercantile enterprises at Augusta and later at Wichita. He followed his business pursuits in Kansas until 1872, at which time he took up his residence in Wash- ington, District of Columbia, where he remained until 1874. In that year he came to California and, after spending some months in other sec- tions of the State, located in Los Angeles in February, 1875. For many years Mr. La Fetra was engaged in mercantile pursuits in that city, among which was the well-known Grange store, under the firm name of Seymour & Co., and Sey- mour, Johnson & Co., and afterward was associ- ated with Henderson & Marshall. In 1885 Mr. La Fetra engaged in real-estate transactions, and was one of the original incorporators and directors of the Long Beach Land and Water Company. He took up his residence at Long Beach, and was the superintendent of that company, having charge of and directing the improvements pro- jected at that place, building railroads, hotel, and improving and extending their water works. In 1887 the interest of his company was transferred to the Long Beach Development Company. Mr. La Fetra then resigned his superintendency, and in 1888 took up his residence at Glendora. He resides upon a forty acre tract, located about one mile west of that town. He is now de- voting himself to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. At this writing (1889) he has seven acres of French prunes, five acres in raisin grapes of the Muscat variety, and a fine family orchard, comprising a large variety of citrus and deciduons fruits. With his characteristic energy he has entered into substantial improvements, among which is his well-ordered cottage home, snitable out-buildings, etc. His home is located npon elevated ground among the foot-hills, giving a beautiful view of the valley. IIe has pro- jected and partially completed a system of wa- ter supply from the Shorey Cañon, and from tunnels driven into the mountains, which will be made available for all purposes and portions of his land. In connection with his brother, Lawson M. La Fetra, he is the. owner of a fine body of land located to the west of his home

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

place, which is destined to become one of the most desirable tracts for villa residenee and horticultural purposes in the East San Gabriel Valley. The contemplated Methodist Female College, under the auspieces of the University of Southern California, will be located upon these lands. Mr. La Fetra is an energetie and pro- gressive man, with trained business qualities. These are securing his success in his new call- ing, and plaeing him in the ranks of the sue- cessful hortieulturists of his section. In politieal matters he is a Republican, but is a strong Pro- hibitionist in principle. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and a trustee of the church at Long Beach. He is a member of Stanton Post, No. 55, G. A. R., of Los Angeles. In 1876 Mr. La Fetra returned to Ohio, and while there was united in marriage with Miss Emma R. Gard, the daughter of Silas and Mary (Ross) Gard, of that State. The names of the children born from this marriage are: Edna May, Ida Gard, Irene A., Everett Eads and Clara A.

RANK BENNETT FANNING was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, November 16, 1836, of English ancestry. Ile received an academic education. After elerking several years, he went West, to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the coal business. He lived in Pennsylvania and New York till 1872, when he came to San Francisco, and from thenee by stage to Los Angeles. Mr. Fanning was for some years Deputy Collector of Internal Reve- nne under William Higbie, after which he was chief clerk of the Banning Transportation Com- pany about three years; since when, January, 1885, he has been chief deputy county elerk under Charles II. Dunsmoor. Mr. Fanning is a thoroughly efficient official. Under his sub- administration, the now very extensive and im- portant business of the clerk's office of Los Angeles County has been systematized and its methods perfected, so that the office compares

favorably with that of any other county in this or any other State. Mr. Fanning was married to Harriet E. Lincoln in 1868. They have one son.

ILLIAM H. FREER .- Among the Cal- ifornia pioneers of 1849, and long resi- dents of Los Angeles County, none is more worthy of mention than the subject of this sketch. He is a pioneer in its truest sense, one who in '49, braving the dangers and hard- ships of plain, desert and mountains, with his fainily sought the sunny elimes and virgin soil of California, thus paving the way for the grand American civilization to follow. Not a gold- seeker, he came to help build up an empire on the Pacific Coast, and during his forty years of residence in the State has been a tiller of the soil. The brief sketeh of his life herewith given is of interest. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 5, 1814, descending from a race of pioneers. His father, Jonathan Freer, was a native of North Carolina, who moved to Ohio in his youth, where he married Miss Hannah Seward, a native of Virginia. In 1827 his parents moved to Randolph County, Indiana, and there engaged in farming. Mr. Freer was reared to that calling, receiving the limited education afforded by pioneer schools. In 1839 he commenced his pioneer life upon his own account, and located in what is now Grundy County, Missouri. There, in 1840, he married Miss Zerelda Stucker, the danghter of John and Susannah Stucker. In 1844 le again took up his mareh westward, and located in At- kinson County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming and stock business until 1849. In the spring of that year he fitted up his expedition for a journey of thousands of miles across thic plains. IIis father having died in 1847, his mother and her family accompanied him in his emigration. The slow journey of six months' duration was brought to an end in October of 1849, when he reached French Camp in Sacra-

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

mento Valley, where he remained during the following winter. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Freer located in Santa Clara County, purchasing ten acres of land near the Berryessa District, northeast of San José. He then bought city land adjoining and commenced agricultural pur- suits, general farming and stock-raising. For nearly twenty-five years Mr. Freer was identified with the building up and development of that rich and prosperous county. In 1869 he visited Los Angeles County, and, pleased with the genial climate, rich and virgin soil, purchased over 300 acres of land in the San Gabriel Val- ley, about one and a half miles north of El Monte, in the Savannah school district, upon which he commenced to make improvements and place the soil under cultivation. He soon reduced his lands under subjugation and entered upon a system of general farming, and also built a substantial two-story residence and erected commodious barns and out-buildings. In 1875 he began residence upon his farm, and has since conducted its operations. His broad acres of rich bottom land are principally devoted to hay, grain and stock, cultivating only such fruit-trees and vines as are required to supply home consumption. In addition to his home farm, Mr. Freer purchased, in 1879, 320 acres three miles east of El Monte, which he culti- vated until 1887, when he sold it at a high figure. Mr. Freer stands high in the estimation of his neighbors as a straightforward, reputable citizen, taking a deep interest in the welfare of the community in which he resides. IIe is a school trustee of his district, and was one of the first to establish a school in the Berryessa Dis- trict, where he so long resided in Santa Clara County, and was an efficient trustee in that dis- trict for many years. In politics he is a con- sistent Democrat. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Freer, nine are now living, namely: James J., who married Miss Sarah Hopper, living in Oregon; Matilda A., now Mrs. Will- iam Papson, of Lake County; John H., who married Miss Lucy Moody, and is residing in Oregon; Hannah J., now Mrs. George Dobyns,

of Kern County; Martin S., living in Kern County; Thomas, Louisa, Jackson and Lee, who are residing under the parental roof. His daughter, Delila F., married Walter Lowry. She died in 1888, leaving one child, Delila, who is being reared in Mr. Freer's family.

EORGE FITCHI, agent of the Bellevue Nursery, Los Angeles, is a native of Mas- sachusetts. ITis parents, George and Eliza Fitch, were Quakers. Born September 19, 1831, he attended the public schools during his boyhood, and in 1849, when only seventeen years old, started for California, by way of Cape Horn. When he arrived in San Francisco that little town was composed of shanties and tents. For twelve years Mr. Fitch manufactured soda- water in that place. Returning in 1866, he en- gaged in manufacturing sugar barrels in Boston and other places. His father was the largest manufacturer of oil barrels in Nantucket, Mas- sachusetts. In 1872 Mr. Fitch married Mrs. Charlotte E. Somerby, of Boston, Massachu- setts. In 1884 they came to Los Angeles, where he has been engaged in the nursery trade. They have one son-George A., at present with the Los Angeles Furniture Company.

K. GREEN, manufacturer of windmills, tanks, hand and power pumps, etc., cor- ner of Buena Vista and Walter streets, Los Angeles, was born in Orleans County, New York, August 28, 1840. His parents removed to Michigan during his early childhood, and he grew up to manhood and attended school in that State; afterward he engaged in teaching. In 1863-'64 he completed a full course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Chicago. For the next four years he was a bookkeeper in a large manufacturing house, and then for a time was engaged in mercantile business. In 1872 he came and established his present busi-

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

ness in Los Angeles, in Beandry Block, eorner of Alisi and Alameda streets. At that time there was but one windmill in the city, and two or three in the county. The first windmill he put up is still in good running order, and he has attained a wide reputation as a thorough mechanic and honest dealer, and accordingly enjoys an increasing patronage in this and adjoining connties. His business is extending even into Arizona. In 1886 he purchased the property he now occupies, at the locality men- tioned, where he is well equipped for supplying a large trade. He resides on the northeast cor- ner of Union avenue and Ninth street. In May, 1861, Mr. Green was united in marriage with Miss Loumira C. Halliday, a native of Vermont. Their children are named Floyd and Ruth.

RED GOURLEY, carpenter and builder, West Fourth street, Los Angeles, was born in the city of Manchester, England, Jann- ary 2, 1857, son of John and Eliza Gourley. Ile attended the common schools and learned his trade of Robert Neill & Sons, one of the most prominent contractors in England. He came to America in 1882 and worked at his trade in New York seven years. He came to Los Angeles in 1888, and since then has been suecessfully engaged in business here. While serving his apprenticeship he had a practical experience of two and a half years in the drafting department; he is, therefore, a thorough ine- chanic and has already secured a good business.

E. GREEN, contractor, corner Court-House and Flower streets, Los Angeles, was born in England, July 3, 1848; learned his trade in his native land; emigrated to this coun- try, and went to Chicago in 1872. After work- ing at his trade in building there eleven years, le came to California in 1883, locating in Los Angeles and continuing in the same business.

He built the Unity Church, the block for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, corner of Fort and Temple streets, the University Bank Building, the St. Nicholas Hotel, the residence of Mayor Bryson, corner of Tenth and Flower streets, the celebrated Baron Roginat's residence, the Puente Hotel, the Sentous Block, Dr. Owen's residence and Mrs. A. L. Batlı's residence. Mr. Green has a large practical experience, and has taken a prominent position in the business here.

ENRY GARDNER, a retired capitalist, residing on Second street, in the city of Santa Monica, is a native of the Empire State, being born at Laurens, Otsego County, New York, in March, 1828. He has been iden- tified with Los Angeles County since the year 1885, and is known as a successful business man.

FREDERICK C. GRESHAM, M. D., ranks among the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Sierra Madre and the San Gabriel Valley. He is a native of England, and dates his birth in London in 1850. IIis father, John F. Gresham, was a prominent bar- rister at law in that city, ranking high in his profession and filling many positions of trust and honor. He is now (1889) chief justice of the Island of Grenada, West Indies, an honor- able position he has filled for the past twenty- five years. Dr. Gresham was reared in the city of his birth, receiving his education in its schools and colleges. At the age of nineteen years he commeneed his medical studies under the tutor- ship of Dr. John Stopford-Taylor, a prominent physician of Liverpool, and also entered upon a course of study in the best medical institutions of England. He pursued his studies with a zeal boru with a love of the profession and an ambi- tion to excell in his calling. In 1874 he gradu- ated with honor at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and also at the Apothecaries Hall of

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

London, and the next year received a degree from the Queen's University of Dublin. The Doctor has been justly honored by the medical institutes of his country, and is the recipient of silver medals for medicine, surgery and pathol- ogy, and also medal for midwifery, diseases of women and children and forensic medicine. He gained prizes for chemistry, comparative anat- omy and zoology. The years of arduous study pursned by the Doctor necessitated a relaxation and change of climate. He therefore, in 1875, accepted the position of Surgeon in the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, and was employed on the R. M. S. Aconcagua for a year or more, after which he located in Bromley Common, Kent, near London, and there established him- self in the practice of his profession. The close attention and skill displayed in his calling soon gained recognition and he built up a large and Incrative practice which he conducted until 1884. His failing health then demanded a complete change of climate and a suspension of his pro- fessional duties, and in the fall of that year he came to Californ'a and took up his residence in Los Angeles, arriving October 23, 1884. He commenced the practice of medicine and sur- gery in that city, but was compelled to suspend operations and seek a more congenial climate. Sierra Madre offered such, and in January, 1885, he took up his residence in that colony. He purchased an eight-acre tract on the north side of Grand View avenue, upon which he erected a comfortable cottage home and added to his professional calling that of a horticulturist. In 1887, desirous of a more central location in the town, the Doctor took np his residence on Cen- tral avenue, west of Baldwin avenne, where he has since resided. Dr. Gresham is well known throughout his section of the San Gabriel Val- ley. His professional skill, rare scholarship and many genial qualities have gained him a large circle of friends. He has taken a deep in- terest in building up Sierra Madre, and has been a liberal supporter in the establishment of the public library, town hall and churches. He is a member and warden of the Episcopal Church

of Sierra Madre. In 1877 Dr. Gresham was united in marriage with Miss Julia M. Thorne, a native of London. There are three children from this marriage, whose names are as follows: Francis T., Charles D. and Ivy May. Mrs. Gresham's mother, now Mrs. Julia E. Ayles, is a resident of Sierra Madre.

G. GIROUX, of Santa Monica, is a native of Cedars, Canada, and came to the United States in 1855, being then a young man seventeen years of age. For twelve years he engaged in mining and commerce, then, in 1875, he came to Santa Monica, and built the second honse that was erected in that city. This house was on Second street, and in it for thirteen years he carried on the liquor and grocery business, under the firm name of Giroux & Bro. As a business man Mr. Gironx has been eminently successful, and though not professing to be a politician he was elected by the Democratic party as supervisor of Los Angeles County, and served in that capacity during the years 1883-'84. He is now retired from business, and lives on Ninth street, between Oregon and Arizona avenues, in the beautiful "city by the sea."

M. GREEN .- Among the worthy and en- terprising citizens who came from the Eastern and Middle States to this favored spot in California, Pasadena, and who have devoted both their time and means to the devel- opment of its wonderful and varied resources, none are more justly entitled to honorable men- tion in a work of this character than is P. M. Green. A brief review of his life gives the following facts: He was born on a farm in Rush County, Indiana, in the year 1838. At fourteen years of age he accepted a clerkship in a general store at Milroy, holding this position four years. At twenty he went to Shelbyville. the same State, where he studied law with the firm of

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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